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Liu Y, Chen X, Evan T, Esapa B, Chenoweth A, Cheung A, Karagiannis SN. Folate receptor alpha for cancer therapy: an antibody and antibody-drug conjugate target coming of age. MAbs 2025; 17:2470309. [PMID: 40045156 PMCID: PMC11901361 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2025.2470309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Folate receptor alpha (FRα) has long been the focus of therapeutics development in oncology across several solid tumors, notably ovarian, lung, and subsets of breast cancers. Its multiple roles in cellular metabolism and carcinogenesis and tumor-specific overexpression relative to normal tissues render FRα an attractive target for biological therapies. Here we review the biological significance, expression distribution, and characteristics of FRα as a highly promising and now established therapy target. We discuss the ongoing development of FRα-targeting antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the first of which has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer, providing the impetus for heightened research and therapy development. Novel insights into the tumor microenvironment, advances in antibody engineering to enhance immune-mediated effects, the emergence of ADCs, and several studies of anti-FRα agents combined with chemotherapy, targeted and immune therapy are offering new perspectives and treatment possibilities. Hence, we highlight key translational research and discuss several preclinical studies and clinical trials of interest, with an emphasis on agents and therapy combinations with potential to change future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Xinyi Chen
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Theodore Evan
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Benjamina Esapa
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alicia Chenoweth
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Cancer Centre, Innovation Hub, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anthony Cheung
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Cancer Centre, Innovation Hub, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Cancer Centre, Innovation Hub, Guy’s Hospital, London, UK
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2
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Gloor P, Haeberling I, Spanaus K, Kullak-Ublick GA, Berger G, Visentin M. The Role of Folate Receptor α Autoantibodies in Folate Deficiency, Disease Severity, and Treatment Response in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder. J Nutr 2025:S0022-3166(25)00294-9. [PMID: 40379028 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2025] [Revised: 05/05/2025] [Accepted: 05/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/19/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low levels of systemic folates have been associated with a higher risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and more severe symptoms. Moreover, folate supplementation has been shown to increase the response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Folates reach the brain through the choroid plexus via transcytosis mediated by the folate receptor alpha (FRα). FRα also represents the main mechanism of folate retrieval from the nascent urine. Autoantibodies against the FRα (FRAA) have been found in the serum of individuals with cerebral folate deficiency. OBJECTIVE To assess the role of serum FRAA titer on serum folate level, disease severity and response to the SSRI/SNRI treatment in adolescents with MDD. METHODS Serum samples at baseline obtained from the participants of a large multi-center intervention trial in moderately to severely depressed youth were analyzed. Quantification of FRAA was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum folate concentration was determined by radioligand binding assay. RESULTS FRAA titer in the patients with folate deficiency (≤ 3.0 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in the patients with a normal folate level, and a low FRAA titer was associated with a reduced risk of folate deficiency. No correlation was found between the Children's Depression Rating Scale - Revised (CDRS-R) score and the serum folate level or the FRAA titer. In regression analysis, the effect size of the serum folate concentration on the response to SSRI/SNRI was larger than that of the FRAA titer. The response rate to the treatment in the high folate group was approximately 4 times that in the low folate group (28.5% vs. 6.7%). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, patients with high FRAA titers carry a higher risk of folate deficiency. Moreover, the response to SSRI/SNRI treatment is less likely in patients with folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Gloor
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Haeberling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Spanaus
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerd A Kullak-Ublick
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Berger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michele Visentin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Szyk P, Czarczynska-Goslinska B, Ziegler-Borowska M, Larrosa I, Goslinski T. Sorafenib-Drug Delivery Strategies in Primary Liver Cancer. J Funct Biomater 2025; 16:148. [PMID: 40278256 PMCID: PMC12027913 DOI: 10.3390/jfb16040148] [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: 03/02/2025] [Revised: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Current primary liver cancer therapies, including sorafenib and transarterial chemoembolization, face significant limitations due to chemoresistance caused by impaired drug uptake, altered metabolism, and other genetic modulations. These challenges contribute to relapse rates of 50-80% within five years. The need for improved treatment strategies (adjuvant therapy, unsatisfactory enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect) has driven research into advanced drug delivery systems, including targeted nanoparticles, biomaterials, and combinatory approaches. Therefore, this review evaluates recent advancements in primary liver cancer pharmacotherapy, focusing on the potential of drug delivery systems for sorafenib and its derivatives. Approaches such as leveraging Kupffer cells for tumor migration or utilizing smaller NPs for inter-/intracellular delivery, address EPR limitations. Biomaterials and targeted therapies focusing on targeting have demonstrated effectiveness in increasing tumor-specific delivery, but clinical evidence remains limited. Combination therapies have emerged as an interesting solution to overcoming chemoresistance or to broadening therapeutic functionality. Biomimetic delivery systems, employing blood cells or exosomes, provide methods for targeting tumors, preventing metastasis, and strengthening immune responses. However, significant differences between preclinical models and human physiology remain a barrier to translating these findings into clinical success. Future research must focus on the development of adjuvant therapy and refining drug delivery systems to overcome the limitations of tumor heterogeneity and low drug accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Szyk
- Chair and Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Beata Czarczynska-Goslinska
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marta Ziegler-Borowska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Igor Larrosa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Chemistry Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Tomasz Goslinski
- Chair and Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Williams A, Branscome H, Kashanchi F, Batrakova EV. Targeting of Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutics to the Brain. Cells 2025; 14:548. [PMID: 40214500 PMCID: PMC11989082 DOI: 10.3390/cells14070548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been explored as promising vehicles for drug delivery. One of the most valuable features of EVs is their ability to cross physiological barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This significantly enhances the development of EV-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of CNS disorders. The present review focuses on the factors and techniques that contribute to the successful delivery of EV-based therapeutics to the brain. Here, we discuss the major methods of brain targeting which includes the utilization of different administration routes, capitalizing on the biological origins of EVs, and the modification of EVs through the addition of specific ligands on to the surface of EVs. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in large-scale EV production and drug loading while highlighting future perspectives regarding the application of EV-based therapeutics for brain delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Williams
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 248, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.W.); (H.B.); (F.K.)
