1
|
Seki S, Kitaoka Y, Kawata S, Nishiura A, Uchihashi T, Hiraoka SI, Yokota Y, Isomura ET, Kogo M, Tanaka S. Characteristics of Sensory Neuron Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Potential for ALS Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2967. [PMID: 38001967 PMCID: PMC10669304 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112967] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and, ultimately, death. Presently, no effective treatment for ALS has been established. Although motor neuron dysfunction is a hallmark of ALS, emerging evidence suggests that sensory neurons are also involved in the disease. In clinical research, 30% of patients with ALS had sensory symptoms and abnormal sensory nerve conduction studies in the lower extremities. Peroneal nerve biopsies show histological abnormalities in 90% of the patients. Preclinical research has reported several genetic abnormalities in the sensory neurons of animal models of ALS, as well as in motor neurons. Furthermore, the aggregation of misfolded proteins like TAR DNA-binding protein 43 has been reported in sensory neurons. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of ALS-related sensory neuron dysfunction, focusing on its clinical changes and underlying mechanisms. Sensory neuron abnormalities in ALS are not limited to somatosensory issues; proprioceptive sensory neurons, such as MesV and DRG neurons, have been reported to form networks with motor neurons and may be involved in motor control. Despite receiving limited attention, sensory neuron abnormalities in ALS hold potential for new therapies targeting proprioceptive sensory neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soju Seki
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sensory Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415521. [PMID: 36555161 PMCID: PMC9779879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is pre-eminently a motor disease, the existence of non-motor manifestations, including sensory involvement, has been described in the last few years. Although from a clinical perspective, sensory symptoms are overshadowed by their motor manifestations, this does not mean that their pathological significance is not relevant. In this review, we have made an extensive description of the involvement of sensory and autonomic systems described to date in ALS, from clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, neuropathological, functional, and molecular perspectives.
Collapse
|
3
|
Collins JM, Atkinson RAK, Matthews LM, Murray IC, Perry SE, King AE. Sarm1 knockout modifies biomarkers of neurodegeneration and spinal cord circuitry but not disease progression in the mSOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 172:105821. [PMID: 35863521 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105821] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the loss of motor neuron axon integrity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are unclear. SARM1 has been identified as a genetic risk variant in sporadic ALS, and the SARM1 protein is a key mediator of axon degeneration. To investigate the role of SARM1 in ALS-associated axon degeneration, we knocked out Sarm1 (Sarm1KO) in mSOD1G93ATg (mSOD1) mice. Animals were monitored for ALS disease onset and severity, with motor function assessed at pre-symptomatic and late-stage disease and lumbar spinal cord and sciatic nerve harvested for immunohistochemistry at endpoint (20 weeks). Serum was collected monthly to assess protein concentrations of biomarkers linked to axon degeneration (neurofilament light (NFL) and tau), and astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), using single molecule array (Simoa®) technology. Overall, loss of Sarm1 in mSOD1 mice did not slow or delay symptom onset, failed to improve functional declines, and failed to protect motor neurons. Serum NFL levels in mSOD1 mice increased between 8 -12 and 16-20 weeks of age, with the later increase significantly reduced by loss of SARM1. Similarly, loss of SARM1 significantly reduced an increase in serum GFAP between 16 and 20 weeks of age in mSOD1 mice, indicating protection of both global axon degeneration and astrogliosis. In the spinal cord, Sarm1 deletion protected against loss of excitatory VGluT2-positive puncta and attenuated astrogliosis in mSOD1 mice. In the sciatic nerve, absence of SARM1 in mSOD1 mice restored the average area of phosphorylated neurofilament reactivity towards WT levels. Together these data suggest that Sarm1KO in mSOD1 mice is not sufficient to ameliorate functional decline or motor neuron loss but does alter serum biomarker levels and provide protection to axons and glutamatergic synapses. This indicates that treatments targeting SARM1 could warrant further investigation in ALS, potentially as part of a combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Rachel A K Atkinson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Lyzette M Matthews
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Isabella C Murray
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Sharn E Perry
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coleman MP. Axon Biology in ALS: Mechanisms of Axon Degeneration and Prospects for Therapy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1133-1144. [PMID: 36207571 PMCID: PMC9587191 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01297-6] [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] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the longstanding debate over whether amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a 'dying back' or 'dying forward' disorder in the light of new gene identifications and the increased understanding of mechanisms of action for previously identified ALS genes. While the topological pattern of pathology in animal models, and more anecdotally in patients is indeed 'dying back', this review discusses how this fits with the fact that many of the major initiating events are thought to occur within the soma. It also discusses how widely varying ALS risk factors, including some impacting axons directly, may combine to drive a common pathway involving TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation. The emerging association between sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (SARM1), a protein so far mostly associated with axon degeneration, and sporadic ALS is another major theme. The strengths and limitations of the current evidence supporting an association are considered, along with ways in which SARM1 could become activated in ALS. The final section addresses SARM1-based therapies along with the prospects for targeting other axonal steps in ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Coleman
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rubio MA, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Gaja-Capdevila N, Vilches JJ, Navarro X. Characterization of somatosensory neuron involvement in the SOD1 G93A mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7600. [PMID: 35534694 PMCID: PMC9085861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
SOD1G93A mice show loss of cutaneous small fibers, as in ALS patients. Our objective is to characterize the involvement of different somatosensory neuron populations and its temporal progression in the SOD1G93A mice. We aim to further define peripheral sensory involvement, analyzing at the same time points the neuronal bodies located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the distal part of their axons in the skin, in order to shed light in the mechanisms of sensory involvement in ALS. We performed immunohistochemical analysis of peptidergic (CGRP), non-peptidergic (IB4) fibers in epidermis, as well as sympathetic sudomotor fibers (VIP) in the footpads of SOD1G93A mice and wild type littermates at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. We also immunolabeled and quantified neuronal bodies of IB4, CGRP and parvalbumin (PV) positive sensory neurons in lumbar DRG. We detected a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the SOD1G93A mice of both peptidergic and non-peptidergic axons, compared with the WT, being the non-peptidergic the fewest. Sweat gland innervation was similarly affected in the SOD1G93A mouse at 12 weeks. Nonetheless, the number of DRG neurons from different sensory populations remained unchanged during all stages. Cutaneous sensory axons are affected in the SOD1G93A mouse, with non-peptidergic being slightly more vulnerable than peptidergic axons. Loss or lack of growth of the distal portion of sensory axons with preservation of the corresponding neuronal bodies suggest a distal axonopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Rubio
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nuria Gaja-Capdevila
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jorge J Vilches
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain. .,Unitat de Fisiologia Medica, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Makkawi S, Alqarni AA, Alghaythee H, Alharbi SY, Fatani A, Adas R, Abuzinadah AR. Atypical Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Secondary to Superoxide Dismutase 1 Gene Mutation With Coexistent Axonal Polyneuropathy: A Challenging Diagnosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e20989. [PMID: 35154965 PMCID: PMC8817726 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
7
|
Lotti F, Przedborski S. Motoneuron Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:323-352. [PMID: 36066831 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases (MNDs) represent a heterogeneous group of progressive paralytic disorders, mainly characterized by the loss of upper (corticospinal) motoneurons, lower (spinal) motoneurons or, often both. MNDs can occur from birth to adulthood and have a highly variable clinical presentation, even within gene-positive forms, suggesting the existence of environmental and genetic modifiers. A combination of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms contributes to motoneuron degeneration in MNDs, suggesting multifactorial pathogenic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lotti
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arthur-Farraj P, Coleman MP. Lessons from Injury: How Nerve Injury Studies Reveal Basic Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities for Peripheral Nerve Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2200-2221. [PMID: 34595734 PMCID: PMC8804151 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01125-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Waller and Cajal in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, laboratory traumatic peripheral nerve injury studies have provided great insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms governing axon degeneration and the responses of Schwann cells, the major glial cell type of peripheral nerves. It is now evident that pathways underlying injury-induced axon degeneration and the Schwann cell injury-specific state, the repair Schwann cell, are relevant to many inherited and acquired disorders of peripheral nerves. This review provides a timely update on the molecular understanding of axon degeneration and formation of the repair Schwann cell. We discuss how nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) and sterile alpha TIR motif containing protein 1 (SARM1) are required for axon survival and degeneration, respectively, how transcription factor c-JUN is essential for the Schwann cell response to nerve injury and what each tells us about disease mechanisms and potential therapies. Human genetic association with NMNAT2 and SARM1 strongly suggests aberrant activation of programmed axon death in polyneuropathies and motor neuron disorders, respectively, and animal studies suggest wider involvement including in chemotherapy-induced and diabetic neuropathies. In repair Schwann cells, cJUN is aberrantly expressed in a wide variety of human acquired and inherited neuropathies. Animal models suggest it limits axon loss in both genetic and traumatic neuropathies, whereas in contrast, Schwann cell secreted Neuregulin-1 type 1 drives onion bulb pathology in CMT1A. Finally, we discuss opportunities for drug-based and gene therapies to prevent axon loss or manipulate the repair Schwann cell state to treat acquired and inherited neuropathies and neuronopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Arthur-Farraj
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK.
