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Kofler J, Beltran-Quintero ML, Rugari A, Zuccoli G, Klotz S, Escolar ML. Improved Brain Pathology and Progressive Peripheral Neuropathy in a 15 Year Old Survivor of Infantile Krabbe Disease Treated With Umbilical Cord Transplantation. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:888231. [PMID: 35966016 PMCID: PMC9368320 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.888231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Krabbe disease is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by deficiency in galactocerebrosidase enzyme activity. The only currently available therapy is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with bone marrow or umbilical cord blood (UCBT), which leads to increased lifespan and functional abilities when performed in the preclinical stage. While stabilization of white matter disease has been seen on serial MRI studies, neuropathological changes following transplantation have not been documented so far. Materials and Methods We report the first postmortem examination of a 15-year-old female patient with infantile Krabbe disease after UCBT in infancy. Results In contrast to an untreated Krabbe disease brain, which showed severe myelin and oligodendrocyte loss with occasional globoid cells, the transplanted brain displayed markedly improved myelin preservation, but not reaching normal myelination levels. Consistent with the transplanted patient’s clinical presentation of pronounced deficits in gross motor skills, corticospinal tracts were most severely affected. No globoid cells or evidence of active demyelination were observed in the central nervous system, indicative of at least partially successful functional restoration. This was corroborated by the identification of male donor-derived cells in the brain by in situ hybridization. Unlike the observed disease stabilization in the central nervous system, the patient experienced progressive peripheral neuropathy. While diminished macrophage infiltration was seen postmortem, peripheral nerves exhibited edema, myelin and axon loss and persistent Schwann cell ultrastructural inclusions. Conclusion Umbilical cord blood transplantation was able to alter the natural disease progression in the central but less so in the peripheral nervous system, possibly due to limited cross-correction of Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kofler
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Maria L. Beltran-Quintero
- Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anne Rugari
- Partners for Krabbe Research, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Giulio Zuccoli
- Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Klotz
- Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Maria L. Escolar
- Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria L. Escolar,
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2
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Gowrishankar S, Cologna SM, Givogri MI, Bongarzone ER. Deregulation of signalling in genetic conditions affecting the lysosomal metabolism of cholesterol and galactosyl-sphingolipids. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105142. [PMID: 33080336 PMCID: PMC8862610 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of lipids in neuroglial function is gaining momentum in part due to a better understanding of how many lipid species contribute to key cellular signalling pathways at the membrane level. The description of lipid rafts as membrane domains composed by defined classes of lipids such as cholesterol and sphingolipids has greatly helped in our understanding of how cellular signalling can be regulated and compartmentalized in neurons and glial cells. Genetic conditions affecting the metabolism of these lipids greatly impact on how some of these signalling pathways work, providing a context to understand the biological function of the lipid. Expectedly, abnormal metabolism of several lipids such as cholesterol and galactosyl-sphingolipids observed in several metabolic conditions involving lysosomal dysfunction are often accompanied by neuronal and myelin dysfunction. This review will discuss the role of lysosomal biology in the context of deficiencies in the metabolism of cholesterol and galactosyl-sphingolipids and their impact on neural function in three genetic disorders: Niemann-Pick type C, Metachromatic leukodystrophy and Krabbe’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gowrishankar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - S M Cologna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - M I Givogri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - E R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Favret JM, Weinstock NI, Feltri ML, Shin D. Pre-clinical Mouse Models of Neurodegenerative Lysosomal Storage Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:57. [PMID: 32351971 PMCID: PMC7174556 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are over 50 lysosomal hydrolase deficiencies, many of which cause neurodegeneration, cognitive decline and death. In recent years, a number of broad innovative therapies have been proposed and investigated for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), such as enzyme replacement, substrate reduction, pharmacologic chaperones, stem cell transplantation, and various forms of gene therapy. Murine models that accurately reflect the phenotypes observed in human LSDs are critical for the development, assessment and implementation of novel translational therapies. The goal of this review is to summarize the neurodegenerative murine LSD models available that recapitulate human disease, and the pre-clinical studies previously conducted. We also describe some limitations and difficulties in working with mouse models of neurodegenerative LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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4
