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Hamel K, Moncada EL, Sheeler C, Rosa JG, Gilliat S, Zhang Y, Cvetanovic M. Cerebellar Heterogeneity and Selective vulnerability in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1). Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106530. [PMID: 38750673 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106530] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is one of the key features of the healthy brain and selective vulnerability characterizes many, if not all, neurodegenerative diseases. While cerebellum contains majority of brain cells, neither its heterogeneity nor selective vulnerability in disease are well understood. Here we describe molecular, cellular and functional heterogeneity in the context of healthy cerebellum as well as in cerebellar disease Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1). We first compared disease pathology in cerebellar vermis and hemispheres across anterior to posterior axis in a knock-in SCA1 mouse model. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated earlier and more severe pathology of PCs and glia in the posterior cerebellar vermis of SCA1 mice. We also demonstrate heterogeneity of Bergmann glia in the unaffected, wild-type mice. Then, using RNA sequencing, we found both shared, as well as, posterior cerebellum-specific molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis that include exacerbated gene dysregulation, increased number of altered signaling pathways, and decreased pathway activity scores in the posterior cerebellum of SCA1 mice. We demonstrated unexpectedly large differences in the gene expression between posterior and anterior cerebellar vermis of wild-type mice, indicative of robust intraregional heterogeneity of gene expression in the healthy cerebellum. Additionally, we found that SCA1 disease profoundly reduces intracerebellar heterogeneity of gene expression. Further, using fiber photometry, we found that population level PC calcium activity was altered in the posterior lobules in SCA1 mice during walking. We also identified regional differences in the population level activity of Purkinje cells (PCs) in unrestrained wild-type mice that were diminished in SCA1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Juao-Guilherme Rosa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, USA; Current affiliation Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, 677 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Stephen Gilliat
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, USA; Current affiliation Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 2101 6(th) Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 2101 6(th) Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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2
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Gazulla J, Berciano J. Potential Benefit of Channel Activators in Loss-of-Function Primary Potassium Channelopathies Causing Heredoataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:833-837. [PMID: 37460907 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01584-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Potassium channels (KCN) are transmembrane complexes that regulate the resting membrane potential and the duration of action potentials in cells. The opening of KCN brings about an efflux of K+ ions that induces cell repolarization after depolarization, returns the transmembrane potential to its resting state, and enables for continuous spiking ability. The aim of this work was to assess the role of KCN dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hereditary ataxias and the mechanisms of action of KCN opening agents (KCO). In consequence, a review of the ad hoc medical literature was performed. Among hereditary KCN diseases causing ataxia, mutated Kv3.3, Kv4.3, and Kv1.1 channels provoke spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 13, SCA19/22, and episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), respectively. The K+ efflux was found to be reduced in experimental models of these diseases, resulting in abnormally prolonged depolarization and incomplete repolarization, thereby interfering with repetitive discharges in the cells. Hence, substances able to promote normal spiking activity in the cerebellum could provide symptomatic benefit. Although drugs used in clinical practice do not activate Kv3.3 or Kv4.3 directly, available KCO probably could ameliorate ataxic symptoms in SCA13 and SCA19/22, as verified with acetazolamide in EA1, and retigabine in a mouse model of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. To summarize, ataxia could possibly be improved by non-specific KCO in SCA13 and SCA19/22. The identification of new specific KCO agents will undoubtedly constitute a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Gazulla
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Isabel la Católica, 1-3, 50009, Saragossa, Spain.
