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Bendetowicz D, Fabbri M, Sirna F, Fernagut PO, Foubert-Samier A, Saulnier T, Le Traon AP, Proust-Lima C, Rascol O, Meissner WG. Recent Advances in Clinical Trials in Multiple System Atrophy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:95-112. [PMID: 38416311 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01335-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes previous and ongoing neuroprotection trials in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar, and autonomic dysfunction. It also describes the preclinical therapeutic pipeline and provides some considerations relevant to successfully conducting clinical trials in MSA, i.e., diagnosis, endpoints, and trial design. RECENT FINDINGS Over 30 compounds have been tested in clinical trials in MSA. While this illustrates a strong treatment pipeline, only two have reached their primary endpoint. Ongoing clinical trials primarily focus on targeting α-synuclein, the neuropathological hallmark of MSA being α-synuclein-bearing glial cytoplasmic inclusions. The mostly negative trial outcomes highlight the importance of better understanding underlying disease mechanisms and improving preclinical models. Together with efforts to refine clinical measurement tools, innovative statistical methods, and developments in biomarker research, this will enhance the design of future neuroprotection trials in MSA and the likelihood of positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bendetowicz
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France.
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Margherita Fabbri
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Federico Sirna
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, INSERM UMR-S 1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandra Foubert-Samier
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Anne Pavy Le Traon
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Olivier Rascol
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Wassilios G Meissner
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Galkin M, Priss A, Kyriukha Y, Shvadchak V. Navigating α-Synuclein Aggregation Inhibition: Methods, Mechanisms, and Molecular Targets. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300282. [PMID: 37919046 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a yet incurable, age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aggregation of small neuronal protein α-synuclein into amyloid fibrils. Inhibition of this process is a prospective strategy for developing a disease-modifying treatment. We overview here small molecule, peptide, and protein inhibitors of α-synuclein fibrillization reported to date. Special attention was paid to the specificity of inhibitors and critical analysis of their action mechanisms. Namely, the importance of oxidation of polyphenols and cross-linking of α-synuclein into inhibitory dimers was highlighted. We also compared strategies of targeting monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar α-synuclein species, thoroughly discussed the strong and weak sides of different approaches to testing the inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Galkin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yevhenii Kyriukha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Volodymyr Shvadchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Zeier Z, Wahlestedt C. Long non-coding RNA-targeting therapeutics: discovery and development update. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1011-1029. [PMID: 37466388 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2236552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION lncRNAs are major players in regulatory networks orchestrating multiple cellular functions, such as 3D chromosomal interactions, epigenetic modifications, gene expression and others. Due to progress in the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, lncRNAs potentially represent easily accessible therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED Currently, significant efforts are directed at studies that can tap the enormous therapeutic potential of lncRNAs. This review describes recent developments in this field, particularly focusing on clinical applications. EXPERT OPINION Extensive druggable target range of lncRNA combined with high specificity and accelerated development process of nucleic acid-based therapeutics open new prospects for treatment in areas of extreme unmet medical need, such as genetic diseases, aggressive cancers, protein deficiencies, and subsets of common diseases caused by known mutations. Although currently wide acceptance of lncRNA-targeting nucleic acid-based therapeutics is impeded by the need for parenteral or direct-to-CNS administration, development of less invasive techniques and orally available/BBB-penetrant nucleic acid-based therapeutics is showing early successes. Recently, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated clinical safety of all aspects of nucleic acid-based therapeutic technology, including multiple chemical modifications of nucleic acids and nanoparticle delivery. These trends position lncRNA-targeting drugs as significant players in the future of drug development, especially in the area of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zane Zeier