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Ricca A, Gritti A. Perspective on innovative therapies for globoid cell leukodystrophy. J Neurosci Res 2017; 94:1304-17. [PMID: 27638612 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), or Krabbe's disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase galactosylceramidase. The infantile forms are characterized by a unique relentless and aggressive progression with a wide range of neurological symptoms and complications. Here we review and discuss the basic concepts and the novel mechanisms identified as key contributors to the peculiar GLD pathology, highlighting their therapeutic implications. Then, we evaluate evidence from extensive experimental studies on GLD animal models that have highlighted fundamental requirements to obtain substantial therapeutic benefit, including early and timely intervention, high levels of enzymatic reconstitution, and global targeting of affected tissues. Continuous efforts in understanding GLD pathophysiology, the interplay between various therapies, and the mechanisms of disease correction upon intervention may allow advancing research with innovative approaches and prioritizing treatment strategies to develop more efficacious treatments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricca
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Ricca A, Rufo N, Ungari S, Morena F, Martino S, Kulik W, Alberizzi V, Bolino A, Bianchi F, Del Carro U, Biffi A, Gritti A. Combined gene/cell therapies provide long-term and pervasive rescue of multiple pathological symptoms in a murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3372-89. [PMID: 25749991 PMCID: PMC4498152 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC). The infantile forms manifest with rapid and progressive central and peripheral demyelination, which represent a major hurdle for any treatment approach. We demonstrate here that neonatal lentiviral vector-mediated intracerebral gene therapy (IC GT) or transplantation of GALC-overexpressing neural stem cells (NSC) synergize with bone marrow transplant (BMT) providing dramatic extension of lifespan and global clinical–pathological rescue in a relevant GLD murine model. We show that timely and long-lasting delivery of functional GALC in affected tissues ensured by the exclusive complementary mode of action of the treatments underlies the outstanding benefit. In particular, the contribution of neural stem cell transplantation and IC GT during the early asymptomatic stage of the disease is instrumental to enhance long-term advantage upon BMT. We clarify the input of central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and periphery to the disease, and the relative contribution of treatments to the final therapeutic outcome, with important implications for treatment strategies to be tried in human patients. This study gives proof-of-concept of efficacy, tolerability and clinical relevance of the combined gene/cell therapies proposed here, which may constitute a feasible and effective therapeutic opportunity for children affected by GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricca
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Nicole Rufo
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Silvia Ungari
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, Perugia, Italy
| | - Wilem Kulik
- Laboratory of Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and
| | - Valeria Alberizzi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Del Carro
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy,
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6
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Cantuti-Castelvetri L, Maravilla E, Marshall M, Tamayo T, D'auria L, Monge J, Jeffries J, Sural-Fehr T, Lopez-Rosas A, Li G, Garcia K, van Breemen R, Vite C, Garcia J, Bongarzone ER. Mechanism of neuromuscular dysfunction in Krabbe disease. J Neurosci 2015; 35:1606-16. [PMID: 25632136 PMCID: PMC4308604 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2431-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The atrophy of skeletal muscles in patients with Krabbe disease is a major debilitating manifestation that worsens their quality of life and limits the clinical efficacy of current therapies. The pathogenic mechanism triggering muscle wasting is unknown. This study examined structural, functional, and metabolic changes conducive to muscle degeneration in Krabbe disease using the murine (twitcher mouse) and canine [globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) dog] models. Muscle degeneration, denervation, neuromuscular [neuromuscular junction (NMJ)] abnormalities, and axonal death were investigated using the reporter transgenic twitcher-Thy1.1-yellow fluorescent protein mouse. We found that mutant muscles had significant numbers of smaller-sized muscle fibers, without signs of regeneration. Muscle growth was slow and weak in twitcher mice, with decreased maximum force. The NMJ had significant levels of activated caspase-3 but limited denervation. Mutant NMJ showed reduced surface areas and lower volumes of presynaptic terminals, with depressed nerve control, increased miniature endplate potential (MEPP) amplitude, decreased MEPP frequency, and increased rise and decay rate constants. Twitcher and GLD dog muscles had significant capacity to store psychosine, the neurotoxin that accumulates in Krabbe disease. Mechanistically, muscle defects involved the inactivation of the Akt pathway and activation of the proteasome pathway. Our work indicates that muscular dysfunction in Krabbe disease is compounded by a pathogenic mechanism involving at least the failure of NMJ function, activation of proteosome degradation, and a reduction of the Akt pathway. Akt, which is key for muscle function, may constitute a novel target to complement in therapies for Krabbe disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Axons/metabolism
