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Zafra-Puerta L, Iglesias-Cabeza N, Burgos DF, Sciaccaluga M, González-Fernández J, Bellingacci L, Canonichesi J, Sánchez-Martín G, Costa C, Sánchez MP, Serratosa JM. Gene therapy for Lafora disease in the Epm2a -/- mouse model. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00334-4. [PMID: 38796707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.032] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lafora disease is a rare and fatal form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy typically occurring early in adolescence. The disease results from mutations in the EPM2A gene, encoding laforin, or the EPM2B gene, encoding malin. Laforin and malin work together in a complex to control glycogen synthesis and prevent the toxicity produced by misfolded proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Disruptions in either protein cause alterations in this complex, leading to the formation of Lafora bodies containing abnormal, insoluble, and hyperphosphorylated forms of glycogen. We used the Epm2a-/- knockout mouse model of Lafora disease to apply gene therapy by administering intracerebroventricular injections of a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the human EPM2A gene. We evaluated the effects of this treatment through neuropathological studies, behavioral tests, video-electroencephalography, electrophysiological recordings, and proteomic/phosphoproteomic analysis. Gene therapy ameliorated neurological and histopathological alterations, reduced epileptic activity and neuronal hyperexcitability, and decreased the formation of Lafora bodies. Moreover, differential quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics revealed beneficial changes in various molecular pathways altered in Lafora disease. Our results represent proof of principle for gene therapy with the coding region of the human EPM2A gene as a treatment for EPM2A-related Lafora disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Zafra-Puerta
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; PhD Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid-Cajal Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Fondazione Malattie Rare Mauro Baschirotto BIRD Onlus, Longare (VI), Italy
| | - Nerea Iglesias-Cabeza
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel F Burgos
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; PhD Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid-Cajal Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; Fondazione Malattie Rare Mauro Baschirotto BIRD Onlus, Longare (VI), Italy
| | - Juan González-Fernández
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Canonichesi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gema Sánchez-Martín
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina P Sánchez
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Serratosa
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Zafra-Puerta L, Burgos DF, Iglesias-Cabeza N, González-Fernández J, Sánchez-Martín G, Sánchez MP, Serratosa JM. Gene replacement therapy for Lafora disease in the Epm2a -/- mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571636. [PMID: 38168354 PMCID: PMC10760157 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Lafora disease is a rare and fatal form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy typically occurring early in adolescence. Common symptoms include seizures, dementia, and a progressive neurological decline leading to death within 5-15 years from onset. The disease results from mutations transmitted with autosomal recessive inheritance in the EPM2A gene, encoding laforin, a dual-specificity phosphatase, or the EPM2B gene, encoding malin, an E3-ubiquitin ligase. Laforin has glucan phosphatase activity, is an adapter of enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism, is involved in endoplasmic reticulum-stress and protein clearance, and acts as a tumor suppressor protein. Laforin and malin work together in a complex to control glycogen synthesis and prevent the toxicity produced by misfolded proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Disruptions in either protein can lead to alterations in this complex, leading to the formation of Lafora bodies that contain abnormal, insoluble, and hyperphosphorylated forms of glycogen called polyglucosans. We used the Epm2a -/- knock-out mouse model of Lafora disease to apply a gene replacement therapy by administering intracerebroventricular injections of a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the human EPM2A gene. We evaluated the effects of this treatment by means of neuropathological studies, behavioral tests, video-electroencephalography recording, and proteomic/phosphoproteomic analysis. Gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated virus containing the EPM2A gene ameliorated neurological and histopathological alterations, reduced epileptic activity and neuronal hyperexcitability, and decreased the formation of Lafora bodies. Differential quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics revealed beneficial changes in various molecular pathways altered in Lafora disease. Improvements were observed for up to nine months following a single intracerebroventricular injection. In conclusion, gene replacement therapy with human EPM2A gene in the Epm2a -/- knock-out mice shows promise as a potential treatment for Lafora disease.