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Brown JL, Hart DW, Boyle GE, Brown TG, LaCroix M, Baraibar AM, Pelzel R, Kim M, Sherman MA, Boes S, Sung M, Cole T, Lee MK, Araque A, Lesné SE. SNCA genetic lowering reveals differential cognitive function of alpha-synuclein dependent on sex. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:180. [PMID: 36517890 PMCID: PMC9749314 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy for neurological disease has been successful in clinical settings and its potential has generated hope for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously described that ablating SNCA encoding for α-synuclein (αSyn) in a mouse model of AD was beneficial. Here, we sought to demonstrate whether transient reduction of αSyn expression using ASOSNCA could be therapeutic in a mouse model of AD. The efficacy of the ASOSNCA was measured via immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blotting. To assess spatial learning and memory, ASOSNCA or PBS-injected APP and non-transgenic (NTG) mice, and separate groups of SNCA-null mice, were tested on the Barnes circular maze. Hippocampal slice electrophysiology and transcriptomic profiling were used to explore synaptic function and differential gene expression between groups. Reduction of SNCA transcripts alleviated cognitive deficits in male transgenic animals, but surprisingly, not in females. To determine the functional cause of this differential effect, we assessed memory function in SNCA-null mice. Learning and memory were intact in male mice but impaired in female animals, revealing that the role of αSyn on cognitive function is sex-specific. Transcriptional analyses identified a differentially expressed gene network centered around EGR1, a central modulator of learning and memory, in the hippocampi of SNCA-null mice. Thus, these novel results demonstrate that the function of αSyn on memory differs between male and female brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Brown
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Damyan W. Hart
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Gabriel E. Boyle
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
- Present Address: Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Taylor G. Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Michael LaCroix
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
- Present Address: Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Andrés M. Baraibar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Present Address: Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ross Pelzel
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Minwoo Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Mathew A. Sherman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Samuel Boes
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Michelle Sung
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
- Present Address: Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Tracy Cole
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA USA
- Present Address: n-Lorem Foundation, Carlsbad, CA 92010 USA
| | - Michael K. Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Sylvain E. Lesné
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (Room 4-114), 2101 Sixth Street SE, CDC 2641, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA
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How Well Do Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease Recapitulate Early Non-Motor Phenotypes? A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123026. [PMID: 36551782 PMCID: PMC9775565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by many non-motor symptoms, and these have recently been posited to be predictive of later diagnosis. Genetic rodent models can develop non-motor phenotypes, providing tools to identify mechanisms underlying the early development of PD. However, it is not yet clear how reproducible non-motor phenotypes are amongst genetic PD rodent models, whether phenotypes are age-dependent, and the translatability of these phenotypes has yet to be explored. A systematic literature search was conducted on studies using genetic PD rodent models to investigate non-motor phenotypes; cognition, anxiety/depressive-like behaviour, gastrointestinal (GI) function, olfaction, circadian rhythm, cardiovascular and urinary function. In total, 51 genetic models of PD across 150 studies were identified. We found outcomes of most phenotypes were inconclusive due to inadequate studies, assessment at different ages, or variation in experimental and environmental factors. GI dysfunction was the most reproducible phenotype across all genetic rodent models. The mouse model harbouring mutant A53T, and the wild-type hα-syn overexpression (OE) model recapitulated the majority of phenotypes, albeit did not reliably produce concurrent motor deficits and nigral cell loss. Furthermore, animal models displayed different phenotypic profiles, reflecting the distinct genetic risk factors and heterogeneity of disease mechanisms. Currently, the inconsistent phenotypes within rodent models pose a challenge in the translatability and usefulness for further biomechanistic investigations. This review highlights opportunities to improve phenotype reproducibility with an emphasis on phenotypic assay choice and robust experimental design.
