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Feng H, Clatot J, Kaneko K, Flores-Mendez M, Wengert ER, Koutcher C, Hoddeson E, Lopez E, Lee D, Arias L, Liang Q, Zhang X, Somarowthu A, Covarrubias M, Gunthorpe MJ, Large CH, Akizu N, Goldberg EM. Targeted therapy improves cellular dysfunction, ataxia, and seizure susceptibility in a model of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101389. [PMID: 38266642 PMCID: PMC10897515 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The recurrent variant KCNC1-p.Arg320His causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy (EPM) type 7, defined by progressive myoclonus, epilepsy, and ataxia, and is without effective treatment. KCNC1 encodes the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv3.1, specifically expressed in high-frequency-firing neurons. Variant subunits act via loss of function; hence, EPM7 pathogenesis may involve impaired excitability of Kv3.1-expressing neurons, while enhancing Kv3 activity could represent a viable therapeutic strategy. We generate a mouse model, Kcnc1-p.Arg320His/+, which recapitulates the core features of EPM7, including progressive ataxia and seizure susceptibility. Kv3.1-expressing cerebellar granule cells and neocortical parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons exhibit abnormalities consistent with Kv3 channel dysfunction. A Kv3-specific positive modulator (AUT00206) selectively enhances the firing frequency of Kv3.1-expressing neurons and improves motor function and seizure susceptibility in Kcnc1-Arg320His/+ mice. This work identifies a cellular and circuit basis of dysfunction in EPM7 and demonstrates that Kv3 positive modulators such as AUT00206 have therapeutic potential for the treatment of EPM7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Feng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jerome Clatot
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keisuke Kaneko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Nihon University, 1-8-13 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Marco Flores-Mendez
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric R Wengert
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carly Koutcher
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emily Hoddeson
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emily Lopez
- The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Demetrius Lee
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leroy Arias
- The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qiansheng Liang
- Department of Neuroscience and Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ala Somarowthu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neuroscience and Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Martin J Gunthorpe
- Autifony Therapeutics, Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Charles H Large
- Autifony Therapeutics, Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Naiara Akizu
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ethan M Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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2
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Watchon M, Robinson KJ, Luu L, An Y, Yuan KC, Plenderleith SK, Cheng F, Don EK, Nicholson GA, Lee A, Laird AS. Treatment with sodium butyrate induces autophagy resulting in therapeutic benefits for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23429. [PMID: 38258931 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300963rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3, also known as Machado Joseph disease) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of the trinucleotide repeat region within the ATXN3/MJD gene. Mutation of ATXN3 causes formation of ataxin-3 protein aggregates, neurodegeneration, and motor deficits. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential and mechanistic activity of sodium butyrate (SB), the sodium salt of butyric acid, a metabolite naturally produced by gut microbiota, on cultured SH-SY5Y cells and transgenic zebrafish expressing human ataxin-3 containing 84 glutamine (Q) residues to model SCA3. SCA3 SH-SY5Y cells were found to contain high molecular weight ataxin-3 species and detergent-insoluble protein aggregates. Treatment with SB increased the activity of the autophagy protein quality control pathway in the SCA3 cells, decreased the presence of ataxin-3 aggregates and presence of high molecular weight ataxin-3 in an autophagy-dependent manner. Treatment with SB was also beneficial in vivo, improving swimming performance, increasing activity of the autophagy pathway, and decreasing the presence of insoluble ataxin-3 protein species in the transgenic SCA3 zebrafish. Co-treating the SCA3 zebrafish with SB and chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, prevented the beneficial effects of SB on zebrafish swimming, indicating that the improved swimming performance was autophagy-dependent. To understand the mechanism by which SB induces autophagy we performed proteomic analysis of protein lysates from the SB-treated and untreated SCA3 SH-SY5Y cells. We found that SB treatment had increased activity of Protein Kinase A and AMPK signaling, with immunoblot analysis confirming that SB treatment had increased levels of AMPK protein and its substrates. Together our findings indicate that treatment with SB can increase activity of the autophagy pathway process and that this has beneficial effects in vitro and in vivo. While our results suggested that this activity may involve activity of a PKA/AMPK-dependent process, this requires further confirmation. We propose that treatment with sodium butyrate warrants further investigation as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases underpinned by mechanisms relating to protein aggregation including SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxinne Watchon
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine J Robinson
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luan Luu
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yousun An
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristy C Yuan
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart K Plenderleith
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Flora Cheng
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily K Don
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela S Laird
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Yang S, Niou ZX, Enriquez A, LaMar J, Huang JY, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Gilley J, Coleman MP, Tennessen JM, Rangaraju V, Lu HC. NMNAT2 supports vesicular glycolysis via NAD homeostasis to fuel fast axonal transport. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38282024 PMCID: PMC10823734 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioenergetic maladaptations and axonopathy are often found in the early stages of neurodegeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, is mainly synthesized by Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) in CNS neurons. NMNAT2 mRNA levels are reduced in the brains of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Here we addressed whether NMNAT2 is required for axonal health of cortical glutamatergic neurons, whose long-projecting axons are often vulnerable in neurodegenerative conditions. We also tested if NMNAT2 maintains axonal health by ensuring axonal ATP levels for axonal transport, critical for axonal function. METHODS We generated mouse and cultured neuron models to determine the impact of NMNAT2 loss from cortical glutamatergic neurons on axonal transport, energetic metabolism, and morphological integrity. In addition, we determined if exogenous NAD supplementation or inhibiting a NAD hydrolase, sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1), prevented axonal deficits caused by NMNAT2 loss. This study used a combination of techniques, including genetics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, fluorescent time-lapse imaging, live imaging with optical sensors, and anti-sense oligos. RESULTS We provide in vivo evidence that NMNAT2 in glutamatergic neurons is required for axonal survival. Using in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that NMNAT2 maintains the NAD-redox potential to provide "on-board" ATP via glycolysis to vesicular cargos in distal axons. Exogenous NAD+ supplementation to NMNAT2 KO neurons restores glycolysis and resumes fast axonal transport. Finally, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that reducing the activity of SARM1, an NAD degradation enzyme, can reduce axonal transport deficits and suppress axon degeneration in NMNAT2 KO neurons. CONCLUSION NMNAT2 ensures axonal health by maintaining NAD redox potential in distal axons to ensure efficient vesicular glycolysis required for fast axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Yang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Zhen-Xian Niou
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Andrea Enriquez
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jacob LaMar
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Present address: Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Jui-Yen Huang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Karen Ling
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855, Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855, Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Jonathan Gilley
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Coleman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jason M Tennessen
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Vidhya Rangaraju
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
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4
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López-Erauskin J, Bravo-Hernandez M, Presa M, Baughn MW, Melamed Z, Beccari MS, Agra de Almeida Quadros AR, Arnold-Garcia O, Zuberi A, Ling K, Platoshyn O, Niño-Jara E, Ndayambaje IS, McAlonis-Downes M, Cabrera L, Artates JW, Ryan J, Hermann A, Ravits J, Bennett CF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Marsala M, Lutz CM, Cleveland DW, Lagier-Tourenne C. Stathmin-2 loss leads to neurofilament-dependent axonal collapse driving motor and sensory denervation. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:34-47. [PMID: 37996528 PMCID: PMC10842032 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA transcript of the human STMN2 gene, encoding for stathmin-2 protein (also called SCG10), is profoundly impacted by TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) loss of function. The latter is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using a combination of approaches, including transient antisense oligonucleotide-mediated suppression, sustained shRNA-induced depletion in aging mice, and germline deletion, we show that stathmin-2 has an important role in the establishment and maintenance of neurofilament-dependent axoplasmic organization that is critical for preserving the caliber and conduction velocity of myelinated large-diameter axons. Persistent stathmin-2 loss in adult mice results in pathologies found in ALS, including reduced interneurofilament spacing, axonal caliber collapse that drives tearing within outer myelin layers, diminished conduction velocity, progressive motor and sensory deficits, and muscle denervation. These findings reinforce restoration of stathmin-2 as an attractive therapeutic approach for ALS and other TDP-43-dependent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jone López-Erauskin
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mariana Bravo-Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael W Baughn
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ze'ev Melamed
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Melinda S Beccari
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Agra de Almeida Quadros
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olatz Arnold-Garcia
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII (CIBER, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Sciences and Innovation), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elkin Niño-Jara
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - I Sandra Ndayambaje
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Larissa Cabrera
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Artates
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Anita Hermann
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Martin Marsala
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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5
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Mimura Y, Tobari Y, Nakahara K, Nakajima S, Yoshida K, Mimura M, Noda Y. Transcranial magnetic stimulation neurophysiology in patients with non-Alzheimer's neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105451. [PMID: 37926239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-Alzheimer's dementia (NAD) accounts for 30% of all neurodegenerative conditions and is characterized by cognitive decline beyond mere memory dysfunction. Diagnosing NAD remains challenging due to the lack of established biomarkers. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurophysiological tool that enables the investigation of cortical excitability in the human brain. Paired-pulse TMS paradigms include short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI/LICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), which can assess neurophysiological functions of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic neural circuits, respectively. We conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis to compare these TMS indices among patients with NAD and healthy controls. Our meta-analyses indicated that TMS neurophysiological examinations revealed decreased glutamatergic function in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and decreased GABAergic function in patients with FTD, progressive supranuclear palsy, Huntington's disease, cortico-basal syndrome, and multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type. In addition, decreased cholinergic function was found in dementia with Lewy body and vascular dementia. These results suggest the potential of TMS as an additional diagnostic tool to differentiate NAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yui Tobari
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuho Nakahara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakajima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazunari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Noda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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6
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Lopez-Garzon M, Canta A, Chiorazzi A, Alberti P. Gait analysis in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity rodent models. Brain Res Bull 2023; 203:110769. [PMID: 37748696 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Gait analysis could be used in animal models as an indicator of sensory ataxia due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN). Over the years, gait analysis in in vivo studies has evolved from simple observations carried out by a trained operator to computerised systems with machine learning that allow the quantification of any variable of interest and the establishment of algorithms for behavioural classification. However, there is not a consensus on gait analysis use in CIPN animal models; therefore, we carried out a systematic review. Of 987 potentially relevant studies, 14 were included, in which different methods were analysed (observation, footprint and CatWalk™). We presented the state-of-the-art of possible approaches to analyse sensory ataxia in rodent models, addressing advantages and disadvantages of different methods available. Semi-automated methods may be of interest when preventive or therapeutic strategies are evaluated, also considering their methodological simplicity and automaticity; up to now, only CatWalk™ analysis has been tested. Future studies should expect that CIPN-affected animals tend to reduce hind paw support due to pain, allodynia or loss of sensation, and an increase in swing phase could or should be observed. Few available studies documented these impairments at the last time point, and only appeared later on respect to other earlier signs of CIPN (such as altered neurophysiological findings). For that reason, gait impairment could be interpreted as late repercussions of loss of sensory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lopez-Garzon
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; A02-Cuídate, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Unit of Excellence On Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Sport and Health Research Center (IMUDs), Granada, Spain
| | - Annalisa Canta
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Chiorazzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Alberti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy.
