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Cacace R, Zhou L, Hendrickx Van de Craen E, Buist A, Hoogmartens J, Sieben A, Cras P, Vandenberghe R, De Deyn PP, Oehlrich D, De Bondt A, Engelborghs S, Moechars D, Van Broeckhoven C. Mutated Toll-like receptor 9 increases Alzheimer's disease risk by compromising innate immunity protection. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5380-5389. [PMID: 37433968 PMCID: PMC11041692 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves central and peripheral immune deregulation. Gene identification and studies of AD genetic variants of peripheral immune components may aid understanding of peripheral-central immune crosstalk and facilitate new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we have identified in a Flanders-Belgian family a novel variant p.E317D in the Toll-like receptor 9 gene (TLR9), co-segregating with EOAD in an autosomal dominant manner. In human, TLR9 is an essential innate and adaptive immune component predominantly expressed in peripheral immune cells. The p.E317D variant caused 50% reduction in TLR9 activation in the NF-κB luciferase assay suggesting that p.E317D is a loss-of-function mutation. Cytokine profiling of human PBMCs upon TLR9 activation revealed a predominantly anti-inflammatory response in contrast to the inflammatory responses from TLR7/8 activation. The cytokines released upon TLR9 activation suppressed inflammation and promoted phagocytosis of Aβ42 oligomers in human iPSC-derived microglia. Transcriptome analysis identified upregulation of AXL, RUBICON and associated signaling pathways, which may underline the effects of TLR9 signaling-induced cytokines in regulating the inflammatory status and phagocytic property of microglia. Our data suggest a protective role of TLR9 signaling in AD pathogenesis, and we propose that TLR9 loss-of-function may disrupt a peripheral-central immune crosstalk that promotes dampening of inflammation and clearance of toxic protein species, leading to the build-up of neuroinflammation and pathogenic protein aggregates in AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cacace
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lujia Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Hendrickx Van de Craen
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Arjan Buist
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Julie Hoogmartens
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne Sieben
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Patrick Cras
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Institute Born-Bunge, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter P De Deyn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute Born-Bunge, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Memory Clinic, Hospital Network Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Daniel Oehlrich
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - An De Bondt
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Engelborghs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, and Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Diederik Moechars
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Alves V, Martins PH, Miranda B, de Andrade IB, Pereira L, Maeda CT, de Sousa Araújo GR, Frases S. Assessing the In Vitro Potential of Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone ®) as a Chemotherapeutic Candidate for the Treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:783. [PMID: 37623554 PMCID: PMC10455304 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis affecting immunosuppressed individuals, caused by various Cryptococcus species. The current treatment utilizes a combination of antifungal drugs, but issues such as nephrotoxicity, restricted or limited availability in certain countries, and resistance limit their effectiveness. Repurposing approved drugs presents a viable strategy for developing new antifungal options. This study investigates the potential of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®) as a chemotherapy candidate for Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Various techniques are employed to evaluate the effects of glatiramer acetate on the fungus, including microdilution, XTT analysis, electron and light microscopy, and physicochemical measurements. The results demonstrate that glatiramer acetate exhibits antifungal properties, with an IC50 of 0.470 mg/mL and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, it promotes enhanced cell aggregation, facilitates biofilm formation, and increases the secretion of fungal polysaccharides. These findings indicate that glatiramer acetate not only shows an antifungal effect but also modulates the key virulence factor-the polysaccharide capsule. In summary, repurposing glatiramer acetate as a potential chemotherapy option offers new prospects for combating C. neoformans infection. It addresses the limitations associated with current antifungal therapies by providing an alternative treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Pedro Henrique Martins
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Bruna Miranda
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Luiza Pereira
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Christina Takiya Maeda
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
| | - Glauber Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (V.A.); (P.H.M.); (B.M.); (I.B.d.A.); (L.P.); (G.R.d.S.A.)