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Suvarna V, Deshmukh K, Murahari M. miRNA and antisense oligonucleotide-based α-synuclein targeting as disease-modifying therapeutics in Parkinson's disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1034072. [PMID: 36506536 PMCID: PMC9728483 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1034072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein is the synaptic protein majorly involved in neuronal dysfunction and death and it is well known for the last two decades as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Alpha-synuclein is involved in neurodegeneration mediated through various neurotoxic pathways, majorly including autophagy or lysosomal dysregulation, mitochondrial disruption, synaptic dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Moreover, the alpha-synuclein aggregation has been associated with the development of several neurodegenerative conditions such as various forms of Parkinson's disease. The recent discovery in oligonucleotide chemistry has developed potential alpha-synuclein targeting molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review article focuses on recent advances in the applications of oligonucleotides acting via alpha-synuclein targeting mechanisms and their implication in combating Parkinson's disease. Moreover, the article emphasizes the potential of miRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides and the challenges associated with their use in the therapeutical management of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasanti Suvarna
- Department of Quality Assurance, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Kajal Deshmukh
- Department of Quality Assurance, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Manikanta Murahari
- Department of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, AP, India,*Correspondence: Manikanta Murahari,
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7
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Zhang C, Chen S, Li X, Xu Q, Lin Y, Lin F, Yuan M, Zi Y, Cai J. Progress in Parkinson's disease animal models of genetic defects: Characteristics and application. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Pavia-Collado R, Miquel-Rio L, Campa L, Bortolozzi A. Intracerebral administration of a modified antisense oligonucleotide targeting the dopamine system in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101445. [PMID: 35707681 PMCID: PMC9189626 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present an optimized protocol for generating a mouse model overexpressing human α-synuclein in dopamine (DA) neurons driven by an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector and for the examination of the benefit of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based therapy on DA neurotransmission under Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like conditions. We describe AAV injection, followed by implantation of an osmotic minipump for ASO delivery and a guide cannula for microdialysis to measure DA release. This protocol can be used to evaluate oligonucleotide-based therapies for PD. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Alarcón-Arís et al. (2020). Optimization of ASO sequences for in vivo delivery to selected dopaminergic neurons Protocol for implantation of brain devices and AAV infusion in several brain areas Step-by-step guide for intracerebral microdialysis in freely moving mice Protocol for assessing pharmacological agents on synaptic DA release
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Pavia-Collado
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- miCure Therapeutics LTD., 6423902 Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Lluis Miquel-Rio
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leticia Campa
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Analia Bortolozzi
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author
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Miquel-Rio L, Alarcón-Arís D, Torres-López M, Cóppola-Segovia V, Pavia-Collado R, Paz V, Ruiz-Bronchal E, Campa L, Casal C, Montefeltro A, Vila M, Artigas F, Revilla R, Bortolozzi A. Human α-synuclein overexpression in mouse serotonin neurons triggers a depressive-like phenotype. Rescue by oligonucleotide therapy. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:79. [PMID: 35210396 PMCID: PMC8873470 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01842-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and depression affect 35-50% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), often precede the onset of motor symptoms, and have a negative impact on their quality of life. Dysfunction of the serotonergic (5-HT) system, which regulates mood and emotional pathways, occurs during the premotor phase of PD and contributes to a variety of non-motor symptoms. Furthermore, α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates were identified in raphe nuclei in the early stages of the disease. However, there are very few animal models of PD-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we develop a new mouse model of α-synucleinopathy in the 5-HT system that mimics prominent histopathological and neuropsychiatric features of human PD. We showed that adeno-associated virus (AAV5)-induced overexpression of wild-type human α-Syn (h-α-Syn) in raphe 5-HT neurons triggers progressive accumulation, phosphorylation, and aggregation of h-α-Syn protein in the 5-HT system. Specifically, AAV5-injected mice displayed axonal impairment in the output brain regions of raphe neurons, and deficits in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and 5-HT neurotransmission, resulting in a depressive-like phenotype. Intracerebroventricular treatment with an indatraline-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (IND-ASO) for four weeks induced an effective and safe reduction of h-α-Syn synthesis in 5-HT neurons and its accumulation in the forebrain, alleviating early deficits of 5-HT function and improving the behavioural phenotype. Altogether, our findings show that α-synucleinopathy in 5-HT neurons negatively affects brain circuits that control mood and emotions, resembling the expression of neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring at the onset of PD. Early preservation of 5-HT function by reducing α-Syn synthesis/accumulation may alleviate PD-related depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluis Miquel-Rio