| | - Heather Branscome
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 248, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.W.); (H.B.); (F.K.)
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 248, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.W.); (H.B.); (F.K.)
| | - Elena V. Batrakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 248, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.W.); (H.B.); (F.K.)
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Xu H, Hehnly C, Lehtinen MK. The choroid plexus: a command center for brain-body communication during inflammation. Curr Opin Immunol 2025; 93:102540. [PMID: 40020255 PMCID: PMC11919389 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2025.102540] [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: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/08/2025]
Abstract
During brain inflammation, rigorous regulation of brain-body communication is required for sufficient, but not excessive, immune activation. As a crucial neuroimmune interface, the choroid plexus (ChP) epithelium serves as both a physical barrier between blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a gateway allowing peripheral immune cell entry into the central nervous system (CNS). Recent years have witnessed increasing investigations of ChP events during brain inflammation. Here, we contextualize new findings with established ChP core functions, including CSF secretion and blood-CSF barrier regulation. We reason that the ChP is an organ where immune and nonimmune cells collaborate to defend the CNS. We discuss the pertinent mechanisms and the implications for neurologic disease etiology and treatment. Finally, we discuss outstanding questions for this rapidly expanding field and suggest key technologies and experimental steps to elucidate the full range of ChP functions during neuroinflammatory conditions, such as infection, injury, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christine Hehnly
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Sanfilippo C, Castrogiovanni P, Imbesi R, Vecchio M, Vinciguerra M, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Di Rosa M. Sex-specific modulation of FOLR1 and its cycle enzyme genes in Alzheimer's disease brain regions. Metab Brain Dis 2025; 40:163. [PMID: 40153031 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-025-01578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/30/2025]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive and functional decline. Its incidence increases significantly with age and is more prevalent in women than men. We investigated the folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) gene expression levels in the central nervous system (CNS) of AD and non-demented healthy control (NDHC) subjects. Our cohort included 3,946 samples: 2,391 NDHC and 1,555 AD patients, stratified by brain region, age, and sex. Interestingly, a significant increase in FOLR1 expression was observed only in females with AD compared to NDHC females. Furthermore, we found that FOLR1 expression was differentially increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and diencephalon (DIE) only in AD females. Moreover, in females, genes involved in the folic acid (FA) cycle that drives DNA synthesis were significantly modulated. In contrast, in males, downregulation of TYMS effectively blocks the completion of the cycle, thereby preventing downstream DNA synthesis. Tissue Transcriptome Deconvolution (TTD) analysis revealed astrocytes and endothelial cells associated with FOLR1 expression in both AD males and females. Gene Ontology analysis supported these findings, showing enrichment in processes aligned with these cell types. Positive correlations between brain FOLR1 expression and markers for astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and endothelial cells (CD31) provided further validation. Our findings suggest a potential role for sex-dependent FOLR1 expression and its association with specific brain regions and cellular processes in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sanfilippo
- Neurologic Unit, AOU "Policlinico-San Marco", Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, GF, Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia n.78, Catania, Sicily, 95100, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Imbesi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer'S Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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7
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Zhang X, Artz N, Steindler DA, Hingtgen S, Satterlee AB. Exosomes: Traversing the blood-brain barrier and their therapeutic potential in brain cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2025; 1880:189300. [PMID: 40097050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2025] [Accepted: 03/09/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major challenge for the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain tumor cells from the peripheral blood circulation, making the treatment of central nervous system (CNS)-related cancers more difficult and resistant to both standard treatments and emerging therapies. Exosomes, which serve as messengers for intercellular communication throughout the body, can naturally or be modified to penetrate the BBB. Recently, exosomes have been increasingly explored as an invasive or non-invasive approach for delivering therapeutic agents to the CNS. With their low immunogenicity, ease of modification, excellent cargo protection, and inherent ability to cross the BBB, exosomes hold great promise for revolutionizing targeted therapy for CNS-related diseases, including brain cancer. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries and insights into the mechanisms exosomes use to penetrate the BBB, the methods they employ to payload diverse therapeutics, and their roles in transporting therapeutic compounds for brain cancer and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Zhang
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Nichole Artz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dennis A Steindler
