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Signoria I, Zwartkruis MM, Geerlofs L, Perenthaler E, Faller KM, James R, McHale-Owen H, Green JW, Kortooms J, Snellen SH, Asselman FL, Gillingwater TH, Viero G, Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Groen EJ. Patient-specific responses to SMN2 splice-modifying treatments in spinal muscular atrophy fibroblasts. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101379. [PMID: 39655308 PMCID: PMC11626024 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024]
Abstract
The availability of three therapies for the neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) highlights the need to match patients to the optimal treatment. Two of these treatments (nusinersen and risdiplam) target splicing of SMN2, but treatment outcomes vary from patient to patient. An incomplete understanding of the complex interactions among SMA genetics, SMN protein and mRNA levels, and gene-targeting treatments, limits our ability to explain this variability and identify optimal treatment strategies for individual patients. To address this, we analyzed responses to nusinersen and risdiplam in 45 primary fibroblast cell lines. Pre-treatment SMN2-FL, SMN2Δ7 mRNA, and SMN protein levels were influenced by SMN2 copy number, age, and sex. After treatment, SMN and mRNA levels were more heterogeneous. In 43% of patients, response to both therapies was similar, but in 57% one treatment led to a significantly higher SMN increase than the other treatment. Younger age, higher SMN2 copy number, and higher SMN levels before treatment predicted better in vitro efficacy. These findings showcase patient-derived fibroblasts as a tool for identifying molecular predictors for personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Signoria
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria M. Zwartkruis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Geerlofs
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kiterie M.E. Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences and Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel James
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences and Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harriet McHale-Owen
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences and Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jared W. Green
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joris Kortooms
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie H. Snellen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fay-Lynn Asselman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences and Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Renske I. Wadman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - W. Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout J.N. Groen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Kütük D, Öner Ç, Başar M, Akcay B, Olcay İO, Çolak E, Selam B, Cincik M. Comparison of the Mitophagy and Apoptosis Related Gene Expressions in Waste Embryo Culture Medium of Female Infertility Types. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:1507. [PMID: 39598305 PMCID: PMC11595419 DOI: 10.3390/life14111507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2024] [Revised: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/09/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria is an important organelle for the oocyte-to-embryo transition in the early embryonic development period. The oocyte uses mitochondria functionally and its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content as the main energy source in the embryo development at the preimplantation stage. The aim of this study is to compare mitophagic, apoptotic and humanin gene expressions from the culture medium fluid in which embryos are developed and monitored among normoresponder (NOR), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), young and older patients with poor ovarian reserve (POR). The study groups consisted of infertile patients who applied to the Bahçeci Umut IVF Center as NOR (Control), PCOS, POR-Advanced (POR-A) and POR-Young (POR-Y). After the isolation of total RNA from the collected samples, MFN1, MFN2, PINK1, PARKIN, SMN1, SMN2, p53 and Humanin gene expressions were determined by Real Time-PCR. The average age of only the POR-A was determined to be higher than the NOR (p < 0.001). The MFN1, SMN2 (p < 0.05), Humanin and p53 gene expressions (p < 0.001) increased, while PINK1 gene expression decreased (p < 0.05), in the POR-Y compared to the NOR. A decrease in MFN2, PARKIN (p < 0.05) and PINK1 gene expressions was determined in the PCOS compared to the NOR (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a decrease was observed in MFN2, PINK1 (p < 0.001) and Humanin gene expressions compared to the NOR (p < 0.05). The current data are the first in the literature determining the apoptotic and mitophagic status of the oocyte. The current results prove that waste embryo culture fluid may provide a non-invasive profile for important cellular parameters such as mitochondrial dysfunction in female infertility. The evaluation of significant cellular parameters can be performed much earlier without any intervention into the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Kütük
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Maltepe University, 34858 İstanbul, Turkey
- IVF Laboratory, Bahçeci Umut Assisted Reproduction Center, 34662 İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Öner
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Kırklareli University, 39100 Kırklareli, Turkey;
| | - Murat Başar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Medical Faculty, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Berkay Akcay
- IVF Laboratory, Bahçeci Umut Assisted Reproduction Center, 34662 İstanbul, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Orçun Olcay
- IVF Laboratory, Bahçeci Umut Assisted Reproduction Center, 34662 İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertuğrul Çolak
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical Faculty, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, 26040 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Belgin Selam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, 34752 İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Cincik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Maltepe University, 34858 İstanbul, Turkey