| | - Michael P Coleman
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Steward O, Yonan JM, Falk PM. The Curious Anti-Pathology of the Wld s Mutation: Paradoxical Postsynaptic Spine Growth Accompanies Delayed Presynaptic Wallerian Degeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:735919. [PMID: 34566580 PMCID: PMC8461245 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.735919] [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: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wlds mutation, which arose spontaneously in C57Bl/6 mice, remarkably delays the onset of Wallerian degeneration of axons. This remarkable phenotype has transformed our understanding of mechanisms contributing to survival vs. degeneration of mammalian axons after separation from their cell bodies. Although there are numerous studies of how the Wlds mutation affects axon degeneration, especially in the peripheral nervous system, less is known about how the mutation affects degeneration of CNS synapses. Here, using electron microscopy, we explore how the Wlds mutation affects synaptic terminal degeneration and withering and re-growth of dendritic spines on dentate granule cells following lesions of perforant path inputs from the entorhinal cortex. Our results reveal that substantial delays in the timing of synapse degeneration in Wlds mice are accompanied by paradoxical hypertrophy of spine heads with enlargement of post-synaptic membrane specializations (PSDs) and development of spinules. These increases in the complexity of spine morphology are similar to what is seen following induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). Robust and paradoxical spine growth suggests yet to be characterized signaling processes between amputated but non-degenerating axons and their postsynaptic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oswald Steward
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Yonan
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Paula M Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Peters OM, Weiss A, Metterville J, Song L, Logan R, Smith GA, Schwarzschild MA, Mueller C, Brown RH, Freeman M. Genetic diversity of axon degenerative mechanisms in models of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 155:105368. [PMID: 33892050 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative movement disorder, associated with profound loss of dopaminergic neurons from the basal ganglia. Though loss of dopaminergic neuron cell bodies from the substantia nigra pars compacta is a well-studied feature, atrophy and loss of their axons within the nigrostriatal tract is also emerging as an early event in disease progression. Genes that drive the Wallerian degeneration, like Sterile alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif containing (Sarm1), are excellent candidates for driving this axon degeneration, given similarities in the morphology of axon degeneration after axotomy and in PD. In the present study we assessed whether Sarm1 contributes to loss of dopaminergic projections in mouse models of PD. In Sarm1 deficient mice, we observed a significant delay in the degeneration of severed dopaminergic axons distal to a 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in the nigrostriatal tract, and an accompanying rescue of morphological, biochemical and behavioural phenotypes. However, we observed no difference compared to controls when striatal terminals were lesioned with 6-OHDA to induce a dying back form of neurodegeneration. Likewise, when PD phenotypes were induced using AAV-induced alpha-synuclein overexpression, we observed similar modest loss of dopaminergic terminals in Sarm1 knockouts and controls. Our data argues that axon degeneration after MFB lesion is Sarm1-dependent, but that other models for PD do not require Sarm1, or that Sarm1 acts with other redundant genetic pathways. This work adds to a growing body of evidence indicating Sarm1 contributes to some, but not all types of neurodegeneration, and supports the notion that while axon degeneration in many context appears morphologically similar, a diversity of axon degeneration programs exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Peters
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Lina Song
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert Logan
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA 02170, USA
| | - Gaynor A Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Michael A Schwarzschild
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Marc Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Krauss R, Bosanac T, Devraj R, Engber T, Hughes RO. Axons Matter: The Promise of Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders by Targeting SARM1-Mediated Axonal Degeneration. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:281-293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
12
|
Programmed axon degeneration: from mouse to mechanism to medicine. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:183-196. [PMID: 32152523 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Wallerian degeneration is a widespread mechanism of programmed axon degeneration. In the three decades since the discovery of the Wallerian degeneration slow (WldS) mouse, research has generated extensive knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying Wallerian degeneration, demonstrated its involvement in non-injury disorders and found multiple ways to block it. Recent developments have included: the detection of NMNAT2 mutations that implicate Wallerian degeneration in rare human diseases; the capacity for lifelong rescue of a lethal condition related to Wallerian degeneration in mice; the discovery of 'druggable' enzymes, including SARM1 and MYCBP2 (also known as PHR1), in Wallerian pathways; and the elucidation of protein structures to drive further understanding of the underlying mechanisms and drug development. Additionally, new data have indicated the potential of these advances to alleviate a number of common disorders, including chemotherapy-induced and diabetic peripheral neuropathies, traumatic brain injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
White MA, Lin Z, Kim E, Henstridge CM, Pena Altamira E, Hunt CK, Burchill E, Callaghan I, Loreto A, Brown-Wright H, Mead R, Simmons C, Cash D, Coleman MP, Sreedharan J. Sarm1 deletion suppresses TDP-43-linked motor neuron degeneration and cortical spine loss. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:166. [PMID: 31661035 PMCID: PMC6819591 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the motor system and shares many features with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Evidence suggests that ALS is a 'dying-back' disease, with peripheral denervation and axonal degeneration occurring before loss of motor neuron cell bodies. Distal to a nerve injury, a similar pattern of axonal degeneration can be seen, which is mediated by an active axon destruction mechanism called Wallerian degeneration. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (Sarm1) is a key gene in the Wallerian pathway and its deletion provides long-term protection against both Wallerian degeneration and Wallerian-like, non-injury induced axonopathy, a retrograde degenerative process that occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases where axonal transport is impaired. Here, we explored whether Sarm1 signalling could be a therapeutic target for ALS by deleting Sarm1 from a mouse model of ALS-FTD, a TDP-43Q331K, YFP-H double transgenic mouse. Sarm1 deletion attenuated motor axon degeneration and neuromuscular junction denervation. Motor neuron cell bodies were also significantly protected. Deletion of Sarm1 also attenuated loss of layer V pyramidal neuronal dendritic spines in the primary motor cortex. Structural MRI identified the entorhinal cortex as the most significantly atrophic region, and histological studies confirmed a greater loss of neurons in the entorhinal cortex than in the motor cortex, suggesting a prominent FTD-like pattern of neurodegeneration in this transgenic mouse model. Despite the reduction in neuronal degeneration, Sarm1 deletion did not attenuate age-related behavioural deficits caused by TDP-43Q331K. However, Sarm1 deletion was associated with a significant increase in the viability of male TDP-43Q331K mice, suggesting a detrimental role of Wallerian-like pathways in the earliest stages of TDP-43Q331K-mediated neurodegeneration. Collectively, these results indicate that anti-SARM1 strategies have therapeutic potential in ALS-FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A White
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Eugene Kim
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Emiliano Pena Altamira
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Camille K Hunt
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ella Burchill
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Isobel Callaghan
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Andrea Loreto
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heledd Brown-Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Mead
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Camilla Simmons
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Cash
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael P Coleman
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gentile F, Scarlino S, Falzone YM, Lunetta C, Tremolizzo L, Quattrini A, Riva N. The Peripheral Nervous System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Opportunities for Translational Research. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:601. [PMID: 31293369 PMCID: PMC6603245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been considered as a disorder of the motor neuron (MN) cell body, recent evidences show the non-cell-autonomous pathogenic nature of the disease. Axonal degeneration, loss of peripheral axons and destruction of nerve terminals are early events in the disease pathogenic cascade, anticipating MN degeneration, and the onset of clinical symptoms. Therefore, although ALS and peripheral axonal neuropathies should be differentiated in clinical practice, they also share damage to common molecular pathways, including axonal transport, RNA metabolism and proteostasis. Thus, an extensive evaluation of the molecular events occurring in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) could be fundamental to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS, favoring the discovery of potential disease biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology - San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Scarlino
