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Tenchov R, Sasso JM, Zhou QA. Polyglutamine (PolyQ) Diseases: Navigating the Landscape of Neurodegeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2665-2694. [PMID: 38996083 PMCID: PMC11311141 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00184] [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] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats encoding proteins with abnormally expanded polyglutamine tract. A total of nine polyQ disorders have been identified, including Huntington's disease, six spinocerebellar ataxias, dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The diseases of this class are each considered rare, yet polyQ diseases constitute the largest group of monogenic neurodegenerative disorders. While each subtype of polyQ diseases has its own causative gene, certain pathologic molecular attributes have been implicated in virtually all of the polyQ diseases, including protein aggregation, proteolytic cleavage, neuronal dysfunction, transcription dysregulation, autophagy impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although animal models of polyQ disease are available helping to understand their pathogenesis and access disease-modifying therapies, there is neither a cure nor prevention for these diseases, with only symptomatic treatments available. In this paper, we analyze data from the CAS Content Collection to summarize the research progress in the class of polyQ diseases. We examine the publication landscape in the area in effort to provide insights into current knowledge advances and developments. We review the most discussed concepts and assess the strategies to combat these diseases. Finally, we inspect clinical applications of products against polyQ diseases with their development pipelines. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the evolving landscape of current knowledge regarding the class of polyQ diseases, to outline challenges, and evaluate growth opportunities to further efforts in combating the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS, a division of the American
Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Janet M. Sasso
- CAS, a division of the American
Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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2
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Moreira-Gomes T, Nóbrega C. From the disruption of RNA metabolism to the targeting of RNA-binding proteins: The case of polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1442-1459. [PMID: 37990934 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (PolyQ SCAs) represent a group of monogenetic diseases in which the expanded polyglutamine repeats give rise to a mutated protein. The abnormally expanded polyglutamine protein produces aggregates and toxic species, causing neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death. The main symptoms of these disorders include progressive ataxia, motor dysfunction, oculomotor impairment, and swallowing problems. Nowadays, the current treatments are restricted to symptomatic alleviation, and no existing therapeutic strategies can reduce or stop the disease progression. Even though the origin of these disorders has been associated with polyglutamine-induced toxicity, RNA toxicity has recently gained relevance in polyQ SCAs molecular pathogenesis. Therefore, the research's focus on RNA metabolism has been increasing, especially on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The present review summarizes RNA metabolism, exposing the different processes and the main RBPs involved. We also explore the mechanisms by which RBPs are dysregulated in PolyQ SCAs. Finally, possible therapies targeting the RNA metabolism are presented as strategies to reverse neuropathological anomalies and mitigate physical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Moreira-Gomes
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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3
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Kroneberg D, Nümann A, Minnerop M, Rönnefarth M, Endres M, Kühn AA, Paul F, Doss S, Solbrig S, Elshehabi M, Maetzler W, Schmitz-Hübsch T. Gait Variability as a Potential Motor Marker of Cerebellar Disease-Relationship between Variability of Stride, Arm Swing and Trunk Movements, and Walking Speed. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3476. [PMID: 38894268 PMCID: PMC11174553 DOI: 10.3390/s24113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Excessive stride variability is a characteristic feature of cerebellar ataxias, even in pre-ataxic or prodromal disease stages. This study explores the relation of variability of arm swing and trunk deflection in relationship to stride length and gait speed in previously described cohorts of cerebellar disease and healthy elderly: we examined 10 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA), 12 patients with essential tremor (ET), and 67 healthy elderly (HE). Using inertial sensors, recordings of gait performance were conducted at different subjective walking speeds to delineate gait parameters and respective coefficients of variability (CoV). Comparisons across cohorts and walking speed categories revealed slower stride velocities in SCA and ET patients compared to HE, which was paralleled by reduced arm swing range of motion (RoM), peak velocity, and increased CoV of stride length, while no group differences were found for trunk deflections and their variability. Larger arm swing RoM, peak velocity, and stride length were predicted by higher gait velocity in all cohorts. Lower gait velocity predicted higher CoV values of trunk sagittal and horizontal deflections, as well as arm swing and stride length in ET and SCA patients, but not in HE. These findings highlight the role of arm movements in ataxic gait and the impact of gait velocity on variability, which are essential for defining disease manifestation and disease-related changes in longitudinal observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kroneberg
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Astrid Nümann
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation of Max-Delbrueck Center of Molecular Medicine and Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Martina Minnerop
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Rönnefarth
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea A. Kühn
