1
|
Wang R, Chen L, Zhang Y, Sun B, Liang M. Expression Changes of miRNAs in Humans and Animal Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Potential Application for Clinical Diagnosis. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:1125. [PMID: 39337908 PMCID: PMC11433357 DOI: 10.3390/life14091125] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe motor neuron disease. Current detection methods can only confirm the diagnosis at the onset of the disease, missing the critical window for early treatment. Recent studies using animal models have found that detecting changes in miRNA sites can predict the onset and severity of the disease in its early stages, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. miRNAs show expression changes in motor neurons that connect the brain, spinal cord, and brain stem, as well as in the skeletal muscle in mouse models of ALS. Clinically, expression changes in some miRNAs in patients align with those in mouse models, such as the upregulation of miR-29b in the brain and the upregulation of miR-206 in the skeletal muscle. This study provides an overview of some miRNA study findings in humans as well as in animal models, including SOD1, FUS, TDP-43, and C9orf72 transgenic mice and wobbler mice, highlighting the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic markers for ALS. miR-21 and miR-206 are aberrantly expressed in both mouse model and patient samples, positioning them as key potential diagnostic markers in ALS. Additionally, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-181a, and miR-142-3p have shown aberrant expression in both types of samples and show promise as clinical targets for ALS. Finally, miR-1197 and miR-486b-5p have been recently identified as aberrantly expressed miRNAs in mouse models for ALS, although further studies are needed to determine their viability as diagnostic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Liang Chen
- College of Bioengineering, Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing 100176, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cihankaya H, Bader V, Winklhofer KF, Vorgerd M, Matschke J, Stahlke S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Elevated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS. Cells 2024; 13:995. [PMID: 38920626 PMCID: PMC11202041 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120995] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Recent research has increasingly linked the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to ALS pathogenesis. NLRP3 activation triggers Caspase 1 (CASP 1) auto-activation, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pore formation on the cellular membrane. This process facilitates cytokine secretion and ultimately results in pyroptotic cell death, highlighting the complex interplay of inflammation and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study aimed to characterize the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their colocalization with cellular markers using the wobbler mouse as an ALS animal model. Firstly, we checked the levels of miR-223-3p because of its association with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The wobbler mice showed an increased expression of miR-223-3p in the ventral horn, spinal cord, and cerebellum tissues. Next, increased levels of NLRP3, pro-CASP 1, cleaved CASP 1 (c-CASP 1), full-length GSDMD, and cleaved GDSMD revealed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in wobbler spinal cords, but not in the cerebellum. Furthermore, we investigated the colocalization of the aforementioned proteins with neurons, microglia, and astrocyte markers in the spinal cord tissue. Evidently, the wobbler mice displayed microgliosis, astrogliosis, and motor neuron degeneration in this tissue. Additionally, we showed the upregulation of protein levels and the colocalization of NLRP3, c-CASP1, and GSDMD in neurons, as well as in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, this study demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the spinal cord tissue of wobbler mice, which could further exacerbate the motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in this ALS mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Azam HMH, Rößling RI, Geithe C, Khan MM, Dinter F, Hanack K, Prüß H, Husse B, Roggenbuck D, Schierack P, Rödiger S. MicroRNA biomarkers as next-generation diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1386735. [PMID: 38883980 PMCID: PMC11177777 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1386735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by abnormalities within neurons of the brain or spinal cord that gradually lose function, eventually leading to cell death. Upon examination of affected tissue, pathological changes reveal a loss of synapses, misfolded proteins, and activation of immune cells-all indicative of disease progression-before severe clinical symptoms become apparent. Early detection of NDs is crucial for potentially administering targeted medications that may delay disease advancement. Given their complex pathophysiological features and diverse clinical symptoms, there is a pressing need for sensitive and effective diagnostic methods for NDs. Biomarkers such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as potential tools for detecting these diseases. We explore the pivotal role of miRNAs in the context of NDs, focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The review delves into the intricate relationship between aging and NDs, highlighting structural and functional alterations in the aging brain and their implications for disease development. It elucidates how miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis of NDs and underscores the importance of investigating their expression and function in aging. Significantly, miRNAs exert substantial influence on post-translational modifications (PTMs), impacting not just the nervous system but a wide array of tissues and cell types as well. Specific miRNAs have been found to target proteins involved in ubiquitination or de-ubiquitination processes, which play a significant role in regulating protein function and stability. We discuss the link between miRNA, PTM, and NDs. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of miRNAs as biomarkers for early disease detection, offering insights into diagnostic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Muhammad Husnain Azam
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Rosa Ilse Rößling
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Geithe
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Berlin, Germany
| | - Muhammad Moman Khan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Dinter
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
- PolyAn GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Hanack
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Harald Prüß
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Husse