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Alarcón-Arís
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Torres-López
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentín Cóppola-Segovia
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Rubén Pavia-Collado
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Paz
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Ruiz-Bronchal
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leticia Campa
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Casal
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Miquel Vila
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, 28031, Madrid, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Pavia-Collado R, Rodríguez-Aller R, Alarcón-Arís D, Miquel-Rio L, Ruiz-Bronchal E, Paz V, Campa L, Galofré M, Sgambato V, Bortolozzi A. Up and Down γ-Synuclein Transcription in Dopamine Neurons Translates into Changes in Dopamine Neurotransmission and Behavioral Performance in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031807. [PMID: 35163729 PMCID: PMC8836558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synuclein family consists of α-, β-, and γ-Synuclein (α-Syn, β-Syn, and γ-Syn) expressed in the neurons and concentrated in synaptic terminals. While α-Syn is at the center of interest due to its implication in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, limited information exists on the other members. The current study aimed at investigating the biological role of γ-Syn controlling the midbrain dopamine (DA) function. We generated two different mouse models with: (i) γ-Syn overexpression induced by an adeno-associated viral vector and (ii) γ-Syn knockdown induced by a ligand-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide, in order to modify the endogenous γ-Syn transcription levels in midbrain DA neurons. The progressive overexpression of γ-Syn decreased DA neurotransmission in the nigrostriatal and mesocortical pathways. In parallel, mice evoked motor deficits in the rotarod and impaired cognitive performance as assessed by novel object recognition, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Conversely, acute γ-Syn knockdown selectively in DA neurons facilitated forebrain DA neurotransmission. Importantly, modifications in γ-Syn expression did not induce the loss of DA neurons or changes in α-Syn expression. Collectively, our data strongly suggest that DA release/re-uptake processes in the nigrostriatal and mesocortical pathways are partially dependent on substantia nigra pars compacta /ventral tegmental area (SNc/VTA) γ-Syn transcription levels, and are linked to modulation of DA transporter function, similar to α-Syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Pavia-Collado
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- miCure Therapeutics Ltd., Tel Aviv 6423902, Israel
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Aller
- CHU de Quebec Research Center, Axe Neurosciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Diana Alarcón-Arís
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluís Miquel-Rio
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Ruiz-Bronchal
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Paz
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia Campa
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Galofré
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Véronique Sgambato
- CNRS, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229, 69675 Bron, France;
| | - Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.P.-C.); (D.A.-A.); (L.M.-R.); (E.R.-B.); (V.P.); (L.C.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-363-8313
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11
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Upcott M, Chaprov KD, Buchman VL. Toward a Disease-Modifying Therapy of Alpha-Synucleinopathies: New Molecules and New Approaches Came into the Limelight. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237351. [PMID: 34885933 PMCID: PMC8658846 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of the various products of alpha-synuclein aggregation has been associated with the etiology and pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative conditions, including both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). It is now well established that the aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology activate numerous pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to disease progression. Therefore, the development of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the accumulation of the toxic intermediate products of alpha-synuclein aggregation and the spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology could provide significant positive clinical outcomes in PD/DLB cohorts. It has been suggested that this goal can be achieved by reducing the intracellular and/or extracellular levels of monomeric and already aggregated alpha-synuclein. The principal aim of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of therapeutic strategies that target the post-transcriptional steps of alpha-synuclein production and immunotherapy-based approaches to alpha-synuclein degradation in PD/DLB patients. Strategies aimed at the downregulation of alpha-synuclein production are at an early preclinical stage of drug development and, although they have shown promise in animal models of alpha-synuclein aggregation, many limitations need to be resolved before in-human clinical trials can be seriously considered. In contrast, many strategies aimed at the degradation of alpha-synuclein using immunotherapeutic approaches are at a more advanced stage of development, with some in-human Phase II clinical trials currently in progress. Translational barriers for both strategies include the limitations of alpha-synuclein aggregation models, poor understanding of the therapeutic window for the alpha-synuclein knockdown, and variability in alpha-synuclein pathology across patient cohorts. Overcoming such barriers should be the main focus of further studies. However, it is already clear that these strategies do have the potential to achieve a disease-modifying effect in PD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Upcott
