1
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Garau J, Garofalo M, Dragoni F, Scarian E, Di Gerlando R, Diamanti L, Zucca S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O, Gagliardi S. RNA expression profiling in lymphoblastoid cell lines from mutated and non-mutated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3711. [PMID: 38967638 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons with an unknown etiology. The difficulty of recovering biological material from patients led to employ lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) as a model for ALS because many pathways, typically located in neurons, are also activated in these cells. METHODS To investigate the expression of coding and long non-coding RNAs in LCLs, a transcriptomic profiling of sporadic ALS (SALS) and mutated patients (FUS, TARDBP, C9ORF72 and SOD1) and matched controls was realized. Thus, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated among the different subgroups of patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and immortalized into LCLs via Epstein-Barr virus infection; RNA was extracted, and RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. RESULTS Gene expression profiles of LCLs were genetic-background-specific; indeed, only 12 genes were commonly deregulated in all groups. Nonetheless, pathways enriched by DEGs in each group were also compared, and a total of 89 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) terms were shared among all patients. Eventually, the similarity of affected pathways was also assessed when our data were matched with a transcriptomic profile realized in the PBMCs of the same patients. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that LCLs are a good model for the study of RNA deregulation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca Dragoni
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eveljn Scarian
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Parvanovova P, Evinova A, Grofik M, Hnilicova P, Tatarkova Z, Turcanova-Koprusakova M. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Insights from High-Resolution Respirometry. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1294. [PMID: 38927501 PMCID: PMC11201269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a severe neurodegenerative disease whose exact cause is still unclear. Currently, research attention is turning to the mitochondrion as a critical organelle of energy metabolism. Current knowledge is sufficient to confirm the involvement of the mitochondria in the pathophysiology of the disease, since the mitochondria are involved in many processes in the cell; however, the exact mechanism of involvement is still unclear. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from whole fresh blood from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for measurement and matched an age- and sex-matched set of healthy subjects. The group of patients consisted of patients examined and diagnosed at the neurological clinic of the University Hospital Martin. The set of controls consisted of healthy individuals who were actively searched, and controls were selected on the basis of age and sex. The group consisted of 26 patients with sporadic forms of ALS (13 women, 13 men), diagnosed based on the definitive criteria of El Escorial. The average age of patients was 54 years, and the average age of healthy controls was 56 years. We used a high-resolution O2K respirometry method, Oxygraph-2k, to measure mitochondrial respiration. Basal respiration was lower in patients by 29.48%, pyruvate-stimulated respiration (respiratory chain complex I) was lower by 29.26%, and maximal respiratory capacity was lower by 28.15%. The decrease in succinate-stimulated respiration (respiratory chain complex II) was 26.91%. Our data confirm changes in mitochondrial respiration in ALS patients, manifested by the reduced function of complex I and complex II of the respiratory chain. These defects are severe enough to confirm this disease's hypothesized mitochondrial damage. Therefore, research interest in the future should be directed towards a deeper understanding of the involvement of mitochondria and respiratory complexes in the pathophysiology of the disease. This understanding could develop new biomarkers in diagnostics and subsequent therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Parvanovova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (P.P.); (Z.T.)
| | - Andrea Evinova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (A.E.); (P.H.)
| | - Milan Grofik
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Martin, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Petra Hnilicova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (A.E.); (P.H.)
| | - Zuzana Tatarkova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (P.P.); (Z.T.)