| | - José Berciano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), University of Cantabria, CIBERNED, Avenida de Valdecilla S/N, 39008, Santander, Spain
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3
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Meredith AL. BK Channelopathies and KCNMA1-Linked Disease Models. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:277-300. [PMID: 37906945 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-030323-042845] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Novel KCNMA1 variants, encoding the BK K+ channel, are associated with a debilitating dyskinesia and epilepsy syndrome. Neurodevelopmental delay, cognitive disability, and brain and structural malformations are also diagnosed at lower incidence. More than half of affected individuals present with a rare negative episodic motor disorder, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD3). The mechanistic relationship of PNKD3 to epilepsy and the broader spectrum of KCNMA1-associated symptomology is unknown. This review summarizes patient-associated KCNMA1 variants within the BK channel structure, functional classifications, genotype-phenotype associations, disease models, and treatment. Patient and transgenic animal data suggest delineation of gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function KCNMA1 neurogenetic disease, validating two heterozygous alleles encoding GOF BK channels (D434G and N999S) as causing seizure and PNKD3. This discovery led to a variant-defined therapeutic approach for PNKD3, providing initial insight into the neurological basis. A comprehensive clinical definition of monogenic KCNMA1-linked disease and the neuronal mechanisms currently remain priorities for continued investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Meredith
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
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4
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Tejwani L, Ravindra NG, Lee C, Cheng Y, Nguyen B, Luttik K, Ni L, Zhang S, Morrison LM, Gionco J, Xiang Y, Yoon J, Ro H, Haidery F, Grijalva RM, Bae E, Kim K, Martuscello RT, Orr HT, Zoghbi HY, McLoughlin HS, Ranum LPW, Shakkottai VG, Faust PL, Wang S, van Dijk D, Lim J. Longitudinal single-cell transcriptional dynamics throughout neurodegeneration in SCA1. Neuron 2024; 112:362-383.e15. [PMID: 38016472 PMCID: PMC10922326 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.039] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a protracted process involving progressive changes in myriad cell types that ultimately results in the death of vulnerable neuronal populations. To dissect how individual cell types within a heterogeneous tissue contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of a neurodegenerative disorder, we performed longitudinal single-nucleus RNA sequencing of mouse and human spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) cerebellar tissue, establishing continuous dynamic trajectories of each cell population. Importantly, we defined the precise transcriptional changes that precede loss of Purkinje cells and, for the first time, identified robust early transcriptional dysregulation in unipolar brush cells and oligodendroglia. Finally, we applied a deep learning method to predict disease state accurately and identified specific features that enable accurate distinction of wild-type and SCA1 cells. Together, this work reveals new roles for diverse cerebellar cell types in SCA1 and provides a generalizable analysis framework for studying neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Neal G Ravindra
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Changwoo Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yubao Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Billy Nguyen
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Luhan Ni
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Logan M Morrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John Gionco
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Hannah Ro
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Rosalie M Grijalva
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Kristen Kim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Regina T Martuscello
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hayley S McLoughlin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for Neurogenetics, College of Medicine, Genetics Institute, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - David van Dijk
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Janghoo Lim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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5
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Morrison LM, Huang H, Handler HP, Fu M, Bushart DD, Pappas SS, Orr HT, Shakkottai VG. Increased intrinsic membrane excitability is associated with hypertrophic olivary degeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563657. [PMID: 37961407 PMCID: PMC10634770 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the characteristic areas of brainstem degeneration across multiple spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) is the inferior olive (IO), a medullary nucleus that plays a key role in motor learning. In addition to its vulnerability in SCAs, the IO is also susceptible to a distinct pathology known as hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD). Clinically, HOD has been exclusively observed after lesions in the brainstem disrupt inhibitory afferents to the IO. Here, for the first time, we describe HOD in another context: spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Using the genetically-precise SCA1 knock-in mouse model (SCA1-KI; both sexes used), we assessed SCA1-associated changes in IO neuron structure and function. Concurrent with degeneration, we found that SCA1-KI IO neurons are hypertrophic, exhibiting early dendrite lengthening and later somatic expansion. Unlike in previous descriptions of HOD, we observed no clear loss of IO inhibitory innervation; nevertheless, patch-clamp recordings from brainstem slices reveal that SCA1-KI IO neurons are hyperexcitable. Rather than synaptic disinhibition, we identify increases in intrinsic membrane excitability as the more likely mechanism underlying this novel SCA1 phenotype. Specifically, transcriptome analysis indicates that SCA1-KI IO hyperexcitability is associated with a reduced medullary expression of ion channels responsible for spike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in IO neurons - a result that has a functional consequence, as SCA1-KI IO neuron spikes exhibit a diminished AHP. These results reveal membrane excitability as a potential link between disparate causes of IO degeneration, suggesting that HOD can result from any cause, intrinsic or extrinsic, that increases excitability of the IO neuron membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan M. Morrison
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Haoran Huang
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Hillary P. Handler
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Minnesota Fairview Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Min Fu
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - David D. Bushart
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Samuel S. Pappas
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Harry T. Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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6
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Kumar A, Lin CC, Kuo SH, Pan MK. Physiological Recordings of the Cerebellum in Movement Disorders. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:985-1001. [PMID: 36070135 PMCID: PMC10354710 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01473-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum plays an important role in movement disorders, specifically in symptoms of ataxia, tremor, and dystonia. Understanding the physiological signals of the cerebellum contributes to insights into the pathophysiology of these movement disorders and holds promise in advancing therapeutic development. Non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalogram and magnetoencephalogram can record neural signals with high temporal resolution at the millisecond level, which is uniquely suitable to interrogate cerebellar physiology. These techniques have recently been implemented to study cerebellar physiology in healthy subjects as well as individuals with movement disorders. In the present review, we focus on the current understanding of cerebellar physiology using these techniques to study movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chih-Chun Lin
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, 650 W 168thStreet, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Cerebellar Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, 64041, Taiwan.