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3
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Gandhi G, Kodiappan R, Abdullah S, Teoh HK, Tai L, Cheong SK, Yeo WWY. Revealing the potential role of hsa-miR-663a in modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway via miRNA microarray in spinal muscular atrophy patient fibroblast-derived iPSCs. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024; 83:822-832. [PMID: 38894621 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae065] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder due to deletion or mutation of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Although survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene is still present in SMA patients, the production of full-length survival motor neuron (SMN) protein is insufficient owing to missing or mutated SMN1. No current disease-modifying therapies can cure SMA. The aim of this study was to explore microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies that may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in delaying SMA progression or as treatment. The study screened for potentially dysregulated miRNAs in SMA fibroblast-derived iPSCs using miRNA microarray. Results from the miRNA microarray were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis using various databases was performed to predict the potential putative gene targeted by hsa-miR-663a. The findings showed differential expression of hsa-miR-663a in SMA patients in relation to a healthy control. Bioinformatics analysis identified GNG7, IGF2, and TNN genes that were targeted by hsa-miR-663a to be involved in the PI3K-AKT pathway, which may be associated with disease progression in SMA. Thus, this study suggests the potential role of hsa-miR-663a as therapeutic target for the treatment of SMA patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Radha Kodiappan
- Department of Research and Training, MAHSA Specialist Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hoon Koon Teoh
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lihui Tai
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- Cytopeutics Sdn. Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon Keng Cheong
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Bolado-Carrancio A, Tapia O, Rodríguez-Rey JC. Ubiquitination Insight from Spinal Muscular Atrophy-From Pathogenesis to Therapy: A Muscle Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8800. [PMID: 39201486 PMCID: PMC11354275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168800] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most frequent causes of death in childhood. The disease's molecular basis is deletion or mutations in the SMN1 gene, which produces reduced survival motor neuron protein (SMN) levels. As a result, there is spinal motor neuron degeneration and a large increase in muscle atrophy, in which the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a significant role. In humans, a paralogue of SMN1, SMN2 encodes the truncated protein SMNΔ7. Structural differences between SMN and SMNΔ7 affect the interaction of the proteins with UPS and decrease the stability of the truncated protein. SMN loss affects the general ubiquitination process by lowering the levels of UBA1, one of the main enzymes in the ubiquitination process. We discuss how SMN loss affects both SMN stability and the general ubiquitination process, and how the proteins involved in ubiquitination could be used as future targets for SMA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Bolado-Carrancio
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria-and Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain;
| | - Olga Tapia
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de la Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
| | - José C. Rodríguez-Rey
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria-and Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain;
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Virla F, Turano E, Scambi I, Schiaffino L, Boido M, Mariotti R. Administration of adipose-derived stem cells extracellular vesicles in a murine model of spinal muscular atrophy: effects of a new potential therapeutic strategy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:94. [PMID: 38561840 PMCID: PMC10986013 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03693-5] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disease affecting children. It is caused by the mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene resulting in lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration followed by motor impairment, progressive skeletal muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. In addition to the already existing therapies, a possible combinatorial strategy could be represented by the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) that can be obtained easily and in large amounts from adipose tissue. Their efficacy seems to be correlated to their paracrine activity and the production of soluble factors released through extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are important mediators of intercellular communication with a diameter between 30 and 100 nm. Their use in other neurodegenerative disorders showed a neuroprotective effect thanks to the release of their content, especially proteins, miRNAs and mRNAs. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the effect of EVs isolated from ASCs (ASC-EVs) in the SMNΔ7 mice, a severe SMA model. With this purpose, we performed two administrations of ASC-EVs (0.5 µg) in SMA pups via intracerebroventricular injections at post-natal day 3 (P3) and P6. We then assessed the treatment efficacy by behavioural test from P2 to P10 and histological analyses at P10. RESULTS The results showed positive effects of ASC-EVs on the disease progression, with improved motor performance and a significant delay in spinal MN degeneration of treated animals. ASC-EVs could also reduce the apoptotic activation (cleaved Caspase-3) and modulate the neuroinflammation with an observed decreased glial activation in lumbar spinal cord, while at peripheral level ASC-EVs could only partially limit the muscular atrophy and fiber denervation. CONCLUSIONS Our results could encourage the use of ASC-EVs as a therapeutic combinatorial treatment for SMA, bypassing the controversial use of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Virla
