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Arezoumand KS, Roberts CT, Rastegar M. Metformin Induces MeCP2 in the Hippocampus of Male Mice with Sex-Specific and Brain-Region-Dependent Molecular Impact. Biomolecules 2024; 14:505. [PMID: 38672521 PMCID: PMC11048179 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040505] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a progressive X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with no cure. RTT patients show disease-associated symptoms within 18 months of age that include developmental regression, progressive loss of useful hand movements, and breathing difficulties, along with neurological impairments, seizures, tremor, and mental disability. Rett Syndrome is also associated with metabolic abnormalities, and the anti-diabetic drug metformin is suggested to be a potential drug of choice with low or no side-effects. Previously, we showed that in vitro exposure of metformin in a human brain cell line induces MECP2E1 transcripts, the dominant isoform of the MECP2 gene in the brain, mutations in which causes RTT. Here, we report the molecular impact of metformin in mice. Protein analysis of specific brain regions in the male and female mice by immunoblotting indicated that metformin induces MeCP2 in the hippocampus, in a sex-dependent manner. Additional experiments confirm that the regulatory role of metformin on the MeCP2 target "BDNF" is brain region-dependent and sex-specific. Measurement of the ribosomal protein S6 (in both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms) confirms the sex-dependent role of metformin in the liver. Our results can help foster a better understanding of the molecular impact of metformin in different brain regions of male and female adult mice, while providing some insight towards its potential in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Rett Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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2
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Wang HJ, Zhang LB, Sun SP, Yan QT, Gao ZQ, Fu FM, Qu MH. Duodenal-jejunal bypass improves hypothalamic oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic rats via glucagon-like peptide 1-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. World J Diabetes 2024; 15:287-304. [PMID: 38464379 PMCID: PMC10921169 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i2.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often accompanied by impaired glucose utilization in the brain, leading to oxidative stress, neuronal cell injury and infla-mmation. Previous studies have shown that duodenal jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery significantly improves brain glucose metabolism in T2DM rats, the role and the metabolism of DJB in improving brain oxidative stress and inflammation condition in T2DM rats remain unclear. AIM To investigate the role and metabolism of DJB in improving hypothalamic oxidative stress and inflammation condition in T2DM rats. METHODS A T2DM rat model was induced via a high-glucose and high-fat diet, combined with a low-dose streptozotocin injection. T2DM rats were divided into DJB operation and Sham operation groups. DJB surgical intervention was carried out on T2DM rats. The differential expression of hypothalamic proteins was analyzed using quantitative proteomics analysis. Proteins related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal injury in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats were analyzed by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Quantitative proteomics analysis showed significant differences in proteins related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal injury in the hypothalamus of rats with T2DM-DJB after DJB surgery, compared to the T2DM-Sham groups of rats. Oxidative stress-related proteins (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, Nrf2, and HO-1) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus of rats with T2DM after DJB surgery. DJB surgery significantly reduced (P < 0.05) hypothalamic inflammation in T2DM rats by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and decreasing the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. DJB surgery significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the expression of factors related to neuronal injury (glial fibrillary acidic protein and Caspase-3) in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats and upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of neuroprotective factors (C-fos, Ki67, Bcl-2, and BDNF), thereby reducing hypothalamic injury in T2DM rats. CONCLUSION DJB surgery improve oxidative stress and inflammation in the hypothalamus of T2DM rats and reduce neuronal cell injury by activating the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Jie Wang
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li-Bin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Si-Peng Sun
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qing-Tao Yan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Qin Gao
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fang-Ming Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250013, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mei-Hua Qu
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong Province, China
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3
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Lockman S, Genung M, Sheikholeslami K, Sher AA, Kroft D, Buist M, Olson CO, Toor B, Rastegar M. Transcriptional Inhibition of the Mecp2 Promoter by MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2 Isoforms Suggests Negative Auto-Regulatory Feedback that can be Moderated by Metformin. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:14. [PMID: 38277073 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02177-0] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The epigenetic factor Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is a nuclear protein that binds methylated DNA molecules (both 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine) and controls gene transcription. MeCP2 is an important transcription factor that acts in a dose-dependent manner in the brain; thus, its optimal expression level in brain cells is important. As such, its deregulated expression, as well as gain- or loss-of-function mutation, lead to impaired neurodevelopment, and compromised structure and function of brain cells, particularly in neurons. Studies from others and us have characterized two well-recognized MeCP2 isoforms: MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2. We have reported that in Daoy medulloblastoma brain cells, MeCP2E2 overexpression leads to MeCP2E1 protein degradation. Whether MeCP2 isoforms regulate the Mecp2 promoter regulatory elements remains unexplored. We previously showed that in Daoy cells, metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) induces MECP2E1 transcripts. However, possible impact of metformin on the Mecp2 promoter activity was not studied. Here, we generated stably transduced Daoy cell reporters to express EGFP driven by the Mecp2 promoter. Transduced cells were sorted into four EGFP-expressing groups (R4-to-R7) with different intensities of EGFP expression. Our results confirm that the Mecp2 promoter is active in Daoy cells, and that overexpression of either isoform inhibits the Mecp2 promoter activity, as detected by flow cytometry and luciferase reporter assays. Interestingly, metformin partially relieved the inhibitory effect of MeCP2E1 on the Mecp2 promoter, detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our data provide important insight towards the regulation of MeCP2 isoforms at the promoter level, which might have biological relevance to the neurobiology of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhini Lockman