- Steindler Consulting, Boston, MA, USA; Eshelman Institute for Innovation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Shawn Hingtgen
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Benson Satterlee
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Eshelman Institute for Innovation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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8
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Zare H, Kasdorf MM, Bakhshian Nik A. Microfluidics in neural extracellular vesicles characterization for early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2025; 132:103982. [PMID: 39631514 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a general term for conditions impairing cognitive abilities including perception, reasoning, attention, judgment, memory, and daily brain function. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, using neural extracellular vesicles (nEVs) is the focus of the current study. These nEVs carry AD biomarkers including β-amyloid proteins and phosphorylated tau proteins. The novelty of this review lies in developing a microfluidic perspective by introducing the techniques using a microfluidic platform for early diagnosis of AD. A microfluidic device can detect small sample sizes with significantly low concentrations. These devices combine nEV isolation, enrichment, and detection, which makes them ideal candidates for early AD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Zare
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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9
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Plecko B. Inherited disorders of vitamin metabolism. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2025; 55:18-32. [PMID: 40096763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2025.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2025] [Accepted: 02/15/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
Vitamins are essential cofactors of various enzyme reactions in amino acid, neurotransmitter, nucleotide and energy metabolism. Over the past decade a number of inborn errors of metabolism have been identified, that affect different steps in vitamin absorption, transport, activation or recycling and repair of active vitamin cofactors. According to the respective cofactor function this may result in acute or chronic multisystem disease or in disorders that selectively affect the nervous system. Most of these disorders are amenable to specific treatment with excellent results, but diagnostic delay can lead to rapid, irreversible damage or even death. Therefore, especially in case of acute and severe neurologic presentations compatible with one of the here discused disorders, a vitamin trial should be considered while awaiting results of biochemical and genetic testing. Diagnosis of these disorders is especially rewarding, as treatment is often per oral, available worldwide and comparably cheap. This article will review current knowledge of the clinical presentation, biomarkers and specific treatment of inborn errors of vitamin metabolism and illustrates why child neurologists should have vitamins in their pockets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Plecko
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Division of General Pediatrics Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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10
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Silva RO, Haddad M, Counil H, Zaouter C, Patten SA, Fulop T, Ramassamy C. Exploring the potential of plasma and adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as novel platforms for neuroinflammation therapy. J Control Release 2025; 377:880-898. [PMID: 39617173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.11.060] [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: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 11/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 12/10/2024]
Abstract
Persistent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neuroinflammation contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, ability to cross biological barriers, and specific interactions with cell and tissue receptors. In this study, we demonstrated that human plasma-derived EVs (pEVs) exhibit higher brain-targeting specificity, while adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells EVs (ADMSC-EVs) offer regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. We further investigated the potential of these EVs as therapeutic carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, using Donepezil (DNZ) as the model drug. DNZ, a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly used for Alzheimer's disease (AD), also has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The size of EVs used ranged from 50 to 300 nm with a surface charge below -30 mV. Both formulations showed rapid cellular internalization, without toxicity, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a zebrafish model. The have analyzed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of pEVs-DNZ and ADMSC-EVs-DNZ in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ADMSC-EVs significantly reduced the inflammatory mediators released by HMC3 microglial cells while treatment with pEVs-DNZ and ADMSC-EVs-DNZ lowered both phagocytic activity and ROS levels in these cells. In vivo experiments using zebrafish larvae revealed that both EV formulations reduced microglial proliferation and exhibited antioxidant effects. Overall, this study highlights the potential of EVs loaded with DNZ as a novel approach for treating neuroinflammation underlying various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Haddad
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Hermine Counil
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Charlotte Zaouter
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Tamas Fulop
- Research Center on Aging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4N4, Canada
| | - Charles Ramassamy
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada.
