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Zhou L, Xie M, Wang X, Xu R. The usage and advantages of several common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1341109. [PMID: 38595972 PMCID: PMC11002901 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1341109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Animal models are essential for investigating pathogenesis and reflecting clinical manifestations, particularly in developing reasonable prevention and therapeutic methods for human diseases. Over the decades, researchers have established a host of different animal models in order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, pigs, dogs, and more recently, non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in ALS, contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe several common animal models in ALS, classified by the naturally occurring and experimentally induced, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, and their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight the pros and cons aimed at helping the researcher select the most appropriate among those common experimental animal models when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Health Management Center, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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2
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Ruiz M, Martínez-Vidal AF, Morales JM, Monleón D, Giménez Y Ribotta M. Neurodegenerative changes are prevented by Erythropoietin in the pmn model of motoneuron degeneration. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:137-53. [PMID: 24769002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive loss of motoneurons, muscle weakness and premature death. The progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mutant mouse has been considered a good model for the autosomal recessive childhood form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Erythropoietin (Epo) on this mutant mouse. Symptomatic or pre-symptomatic treatment with Epo significantly prolongs lifespan by 84.6% or 87.2% respectively. Epo preserves muscle strength and significantly attenuates behavioural motor deficits of mutant pmn mice. Histological and metabolic changes in the spinal cord evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and high-resolution (1)H-NMR spectroscopy were also greatly prevented by Epo-treatment. Our results illustrate the efficacy of Epo in improving quality of life of mutant pmn mice and open novel therapeutic pathways for motoneuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ruiz
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Fe Martínez-Vidal
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - José Manuel Morales
- Unidad Central de Investigación en Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Monleón
- Fundación de Investigación del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia (FIHCUV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Minerva Giménez Y Ribotta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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3
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Schaefer MKE, Schmalbruch H, Buhler E, Lopez C, Martin N, Guénet JL, Haase G. Progressive motor neuronopathy: a critical role of the tubulin chaperone TBCE in axonal tubulin routing from the Golgi apparatus. J Neurosci 2007; 27:8779-89. [PMID: 17699660 PMCID: PMC6672183 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1599-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal degeneration represents one of the earliest pathological features in motor neuron diseases. We here studied the underlying molecular mechanisms in progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice mutated in the tubulin-specific chaperone TBCE. We demonstrate that TBCE is a peripheral membrane-associated protein that accumulates at the Golgi apparatus. In pmn mice, TBCE is destabilized and disappears from the Golgi apparatus of motor neurons, and microtubules are lost in distal axons. The axonal microtubule loss proceeds retrogradely in parallel with the axonal dying back process. These degenerative changes are inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by transgenic TBCE complementation that restores TBCE expression at the Golgi apparatus. In cultured motor neurons, the pmn mutation, interference RNA-mediated TBCE depletion, and brefeldin A-mediated Golgi disruption all compromise axonal tubulin routing. We conclude that motor axons critically depend on axonal tubulin routing from the Golgi apparatus, a process that involves TBCE and possibly other tubulin chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. E. Schaefer
- Inserm, Unité 29, Equipe Avenir, 13273 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, 13284 Marseille, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Buhler
- Inserm, Unité 29, Equipe Avenir, 13273 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, 13284 Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Inserm, Unité 29, Equipe Avenir, 13273 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, 13284 Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Georg Haase
- Inserm, Unité 29, Equipe Avenir, 13273 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, 13284 Marseille, France
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4