- Axons/pathology
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dogs
- Galactosylceramidase/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/complications
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/genetics
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/pathology
- Luminescent Proteins/genetics
- Luminescent Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle Cells/drug effects
- Muscle Cells/metabolism
- Muscle Contraction/genetics
- Muscle, Skeletal/growth & development
- Neuromuscular Diseases/etiology
- Neuromuscular Diseases/metabolism
- Neuromuscular Diseases/pathology
- Psychosine/metabolism
- Receptors, Nicotinic/genetics
- Receptors, Nicotinic/metabolism
- Synaptic Potentials/drug effects
- Synaptic Potentials/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Marshall
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, and
| | - Tammy Tamayo
- Physiology and Biophysics, and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Guannan Li
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, and
| | | | - Richard van Breemen
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, and
| | - Charles Vite
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104
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7
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Paintlia MK, Singh I, Singh AK. Effect of vitamin D3 intake on the onset of disease in a murine model of human Krabbe disease. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:28-42. [PMID: 25236689 PMCID: PMC4237655 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Low vitamin D level is a risk factor for various late-onset CNS demyelinating disorders. We investigated whether vitamin D deficiency influences disease in twitcher mice (GALC(twi/twi) ; twi), a murine model of Krabbe disease (KD), an inherited disorder caused by galactocerebrosidase (GALC) deficiency that leads to psychosine accumulation, oligodendrocyte (OL) loss, and CNS demyelination. We found that the in situ 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 level was reduced, with a parallel increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines and vitamin D-catabolizing enzymes in the brains of KD and twi mice compared with age-matched controls. Pups maintained on milk from lactating heterozygous (GALC(twi/+) ) mothers that were fed a vitamin D3-supplemented diet until weaning and then fed a vitamin D3-supplemented diet demonstrated delayed body weight loss and development of disease in twi mice. This delayed the onset of tremors and locomotor disabilities that eventually impacted the life span of twi mice (50 ± 2 days). Accordingly, the expression of antioxidant enzymes was increased with delayed psychosine accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory response that eventually protected CNS myelin and axonal integrity in twi mice. In vitro studies revealed that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances antioxidant defenses in OLs deficient for GALC or incubated with psychosine. Together these data provide the first evidence that vitamin D deficiency affects disease development in twi mice and that vitamin D3 supplementation has the potential to improve the efficacy of KD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet K Paintlia
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine*, Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center*, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine*, Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center*, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Avtar K Singh
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine*, Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center*, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
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8
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Graziano ACE, Cardile V. History, genetic, and recent advances on Krabbe disease. Gene 2014; 555:2-13. [PMID: 25260228 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Krabbe disease or globoid cell leukodystrophy is one of the classic genetic lysosomal storage diseases with autosomal recessive inheritance that affects both central and peripheral nervous systems in several species including humans, rhesus macaques, dogs, mice, and sheep. Since its identification in 1916, lots of scientific investigations were made to define the cause, to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of the damage and to develop more efficient therapies inducing clinical benefit and ameliorating the patients' quality of life. This manuscript gives a historical overview and summarizes the new recent findings about Krabbe disease. Human symptoms and phenotypes, gene encoding for β-galactocerebrosidase and encoded protein were described. Indications about the classical mutations were reported and some specific mutations in restricted geographical area, like the north of Catania City (Italy), were added. Briefly, here we present a mix of past and present investigations on Krabbe disease in order to update the knowledge on its genetic history and molecular mechanisms and to move new scientific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Bio-Medical Science - Physiology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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9