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7
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Hernández‐Carralero E, Cabrera E, Rodríguez-Torres G, Hernández-Reyes Y, Singh A, Santa-María C, Fernández-Justel J, Janssens R, Marteijn J, Evert B, Mailand N, Gómez M, Ramadan K, Smits VJ, Freire R. ATXN3 controls DNA replication and transcription by regulating chromatin structure. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5396-5413. [PMID: 36971114 PMCID: PMC10287915 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The deubiquitinating enzyme Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) contains a polyglutamine (PolyQ) region, the expansion of which causes spinocerebellar ataxia type-3 (SCA3). ATXN3 has multiple functions, such as regulating transcription or controlling genomic stability after DNA damage. Here we report the role of ATXN3 in chromatin organization during unperturbed conditions, in a catalytic-independent manner. The lack of ATXN3 leads to abnormalities in nuclear and nucleolar morphology, alters DNA replication timing and increases transcription. Additionally, indicators of more open chromatin, such as increased mobility of histone H1, changes in epigenetic marks and higher sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease digestion were detected in the absence of ATXN3. Interestingly, the effects observed in cells lacking ATXN3 are epistatic to the inhibition or lack of the histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), an interaction partner of ATXN3. The absence of ATXN3 decreases the recruitment of endogenous HDAC3 to the chromatin, as well as the HDAC3 nuclear/cytoplasm ratio after HDAC3 overexpression, suggesting that ATXN3 controls the subcellular localization of HDAC3. Importantly, the overexpression of a PolyQ-expanded version of ATXN3 behaves as a null mutant, altering DNA replication parameters, epigenetic marks and the subcellular distribution of HDAC3, giving new insights into the molecular basis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Hernández‐Carralero
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de la Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Elisa Cabrera
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Gara Rodríguez-Torres
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de la Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Yeray Hernández-Reyes
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de la Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Abhay N Singh
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cristina Santa-María
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Fernández-Justel
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel C Janssens
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A Marteijn
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd O Evert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Niels Mailand
- Protein Signaling Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - María Gómez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kristijan Ramadan
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Veronique A J Smits
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Canarias, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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8
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Yang S, Niou ZX, Enriquez A, LaMar J, Huang JY, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Gilley J, Coleman MP, Tennessen JM, Rangaraju V, Lu HC. NMNAT2 supports vesicular glycolysis via NAD homeostasis to fuel fast axonal transport. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2859584. [PMID: 37292715 PMCID: PMC10246254 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2859584/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Bioenergetic maladaptations and axonopathy are often found in the early stages of neurodegeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, is mainly synthesized by Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) in CNS neurons. NMNAT2 mRNA levels are reduced in the brains of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Here we addressed whether NMNAT2 is required for axonal health of cortical glutamatergic neurons, whose long-projecting axons are often vulnerable in neurodegenerative conditions. We also tested if NMNAT2 maintains axonal health by ensuring axonal ATP levels for axonal transport, critical for axonal function. Methods We generated mouse and cultured neuron models to determine the impact of NMNAT2 loss from cortical glutamatergic neurons on axonal transport, energetic metabolism, and morphological integrity. In addition, we determined if exogenous NAD supplementation or inhibiting a NAD hydrolase, sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1), prevented axonal deficits caused by NMNAT2 loss. This study used a combination of genetics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, fluorescent time-lapse imaging, live imaging with optical sensors, and anti-sense oligos. Results We provide in vivo evidence that NMNAT2 in glutamatergic neurons is required for axonal survival. Using in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that NMNAT2 maintains the NAD-redox potential to provide "on-board" ATP via glycolysis to vesicular cargos in distal axons. Exogenous NAD+ supplementation to NMNAT2 KO neurons restores glycolysis and resumes fast axonal transport. Finally, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that reducing the activity of SARM1, an NAD degradation enzyme, can reduce axonal transport deficits and suppress axon degeneration in NMNAT2 KO neurons. Conclusion NMNAT2 ensures axonal health by maintaining NAD redox potential in distal axons to ensure efficient vesicular glycolysis required for fast axonal transport.
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9
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Sousa e Silva R, Sousa AD, Vieira J, Vieira CP. The Josephin domain (JD) containing proteins are predicted to bind to the same interactors: Implications for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) studies using Drosophila melanogaster mutants. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1140719. [PMID: 37008788 PMCID: PMC10050893 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1140719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/ MJD), is the most frequent polyglutamine (polyQ) neurodegenerative disorder. It is caused by a pathogenic expansion of the polyQ tract, located at the C-terminal region of the protein encoded by the ATXN3 gene. This gene codes for a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that belongs to a gene family, that in humans is composed by three more genes (ATXN3L, JOSD1, and JOSD2), that define two gene lineages (the ATXN3 and the Josephins). These proteins have in common the N-terminal catalytic domain (Josephin domain, JD), that in Josephins is the only domain present. In ATXN3 knock-out mouse and nematode models, the SCA3 neurodegeneration phenotype is not, however, reproduced, suggesting that in the genome of these species there are other genes that are able to compensate for the lack of ATXN3. Moreover, in mutant Drosophila melanogaster, where the only JD protein is coded by a Josephin-like gene, expression of the expanded human ATXN3 gene reproduces multiple aspects of the SCA3 phenotype, in contrast with the results of the expression of the wild type human form. In order to explain these findings, phylogenetic, as well as, protein–protein docking inferences are here performed. Here we show multiple losses of JD containing genes across the animal kingdom, suggesting partial functional redundancy of these genes. Accordingly, we predict that the JD is essential for binding with ataxin-3 and proteins of the Josephin lineages, and that D. melanogaster mutants are a good model of SCA3 despite the absence of a gene from the ATXN3 lineage. The molecular recognition regions of the ataxin-3 binding and those predicted for the Josephins are, however, different. We also report different binding regions between the two ataxin-3 forms (wild-type (wt) and expanded (exp)). The interactors that show an increase in the interaction strength with exp ataxin-3, are enriched in extrinsic components of mitochondrial outer membrane and endoplasmatic reticulum membrane. On the other hand, the group of interactors that show a decrease in the interaction strength with exp ataxin-3 is significantly enriched in extrinsic component of cytoplasm.