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, 11529, Taiwan.
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7
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Huang H, Shakkottai VG. Targeting Ion Channels and Purkinje Neuron Intrinsic Membrane Excitability as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cerebellar Ataxia. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1350. [PMID: 37374132 DOI: 10.3390/life13061350] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, a convergence of widely varying insults results in a loss of dopaminergic neurons and, thus, the motor symptoms of the disease. Dopamine replacement therapy with agents such as levodopa is a mainstay of therapy. Cerebellar ataxias, a heterogeneous group of currently untreatable conditions, have not been identified to have a shared physiology that is a target of therapy. In this review, we propose that perturbations in cerebellar Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability, a result of ion channel dysregulation, is a common pathophysiologic mechanism that drives motor impairment and vulnerability to degeneration in cerebellar ataxias of widely differing genetic etiologies. We further propose that treatments aimed at restoring Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability have the potential to be a shared therapy in cerebellar ataxia akin to levodopa for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Huang
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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8
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Nicoletti F, Di Menna L, Iacovelli L, Orlando R, Zuena AR, Conn PJ, Dogra S, Joffe ME. GPCR interactions involving metabotropic glutamate receptors and their relevance to the pathophysiology and treatment of CNS disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 235:109569. [PMID: 37142158 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular responses to metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor activation are shaped by mechanisms of receptor-receptor interaction. mGlu receptor subtypes form homodimers, intra- or inter-group heterodimers, and heteromeric complexes with other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In addition, mGlu receptors may functionally interact with other receptors through the βγ subunits released from G proteins in response to receptor activation or other mechanisms. Here, we discuss the interactions between (i) mGlu1 and GABAB receptors in cerebellar Purkinje cells; (ii) mGlu2 and 5-HT2Aserotonergic receptors in the prefrontal cortex; (iii) mGlu5 and A2A receptors or mGlu5 and D1 dopamine receptors in medium spiny projection neurons of the indirect and direct pathways of the basal ganglia motor circuit; (iv) mGlu5 and A2A receptors in relation to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease; and (v) mGlu7 and A1 adenosine or α- or β1 adrenergic receptors. In addition, we describe in detail a novel form of non-heterodimeric interaction between mGlu3 and mGlu5 receptors, which appears to be critically involved in mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Finally, we highlight the potential implication of these interactions in the pathophysiology and treatment of cerebellar disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias, stress-related disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Orlando
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Zuena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Italy; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Shalini Dogra
- Department of Pharmacology, Italy; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Max E Joffe
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
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9
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Kerkhof LMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Roon-Mom WMC, Buijsen RAM. Therapeutic Strategies for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050788. [PMID: 37238658 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050788] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects one or two individuals per 100,000. The disease is caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 8 of the ATXN1 gene and is characterized mostly by a profound loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, leading to disturbances in coordination, balance, and gait. At present, no curative treatment is available for SCA1. However, increasing knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SCA1 has led the way towards several therapeutic strategies that can potentially slow disease progression. SCA1 therapeutics can be classified as genetic, pharmacological, and cell replacement therapies. These different therapeutic strategies target either the (mutant) ATXN1 RNA or the ataxin-1 protein, pathways that play an important role in downstream SCA1 disease mechanisms or which help restore cells that are lost due to SCA1 pathology. In this review, we will provide a summary of the different therapeutic strategies that are currently being investigated for SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M C Kerkhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Jain M, Patil N, Abdi G, Abbasi Tarighat M, Mohammed A, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Goh KW. Mechanistic Insights and Potential Therapeutic Approaches in PolyQ Diseases via Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010162. [PMID: 36672670 PMCID: PMC9856063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010162] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a group of congenital neurodegenerative diseases categorized with genomic abnormalities in the