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Scruggs BA, Zhang X, Bowles AC, Gold PA, Semon JA, Fisher-Perkins JM, Zhang S, Bonvillain RW, Myers L, Li SC, Kalueff AV, Bunnell BA. Multipotent stromal cells alleviate inflammation, neuropathology, and symptoms associated with globoid cell leukodystrophy in the twitcher mouse. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1523-34. [PMID: 23606584 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a common neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in galactocerebrosidase (GALC), an enzyme that cleaves galactocerebroside during myelination. Bone marrow transplantation has shown promise when administered to late-onset GLD patients. However, the side effects (e.g., graft vs. host disease), harsh conditioning regimens (e.g., myelosuppression), and variable therapeutic effects make this an unsuitable option for infantile GLD patients. We previously reported modest improvements in the twitcher mouse model of GLD after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of a low-dose of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs). Goals of this study were to improve bone marrow-derived MSC (BMSC) therapy for GLD by increasing the cell dosage and comparing cell type (e.g., transduced vs. native), treatment timing (e.g., single vs. weekly), and administration route (e.g., ICV vs. intraperitoneal [IP]). Neonatal twitcher mice received (a) 2 × 10(5) BMSCs by ICV injection, (b) 1 × 10(6) BMSCs by IP injection, (c) weekly IP injections of 1 × 10(6) BMSCs, or (d) 1 × 10(6) lentiviral-transduced BMSCs overexpressing GALC (GALC-BMSC) by IP injection. All treated mice lived longer than untreated mice. However, the mice receiving peripheral MSC therapy had improved motor function (e.g., hind limb strength and rearing ability), twitching symptoms, and weight compared to both the untreated and ICV-treated mice. Inflammatory cell, globoid cell, and apoptotic cell levels in the sciatic nerves were significantly decreased as a result of the GALC-BMSC or weekly IP injections. The results of this study indicate a promising future for peripheral MSC therapy as a noninvasive, adjunct therapy for patients affected with GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittni A Scruggs
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, SL-99; Department of Pharmacology, SL-83
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10
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Rafi MA, Rao HZ, Luzi P, Curtis MT, Wenger DA. Extended normal life after AAVrh10-mediated gene therapy in the mouse model of Krabbe disease. Mol Ther 2012; 20:2031-42. [PMID: 22850681 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) or Krabbe disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). This deficiency results in accumulation of certain galactolipids including psychosine which is cytotoxic for myelin-producing cells. Treatment of human patients at this time is limited to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) that appears to slow the progression of the disease when performed in presymptomatic patients. In this study, adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype rh10-(AAVrh10) expressing mouse GALC was used in treating twitcher (twi) mice, the mouse model of GLD. The combination of intracerebroventricular, intracerebellar, and intravenous (iv) injection of viral particles in neonate twi mice resulted in high GALC activity in brain and cerebellum and moderate to high GALC activity in spinal cord, sciatic nerve, and some peripheral organs. Successfully treated mice maintained their weight with no or very little twitching, living up to 8 months. The physical activities of the long-lived treated mice were comparable to wild type for most of their lives. Treated mice showed normal abilities to mate, to deliver pups, to nurse and to care for the newborns. This strategy alone or in combination with other therapeutic options may be applicable to treatment of human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Rafi
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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11
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Faust PL, Kaye EM, Powers JM. Myelin lesions associated with lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2010; 10:1449-66. [PMID: 20819015 DOI: 10.1586/ern.10.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities of myelin are common in lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders. Most display a primary loss of myelin in which the myelin sheath and/or oligodendrocytes are selectively targeted by diverse pathogenetic processes. The most severe and, hence, clinically relevant are heritable diseases predominantly of infants and children, the leukodystrophies: metachromatic, globoid cell (Krabbe disease) and adreno-leukodystrophy. Our still limited understanding of these diseases has derived from multiple sources: originally, neurological-neuropathologic-neurochemical correlative studies of the natural disease in humans or other mammals, which has been enhanced by more sophisticated and contemporary techniques of cell and molecular biology. Transgenic mouse models seem to be the most promising methodology, allowing the examination of the cellular role of lysosomes and peroxisomes for formation and maintenance of both myelin and axons, and providing initial platforms to evaluate therapies. Treatment options are woefully inadequate and in their nascent stages, but still inspire some hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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12