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10
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Castillo-Mariqueo L, Giménez-Llort L. Clasping, ledge-score coordination and early gait impairments as primary behavioural markers of functional impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114054. [PMID: 35961538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114054] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Motor performance facilitates the understanding of the functional state related to the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). At the translational level, this brief report refines the characterization of the motor dysfunction of the 3xTg-AD mouse model in different motor tasks, focusing on the abnormal clasping reflex and coordination impairments measured through the Phenotype Scoring System four items screening originally developed for models of ataxia. We studied male 3xTg-AD mice at 6, 12, and 16 months of age (mimicking the early, advanced, and late stages of the disease, respectively) and their age-matched non-transgenic counterparts with normal aging. According to the score, incidence, or severity of the four items and the total score, the 3xTg-AD mice showed deficiencies in all score elements. Clasping was increased independently of age, and its severity worsened with repeated testing. In contrast, the impairment of coordination worsened with the progress of the disease. The gait score was sensitive to genotype since early stages, and the worse ledge score was evident at 16 months. Kyphosis and ledge scores were sensitive to age. The impairments and functional limitations of male 3xTg-AD mice related to the stages of AD provide a scenario that allows understanding the heterogeneity of non-cognitive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Castillo-Mariqueo
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lydia Giménez-Llort
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Jansen-West K, Todd TW, Daughrity LM, Yue M, Tong J, Carlomagno Y, Del Rosso G, Kurti A, Jones CY, Dunmore JA, Castanedes-Casey M, Dickson DW, Wszolek ZK, Fryer JD, Petrucelli L, Prudencio M. Plasma PolyQ-ATXN3 Levels Associate With Cerebellar Degeneration and Behavioral Abnormalities in a New AAV-Based SCA3 Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863089. [PMID: 35386195 PMCID: PMC8977414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the gene encoding ATXN3. The polyQ expansion induces protein inclusion formation in the neurons of patients and results in neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop a new mouse model of SCA3 that recapitulates several features of the human disease, including locomotor defects, cerebellar-specific neuronal loss, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 inclusions, and TDP-43 pathology. We also found that neurofilament light is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SCA3 animals, and the expanded polyQ-ATXN3 protein can be detected in the plasma. Interestingly, the levels of polyQ-ATXN3 in plasma correlated with measures of cerebellar degeneration and locomotor deficits in 6-month-old SCA3 mice, supporting the hypothesis that this factor could act as a biomarker for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany W. Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Mei Yue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Jimei Tong
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yari Carlomagno
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Giulia Del Rosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Caroline Y. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Judith A. Dunmore
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - John D. Fryer
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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12
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Hauser S, Helm J, Kraft M, Korneck M, Hübener-Schmid J, Schöls L. Allele-specific targeting of mutant ataxin-3 by antisense oligonucleotides in SCA3-iPSC-derived neurons. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:99-108. [PMID: 34938609 PMCID: PMC8649108 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is caused by an expanded polyglutamine stretch in ataxin-3. While wild-type ataxin-3 has important functions, e.g., as a deubiquitinase, downregulation of mutant ataxin-3 is likely to slow down the course of this fatal disease. We established a screening platform with human neurons of patients and controls derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to test antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for their effects on ataxin-3 expression. We identified an ASO that suppressed mutant and wild-type ataxin-3 levels by >90% after a singular treatment. Next, we screened pairs of ASOs designed to selectively target the mutant or the wild-type allele by taking advantage of a SNP (c.987G > C) in ATXN3 that is present in most SCA3 patients. We found ASOmut4 to reduce levels of mutant ataxin-3 by 80% after 10 days while leaving expression of wild-type ataxin-3 largely unaffected. In a long-term study we proved this effect to last for about 4 weeks after a single treatment without signs of neurotoxicity. This study provides proof of principle that allele-specific lowering of poly(Q)-expanded ataxin-3 by selective ASOs is feasible and long lasting, with sparing of wild-type ataxin-3 expression in a human cell culture model that is genetically identical to SCA3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jacob Helm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kraft
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Milena Korneck
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics and Center of Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Mitoma H, Yamaguchi K, Honnorat J, Manto M. The Clinical Concept of LTDpathy: Is Dysregulated LTD Responsible for Prodromal Cerebellar Symptoms? Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030303. [PMID: 35326260 PMCID: PMC8946597 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term depression at parallel fibers-Purkinje cells (PF-PC LTD) is essential for cerebellar motor learning and motor control. Recent progress in ataxiology has identified dysregulation of PF-PC LTD in the pathophysiology of certain types of immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs). Auto-antibodies towards voltage-gated Ca channel (VGCC), metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1), and glutamate receptor delta (GluR delta) induce dysfunction of PF-PC LTD, resulting in the development of cerebellar ataxias (CAs). These disorders show a good response to immunotherapies in non-paraneoplastic conditions but are sometimes followed by cell death in paraneoplastic conditions. On the other hand, in some types of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), dysfunction in PF-PC LTD, and impairments of PF-PC LTD-related adaptive behaviors (including vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and prism adaptation) appear during the prodromal stage, well before the manifestations of obvious CAs and cerebellar atrophy. Based on these findings and taking into account the findings of animal studies, we re-assessed the clinical concept of LTDpathy. LTDpathy can be defined as a clinical spectrum comprising etiologies associated with a functional disturbance of PF-PC LTD with concomitant impairment of related adaptative behaviors, including VOR, blink reflex, and prism adaptation. In IMCAs or degenerative CAs characterized by persistent impairment of a wide range of molecular mechanisms, these disorders are initially functional and are followed subsequently by degenerative cell processes. In such cases, adaptive disorders associated with PF-PC LTD manifest clinically with subtle symptoms and can be prodromal. Our hypothesis underlines for the first time a potential role of LTD dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the prodromal symptoms of CAs. This hypothesis opens perspectives to block the course of CAs at a very early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Correspondence: Japan;
| | - Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8511, Japan;
| | - Jerome Honnorat
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique, 69677 Bron, France;
- Institut MeLis INSERM U1314/CNRS UMR 5284, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69372 Lyon, France
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium;
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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14
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Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Martins IM, Lobo D, Pereira D, Lopes MM, Faro R, Lopes SM, Verbeek D, Schmidt T, Nóbrega C, Pereira de Almeida L. ULK overexpression mitigates motor deficits and neuropathology in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:370-387. [PMID: 34298131 PMCID: PMC8753369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by prominent ataxia. It is caused by an expansion of a CAG trinucleotide in ATXN3, translating into an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the ATXN3 protein, that becomes prone to misfolding and aggregation. The pathogenesis of the disease has been associated with the dysfunction of several cellular mechanisms, including autophagy and transcription regulation. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional modifications of the autophagy pathway in models of MJD and assessed whether modulating the levels of the affected autophagy-associated transcripts (AATs) would alleviate MJD-associated pathology. Our results show that autophagy is impaired at the transcriptional level in MJD, affecting multiple AATs, including Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1 and ULK2), two homologs involved in autophagy induction. Reinstating ULK1/2 levels by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer significantly improved motor performance while preventing neuropathology in two in vivo models of MJD. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that the observed positive effects may be mainly attributed to ULK1 activity. This study provides strong evidence of the beneficial effect of overexpression of ULK homologs, suggesting these as promising instruments for the treatment of MJD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Morgado Martins
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Lobo
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosário Faro
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara M. Lopes
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,IIIUC – Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão – Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dineke Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Genetics & Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Center for Rare Diseases (ZSE Tübingen), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,CIBB – Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal,Corresponding author: Luís Pereira de Almeida, PhD, CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Molecular Therapy of Brain Disorders Group, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, Pólo 1, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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15
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Moreira R, Mendonça LS, Pereira de Almeida L. Extracellular Vesicles Physiological Role and the Particular Case of Disease-Spreading Mechanisms in Polyglutamine Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212288. [PMID: 34830171 PMCID: PMC8621536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research demonstrated pathological spreading of the disease-causing proteins from one focal point across other brain regions for some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Spreading mediated by extracellular vesicles is one of the proposed disease-spreading mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles are cell membrane-derived vesicles, used by cells for cell-to-cell communication and excretion of toxic components. Importantly, extracellular vesicles carrying pathological molecules, when internalized by "healthy" cells, may trigger pathological pathways and, consequently, promote disease spreading to neighboring cells. Polyglutamine diseases are a group of genetic neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of mutant misfolded proteins carrying an expanded tract of glutamines, including Huntington's and Machado-Joseph disease. The pathological spread of the misfolded proteins or the corresponding mutant mRNA has been explored. The understanding of the disease-spreading mechanism that plays a key role in the pathology progression of these diseases can result in the development of effective therapeutic approaches to stop disease progression, arresting the spread of the toxic components and disease aggravation. Therefore, the present review's main focus is the disease-spreading mechanisms with emphasis on polyglutamine diseases and the putative role played by extracellular vesicles in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana S. Mendonça
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.S.M.); (L.P.d.A.); Tel.: +351-239-820-190 (L.S.M.)
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.S.M.); (L.P.d.A.); Tel.: +351-239-820-190 (L.S.M.)