expansion of CAG triplet repeats in coding regions of specific disease-related genes. Protein aggregates are the toxic hallmark for polyQ diseases and initiate neuronal death. Autophagy is a catabolic process that aids in the removal of damaged organelles or toxic protein aggregates, a process required to maintain cellular homeostasis that has the potential to fight against neurodegenerative diseases, but this pathway gets affected under diseased conditions, as there is a direct impact on autophagy-related gene expression. The increase in the accumulation of autophagy vesicles reported in neurodegenerative diseases was due to an increase in autophagy or may have been due to a decrease in autophagy flux. These reports suggested that there is a contribution of autophagy in the pathology of diseases and regulation in the process of autophagy. It was demonstrated in various disease models of polyQ diseases that autophagy upregulation by using modulators can enhance the dissolution of toxic aggregates and delay disease progression. In this review, interaction of the autophagy pathway with polyQ diseases was analyzed, and a therapeutic approach with autophagy inducing drugs was established for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Jain
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Nil Patil
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Gholamreza Abdi
- Department of Biotechnology, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, 75169, Iran
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Maryam Abbasi Tarighat
- Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Iran
| | - Arifullah Mohammed
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli 17600, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Rajaei Ahmad Mohd Zain
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
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11
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Srinivasan SR. Targeting Circuit Abnormalities in Neurodegenerative Disease. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:38-44. [PMID: 36310030 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvement in our ability to diagnose both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases and understand their underlying biologic mechanisms, there remains a disproportionate lack of effective treatments, reflecting the complexity of these disorders. Successfully advancing novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders will require reconsideration of traditional approaches, which to date have focused largely on specific disease proteins or cells of origin. This article proposes reframing these diseases as conditions of dysfunctional circuitry as a complement to ongoing efforts. Specifically reviewed is how aberrant spiking is a common downstream mechanism in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, often driven by dysfunction in specific ion channels. Surgical modification of this electrical activity via deep brain stimulation is already an approved modality for many of these disorders. Therefore, restoring proper electrical activity by targeting these channels pharmacologically represents a viable strategy for intervention, not only for symptomatic management but also as a potential disease-modifying therapy. Such an approach is likely to be a promising route to treating these devastating disorders, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with current drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite extensive research and improved understanding of the biology driving neurodegenerative disease, there has not been a concomitant increase in approved therapies. Accordingly, it is time to shift our perspective and recognize these diseases also as disorders of circuitry to further yield novel drug targets and new interventions. An approach focused on treating dysfunctional circuitry has the potential to reduce or reverse patient symptoms and potentially modify disease course.
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12
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Borgenheimer E, Hamel K, Sheeler C, Moncada FL, Sbrocco K, Zhang Y, Cvetanovic M. Single nuclei RNA sequencing investigation of the Purkinje cell and glial changes in the cerebellum of transgenic Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:998408. [PMID: 36457352 PMCID: PMC9706545 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.998408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells constitute half the population of the human brain and are essential for normal brain function. Most, if not all, brain diseases are characterized by reactive gliosis, a process by which glial cells respond and contribute to neuronal pathology. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a severe degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and cerebellar gliosis. SCA1 is caused by an abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the gene Ataxin1 (ATXN1). While several studies reported the effects of mutant ATXN1 in Purkinje cells, it remains unclear how cerebellar glia respond to dysfunctional Purkinje cells in SCA1. To address this question, we performed single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA seq) on cerebella of early stage Pcp2-ATXN1[82Q] mice, a transgenic SCA1 mouse model expressing mutant ATXN1 only in Purkinje cells. We found no changes in neuronal and glial proportions in the SCA1 cerebellum at this early disease stage compared to wild-type controls. Importantly, we observed profound non-cell autonomous and potentially neuroprotective reactive gene and pathway alterations in Bergmann glia, velate astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in response to Purkinje cell dysfunction.