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Counil H, Silva RO, Rabanel J, Zaouter C, Haddad M, Ben Khedher MR, Brambilla D, Fülöp T, Patten SA, Ramassamy C. Brain penetration of peripheral extracellular vesicles from Alzheimer's patients and induction of microglia activation. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2025; 4:e70027. [PMID: 39830834 PMCID: PMC11740088 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.70027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative pathology. Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been demonstrated to be implicated in AD pathogenesis by facilitating the propagation of Tau, amyloid-β and inflammatory cytokines. However, the impact of peripheral EVs (pEVs) in AD pathogenesis remains poorly investigated. The objective of our study was to compare the passage of pEVs from adults, cognitively healthy elderly, and AD patients through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), to evaluate their uptake in the brain and to assess their impact on the microglia activity using in vitro and in vivo models. To this end, pEVs were enriched, characterized, and fluorescently labelled. The passage of pEVs through the endothelial bEnd.3 cells was studied in a Transwell device with either neuronal or microglia cells seeded at the bottom of the well. Following the internalization of pEVs from AD patients, microglia adopted an amoeboid morphology and released a heightened level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. To further assess their in vivo transport across the BBB, pEVs were injected into the blood circulation of 2-days post-fertilization Tg(flk1:EGFP) zebrafish. The biodistribution of pEVs was monitored at 1 and 24 h post-injection using confocal microscopy. We demonstrated that pEVs traverse the BBB by transcytosis and subsequently diffuse progressively into the brain. pEVs were then internalized by neuronal and radial glial cells as seen in Tg(huc:EGFP) and Tg(gfap:EGFP) zebrafish, respectively. Additional experiments were performed with the intrahippocampal injection of pEVs in the mouse, indicating their spreading throughout the brain and their uptake by neuronal and glial cells. These findings contribute to novel insights into the fate of pEVs following their passage through the BBB in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrate for the first time that pEVs from AD patients affect microglia activity. This suggests a potential mechanism through which peripheral tissue cues may contribute to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermine Counil
- INRSCentre Armand‐Frappier Santé BiotechnologieLavalQuebecCanada
| | | | - Jean‐Michel Rabanel
- INRSCentre Armand‐Frappier Santé BiotechnologieLavalQuebecCanada
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of MedecineUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Mohamed Haddad
- INRSCentre Armand‐Frappier Santé BiotechnologieLavalQuebecCanada
| | - Mohamed Raâfet Ben Khedher
- INRSCentre Armand‐Frappier Santé BiotechnologieLavalQuebecCanada
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of BejaUniversity of JendoubaBejaTunisia
| | - Davide Brambilla
- Université de MontréalFaculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Jean‐CoutuMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Tamas Fülöp
- Research Center on Aging, Graduate Program in Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of SherbrookeSherbrookeQuebecCanada
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Rana R, Devi SN, Bhardwaj AK, Yashavarddhan MH, Bohra D, Ganguly NK. Exosomes as nature's nano carriers: Promising drug delivery tools and targeted therapy for glioma. Biomed Pharmacother 2025; 182:117754. [PMID: 39731936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117754] [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: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 12/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes, minute vesicles originating from diverse cell types, exhibit considerable potential as carriers for drug delivery in glioma therapy. These naturally occurring nanocarriers facilitate the transfer of proteins, RNAs, and lipids between cells, offering advantages such as biocompatibility, efficient cellular absorption, and the capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the realm of cancer, particularly gliomas, exosomes play pivotal roles in modulating tumor growth, regulating immunity, and combating drug resistance. Moreover, exosomes serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing diseases and assessing prognosis. This review aims to elucidate the therapeutic and diagnostic promise of exosomes in glioma treatment, highlighting the innovative advances in exosome engineering that enable precise drug loading and targeting. By circumventing challenges associated with current glioma treatments, exosome-mediated drug delivery strategies can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs like temozolomide and overcome drug resistance mechanisms. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of exosomes in glioma pathogenesis and therapy, underscoring their potential as natural nanocarriers for targeted therapy and heralding a new era of hope for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Rana
- Department of Biotechnology and Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India.
| | | | - Amit Kumar Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology and Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - M H Yashavarddhan
- Department of Biotechnology and Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Deepika Bohra
- Department of Biotechnology and Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Nirmal Kumar Ganguly
- Department of Biotechnology and Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
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13
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Ortenlöf N, Vallius S, Karlsson H, Ekström C, Kristiansson A, Holmqvist B, Pankratova S, Barton N, Ley D, Gram M. Choroid plexus extracellular vesicle transport of blood-borne insulin-like growth factor 1 to the hippocampus of the immature brain. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae496. [PMID: 39660059 PMCID: PMC11630522 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024]
Abstract
Reduced serum level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a major regulator of perinatal development, in extremely preterm infants has been shown to be associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. To clarify the mechanism of IGF-1 transport at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier of the immature brain, we combined studies of in vivo preterm piglet and rabbit models with an in vitro transwell cell culture model of neonatal primary murine choroid plexus epithelial (ChPE) cells. We identified IGF-1-positive intracellular vesicles in ChPE cells and provided data indicating a directional transport of IGF-1 from the basolateral to the apical media in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Exposure of the ChPE cells to human IGF-1 on the basolateral side increased the secretion of IGF-1-positive EVs in the apical media. Mass spectrometry analysis displayed similarities in protein content between EVs derived from preterm piglet CSF-derived and ChPE cell-derived EVs. Furthermore, exposure of ChPE cells to human IGF-1 caused an enrichment of human IGF-1 and transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 2, proteins important for perinatal development, in apical media-derived EVs. Moreover, intraventricular injections of ChPE cell-derived EVs in preterm rabbit pups resulted in an uptake of EVs in the brain, displaying penetration through the ependymal lining and deep into the hippocampus. Finally, exposure of rat hippocampus neurons to ChPE cell-derived EVs resulted in internalization of the EVs in hippocampal soma and neurites. In summary, we describe a transport pathway for blood-borne IGF-1 in EVs through the blood-CSF barrier to the hippocampus in the immature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Ortenlöf
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Suvi Vallius