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Matthew Genung
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kimia Sheikholeslami
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annan Ali Sher
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Daniel Kroft
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marjorie Buist
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carl O Olson
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Brian Toor
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Musokhranova U, Grau C, Vergara C, Rodríguez-Pascau L, Xiol C, Castells AA, Alcántara S, Rodríguez-Pombo P, Pizcueta P, Martinell M, García-Cazorla A, Oyarzábal A. Mitochondrial modulation with leriglitazone as a potential treatment for Rett syndrome. J Transl Med 2023; 21:756. [PMID: 37884937 PMCID: PMC10601217 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04622-5] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome is a neuropediatric disease occurring due to mutations in MECP2 and characterized by a regression in the neuronal development following a normal postnatal growth, which results in the loss of acquired capabilities such as speech or purposeful usage of hands. While altered neurotransmission and brain development are the center of its pathophysiology, alterations in mitochondrial performance have been previously outlined, shaping it as an attractive target for the disease treatment. METHODS We have thoroughly described mitochondrial performance in two Rett models, patients' primary fibroblasts and female Mecp2tm1.1Bird-/+ mice brain, discriminating between different brain areas. The characterization was made according to their bioenergetics function, oxidative stress, network dynamics or ultrastructure. Building on that, we have studied the effect of leriglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, in the modulation of mitochondrial performance. For that, we treated Rett female mice with 75 mg/kg/day leriglitazone from weaning until sacrifice at 7 months, studying both the mitochondrial performance changes and their consequences on the mice phenotype. Finally, we studied its effect on neuroinflammation based on the presence of reactive glia by immunohistochemistry and through a cytokine panel. RESULTS We have described mitochondrial alterations in Rett fibroblasts regarding both shape and bioenergetic functions, as they displayed less interconnected and shorter mitochondria and reduced ATP production along with increased oxidative stress. The bioenergetic alterations were recalled in Rett mice models, being especially significant in cerebellum, already detectable in pre-symptomatic stages. Treatment with leriglitazone recovered the bioenergetic alterations both in Rett fibroblasts and female mice and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the latest, resulting in the amelioration of the mice phenotype both in general condition and exploratory activity. CONCLUSIONS Our studies confirm the mitochondrial dysfunction in Rett syndrome, setting the differences through brain areas and disease stages. Its modulation through leriglitazone is a potential treatment for this disorder, along with other diseases with mitochondrial involvement. This work constitutes the preclinical necessary evidence to lead to a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uliana Musokhranova
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Grau
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Clara Xiol
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba A Castells
- Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Alcántara
- Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Rodríguez-Pombo
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBM-CSIC, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, IDIPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marc Martinell
- Minoryx Therapeutics BE S.A., Gosselies, Charleroi, Belgium
- Minoryx Therapeutics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels García-Cazorla
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Oyarzábal
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Valenti D, Vacca RA. Brain Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on Down, Rett and Fragile X Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12488. [PMID: 37569863 PMCID: PMC10419900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, far beyond their prominent role as cellular powerhouses, are complex cellular organelles active as central metabolic hubs that are capable of integrating and controlling several signaling pathways essential for neurological processes, including neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. On the other hand, mitochondria are themselves regulated from a series of signaling proteins to achieve the best efficiency in producing energy, in establishing a network and in performing their own de novo synthesis or clearance. Dysfunctions in signaling processes that control mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and bioenergetics are increasingly associated with impairment in brain development and involved in a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review recent evidence proving the emerging role of mitochondria as master regulators of brain bioenergetics, highlighting their control skills in brain neurodevelopment and cognition. We analyze, from a mechanistic point of view, mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction as causally interrelated to the origins of typical genetic intellectual disability-related neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down, Rett and Fragile X syndromes. Finally, we discuss whether mitochondria can become therapeutic targets to improve brain development and function from a holistic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Valenti
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
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6
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MeCP2 Is an Epigenetic Factor That Links DNA Methylation with Brain Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044218. [PMID: 36835623 PMCID: PMC9966807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, one of the most well-studied epigenetic modifications, is involved in a wide spectrum of biological processes. Epigenetic mechanisms control cellular morphology and function. Such regulatory mechanisms involve histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, and RNA modifications. One of the most well-studied epigenetic modifications is DNA methylation that plays key roles in development, health, and disease. Our brain is probably the most complex part of our body, with a high level of DNA methylation. A key protein that binds to different types of methylated DNA in the brain is the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). MeCP2 acts in a dose-dependent manner and its abnormally high or low expression level, deregulation, and/or genetic mutations lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and aberrant brain function. Recently, some of MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders have emerged as neurometabolic disorders, suggesting a role for MeCP2 in brain metabolism. Of note, MECP2 loss-of-function mutation in Rett Syndrome is reported to cause impairment of glucose and cholesterol metabolism in human patients and/or mouse models of disease. The purpose of this review is to outline the metabolic abnormalities in MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders that currently have no available cure. We aim to provide an updated overview into the role of metabolic defects associated with MeCP2-mediated cellular function for consideration of future therapeutic strategies.