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3
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Nowak I, Paździor M, Sarna R, Madej M. Molecular Mechanisms in the Design of Novel Targeted Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5436-5453. [PMID: 38920997 PMCID: PMC11202845 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a diverse group of diseases characterized by a progressive loss of neurological function due to damage to nerve cells in the central nervous system. In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the expanding associated with increasing human life expectancy. Molecular mechanisms control many of the essential life processes of cells, such as replication, transcription, translation, protein synthesis and gene regulation. These are complex interactions that form the basis for understanding numerous processes in the organism and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, molecular basis refers to changes at the molecular level that cause damage to or degeneration of nerve cells. These may include protein aggregates leading to pathological structures in brain cells, impaired protein transport in nerve cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory processes or genetic mutations that impair nerve cell function. New medical therapies are based on these mechanisms and include gene therapies, reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, and the use of miRNAs and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to bring together the current state of knowledge regarding selected neurodegenerative diseases, presenting the underlying molecular mechanisms involved, which could be potential targets for new forms of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Nowak
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marlena Paździor
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Robert Sarna
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcel Madej
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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4
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Ramos-Campoy O, Comas-Albertí A, Hervás D, Borrego-Écija S, Bosch B, Sandoval J, Fort-Aznar L, Moreno-Izco F, Fernández-Villullas G, Molina-Porcel L, Balasa M, Lladó A, Sánchez-Valle R, Antonell A. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Early-Onset-Dementia Patients Brain Tissue and Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5445. [PMID: 38791483 PMCID: PMC11121630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics, a potential underlying pathogenic mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, has been in the scope of several studies performed so far. However, there is a gap in regard to analyzing different forms of early-onset dementia and the use of Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). We performed a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis on sixty-four samples (from the prefrontal cortex and LCLs) including those taken from patients with early-onset forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and healthy controls. A beta regression model and adjusted p-values were used to obtain differentially methylated positions (DMPs) via pairwise comparisons. A correlation analysis of DMP levels with Clariom D array gene expression data from the same cohort was also performed. The results showed hypermethylation as the most frequent finding in both tissues studied in the patient groups. Biological significance analysis revealed common pathways altered in AD and FTD patients, affecting neuron development, metabolism, signal transduction, and immune system pathways. These alterations were also found in LCL samples, suggesting the epigenetic changes might not be limited to the central nervous system. In the brain, CpG methylation presented an inverse correlation with gene expression, while in LCLs, we observed mainly a positive correlation. This study enhances our understanding of the biological pathways that are associated with neurodegeneration, describes differential methylation patterns, and suggests LCLs are a potential cell model for studying neurodegenerative diseases in earlier clinical phases than brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Ramos-Campoy
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Comas-Albertí
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Hervás
- Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergi Borrego-Écija
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Bosch
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Sandoval
- Epigenomics Core Facility, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Fort-Aznar
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fermín Moreno-Izco
- Cognitive Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biogipuzkoa, Neurosciences Area, Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Fernández-Villullas
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Molina-Porcel
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Neurological Tissue Bank, Biobank-Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mircea Balasa
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Lladó
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Valle
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Antonell
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, FRCB-IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Didiasova M, Banning A, Tikkanen R. Development of precision therapies for rare inborn errors of metabolism: Functional investigations in cell culture models. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:509-516. [PMID: 37606592 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Due to the low number of patients, rare genetic diseases are a special challenge for the development of therapies, especially for diseases that result from numerous, patient-specific pathogenic variants. Precision medicine makes use of various kinds of molecular information about a specific variant, so that the possibilities for an effective therapy based on the molecular features of the variants can be elucidated. The attention to personalized precision therapies has increased among scientists and clinicians, since the "single drug for all patients" approach does not allow the classification of individuals in subgroups according to the differences in the disease genotype or phenotype. This review article summarizes some approaches of personalized precision medicine that can be used for a cost-effective and fast development of therapies, even for single patients. We have focused on specific examples on inborn errors of metabolism, with special attention on drug repurposing. Furthermore, we provide an overview of cell culture models that are suitable for precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Didiasova
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antje Banning
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ritva Tikkanen
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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6