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology - San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology - San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- Neurology Unit, ALS Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology - San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology - San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Peters OM, Lewis EA, Osterloh JM, Weiss A, Salameh JS, Metterville J, Brown RH, Freeman MR. Loss of Sarm1 does not suppress motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3761-3771. [PMID: 30010873 PMCID: PMC6196650 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration occurs in all neurodegenerative diseases, but the molecular pathways regulating axon destruction during neurodegeneration are poorly understood. Sterile Alpha and TIR Motif Containing 1 (Sarm1) is an essential component of the prodegenerative pathway driving axon degeneration after axotomy and represents an appealing target for therapeutic intervention in neurological conditions involving axon loss. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by rapid, progressive motor neuron degeneration and muscle atrophy, causing paralysis and death. Patient tissue and animal models of ALS show destruction of upper and lower motor neuron cell bodies and loss of their associated axons. Here, we investigate whether loss of Sarm1 can mitigate motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. We found no change in survival, behavioral, electrophysiogical or histopathological outcomes in SOD1G93A mice null for Sarm1. Blocking Sarm1-mediated axon destruction alone is therefore not sufficient to suppress SOD1G93A-induced neurodegeneration. Our data suggest the molecular pathways driving axon loss in ALS may be Sarm1-independent or involve genetic pathways that act in a redundant fashion with Sarm1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Peters
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lewis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeannette M Osterloh
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Johnny S Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marc R Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Held A, Major P, Sahin A, Reenan RA, Lipscombe D, Wharton KA. Circuit Dysfunction in SOD1-ALS Model First Detected in Sensory Feedback Prior to Motor Neuron Degeneration Is Alleviated by BMP Signaling. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2347-2364. [PMID: 30659087 PMCID: PMC6433758 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1771-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which the origin and underlying cellular defects are not fully understood. Although motor neuron degeneration is the signature feature of ALS, it is not clear whether motor neurons or other cells of the motor circuit are the site of disease initiation. To better understand the contribution of multiple cell types in ALS, we made use of a Drosophila Sod1G85R knock-in model, in which all cells harbor the disease allele. End-stage dSod1G85R animals of both sexes exhibit severe motor deficits with clear degeneration of motor neurons. Interestingly, earlier in dSod1G85R larvae, motor function is also compromised, but their motor neurons exhibit only subtle morphological and electrophysiological changes that are unlikely to cause the observed decrease in locomotion. We analyzed the intact motor circuit and identified a defect in sensory feedback that likely accounts for the altered motor activity of dSod1G85R We found cell-autonomous activation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in proprioceptor sensory neurons which are critical for the relay of the contractile status of muscles back to the central nerve cord, completely rescues early-stage motor defects and partially rescue late-stage motor function to extend lifespan. Identification of a defect in sensory feedback as a potential initiating event in ALS motor dysfunction, coupled with the ability of modified proprioceptors to alleviate such motor deficits, underscores the critical role that nonmotor neurons play in disease progression and highlights their potential as a site to identify early-stage ALS biomarkers and for therapeutic intervention.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT At diagnosis, many cellular processes are already disrupted in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient. Identifying the initiating cellular events is critical for achieving an earlier diagnosis to slow or prevent disease progression. Our findings indicate that neurons relaying sensory information underlie early stage motor deficits in a Drosophila knock-in model of ALS that best replicates gene dosage in familial ALS (fALS). Importantly, studies on intact motor circuits revealed defects in sensory feedback before evidence of motor neuron degeneration. These findings strengthen our understanding of how neural circuit dysfunctions lead to neurodegeneration and, coupled with our demonstration that the activation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in proprioceptors alleviates both early and late motor dysfunction, underscores the importance of considering nonmotor neurons as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Held
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Paxton Major
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Asli Sahin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Robert A Reenan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, and
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry,
- The Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pieper AA, McKnight SL. Benefits of Enhancing Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Damaged or Diseased Nerve Cells. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2019; 83:207-217. [PMID: 30787047 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2018.83.037622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Three unbiased lines of research have commonly pointed to the benefits of enhanced levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to diseased or damaged neurons. Mice carrying a triplication of the gene encoding the culminating enzyme in NAD+ salvage from nicotinamide, NMNAT, are protected from a variety of insults to axons. Protection from Wallerian degeneration of axons is also observed in flies and mice bearing inactivating mutations in the SARM1 gene. Functional studies of the SARM1 gene product have revealed the presence of an enzymatic activity directed toward the hydrolysis of NAD+ Finally, an unbiased drug screen performed in living mice led to the discovery of a neuroprotective chemical designated P7C3. Biochemical studies of the P7C3 chemical show that it can enhance recovery of NAD+ from nicotinamide by activating NAMPT, the first enzyme in the salvage pathway. In combination, these three unrelated research endeavors offer evidence of the benefits of enhanced NAD+ levels to damaged neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Pieper
- Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers, Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Steven L McKnight
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Körner S, Thau-Habermann N, Kefalakes E, Bursch F, Petri S. Expression of the axon-guidance protein receptor Neuropilin 1 is increased in the spinal cord and decreased in muscle of a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1529-1543. [PMID: 30589468 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disorder. It is supposed that ALS is at least in part an axonopathy. Neuropilin 1 is an important receptor of the axon repellent Semaphorin 3A and a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor. It is probably involved in neuronal and axonal de-/regeneration and might be of high relevance for ALS pathogenesis and/or disease progression. To elucidate whether the expression of either Neuropilin1 or Semaphorin3A is altered in ALS we investigated these proteins in human brain, spinal cord and muscle tissue of ALS-patients and controls as well as transgenic SOD1G93A and control mice. Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A gene and protein expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry. Groups were compared using either Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. We observed a consistent increase of Neuropilin1 expression in the spinal cord and decrease of Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A in muscle tissue of transgenic SOD1G93A mice at the mRNA and protein level. Previous studies have shown that damage of neurons physiologically causes Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A increase in the central nervous system and decrease in the peripheral nervous system. Our results indicate that this also occurs in ALS. Pharmacological modulation of expression and function of axon repellents could be a promising future therapeutic option in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lyon MS, Wosiski-Kuhn M, Gillespie R, Caress J, Milligan C. Inflammation, Immunity, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: I. Etiology and pathology. Muscle Nerve 2018; 59:10-22. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miles S. Lyon
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - Marlena Wosiski-Kuhn
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - Rachel Gillespie
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - James Caress