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16
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Zhu JW, Jia WQ, Zhou H, Li YF, Zou MM, Wang ZT, Wu BS, Xu RX. Deficiency of TRIM32 Impairs Motor Function and Purkinje Cells in Mid-Aged Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:697494. [PMID: 34421574 PMCID: PMC8377415 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.697494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the cerebellum is crucial to motor balance and coordination in adult mammals. Purkinje cells (PCs), the sole output neurons of the cerebellar cortex, play essential roles in cerebellar motor function. Tripartite motif-containing protein 32 (TRIM32) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is involved in balance activities of neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of the mammalian brain and in the development of many nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the role of TRIM32 in cerebellar motor function has never been examined. In this study we found that motor balance and coordination of mid-aged TRIM32 deficient mice were poorer than those of wild-type littermates. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess cerebella morphology and TRIM32 expression in PCs. Golgi staining showed that the extent of dendritic arborization and dendritic spine density of PCs were decreased in the absence of TRIM32. The loss of TRIM32 was also associated with a decrease in the number of synapses between parallel fibers and PCs, and in synapses between climbing fibers and PCs. In addition, deficiency of TRIM32 decreased Type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase (INPP5A) levels in cerebellum. Overall, this study is the first to elucidate a role of TRIM32 in cerebellar motor function and a possible mechanism, thereby highlighting the importance of TRIM32 in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Chengdu Children Special Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Fei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ming-Ming Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Shan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ru-Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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17
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Cendelin J, Cvetanovic M, Gandelman M, Hirai H, Orr HT, Pulst SM, Strupp M, Tichanek F, Tuma J, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Strengths and Weaknesses of Animal Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Their Clinical Implications. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:452-481. [PMID: 34378174 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of hereditary degenerative diseases of the nervous system, in particular the cerebellum, and other systems that manifest with a variety of progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits with the leading symptom of cerebellar ataxia. SCAs often lead to severe impairments of the patient's functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. For SCAs, there are no proven effective pharmacotherapies that improve the symptoms or substantially delay disease progress, i.e., disease-modifying therapies. To study SCA pathogenesis and potential therapies, animal models have been widely used and are an essential part of pre-clinical research. They mainly include mice, but also other vertebrates and invertebrates. Each animal model has its strengths and weaknesses arising from model animal species, type of genetic manipulation, and similarity to human diseases. The types of murine and non-murine models of SCAs, their contribution to the investigation of SCA pathogenesis, pathological phenotype, and therapeutic approaches including their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in this paper. There is a consensus among the panel of experts that (1) animal models represent valuable tools to improve our understanding of SCAs and discover and assess novel therapies for this group of neurological disorders characterized by diverse mechanisms and differential degenerative progressions, (2) thorough phenotypic assessment of individual animal models is required for studies addressing therapeutic approaches, (3) comparative studies are needed to bring pre-clinical research closer to clinical trials, and (4) mouse models complement cellular and invertebrate models which remain limited in terms of clinical translation for complex neurological disorders such as SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic. .,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.,Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.,The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7843, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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18
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Weber JJ, Haas E, Maringer Y, Hauser S, Casadei NLP, Chishti AH, Riess O, Hübener-Schmid J. Calpain-1 ablation partially rescues disease-associated hallmarks in models of Machado-Joseph disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:892-906. [PMID: 31960910 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic fragmentation of polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3 is a concomitant and modifier of the molecular pathogenesis of Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), the most common autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia. Calpains, a group of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases, are important mediators of ataxin-3 cleavage and implicated in multiple neurodegenerative conditions. Pharmacologic and genetic approaches lowering calpain activity showed beneficial effects on molecular and behavioural disease characteristics in MJD model organisms. However, specifically targeting one of the calpain isoforms by genetic means has not yet been evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy. In our study, we tested whether calpains are overactivated in the MJD context and if reduction or ablation of calpain-1 expression ameliorates the disease-associated phenotype in MJD cells and mice. In all analysed MJD models, we detected an elevated calpain activity at baseline. Lowering or removal of calpain-1 in cells or mice counteracted calpain system overactivation and led to reduced cleavage of ataxin-3 without affecting its aggregation. Moreover, calpain-1 knockout in YAC84Q mice alleviated excessive fragmentation of important synaptic proteins. Despite worsening some motor characteristics, YAC84Q mice showed a rescue of body weight loss and extended survival upon calpain-1 knockout. Together, our findings emphasize the general potential of calpains as a therapeutic target in MJD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz J Weber
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Eva Haas
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Yacine Maringer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Nicolas L P Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Athar H Chishti
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Jeannette Hübener-Schmid
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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19
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Raj K, Akundi RS. Mutant Ataxin-3-Containing Aggregates (MATAGGs) in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: Dynamics of the Disorder. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3095-3118. [PMID: 33629274 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common type of SCA worldwide caused by abnormal polyglutamine expansion in the coding region of the ataxin-3 gene. Ataxin-3 is a multi-faceted protein involved in various cellular processes such as deubiquitination, cytoskeletal organisation, and transcriptional regulation. The presence of an expanded poly(Q) stretch leads to altered processing and misfolding of the protein culminating in the production of insoluble protein aggregates in the cell. Various post-translational modifications affect ataxin-3 fibrillation and aggregation. This review provides an exhaustive assessment of the various pathogenic mechanisms undertaken by the mutant ataxin-3-containing aggregates (MATAGGs) for disease induction and neurodegeneration. This includes in-depth discussion on MATAGG dynamics including their formation, role in neuronal pathogenesis, and the debate over the toxic v/s protective nature of the MATAGGs in disease progression. Additionally, the currently available therapeutic strategies against SCA3 have been reviewed. The shift in the focus of such strategies, from targeting the steps that lead to or reduce aggregate formation to targeting the expression of mutant ataxin-3 itself via RNA-based therapeutics, has also been presented. We also discuss the intriguing promise that various growth and neurotrophic factors, especially the insulin pathway, hold in the modulation of SCA3 progression. These emerging areas show the newer directions through which SCA3 can be targeted including various preclinical and clinical trials. All these advances made in the last three decades since the discovery of the ataxin-3 gene have been critically reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Raj
- Neuroinflammation Research Lab, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Ravi Shankar Akundi
- Neuroinflammation Research Lab, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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20
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Pérez-Sisqués L, Martín-Flores N, Masana M, Solana-Balaguer J, Llobet A, Romaní-Aumedes J, Canal M, Campoy-Campos G, García-García E, Sánchez-Fernández N, Fernández-García S, Gilbert JP, Rodríguez MJ, Man HY, Feinstein E, Williamson DL, Soto D, Gasull X, Alberch J, Malagelada C. RTP801 regulates motor cortex synaptic transmission and learning. Exp Neurol 2021; 342:113755. [PMID: 33984337 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RTP801/REDD1 is a stress-regulated protein whose upregulation is necessary and sufficient to trigger neuronal death in in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and is up regulated in compromised neurons in human postmortem brains of both neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, in both Parkinson's and Huntington's disease mouse models, RTP801 knockdown alleviates motor-learning deficits. RESULTS We investigated the physiological role of RTP801 in neuronal plasticity and we found RTP801 in rat, mouse and human synapses. The absence of RTP801 enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission in both neuronal cultures and brain slices from RTP801 knock-out (KO) mice. Indeed, RTP801 KO mice showed improved motor learning, which correlated with lower spine density but increased basal filopodia and mushroom spines in the motor cortex layer V. This paralleled with higher levels of synaptosomal GluA1 and TrkB receptors in homogenates derived from KO mice motor cortex, proteins that are associated with synaptic strengthening. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results indicate that RTP801 has an important role modulating neuronal plasticity and motor learning. They will help to understand its role in neurodegenerative disorders where RTP801 levels are detrimentally upregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Pérez-Sisqués
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Núria Martín-Flores
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mercè Masana
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Júlia Solana-Balaguer
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Arnau Llobet
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Romaní-Aumedes
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mercè Canal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Genís Campoy-Campos
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Esther García-García
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Sara Fernández-García
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - James P Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Manuel José Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - David L Williamson
- Kinesiology Program, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
| | - David Soto
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; IDIBAPS- Institut d'Investigacions BiomèdiquesAugust Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cristina Malagelada
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, 08036, Catalonia, Spain.
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21
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Castillo-Mariqueo L, Giménez-Llort L. Translational Modeling of Psychomotor Function in Normal and AD-Pathological Aging With Special Concerns on the Effects of Social Isolation. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:648567. [PMID: 35822009 PMCID: PMC9261363 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.648567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
One year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its secondary impacts can be globally observed. Some of them result from physical distancing and severe social contact restrictions by policies still imposed to stop the fast spread of new variants of this infectious disease. People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias can also be significantly affected by the reduction of their activity programs, the loss of partners, and social isolation. Searching for the closest translational scenario, the increased mortality rates in male 3xTg-AD mice modeling advanced stages of the disease can provide a scenario of “naturalistic isolation.” Our most recent work has shown its impact worsening AD-cognitive and emotional profiles, AD-brain asymmetry, and eliciting hyperactivity and bizarre behaviors. Here, we further investigated the psychomotor function through six different psychomotor analysis in a set of 13-month-old 3xTg-AD mice and their non-transgenic counterparts with normal aging. The subgroup of male 3xTg-AD mice that lost their partners lived alone for the last 2–3 months after 10 months of social life. AD's functional limitations were shown as increased physical frailty phenotype, poor or deficient psychomotor performance, including bizarre behavior, in variables involving information processing and decision-making (exploratory activity and spontaneous gait), that worsened with isolation. Paradoxical muscular strength and better motor performance (endurance and learning) was shown in variables related to physical work and found enhanced by isolation, in agreement with the hyperactivity and the appearance of bizarre behaviors previously reported. Despite the isolation, a delayed appearance of motor deficits related to physical resistance and tolerance to exercise was found in the 3xTg-AD mice, probably because of the interplay of hyperactivity and mortality/survivor bias. The translation of these results to the clinical setting offers a guide to generate flexible and personalized rehabilitation strategies adaptable to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Castillo-Mariqueo
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lydia Giménez-Llort
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Lydia Giménez-Llort
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22
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Tandon S, Sarkar S. The S6k/4E-BP mediated growth promoting sub-pathway of insulin signalling cascade is essential to restrict pathogenesis of poly(Q) disorders in Drosophila. Life Sci 2021; 275:119358. [PMID: 33744321 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Human neurodegenerative polyglutamine [poly(Q)] disorders, such as Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), are characterised by an abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the affected gene. The mutated proteins misfold and aggregate to form inclusion bodies that sequester important factors involved in cellular transcription, growth, stress and autophagic response and other essential functions. The insulin signalling pathway has been demonstrated as a major modifier and a potential drug target to ameliorate the poly(Q) mediated neurotoxicity in various model systems. Insulin signalling cascade harbours several downstream sub-pathways, which are synergistically involved in discharging indispensable biological functions such as growth and proliferation, metabolism, autophagy, regulation of cell death pathways etc. Hence, it is difficult to conclude whether the mitigation of poly(Q) neurotoxicity is an accumulative outcome of the insulin cascade, or the result of a specific sub-pathway. For the first time, we report that the ligand binding domain of insulin receptor mediated downstream growth promoting sub-pathway plays the pivotal role in operating the rescue event. We show that the growth promoting activity of insulin cascade is essential to minimize the abundance of inclusion bodies, to restrict neurodegeneration, and to restore the cellular transcriptional balance. Subsequently, we noted the involvement of the mTOR/S6k/4E-BP candidates in mitigating poly(Q) mediated neurotoxicity. Due to the conserved cellular functioning of the insulin cascade across species, and availability of several growth promoting molecules, our results in Drosophila poly(Q) models indicate towards a possibility of designing novel therapeutic strategies to restrict the pathogenesis of devastating human poly(Q) disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tandon
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India.