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ermanna Turano
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Schiaffino
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Zhang Y, He J, Xiang L, Tang X, Wang S, Li A, Wang C, Li L, Zhu B. Molecular Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Securinega suffruticosa-derived Compound Securinine against Spinal Muscular Atrophy based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1178-1193. [PMID: 38561613 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288504240321041408] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe motor neuronal disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Securinine has shown the potential to treat SMA; however, its anti-SMA role remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to reveal the anti-SMA mechanisms of securinine. METHODS Securinine-associated targets were acquired from Herbal Ingredients' Targets (HIT), Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA), and SuperPred. SMA-associated targets were obtained from GeneCards and Dis- GeNET. Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed using GeneMANIA, and hug targets were screened using cytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using ClusterProfifiler. Molecular docking was conducted using Pymol and Auto- Dock. In vitro assays were used to verify the anti-SMA effects of securinine. RESULTS Twenty-six intersection targets of securinine and SMA were obtained. HDAC1, HDAC2, TOP2A, PIK3R1, PRMT5, JAK2, HSP90AB1, TERT, PTGS2, and PAX8 were the core targets in PPI network. GO analysis demonstrated that the intersecting targets were implicated in the regulation of proteins, steroid hormones, histone deacetylases, and DNA transcription. KEGG analysis, pathway-pathway, and hub target-pathway networks revealed that securinine might treat SMA through TNF, JAK-STAT, Ras, and PI3K-Akt pathways. Securinine had a favorable binding affinity with HDAC1, HSP90AB, JAK2, PRMT5, PTGS2, and TERT. Securinine rescued viability suppression, mitochondria damage, and SMN loss in the SMA cell model. Furthermore, securinine increased HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression, decreased PTGS2 expression, suppressed the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, and promoted the PI3K-Akt pathway. CONCLUSION Securinine might alleviate SMA by elevating HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression and reducing PTGS2 via JAK2-STAT3 suppression and PI3K-Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lifeng Xiang
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Periconception Health Birth in Western China, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinhua Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Aoyu Li
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Chaoyan Wang
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Li
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Baosheng Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- School of Medical, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
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7
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Sansa A, Miralles MP, Beltran M, Celma-Nos F, Calderó J, Garcera A, Soler RM. ERK MAPK signaling pathway inhibition as a potential target to prevent autophagy alterations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy motoneurons. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:113. [PMID: 37019880 PMCID: PMC10076363 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe genetic neuromuscular disorder that occurs in childhood and is caused by misexpression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN reduction induces spinal cord motoneuron (MN) degeneration, which leads to progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. The link between SMN deficiency and the molecular mechanisms altered in SMA cells remains unclear. Autophagy, deregulation of intracellular survival pathways and ERK hyperphosphorylation may contribute to SMN-reduced MNs collapse, offering a useful strategy to develop new therapies to prevent neurodegeneration in SMA. Using SMA MN in vitro models, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK MAPK pathways on SMN and autophagy markers modulation was studied by western blot analysis and RT-qPCR. Experiments involved primary cultures of mouse SMA spinal cord MNs and differentiated SMA human MNs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and the ERK MAPK pathways reduced SMN protein and mRNA levels. Importantly, mTOR phosphorylation, p62, and LC3-II autophagy markers protein level were decreased after ERK MAPK pharmacological inhibition. Furthermore, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA prevented ERK hyperphosphorylation in SMA cells. Our results propose a link between intracellular calcium, signaling pathways, and autophagy in SMA MNs, suggesting that ERK hyperphosphorylation may contribute to autophagy deregulation in SMN-reduced MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Sansa
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria P Miralles
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Beltran
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ferran Celma-Nos
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Neuronal Signaling Unit, Experimental Medicine Department, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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8
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Perez-Siles G, Ellis M, Ashe A, Grosz B, Vucic S, Kiernan MC, Morris KA, Reddel SW, Kennerson ML. A Compound Heterozygous Mutation in Calpain 1 Identifies a New Genetic Cause for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 4 (SMA4). Front Genet 2022; 12:801253. [PMID: 35126465 PMCID: PMC8807693 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.801253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases characterized by degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, leading to muscular atrophy and weakness. Although the major cause of SMA is autosomal recessive exon deletions or loss-of-function mutations of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, next generation sequencing technologies are increasing the genetic heterogeneity of SMA. SMA type 4 (SMA4) is an adult onset, less severe form of SMA for which genetic and pathogenic causes remain elusive.Whole exome sequencing in a 30-year-old brother and sister with SMA4 identified a compound heterozygous mutation (p. G492R/p. F610C) in calpain-1 (CAPN1). Mutations in CAPN1 have been previously associated with cerebellar ataxia and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Using skin fibroblasts from a patient bearing the p. G492R/p. F610C mutation, we demonstrate reduced levels of CAPN1 protein and protease activity. Functional characterization of the SMA4 fibroblasts revealed no changes in SMN protein levels and subcellular distribution. Additional cellular pathways associated with SMA remain unaffected in the patient fibroblasts, highlighting the tissue specificity of CAPN1 dysfunction in SMA4 pathophysiology. This study provides genetic and functional evidence of CAPN1 as a novel gene for the SMA4 phenotype and expands the phenotype of CAPN1 mutation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Perez-Siles