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Carol Milligan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang L, Gao J, Liu J, Siedlak SL, Torres S, Fujioka H, Huntley ML, Jiang Y, Ji H, Yan T, Harland M, Termsarasab P, Zeng S, Jiang Z, Liang J, Perry G, Hoppel C, Zhang C, Li H, Wang X. Mitofusin 2 Regulates Axonal Transport of Calpastatin to Prevent Neuromuscular Synaptic Elimination in Skeletal Muscles. Cell Metab 2018; 28:400-414.e8. [PMID: 30017354 PMCID: PMC6125186 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscles undergo atrophy in response to diseases and aging. Here we report that mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) acts as a dominant suppressor of neuromuscular synaptic loss to preserve skeletal muscles. Mfn2 is reduced in spinal cords of transgenic SOD1G93A and aged mice. Through preserving neuromuscular synapses, increasing neuronal Mfn2 prevents skeletal muscle wasting in both SOD1G93A and aged mice, whereas deletion of neuronal Mfn2 produces neuromuscular synaptic dysfunction and skeletal muscle atrophy. Neuromuscular synaptic loss after sciatic nerve transection can also be alleviated by Mfn2. Mfn2 coexists with calpastatin largely in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) to regulate its axonal transport. Genetic inactivation of calpastatin abolishes Mfn2-mediated protection of neuromuscular synapses. Our results suggest that, as a potential key component of a novel and heretofore unrecognized mechanism of cytoplasmic protein transport, Mfn2 may play a general role in preserving neuromuscular synapses and serve as a common therapeutic target for skeletal muscle atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luwen Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ju Gao
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandra L Siedlak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandy Torres
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hisashi Fujioka
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mikayla L Huntley
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yinfei Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Haiyan Ji
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tingxiang Yan
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Micah Harland
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pichet Termsarasab
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sophia Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zhen Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jingjing Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Charles Hoppel
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sasaki Y. Metabolic aspects of neuronal degeneration: From a NAD + point of view. Neurosci Res 2018; 139:9-20. [PMID: 30006197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular metabolism maintains the life of cells, allowing energy production required for building cellular constituents and maintaining homeostasis under constantly changing external environments. Neuronal cells maintain their structure and function for the entire life of organisms and the loss of neurons, with limited neurogenesis in adults, directly causes loss of complexity in the neuronal networks. The nervous system organizes the neurons by placing cell bodies containing nuclei of similar types of neurons in discrete regions. Accordingly, axons must travel great distances to connect different types of neurons and peripheral organs. The enormous surface area of neurons makes them high-energy demanding to keep their membrane potential. Distal axon survival is dependent on axonal transport that is another energy demanding process. All of these factors make metabolic stress a potential risk factor for neuronal death and neuronal degeneration often associated with metabolic diseases. This review discusses recent findings on metabolic dysregulations under neuronal degeneration and pathways protecting neurons in these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yo Sasaki
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, Couch Biomedical Research Building, 4515 McKinley Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63110, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Heterochronic Gene lin-14 Controls Axonal Degeneration in C. elegans Neurons. Cell Rep 2018; 20:2955-2965. [PMID: 28930688 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The disproportionate length of an axon makes its structural and functional maintenance a major task for a neuron. The heterochronic gene lin-14 has previously been implicated in regulating the timing of key developmental events in the nematode C. elegans. Here, we report that LIN-14 is critical for maintaining neuronal integrity. Animals lacking lin-14 display axonal degeneration and guidance errors in both sensory and motor neurons. We demonstrate that LIN-14 functions both cell autonomously within the neuron and non-cell autonomously in the surrounding tissue, and we show that interaction between the axon and its surrounding tissue is essential for the preservation of axonal structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lin-14 expression is only required during a short period early in development in order to promote axonal maintenance throughout the animal's life. Our results identify a crucial role for LIN-14 in preventing axonal degeneration and in maintaining correct interaction between an axon and its surrounding tissue.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sarm1 Deletion, but Not Wld S, Confers Lifelong Rescue in a Mouse Model of Severe Axonopathy. Cell Rep 2018; 21:10-16. [PMID: 28978465 PMCID: PMC5640801 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies with the WldS mutant mouse have shown that axon and synapse pathology in several models of neurodegenerative diseases are mechanistically related to injury-induced axon degeneration (Wallerian degeneration). Crucially, an absence of SARM1 delays Wallerian degeneration as robustly as WldS, but their relative capacities to confer long-term protection against related, non-injury axonopathy and/or synaptopathy have not been directly compared. While Sarm1 deletion or WldS can rescue perinatal lethality and widespread Wallerian-like axonopathy in young NMNAT2-deficient mice, we report that an absence of SARM1 enables these mice to survive into old age with no overt phenotype, whereas those rescued by WldS invariantly develop a progressive neuromuscular defect in their hindlimbs from around 3 months of age. We therefore propose Sarm1 deletion as a more reliable tool than WldS for investigating Wallerian-like mechanisms in disease models and suggest that SARM1 blockade may have greater therapeutic potential than WLDS-related strategies. Rescue of an axonopathy model by Sarm1 deletion or WldS compared in an aging study Young adult NMNAT2-deficient mice rescued by WldS develop a hindlimb motor defect NMNAT2-deficient mice rescued by Sarm1 deletion are overtly normal up to 24 months SARM1 depletion/inhibition may have analytical and therapeutic advantages over WLDS
Collapse
|
24
|
Sangari S, Giron A, Marrelec G, Pradat PF, Marchand-Pauvert V. Abnormal cortical brain integration of somatosensory afferents in ALS. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 129:874-884. [PMID: 29317192 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infraclinical sensory alterations have been reported at early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While previous studies mainly focused on early somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), late SEPs, which reflect on cortical pathways involved in cognitive-motor functions, are relatively underinvestigated. Early and late SEPs were compared to assess their alterations in ALS. METHODS Median and ulnar nerves were electrically stimulated at the wrist, at 9 times the perceptual threshold, in 21 ALS patients without clinical evidence of sensory deficits, and 21 age- and gender-matched controls. SEPs were recorded at the Erb point using surface electrodes and using a needle inserted in the scalp, in front of the primary somatosensory area (with reference electrode on the ear lobe). RESULTS Compared to controls, ALS patients showed comparable peripheral (N9) and early cortical component (N20, P25, N30) reductions, while the late cortical components (N60, P100) were more depressed than the early ones. CONCLUSIONS The peripheral sensory alteration likely contributed to late SEP depression to a lesser extent than that of early SEPs. SIGNIFICANCE Late SEPs may provide new insights on abnormal cortical excitability affecting brain areas involved in cognitive-motor functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sangari
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Alain Giron
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Marrelec
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013 Paris, France; Département de Neurologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Véronique Marchand-Pauvert
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Common and Divergent Mechanisms in Developmental Neuronal Remodeling and Dying Back Neurodegeneration. Curr Biol 2017; 26:R628-R639. [PMID: 27404258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell death is an inherent process that is required for the proper wiring of the nervous system. Studies over the last four decades have shown that, in a parallel developmental pathway, axons and dendrites are eliminated without the death of the neuron. This developmentally regulated 'axonal death' results in neuronal remodeling, which is an essential mechanism to sculpt neuronal networks in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Studies across various organisms have demonstrated that a conserved strategy in the formation of adult neuronal circuitry often involves generating too many connections, most of which are later eliminated with high temporal and spatial resolution. Can neuronal remodeling be regarded as developmentally and spatially regulated neurodegeneration? It has been previously speculated that injury-induced degeneration (Wallerian degeneration) shares some molecular features with 'dying back' neurodegenerative diseases. In this opinion piece, we examine the similarities and differences between the mechanisms regulating neuronal remodeling and those being perturbed in dying back neurodegenerative diseases. We focus primarily on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies and highlight possible shared pathways and mechanisms. While mechanistic data are only just beginning to emerge, and despite the inherent differences between disease-oriented and developmental processes, we believe that some of the similarities between these developmental and disease-initiated degeneration processes warrant closer collaborations and crosstalk between these different fields.