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
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Achenbach J, Saft C, Faissner S, Ellrichmann G. Positive effect of immunomodulatory therapies on disease progression in Huntington's disease? Data from a real-world cohort. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864221109750. [PMID: 35899100 PMCID: PMC9310279 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221109750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of neuroinflammation and autoimmune processes in neurodegenerative diseases is not fully understood. Activation of microglia with expression of proinflammatory cytokines supports the hypothesis that immune processes may play an important role in the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease (HD) and thus, immunomodulating therapies might have potential neuroprotective properties. Until now, no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is available for HD. Objective: The aim of this research was to characterize a cohort of patients suffering from both HD and autoimmune demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (classified as G35-37 in ICD-10; ADD-CNS) in comparison to HD cases without ADD-CNS. In particular, we were interested to investigate potential modulating effects on disease manifestation and progression of HD over time of prescribed immunomodulating medications (DMT). Methods: We analyzed the course of HD regarding motoric, functional, and cognitive aspects, using longitudinal data of up to 2 years from the worldwide registry study ENROLL-HD. Additional cross-sectional data in the largest cohort worldwide of HD patients was analyzed using demographic and molecular genetic parameters. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for cross-sectional and repeated-measures ANOVA for longitudinal parameters in IBM SPSS Statistics V.27. Results: Within the ENROLL-HD database, we investigated N = 21,116 participants and identified n = 60 participants suffering from ADD-CNS. Molecular, genetic, and demographic data did not differ between groups. The subgroup of n = 32 participants with motor-manifest HD revealed better cognitive performance in five out of eight cognitive tests at baseline with less progression over time in two tests (all p < 0.05). Differentiation between DMT-treated and untreated patients revealed better cognitive and motor performance in the DMT group; those patients, however, tended to be younger. Pre-manifest HD patients simultaneously diagnosed with ADD-CNS (n = 12) showed lower functional scores and more decline over time when compared with other pre-manifest HD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients suffering from motor-manifest HD and simultaneously from ADD-CNS have better cognitive capacities compared with other motor-manifest HD patients. Moreover, DMTs might have beneficial effects on progression of neurodegeneration including the motor phenotype. However, this effect might have been biased by younger age in DMT-treated patients. Pre-manifest HD patients showed more functional impairment as expected due to their additional ADD-CNS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Achenbach
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, Bochum 44791, Germany
| | - Carsten Saft
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon Faissner
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Saba J, Couselo FL, Bruno J, Carniglia L, Durand D, Lasaga M, Caruso C. Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease: A Starring Role for Astrocyte and Microglia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1116-1143. [PMID: 34852742 PMCID: PMC9886821 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211201094608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. HD causes motor, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Since no existing treatment affects the course of this disease, new treatments are needed. Inflammation is frequently observed in HD patients before symptom onset. Neuroinflammation, characterized by the presence of reactive microglia, astrocytes and inflammatory factors within the brain, is also detected early. However, in comparison to other neurodegenerative diseases, the role of neuroinflammation in HD is much less known. Work has been dedicated to altered microglial and astrocytic functions in the context of HD, but less attention has been given to glial participation in neuroinflammation. This review describes evidence of inflammation in HD patients and animal models. It also discusses recent knowledge on neuroinflammation in HD, highlighting astrocyte and microglia involvement in the disease and considering anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico López Couselo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Bruno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Address correspondence to this author at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 10, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tel: +54 11 5285 3380; E-mail:
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Kasindi A, Fuchs DT, Koronyo Y, Rentsendorj A, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Glatiramer Acetate Immunomodulation: Evidence of Neuroprotection and Cognitive Preservation. Cells 2022; 11:1578. [PMID: 35563884 PMCID: PMC9099707 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel, neuroprotective uses of Copaxone (generic name: glatiramer acetate-GA) are being examined, primarily in neurological conditions involving cognitive decline. GA is a well-studied synthetic copolymer that is FDA-approved for immune-based treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Clinical studies have explored the potential mechanism of action (MOA) and outcomes of GA immunization in patients. Furthermore, results from these and animal studies suggest that GA has a direct immunomodulatory effect on adaptive and innate immune cell phenotypes and responses. These MOAs have been postulated to have a common neuroprotective impact in several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, several clinical studies report that the use of GA mitigated MS-associated cognitive decline. Its propensity to ameliorate neuro-proinflammatory and degenerative processes ignites increased interest in potential alternate uses such as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical studies are exploring less frequent subcutaneous administration of GA, such as once weekly or monthly or a single dosing regimen. Indeed, cognitive functions were found to be either preserved, reversed, or improved after the less frequent treatment regimens with GA in animal models of AD. In this systematic review, we examine the potential novel uses of GA across clinical and pre-clinical studies, with evidence for its beneficial impact on cognition. Future investigation in large-size, double-blind clinical trials is warranted to establish the impact of GA immunomodulation on neuroprotection and cognitive preservation in various neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Kasindi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.K.); (D.-T.F.); (Y.K.); (A.R.); (K.L.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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Molecular Effects of FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs on Glial Cells and Neurons of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124229. [PMID: 32545828 PMCID: PMC7352301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by peripheral and central inflammatory features, as well as demyelination and neurodegeneration. The available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for MS have been designed to suppress the peripheral immune system. In addition, however, the effects of these drugs may be partially attributed to their influence on glial cells and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). We here describe the molecular effects of the traditional and more recent FDA-approved MS drugs Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate, Glatiramer Acetate, Interferon-β, Teriflunomide, Laquinimod, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab and Ocrelizumab on microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we point to a possible common molecular effect of these drugs, namely a key role for NFκB signaling, causing a switch from pro-inflammatory microglia and astrocytes to anti-inflammatory phenotypes of these CNS cell types that recently emerged as central players in MS pathogenesis. This notion argues for the need to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MS drug action.