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Appert-Collin A, Duong FHT, Passilly-Degrace P, Gies JP, Warter JM, Poindron P. Quantification of neurotrophin mRNA expression in PMN mouse: modulation by xaliproden. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2004; 17:157-64. [PMID: 15171816 DOI: 10.1177/039463200401700207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds possessing neurotrophic properties may represent a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Xaliproden (SR57746A), an orally-active non-peptide compound, which has been found to exhibit neurotrophic effects in vitro and in vivo, increased the lifespan and delayed the progression of the motor neuron degeneration in PMN mice. We have used a quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction amplification technique to study the regulation of neurotrophin mRNA and trk mRNA expression in PMN mice. NGF and NT-3 mRNA are downregulated in PMN mice. These deficiencies can be overcome by a treatment with xaliproden. Such an effect could contribute to neurotrophic effects of xaliproden in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Appert-Collin
- University Louis Pasteur, Pharmacology Faculty, Illkirch Cedex, France
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5
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Haenggeli C, Kato AC. Differential vulnerability of cranial motoneurons in mouse models with motor neuron degeneration. Neurosci Lett 2002; 335:39-43. [PMID: 12457737 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)01140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of selective motoneuron populations, yet it remains unclear why some groups of motoneurons are more vulnerable than others. Our aim was to compare the motoneuron loss in five cranial nuclei at different stages of the disease in three mouse models of ALS: two naturally occurring murine models (progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) and wobbler) and a transgenic mouse model with a human G93A mutation in the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene. By quantifying these different motoneuron populations we report that the degree of degeneration in the various cranial motoneuron nuclei depends on the mouse model and the stage of the disease. The biologically most significant difference between the mutations occurs in the oculomotor/trochlear nucleus which is affected in the pmn mouse but not in the wobbler and SOD G93A mice. These results suggest that there is a selective degeneration of cranial motoneurons in these mouse models as in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Haenggeli
- Department of Pharmacology (APSIC) and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Martin N, Jaubert J, Gounon P, Salido E, Haase G, Szatanik M, Guénet JL. A missense mutation in Tbce causes progressive motor neuronopathy in mice. Nat Genet 2002; 32:443-7. [PMID: 12389029 DOI: 10.1038/ng1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2002] [Accepted: 09/12/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mice that are homozygous with respect to the progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mutation (chromosome 13) develop a progressive caudio-cranial degeneration of their motor axons from the age of two weeks and die four to six weeks after birth. The mutation is fully penetrant, and expressivity does not depend on the genetic background. Based on its pathological features, the pmn mutation has been considered an excellent model for the autosomal recessive proximal childhood form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Previously, we demonstrated that the genes responsible for these disorders were not orthologous. Here, we identify the pmn mutation as resulting in a Trp524Gly substitution at the last residue of the tubulin-specific chaperone e (Tbce) protein that leads to decreased protein stability. Electron microscopy of the sciatic and phrenic nerves of affected mice showed a reduced number of microtubules, probably due to defective stabilization. Transgenic complementation with a wildtype Tbce cDNA restored a normal phenotype in mutant mice. Our observations indicate that Tbce is critical for the maintenance of microtubules in mouse motor axons, and suggest that altered function of tubulin cofactors might be implicated in human motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martin
- Unité de Génétique des Mammifères, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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7
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Martin N, Jaubert J, Glaser P, Szatanik M, Guénet JL. Genetic and physical delineation of the region overlapping the progressive motor neuropathy (pmn) locus on mouse chromosome 13. Genomics 2001; 75:9-16. [PMID: 11472062 DOI: 10.1006/geno.2001.6595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The mouse autosomal recessive mutation progressive motor neuropathy (pmn) results in early onset motor neuron disease with rapidly progressing hindlimb paralysis, severe muscular wasting, and death at 4--6 weeks of age. pmn is thus considered a good animal model for motor neuron diseases and the characterization of the causative gene should help in understanding the biological causes of human spinal muscular atrophies. Here we report the generation of a physical map based on a high-resolution and high-density genetic map encompassing the pmn locus on mouse chromosome 13. We have positioned the pmn locus and a cluster of markers cosegregating with it within a genetic interval of 0.30 cM, delineated by two clusters of markers. We have constructed an approximately 850-kb contig of BACs spanning the pmn critical region. This BAC contig contains the breakpoint of synteny between mouse chromosome 13 and human 1q and 7p regions and lays the foundation for identifying at the molecular level such a breakpoint region. The physical and genetic maps provided a support for the identification of five transcription units positioned in the nonrecombinant interval, and constitute invaluable tools for the identification of other candidate genes for the pmn mutation.