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Nkwingwa BK, Wado EK, Foyet HS, Bouvourne P, Jugha VT, Mambou AHMY, Bila RB, Taiwe GS. Ameliorative effects of Albizia adianthifolia aqueous extract against pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy and associated memory loss in mice: Role of GABAergic, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory systems. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115093. [PMID: 37392651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) (Fabaceae) is a medicinal herb used for the treatment of epilepsy and memory impairment. This study aims to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of Albizia adianthifolia aqueous extract against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced spontaneous convulsions in mice; and determine whether the extract could mitigate memory impairment, oxidative/nitrergic stress, GABA depletion and neuroinflammation. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis was done to identify active compounds from the extract. Mice were injected with PTZ once every 48 h until kindling was developed. Animals received distilled water for the normal group and negative control groups, doses of extract (40, 80, or 160 mg/kg) for the test groups and sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) for the positive control group. Memory was measured using Y maze, novel object recognition (NOR) and open field paradigms, while the oxidative/nitrosative stresses (MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD and NO), GABAergic transmission (GABA, GABA-T and GAD) and neuro-inflammation (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL- 1β, and IL-6) were determined. Brain photomicrograph was also studied. Apigenin, murrayanine and safranal were identified in the extract. The extract (80-160 mg/kg) significantly protected mice against seizures and mortality induced by PTZ. The extract significantly increased the spontaneous alternation and the discrimination index in the Y maze and NOR tests, respectively. PTZ kindling induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, GABA depletion, neuroinflammation and neuronal cells death was strongly reversed by the extract. The results suggest that the anticonvulsant activity of Albizia adianthifolia extract is accompanied by its anti-amnesic property, and may be supported by the amelioration of oxidative stress, GABAergic transmission and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbine Kamleu Nkwingwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 814, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Eglantine Keugong Wado
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 814, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Harquin Simplice Foyet
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 814, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Parfait Bouvourne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 814, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Vanessa Tita Jugha
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Alain Hart Mann Youbi Mambou
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Raymond Bess Bila
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Germain Sotoing Taiwe
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon.
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Kumarasinghe L, Garcia-Gimeno MA, Ramirez J, Mayor U, Zugaza JL, Sanz P. P-Rex1 is a novel substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Malin associated with Lafora disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 177:105998. [PMID: 36638890 PMCID: PMC10682699 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.105998] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Laforin and Malin are two proteins that are encoded by the genes EPM2A and EPM2B, respectively. Laforin is a glucan phosphatase and Malin is an E3-ubiquitin ligase, and these two proteins function as a complex. Mutations occurring at the level of one of the two genes lead to the accumulation of an aberrant form of glycogen meant to cluster in polyglucosans that go under the name of Lafora bodies. Individuals affected by the appearance of these polyglucosans, especially at the cerebral level, experience progressive neurodegeneration and several episodes of epilepsy leading to the manifestation of a fatal form of a rare disease called Lafora disease (LD), for which, to date, no treatment is available. Despite the different dysfunctions described for this disease, many molecular aspects still demand elucidation. An effective way to unknot some of the nodes that prevent the achievement of better knowledge of LD is to focus on the substrates that are ubiquitinated by the E3-ubiquitin ligase Malin. Some substrates have already been provided by previous studies based on protein-protein interaction techniques and have been associated with some alterations that mark the disease. In this work, we have used an unbiased alternative approach based on the activity of Malin as an E3-ubiquitin ligase. We report the discovery of novel bonafide substrates of Malin and have characterized one of them more deeply, namely PIP3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1). The analysis conducted upon this substrate sets the genesis of the delineation of a molecular pathway that leads to altered glucose uptake, which could be one of the origin of the accumulation of the polyglucosans present in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kumarasinghe
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Garcia-Gimeno
- Department of Biotechnology, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural (ETSIAMN), Universitat Politécnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - U Mayor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - J L Zugaza
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi, 48009 Bilbao, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Scientific Park UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - P Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Rubio T, Viana R, Moreno-Estellés M, Campos-Rodríguez Á, Sanz P. TNF and IL6/Jak2 signaling pathways are the main contributors of the glia-derived neuroinflammation present in Lafora disease, a fatal form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105964. [PMID: 36526090 PMCID: PMC10682476 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD; OMIM#254780) is a rare form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (prevalence <1:1,000,000) characterized by the accumulation of insoluble deposits of aberrant glycogen (polyglucosans), named Lafora bodies, in the brain but also in peripheral tissues. LD is the most severe form of the group of progressive myoclonus epilepsies, since patients present a rapid deterioration and dementia with amplification of seizures, leading to death after a decade from the onset of the first symptoms. We have recently described that reactive glia-derived neuroinflammation should be considered a novel hallmark of LD since we observed a florid upregulation of differentially expressed genes in both LD mouse lines, which were mainly related to mediators of inflammatory response. In this work, we define an upregulation of the expression of mediators of the TNF and IL6/JAK2 signaling pathways in LD. In addition, we describe the activation of the non-canonical form of the inflammasome. Furthermore, we describe the infiltration of peripheral immune cells in the brain parenchyma, which could aggravate glia-derived neuroinflammation. Finally, we describe CXCL10 and S100b as blood biomarkers of the disease, which will allow the study of the progression of the disease using serum blood samples. We consider that the identification of these initial inflammatory changes in LD will be very important to implement possible anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Rubio
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Viana
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Moreno-Estellés
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pascual Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaime Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain..