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Helena Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Skåne University Hospital, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Skåne University Hospital, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Amanda Kristiansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Skåne University Hospital, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Norman Barton
- Scientific Advisory Board, Oak Hill Bio Ltd, Altrincham WA14 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - David Ley
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gram
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Skåne University Hospital, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Biofilms—Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 21432 Malmö, Sweden
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14
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Ali Moussa HY, Shin KC, de la Fuente A, Bensmail I, Abdesselem HB, Ponraj J, Mansour S, Al-Shaban FA, Stanton LW, Abdulla SA, Park Y. Proteomics analysis of extracellular vesicles for biomarkers of autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1467398. [PMID: 39606031 PMCID: PMC11599737 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1467398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms that include social interaction deficits, language difficulties and restricted, repetitive behavior. Early intervention through medication and behavioral therapy can eliminate some ASD-related symptoms and significantly improve the life-quality of the affected individuals. Currently, the diagnosis of ASD is highly limited. Methods To investigate the feasibility of early diagnosis of ASD, we tested extracellular vesicles (EVs) proteins obtained from ASD cases. First, plasma EVs were isolated from healthy controls (HCs) and ASD individuals and were analyzed using proximity extension assay (PEA) technology to quantify 1,196 protein expression level. Second, machine learning analysis and bioinformatic approaches were applied to explore how a combination of EV proteins could serve as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis. Results No significant differences in the EV morphology and EV size distribution between HCs and ASD were observed, but the EV number was slightly lower in ASD plasma. We identified the top five downregulated proteins in plasma EVs isolated from ASD individuals: WW domain-containing protein 2 (WWP2), Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), C-type lectin domain family 1 member B (CLEC1B), Cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40), and folate receptor alpha (FRalpha). Machine learning analysis and correlation analysis support the idea that these five EV proteins can be potential biomarkers for ASD. Conclusion We identified the top five downregulated proteins in ASD EVs and examined that a combination of EV proteins could serve as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Yasmine Ali Moussa
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kyung Chul Shin
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alberto de la Fuente
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ilham Bensmail
- Proteomics Core Facility, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari B. Abdesselem
- Proteomics Core Facility, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Said Mansour
- HBKU Core Labs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Fouad A. Al-Shaban
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lawrence W. Stanton
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara A. Abdulla
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yongsoo Park
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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15
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Peesapati RS, Austin-Byler BL, Nawaz FZ, Stevenson JB, Mais SA, Kaya RN, Hassan MG, Khanal N, Wells AC, Ghiai D, Garikapati AK, Selhub J, Kipreos ET. A specific folate activates serotonergic neurons to control C. elegans behavior. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8471. [PMID: 39349491 PMCID: PMC11442744 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52738-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Folates are B-group vitamins that function in one-carbon metabolism. Here we show that a specific folate can activate serotonergic neurons in C. elegans to modulate behavior through a pathway that requires the folate receptor FOLR-1 and the GON-2 calcium channel. FOLR-1 and GON-2 physically interact in a heterologous system, and both are expressed in the HSN and NSM serotonergic neurons. Both the folate 10-formyl-THF and a non-metabolic pteroate induce increases in the number of Ca2+ transients in the HSN neurons and egg laying in an FOLR-1- and GON-2-dependent manner. FOLR-1 and GON-2 are required for the activation of the NSM neurons in response to 10-formyl-THF, and for full NSM-mediated stoppage of movement when starved animals encounter bacteria. Our results demonstrate that FOLR-1 acts independently of one-carbon metabolism and suggest that 10-formyl-THF acts as a dietary signal that activates serotonergic neurons to impact behavior through a pathway that involves calcium entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria S Peesapati
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stanelle A Mais
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rabia N Kaya
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael G Hassan
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nabraj Khanal
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Alexandra C Wells
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Deena Ghiai
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Anish K Garikapati
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward T Kipreos
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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16
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Ikeda L, Capel AV, Doddaballapur D, Miyan J. Accumulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid, Ventricular Enlargement, and Cerebral Folate Metabolic Errors Unify a Diverse Group of Neuropsychiatric Conditions Affecting Adult Neocortical Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10205. [PMID: 39337690 PMCID: PMC11432090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a fluid critical to brain development, function, and health. It is actively secreted by the choroid plexus, and it emanates from brain tissue due to osmolar exchange and the constant contribution of brain metabolism and astroglial fluid output to interstitial fluid into the ventricles of the brain. CSF acts as a growth medium for the developing cerebral cortex and a source of nutrients and signalling throughout life. Together with perivascular glymphatic and interstitial fluid movement through the brain and into CSF, it also acts to remove toxins and maintain metabolic balance. In this study, we focused on cerebral folate status, measuring CSF concentrations of folate receptor alpha (FOLR1); aldehyde dehydrogenase 1L1, also known as 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (ALDH1L1 and FDH); and total folate. These demonstrate the transport of folate from blood across the blood-CSF barrier and into CSF (FOLR1 + folate), and the transport of folate through the primary FDH pathway from CSF into brain FDH + ve astrocytes. Based on our hypothesis that CSF flow, drainage issues, or osmotic forces, resulting in fluid accumulation, would have an associated cerebral folate imbalance, we investigated folate status in CSF from neurological conditions that have a severity association with enlarged ventricles. We found that all the conditions we examined had a folate imbalance, but these folate imbalances were not all the same. Given that folate is essential for key cellular processes, including DNA/RNA synthesis, methylation, nitric oxide, and neurotransmitter synthesis, we conclude that ageing or some form of trauma in life can lead to CSF accumulation and ventricular enlargement and result in a specific folate imbalance/deficiency associated with the specific neurological condition. We believe that addressing cerebral folate imbalance may therefore alleviate many of the underlying deficits and symptoms in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaleel Miyan
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, School of Biological Science, The University of Manchester, 3.540 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (L.I.); (A.V.C.); (D.D.)