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
| | - Kirill D. Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Menon S, Kofoed RH, Nabbouh F, Xhima K, Al-Fahoum Y, Langman T, Mount HTJ, Shihabuddin LS, Sardi SP, Fraser PE, Watts JC, Aubert I, Tandon A. Viral alpha-synuclein knockdown prevents spreading synucleinopathy. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab247. [PMID: 34761222 PMCID: PMC8576194 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy is thought to involve a common prion-like mechanism, whereby misfolded α-syn provides a conformational template for further accumulation of pathological α-syn. We tested whether silencing α-syn gene expression could reduce native non-aggregated α-syn substrate and thereby disrupt the propagation of pathological α-syn initiated by seeding with synucleinopathy-affected mouse brain homogenates. Unilateral intracerebral injections of adeno-associated virus serotype-1 encoding microRNA targeting the α-syn gene reduced the extent and severity of both the α-syn pathology and motor deficits. Importantly, a moderate 50% reduction in α-syn was sufficient to prevent the spread of α-syn pathology to distal brain regions. Our study combines behavioural, immunohistochemical and biochemical data that strongly support α-syn knockdown gene therapy for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Menon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Rikke H Kofoed
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Fadl Nabbouh
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Kristiana Xhima
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Yasmeen Al-Fahoum
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Tammy Langman
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Howard T J Mount
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lamya S Shihabuddin
- Sanofi, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
- Present address: 5AM Ventures, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Paul E Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Joel C Watts
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Anurag Tandon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Correspondence to: Anurag Tandon, PhD Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower Rm. 4KD481, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada E-mail:
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13
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mTOR Knockdown in the Infralimbic Cortex Evokes A Depressive-like State in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168671. [PMID: 34445375 PMCID: PMC8395521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast and sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as the main modulator of its antidepressive effects. Thus, mTOR signaling has become integral for the preclinical evaluation of novel compounds to treat depression. However, causality between mTOR and depression has yet to be determined. To address this, we knocked down mTOR expression in mice using an acute intracerebral infusion of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in the infralimbic (IL) or prelimbic (PrL) cortices of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and evaluated depressive- and anxious-like behaviors. mTOR knockdown in IL, but not PrL, cortex produced a robust depressive-like phenotype in mice, as assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). This phenotype was associated with significant reductions of mTOR mRNA and protein levels 48 h post-infusion. In parallel, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was found bilaterally in both IL and PrL cortices along with a dysregulation of serotonin (5-HT) and glutamate (Glu) release in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Overall, our results demonstrate causality between mTOR expression in the IL cortex and depressive-like behaviors, but not in anxiety.
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14
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Bortolozzi A, Manashirov S, Chen A, Artigas F. Oligonucleotides as therapeutic tools for brain disorders: Focus on major depressive disorder and Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107873. [PMID: 33915178 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable advances in understanding the role of RNA in health and disease have expanded considerably in the last decade. RNA is becoming an increasingly important target for therapeutic intervention; therefore, it is critical to develop strategies for therapeutic modulation of RNA function. Oligonucleotides, including antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA mimic (miRNA), and anti-microRNA (antagomir) are perhaps the most direct therapeutic strategies for addressing RNA. Among other mechanisms, most oligonucleotide designs involve the formation of a hybrid with RNA that promotes its degradation by activation of endogenous enzymes such as RNase-H (e.g., ASO) or the RISC complex (e.g. RNA interference - RNAi for siRNA and miRNA). However, the use of oligonucleotides for the treatment of brain disorders is seriously compromised by two main limitations: i) how to deliver oligonucleotides to the brain compartment, avoiding the action of peripheral RNAses? and once there, ii) how to target specific neuronal populations? We review the main molecular pathways in major depressive disorder (MDD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and discuss the challenges associated with the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutics. We pay special attention to the use of conjugated ligand-oligonucleotide approach in which the oligonucleotide sequence is covalently bound to monoamine transporter inhibitors (e.g. sertraline, reboxetine, indatraline). This strategy allows their selective accumulation in the monoamine neurons of mice and monkeys after their intranasal or intracerebroventricular administration, evoking preclinical changes predictive of a clinical therapeutic action after knocking-down disease-related genes. In addition, recent advances in oligonucleotide therapeutic clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sharon Manashirov
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; miCure Therapeutics LTD., Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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