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation of Max-Delbrueck Center of Molecular Medicine and Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
- NCRC-Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Doss
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Susanne Solbrig
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology, Hertie Institute, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Morad Elshehabi
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology, Hertie Institute, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation of Max-Delbrueck Center of Molecular Medicine and Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
- NCRC-Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Tandon S, Aggarwal P, Sarkar S. Polyglutamine disorders: Pathogenesis and potential drug interventions. Life Sci 2024; 344:122562. [PMID: 38492921 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122562] [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] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Polyglutamine/poly(Q) diseases are a group nine hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused due to abnormally expanded stretches of CAG trinucleotide in functionally distinct genes. All human poly(Q) diseases are characterized by the formation of microscopically discernable poly(Q) positive aggregates, the inclusion bodies. These toxic inclusion bodies are responsible for the impairment of several cellular pathways such as autophagy, transcription, cell death, etc., that culminate in disease manifestation. Although, these diseases remain largely without treatment, extensive research has generated mounting evidences that various events of poly(Q) pathogenesis can be developed as potential drug targets. The present review article briefly discusses the key events of disease pathogenesis, model system-based investigations that support the development of effective therapeutic interventions against pathogenesis of human poly(Q) disorders, and a comprehensive list of pharmacological and bioactive compounds that have been experimentally shown to alleviate poly(Q)-mediated neurotoxicity. Interestingly, due to the common cause of pathogenesis, all poly(Q) diseases share etiology, thus, findings from one disease can be potentially extrapolated to other poly(Q) diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tandon
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Prerna Aggarwal
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India.
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5
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Estevam B, Matos CA, Nóbrega C. PolyQ Database-an integrated database on polyglutamine diseases. Database (Oxford) 2023; 2023:baad060. [PMID: 37599593 PMCID: PMC10440501 DOI: 10.1093/database/baad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are neurodegenerative disorders caused by abnormally expanded Cytosine, Adenine, Guanine (CAG) triplet repeat sequences in the coding region of otherwise unrelated genes. Until now, nine different polyQ diseases have been described: Huntington's disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and six types of spinocerebellar ataxias-1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 17. The pathogenic expansion translates into an aberrant tract of glutamines in the encoded proteins, compromising several cellular functions and biological processes. There is currently no cure available for the progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by the ensuing cytotoxic alterations. Although each disease is considered rare, polyQ diseases constitute the largest group of monogenic neurodegenerative disorders. Information about these disorders is scattered among several books, articles and general databases, hindering exploration by students and researchers, but also by patients and their families. Therefore, we aimed to develop a free online database to fill this gap, by centralizing relevant available information. The PolyQ Database is a platform that focuses on all nine polyQ diseases and offers information about topics that are pertinent for scientists, clinicians and the general public, including epidemiology, the characteristics of the causative genes and the codified proteins, the pathophysiology of the diseases and the main clinical manifestations. The database is available at https://polyq.pt/, and it is the first of its kind, focusing exclusively on this group of rare diseases. The database was conceived to be continuously updated and allow incorporation and dissemination of the latest information on polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Estevam
- ABC-Ri, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- ABC-Ri, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- ABC-Ri, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-139, Portugal
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6
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Germain ND, Chung WK, Sarmiere PD. RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics for treatment of rare neurologic diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 91:101148. [PMID: 36257857 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the identification of genomic variants underlying rare neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the fundamental causes of rare monogenic disorders has made gene therapy a possible treatment approach for these conditions. RNA interference (RNAi) technologies such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and other oligonucleotide-based modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are being developed as potential therapeutic approaches for manipulating expression of the genes that cause a variety of neurological diseases. Here, we offer a brief review of the mechanism of action of these RNAi approaches; provide deeper discussion of the advantages, challenges, and specific considerations related to the development of RNAi therapeutics for neurological disease; and highlight examples of rare neurological diseases for which RNAi therapeutics hold great promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle D Germain
- Ovid Therapeutics, Inc., 1460 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue, Room 620, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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7