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Schiffmann R. Therapeutic approaches for neuronopathic lysosomal storage disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2010; 33:373-9. [PMID: 20162366 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Therapy of the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) has remained a major challenge because of its inability to deliver therapeutic agents efficiently across the intact blood-brain barrier. Non-specific therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been useful in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) and in some mucopolysaccharidoses. Anti-inflammatory agents also show promise as adjuvant therapy. High doses of replacement therapy with native or modified enzyme show renewed promise for correction of CNS cells. Alternatively, small molecules can enter the brain relatively easily and promote reduction of accumulated substrate or function as pharmacological chaperones to enhance the level of the deficient enzyme. Gene therapy is still being developed and tested in patients. It is therefore likely that, thanks to a better understanding of disease mechanism, a variety of therapeutic approaches, used alone or in combination, will be useful to treat the devastating neurological complications of LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schiffmann
- Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX 75226, USA.
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13
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The galactocerebrosidase enzyme contributes to the maintenance of a functional hematopoietic stem cell niche. Blood 2010; 116:1857-66. [PMID: 20511539 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-12-256461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between survival and death in many cell types is regulated by small changes in the intracellular content of bioactive sphingolipids. Enzymes that either produce or degrade these sphingolipids control this equilibrium. The findings here described indicate that the lysosomal galactocerebrosidase (GALC) enzyme, defective in globoid cell leukodystrophy, is involved in the maintenance of a functional hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) niche by contributing to the control of the intracellular content of key sphingolipids. Indeed, we show that both insufficient and supraphysiologic GALC activity-by inherited genetic deficiency or forced gene expression in patients' cells and in the disease model-induce alterations of the intracellular content of the bioactive GALC downstream products ceramide and sphingosine, and thus affect HSPC survival and function and the functionality of the stem cell niche. Therefore, GALC and, possibly, other enzymes for the maintenance of niche functionality and health tightly control the concentration of these sphingolipids within HSPCs.
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14
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Shihabuddin LS, Aubert I. Stem cell transplantation for neurometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Neuropharmacology 2010; 58:845-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used for three decades as therapy for lysosomal storage diseases. Stable engraftment following transplantation has the potential to provide a source of an enzyme for the life of a patient. Recombinant enzyme is available for disorders that do not have a primary neurologic component. However, for diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), intravenous enzyme is ineffective due to its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. For selected lysosomal disorders, including metachromatic leukodystrophy and globoid cell leukodystrophy, disease phenotype and the extent of disease at the time of transplantation are of fundamental importance in determining outcomes. Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked, peroxisomal disorder, and in approximately 40% of cases a progressive, inflammatory condition develops in the CNS. Early in the course of the disease, allogeneic transplantation can arrest the disease process in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, while more advanced patients do poorly. In many of these cases, the utilization of cord blood grafts allows expedient transplantation, which can be critical in achieving optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Orchard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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16
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Prasad VK, Kurtzberg J. Cord blood and bone marrow transplantation in inherited metabolic diseases: scientific basis, current status and future directions. Br J Haematol 2009; 148:356-72. [PMID: 19919654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07974.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of the central nervous system leading to the loss of neuromotor, neurophysiological and cognitive abilities is the fundamental clinical problem in patients with many inherited metabolic diseases (IMD). Worldwide experience shows that morbidity, quality of life, and survival in these patients can be improved by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly when performed early in the course of the disease. At present, while available for some conditions, exogenous enzyme replacement therapy is unable to correct cognitive and central nervous system disease because of its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In contrast, HSCT allows donor-derived, enzyme-producing cells to migrate to the brain and other organs providing a permanent enzyme replacement therapy. HSCT may also mediate non-hematopoietic cell regeneration or repair. Traditionally, bone marrow has been the graft source for IMD patients. However, in the last 5 years many studies utilizing unrelated donor umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a graft source have demonstrated that UCB provides rapid and increased access to transplantation with favourable outcomes. This review describes preclinical studies and past and present clinical treatment approaches and discusses current controversies and future directions of this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod K Prasad