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23
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A fine balance between Prpf19 and Exoc7 in achieving degradation of aggregated protein and suppression of cell death in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:136. [PMID: 33542212 PMCID: PMC7862454 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases comprise Huntington's disease and several subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxia, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). The genomic expansion of coding CAG trinucleotide sequence in disease genes leads to the production and accumulation of misfolded polyQ domain-containing disease proteins, which cause cellular dysfunction and neuronal death. As one of the principal cellular protein clearance pathways, the activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is tightly regulated to ensure efficient clearance of damaged and toxic proteins. Emerging evidence demonstrates that UPS plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of polyQ diseases. Ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligases catalyze the transfer of a Ub tag to label proteins destined for proteasomal clearance. In this study, we identified an E3 ligase, pre-mRNA processing factor 19 (Prpf19/prp19), that modulates expanded ataxin-3 (ATXN3-polyQ), disease protein of SCA3, induced neurodegeneration in both mammalian and Drosophila disease models. We further showed that Prpf19/prp19 promotes poly-ubiquitination and degradation of mutant ATXN3-polyQ protein. Our data further demonstrated the nuclear localization of Prpf19/prp19 is essential for eliciting its modulatory function towards toxic ATXN3-polyQ protein. Intriguingly, we found that exocyst complex component 7 (Exoc7/exo70), a Prpf19/prp19 interacting partner, modulates expanded ATXN3-polyQ protein levels and toxicity in an opposite manner to Prpf19/prp19. Our data suggest that Exoc7/exo70 exerts its ATXN3-polyQ-modifying effect through regulating the E3 ligase function of Prpf19/prp19. In summary, this study allows us to better define the mechanistic role of Exoc7/exo70-regulated Prpf19/prp19-associated protein ubiquitination pathway in SCA3 pathogenesis.
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24
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Donaldson J, Powell S, Rickards N, Holmans P, Jones L. What is the Pathogenic CAG Expansion Length in Huntington's Disease? J Huntingtons Dis 2021; 10:175-202. [PMID: 33579866 PMCID: PMC7990448 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-200445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) (OMIM 143100) is caused by an expanded CAG repeat tract in the HTT gene. The inherited CAG length is known to expand further in somatic and germline cells in HD subjects. Age at onset of the disease is inversely correlated with the inherited CAG length, but is further modulated by a series of genetic modifiers which are most likely to act on the CAG repeat in HTT that permit it to further expand. Longer repeats are more prone to expansions, and this expansion is age dependent and tissue-specific. Given that the inherited tract expands through life and most subjects develop disease in mid-life, this implies that in cells that degenerate, the CAG length is likely to be longer than the inherited length. These findings suggest two thresholds- the inherited CAG length which permits further expansion, and the intracellular pathogenic threshold, above which cells become dysfunctional and die. This two-step mechanism has been previously proposed and modelled mathematically to give an intracellular pathogenic threshold at a tract length of 115 CAG (95% confidence intervals 70- 165 CAG). Empirically, the intracellular pathogenic threshold is difficult to determine. Clues from studies of people and models of HD, and from other diseases caused by expanded repeat tracts, place this threshold between 60- 100 CAG, most likely towards the upper part of that range. We assess this evidence and discuss how the intracellular pathogenic threshold in manifest disease might be better determined. Knowing the cellular pathogenic threshold would be informative for both understanding the mechanism in HD and deploying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Donaldson
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sophie Powell
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nadia Rickards
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Holmans
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lesley Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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25
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Ding D, Wang C, Chen Z, Xia K, Tang B, Qiu R, Jiang H. Polyglutamine-expanded ataxin3 alter specific gene expressions through changing DNA methylation status in SCA3/MJD. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:3680-3698. [PMID: 33411688 PMCID: PMC7906150 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has recently been linked to transcriptional dysregulation and neuronal dysfunction in polyglutamine (polyQ) disease. This study aims to determine whether (CAG)n expansion in ATXN3 perturbs DNA methylation status and affects gene expression. We analyzed DNA methylation throughout the genome using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and confirmed the results using MethylTarget sequencing. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation, transcriptional and translational levels of specific genes were detected using BSP, qRT-PCR and western blot. In total, 135 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between SCA3/MJD and WT mouse cerebellum. KEGG analysis revealed differentially methylated genes involved in amino acid metabolism, Hedgehog signaling pathway, thyroid cancer, tumorigenesis and other pathways. We focused on DMRs that were directly associated with gene expression. On this basis, we further assessed 7 genes, including 13 DMRs, for DNA methylation validation and gene expression. We found that the methylation status of the DMRs of En1 and Nkx2-1 was negatively associated with their transcriptional and translational levels and that alteration of the DNA methylation status of DMRs and the corresponding transcription occurred before dyskinesia in SCA3/MJD mice. These results revealed novel DNA methylation-regulated genes, En1 and Nkx2-1, which may be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Kun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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26
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Tejwani L, Lim J. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4015-4029. [PMID: 32306062 PMCID: PMC7541529 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03520-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The family of hereditary cerebellar ataxias is a large group of disorders with heterogenous clinical manifestations and genetic etiologies. Among these, over 30 autosomal dominantly inherited subtypes have been identified, collectively referred to as the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Generally, the SCAs are characterized by a progressive gait impairment with classical cerebellar features, and in a subset of SCAs, accompanied by extra-cerebellar features. Beyond the common gait impairment and cerebellar atrophy, the wide range of additional clinical features observed across the SCAs is likely explained by the diverse set of mutated genes that encode proteins with seemingly disparate functional roles in nervous system biology. By synthesizing knowledge obtained from studies of the various SCAs over the past several decades, convergence onto a few key cellular changes, namely ion channel dysfunction and transcriptional dysregulation, has become apparent and may represent central mechanisms of cerebellar disease pathogenesis. This review will detail our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the SCAs, focusing primarily on the first described autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia, SCA1, as well as the emerging common core mechanisms across the various SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Janghoo Lim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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27
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Martier R, Konstantinova P. Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Slowing Down the Ticking Clock. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:580179. [PMID: 33071748 PMCID: PMC7530328 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.580179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is an emerging and powerful therapeutic tool to deliver functional genetic material to cells in order to correct a defective gene. During the past decades, several studies have demonstrated the potential of AAV-based gene therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. While some clinical studies have failed to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy, the use of AAV as a delivery tool has demonstrated to be safe. Here, we discuss the past, current and future perspectives of gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the current advances on the newly emerging RNAi-based gene therapies which has been widely studied in preclinical model and recently also made it to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raygene Martier
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
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28
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Duarte Lobo D, Nobre RJ, Oliveira Miranda C, Pereira D, Castelhano J, Sereno J, Koeppen A, Castelo-Branco M, Pereira de Almeida L. The blood-brain barrier is disrupted in Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: evidence from transgenic mice and human post-mortem samples. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:152. [PMID: 32867861 PMCID: PMC7457506 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases. However, BBB integrity has not been assessed in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) such as Machado-Joseph disease/SCA type 3 (MJD/SCA3), a genetic disorder, triggered by polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3. To investigate that, BBB integrity was evaluated in a transgenic mouse model of MJD and in human post-mortem brain tissues. Firstly, we investigated the BBB permeability in MJD mice by: i) assessing the extravasation of the Evans blue (EB) dye and blood-borne proteins (e.g fibrinogen) in the cerebellum by immunofluorescence, and ii) in vivo Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI). The presence of ataxin-3 aggregates in brain blood vessels and the levels of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins were also explored by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Human brain samples were used to confirm BBB permeability by evaluating fibrinogen extravasation, co-localization of ataxin-3 aggregates with brain blood vessels and neuroinflammation. In the cerebellum of the mouse model of MJD, there was a 5-fold increase in EB accumulation when compared to age-matched controls. Moreover, vascular permeability displayed a 13-fold increase demonstrated by DCE-MRI. These results were validated by the 2-fold increase in fibrinogen extravasation in transgenic animals comparing to controls. Interestingly, mutant ataxin-3 aggregates were detected in cerebellar blood vessels of transgenic mice, accompanied by alterations of TJ-associated proteins in cerebellar endothelial cells, namely a 29% decrease in claudin-5 oligomers and a 10-fold increase in an occludin cleavage fragment. These results were validated in post-mortem brain samples from MJD patients as we detected fibrinogen extravasation across BBB, the presence of ataxin-3 aggregates in blood vessels and associated microgliosis. Altogether, our results prove BBB impairment in MJD/SCA3. These findings contribute for a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and opens the opportunity to treat MJD with medicinal products that in normal conditions would not cross the BBB.