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Huang YS, Ogbechi J, Clanchy FI, Williams RO, Stone TW. IDO and Kynurenine Metabolites in Peripheral and CNS Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:388. [PMID: 32194572 PMCID: PMC7066259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the kynurenine pathway in normal immune system function has led to an appreciation of its possible contribution to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity exerts a protective function, limiting the severity of experimental arthritis, whereas deletion or inhibition exacerbates the symptoms. Other chronic disorder with an inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, are also suppressed by IDO activity. It is suggested that this overall anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by a change in the relative production or activity of Th17 and regulatory T cell populations. Kynurenines may play an anti-inflammatory role also in CNS disorders such as Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, in which signs of inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved. The possibility is discussed that in Huntington's disease kynurenines interact with other anti-inflammatory molecules such as Human Lymphocyte Antigen-G which may be relevant in other disorders. Kynurenine involvement may account for the protection afforded to animals with cerebral malaria and trypanosomiasis when they are treated with an inhibitor of kynurenine-3-monoxygenase (KMO). There is some evidence that changes in IL-10 may contribute to this protection and the relationship between kynurenines and IL-10 in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions should be explored. In addition, metabolites of kynurenine downstream of KMO, such as anthranilic acid and 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid can influence inflammation, and the ratio of these compounds is a valuable biomarker of inflammatory status although the underlying molecular mechanisms of the changes require clarification. Hence it is essential that more effort be expended to identify their sites of action as potential targets for drug development. Finally, we discuss increasing awareness of the epigenetic regulation of IDO, for example by DNA methylation, a phenomenon which may explain differences between individuals in their susceptibility to arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Ogbechi
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felix I Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gutierrez A, Corey-Bloom J, Thomas EA, Desplats P. Evaluation of Biochemical and Epigenetic Measures of Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Biomarker in Huntington's Disease Patients. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 12:335. [PMID: 32038165 PMCID: PMC6989488 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative movement disorder that presents with prominent cognitive and psychiatric dysfunction. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of HD, as well as other neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, and epigenetic alterations in the complex BDNF promoter have been associated with its deregulation in pathological conditions. BDNF has gained increased attention as a potential biomarker of disease; but currently, the conflicting results from measurements of BDNF in different biofluids difficult the assessment of its utility as a biomarker for HD. Here, we measured BDNF protein levels in plasma (n = 85) and saliva (n = 81) samples from premanifest and manifest HD patients and normal controls using ELISA assays. We further examined DNA methylation levels of BDNF promoter IV using DNA derived from whole blood of HD patients and healthy controls (n = 40) using pyrosequencing. BDNF protein levels were not significantly different in plasma samples across diagnostic groups. Plasma BDNF was significantly correlated with age in control subjects but not in HD patients, nor were significant gender effects observed. Similar to plasma, salivary BDNF was correlated with age only in control subjects, with no gender effects observed. Importantly, we detected significantly lower levels of salivary BDNF in premanifest and manifest HD patients compared to control subjects, with lower BDNF levels being observed in premanifest patients within a predicted 10 years to disease onset. Salivary and plasma BDNF levels were not significantly correlated with one another, suggesting different origins. DNA methylation at four out of the 12 CpG sites studied in promoter IV were significantly altered in HD patients in comparison to controls. Interestingly, methylation at three of these CpG sites was inversely correlated to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. BDNF promoter methylation was not correlated with motor or cognitive scores in HD patients, and was not associated with sex or age in neither disease nor control groups. Conclusion: Our studies show that BDNF protein levels are decreased in saliva; and BDNF promoter methylation increased in blood in HD subjects when compared to controls. These findings suggest that salivary BDNF measures may represent an early marker of disease onset and DNA methylation at the BDNF promoter IV, could represent a biomarker of psychiatric symptoms in HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Gutierrez