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MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Animals
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes, Artificial, Yeast
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7
- Contig Mapping
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- Gene Library
- Genes, Recessive
- Genetic Markers
- Haplotypes
- Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Models, Genetic
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Motor Neuron Disease/genetics
- Physical Chromosome Mapping
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- N Martin
- Unité de Génétique des Mammiferes, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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8
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Haase G, Pettmann B, Bordet T, Villa P, Vigne E, Schmalbruch H, Kahn A. Therapeutic benefit of ciliary neurotrophic factor in progressive motor neuronopathy depends on the route of delivery. Ann Neurol 2001. [DOI: 10.1002/1531-8249(199903)45:3<296::aid-ana4>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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9
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Kennel P, Revah F, Bohme GA, Bejuit R, Gallix P, Stutzmann JM, Imperato A, Pratt J. Riluzole prolongs survival and delays muscle strength deterioration in mice with progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn). J Neurol Sci 2000; 180:55-61. [PMID: 11090865 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(00)00423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The neuroprotective drug riluzole (Rilutek) is a sodium channel blocker and anti-excitotoxic drug which is marketed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous studies have shown that riluzole prolongs survival of transgenic mice harboring the mutated form of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase found in familial forms of the human disease. In this study we have examined the effect of treatment with riluzole in mice suffering from progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn), a hereditary autosomal recessive wasting disease which shares some symptoms of ALS. These mutants display hind limb weakness starting during the 3rd week of life and leading to paralysis and death during the 7th week of life. Daily treatment with 8 mg/kg of riluzole by oral route significantly retarded the appearance of paralysis, increased life span and improved motor performance on grip test and electromyographic results in the early stage of the disease. There was no effect of riluzole on weight gain. These data demonstrate that riluzole significantly prolongs life span, retards the onset of paralysis and slows the evolution of functional parameters connected with muscle strength in the pmn mouse model of motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kennel
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Aventis Pharma S.A., BP 14, 94403 Vitry-sur-Seine, France.
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10
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Sagot Y, Toni N, Perrelet D, Lurot S, King B, Rixner H, Mattenberger L, Waldmeier PC, Kato AC. An orally active anti-apoptotic molecule (CGP 3466B) preserves mitochondria and enhances survival in an animal model of motoneuron disease. Br J Pharmacol 2000; 131:721-8. [PMID: 11030721 PMCID: PMC1572390 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be involved in the aetiology of neurodegenerative diseases. We have tested an orally active anti-apoptotic molecule (CGP 3466B) that binds to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in an animal model with motoneuron degeneration, i.e. a mouse mutant with progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn). In pmn/pmn mice, CGP 3466B was administered orally (10 - 100 nmol kg(-1)) at the onset of the clinical symptoms (2 weeks after birth). CGP 3466B slowed disease progression as determined by a 57% increase in life-span, preservation of body weight and motor performance. This improvement was accompanied by a decreased loss of motoneurons and motoneuron fibres as well as an increase in retrograde transport. Electron microscopic analysis showed that CGP 3466B protects mitochondria which appear to be selectively disrupted in the motoneurons of pmn/pmn mice. The data support evaluation of CGP 3466B as a potential treatment for motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sagot
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - N Toni
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - D Perrelet
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - S Lurot
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - B King
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - H Rixner
- Novartis, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - L Mattenberger
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | | | - A C Kato
- Department of APSIC and Division of Clinical Neuromuscular Research, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Author for correspondence:
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11
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Grohmann K, Wienker TF, Saar K, Rudnik-Schöneborn S, Stoltenburg-Didinger G, Rossi R, Novelli G, Nürnberg G, Pfeufer A, Wirth B, Reis A, Zerres K, Hübner C. Diaphragmatic spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress is heterogeneous, and one form Is linked to chromosome 11q13-q21. Am J Hum Genet 1999; 65:1459-62. [PMID: 10521314 PMCID: PMC1288300 DOI: 10.1086/302636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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12