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7
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Urbinati C, Lanzillotta C, Cosentino L, Valenti D, Quattrini MC, Di Crescenzo L, Prestia F, Pietraforte D, Perluigi M, Di Domenico F, Vacca RA, De Filippis B. Chronic treatment with the anti-diabetic drug metformin rescues impaired brain mitochondrial activity and selectively ameliorates defective cognitive flexibility in a female mouse model of Rett syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109350. [PMID: 36442649 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metformin is the most common anti-diabetic drug and a promising therapy for disorders beyond diabetes, including Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurologic disease characterized by severe intellectual disability. A 10-day-long treatment rescued aberrant mitochondrial activity and restrained oxidative stress in a female RTT mouse model. However, this treatment regimen did not improve the phenotype of RTT mice. In the present study, we demonstrate that a 4-month-long treatment with metformin (150 mg/Kg/day, delivered in drinking bottles) provides a selective normalization of cognitive flexibility defects in RTT female mice at an advanced stage of disease, but it does not affect their impaired general health status and abnormal motor skills. The 4-month-long treatment also rescues the reduced activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, the defective brain ATP production and levels as well as the increased production of reactive oxidizing species in the whole blood of RTT mice. A significant boost of PGC-1α-dependent pathways related to mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense occurs in the brain of RTT mice that received the metformin treatment. Further studies will have to verify whether these effects may underlie its long-lasting beneficial effects on brain energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Urbinati
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Lanzillotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Valenti
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Livia Di Crescenzo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Prestia
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Marzia Perluigi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Di Domenico
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, Bari, Italy.
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Feng J, Wang X, Ye X, Ares I, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez M, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Anadón A, Martínez MA. Mitochondria as an important target of metformin: The mechanism of action, toxic and side effects, and new therapeutic applications. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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9
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A O, U M, Lf B, A GC. Energy metabolism in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. EBioMedicine 2021; 69:103474. [PMID: 34256347 PMCID: PMC8324816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas energy function in the aging brain and their related neurodegenerative diseases has been explored in some detail, there is limited knowledge about molecular mechanisms and brain networks of energy metabolism during infancy and childhood. In this review we describe current insights on physiological brain energetics at prenatal and neonatal stages, and in childhood. We then describe the main groups of inborn errors of energy metabolism affecting the brain. Of note, scarce basic neuroscience research in this field limits the opportunity for these disorders to provide paradigms of energy utilization during neurodevelopment. Finally, we report energy metabolism disturbances in well-known non-metabolic neurodevelopmental disorders. As energy metabolism is a fundamental biological function, brain energy utilization is likely altered in most neuropediatric diseases. Precise knowledge on mechanisms of brain energy disturbance will open the possibility of metabolic modulation therapies regardless of disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyarzábal A
- Neurometabolic Unit and Laboratory of Synaptic Metabolism. IPR, CIBERER (ISCIII) and MetabERN, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Musokhranova U
- Neurometabolic Unit and Laboratory of Synaptic Metabolism. IPR, CIBERER (ISCIII) and MetabERN, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barros Lf
- Center for Scientific Studies - CECs, Valdivia 5110466, Chile
| | - García-Cazorla A
- Neurometabolic Unit and Laboratory of Synaptic Metabolism. IPR, CIBERER (ISCIII) and MetabERN, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Urbinati C, Cosentino L, Germinario EAP, Valenti D, Vigli D, Ricceri L, Laviola G, Fiorentini C, Vacca RA, Fabbri A, De Filippis B. Treatment with the Bacterial Toxin CNF1 Selectively Rescues Cognitive and Brain Mitochondrial Deficits in a Female Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome Carrying a MeCP2-Null Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6739. [PMID: 34201747 PMCID: PMC8269120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene and a major cause of intellectual disability in females. No cure exists for RTT. We previously reported that the behavioural phenotype and brain mitochondria dysfunction are widely rescued by a single intracerebroventricular injection of the bacterial toxin CNF1 in a RTT mouse model carrying a truncating mutation of the MeCP2 gene (MeCP2-308 mice). Given the heterogeneity of MECP2 mutations in RTT patients, we tested the CNF1 therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model carrying a null mutation (MeCP2-Bird mice). CNF1 selectively rescued cognitive defects, without improving other RTT-related behavioural alterations, and restored brain mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity in MeCP2-Bird mice. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential CNF1 effects on the behavioural phenotype, we compared treatment effects on relevant signalling cascades in the brain of the two RTT models. CNF1 provided a significant boost of the mTOR activation in MeCP2-308 hippocampus, which was not observed in the MeCP2-Bird model, possibly explaining the differential effects of CNF1. These results demonstrate that CNF1 efficacy depends on the mutation beared by MeCP2-mutated mice, stressing the need of testing potential therapeutic approaches across RTT models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Urbinati