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29
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Wan N, Chen Z, Wan L, Tang B, Jiang H. MR Imaging of SCA3/MJD. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:749. [PMID: 32848545 PMCID: PMC7417615 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is a progressive autosomal dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia characterized by the aggregation of polyglutamine-expanded protein within neuronal nuclei in the brain, which can lead to brain damage that precedes the onset of clinical manifestations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as morphometric MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have gained increasing attention as non-invasive and quantitative methods for the assessment of structural and functional alterations in clinical SCA3/MJD patients as well as preclinical carriers. Morphometric MRI has demonstrated typical patterns of atrophy or volume loss in the cerebellum and brainstem with extensive lesions in some supratentorial areas. DTI has detected widespread microstructural alterations in brain white matter, which indicate disrupted brain anatomical connectivity. Task-related fMRI has presented unusual brain activation patterns within the cerebellum and some extracerebellar tissue, reflecting the decreased functional connectivity of these brain regions in SCA3/MJD subjects. MRS has revealed abnormal neurochemical profiles, such as the levels or ratios of N-acetyl aspartate, choline, and creatine, in both clinical cases and preclinical cases before the alterations in brain anatomical structure. Moreover, a number of studies have reported correlations of MR imaging alterations with clinical and genetic features. The utility of these MR imaging techniques can help to identify preclinical SCA3/MJD carriers, monitor disease progression, evaluate response to therapeutic interventions, and illustrate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the occurrence, development, and prognosis of SCA3/MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linlin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
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30
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Hong J, Yoon D, Nam Y, Seo D, Kim JH, Kim MS, Lee TY, Kim KS, Ko PW, Lee HW, Suk K, Kim SR. Lipopolysaccharide administration for a mouse model of cerebellar ataxia with neuroinflammation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13337. [PMID: 32770064 PMCID: PMC7414878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cerebellar ataxias (CAs) are incurable neurological disorders, resulting in a lack of voluntary control by inflamed or damaged cerebellum. Although CA can be either directly or indirectly related to cerebellar inflammation, there is no suitable animal model of CA with neuroinflammation. In this study, we evaluated the utility of an intracerebellar injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to generate an animal model of inflammatory CA. We observed that LPS administration induced the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules following activation of glial cells. In addition, the administration of LPS resulted in apoptotic Purkinje cell death and induced abnormal locomotor activities, such as impaired motor coordination and abnormal hindlimb clasping posture. Our results suggest that intracerebellar LPS administration in experimental animals may be useful for studying the inflammatory component of CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungwan Hong
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyeong Yoon
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngpyo Nam
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Donggun Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science and Engineering Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Heon Kim
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science and Engineering Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sung Kim
- Bioengineering Institute, Corestem Inc., Seoul, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yong Lee
- Bioengineering Institute, Corestem Inc., Seoul, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Suk Kim
- Bioengineering Institute, Corestem Inc., Seoul, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Pan-Woo Ko
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Won Lee
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoungho Suk
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science and Engineering Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Ryong Kim
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. .,School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Robinson KJ, Watchon M, Laird AS. Aberrant Cerebellar Circuitry in the Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:707. [PMID: 32765211 PMCID: PMC7378801 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases that share convergent disease features. A common symptom of these diseases is development of ataxia, involving impaired balance and motor coordination, usually stemming from cerebellar dysfunction and neurodegeneration. For most spinocerebellar ataxias, pathology can be attributed to an underlying gene mutation and the impaired function of the encoded protein through loss or gain-of-function effects. Strikingly, despite vast heterogeneity in the structure and function of disease-causing genes across the SCAs and the cellular processes affected, the downstream effects have considerable overlap, including alterations in cerebellar circuitry. Interestingly, aberrant function and degeneration of Purkinje cells, the major output neuronal population present within the cerebellum, precedes abnormalities in other neuronal populations within many SCAs, suggesting that Purkinje cells have increased vulnerability to cellular perturbations. Factors that are known to contribute to perturbed Purkinje cell function in spinocerebellar ataxias include altered gene expression resulting in altered expression or functionality of proteins and channels that modulate membrane potential, downstream impairments in intracellular calcium homeostasis and changes in glutamatergic input received from synapsing climbing or parallel fibers. This review will explore this enhanced vulnerability and the aberrant cerebellar circuitry linked with it in many forms of SCA. It is critical to understand why Purkinje cells are vulnerable to such insults and what overlapping pathogenic mechanisms are occurring across multiple SCAs, despite different underlying genetic mutations. Enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms will facilitate the development of treatments to prevent or slow progression of the underlying neurodegenerative processes, cerebellar atrophy and ataxic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angela S. Laird
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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32
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Doxakis E. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for movement disorders. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2656-2688. [PMID: 32656818 DOI: 10.1002/med.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities of movement and posture. They are broadly divided into akinetic and hyperkinetic syndromes. Until now, no effective symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies have been available. However, since many of these disorders are monogenic or have some well-defined genetic component, they represent strong candidates for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. ASO therapies are based on the use of short synthetic single-stranded ASOs that bind to disease-related target RNAs via Watson-Crick base-pairing and pleiotropically modulate their function. With information arising from the RNA sequence alone, it is possible to design ASOs that not only alter the expression levels but also the splicing defects of any protein, far exceeding the intervention repertoire of traditional small molecule approaches. Following the regulatory approval of ASO therapies for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2016, there has been tremendous momentum in testing such therapies for other neurological disorders. This review article initially focuses on the chemical modifications aimed at improving ASO effectiveness, the mechanisms by which ASOs can interfere with RNA function, delivery systems and pharmacokinetics, and the common set of toxicities associated with their application. It, then, describes the pathophysiology and the latest information on preclinical and clinical trials utilizing ASOs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 7. It concludes with issues that require special attention to realize the full potential of ASO-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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33
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Petkovic M, Oses-Prieto J, Burlingame A, Jan LY, Jan YN. TMEM16K is an interorganelle regulator of endosomal sorting. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3298. [PMID: 32620747 PMCID: PMC7335067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between organelles is essential for their cellular homeostasis. Neurodegeneration reflects the declining ability of neurons to maintain cellular homeostasis over a lifetime, where the endolysosomal pathway plays a prominent role by regulating protein and lipid sorting and degradation. Here we report that TMEM16K, an endoplasmic reticulum lipid scramblase causative for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCAR10), is an interorganelle regulator of the endolysosomal pathway. We identify endosomal transport as a major functional cluster of TMEM16K in proximity biotinylation proteomics analyses. TMEM16K forms contact sites with endosomes, reconstituting split-GFP with the small GTPase RAB7. Our study further implicates TMEM16K lipid scrambling activity in endosomal sorting at these sites. Loss of TMEM16K function led to impaired endosomal retrograde transport and neuromuscular function, one of the symptoms of SCAR10. Thus, TMEM16K-containing ER-endosome contact sites represent clinically relevant platforms for regulating endosomal sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Petkovic
- Departments of Physiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Juan Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Alma Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Departments of Physiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuh Nung Jan
- Departments of Physiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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34
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Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Hache A, Trottier Y. Gene Deregulation and Underlying Mechanisms in Spinocerebellar Ataxias With Polyglutamine Expansion. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:571. [PMID: 32581696 PMCID: PMC7296114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (polyQ SCAs) include SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17 and constitute a group of adult onset neurodegenerative disorders caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat sequence located within the coding region of specific genes, which translates into polyglutamine tract in the corresponding proteins. PolyQ SCAs are characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its associated structures and lead to progressive ataxia and other diverse symptoms. In recent years, gene and epigenetic deregulations have been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of polyQ SCAs. Here, we provide an overview of the functions of wild type and pathogenic polyQ SCA proteins in gene regulation, describe the extent and nature of gene expression changes and their pathological consequences in diseases, and discuss potential avenues to further investigate converging and distinct disease pathways and to develop therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Antoine Hache
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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35
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Deficiency in classical nonhomologous end-joining-mediated repair of transcribed genes is linked to SCA3 pathogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8154-8165. [PMID: 32205441 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917280117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG (encoding glutamine) repeat expansion in the Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) gene. We have shown previously that ATXN3-depleted or pathogenic ATXN3-expressing cells abrogate polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP) activity. Here, we report that ATXN3 associates with RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and the classical nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ) proteins, including PNKP, along with nascent RNAs under physiological conditions. Notably, ATXN3 depletion significantly decreased global transcription, repair of transcribed genes, and error-free double-strand break repair of a 3'-phosphate-containing terminally gapped, linearized reporter plasmid. The missing sequence at the terminal break site was restored in the recircularized plasmid in control cells by using the endogenous homologous transcript as a template, indicating ATXN3's role in PNKP-mediated error-free C-NHEJ. Furthermore, brain extracts from SCA3 patients and mice show significantly lower PNKP activity, elevated p53BP1 level, more abundant strand-breaks in the transcribed genes, and degradation of RNAP II relative to controls. A similar RNAP II degradation is also evident in mutant ATXN3-expressing Drosophila larval brains and eyes. Importantly, SCA3 phenotype in Drosophila was completely amenable to PNKP complementation. Hence, salvaging PNKP's activity can be a promising therapeutic strategy for SCA3.