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Box 3350, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Luzi P, Abraham RM, Rafi MA, Curtis M, Hooper DC, Wenger DA. Effects of treatments on inflammatory and apoptotic markers in the CNS of mice with globoid cell leukodystrophy. Brain Res 2009; 1300:146-58. [PMID: 19748497 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) or Krabbe disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). GALC deficiency results in a progressive demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Inflammatory cells and increased levels of cytokines and chemokines are present in the CNS of GLD mice and may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study we evaluate the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin and ibuprofen, and minocycline, a tetracycline analog with neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties, on the progression of the disease using a transgenic mouse model of GLD. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of several markers of the immune/inflammatory response. IL-6, TNF-alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1, iNOS/NOS2, CD11b, CD68, CD4 and CD8 mRNA levels were measured in cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord of untreated and treated affected mice at different ages. In addition, the pharmacological treatments were compared to bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The pharmacological treatments significantly extended the life-span of the treated mice and reduced the levels of several of the immuno-related factors studied. However, BMT produced the most dramatic improvements. In BMT-treated mice, factors in the spinal cord were normalized faster than the cerebellum, with the exception of CD68. There was a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of mice receiving anti-inflammatory drugs and BMT. These studies indicate a possible role for combined therapy in the treatment of GLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Luzi
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson Medical College, 1020 Locust street, Room #394, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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18
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Strazza M, Luddi A, Carbone M, Rafi MA, Costantino-Ceccarini E, Wenger DA. Significant correction of pathology in brains of twitcher mice following injection of genetically modified mouse neural progenitor cells. Mol Genet Metab 2009; 97:27-34. [PMID: 19217332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Krabbe disease or globoid cell leukodystrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. These mutations lead to deficient GALC activity, storage of substrates of the enzyme, including psychosine, death to oligodendrocytes, decreased myelination, production of globoid cells and eventually death to the individual. While most affected individuals are infants, late-onset forms are also recognized. In addition to human patients, several animal models have been well characterized, including the twitcher mouse. A spontaneously transformed progenitor cell line was isolated from an astrocyte-enriched fraction of normal mice, partially characterized and transduced with a retrovirus-containing mouse GALC cDNA to produce increased GALC activity (20-30-fold above baseline). These cells, called MAR-52, were injected into the brains of newborn affected twitcher mice. While there was only a modest increase in lifespan and body weight, there was clear evidence for the correction of the astrocytic gliosis, normal appearing oligodendrocytes and evidence for remyelination. We demonstrate that the exogenously supplied neural progenitor cells can donate GALC enzyme to oligodendrocytes in the brains of affected mice resulting in normal myelination in the area of donor cells. At this time, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides the best outcome in affected mice and is the only treatment available for human patients, but it does not result in a cure even when performed in asymptomatic newborns. Complete correction probably will require a combined approach to effectively treat patients with Krabbe disease. With developments in the isolation and characterization of stem cells, this approach may improve the outcome for individuals diagnosed in the future.
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Douglas DS, Popko B. Mouse forward genetics in the study of the peripheral nervous system and human peripheral neuropathy. Neurochem Res 2008; 34:124-37. [PMID: 18481175 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-008-9719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Forward genetics, the phenotype-driven approach to investigating gene identity and function, has a long history in mouse genetics. Random mutations in the mouse transcend bias about gene function and provide avenues towards unique discoveries. The study of the peripheral nervous system is no exception; from historical strains such as the trembler mouse, which led to the identification of PMP22 as a human disease gene causing multiple forms of peripheral neuropathy, to the more recent identification of the claw paw and sprawling mutations, forward genetics has long been a tool for probing the physiology, pathogenesis, and genetics of the PNS. Even as spontaneous and mutagenized mice continue to enable the identification of novel genes, provide allelic series for detailed functional studies, and generate models useful for clinical research, new methods, such as the piggyBac transposon, are being developed to further harness the power of forward genetics.