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17
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Lallai V, Lam TT, Garcia-Milian R, Chen YC, Fowler JP, Manca L, Piomelli D, Williams K, Nairn AC, Fowler CD. Proteomic Profile of Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in the Brain after Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1143. [PMID: 39334909 PMCID: PMC11430348 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091143] [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: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the increasing use of cannabis in the US, there is an urgent need to better understand the drug's effects on central signaling mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as intercellular signaling mediators that contain a variety of cargo, including proteins. Here, we examined whether the main psychoactive component in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alters EV protein signaling dynamics in the brain. We first conducted in vitro studies, which found that THC activates signaling in choroid plexus epithelial cells, resulting in transcriptional upregulation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor and immediate early gene c-fos, in addition to the release of EVs containing RNA cargo. Next, male and female rats were examined for the effects of either acute or chronic exposure to aerosolized ('vaped') THC on circulating brain EVs. Cerebrospinal fluid was extracted from the brain, and EVs were isolated and processed with label-free quantitative proteomic analyses via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Interestingly, circulating EV-localized proteins were differentially expressed based on acute or chronic THC exposure in a sex-specific manner. Taken together, these findings reveal that THC acts in the brain to modulate circulating EV signaling, thereby providing a novel understanding of how exogenous factors can regulate intercellular communication in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (V.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (J.P.F.)
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
| | - TuKiet T. Lam
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Keck MS & Proteomics Resource, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
- Bioinformatics Support Hub, Harvey Cushing/John Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (V.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (J.P.F.)
| | - James P. Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (V.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (J.P.F.)
| | - Letizia Manca
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (V.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (J.P.F.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Kenneth Williams
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Angus C. Nairn
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Christie D. Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (V.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (J.P.F.)
- Yale/NIDA Neuroproteomics Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (T.T.L.); (R.G.-M.); (K.W.); (A.C.N.)
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18
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Cullen PF, Gammerdinger WJ, Sui SJH, Mazumder AG, Sun D. Transcriptional profiling of retinal astrocytes identifies a specific marker and points to functional specialization. Glia 2024; 72:1604-1628. [PMID: 38785355 PMCID: PMC11262981 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24571] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is an increasingly prominent research topic, and studies in the brain have demonstrated substantial variation in astrocyte form and function, both between and within regions. In contrast, retinal astrocytes are not well understood and remain incompletely characterized. Along with optic nerve astrocytes, they are responsible for supporting retinal ganglion cell axons and an improved understanding of their role is required. We have used a combination of microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation to isolate ribosome-associated mRNA from retinal astrocytes and investigate their transcriptome, which we also compared to astrocyte populations in the optic nerve. Astrocytes from these regions are transcriptionally distinct, and we identified retina-specific astrocyte genes and pathways. Moreover, although they share much of the "classical" gene expression patterns of astrocytes, we uncovered unexpected variation, including in genes related to core astrocyte functions. We additionally identified the transcription factor Pax8 as a highly specific marker of retinal astrocytes and demonstrated that these astrocytes populate not only the retinal surface, but also the prelaminar region at the optic nerve head. These findings are likely to contribute to a revised understanding of the role of astrocytes in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - William J Gammerdinger
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shannan J Ho Sui
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arpan G Mazumder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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19
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Sangha V, Aboulhassane S, Bendayan R. Regulation of folate transport at the mouse arachnoid barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:67. [PMID: 39192328 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00566-0] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folates are a family of B9 vitamins essential for normal growth and development in the central nervous system (CNS). Transport of folates is mediated by three major transport proteins: folate receptor alpha (FRα), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC). Brain folate uptake occurs at the choroid plexus (CP) epithelium through coordinated actions of FRα and PCFT, or directly into brain parenchyma at the vascular blood-brain barrier (BBB), mediated by RFC. Impaired folate transport can occur due to loss of function mutations in FRα or PCFT, resulting in suboptimal CSF folate levels. Our previous reports have demonstrated RFC upregulation by nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) once activated by the natural compound pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). More recently, we have identified folate transporter localization at the arachnoid barrier (AB). The purpose of the present study was to further characterize folate transporters localization and function in AB cells, as well as their regulation by NRF-1/PGC-1α signaling and folate deficiency. METHODS In immortalized mouse AB cells, polarized localization of RFC and PCFT was assessed by immunocytochemical analysis, with RFC and PCFT functionality examined with transport assays. The effects of PQQ treatment on changes in RFC functional expression were also investigated. Mouse AB cells grown in folate-deficient conditions were assessed for changes in gene expression of the folate transporters, and other key transporters and tight junction proteins. RESULTS Immunocytochemical analysis revealed apical localization of RFC at the mouse AB epithelium, with PCFT localized on the basolateral side and within intracellular compartments. PQQ led to significant increases in RFC functional expression, mediated by activation of the NRF-1/PGC-1α signalling cascade. Folate deficiency led to significant increases in expression of RFC, MRP3, P-gp, GLUT1 and the tight junction protein claudin-5. CONCLUSION These results uncover the polarized expression of RFC and PCFT at the AB, with induction of RFC functional expression by activation of the NRF-1/PGC-1α signalling pathway and folate deficiency. These results suggest that the AB may contribute to the flow of folates into the CSF, representing an additional pathway when folate transport at the CP is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Sangha