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jody Corey-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Paula Desplats
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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11
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Churchill MJ, Cantu MA, Kasanga EA, Moore C, Salvatore MF, Meshul CK. Glatiramer Acetate Reverses Motor Dysfunction and the Decrease in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Levels in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Neuroscience 2019; 414:8-27. [PMID: 31220543 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and there are no effective treatments that either slow or reverse the degeneration of the dopamine (DA) pathway. Using a 4-week progressive MPTP (1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) neurotoxin model of PD, which is characterized by neuroinflammation, loss of nigrostriatal DA, and motor dysfunction, as seen in patients with PD, we tested whether post-MPTP treatment with glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulatory drug, could reverse these changes. GA restored the grip dysfunction and gait abnormalities that were evident in the MPTP treated group. The reversal of the motor dysfunction was attributable to the substantial recovery in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the striatum. Within the substantia nigra pars compacta, surface cell count analysis showed a slight increase in TH+ cells following GA treatment in the MPTP group, which was not statistically different from the vehicle (VEH) group. This was associated with the recovery of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) protein levels and a reduction in the microglial marker, IBA1, protein expression within the midbrain. Alpha synuclein (syn-1) levels within the midbrain and striatum were decreased following MPTP, while GA facilitated recovery to VEH levels in the striatum in the MPTP group. Although DA tissue analysis revealed no significant increase in striatal DA or 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels (DOPAC) in the MPTP group treated with GA, DA turnover (DOPAC/DA) recovered back to VEH levels following GA treatment. GA treatment effectively reversed clinical (motor dysfunction) and pathology (TH, IBA1, BDNF expression) of PD in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A Cantu
- Institute for Healthy Aging and Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Ella A Kasanga
- Institute for Healthy Aging and Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Cindy Moore
- Research Services, VA Medical Center/Portland, OR
| | - Michael F Salvatore
- Institute for Healthy Aging and Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Charles K Meshul
- Research Services, VA Medical Center/Portland, OR; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland OR 97239; Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR 97239
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12
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Zhu Y, Jia H, Li J, Ren S, Huang Z, Li F, Xing W, Li S, Yang X. Associations between Variants in BDNF/BDNFOS Gene and Lumbar Disc Herniation Risk among Han Chinese People. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12782. [PMID: 30143695 PMCID: PMC6109184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a low back pain disorder and associated with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNFOS gene in LDH susceptibility remains unknown. To examine whether the variants contribute to LDH, 7 SNPs were genotyped in 380 patients and 692 healthy controls among Han Chinese population. Multiple genetic models, stratification by age/gender and haploview analysis was used by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Rs11030064 in BDNFOS gene was associated with modified susceptibility for LDH at age ≤50 years but three loci (rs6265, rs11030104 and rs10767664) of BDNF gene increased LDH risk at age >50 years. Further, rs11030096 polymorphism in BDNFOS gene was associated with LDH the increased susceptibility of LDH in females. Haplotype analysis shown that haplotype “GCC” in the block (rs988712, rs7481311, and rs11030064) increased LDH risk (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.06–2.10, p = 0.022) at age ≤50 years. However, there was no significant association between BDNF/BDNFOS gene and LDH risk in the overall before stratified analysis. For the first time, our results provide evidence on polymorphism of BDNF / BDNFOS gene associated with LDH risk in Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, China
| | - Haiyu Jia
- The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010000, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Shaodong Ren
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, China
| | - Feng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, China
| | - Wenhua Xing
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, China
| | - Shunan Li
- The Hohhot First Hospital, Hohhot, 010020, China.
| | - Xuejun Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010030, China.
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