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Della Vecchia S, Marchese M, Santorelli FM. Glial Contributions to Lafora Disease: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123103. [PMID: 36551859 PMCID: PMC9776290 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123103] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lafora disease (LD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the accumulation of polyglucosan bodies (PBs) throughout the brain. Alongside metabolic and molecular alterations, neuroinflammation has emerged as another key histopathological feature of LD. METHODS To investigate the role of astrocytes and microglia in LD, we performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Scopus, and Web-of-Science database searches were performed independently by two reviewers. RESULTS Thirty-five studies analyzing the relationship of astrocytes and microglia with LD and/or the effects of anti-inflammatory treatments in LD animal models were identified and included in the review. Although LD has long been dominated by a neuronocentric view, a growing body of evidence suggests a role of glial cells in the disease, starting with the finding that these cells accumulate PBs. We discuss the potential meaning of glial PB accumulations, the likely factors activating glial cells, and the possible contribution of glial cells to LD neurodegeneration and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Given the evidence for the role of neuroinflammation in LD, future studies should consider glial cells as a potential therapeutic target for modifying/delaying LD progression; however, it should be kept in mind that these cells can potentially assume multiple reactive phenotypes, which could influence the therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Della Vecchia
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.V.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Maria Marchese
- Neurobiology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Neurobiology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.V.); (F.M.S.)
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Trehalose Treatment in Zebrafish Model of Lafora Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126874. [PMID: 35743315 PMCID: PMC9224929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126874] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the EPM2A gene encoding laforin cause Lafora disease (LD), a progressive myoclonic epilepsy characterized by drug-resistant seizures and progressive neurological impairment. To date, rodents are the only available models for studying LD; however, their use for drug screening is limited by regulatory restrictions and high breeding costs. To investigate the role of laforin loss of function in early neurodevelopment, and to screen for possible new compounds for treating the disorder, we developed a zebrafish model of LD. Our results showed the epm2a−/− zebrafish to be a faithful model of LD, exhibiting the main disease features, namely motor impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability with spontaneous seizures. The model also showed increased inflammatory response and apoptotic death, as well as an altered autophagy pathway that occurs early in development and likely contributes to the disease progression. Early administration of trehalose was found to be effective for rescuing motor impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability associated with seizures. Our study adds a new tool for investigating LD and might help to identify new treatment opportunities.
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Canine Lafora Disease: An Unstable Repeat Expansion Disorder. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070689. [PMID: 34357061 PMCID: PMC8304204 DOI: 10.3390/life11070689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Lafora disease is a recessively inherited, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease caused by the accumulation of abnormally constructed insoluble glycogen Lafora bodies in the brain and other tissues due to the loss of NHL repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (NHLRC1). Dogs have a dodecamer repeat sequence within the NHLRC1 gene, which is prone to unstable (dynamic) expansion and loss of function. Progressive signs of Lafora disease include hypnic jerks, reflex and spontaneous myoclonus, seizures, vision loss, ataxia and decreased cognitive function. We studied five dogs (one Chihuahua, two French Bulldogs, one Griffon Bruxellois, one mixed breed) with clinical signs associated with canine Lafora disease. Identification of polyglucosan bodies (Lafora bodies) in myocytes supported diagnosis in the French Bulldogs; muscle areas close to the myotendinous junction and the myofascial union segment had the highest yield of inclusions. Postmortem examination of one of the French Bulldogs revealed brain Lafora bodies. Genetic testing for the known canine NHLRC1 mutation confirmed the presence of a homozygous mutation associated with canine Lafora disease. Our results show that Lafora disease extends beyond previous known breeds to the French Bulldog, Griffon Bruxellois and even mixed-breed dogs, emphasizing the likely species-wide nature of this genetic problem. It also establishes these breeds as animal models for the devastating human disease. Genetic testing should be used when designing breeding strategies to determine the frequency of the NHLRC1 mutation in affected breeds. Lafora diseases should be suspected in any older dog presenting with myoclonus, hypnic jerks or photoconvulsions.