Collapse
|
26
|
Salvadores N, Sanhueza M, Manque P, Court FA. Axonal Degeneration during Aging and Its Functional Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:451. [PMID: 28928628 PMCID: PMC5591337 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging constitutes the main risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This represents a major health issue worldwide that is only expected to escalate due to the ever-increasing life expectancy of the population. Interestingly, axonal degeneration, which occurs at early stages of neurodegenerative disorders (ND) such as Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, also takes place as a consequence of normal aging. Moreover, the alteration of several cellular processes such as proteostasis, response to cellular stress and mitochondrial homeostasis, which have been described to occur in the aging brain, can also contribute to axonal pathology. Compelling evidence indicate that the degeneration of axons precedes clinical symptoms in NDs and occurs before cell body loss, constituting an early event in the pathological process and providing a potential therapeutic target to treat neurodegeneration before neuronal cell death. Although, normal aging and the development of neurodegeneration are two processes that are closely linked, the molecular basis of the switch that triggers the transition from healthy aging to neurodegeneration remains unrevealed. In this review we discuss the potential role of axonal degeneration in this transition and provide a detailed overview of the literature and current advances in the molecular understanding of the cellular changes that occur during aging that promote axonal degeneration and then discuss this in the context of ND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Salvadores
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad MayorSantiago, Chile.,Fondap Geroscience Center for Brain Health and MetabolismSantiago, Chile
| | - Mario Sanhueza
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad MayorSantiago, Chile.,Fondap Geroscience Center for Brain Health and MetabolismSantiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Manque
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad MayorSantiago, Chile
| | - Felipe A Court
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad MayorSantiago, Chile.,Fondap Geroscience Center for Brain Health and MetabolismSantiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Arbour D, Vande Velde C, Robitaille R. New perspectives on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the role of glial cells at the neuromuscular junction. J Physiol 2016; 595:647-661. [PMID: 27633977 DOI: 10.1113/jp270213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease leading to the death of motor neurons (MNs). It is also recognized as a non-cell autonomous disease where glial cells in the CNS are involved in its pathogenesis and progression. However, although denervation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) represents an early and major event in ALS, the importance of glial cells at this synapse receives little attention. An interesting possibility is that altered relationships between glial cells and MNs in the spinal cord in ALS may also take place at the NMJ. Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), which are glial cells at the NMJ, show great morphological and functional adaptability to ensure NMJ stability, maintenance and repair. More specifically, PSCs change their properties according to the state of innervation. Hence, abnormal changes or lack of changes can have detrimental effects on NMJs in ALS. This review will provide an overview of known and hypothesized interactions between MN nerve terminals and PSCs at NMJs during development, aging and ALS-induced denervation. These neuron-PSC interactions may be crucial to the understanding of how degenerative changes begin and progress at NMJs in ALS, and represent a novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Arbour
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.,Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.,Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7.,Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C 3J7
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Monitoring peripheral nerve degeneration in ALS by label-free stimulated Raman scattering imaging. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13283. [PMID: 27796305 PMCID: PMC5095598 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and potential interventions would be facilitated if motor axon degeneration could be more readily visualized. Here we demonstrate that stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy could be used to sensitively monitor peripheral nerve degeneration in ALS mouse models and ALS autopsy materials. Three-dimensional imaging of pre-symptomatic SOD1 mouse models and data processing by a correlation-based algorithm revealed that significant degeneration of peripheral nerves could be detected coincidentally with the earliest detectable signs of muscle denervation and preceded physiologically measurable motor function decline. We also found that peripheral degeneration was an early event in FUS as well as C9ORF72 repeat expansion models of ALS, and that serial imaging allowed long-term observation of disease progression and drug effects in living animals. Our study demonstrates that SRS imaging is a sensitive and quantitative means of measuring disease progression, greatly facilitating future studies of disease mechanisms and candidate therapeutics.
Collapse
|
29
|
Schäfer MK, Bellouze S, Jacquier A, Schaller S, Richard L, Mathis S, Vallat JM, Haase G. Sensory neuropathy in progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice is associated with defects in microtubule polymerization and axonal transport. Brain Pathol 2016; 27:459-471. [PMID: 27488538 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are now recognized as multi-system disorders also involving various non-motor neuronal cell types. The precise extent and mechanistic basis of non-motor neuron damage in human ALS and ALS animal models remain however unclear. To address this, we here studied progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice carrying a missense loss-of-function mutation in tubulin binding cofactor E (TBCE). These mice manifest a particularly aggressive form of motor axon dying back and display a microtubule loss, similar to that induced by human ALS-linked TUBA4A mutations. Using whole nerve confocal imaging of pmn × thy1.2-YFP16 fluorescent reporter mice and electron microscopy, we demonstrate axonal discontinuities, bead-like spheroids and ovoids in pmn suralis nerves indicating prominent sensory neuropathy. The axonal alterations qualitatively resemble those in phrenic motor nerves but do not culminate in the loss of myelinated fibers. We further show that the pmn mutation decreases the level of TBCE, impedes microtubule polymerization in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and causes progressive loss of microtubules in large and small caliber suralis axons. Live imaging of axonal transport using GFP-tagged tetanus toxin C-fragment (GFP-TTC) demonstrates defects in microtubule-based transport in pmn DRG neurons, providing a potential explanation for the axonal alterations in sensory nerves. This study unravels sensory neuropathy as a pathological feature of mouse pmn, and discusses the potential contribution of cytoskeletal defects to sensory neuropathy in human motor neuron disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Research Center Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Sarah Bellouze
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille Université UMR 7289, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Jacquier
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille Université UMR 7289, Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Schaller
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille Université UMR 7289, Marseille, France
| | - Laurence Richard
- Laboratoire de Neurologie, Centre de référence national "Neuropathies périphériques rares", Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU), Limoges, France
| | - Stéphane Mathis
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Poitiers, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Laboratoire de Neurologie, Centre de référence national "Neuropathies périphériques rares", Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU), Limoges, France
| | - Georg Haase
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Aix-Marseille Université UMR 7289, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rubio MA, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Vilches JJ, Navarro X. Involvement of sensory innervation in the skin of SOD1G93A
ALS mice. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2016; 21:88-95. [DOI: 10.1111/jns.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Rubio
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology; Hospital del Mar; Barcelona Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - Jorge J. Vilches
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERNED; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Körner S, Böselt S, Wichmann K, Thau-Habermann N, Zapf A, Knippenberg S, Dengler R, Petri S. The Axon Guidance Protein Semaphorin 3A Is Increased in the Motor Cortex of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:326-333. [PMID: 26921371 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disorder that leads to progressive paralysis of skeletal muscles and death by respiratory failure. There is increasing evidence that ALS is at least in part an axonopathy and that mechanisms regulating axonal degeneration and regeneration might be pathogenetically relevant. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is an axon guidance protein; it acts as an axon repellent and prevents axonal regeneration. Increased Sema3A expression has been described in a mouse model of ALS in which it may contribute to motor neuron degeneration. This study aimed to investigate Sema3A mRNA and protein expression in human CNS tissues. We assessed Sema3A expression using quantitative real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry in motor cortex and spinal cord tissue of 8 ALS patients and 6 controls. We found a consistent increase of Sema3A expression in the motor cortex of ALS patients by all 3 methods. In situ hybridization further confirmed that Sema3A expression was present in motor neurons. These findings indicate that upregulation of Sema3A may contribute to axonal degeneration and failure of regeneration in ALS patients. The inhibition of Sema3A therefore might be a promising future therapeutic option for patients with this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Körner
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP).