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36
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Schmidt J, Mayer AK, Bakula D, Freude J, Weber JJ, Weiss A, Riess O, Schmidt T. Vulnerability of frontal brain neurons for the toxicity of expanded ataxin-3. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1463-1473. [PMID: 30576445 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is caused by the expansion of CAG repeats in the ATXN3 gene leading to an elongated polyglutamine tract in the ataxin-3 protein. Previously, we demonstrated that symptoms of SCA3 are reversible in the first conditional mouse model for SCA3 directing ataxin-3 predominantly to the hindbrain. Here, we report on the effects of transgenic ataxin-3 expression in forebrain regions. Employing the Tet-off CamKII-promoter mouse line and our previously published SCA3 responder line, we generated double transgenic mice (CamKII/MJD77), which develop a neurological phenotype characterized by impairment in rotarod performance, and deficits in learning new motor tasks as well as hyperactivity. Ataxin-3 and ubiquitin-positive inclusions are detected in brains of double transgenic CamKII/MJD77 mice. After turning off the expression of pathologically expanded ataxin-3, these inclusions disappear. However, the observed phenotype could not be reversed, very likely due to pronounced apoptotic cell death in the frontal brain. Our data demonstrate that cerebellar expression is not required to induce a neurological phenotype using expanded ATXN3 as well as the pronounced sensibility of forebrain neurons for toxic ataxin-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schmidt
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anja K Mayer
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bakula
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Freude
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jonasz J Weber
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Riess
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- SCA3 research group, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Prestori F, Moccia F, D’Angelo E. Disrupted Calcium Signaling in Animal Models of Human Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010216. [PMID: 31892274 PMCID: PMC6981692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of more than 40 autosomal-dominant genetic and neurodegenerative diseases characterized by loss of balance and motor coordination due to dysfunction of the cerebellum and its efferent connections. Despite a well-described clinical and pathological phenotype, the molecular and cellular events that underlie neurodegeneration are still poorly undaerstood. Emerging research suggests that mutations in SCA genes cause disruptions in multiple cellular pathways but the characteristic SCA pathogenesis does not begin until calcium signaling pathways are disrupted in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Ca2+ signaling in Purkinje cells is important for normal cellular function as these neurons express a variety of Ca2+ channels, Ca2+-dependent kinases and phosphatases, and Ca2+-binding proteins to tightly maintain Ca2+ homeostasis and regulate physiological Ca2+-dependent processes. Abnormal Ca2+ levels can activate toxic cascades leading to characteristic death of Purkinje cells, cerebellar atrophy, and ataxia that occur in many SCAs. The output of the cerebellar cortex is conveyed to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) by Purkinje cells via inhibitory signals; thus, Purkinje cell dysfunction or degeneration would partially or completely impair the cerebellar output in SCAs. In the absence of the inhibitory signal emanating from Purkinje cells, DCN will become more excitable, thereby affecting the motor areas receiving DCN input and resulting in uncoordinated movements. An outstanding advantage in studying the pathogenesis of SCAs is represented by the availability of a large number of animal models which mimic the phenotype observed in humans. By mainly focusing on mouse models displaying mutations or deletions in genes which encode for Ca2+ signaling-related proteins, in this review we will discuss the several pathogenic mechanisms related to deranged Ca2+ homeostasis that leads to significant Purkinje cell degeneration and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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38
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. Motor Performances of Spontaneous and Genetically Modified Mutants with Cerebellar Atrophy. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:615-634. [PMID: 30820866 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chance discovery of spontaneous mutants with atrophy of the cerebellar cortex has unearthed genes involved in optimizing motor coordination. Rotorod, stationary beam, and suspended wire tests are useful in delineating behavioral phenotypes of spontaneous mutants with cerebellar atrophy such as Grid2Lc, Grid2ho, Rorasg, Agtpbp1pcd, Relnrl, and Dab1scm. Likewise, transgenic or null mutants serving as experimental models of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) are phenotyped with the same tests. Among experimental models of autosomal dominant SCA, rotorod deficits were reported in SCA1 to 3, SCA5 to 8, SCA14, SCA17, and SCA27 and stationary beam deficits in SCA1 to 3, SCA5, SCA6, SCA13, SCA17, and SCA27. Beam tests are sensitive to experimental therapies of various kinds including molecules affecting glutamate signaling, mesenchymal stem cells, anti-oligomer antibodies, lentiviral vectors carrying genes, interfering RNAs, or neurotrophic factors, and interbreeding with other mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Department of Psychology, University of Rouen, 76821, Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France.
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, and Pathogens EA7300, and CHRU of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 54500, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
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39
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Da Silva JD, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutics for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: Evading Potholes on the Way to Translation. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1009-1031. [PMID: 31691128 PMCID: PMC6985322 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00798-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN3 gene. In spite of the identification of a clear monogenic cause 25 years ago, the pathological process still puzzles researchers, impairing prospects for an effective therapy. Here, we propose the disruption of protein homeostasis as the hub of SCA3 pathogenesis, being the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways that are deregulated in SCA3 downstream consequences of the misfolding and aggregation of ATXN3. Moreover, we attempt to provide a realistic perspective on how the translational/clinical research in SCA3 should evolve. This was based on molecular findings, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, studies of proposed treatments in other conditions, and how that information is essential for their (re-)application in SCA3. This review thus aims i) to critically evaluate the current state of research on SCA3, from fundamental to translational and clinical perspectives; ii) to bring up the current key questions that remain unanswered in this disorder; and iii) to provide a frame on how those answers should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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40
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Abstract
The arts are making their mark in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics/medicine (STEAM). Integrating creative expression-poetry and other visual and performing arts-can help clinicians, scientists, and others use familiar social constructs to embody science and medicine, in what may be termed poetic science. Poetic science imbues bidirectional reflections of science and medicine on the clinician or scientist or other inquisitor, creatively engaging the learner's brain cells as mirrors. This ultimately leads to a subjective perspective on the understanding or the proposition of underlying principles. Such an approach is encouraged here with poignant examples that can be accessed publicly online and used widely by readers, teachers, learners, clinicians, scientists, students, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry-Ann Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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41
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Hou X, Gong X, Zhang L, Li T, Yuan H, Xie Y, Peng Y, Qiu R, Xia K, Tang B, Jiang H. Identification of a potential exosomal biomarker in spinocerebellar ataxia Type 3/Machado-Joseph disease. Epigenomics 2019; 11:1037-1056. [PMID: 31144508 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To identify spinocerebellar ataxia Type 3 (SCA3)-related exosomal biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms. Materials & methods: Exosomal RNAs from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were extracted from 24 SCA3 patients and 22 controls, respectively. Small RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR verification were performed. Gene ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the results were carried out. Results: One novel miRNA is notably downregulated in plasma-derived exosomes, while upregulated in CSF-derived exosomes of SCA3 patients. Besides, it is successively upregulated in CSF-derived exosomes from Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 groups. The downstream target genes were enriched in protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and axon guidance. Conclusion: One exosomal biomarker was identified in SCA3, and this is the first time to report an exosomal miRNA as a biomarker in SCA3 internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocan Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Xuan Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Hongyu Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Information Science & Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Kun Xia
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
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42
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Mouse models and strain-dependency of Chédiak-Higashi syndrome-associated neurologic dysfunction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6752. [PMID: 31043676 PMCID: PMC6494809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a lethal disorder caused by mutations in the LYST gene that involves progressive neurologic dysfunction. Lyst-mutant mice exhibit neurologic phenotypes that are sensitive to genetic background. On the DBA/2J-, but not on the C57BL/6J-background, Lyst-mutant mice exhibit overt tremor phenotypes associated with loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here, we tested whether assays for ataxia could measure this observed strain-dependency, and if so, establish parameters for empowering phenotype- and candidate-driven approaches to identify genetic modifier(s). A composite phenotypic scoring system distinguished phenotypes in Lyst-mutants and uncovered a previously unrecognized background difference between wild-type C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. Accelerating rotarod performance also distinguished phenotypes in Lyst-mutants, but at more advanced ages. These results establish that genetic background, Lyst genotype, and age significantly influence the severity of CHS-associated neurologic deficits. Purkinje cell quantifications likewise distinguished phenotypes of Lyst-mutant mice, as well as background differences between wild-type C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. To aid identification of potential genetic modifier genes causing these effects, we searched public datasets for cerebellar-expressed genes that are differentially expressed and/or contain potentially detrimental genetic variants. From these approaches, Nos1, Prdx2, Cbln3, Gnb1, Pttg1 were confirmed to be differentially expressed and leading candidates.