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Mollá B, Heredia M, Sanz P. Modulators of Neuroinflammation Have a Beneficial Effect in a Lafora Disease Mouse Model. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2508-2522. [PMID: 33447969 PMCID: PMC8167455 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD; OMIM#274780) is a fatal rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by generalized epileptic seizures and the presence of polyglucosan inclusions (PGs), called Lafora bodies (LBs), typically in the brain. LD is caused by mutations in two genes EPM2A or EPM2B, which encode respectively laforin, a glucan phosphatase, and malin, an E3-ubiquitin ligase. Much remains unknown about the molecular bases of LD and, unfortunately, appropriate treatment is still missing; therefore patients die within 10 years from the onset of the disease. Recently, we have identified neuroinflammation as one of the initial determinants in LD. In this work, we have investigated anti-inflammatory treatments as potential therapies in LD. With this aim, we have performed a preclinical study in an Epm2b-/- mouse model with propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant from green tea extract, both of which displaying additional anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo motor and cognitive behavioral tests and ex vivo histopathological brain analyses were used as parameters to assess the therapeutic potential of propranolol and EGCG. After 2 months of treatment, we observed an improvement not only in attention defects but also in neuronal disorganization, astrogliosis, and microgliosis present in the hippocampus of Epm2b-/- mice. In general, propranolol intervention was more effective than EGCG in preventing the appearance of astrocyte and microglia reactivity. In summary, our results confirm the potential therapeutic effectiveness of the modulators of inflammation as novel treatments in Lafora disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Mollá
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Miguel Heredia
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Laboratory of Nutrient Signaling, Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010, Valencia, Spain
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Beneficial Effects of Metformin on the Central Nervous System, with a Focus on Epilepsy and Lafora Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105351. [PMID: 34069559 PMCID: PMC8160983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a drug in the family of biguanide compounds that is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Interestingly, the therapeutic potential of metformin expands its prescribed use as an anti-diabetic drug. In this sense, it has been described that metformin administration has beneficial effects on different neurological conditions. In this work, we review the beneficial effects of this drug as a neuroprotective agent in different neurological diseases, with a special focus on epileptic disorders and Lafora disease, a particular type of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. In addition, we review the different proposed mechanisms of action of metformin to understand its function at the neurological level.
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11
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Sinha P, Verma B, Ganesh S. Dexamethasone-induced activation of heat shock response ameliorates seizure susceptibility and neuroinflammation in mouse models of Lafora disease. Exp Neurol 2021; 340:113656. [PMID: 33639210 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock response (HSR) is a conserved cytoprotective pathway controlled by the master transcriptional regulator, the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), that activates the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs, as chaperones, play essential roles in minimizing stress-induced damages and restoring proteostasis. Therefore, compromised HSR is thought to contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal form of neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal glycogen as Lafora bodies in neurons and other tissues. The symptoms of LD include progressive myoclonus epilepsy, dementia, and cognitive deficits. LD is caused by the defects in the gene coding laforin phosphatase or the malin ubiquitin ligase. Laforin and malin are known to work upstream of HSF1 and are essential for the activation of HSR. Herein, we show that mice deficient for laforin or malin show reduced levels of HSF1 and their targets in their brain tissues, suggesting compromised HSR; this could contribute to the neuropathology in LD. Intriguingly, treatment of LD animals with dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid analogue, partially restored the levels of HSF1 and its targets. Dexamethasone treatment was also able to ameliorate the neuroinflammation and susceptibility to induced seizures in the LD animals. However, dexamethasone treatment did not show a significant effect on Lafora bodies or autophagy defects. Taken together, the present study establishes a role for HSR in seizure susceptibility and neuroinflammation and dexamethasone as a potential antiepileptic agent, suitable for further studies in LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sinha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Bhupender Verma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Subramaniam Ganesh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India.