| | - Sebastian Böselt
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Klaudia Wichmann
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Nadine Thau-Habermann
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Antonia Zapf
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Sarah Knippenberg
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| | - Susanne Petri
- From the Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK, SB, KW, NTH, RD); Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany (AZ); Department of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (SK); and Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany (RD, SP)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Krieger C, Wang SJH, Yoo SH, Harden N. Adducin at the Neuromuscular Junction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Hanging on for Dear Life. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:11. [PMID: 26858605 PMCID: PMC4731495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurological dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) is associated with defective nerve-muscle contacts early in the disease suggesting that perturbations of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) linking the pre- and post-synaptic components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are involved. To search for candidate proteins implicated in this degenerative process, researchers have studied the Drosophila larval NMJ and find that the cytoskeleton-associated protein, adducin, is ideally placed to regulate synaptic contacts. By controlling the levels of synaptic proteins, adducin can de-stabilize synaptic contacts. Interestingly, elevated levels of phosphorylated adducin have been reported in ALS patients and in a mouse model of the disease. Adducin is regulated by phosphorylation through protein kinase C (PKC), some isoforms of which exhibit Ca2+-dependence, raising the possibility that changes in intracellular Ca2+ might alter PKC activation and secondarily influence adducin phosphorylation. Furthermore, adducin has interactions with the alpha subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase. Thus, the phosphorylation of adducin may secondarily influence synaptic stability at the NMJ and so influence pre- and post-synaptic integrity at the NMJ in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Krieger
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Simon Ji Hau Wang
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Soo Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Harden
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sreedharan J, Neukomm LJ, Brown RH, Freeman MR. Age-Dependent TDP-43-Mediated Motor Neuron Degeneration Requires GSK3, hat-trick, and xmas-2. Curr Biol 2015; 25:2130-6. [PMID: 26234214 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RNA-processing protein TDP-43 is central to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult-onset motor neuron (MN) disease. TDP-43 is conserved in Drosophila, where it has been the topic of considerable study, but how TDP-43 mutations lead to age-dependent neurodegeneration is unclear and most approaches have not directly examined changes in MN morphology with age. We used a mosaic approach to study age-dependent MN loss in the adult fly leg where it is possible to resolve single motor axons, NMJs and active zones, and perform rapid forward genetic screens. We show that expression of TDP-43(Q331K) caused dying-back of NMJs and axons, which could not be suppressed by mutations that block Wallerian degeneration. We report the identification of three genes that suppress TDP-43 toxicity, including shaggy/GSK3, a known modifier of neurodegeneration. The two additional novel suppressors, hat-trick and xmas-2, function in chromatin modeling and RNA export, two processes recently implicated in human ALS. Loss of shaggy/GSK3, hat-trick, or xmas-2 does not suppress Wallerian degeneration, arguing TDP-43(Q331K)-induced and Wallerian degeneration are genetically distinct processes. In addition to delineating genetic factors that modify TDP-43 toxicity, these results establish the Drosophila adult leg as a valuable new tool for the in vivo study of adult MN phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jemeen Sreedharan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neurobiology, LRB-740A1, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Department of Neurology, S5-755, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Signalling ISP, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Lukas J Neukomm
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neurobiology, LRB-740A1, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, S5-755, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Marc R Freeman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neurobiology, LRB-740A1, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Genç B, Lagrimas AKB, Kuru P, Hess R, Tu MW, Menichella DM, Miller RJ, Paller AS, Özdinler PH. Visualization of Sensory Neurons and Their Projections in an Upper Motor Neuron Reporter Line. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26222784 PMCID: PMC4519325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visualization of peripheral nervous system axons and cell bodies is important to understand their development, target recognition, and integration into complex circuitries. Numerous studies have used protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 [a.k.a. ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1)] expression as a marker to label sensory neurons and their axons. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression, under the control of UCHL1 promoter, is stable and long lasting in the UCHL1-eGFP reporter line. In addition to the genetic labeling of corticospinal motor neurons in the motor cortex and degeneration-resistant spinal motor neurons in the spinal cord, here we report that neurons of the peripheral nervous system are also fluorescently labeled in the UCHL1-eGFP reporter line. eGFP expression is turned on at embryonic ages and lasts through adulthood, allowing detailed studies of cell bodies, axons and target innervation patterns of all sensory neurons in vivo. In addition, visualization of both the sensory and the motor neurons in the same animal offers many advantages. In this report, we used UCHL1-eGFP reporter line in two different disease paradigms: diabetes and motor neuron disease. eGFP expression in sensory axons helped determine changes in epidermal nerve fiber density in a high-fat diet induced diabetes model. Our findings corroborate previous studies, and suggest that more than five months is required for significant skin denervation. Crossing UCHL1-eGFP with hSOD1G93A mice generated hSOD1G93A-UeGFP reporter line of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and revealed sensory nervous system defects, especially towards disease end-stage. Our studies not only emphasize the complexity of the disease in ALS, but also reveal that UCHL1-eGFP reporter line would be a valuable tool to visualize and study various aspects of sensory nervous system development and degeneration in the context of numerous diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Amiko Krisa Bunag Lagrimas
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Pınar Kuru
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Robert Hess
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Michael William Tu
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Daniela Maria Menichella
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Miller
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Amy S. Paller
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Skin Disease Research Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - P. Hande Özdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
de Carvalho M, Eisen A, Krieger C, Swash M. Motoneuron firing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:719. [PMID: 25294995 PMCID: PMC4170108 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an inexorably progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving the classical motor system and the frontal effector brain, causing muscular weakness and atrophy, with variable upper motor neuron signs and often an associated fronto-temporal dementia. The physiological disturbance consequent on the motor system degeneration is beginning to be well understood. In this review we describe aspects of the motor cortical, neuronal, and lower motor neuron dysfunction. We show how studies of the changes in the pattern of motor unit firing help delineate the underlying pathophysiological disturbance as the disease progresses. Such studies are beginning to illuminate the underlying disordered pathophysiological processes in the disease, and are important in designing new approaches to therapy and especially for clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrew Eisen
- Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charles Krieger
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, Canada ; Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Michael Swash
- Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal ; Institute of Neuroscience, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Freeman MR. Signaling mechanisms regulating Wallerian degeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 27:224-31. [PMID: 24907513 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wallerian degeneration (WD) occurs after an axon is cut or crushed and entails the disintegration and clearance of the severed axon distal to the injury site. WD was initially thought to result from the passive wasting away of the distal axonal fragment, presumably because it lacked a nutrient supply from the cell body. The discovery of the slow Wallerian degeneration (Wld(s)) mutant mouse, in which distal severed axons survive intact for weeks rather than only one to two days, radically changed our thoughts on the autonomy of axon survival. Wld(s) taught us that under some conditions the axonal compartment can survive for weeks after axotomy without a cell body. The phenotypic and molecular characterization of Wld(S) and current models for Wld(S) molecular function are reviewed herein-the mechanism(s) by which Wld(S) spares severed axons remains unresolved. However, recent studies inspired by Wld(s) have led to the identification of the first 'axon death' signaling molecules whose endogenous activities promote axon destruction during WD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Freeman
- Dept of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-2324, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
NAD+ and SIRT3 control microtubule dynamics and reduce susceptibility to antimicrotubule agents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E2443-52. [PMID: 24889606 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1404269111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) is an endogenous enzyme cofactor and cosubstrate that has effects on diverse cellular and physiologic processes, including reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and axonal degeneration. A major goal is to identify the NAD(+)-regulated cellular pathways that may mediate these effects. Here we show that the dynamic assembly and disassembly of microtubules is markedly altered by NAD(+). Furthermore, we show that the disassembly of microtubule polymers elicited by microtubule depolymerizing agents is blocked by increasing intracellular NAD(+) levels. We find that these effects of NAD(+) are mediated by the activation of the mitochondrial sirtuin sirtuin-3 (SIRT3). Overexpression of SIRT3 prevents microtubule disassembly and apoptosis elicited by antimicrotubule agents and knockdown of SIRT3 prevents the protective effects of NAD(+) on microtubule polymers. Taken together, these data demonstrate that NAD(+) and SIRT3 regulate microtubule polymerization and the efficacy of antimicrotubule agents.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wallerian degeneration: an emerging axon death pathway linking injury and disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 15:394-409. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
39
|
Accumulation of misfolded SOD1 in dorsal root ganglion degenerating proprioceptive sensory neurons of transgenic mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:852163. [PMID: 24877142 PMCID: PMC4022303 DOI: 10.1155/2014/852163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motoneurons (MNs). Although the motor phenotype is a hallmark for ALS, there is increasing evidence that systems other than the efferent MN system can be involved. Mutations of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene cause a proportion of familial forms of this disease. Misfolding and aggregation of mutant SOD1 exert neurotoxicity in a noncell autonomous manner, as evidenced in studies using transgenic mouse models. Here, we used the SOD1G93A mouse model for ALS to detect, by means of conformational-specific anti-SOD1 antibodies, whether misfolded SOD1-mediated neurotoxicity extended to neuronal types other than MNs. We report that large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) proprioceptive neurons accumulate misfolded SOD1 and suffer a degenerative process involving the inflammatory recruitment of macrophagic cells. Degenerating sensory axons were also detected in association with activated microglial cells in the spinal cord dorsal horn of diseased animals. As large proprioceptive DRG neurons project monosynaptically to ventral horn MNs, we hypothesise that a prion-like mechanism may be responsible for the transsynaptic propagation of SOD1 misfolding from ventral horn MNs to DRG sensory neurons.