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Abstract
✓ Most lysosomal storage disorders are characterized by progressive central nervous system impairment, with or without systemic involvement. Affected individuals have an array of symptoms related to brain dysfunction, the most devastating of which is neurodegeneration following a period of normal development. The blood–brain barrier has represented a significant impediment to developing therapeutic approaches to treat brain disease, but novel approaches—including enzyme replacement, small-molecule, gene, and cell-based therapies—have given children afflicted by these conditions and those who care for them hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Enns
- 1Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and
| | - Stephen L. Huhn
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford; and
- 3StemCells, Inc., Palo Alto, California
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Giri S, Khan M, Nath N, Singh I, Singh AK. The role of AMPK in psychosine mediated effects on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes: implication for Krabbe disease. J Neurochem 2008; 105:1820-33. [PMID: 18248608 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by the deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity resulting in accumulation of psychosine, which leads to energy depletion, loss of oligodendrocytes, induction of gliosis, and inflammation by astrocytes in CNS. In this study, for the first time, we report the regulation of 'cellular energy switch,' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), by psychosine in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Psychosine treatment significantly down-regulated AMPK activity, resulting in increased biosynthesis of lipids including cholesterol and free fatty acid in oligodendrocytes cell line (MO3.13) and primary astrocytes. Pharmacological activator of AMPK, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) attenuated the psychosine-mediated down-regulation of AMPK and restored altered biosynthesis of lipids. AICAR treatment also down-regulated psychosine induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase in primary astrocytes. However, AICAR treatment had no effect on psychosine induced-reactive oxygen species generation, arachidonic acid release, and death of oligodendrocytes; suggesting the specific role of AMPK in regulation of psychosine-mediated inflammatory response of astrocytes but not in cell death of oligodendrocytes. This study delineates an explicit role for AMPK in psychosine induced inflammation in astrocytes without directly affecting the cell death of oligodendrocytes. It also suggests that AMPK activating agents act as anti-inflammatory agents and can hold a therapeutic potential in Krabbe disease/twitcher disease, particularly when used in combination with drugs, which protect oligodendrocyte cell loss, such as sPLA2 inhibitor [Giri et al., J. Lipid Res. 47 (2006), 1478].
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Giri
- Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Autonomic denervation of lymphoid organs leads to epigenetic immune atrophy in a mouse model of Krabbe disease. J Neurosci 2008; 27:13730-8. [PMID: 18077684 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3379-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal beta-galactosylceramidase deficiency results in demyelination and inflammation in the nervous system causing the neurological Krabbe disease. In the Twitcher mouse model of this disease, we found that neurological symptoms parallel progressive and severe lymphopenia. Although lymphopoiesis is normal before disease onset, primary and secondary lymphoid organs progressively degenerate afterward. This occurs despite preserved erythropoiesis and leads to severe peripheral lymphopenia caused by reduced numbers of T cell precursors and mature lymphocytes. Hematopoietic cell replacement experiments support the existence of an epigenetic factor in mutant mice reconcilable with a progressive loss of autonomic axons that hampers thymic functionality. We propose that degeneration of autonomic nerves leads to the irreversible thymic atrophy and loss of immune-competence. Our study describes a new aspect of Krabbe disease, placing patients at risk of immune-related pathologies, and identifies a novel target for therapeutic interventions.