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Bordet T, Schmalbruch H, Pettmann B, Hagege A, Castelnau-Ptakhine L, Kahn A, Haase G. Adenoviral cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer protects pmn mice from progressive motor neuronopathy. J Clin Invest 1999; 104:1077-85. [PMID: 10525046 PMCID: PMC408570 DOI: 10.1172/jci6265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), an IL-6-related cytokine, causes hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes and has pleiotropic effects on various other cell types, including motoneurons. Here, we analyzed systemic CT-1 effects in progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice that suffer from progressive motoneuronal degeneration, muscle paralysis, and premature death. Administration of an adenoviral CT-1 vector to newborn pmn mice leads to sustained CT-1 expression in the injected muscles and bloodstream, prolonged survival of animals, and improved motor functions. CT-1-treated pmn mice showed a significantly reduced degeneration of facial motoneuron cytons and phrenic nerve myelinated axons. The terminal innervation of skeletal muscle, grossly disturbed in untreated pmn mice, was almost completely preserved in CT-1-treated pmn mice. The remarkable neuroprotection conferred by CT-1 might become clinically relevant if CT-1 side effects, including cardiotoxicity, could be circumvented by a more targeted delivery of this cytokine to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bordet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U.129, Institut Cochin de Génétique Moléculaire, 75014 Paris, France
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13
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Haase G, Pettmann B, Vigne E, Castelnau-Ptakhine L, Schmalbruch H, Kahn A. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the neurotrophin-3 gene into skeletal muscle of pmn mice: therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action. J Neurol Sci 1998; 160 Suppl 1:S97-105. [PMID: 9851658 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(98)00207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several neurotrophic factors (CNTF, BDNF, IGF-1) have been suggested for the treatment of motor neuron diseases. In ALS patients, however, the repeated subcutaneous injection of these factors as recombinant proteins is complicated by their toxicity or poor bioavailability. We have constructed an adenovirus vector coding for neurotrophin-3 (AdNT-3) allowing for stable and/or targeted delivery of NT-3 to motoneurons. The intramuscular administration of this vector was tested in the mouse mutant pmn (progressive motor neuronopathy). AdNT-3-treated pmn mice showed prolonged lifespan, improved neuromuscular function, reduced motor axonal degeneration and efficient reinnervation of muscle fibres. NT-3 protein and also adenovirus vectors, when injected into muscle, can be transported by motoneurons via retrograde axonal transport to their cell bodies in the spinal cord. Using ELISA and RT-PCR analyses in muscle, spinal cord and serum of AdNT-3-treated pmn mice, we have investigated the contribution of these processes to the observed therapeutic effects. Our results suggest that most if not all therapeutic benefit was due to the continuous systemic liberation of adenoviral NT-3. Therefore, viral gene therapy vectors auch as adenoviruses, AAVs, lentiviruses and new types of gene transfer not based on viral vectors that allow for efficient in vivo liberation of neurotrophic factors have potential for the future treatment of human motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haase
- INSERM U.129, ICGM, 24, Paris, France.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Fisher
- Neurogenetics Unit, Imperial College of Medicine at St Mary's, London, UK
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15
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Sagot Y, Vejsada R, Kato AC. Clinical and molecular aspects of motoneurone diseases: animal models, neurotrophic factors and Bcl-2 oncoprotein. Trends Pharmacol Sci 1997; 18:330-7. [PMID: 9345852 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-6147(97)01094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of motor neurone disease (MND) are being increasingly used for screening molecules with clinical potential. A number of different treatments to decrease the progression of neuronal cell loss have been proposed; these include: Bcl-2 (B-cell leukaemia oncogene-2), neurotrophic factors, glutamate receptor inhibitors and Ca2+ channel antagonists. In this review Yves Sagot, Richard Vejsada and Ann C. Kato focus on the effects of neurotrophic factors and Bcl-2, both of which have been shown to prevent cell death in various experimental paradigms. Studies performed in animal models of MND have confirmed the potential of these molecules to support motoneurone survival. Some of them have been shown to act in synergy and these results are discussed in the context of molecular mechanisms leading to collaborative and synergistic activities, and also with respect to presumptive subpopulations of motoneurones, which express diverse receptors for neurotrophic factors. Finally, the current status of clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using neurotrophic factors will be discussed, as well as recent reports that neurotrophic factors can exert adverse effects on neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sagot
- Department of Pharmacology, Geneva University, Switzerland
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16