Collapse
|
40
|
ATF3 expression improves motor function in the ALS mouse model by promoting motor neuron survival and retaining muscle innervation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:1622-7. [PMID: 24474789 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1314826111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of motor neurons and atrophy of distal axon terminals in muscle, resulting in loss of motor function. Motor end plates denervated by axonal retraction of dying motor neurons are partially reinnervated by remaining viable motor neurons; however, this axonal sprouting is insufficient to compensate for motor neuron loss. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) promotes neuronal survival and axonal growth. Here, we reveal that forced expression of ATF3 in motor neurons of transgenic SOD1(G93A) ALS mice delays neuromuscular junction denervation by inducing axonal sprouting and enhancing motor neuron viability. Maintenance of neuromuscular junction innervation during the course of the disease in ATF3/SOD1(G93A) mice is associated with a substantial delay in muscle atrophy and improved motor performance. Although disease onset and mortality are delayed, disease duration is not affected. This study shows that adaptive axonal growth-promoting mechanisms can substantially improve motor function in ALS and importantly, that augmenting viability of the motor neuron soma and maintaining functional neuromuscular junction connections are both essential elements in therapy for motor neuron disease in the SOD1(G93A) mice. Accordingly, effective protection of optimal motor neuron function requires restitution of multiple dysregulated cellular pathways.
Collapse
|
41
|
Fogh I, Ratti A, Gellera C, Lin K, Tiloca C, Moskvina V, Corrado L, Sorarù G, Cereda C, Corti S, Gentilini D, Calini D, Castellotti B, Mazzini L, Querin G, Gagliardi S, Del Bo R, Conforti FL, Siciliano G, Inghilleri M, Saccà F, Bongioanni P, Penco S, Corbo M, Sorbi S, Filosto M, Ferlini A, Di Blasio AM, Signorini S, Shatunov A, Jones A, Shaw PJ, Morrison KE, Farmer AE, Van Damme P, Robberecht W, Chiò A, Traynor BJ, Sendtner M, Melki J, Meininger V, Hardiman O, Andersen PM, Leigh NP, Glass JD, Overste D, Diekstra FP, Veldink JH, van Es MA, Shaw CE, Weale ME, Lewis CM, Williams J, Brown RH, Landers JE, Ticozzi N, Ceroni M, Pegoraro E, Comi GP, D'Alfonso S, van den Berg LH, Taroni F, Al-Chalabi A, Powell J, Silani V. A genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies a novel locus at 17q11.2 associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:2220-31. [PMID: 24256812 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of mutations at familial loci for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has provided novel insights into the aetiology of this rapidly progressing fatal neurodegenerative disease. However, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the more common (∼90%) sporadic form have been less successful with the exception of the replicated locus at 9p21.2. To identify new loci associated with disease susceptibility, we have established the largest association study in ALS to date and undertaken a GWAS meta-analytical study combining 3959 newly genotyped Italian individuals (1982 cases and 1977 controls) collected by SLAGEN (Italian Consortium for the Genetics of ALS) together with samples from Netherlands, USA, UK, Sweden, Belgium, France, Ireland and Italy collected by ALSGEN (the International Consortium on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetics). We analysed a total of 13 225 individuals, 6100 cases and 7125 controls for almost 7 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified a novel locus with genome-wide significance at 17q11.2 (rs34517613 with P = 1.11 × 10(-8); OR 0.82) that was validated when combined with genotype data from a replication cohort (P = 8.62 × 10(-9); OR 0.833) of 4656 individuals. Furthermore, we confirmed the previously reported association at 9p21.2 (rs3849943 with P = 7.69 × 10(-9); OR 1.16). Finally, we estimated the contribution of common variation to heritability of sporadic ALS as ∼12% using a linear mixed model accounting for all SNPs. Our results provide an insight into the genetic structure of sporadic ALS, confirming that common variation contributes to risk and that sufficiently powered studies can identify novel susceptibility loci.