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12
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Pina LTS, Guimarães AG, Santos WBDR, Oliveira MA, Rabelo TK, Serafini MR. Monoterpenes as a perspective for the treatment of seizures: A Systematic Review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:153422. [PMID: 33310306 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy affects more than 65 million people worldwide. Treatment for epileptic seizures is ineffective and has many adverse effects. For this reason, the search for new therapeutic options capable of filling these limitations is necessary. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE In this sense, natural products, such as monoterpenes, have been indicated as a new option to control neurological disorders such as epilepsy. STUDY DESIGN Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the monoterpenes that have anticonvulsive activity in animal models. METHODS The searches were performed in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases in September, 2020 and compiled studies using monoterpenes as an alternative to seizure. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment using the Syrcle tool. RESULTS 51 articles that described the anticonvulsant activity of 35 monoterpenes were selected with action on the main pharmacological target, including GABAA receptors, glutamate, calcium channels, sodium and potassium. In addition, these compounds are capable of reducing neuronal inflammation and oxidative stress caused by seizure. CONCLUSION These compounds stand out as a promising alternative for acting through different pharmacological mechanisms, which may not only reduce seizure, but also promote neuroprotective effect by reducing toxicity in brain regions. However, further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of action and safety assessment of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lícia T S Pina
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil.
| | - Adriana G Guimarães
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Wagner B da R Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Marlange A Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Thallita K Rabelo
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Mairim R Serafini
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
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13
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Taneja K, Ganesh S. Dendritic spine abnormalities correlate with behavioral and cognitive deficits in mouse models of Lafora disease. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:1099-1120. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.25006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Taneja
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Subramaniam Ganesh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India
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14
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Lahuerta M, Gonzalez D, Aguado C, Fathinajafabadi A, García-Giménez JL, Moreno-Estellés M, Romá-Mateo C, Knecht E, Pallardó FV, Sanz P. Reactive Glia-Derived Neuroinflammation: a Novel Hallmark in Lafora Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy That Progresses with Age. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1607-1621. [PMID: 31808062 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01842-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is a rare, fatal form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The molecular basis of this devastating disease is still poorly understood, and no treatment is available yet, which leads to the death of the patients around 10 years from the onset of the first symptoms. The hallmark of LD is the accumulation of insoluble glycogen-like inclusions in the brain and peripheral tissues, as a consequence of altered glycogen homeostasis. In addition, other determinants in the pathophysiology of LD have been suggested, such as proteostasis impairment, with reduction in autophagy, and oxidative stress, among others. In order to gain a general view of the genes involved in the pathophysiology of LD, in this work, we have performed RNA-Seq transcriptome analyses of whole-brain tissue from two independent mouse models of the disease, namely Epm2a-/- and Epm2b-/- mice, at different times of age. Our results provide strong evidence for three major facts: first, in both models of LD, we found a common set of upregulated genes, most of them encoding mediators of inflammatory response; second, there was a progression with the age in the appearance of these inflammatory markers, starting at 3 months of age; and third, reactive glia was responsible for the expression of these inflammatory genes. These results clearly indicate that neuroinflammation is one of the most important traits to be considered in order to fully understand the pathophysiology of LD, and define reactive glia as novel therapeutic targets in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Lahuerta
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daymé Gonzalez
- EpiDisease S.L. (Spin-Off from the CIBER-ISCIII), Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Paterna, Spain
| | - Carmen Aguado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alihamze Fathinajafabadi
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- EpiDisease S.L. (Spin-Off from the CIBER-ISCIII), Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Paterna, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Dept. Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Moreno-Estellés
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Romá-Mateo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Dept. Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Erwin Knecht
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V Pallardó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Dept. Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.