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Tarot P, Lasbleiz C, Liévens JC. NRF2 signaling cascade in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: bridging the gap between promise and reality. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1006-1012. [PMID: 37862202 PMCID: PMC10749620 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a very disabling disease due to the degeneration of motor neurons. Symptoms include muscle weakness and atrophy, spasticity, and progressive paralysis. Currently, there is no treatment to reverse damage to motor neurons and cure amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The only two treatments actually approved, riluzole and edaravone, have shown mitigated beneficial effects. The difficulty to find a cure lies in the complexity and multifaceted pattern of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis. Among mechanisms, abnormal RNA metabolism, nucleocytoplasmic transport defects, accumulation of unfolded protein, and mitochondrial dysfunction would in fine induce oxidative damage and vice versa. A potent therapeutic strategy will be to find molecules that break this vicious circle. Sharpening the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 signaling may fulfill this objective since nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 has a multitarget profile controlling antioxidant defense, mitochondrial functioning, and inflammation. We here discuss the interest of developing nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2-based therapy in regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms and we provide a general overview of the attempted clinical assays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Tarot
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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7
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Xiang Y, Song X, Long D. Ferroptosis regulation through Nrf2 and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:579-615. [PMID: 38265475 PMCID: PMC10861688 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the background knowledge of ferroptosis in the nervous system, as well as the key role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating ferroptosis. The article takes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the starting point to explore the close association between Nrf2 and ferroptosis, which is of clear and significant importance for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) based on oxidative stress (OS). Accumulating evidence links ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of NDs. As the disease progresses, damage to the antioxidant system, excessive OS, and altered Nrf2 expression levels, especially the inhibition of ferroptosis by lipid peroxidation inhibitors and adaptive enhancement of Nrf2 signaling, demonstrate the potential clinical significance of Nrf2 in detecting and identifying ferroptosis, as well as targeted therapy for neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights and possibilities for the treatment and prevention of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiang
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingxin Long
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Yuhan L, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Impact of NQO1 dysregulation in CNS disorders. J Transl Med 2024; 22:4. [PMID: 38167027 PMCID: PMC10762857 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04802-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, cellular adaptation to oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory and degenerative processes, and tumorigenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment of the NQO1 activity in the CNS can result in abnormal neurotransmitter release and clearance, increased oxidative stress, and aggravated cellular injury/death. Furthermore, it can cause disturbances in neural circuit function and synaptic neurotransmission. The abnormalities of NQO1 enzyme activity have been linked to the pathophysiological mechanisms of multiple neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, and brain malignancy. NQO1 contributes to various dimensions of tumorigenesis and treatment response in various brain tumors. The precise mechanisms through which abnormalities in NQO1 function contribute to these neurological disorders continue to be a subject of ongoing research. Building upon the existing knowledge, the present study reviews current investigations describing the role of NQO1 dysregulations in various neurological disorders. This study emphasizes the potential of NQO1 as a biomarker in diagnostic and prognostic approaches, as well as its suitability as a target for drug development strategies in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuhan
- Epilepsy Research Center, Münster University, Münster, Germany
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Ali Gorji
- Epilepsy Research Center, Münster University, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Münster University, Münster, Germany.
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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9
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Jiménez-Loygorri JI, Benítez-Fernández R, Viedma-Poyatos Á, Zapata-Muñoz J, Villarejo-Zori B, Gómez-Sintes R, Boya P. Mitophagy in the retina: Viewing mitochondrial homeostasis through a new lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101205. [PMID: 37454969 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is key to support metabolism and homeostasis in the retina, an organ that has one of the highest metabolic rates body-wide and is constantly exposed to photooxidative damage and external stressors. Mitophagy is the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria within lysosomes, and can be triggered by distinct stimuli such as mitochondrial damage or hypoxia. Here, we review the importance of mitophagy in retinal physiology and pathology. In the developing retina, mitophagy is essential for metabolic reprogramming and differentiation of retina ganglion cells (RGCs). In basal conditions, mitophagy acts as a quality control mechanism, maintaining a healthy mitochondrial pool to meet cellular demands. We summarize the different autophagy- and mitophagy-deficient mouse models described in the literature, and discuss the potential role of mitophagy dysregulation in retinal diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration. Finally, we provide an overview of methods used to monitor mitophagy in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. This review highlights the important role of mitophagy in sustaining visual function, and its potential as a putative therapeutic target for retinal and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio Jiménez-Loygorri
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rocío Benítez-Fernández
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Departament of Neuroscience and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Álvaro Viedma-Poyatos
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Zapata-Muñoz
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Villarejo-Zori
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Gómez-Sintes
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Boya
- Autophagy Lab, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Departament of Neuroscience and Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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10