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Roggenbuck
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schierack
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rödiger
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rashidi SK, Kalirad A, Rafie S, Behzad E, Dezfouli MA. The role of microRNAs in neurobiology and pathophysiology of the hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1226413. [PMID: 37727513 PMCID: PMC10506409 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1226413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding and well-conserved RNAs that are linked to many aspects of development and disorders. MicroRNAs control the expression of genes related to different biological processes and play a prominent role in the harmonious expression of many genes. During neural development of the central nervous system, miRNAs are regulated in time and space. In the mature brain, the dynamic expression of miRNAs continues, highlighting their functional importance in neurons. The hippocampus, as one of the crucial brain structures, is a key component of major functional connections in brain. Gene expression abnormalities in the hippocampus lead to disturbance in neurogenesis, neural maturation and synaptic formation. These disturbances are at the root of several neurological disorders and behavioral deficits, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and schizophrenia. There is strong evidence that abnormalities in miRNAs are contributed in neurodegenerative mechanisms in the hippocampus through imbalanced activity of ion channels, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and neuronal apoptosis. Some miRNAs affect oxidative stress, inflammation, neural differentiation, migration and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, major signaling cascades in neurodegeneration, such as NF-Kβ signaling, PI3/Akt signaling and Notch pathway, are closely modulated by miRNAs. These observations, suggest that microRNAs are significant regulators in the complicated network of gene regulation in the hippocampus. In the current review, we focus on the miRNA functional role in the progression of normal development and neurogenesis of the hippocampus. We also consider how miRNAs in the hippocampus are crucial for gene expression mechanisms in pathophysiological pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Khalil Rashidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ata Kalirad
- Department of Integrative Evolutionary Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shahram Rafie
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Neuroscience Lab, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Behzad
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Neuroscience Lab, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mitra Ansari Dezfouli
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Neuroscience Lab, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Barbosa M, Santos M, de Sousa N, Duarte-Silva S, Vaz AR, Salgado AJ, Brites D. Intrathecal Injection of the Secretome from ALS Motor Neurons Regulated for miR-124 Expression Prevents Disease Outcomes in SOD1-G93A Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092120. [PMID: 36140218 PMCID: PMC9496075 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with short life expectancy and no effective therapy. We previously identified upregulated miR-124 in NSC-34-motor neurons (MNs) expressing human SOD1-G93A (mSOD1) and established its implication in mSOD1 MN degeneration and glial cell activation. When anti-miR-124-treated mSOD1 MN (preconditioned) secretome was incubated in spinal cord organotypic cultures from symptomatic mSOD1 mice, the dysregulated homeostatic balance was circumvented. To decipher the therapeutic potential of such preconditioned secretome, we intrathecally injected it in mSOD1 mice at the early stage of the disease (12-week-old). Preconditioned secretome prevented motor impairment and was effective in counteracting muscle atrophy, glial reactivity/dysfunction, and the neurodegeneration of the symptomatic mSOD1 mice. Deficits in corticospinal function and gait abnormalities were precluded, and the loss of gastrocnemius muscle fiber area was avoided. At the molecular level, the preconditioned secretome enhanced NeuN mRNA/protein expression levels and the PSD-95/TREM2/IL-10/arginase 1/MBP/PLP genes, thus avoiding the neuronal/glial cell dysregulation that characterizes ALS mice. It also prevented upregulated GFAP/Cx43/S100B/vimentin and inflammatory-associated miRNAs, specifically miR-146a/miR-155/miR-21, which are displayed by symptomatic animals. Collectively, our study highlights the intrathecal administration of the secretome from anti-miR-124-treated mSOD1 MNs as a therapeutic strategy for halting/delaying disease progression in an ALS mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barbosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nídia de Sousa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Vaz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António J. Salgado
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Dora Brites
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dysregulated miRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutical Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050770. [PMID: 35629192 PMCID: PMC9143965 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are representative neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) characterized by degeneration of selective neurons, as well as the lack of effective biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. In the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained considerable interest in diagnostics and therapy of NDs, owing to their aberrant expression and their ability to target multiple molecules and pathways. Here, we provide an overview of dysregulated miRNAs in fluids (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) and nervous tissue of AD, PD, and ALS patients. By emphasizing those that are commonly dysregulated in these NDs, we highlight their potential role as biomarkers or therapeutical targets and describe the use of antisense oligonucleotides as miRNA therapies.
Collapse
|
7
|
The Biogenesis of miRNAs and Their Role in the Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030572. [PMID: 35159383 PMCID: PMC8833997 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. As there is no effective treatment for ALS, it is particularly important to screen key gene therapy targets. The identifications of microRNAs (miRNAs) have completely changed the traditional view of gene regulation. miRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent advances also indicate that miRNAs are biomarkers in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in ALS pathogenesis and its application to gene therapy for ALS. The potential of miRNAs to target diverse pathways opens a new avenue for ALS therapy.
Collapse
|