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13
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Rosenthal LS. Neurodegenerative Cerebellar Ataxia. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2022; 28:1409-1434. [DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Egorova PA, Bezprozvanny IB. Electrophysiological Studies Support Utility of Positive Modulators of SK Channels for the Treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:742-749. [PMID: 34978024 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an incurable hereditary disorder accompanied by cerebellar degeneration following ataxic symptoms. The causative gene for SCA2 is ATXN2. The ataxin-2 protein is involved in RNA metabolism; the polyQ expansion may interrupt ataxin-2 interaction with its molecular targets, thus representing a loss-of-function mutation. However, mutant ataxin-2 protein also displays the features of gain-of-function mutation since it forms the aggregates in SCA2 cells and also enhances the IP3-induced calcium release in affected neurons. The cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are primarily affected in SCA2. Their tonic pacemaker activity is crucial for the proper cerebellar functioning. Disturbances in PC pacemaking are observed in many ataxic disorders. The abnormal intrinsic pacemaking was reported in mouse models of episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, Huntington's disease (HD), and in some other murine models of the disorders associated with the cerebellar degeneration. In our studies using SCA2-58Q transgenic mice via cerebellar slice recording and in vivo recording from urethane-anesthetized mice and awake head-fixed mice, we have demonstrated the impaired firing frequency and irregularity of PCs in these mice. PC pacemaker activity is regulated by SK channels. The pharmacological activation of SK channels has demonstrated some promising results in the electrophysiological experiments on EA2, SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, HD mice, and also on mutant CACNA1A mice. In our studies, we have reported that the SK activators CyPPA and NS309 converted bursting activity into tonic, while oral treatment with CyPPA and NS13001 significantly improved motor performance and PC morphology in SCA2 mice. The i.p. injections of chlorzoxazone (CHZ) during in vivo recording sessions converted bursting cells into tonic in anesthetized SCA2 mice. And, finally, long-term injections of CHZ recovered the precision of PC pacemaking activity in awake SCA2 mice and alleviated their motor decline. Thus, the SK activation can be used as a potential way to treat SCA2 and other diseases accompanied by cerebellar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina A Egorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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15
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Srinivasan SR, Huang H, Chang WC, Nasburg JA, Nguyen HM, Strassmaier T, Wulff H, Shakkottai VG. Discovery of Novel Activators of Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels for the Treatment of Cerebellar Ataxia. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:438-449. [PMID: 35489717 PMCID: PMC9341255 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired cerebellar Purkinje neuron firing resulting from reduced expression of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels is a consistent feature in models of inherited neurodegenerative spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Restoring BK channel expression improves motor function and delays cerebellar degeneration, indicating that BK channels are an attractive therapeutic target. Current BK channel activators lack specificity and potency and are therefore poor templates for future drug development. We implemented an automated patch clamp platform for high-throughput drug discovery of BK channel activators using the Nanion SyncroPatch 384PE system. We screened over 15,000 compounds for their ability to increase BK channel current amplitude under conditions of lower intracellular calcium that is present in disease. We identified several novel BK channel activators that were then retested on the SyncroPatch 384PE to generate concentration-response curves (CRCs). Compounds with favorable CRCs were subsequently tested for their ability to improve irregular cerebellar Purkinje neuron spiking, characteristic of BK channel dysfunction in SCA1 mice. We identified a novel BK channel activator, 4-chloro-N-(5-chloro-2-cyanophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonamide (herein renamed BK-20), that exhibited a more potent half-maximal activation of BK current (pAC50 = 4.64) than NS-1619 (pAC50 = 3.7) at a free internal calcium concentration of 270 nM in a heterologous expression system and improved spiking regularity in SCA1 Purkinje neurons. BK-20 had no activity on small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK)1-3 channels but interestingly was a potent blocker of the T-type calcium channel, Cav3.1 (IC50 = 1.05 μM). Our work describes both a novel compound for further drug development in disorders with irregular Purkinje spiking and a unique platform for drug discovery in degenerative ataxias. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Motor impairment associated with altered Purkinje cell spiking due to dysregulation of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel expression and function is a shared feature of disease in many degenerative ataxias. BK channel activators represent an outstanding therapeutic agent for ataxia. We have developed a high-throughput platform to screen for BK channel activators and identified a novel compound that can serve as a template for future drug development for the treatment of these disabling disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharan R Srinivasan
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Haoran Huang
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Wei-Chih Chang
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Joshua A Nasburg
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Tim Strassmaier
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Heike Wulff
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts (S.R.S.); University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Dallas, Texas (H.H., V.G.S.); University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, Michigan (S.R.S., W.-C.C.); University of California, Davis, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, California (J.A.N., H.M.N., H.W.); and Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany (T.S.)