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Ramzan F, Abrar F, Mishra GG, Liao LMQ, Martin DDO. Lost in traffic: consequences of altered palmitoylation in neurodegeneration. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1166125. [PMID: 37324388 PMCID: PMC10268010 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1166125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the first molecular events in neurodegenerative diseases, regardless of etiology, is protein mislocalization. Protein mislocalization in neurons is often linked to proteostasis deficiencies leading to the build-up of misfolded proteins and/or organelles that contributes to cellular toxicity and cell death. By understanding how proteins mislocalize in neurons, we can develop novel therapeutics that target the earliest stages of neurodegeneration. A critical mechanism regulating protein localization and proteostasis in neurons is the protein-lipid modification S-acylation, the reversible addition of fatty acids to cysteine residues. S-acylation is more commonly referred to as S-palmitoylation or simply palmitoylation, which is the addition of the 16-carbon fatty acid palmitate to proteins. Like phosphorylation, palmitoylation is highly dynamic and tightly regulated by writers (i.e., palmitoyl acyltransferases) and erasers (i.e., depalmitoylating enzymes). The hydrophobic fatty acid anchors proteins to membranes; thus, the reversibility allows proteins to be re-directed to and from membranes based on local signaling factors. This is particularly important in the nervous system, where axons (output projections) can be meters long. Any disturbance in protein trafficking can have dire consequences. Indeed, many proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases are palmitoylated, and many more have been identified in palmitoyl-proteomic studies. It follows that palmitoyl acyl transferase enzymes have also been implicated in numerous diseases. In addition, palmitoylation can work in concert with cellular mechanisms, like autophagy, to affect cell health and protein modifications, such as acetylation, nitrosylation, and ubiquitination, to affect protein function and turnover. Limited studies have further revealed a sexually dimorphic pattern of protein palmitoylation. Therefore, palmitoylation can have wide-reaching consequences in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Ortega-Gutiérrez S. New Pharmacological Approaches for Rare Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087275. [PMID: 37108436 PMCID: PMC10139002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression "rare disease" describes a group of diseases whose individual prevalence is low (between 3.9 and 6.6 in 10,000 subjects depending on the country) but which in total affect up to the 3-6% of the worldwide population [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ortega-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Porras G, Ruiz S, Maestro I, Borrego-Hernández D, Redondo AG, Martínez A, Martín-Requero Á. Functional Characterization of a Familial ALS-Associated Missense TBK1 (p-Arg573Gly) Mutation in Patient-Derived Lymphoblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032847. [PMID: 36769169 PMCID: PMC9917786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this work was to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of an ALS-associated missense mutation, p.Arg573Gly (R573G), in the TBK1 gene. In particular, we seek to analyze the influence of this variant on the cellular levels and the function of TBK1 in immortalized cells from an ALS patient. The patient (Code# E7) belonged to a Spanish family with autosomal dominant disease manifesting in the sixth decade as either dementia or ALS. Four control individuals without signs of neurological disease were also included in this study. Our results indicate that the R375G TBK1 mutation did not affect the levels of mRNA nor the total TBK1 content; however, we observed a significant decrease in the levels of TBK1 phosphorylation, which is essential for TBK1 activity, as well as a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of p62 and RIPK1, known substrates for TBK1. Lymphoblasts from the R573G TBK1 mutation carrier patient display pathological TDP-43 homeostasis, showing elevated levels of phosphorylated TDP-43 and accumulation of the protein in the cytosolic compartment. In addition, the functional decrease in TBK1 activity observed in the E7 patient did not alter the autophagy flux, but it seems to be enough to increase ROS levels as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Porras
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvana Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Maestro
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alberto G. Redondo
- ALS Research Lab, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i+12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (Á.M.-R.)
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (Á.M.-R.)
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13
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Discovery of Mitophagy Inhibitors with Therapeutic Potential in Different Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012676. [PMID: 36293534 PMCID: PMC9603920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy is the selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy. It promotes the turnover of mitochondria and prevents the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, which can lead to cellular degeneration. Mitophagy is known to be altered in several pathological conditions, especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We recently demonstrated an increase in autophagy flux in lymphoblasts from ALS patients bearing a mutation in SOD1. Thus, the identification of mitophagy inhibitors may be a therapeutic option to recover mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, using a phenotypic mitophagy assay, we identified a new mitophagy inhibitor, the small molecule named IGS2.7 from the MBC library. Interestingly, the treatment of different cellular and in vivo models of ALS with mutations on SOD1 and TARDBP with this inhibitor restores autophagy to control levels. These results point mitophagy inhibitors, especially IGS2.7, to a new therapeutic approach for familial ALS patients.
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14
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Pattern of Mitochondrial Respiration in Peripheral Blood Cells of Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810863. [PMID: 36142777 PMCID: PMC9506016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), as they are involved in oxidative stress, synaptopathy, and other immunometabolic pathways. Accordingly, they are emerging as a potential neuroprotection target, although further human-based evidence is needed for therapeutic advancements. This study aims to shape the pattern of mitochondrial respiration in the blood leukocytes of PD patients in relation to both clinical features and the profile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Mitochondrial respirometry on the peripheral blood mononucleate cells (PBMCs) of 16 PD patients and 14 controls was conducted using Seahorse Bioscience technology. Bioenergetic parameters were correlated either with standard clinical scores for motor and non-motor disturbances or with CSF levels of α-synuclein, amyloid-β peptides, and tau proteins. In PD, PBMC mitochondrial basal respiration was normal; maximal and spare respiratory capacities were both increased; and ATP production was higher, although not significantly. Maximal and spare respiratory capacity was directly correlated with disease duration, MDS-UPDRS part III and Hoehn and Yahr motor scores; spare respiratory capacity was correlated with the CSF amyloid-β-42 to amyloid-β-42/40 ratio. We provided preliminary evidence showing that mitochondrial respiratory activity increases in the PBMCs of PD patients, probably following the compensatory adaptations to disease progression, in contrast to the bases of the neuropathological substrate.