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15
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Bisulli F, Muccioli L, d'Orsi G, Canafoglia L, Freri E, Licchetta L, Mostacci B, Riguzzi P, Pondrelli F, Avolio C, Martino T, Michelucci R, Tinuper P. Treatment with metformin in twelve patients with Lafora disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:149. [PMID: 31227012 PMCID: PMC6588886 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lafora disease (LD) is a rare, lethal, progressive myoclonus epilepsy for which no targeted therapy is currently available. Studies on a mouse model of LD showed a good response to metformin, a drug with a well known neuroprotective effect. For this reason, in 2016, the European Medicines Agency granted orphan designation to metformin for the treatment of LD. However, no clinical data is available thus far. Methods We retrospectively collected data on LD patients treated with metformin referred to three Italian epilepsy centres. Results Twelve patients with genetically confirmed LD (6 EPM2A, 6 NHLRC1) at middle/late stages of disease were treated with add-on metformin for a mean period of 18 months (range: 6–36). Metformin was titrated to a mean maintenance dose of 1167 mg/day (range: 500–2000 mg). In four patients dosing was limited by gastrointestinal side-effects. No serious adverse events occurred. Three patients had a clinical response, which was temporary in two, characterized by a reduction of seizure frequency and global clinical improvement. Conclusions Metformin was overall safe in our small cohort of LD patients. Even though the clinical outcome was poor, this may be related to the advanced stage of disease in our cases and we cannot exclude a role of metformin in slowing down LD progression. Therefore, on the grounds of the preclinical data, we believe that treatment with metformin may be attempted as early as possible in the course of LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bisulli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Muccioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe d'Orsi
- Epilepsy Centre, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Laura Canafoglia
- Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Pediatric Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Licchetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Mostacci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Riguzzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Pondrelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Avolio
- Epilepsy Centre, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Martino
- Epilepsy Centre, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberto Michelucci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Functional Nutrients for Epilepsy. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061309. [PMID: 31185666 PMCID: PMC6628163 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder of which seizures are a core symptom. Approximately one third of epileptic patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs and therefore require alternative therapeutic options. Dietary and nutritional supplements can in some cases replace drugs, but with the exception of ketogenic diets, there are no officially recommended dietary considerations for patients with epilepsy. In this review we summarize a selection of nutritional suggestions that have proved beneficial in treating different types of epilepsy. We describe the types of seizures and epilepsy and follow this with an introduction to basic molecular mechanisms. We then examine several functional nutrients for which there is clinical evidence of therapeutic efficacy in reducing seizures or epilepsy-associated sudden death. We also discuss experimental results that demonstrate possible molecular mechanisms elicited by the administration of various nutrients. The availability of multiple dietary and nutritional candidates that show favorable outcomes in animals implies that assessing the clinical potential of these substances will improve translational medicine, ultimately benefitting epilepsy patients.
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17
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Lafora Disease Is an Inherited Metabolic Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 69:3007-3009. [PMID: 28619201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Li S, Luo Z, Lu B, Xia S, Li C, Guan X, Zhang J, Huang K, Xian F. Protective effects of lycopene on kainic acid-induced seizures. Epilepsy Res 2019; 151:1-6. [PMID: 30669043 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lycopene (LCP) is a carotenoid that protects against many diseases by alleviating oxidative stress. However, the effect of LCP on epileptic seizures has not been examined well in previous studies. In the current work, we employed kainic acid (KA) to induce experimental epileptic seizures in mice, and investigated the function of LCP during this process. We found that the onset and extent of KA-induced seizures were alleviated in LCP-pretreated mice. Nissl staining of hippocampus showed that the granule cell dispersion lesion induced by KA was improved by the LCP treatment. Additionally, we analyzed the oxidative stress levels in mice and found that LCP elevated SOD activity and suppressed MDA level in KA-induced seizures. Moreover, the expression of GABA receptors was influenced by LCP treatment. LCP suppressed the upregulation of gabrb2 and gabrb3 induced by KA, whereas it enhanced the expression of gabrb1. Results suggested that LCP plays a protective function in KA-induced seizures. Hence, it may be a potential functional food alternative for controlling and treating epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Bingyi Lu
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Shangzhou Xia
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Chen Li
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
| | - Jingchen Zhang
- Certification and Review Center, Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration, Shanghai, 200020, China
| | - Kai Huang
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Furong Xian
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
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19
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20