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16
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Bushart DD, Shakkottai VG. Vulnerability of Human Cerebellar Neurons to Degeneration in Ataxia-Causing Channelopathies. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:908569. [PMID: 35757096 PMCID: PMC9219590 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.908569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in ion channel genes underlie a number of human neurological diseases. Historically, human mutations in ion channel genes, the so-called channelopathies, have been identified to cause episodic disorders. In the last decade, however, mutations in ion channel genes have been demonstrated to result in progressive neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, particularly with ion channels that are enriched in the cerebellum. This was unexpected given prior rodent ion channel knock-out models that almost never display neurodegeneration. Human ataxia-causing channelopathies that result in even haploinsufficiency can result in cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar Purkinje neuron loss. Rodent neurons with ion channel loss-of-function appear to, therefore, be significantly more resistant to neurodegeneration compared to human neurons. Fundamental differences in susceptibility of human and rodent cerebellar neurons in ataxia-causing channelopathies must therefore be present. In this review, we explore the properties of human neurons that may contribute to their vulnerability to cerebellar degeneration secondary to ion channel loss-of-function mutations. We present a model taking into account the known allometric scaling of neuronal ion channel density in humans and other mammals that may explain the preferential vulnerability of human cerebellar neurons to degeneration in ataxia-causing channelopathies. We also speculate on the vulnerability of cerebellar neurons to degeneration in mouse models of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) where ion channel transcript dysregulation has recently been implicated in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Bushart
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Vikram G. Shakkottai,
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17
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Martinez-Rojas VA, Juarez-Hernandez LJ, Musio C. Ion channels and neuronal excitability in polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:183-199. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a family composed of nine neurodegenerative inherited disorders (NDDs) caused by pathological expansions of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats which encode a polyQ tract in the corresponding proteins. CAG polyQ repeat expansions produce neurodegeneration via multiple downstream mechanisms; among those the neuronal activity underlying the ion channels is affected directly by specific channelopathies or indirectly by secondary dysregulation. In both cases, the altered excitability underlies to gain- or loss-of-function pathological effects. Here we summarize the repertoire of ion channels in polyQ NDDs emphasizing the biophysical features of neuronal excitability and their pathogenic role. The aim of this review is to point out the value of a deeper understanding of those functional mechanisms and processes as crucial elements for the designing and targeting of novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A. Martinez-Rojas
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
| | - Leon J. Juarez-Hernandez
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
| | - Carlo Musio
- Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Trento Unit, National Research Council (CNR) , Via Sommarive 18 , 38123 Trento , Italy
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18
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Ghanekar SD, Kuo SH, Staffetti JS, Zesiewicz TA. Current and Emerging Treatment Modalities for Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:101-114. [PMID: 35081319 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2029703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases that dramatically affect the lives of affected individuals and their families. Despite having a clear understanding of SCA's etiology, there are no current symptomatic or neuroprotective treatments approved by the FDA. AREAS COVERED Research efforts have greatly expanded the possibilities for potential treatments, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Great attention is also being given to novel therapeutics based in gene therapy, neurostimulation, and molecular targeting. This review article will address the current advances in the treatment of SCA and what potential interventions are on the horizon. EXPERT OPINION SCA is a highly complex and multifaceted disease family with the majority of research emphasizing symptomatic pharmacologic therapies. As pre-clinical trials for SCA and clinical trials for other neurodegenerative conditions illuminate the efficacy of disease modifying therapies such as AAV-mediated gene therapy and ASOs, the potential for addressing SCA at the pre-symptomatic stage is increasingly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila D Ghanekar
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.,James A Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph S Staffetti
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.,James A Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Theresa A Zesiewicz
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.,James A Haley Veteran's Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
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19