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: G. Perez-Siles , ; M. L. Kennerson,
| | - M. Ellis
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A. Ashe
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B. Grosz
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S. Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M. C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K. A. Morris
- Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S. W. Reddel
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M. L. Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: G. Perez-Siles , ; M. L. Kennerson,
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9
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Sirés A, Turch-Anguera M, Bogdanov P, Sampedro J, Ramos H, Ruíz Lasa A, Huo J, Xu S, Lam KP, López-Soriano J, Pérez-García MJ, Hernández C, Simó R, Solé M, Comella JX. Faim knockout leads to gliosis and late-onset neurodegeneration of photoreceptors in the mouse retina. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:3103-3120. [PMID: 34713467 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fas Apoptotic Inhibitory Molecule protein (FAIM) is a death receptor antagonist and an apoptosis regulator. It encodes two isoforms, namely FAIM-S (short) and FAIM-L (long), both with significant neuronal functions. FAIM-S, which is ubiquitously expressed, is involved in neurite outgrowth. In contrast, FAIM-L is expressed only in neurons and it protects them from cell death. Interestingly, FAIM-L is downregulated in patients and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease before the onset of neurodegeneration, and Faim transcript levels are decreased in mouse models of retinal degeneration. However, few studies have addressed the role of FAIM in the central nervous system, yet alone the retina. The retina is a highly specialized tissue, and its degeneration has proved to precede pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe that Faim depletion in mice damages the retina persistently and leads to late-onset photoreceptor death in older mice. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that Faim knockout (Faim-/- ) mice present ubiquitinated aggregates throughout the retina from early ages. Moreover, retinal cells released stress signals that can signal to Müller cells, as shown by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. Müller cells monitor retinal homeostasis and trigger a gliotic response in Faim-/- mice that becomes pathogenic when sustained. In this regard, we observed pronounced vascular leakage at later ages, which may be caused by persistent inflammation. These results suggest that FAIM is an important player in the maintenance of retinal homeostasis, and they support the premise that FAIM is a plausible early marker for late photoreceptor and neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sirés
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mireia Turch-Anguera
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Bogdanov
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joel Sampedro
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugo Ramos
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Ruíz Lasa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Research Center and Memory Clinic. Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jianxin Huo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joaquín López-Soriano
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M Jose Pérez-García
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Simó
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montse Solé
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joan X Comella
- Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
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Ottesen EW, Luo D, Singh NN, Singh RN. High Concentration of an ISS-N1-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide Causes Massive Perturbation of the Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168378. [PMID: 34445083 PMCID: PMC8395096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) located within Survival Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) intron 7 is the target of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), nusinersen (Spinraza), which is currently being used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic disease associated with infant mortality. The discovery of ISS-N1 as a promising therapeutic target was enabled in part by Anti-N1, a 20-mer ASO that restored SMN2 exon 7 inclusion by annealing to ISS-N1. Here, we analyzed the transcriptome of SMA patient cells treated with 100 nM of Anti-N1 for 30 h. Such concentrations are routinely used to demonstrate the efficacy of an ASO. While 100 nM of Anti-N1 substantially stimulated SMN2 exon 7 inclusion, it also caused massive perturbations in the transcriptome and triggered widespread aberrant splicing, affecting expression of essential genes associated with multiple cellular processes such as transcription, splicing, translation, cell signaling, cell cycle, macromolecular trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and innate immunity. We validated our findings with quantitative and semiquantitative PCR of 39 candidate genes associated with diverse pathways. We also showed a substantial reduction in off-target effects with shorter ISS-N1-targeting ASOs. Our findings are significant for implementing better ASO design and dosing regimens of ASO-based drugs.
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