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Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have entered the mainstream with seemingly limitless possibilities to treat all categories of neurological disease. Here, common RNA-based drug modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, RNA aptamers, RNA-based vaccines and mRNA drugs are reviewed highlighting their current and potential applications. Rapid progress has been made across rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, but safe and effective delivery to the brain remains a significant challenge for many applications. The advent of individualized RNA-based therapies for ultra-rare diseases is discussed against the backdrop of the emergence of this field into more common conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ischaemic stroke. There remains significant untapped potential in the use of RNA-based therapeutics for behavioural disorders and tumours of the central nervous system; coupled with the accelerated development expected over the next decade, the true potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform the therapeutic landscape in neurology remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
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8
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Parambi DGT, Alharbi KS, Kumar R, Harilal S, Batiha GES, Cruz-Martins N, Magdy O, Musa A, Panda DS, Mathew B. Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells' substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Seetha Harilal
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - Omnia Magdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arafa Musa
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11371 Egypt
| | - Dibya Sundar Panda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Sakaka, 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041 India
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9
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McIntosh CS, Li D, Wilton SD, Aung-Htut MT. Polyglutamine Ataxias: Our Current Molecular Understanding and What the Future Holds for Antisense Therapies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1499. [PMID: 34829728 PMCID: PMC8615177 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) ataxias are a heterogenous group of neurological disorders all caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat located in the coding region of each unique causative gene. To date, polyQ ataxias encompass six disorders: spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17 and account for a larger group of disorders simply known as polyglutamine disorders, which also includes Huntington's disease. These diseases are typically characterised by progressive ataxia, speech and swallowing difficulties, lack of coordination and gait, and are unfortunately fatal in nature, with the exception of SCA6. All the polyQ spinocerebellar ataxias have a hallmark feature of neuronal aggregations and share many common pathogenic mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteasomal function, and autophagy impairment. Currently, therapeutic options are limited, with no available treatments that slow or halt disease progression. Here, we discuss the common molecular and clinical presentations of polyQ spinocerebellar ataxias. We will also discuss the promising antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics being developed as treatments for these devastating diseases. With recent advancements and therapeutic approvals of various antisense therapies, it is envisioned that some of the studies reviewed may progress into clinical trials and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. McIntosh
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dunhui Li
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - May T. Aung-Htut
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute Murdoch University, Discovery Way, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (C.S.M.); (D.L.); (S.D.W.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene correction ameliorates abnormal phenotypes in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:479. [PMID: 34535635 PMCID: PMC8448778 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is a progressive autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by abnormal CAG repeats in the exon 10 of ATXN3. The accumulation of the mutant ataxin-3 proteins carrying expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) leads to selective degeneration of neurons. Since the pathogenesis of SCA3 has not been fully elucidated, and no effective therapies have been identified, it is crucial to investigate the pathogenesis and seek new therapeutic strategies of SCA3. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used as the ideal cell model for the molecular pathogenesis of polyQ diseases. Abnormal CAG expansions mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering technologies have shown promising potential for the treatment of polyQ diseases, including SCA3. In this study, SCA3-iPSCs can be corrected by the replacement of the abnormal CAG expansions (74 CAG) with normal repeats (17 CAG) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination (HR) strategy. Besides, corrected SCA3-iPSCs retained pluripotent and normal karyotype, which can be differentiated into a neural stem cell (NSCs) and neuronal cells, and maintained electrophysiological characteristics. The expression of differentiation markers and electrophysiological characteristics were similar among the neuronal differentiation from normal control iPSCs (Ctrl-iPSCs), SCA3-iPSCs, and isogenic control SCA3-iPSCs. Furthermore, this study proved that the phenotypic abnormalities in SCA3 neurons, including aggregated IC2-polyQ protein, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and glutathione expressions, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and lipid peroxidase malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, all were rescued in the corrected SCA3-NCs. For the first time, this study demonstrated the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HR strategy to precisely repair SCA3-iPSCs, and reverse the corresponding abnormal disease phenotypes. In addition, the importance of genetic control using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated iPSCs for disease modeling. Our work may contribute to providing a potential ideal model for molecular mechanism research and autologous stem cell therapy of SCA3 or other polyQ diseases, and offer a good gene therapy strategy for future treatment.
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