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15
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Cunha-Oliveira T, Silva DF, Segura L, Baldeiras I, Marques R, Rosenstock T, Oliveira PJ, Silva FSG. Redox profiles of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lymphoblasts with or without known SOD1 mutations. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13798. [PMID: 35467758 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. This disease is associated with oxidative stress especially in mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (mutSOD1) patients. However, less is known for the most prevalent sporadic ALS form, due to a lack of disease models. Here, we studied oxidative stress profiles in lymphoblasts from ALS patients with mutSOD1 or unknown (undSOD1) mutations. METHODS mutSOD1 and undSOD1 lymphoblasts, as well as sex/age-matched controls (3/group) were obtained from Coriell and divided into 46 years-old-men (C1), 46 years-old-women (C2) or 26/27 years-old-men (C3) cohorts. Growth curves were performed, and several parameters associated with redox homeostasis were evaluated, including SOD activity and expression, general oxidative stress levels, lipid peroxidation, response to oxidative stimulus, glutathione redox cycle, catalase expression, and activity, and Nrf2 transcripts. Pooled (all cohorts) and paired (intra-cohort) statistical analyses were performed, followed by clustering and principal component analyses (PCA). RESULTS Although a high heterogeneity among lymphoblast redox profiles was found between cohorts, clustering analysis based on 7 parameters with high chi-square ranking (total SOD activity, oxidative stress levels, catalase transcripts, SOD1 protein levels, metabolic response to mM concentrations of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, glutathione reductase activity, and Nrf2 transcript levels) provided a perfect cluster segregation between samples from healthy controls and ALS (undSOD1 and mutSOD1), also visualized in the PCA. CONCLUSIONS Our results show distinct redox signatures in lymphoblasts from mutSOD1, undSOD1 and healthy controls that can be used as therapeutic targets for ALS drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Franco Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Segura
- Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, Physiological Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inês Baldeiras
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Marques
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Rosenstock
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Sygnature Discovery, In vitro Neuroscience, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena S G Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Mitotag Lda, Cantanhede, Portugal
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16
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Lastres-Becker I, de Lago E, Martínez A, Fernández-Ruiz J. New Statement about NRF2 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091200. [PMID: 36139039 PMCID: PMC9496161 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091200] [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] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are related neurodegenerative disorders displaying substantial overlay, although there are substantial differences at the molecular level. Currently, there is no effective treatment for these diseases. The transcription factor NRF2 has been postulated as a promising therapeutic target as it is capable of modulating key pathogenic events affecting cellular homeostasis. However, there is little experimental evidence on the status of this pathway in both ALS and FTD. Therefore, in this work, we wanted to carry out an exhaustive analysis of this signaling pathway in both transgenic mouse models (ALS and FTD) and human samples from patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) versus controls. In samples from patients with sALS and in the transgenic model with overexpression of TDP-43A315T, we observed a significant increase in the NRF2/ARE pathway in the motor cortex and the spinal cord, indicating that NRF2 antioxidant signaling was being induced, but it was not enough to reach cellular homeostasis. On the other hand, in the transgenic FTD model with overexpression of the TDP-43WT protein in forebrain neurons, a significantly decreased expression of NQO1 in the prefrontal cortex was seen, which cannot be attributed to alterations in the NRF2 pathway. Our results show that NRF2 signature is differently affected for ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Institute Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-5854449
| | - Eva de Lago
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC. Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Albertini C, Salerno A, Atzeni S, Uliassi E, Massenzio F, Maruca A, Rocca R, Mecava M, Silva FSG, Mena D, Valente P, Duarte AI, Chavarria D, Bissaro M, Moro S, Federico S, Spalluto G, Soukup O, Borges F, Alcaro S, Monti B, Oliveira PJ, Menéndez JC, Bolognesi ML. Riluzole-Rasagiline Hybrids: Toward the Development of Multi-Target-Directed Ligands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2252-2260. [PMID: 35868251 PMCID: PMC9354084 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Polypharmacology is a new trend in amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis
(ALS) therapy and an effective way of addressing a multifactorial
etiology involving excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative
stress, and microglial activation. Inspired by a reported clinical
trial, we converted a riluzole (1)–rasagiline
(2) combination into single-molecule multi-target-directed
ligands. By a ligand-based approach, the highly structurally integrated
hybrids 3–8 were designed and synthesized.