Collapse
|
42
|
Calliari A, Bobba N, Escande C, Chini EN. Resveratrol delays Wallerian degeneration in a NAD(+) and DBC1 dependent manner. Exp Neurol 2013; 251:91-100. [PMID: 24252177 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is a central process in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in axonal degeneration is crucial to developing new therapies against diseases involving neuronal damage. Resveratrol is a putative SIRT1 activator that has been shown to delay neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer, and Huntington's disease. However, the effect of resveratrol on axonal degeneration is still controversial. Using an in vitro model of Wallerian degeneration based on cultures of explants of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), we showed that resveratrol produces a delay in axonal degeneration. Furthermore, the effect of resveratrol on Wallerian degeneration was lost when SIRT1 was pharmacologically inhibited. Interestingly, we found that knocking out Deleted in Breast Cancer-1 (DBC1), an endogenous SIRT1 inhibitor, restores the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol. However, resveratrol did not have an additive protective effect in DBC1 knockout-derived DRGs, suggesting that resveratrol and DBC1 are working through the same signaling pathway. We found biochemical evidence suggesting that resveratrol protects against Wallerian degeneration by promoting the dissociation of SIRT1 and DBC1 in cultured ganglia. Finally, we demonstrated that resveratrol can delay degeneration of crushed nerves in vivo. We propose that resveratrol protects against Wallerian degeneration by activating SIRT1 through dissociation from its inhibitor DBC1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Calliari
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Veterinary-UdelaR., Av. A. Lasplaces 1550, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay; Department of Protein and Nucleic Acids, IIBCE-MEC, Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Natalia Bobba
- Department of Protein and Nucleic Acids, IIBCE-MEC, Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Escande
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Anesthesiology and Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Eduardo N Chini
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Anesthesiology and Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
THEME 9IN VIVOEXPERIMENTAL MODELS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.838424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
44
|
Axonal degeneration in the peripheral nervous system: Implications for the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol 2013; 246:6-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
45
|
Parone PA, Da Cruz S, Han JS, McAlonis-Downes M, Vetto AP, Lee SK, Tseng E, Cleveland DW. Enhancing mitochondrial calcium buffering capacity reduces aggregation of misfolded SOD1 and motor neuron cell death without extending survival in mouse models of inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosci 2013; 33:4657-71. [PMID: 23486940 PMCID: PMC3711648 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1119-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria have been proposed as targets for toxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive, fatal adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. A decrease in the capacity of spinal cord mitochondria to buffer calcium (Ca(2+)) has been observed in mice expressing ALS-linked mutants of SOD1 that develop motor neuron disease with many of the key pathological hallmarks seen in ALS patients. In mice expressing three different ALS-causing SOD1 mutants, we now test the contribution of the loss of mitochondrial Ca(2+)-buffering capacity to disease mechanism(s) by eliminating ubiquitous expression of cyclophilin D, a critical regulator of Ca(2+)-mediated opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore that determines mitochondrial Ca(2+) content. A chronic increase in mitochondrial buffering of Ca(2+) in the absence of cyclophilin D was maintained throughout disease course and was associated with improved mitochondrial ATP synthesis, reduced mitochondrial swelling, and retention of normal morphology. This was accompanied by an attenuation of glial activation, reduction in levels of misfolded SOD1 aggregates in the spinal cord, and a significant suppression of motor neuron death throughout disease. Despite this, muscle denervation, motor axon degeneration, and disease progression and survival were unaffected, thereby eliminating mutant SOD1-mediated loss of mitochondrial Ca(2+) buffering capacity, altered mitochondrial morphology, motor neuron death, and misfolded SOD1 aggregates, as primary contributors to disease mechanism for fatal paralysis in these models of familial ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe A. Parone
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Sandrine Da Cruz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Joo Seok Han
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Anne P. Vetto
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Sandra K. Lee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Eva Tseng
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Don W. Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Steyn FJ, Ngo ST, Lee JD, Leong JW, Buckley AJ, Veldhuis JD, McCombe PA, Chen C, Bellingham MC. Impairments to the GH-IGF-I axis in hSOD1G93A mice give insight into possible mechanisms of GH dysregulation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3735-46. [PMID: 22621959 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-2171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GH deficiency has been found in subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disrupted endocrine function could contribute to the progressive muscle loss and hypermetabolism seen in ALS. It is not possible to study all the elements of the GH-IGF-I axis in ALS patients. Consequently, it remains unclear whether dysfunctional GH secretion contributes to disease pathogenesis and why GH and IGF-I directed treatment strategies are ineffective in human ALS. The hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model is useful for the detailed investigation of the pathogenesis of ALS. We report that symptomatic male hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mice exhibit a deficiency in GH secretion similar to that seen in human ALS. Further characterization of the GH-IGF-I axis in hSOD1(G93A) mice reveals central and peripheral abnormalities that are not found in wild-type age-matched controls. Specifically, we observe aberrant endogenous pulsatile GH secretion, reduced pituitary GH content, and decreased circulating levels of IGF-I, indicating global GH deficiency in hSOD1(G93A) mice. Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of the IGF-I receptor α-subunit in skeletal muscle and lumbar spinal cords of hSOD1(G93A) mice suggests impaired IGF-I signaling within these tissues. This is the first account of disrupted GH secretion in a transgenic mouse model of ALS. These observations are essential for the development of effective GH and IGF-I targeted therapies in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F J Steyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nguyen KT, Zhang Z, Barrett EF, David G. Morphological and functional changes in innervation of a fast forelimb muscle in SOD1-G85R mice. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 48:399-408. [PMID: 22813866 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle endplates become denervated in mice that express mutations of human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1), models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This denervation is especially marked in fast limb muscles, and precedes death of motor neuron somata. This study used mice that expressed yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in neurons to investigate changes in the morphology and function of axons and motor terminals innervating a fast forelimb muscle (epitrochleoanconeus, ETA) in presymptomatic and symptomatic hSOD1-G85R mice, compared to those in mice that express wild-type (wt) hSOD1. The percentage of endplates (identified using fluorescently-labeled α-bungarotoxin) innervated by motor terminals remained high in presymptomatic SOD1-G85R mice, but fell to ~50% in symptomatic mice. The number of large diameter (≥4 μm) axons in the ETA nerve also decreased as mice became symptomatic, and endplate innervation correlated best with the number of large diameter axons. Motor terminal function was assessed using changes in terminal YFP fluorescence evoked by trains of action potentials; different components of the pH-dependent YFP signals reflect stimulation-induced Ca2+ entry and vesicular exo/endocytosis. Most visible motor terminals (>90%) remained capable of responding to nerve stimulation in both pre- and symptomatic hSOD1-G85R mice, but with functional alterations. Responses in presymptomatic terminals suggested reduced acidification and increased vesicular release, whereas symptomatic terminals exhibited increased acidification and reduced vesicular release. The fact that most remaining terminals were able to respond to nerve stimulation suggests that motor terminal-protective therapies might contribute to preserving neuromuscular function in fALS mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khanh T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016430, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mancuso R, Oliván S, Mancera P, Pastén-Zamorano A, Manzano R, Casas C, Osta R, Navarro X. Effect of genetic background on onset and disease progression in the SOD1-G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:302-10. [PMID: 22424126 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.662688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the potential effect of genetic background in disease models is important. The SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse is the most widely used model in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since these animals show considerable variability both in the onset and the progression of the disease, this study aimed to characterize the potential differences between the two most widely used strains, C56BL/6 (B6) and B6SJL. A rotarod test was carried out to assess strength and motor coordination, while electrophysiology tests were performed to evaluate the function of upper and lower motor neurons. Survival of the animals and motor neuron loss were also studied. The results did not show any background effect regarding the rotarod test, despite the differences in the pattern of decline in central and peripheral motor conduction. The onset of motor neuron abnormalities was later in B6SJL mice, but progressed more rapidly. Lifespan was longer for B6 than for B6SJL animals. In conclusion, background differences in disease onset and progression are important. The characteristics of the strain should be taken into account in experimental design of therapeutic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Mancuso
- Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lactate dyscrasia: a novel explanation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:569-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
50
|
Differential protection of neuromuscular sensory and motor axons and their endings in Wld(S) mutant mice. Neuroscience 2011; 200:142-58. [PMID: 22062136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Orthograde Wallerian degeneration normally brings about fragmentation of peripheral nerve axons and their sensory or motor endings within 24-48 h in mice. However, neuronal expression of the chimaeric, Wld(S) gene mutation extends survival of functioning axons and their distal endings for up to 3 weeks after nerve section. Here we studied the pattern and rate of degeneration of sensory axons and their annulospiral endings in deep lumbrical muscles of Wld(S) mice, and compared these with motor axons and their terminals, using neurone-specific transgenic expression of the fluorescent proteins yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) or cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) as morphological reporters. Surprisingly, sensory endings were preserved for up to 20 days, at least twice as long as the most resilient motor nerve terminals. Protection of sensory endings and axons was also much less sensitive to Wld(S) gene-copy number or age than motor axons and their endings. Protection of γ-motor axons and their terminals innervating the juxtaequatorial and polar regions of the spindles was less than sensory axons but greater than α-motor axons. The differences between sensory and motor axon protection persisted in electrically silent, organotypic nerve-explant cultures suggesting that residual axonal activity does not contribute to the sensory-motor axon differences in vivo. Quantitative, Wld(S)-specific immunostaining of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones and motor neurones in homozygous Wld(S) mice suggested that the nuclei of large DRG neurones contain about 2.4 times as much Wld(S) protein as motor neurones. By contrast, nuclear fluorescence of DRG neurones in homozygotes was only 1.5 times brighter than in heterozygotes stained under identical conditions. Thus, differences in axonal or synaptic protection within the same Wld(S) mouse may most simply be explained by differences in expression level of Wld(S) protein between neurones. Mimicry of Wld(S)-induced protection may also have applications in treatment of neurotoxicity or peripheral neuropathies in which the integrity of sensory endings may be especially implicated.
Collapse
|