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Lahuerta M, Aguado C, Sánchez-Martín P, Sanz P, Knecht E. Degradation of altered mitochondria by autophagy is impaired in Lafora disease. FEBS J 2018; 285:2071-2090. [PMID: 29645350 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused mostly by mutations in either of two genes encoding laforin and malin. LD is characterized by accumulation of a poorly branched form of glycogen in the cytoplasm of neurons and other cells. We previously reported dysfunctional mitochondria in different LD models. Now, using mitochondrial uncouplers and respiratory chain inhibitors, we have investigated with human fibroblasts a possible alteration in the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) in LD. By flow cytometry of MitoTracker-labelled cells and measuring the levels of various mitochondrial proteins by western blot, we found in LD fibroblasts a partial impairment in the increased mitochondrial degradation produced by these treatments. In addition, colocalization of mitochondrial and lysosomal markers decreased in LD fibroblasts. All these results are consistent with a partial impairment in the induced autophagic degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria in LD fibroblasts. However, canonical recruitment of Parkin to mitochondria under these conditions remained unaffected in LD fibroblasts, and also in SH-SY5Y cells after malin and laforin overexpression. Neither mitochondrial localization nor protein levels of Bcl-2-like protein 13, another component of the mitophagic machinery that operates under these conditions, were affected in LD fibroblasts. In contrast, although these treatments raised autophagy in both control and LD fibroblasts, this enhanced autophagy was clearly lower in the latter cells. Therefore, the autophagic degradation of altered mitochondria is impaired in LD, which is due to a partial defect in the autophagic response and not in the canonical mitophagy signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Aguado
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Martín
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Erwin Knecht
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
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21
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Nishi K, Iwaihara Y, Tsunoda T, Doi K, Sakata T, Shirasawa S, Ishikura S. ROS-induced cleavage of NHLRC2 by caspase-8 leads to apoptotic cell death in the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:3218. [PMID: 29242562 PMCID: PMC5870588 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to cause apoptotic cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby ROS induce apoptosis remain elusive. Here we show that the NHL-repeat-containing protein 2 (NHLRC2) thioredoxin-like domain protein is cleaved by caspase-8 in ROS-induced apoptosis in the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. Treatment of HCT116 cells with the oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) induced apoptosis and reduced NHLRC2 protein levels, whereas pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine prevented apoptosis and the decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels seen in tBHP-treated cells. Furthermore, the ROS-induced decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels was relieved by the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. We found that the thioredoxin-like domain of NHLRC2 interacted with a proenzyme form of caspase-8, and that caspase-8 cleaved NHLRC2 protein at Asp580 in vitro. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of caspase-8 blocked the ROS-induced decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels. Both shRNA and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated loss of NHLRC2 resulted in an increased susceptibility of HCT116 cells to ROS-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that excess ROS production causes a caspase-8-mediated decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels, leading to apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells, and indicate an important role of NHLRC2 in the regulation of ROS-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Nishi
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Yuri Iwaihara
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.,Center for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Keiko Doi
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.,Center for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Sakata
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Senji Shirasawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.,Center for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shuhei Ishikura
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan. .,Center for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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22
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Kudin AP, Baron G, Zsurka G, Hampel KG, Elger CE, Grote A, Weber Y, Lerche H, Thiele H, Nürnberg P, Schulz H, Ruppert AK, Sander T, Cheng Q, Arnér ES, Schomburg L, Seeher S, Fradejas-Villar N, Schweizer U, Kunz WS. Homozygous mutation in TXNRD1 is associated with genetic generalized epilepsy. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 106:270-277. [PMID: 28232204 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress has been widely implicated in the pathogenesis in various forms of human epilepsy. Here, we report a homozygous mutation in TXNRD1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) in a family with genetic generalized epilepsy. TXNRD1 is an essential selenium-containing enzyme involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox signaling. The TXNRD1 mutation p.Pro190Leu affecting a highly conserved amino acid residue was identified by whole-exome sequencing of blood DNA from the index patient. The detected mutation and its segregation within the family - all siblings of the index patient were homozygous and the parents heterozygous - were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. TXNRD1 activity was determined in subcellular fractions from a skeletal muscle biopsy and skin fibroblasts of the index patient and the expression levels of the mutated protein were assessed by 75Se labeling and Western blot analysis. As result of the mutation, the activity of TXNRD1 was reduced in the patient's fibroblasts and skeletal muscle (to 34±3% and 16±8% of controls, respectively). In fibroblasts, we detected reduced 75Se-labeling of the enzyme (41±3% of controls). An in-depth in vitro kinetic analysis of the recombinant mutated TXNRD1 indicated 30-40% lowered kcat/Se values. Therefore, a reduced activity of the enzyme in the patient's tissue samples is explained by (i) lower enzyme turnover and (ii) reduced abundance of the mutated enzyme as confirmed by Western blotting and 75Se labeling. The mutant fibroblasts were also found to be less resistant to a hydrogen peroxide challenge. Our data agree with a potential role of insufficient ROS detoxification for disease manifestation in genetic generalized epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei P Kudin
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Gregor Baron
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Gábor Zsurka
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Kevin G Hampel
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christian E Elger
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Alexander Grote
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | - Thomas Sander
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Elias Sj Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sandra Seeher
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany.