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43
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Gyengesi E, Rangel A, Ullah F, Liang H, Niedermayer G, Asgarov R, Venigalla M, Gunawardena D, Karl T, Münch G. Chronic Microglial Activation in the GFAP-IL6 Mouse Contributes to Age-Dependent Cerebellar Volume Loss and Impairment in Motor Function. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:303. [PMID: 31001075 PMCID: PMC6456818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic microglial activation is a prominent feature of many chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. To investigate the effects of chronic microglial activation on cerebellar structure and motor function throughout the lifespan, the transgenic GFAP-IL6 mouse model was used. The aim of the study was to examine inflammatory markers and neuronal degeneration while simultaneously characterizing the motor performance of GFAP-IL6 mice at 3, 6, 14, and 24 months of age in comparison to WT (C57BL/6) mice. In respect to markers of neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, increased numbers of Iba1+ microglia were observed as early as at 3 months of age. In addition, TNF-α levels proved to be significantly higher in the GFAP-IL6 compared to WT mice at all time points. A difference in cerebellar volume between the GFAP-IL6 and WT mice was observed later in life, starting at 6 months and increasing to a loss of about 50% in aged (24 months old) GFAP-IL6 mice. Synaptic deficits were also assessed by using pre- (synaptophysin) and post-synaptic (PSD95) markers. While synaptophysin levels remained unchanged, PSD95 levels decreased in the aging GFAP-IL6 mice compared to their WT littermates from 14 months onward. To assess the effect of microglia activation and neurodegeneration on behavior, a variety of motor function tests, semi-quantitative cerebellar ataxia score, accelerod, beam walking, and open field tests were performed. An age-dependent difference between the genotypes was observed in many of the motor function tests. For example, reduced performance on the accelerod and higher ataxia scores were observed at 6 months of age, followed by the beam walking test showing differences at 14 months of age. In summary, this study constitutes a comprehensive, age-dependent examination of inflammatory, synaptic and neurodegenerative changes in the brains of GFAP-IL6 mice leading to a deterioration in motor performance. The results also indicate that early chronic microglia activation in the GFAP-IL6 mouse leads to observable cerebellar volume loss and motor deficits later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gyengesi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Alejandra Rangel
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Faheem Ullah
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Huazheng Liang
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Garry Niedermayer
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Rustam Asgarov
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Madhuri Venigalla
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Dhanushka Gunawardena
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Gerald Münch
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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44
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Polymorphisms in DNA methylation–related genes are linked to the phenotype of Machado-Joseph disease. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 75:225.e1-225.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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45
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Krauss S, Evert BO. The Role of MicroRNAs in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:1729-1742. [PMID: 30664869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.019] [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: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of the human genome are transcribed as non-coding RNAs. While it is still under debate if all these non-coding transcripts are functional, there is emerging evidence that RNA has several important functions in addition to coding for proteins. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory RNAs that control gene expression in various biological processes and human diseases. In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, miRNAs are involved in the disease process at different levels, including the deregulation of components of the general miRNA biogenesis machinery, as well as in the cell type-specific control of the expression of the SCA3 disease protein and other SCA3 disease-relevant proteins. However, it remains difficult to predict whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of the neurodegenerative process in SCA3. Further studies using standardized procedures for the analysis of miRNA expression and larger sample numbers are required to enhance our understanding of the miRNA-mediated processes involved in SCA3 disease and may enable the development of miRNA-based therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the findings of independent studies highlighting both the disease-related and cytoprotective roles of miRNAs that have been implicated so far in the disease process of SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Krauss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Street 27, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd O Evert
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Street 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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46
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Matos CA, de Almeida LP, Nóbrega C. Machado-Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: lessons from disease pathogenesis and clues into therapy. J Neurochem 2018; 148:8-28. [PMID: 29959858 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is an incurable disorder, widely regarded as the most common form of spinocerebellar ataxia in the world. MJD/SCA3 arises from mutation of the ATXN3 gene, but this simple monogenic cause contrasts with the complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms that are currently admitted to underlie neuronal dysfunction and death. The aberrantly expanded protein product - ataxin-3 - is known to aggregate and generate toxic species that disrupt several cell systems, including autophagy, proteostasis, transcription, mitochondrial function and signalling. Over the years, research into putative therapeutic approaches has often been devoted to the development of strategies that counteract disease at different stages of cellular pathogenesis. Silencing the pathogenic protein, blocking aggregation, inhibiting toxic proteolytic processing and counteracting dysfunctions of the cellular systems affected have yielded promising ameliorating results in studies with cellular and animal models. The current review analyses the available studies dedicated to the investigation of MJD/SCA3 pathogenesis and the exploration of possible therapeutic strategies, focusing primarily on gene therapy and pharmacological approaches rooted on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Matos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Coimbra, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Coimbra, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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47
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Loss of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 disease protein ATXN3 alters transcription of multiple signal transduction pathways. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204438. [PMID: 30231063 PMCID: PMC6145529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene which encodes the deubiquitinating enzyme, ATXN3. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathogenic role of mutant, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 in SCA3 including disease protein aggregation, impairment of ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation and transcriptional dysregulation. A better understanding of the normal functions of this protein may shed light on SCA3 disease pathogenesis. To assess the potential normal role of ATXN3 in regulating gene expression, we compared transcriptional profiles in WT versus Atxn3 null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Differentially expressed genes in the absence of ATXN3 contribute to multiple signal transduction pathways, suggesting a status switch of signaling pathways including depressed Wnt and BMP4 pathways and elevated growth factor pathways such as Prolactin, TGF-β, and Ephrin pathways. The Eph receptor A3 (Efna3), a receptor protein-tyrosine kinase in the Ephrin pathway that is highly expressed in the nervous system, was the most differentially upregulated gene in Atxn3 null MEFs. This increased expression of Efna3 was recapitulated in Atxn3 knockout mouse brainstem, a selectively vulnerable brain region in SCA3. Overexpression of normal or expanded ATXN3 was sufficient to repress Efna3 expression, supporting a role for ATXN3 in regulating Ephrin signaling. We further show that, in the absence of ATXN3, Efna3 upregulation is associated with hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 at the Efna3 promoter, which in turn is induced by decreased levels of HDAC3 and NCoR in ATXN3 null cells. Together, these results reveal a normal role for ATXN3 in transcriptional regulation of multiple signaling pathways of potential relevance to disease processes in SCA3.
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48
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Ashraf NS, Duarte-Silva S, Shaw ED, Maciel P, Paulson HL, Teixeira-Castro A, Costa MDC. Citalopram Reduces Aggregation of ATXN3 in a YAC Transgenic Mouse Model of Machado-Joseph Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3690-3701. [PMID: 30187384 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease, also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, is a fatal polyglutamine disease with no disease-modifying treatment. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram was shown in nematode and mouse models to be a compelling repurposing candidate for Machado-Joseph disease therapeutics. We sought to confirm the efficacy of citalopram to decrease ATXN3 aggregation in an unrelated mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease. Four-week-old YACMJD84.2 mice and non-transgenic littermates were given citalopram 8 mg/kg in drinking water or water for 10 weeks. At the end of treatment, brains were collected for biochemical and pathological analyses. Brains of citalopram-treated YACMJD84.2 mice showed an approximate 50% decrease in the percentage of cells containing ATXN3-positive inclusions in the substantia nigra and three examined brainstem nuclei compared to controls. No differences in ATXN3 inclusion load were observed in deep cerebellar nuclei of mice. Citalopram effect on ATXN3 aggregate burden was corroborated by immunoblotting analysis. While lysates from the brainstem and cervical spinal cord of citalopram-treated mice showed a decrease in all soluble forms of ATXN3 and a trend toward reduction of insoluble ATXN3, no differences in ATXN3 levels were found between cerebella of citalopram-treated and vehicle-treated mice. Citalopram treatment altered levels of select components of the cellular protein homeostatic machinery that may be expected to enhance the capacity to refold and/or degrade mutant ATXN3. The results here obtained in a second independent mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease further support citalopram as a potential drug to be repurposed for this fatal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila S Ashraf
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Emily D Shaw
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. .,Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Maria do Carmo Costa
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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49
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Upregulation of miR-370 and miR-543 is associated with reduced expression of heat shock protein 40 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201794. [PMID: 30086154 PMCID: PMC6080806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular chaperones are important regulators of protein folding and proteasomal removal of misfolded proteins. In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), the co-chaperone DnaJ homology subfamily B member 1 (DNAJB1 or heat shock protein 40) is recruited to protein aggregates formed by the disease-causing mutant polyglutamine (polyQ) protein ataxin-3 (ATXN3). Over-expression of DNAJB1 reduces polyQ protein toxicity. Here, we identified two miRNAs, miR-370 and miR-543, that function in posttranscriptional regulation of DNAJB1 expression. MiRNAs are small endogenously produced RNAs controlling mRNA stability and play a role in polyQ disease pathogenesis. In human neuronal cultures derived from SCA3 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, miR-370 and miR-543 levels are upregulated, while DNAJB1 expression is concurrently reduced. These findings suggest that downregulation of DNAJB1 by these two miRNAs is an early event that could contribute to SCA3 pathogenesis. Inhibition of these two miRNAs in turn could stabilize DNAJB1 and thereby be beneficial in SCA3 disease.
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Oliveira Miranda C, Marcelo A, Silva TP, Barata J, Vasconcelos-Ferreira A, Pereira D, Nóbrega C, Duarte S, Barros I, Alves J, Sereno J, Petrella LI, Castelhano J, Paiva VH, Rodrigues-Santos P, Alves V, Nunes-Correia I, Nobre RJ, Gomes C, Castelo-Branco M, Pereira de Almeida L. Repeated Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Treatment Sustainably Alleviates Machado-Joseph Disease. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2131-2151. [PMID: 30087083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, the most common dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) worldwide, is caused by over-repetition of a CAG repeat in the ATXN3/MJD1 gene, which translates into a polyglutamine tract within the ataxin-3 protein. There is no treatment for this fatal disorder. Despite evidence of the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in delaying SCA disease progression in exploratory clinical trials, unanticipated regression of patients to the status prior to treatment makes the investigation of causes and solutions urgent and imperative. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of a single intracranial injection with repeated systemic MSC administration in alleviating the MJD phenotype of two strongly severe genetic rodent models. We found that a single MSC transplantation only produces transient effects, whereas periodic administration promotes sustained motor behavior and neuropathology alleviation, suggesting that MSC therapies should be re-designed to get sustained beneficial results in clinical practice. Furthermore, MSC promoted neuroprotection, increased the levels of GABA and glutamate, and decreased the levels of Myo-inositol, which correlated with motor improvements, indicating that these metabolites may serve as valid neurospectroscopic biomarkers of disease and treatment. This study makes important contributions to the design of new clinical approaches for MJD and other SCAs/polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Oliveira Miranda
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Marcelo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pereira Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Barata
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Vasconcelos-Ferreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Programme of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dina Pereira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, CNC - University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Barros
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Alves
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sereno
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lorena Itatí Petrella
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Castelhano
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Hugo Paiva
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Immunology and Oncology Laboratory, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Portugal; Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Apartado 9015, 3001-301, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Alves
- Immunology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Immunology and Oncology Laboratory, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Portugal; Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Apartado 9015, 3001-301, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Nunes-Correia
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão - Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco de Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology - Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Life Science (CNC.IBILI), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Science Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1° andar, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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