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Galbiati F, Clementi G, Superchi D, Givogri MI, Bongarzone ER. Effects of irradiation on the postnatal development of the brain in a genetic mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Neurochem Res 2007; 32:377-88. [PMID: 17203404 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-006-9247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Irradiation is one way to condition Twitcher mice--a natural model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD)--prior to receive bone marrow transplantation (BMT). BMT showed to delay but not to completely prevent GLD disease in treated mutants. The reasons why BMT is not completely preventive in Twitchers are unclear but we speculate that irradiation might contribute to worsen the neurological impairments generated by the disease by altering postnatal neurogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we examined proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural precursors in neurogenic areas of the Twitcher brain after exposure of 5 day-old mutant pups to 620 rad, a non-lethal dose that leads to 80-90% of bone-marrow engraftment in classic BMT. Twitchers showed to be sensitive to irradiation, leading to a severe retardation of body growth of irradiated mutants. Irradiated Twitchers had reduced proliferation of neural precursors and increased astrogliosis and microgliosis, with reduced numbers of migratory neuroblasts and significantly less brain myelination. These effects were accompanied by caspase-3 activation and appeared largely irreversible in the lifespan of the Twitcher. Our work confirms that exposure of the neonatal brain to irradiation conditions such as those performed prior to BMT, can lead to long-lasting alterations of postnatal neurogenesis and myelination, which might contribute to worsen the progression of disease in these myelin mutants and to reduce the success of BMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Galbiati
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
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Croitoru-Lamoury J, Williams KR, Lamoury FMJ, Veas LA, Ajami B, Taylor RM, Brew BJ. Neural transplantation of human MSC and NT2 cells in the twitcher mouse model. Cytotherapy 2006; 8:445-58. [PMID: 17050249 DOI: 10.1080/14653240600879152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the NT2 embryonal carcinoma cell line and multipotential stem cells found in BM, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), have the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types. This study was designed to explore the efficacy of these two human stem cell types as a graft source for the treatment of demyelinating disorders such as Krabbe's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS We examined the engraftment and in vivo differentiation of adult MSC and NT2 cells after transplantation into two demyelinating environments, the neonatal and postnatal twitcher mouse brain. RESULTS Both types of xenografts led to anatomical integration, without tumor formation, and remained viable in the normal and twitcher mouse brain, showing differentiation into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. DISCUSSION This study represents a platform for further stem cell transplantation studies in the twitcher model and potentially has important therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Croitoru-Lamoury
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Immunology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Giri S, Khan M, Rattan R, Singh I, Singh AK. Krabbe disease: psychosine-mediated activation of phospholipase A2 in oligodendrocyte cell death. J Lipid Res 2006; 47:1478-92. [PMID: 16645197 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m600084-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by the pathogenomic accumulation of psychosine (galactosylsphingosine), a substrate for the deficient enzyme galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase. This study underscores the mechanism of action of psychosine in the regulation of oligodendrocyte cell death via the generation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and arachidonic acid (AA) by the activation of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). There was a significant increase in the level of LPC, indicating a phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-dependent pathobiology, in the brains of Krabbe disease patients and those of twitcher mice, an animal model of Krabbe disease. In vitro studies of the treatment of primary oligodendrocytes and the oligodendrocyte MO3.13 cell line with psychosine also showed the generation of LPC and the release of AA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating psychosine-induced activation of PLA2. Studies with various pharmacological inhibitors of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and sPLA2 and psychosine-mediated induction of sPLA2 enzymatic activity in media supernatant suggest that psychosine-induced release of AA and generation of LPC is mainly contributed by sPLA2. An inhibitor of sPLA2, 7,7-dimethyl eicosadienoic acid, completely attenuated the psychosine-mediated accumulation of LPC levels, release of AA, and generation of reactive oxygen species, and blocked oligodendroyte cell death, as evident from cell survival, DNA fragmentation, and caspase 3 activity assays. This study documents for the first time that psychosine-induced cell death is mediated via the sPLA2 signaling pathway and that inhibitors of sPLA2 may hold a therapeutic potential for protection against oligodendrocyte cell death and resulting demyelination in Krabbe disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Arachidonic Acid/metabolism
- Brain/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme Activation
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/pharmacology
- Female
- Humans
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/genetics
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/metabolism
- Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell/pathology
- Lysophosphatidylcholines/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Neurologic Mutants
- Models, Biological
- Oligodendroglia/drug effects
- Oligodendroglia/metabolism
- Oligodendroglia/pathology
- Phospholipases A/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phospholipases A/metabolism
- Phospholipases A2
- Psychosine/metabolism
- Rats
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giri
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29425, USA
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