Through a target- and phenotypic-based screening pipeline, we identified
hit compound 6. It showed monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A)
inhibitory activity (IC50 = 6.9 μM) rationalized
by in silico studies as well as in vitro brain permeability. By using neuronal and non-neuronal cell models,
including ALS-patient-derived cells, we disclosed for 6 a neuroprotective/neuroinflammatory profile similar to that of the
parent compounds and their combination. Furthermore, the unexpected
MAO inhibitory activity of 1 (IC50 = 8.7 μM)
might add a piece to the puzzle of its anti-ALS molecular profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Albertini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Atzeni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Maruca
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marko Mecava
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Filomena S G Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Mitotag Lda, Biocant Park, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Débora Mena
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua D. Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Valente
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF), Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education (FCDEF-UC), University of Coimbra, 3040-248 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana I Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua D. Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Chavarria
- CIQUP/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maicol Bissaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stephanie Federico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Spalluto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ondřej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua D. Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Josè C Menéndez
- Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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18
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Arslanbaeva L, Bisaglia M. Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for ALS Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:1471. [PMID: 35268572 PMCID: PMC8911691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal disease that causes motoneurons degeneration and functional impairment of voluntary muscles, with limited and poorly efficient therapies. Alterations in the Nrf2-ARE pathway are associated with ALS pathology and result in aberrant oxidative stress, making the stimulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we first introduce the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and the role played by astrocytes in modulating such a protective pathway. We then describe the currently developed activators of Nrf2, used in both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, taking into consideration their potentialities as well as the possible limitations associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Bisaglia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Center Study for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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19
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Martín-Cámara O, Arribas M, Wells G, Morales-Tenorio M, Martín-Requero Á, Porras G, Martínez A, Giorgi G, López-Alvarado P, Lastres-Becker I, Menéndez JC. Multitarget Hybrid Fasudil Derivatives as a New Approach to the Potential Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1867-1882. [PMID: 34985276 PMCID: PMC9132363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid compounds containing structural fragments of the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil and the NRF2 inducers caffeic and ferulic acids were designed with the aid of docking and molecular mechanics studies. Following the synthesis of the compounds using a peptide-coupling methodology, they were characterized for their ROCK2 inhibition, radical scavenging, effects on cell viability (MTT assay), and NRF2 induction (luciferase assay). One of the compounds (1d) was selected in view of its good multitarget profile and good tolerability. It was able to induce the NRF2 signature, promoting the expression of the antioxidant response enzymes HO-1 and NQO1, via a KEAP1-dependent mechanism. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels of the NRF2 pathway showed that 1d induced the NRF2 signature in control and SOD1-ALS lymphoblasts but not in sALS, where it was already increased in the basal state. These results show the therapeutic potential of this compound, especially for ALS patients with a SOD1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Arribas
- Instituto
de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”
UAM-CSIC, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, and Institute
Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Geoffrey Wells
- UCL
School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Marcos Morales-Tenorio
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gracia Porras
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giorgio Giorgi
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Instituto
de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”
UAM-CSIC, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, and Institute
Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas
(CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad
de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento
de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Strategies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071012. [PMID: 34202494 PMCID: PMC8300638 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with the progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to a fatal paralysis. According to whether there is a family history of ALS, ALS can be roughly divided into two types: familial and sporadic. Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of ALS is still unelucidated. To this end, we review the recent progress of ALS pathogenesis, biomarkers, and treatment strategies, mainly discuss the roles of immune disorders, redox imbalance, autophagy dysfunction, and disordered iron homeostasis in the pathogenesis of ALS, and introduce the effects of RNA binding proteins, ALS-related genes, and non-coding RNA as biomarkers on ALS. In addition, we also mention other ALS biomarkers such as serum uric acid (UA), cardiolipin (CL), chitotriosidase (CHIT1), and neurofilament light chain (NFL). Finally, we discuss the drug therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell-exosomal therapy for ALS, attempting to find new therapeutic targets and strategies. A challenge is to study the various mechanisms of ALS as a syndrome. Biomarkers that have been widely explored are indispensable for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ALS. Moreover, the development of new genes and targets is an urgent task in this field.
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