| | - Noelia Fradejas-Villar
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Schweizer
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany.
| | - Wolfram S Kunz
- Department of Epileptology and Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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23
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López-González I, Viana R, Sanz P, Ferrer I. Inflammation in Lafora Disease: Evolution with Disease Progression in Laforin and Malin Knock-out Mouse Models. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3119-3130. [PMID: 27041370 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy (Lafora disease, LD) is a fatal rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of insoluble ubiquitinated polyglucosan inclusions in the cytoplasm of neurons, which is most commonly associated with mutations in two genes: EPM2A, encoding the glucan phosphatase laforin, and EPM2B, encoding the E3-ubiquitin ligase malin. The present study analyzes possible inflammatory responses in the mouse lines Epm2a -/- (laforin knock-out) and Epm2b -/- (malin knock-out) with disease progression. Increased numbers of reactive astrocytes (expressing the GFAP marker) and microglia (expressing the Iba1 marker) together with increased expression of genes encoding cytokines and mediators of the inflammatory response occur in both mouse lines although with marked genotype differences. C3ar1 and CxCl10 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are significantly increased in Epm2a -/- mice aged 12 months when compared with age-matched controls, whereas C3ar1, C4b, Ccl4, CxCl10, Il1b, Il6, Tnfα, and Il10ra mRNAs are significantly upregulated in Epm2b -/- at the same age. This is accompanied by increased protein levels of IL1-β, IL6, TNFα, and Cox2 particularly in Epm2b -/- mice. The severity of inflammatory changes correlates with more severe clinical symptoms previously described in Epm2b -/- mice. These findings show for the first time increased innate inflammatory responses in a neurodegenerative disease with polyglucosan intraneuronal deposits which increase with disease progression, in a way similar to what is seen in neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates. These findings also point to the possibility of using anti-inflammatory agents to mitigate the degenerative process in LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene López-González
- Institut de Neuropatologia, Servei Anatomia Patologica, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Carrer Feixa Llarga sn, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Viana
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jaime Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain. .,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Institut de Neuropatologia, Servei Anatomia Patologica, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Carrer Feixa Llarga sn, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain. .,University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Ministry of Science and Innovation, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Homeostasis of the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLT-1 is altered in mouse models of Lafora disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:1074-83. [PMID: 26976331 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lafora disease (LD, OMIM 254780) is a fatal rare disorder characterized by epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Although in recent years a lot of information has been gained on the molecular basis of the neurodegeneration that accompanies LD, the molecular basis of epilepsy is poorly understood. Here, we present evidence indicating that the homeostasis of glutamate transporter GLT-1 (EAAT2) is compromised in mouse models of LD. Our results indicate that primary astrocytes from LD mice have reduced capacity of glutamate transport, probably because they present a reduction in the levels of the glutamate transporter at the plasma membrane. On the other hand, the overexpression in cellular models of laforin and malin, the two proteins related to LD, results in an accumulation of GLT-1 (EAAT2) at the plasma membrane and in a severe reduction of the ubiquitination of the transporter. All these results suggest that the laforin/malin complex slows down the endocytic recycling of the GLT-1 (EAAT2) transporter. Since, defects in the function of this transporter lead to excitotoxicity and epilepsy, we suggest that the epilepsy that accompanies LD could be due, at least in part, to deficiencies in the function of the GLT-1 (EAAT2) transporter.
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Villarroel-Espíndola F, Tapia C, González-Stegmaier R, Concha II, Slebe JC. Polyglucosan Molecules Induce Mitochondrial Impairment and Apoptosis in Germ Cells Without Affecting the Integrity and Functionality of Sertoli Cells. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:2142-52. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Tapia
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | | | - Ilona I. Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Slebe
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
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26
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Sánchez-Martín P, Romá-Mateo C, Viana R, Sanz P. Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2-N and sequestosome-1 (p62) are components of the ubiquitination process mediated by the malin–laforin E3-ubiquitin ligase complex. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 69:204-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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