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Elena Angela Pia Germinario
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.P.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniela Valenti
- Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Institute of Biomembranes, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.V.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Daniele Vigli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Carla Fiorentini
- Association for Research on Integrative Oncology Therapies (ARTOI), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Institute of Biomembranes, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.V.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Alessia Fabbri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.P.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
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11
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Sharifi O, Yasui DH. The Molecular Functions of MeCP2 in Rett Syndrome Pathology. Front Genet 2021; 12:624290. [PMID: 33968128 PMCID: PMC8102816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.624290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 protein, encoded by the MECP2 gene, binds to DNA and affects transcription. Outside of this activity the true range of MeCP2 function is still not entirely clear. As MECP2 gene mutations cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome in 1 in 10,000 female births, much of what is known about the biologic function of MeCP2 comes from studying human cell culture models and rodent models with Mecp2 gene mutations. In this review, the full scope of MeCP2 research available in the NIH Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) data base to date is considered. While not all original research can be mentioned due to space limitations, the main aspects of MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are discussed while highlighting the work of individual researchers and research groups. First, the primary functions of MeCP2 relevant to Rett syndrome are summarized and explored. Second, the conflicting evidence and controversies surrounding emerging aspects of MeCP2 biology are examined. Next, the most obvious gaps in MeCP2 research studies are noted. Finally, the most recent discoveries in MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are explored with a focus on the potential and pitfalls of novel treatments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Sharifi
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dag H Yasui
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
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Napoletani G, Vigli D, Cosentino L, Grieco M, Talamo MC, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M, Laviola G, Fuso A, d'Erme M, De Filippis B. Stimulation of the Serotonin Receptor 7 Restores Brain Histone H3 Acetylation and MeCP2 Corepressor Protein Levels in a Female Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:265-273. [PMID: 33598674 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, characterized by severe behavioral and physiological impairments for which no cure is available. The stimulation of serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) with its selective agonist LP-211 (0.25 mg/kg/day for 7 days) was proved to rescue neurobehavioral alterations in a mouse model of RTT. In the present study, we aimed at gaining insight into the mechanisms underpinning the efficacy of 5-HT7R pharmacological stimulation by investigating its epigenetic outcomes in the brain of RTT female mice bearing a truncating MeCP2 mutation. Treatment with LP-211 normalized the reduced histone H3 acetylation and HDAC3/NCoR levels, and increased HDAC1/Sin3a expression in RTT mouse cortex. Repeated 5-HT7R stimulation also appeared to strengthen the association between NCoR and MeCP2 in the same brain region. A different profile was found in RTT hippocampus, where LP-211 rescued H3 hyperacetylation and increased HDAC3 levels. Overall, the present data highlight a new scenario on the relationship between histone acetylation and serotoninergic pathways. 5-HT7R is confirmed as a pivotal therapeutic target for the recovery of neuronal function supporting the translational value of this promising pharmacological approach for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Napoletani
- From the Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigli
- From the Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy.,Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- From the Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Talamo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Laviola
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria d'Erme
- From the Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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Abnormalities of synaptic mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 99:161-178. [PMID: 33340060 PMCID: PMC7819932 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition primarily characterized by an impairment of social interaction combined with the occurrence of repetitive behaviors. ASD starts in childhood and prevails across the lifespan. The variability of its clinical presentation renders early diagnosis difficult. Mutations in synaptic genes and alterations of mitochondrial functions are considered important underlying pathogenic factors, but it is obvious that we are far from a comprehensive understanding of ASD pathophysiology. At the synapse, mitochondria perform diverse functions, which are clearly not limited to their classical role as energy providers. Here, we review the current knowledge about mitochondria at the synapse and summarize the mitochondrial disturbances found in mouse models of ASD and other ASD-related neurodevelopmental disorders, like DiGeorge syndrome, Rett syndrome, Tuberous sclerosis complex, and Down syndrome.
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