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Cendelin J, Cvetanovic M, Gandelman M, Hirai H, Orr HT, Pulst SM, Strupp M, Tichanek F, Tuma J, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Strengths and Weaknesses of Animal Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Their Clinical Implications. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:452-481. [PMID: 34378174 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of hereditary degenerative diseases of the nervous system, in particular the cerebellum, and other systems that manifest with a variety of progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits with the leading symptom of cerebellar ataxia. SCAs often lead to severe impairments of the patient's functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. For SCAs, there are no proven effective pharmacotherapies that improve the symptoms or substantially delay disease progress, i.e., disease-modifying therapies. To study SCA pathogenesis and potential therapies, animal models have been widely used and are an essential part of pre-clinical research. They mainly include mice, but also other vertebrates and invertebrates. Each animal model has its strengths and weaknesses arising from model animal species, type of genetic manipulation, and similarity to human diseases. The types of murine and non-murine models of SCAs, their contribution to the investigation of SCA pathogenesis, pathological phenotype, and therapeutic approaches including their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in this paper. There is a consensus among the panel of experts that (1) animal models represent valuable tools to improve our understanding of SCAs and discover and assess novel therapies for this group of neurological disorders characterized by diverse mechanisms and differential degenerative progressions, (2) thorough phenotypic assessment of individual animal models is required for studies addressing therapeutic approaches, (3) comparative studies are needed to bring pre-clinical research closer to clinical trials, and (4) mouse models complement cellular and invertebrate models which remain limited in terms of clinical translation for complex neurological disorders such as SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic. .,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.,Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7843, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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20
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Clenbuterol-sensitive delayed outward potassium currents in a cell model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1213-1227. [PMID: 34021780 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02559-6] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. SBMA is characterized by selective dysfunction and degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord through still unclear mechanisms in which ion channel modulation might play a central role as for other neurodegenerative diseases. The beta2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol was observed to ameliorate the SBMA phenotype in mice and patient-derived myotubes. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has yet to be clarified. Here, we unveil that ionic current alterations induced by the expression of polyQ-expanded AR in motor neuron-derived MN-1 cells are attenuated by the administration of clenbuterol. Our combined electrophysiological and pharmacological approach allowed us to reveal that clenbuterol modifies delayed outward potassium currents. Overall, we demonstrated that the protection provided by clenbuterol restores the normal function through the modulation of KV2-type outward potassium currents, possibly contributing to the protective effect on motor neuron toxicity in SBMA.
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21
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Chopra R, Bushart DD, Cooper JP, Yellajoshyula D, Morrison LM, Huang H, Handler HP, Man LJ, Dansithong W, Scoles DR, Pulst SM, Orr HT, Shakkottai VG. Altered Capicua expression drives regional Purkinje neuron vulnerability through ion channel gene dysregulation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3249-3265. [PMID: 32964235 PMCID: PMC7689299 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative disease is poorly understood. Using the ATXN1[82Q] model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), we explored the hypothesis that regional differences in Purkinje neuron degeneration could provide novel insights into selective vulnerability. ATXN1[82Q] Purkinje neurons from the anterior cerebellum were found to degenerate earlier than those from the nodular zone, and this early degeneration was associated with selective dysregulation of ion channel transcripts and altered Purkinje neuron spiking. Efforts to understand the basis for selective dysregulation of channel transcripts revealed modestly increased expression of the ATXN1 co-repressor Capicua (Cic) in anterior cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Importantly, disrupting the association between ATXN1 and Cic rescued the levels of these ion channel transcripts, and lentiviral overexpression of Cic in the nodular zone accelerated both aberrant Purkinje neuron spiking and neurodegeneration. These findings reinforce the central role for Cic in SCA1 cerebellar pathophysiology and suggest that only modest reductions in Cic are needed to have profound therapeutic impact in SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Chopra
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David D Bushart
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John P Cooper
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - Logan M Morrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Haoran Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hillary P Handler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Luke J Man
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Warunee Dansithong
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Daniel R Scoles
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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