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Clinical and molecular aspects of motoneurone diseases: animal models, neurotrophic factors and Bcl-2 oncoprotein. Trends Pharmacol Sci 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0165-6147(97)90659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Haase G, Kennel P, Pettmann B, Vigne E, Akli S, Revah F, Schmalbruch H, Kahn A. Gene therapy of murine motor neuron disease using adenoviral vectors for neurotrophic factors. Nat Med 1997; 3:429-36. [PMID: 9095177 DOI: 10.1038/nm0497-429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy cause progressive paralysis, often leading to premature death. Neurotrophic factors have been suggested as therapeutic agents for motor neuron diseases, but their clinical use as injected recombinant protein was limited by toxicity and/or poor bioavailability. We demonstrate here that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) can produce substantial therapeutic effects in the mouse mutant pmn (progressive motor neuronopathy). After intramuscular injection of the NT-3 adenoviral vector, pmn mice showed a 50% increase in life span, reduced loss of motor axons and improved neuromuscular function as assessed by electromyography. These results were further improved by coinjecting an adenoviral vector coding for ciliary neurotrophic factor. Therefore, adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of neurotrophic factors offers new prospects for the treatment of motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haase
- INSERM Unit 129, Institut Cochin de Génétique Moleculaire, Paris, France
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18
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Viollet L, Bertrandy S, Bueno Brunialti AL, Lefebvre S, Burlet P, Clermont O, Cruaud C, Guénet JL, Munnich A, Melki J. cDNA isolation, expression, and chromosomal localization of the mouse survival motor neuron gene (Smn). Genomics 1997; 40:185-8. [PMID: 9070939 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1996.4551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a frequent autosomal recessive disease in human characterized by degeneration of motor neurons of the spinal cord. The genomic region containing the defective gene (5q13) is particularly unstable and prone to large-scale deletions whose characterization led to the identification of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, the SMA determining gene encoding a hitherto unknown protein. As an initial step toward the generation of a murine model for SMA, we identified and characterized a full-length murine Smn cDNA. The coding sequence of the mouse Smn gene was found to be 82% identical, at the amino acid level, with the human SMN coding sequence. The Smn locus was mapped to the segment of mouse chromosome 13 exhibiting conservation of synteny with human chromosome 5q11-q23, which contains the SMN gene. However, no evidence for a duplication of the Smn gene was found in the mouse, suggesting that the duplication reported in human is a recent evolutionary event.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Viollet
- Unité de Recherches sur les Handicaps Génétiques de l'Enfant, INSERM, Unité 393, IFREM, Institut Necker, Hôpital des Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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19
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Sedehizade F, Klocke R, Jockusch H. Expression of nerve-regulated genes in muscles of mouse mutants affected by spinal muscular atrophies and muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve 1997; 20:186-94. [PMID: 9040657 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199702)20:2<186::aid-mus8>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the genes for the alpha-subunit of AChR (AChR alpha), for the myogenic factors myogenin and MyoD, for the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV), and for the muscular chloride channel CIC-1 was studied in the three mouse spinal muscular atrophies (SMAs). These were the mutants "wobbler" (WR), "muscle deficient" (MDF) and "progressive motor neuronopathy" (PMN). Murine myopathies "muscular dystrophy with myositis" (MDM) and "X-linked muscular dystrophy" (MDX) were used as controls. AChR alpha and myogenin mRNA levels were strongly elevated in muscles affected by SMAs (reflecting denervation), whereas only myogenin mRNA was moderately elevated in MDX and MDM muscles, probably due to fiber regeneration. As in denervated muscle, CIC-1 and PV mRNA levels were lowered in SMAs. No changes were seen in muscles of up to 222-day-old symptomless ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) knockout mice. The patterns of gene expression were characteristic for the type of muscle disease, indicating their possible usefulness for clinical diagnosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry
- Muscle, Skeletal/innervation
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/physiopathology
- MyoD Protein/genetics
- Myogenin/genetics
- Peripheral Nerves/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sedehizade
- Developmental Biology Unit, University of Bielefeld, Germany
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20
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Kingsmore SF, Barbosa MD, Nguyen QA, Ashley JA, Blaydes SM, Tchernev VT, Detter JC, Lovett M. Physical mapping of the beige critical region on mouse chromosome 13. Mamm Genome 1996; 7:773-5. [PMID: 8854868 DOI: 10.1007/s003359900231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S F Kingsmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0221, USA
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