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Aboulhassane
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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20
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Kumar J, Karim A, Sweety UH, Sarma H, Nurunnabi M, Narayan M. Bioinspired Approaches for Central Nervous System Targeted Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:4975-4997. [PMID: 38100377 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which include a wide range of neurodegenerative and neurological conditions have become a serious global issue. The presence of CNS barriers poses a significant challenge to the progress of designing effective therapeutic delivery systems, limiting the effectiveness of drugs, genes, and other therapeutic agents. Natural nanocarriers present in biological systems have inspired researchers to design unique delivery systems through biomimicry. As natural resource derived delivery systems are more biocompatible, current research has been focused on the development of delivery systems inspired by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mammalian cells. Despite their structural potential and extensive physiological function, making them an excellent choice for biomaterial engineering, the delivery of nucleic acids remains challenging due to their instability in biological systems. Similarly, the efficient delivery of genetic material within the tissues of interest remains a hurdle due to a lack of selectivity and targeting ability. Considering that gene therapies are the holy grail for intervention in diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's disease, this review centers around recent advances in bioinspired approaches to gene delivery for the prevention of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotish Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Afroz Karim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Ummy Habiba Sweety
- Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Hemen Sarma
- Bioremediation Technology Research Group, Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Rangalikhata, Deborgaon, 783370, Kokrajhar (BTR), Assam, India
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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21
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Madadi AK, Sohn MJ. Advances in Intrathecal Nanoparticle Delivery: Targeting the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier for Enhanced CNS Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1070. [PMID: 39204177 PMCID: PMC11357388 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081070] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) tightly regulates molecular exchanges between the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), creating challenges for effective central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery. This review assesses intrathecal (IT) nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems that aim to enhance drug delivery by circumventing the BCSFB, complementing approaches that target the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) face hurdles like restricted CNS distribution and rapid clearance, which diminish the efficacy of IT therapies. NPs can be engineered to extend drug circulation times, improve CNS penetration, and facilitate sustained release. This review discusses key pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters essential for the effectiveness of these systems. NPs can quickly traverse the subarachnoid space and remain within the leptomeninges for extended periods, often exceeding three weeks. Some designs enable deeper brain parenchyma penetration. Approximately 80% of NPs in the CSF are cleared through the perivascular glymphatic pathway, with microglia-mediated transport significantly contributing to their paravascular clearance. This review synthesizes recent progress in IT-NP delivery across the BCSFB, highlighting critical findings, ongoing challenges, and the therapeutic potential of surface modifications and targeted delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Khalid Madadi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Inje University, 75, Bokji-ro, Busanjingu, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
| | - Moon-Jun Sohn
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Inje University, 75, Bokji-ro, Busanjingu, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience & Radiosurgery Hybrid Research Center, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Juhwa-ro 170, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City 10380, Republic of Korea
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22
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Leidal AM. Metabolism: Secretory autophagy balances nutrient supply and demand. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R724-R726. [PMID: 39106827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The hormone leptin is critical for regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and overall metabolism. However, the mechanisms that promote leptin secretion from adipocytes in response to nutrient surplus and limit its secretion during nutrient scarcity are unclear. New work reveals that the autophagy protein Atg8/LC3 has a bidirectional role in leptin secretion, both facilitating and limiting its release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Leidal
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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23
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Huang C, Hoque MT, Qu QR, Henderson J, Bendayan R. Antiretroviral drug dolutegravir induces inflammation at the mouse brain barriers. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23790. [PMID: 38982638 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400558r] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is currently used as first-line regimen to treat HIV infection. Despite its high efficacy and barrier to resistance, ART-associated neuropsychiatric adverse effects remain a major concern. Recent studies have identified a potential interaction between the INSTI, dolutegravir (DTG), and folate transport pathways at the placental barrier. We hypothesized that such interactions could also occur at the two major blood-brain interfaces: blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) and blood-brain barrier (BBB). To address this question, we evaluated the effect of two INSTIs, DTG and bictegravir (BTG), on folate transporters and receptor expression at the mouse BCSFB and the BBB in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. We demonstrated that DTG but not BTG significantly downregulated the mRNA and/or protein expression of folate transporters (RFC/SLC19A1, PCFT/SLC46A1) in human and mouse BBB models in vitro, and mouse brain capillaries ex vivo. Our in vivo study further revealed a significant downregulation in Slc19a1 and Slc46a1 mRNA expression at the BCSFB and the BBB following a 14-day DTG oral treatment in C57BL/6 mice. However, despite the observed downregulatory effect of DTG in folate transporters/receptor at both brain barriers, a 14-day oral treatment of DTG-based ART did not significantly alter the brain folate level in animals. Interestingly, DTG treatment robustly elevated the mRNA and/or protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Il6, Il23, Il12) in primary cultures of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BBB). DTG oral treatment also significantly upregulated proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine (Il6, Il1β, Tnfα, Ccl2) at the BCSFB in mice. We additionally observed a downregulated mRNA expression of drug efflux transporters (Abcc1, Abcc4, and Abcb1a) and tight junction protein (Cldn3) at the CP isolated from mice treated with DTG. Despite the structural similarities, BTG only elicited minor effects on the markers of interest at both the BBB and BCSFB. In summary, our current data demonstrates that DTG but not BTG strongly induced inflammatory responses in a rodent BBB and BCSFB model. Together, these data provide valuable insights into the mechanism of DTG-induced brain toxicity, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of DTG-associated neuropsychiatric adverse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Md Tozammel Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qing Rui Qu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Carstens G, Verbeek MM, Rohlwink UK, Figaji AA, te Brake L, van Laarhoven A. Metabolite transport across central nervous system barriers. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:1063-1077. [PMID: 38546534 PMCID: PMC11179608 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241241908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used to improve diagnostics and pathophysiological understanding of neurological diseases. Alterations in CSF metabolite levels can partly be attributed to changes in brain metabolism, but relevant transport processes influencing CSF metabolite concentrations should be considered. The entry of molecules including metabolites into the central nervous system (CNS), is tightly controlled by the blood-brain, blood-CSF, and blood-spinal cord barriers, where aquaporins and membrane-bound carrier proteins regulate influx and efflux via passive and active transport processes. This report therefore provides reference for future CSF metabolomic work, by providing a detailed summary of the current knowledge on the location and function of the involved transporters and routing of metabolites from blood to CSF and from CSF to blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Carstens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center of Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel M Verbeek
- Departments of Neurology and Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ursula K Rohlwink
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anthony A Figaji
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lindsey te Brake
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan van Laarhoven
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center of Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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25
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Yu Y, Martins LM. Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6302. [PMID: 38928008 PMCID: PMC11203557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126302] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism provides carbon units to several pathways, including nucleic acid synthesis, mitochondrial metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and methylation reactions. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, characterised by impaired energy metabolism, and is potentially linked to mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here, we discuss the intersection between the molecular pathways linked to both mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism and Alzheimer's disease. We propose that enhancing one-carbon metabolism could promote the metabolic processes that help brain cells cope with Alzheimer's disease-related injuries. We also highlight potential therapeutic avenues to leverage one-carbon metabolism to delay Alzheimer's disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Yu
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - L. Miguel Martins
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
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26
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Su H, Masters CL, Bush AI, Barnham KJ, Reid GE, Vella LJ. Exploring the significance of lipids in Alzheimer's disease and the potential of extracellular vesicles. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300063. [PMID: 37654087 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Lipids play a significant role in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) structure and function, and the dysregulation of lipid metabolism is known to occur in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Here we review what is currently known about lipid dyshomeostasis in Alzheimer's disease. We propose that small extracellular vesicle (sEV) lipids may provide insight into the pathophysiology and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This stems from the recognition that sEV likely contributes to disease pathogenesis, but also an understanding that sEV can serve as a source of potential biomarkers. While the protein and RNA content of sEV in the CNS diseases have been studied extensively, our understanding of the lipidome of sEV in the CNS is still in its infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqi Su
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin L Masters
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin J Barnham
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura J Vella
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Hou X, Lu Z, Yu T, Zhang Y, Yao Q, Zhang C, Niu Y, Liang Q. Two maize homologs of mammalian proton-coupled folate transporter, ZmMFS_1-62 and ZmMFS_1-73, are essential to salt and drought tolerance. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108623. [PMID: 38626656 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Folates are essential to the maintenance of normal life activities in almost all organisms. Proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), belonging to the major facilitator superfamily, is one of the three major folate transporter types widely studied in mammals. However, information about plant PCFTs is limited. Here, a genome-wide identification of maize PCFTs was performed, and two PCFTs, ZmMFS_1-62 and ZmMFS_1-73, were functionally investigated. Both proteins contained the typical 12 transmembrane helixes with N- and C-termini located in the cytoplasm, and were localized in the plasma membrane. Molecular docking analysis indicated their binding activity with folates via hydrogen bonding. Interference with ZmMFS_1-62 and ZmMFS_1-73 in maize seedlings through virus-induced gene silencing disrupted folate homeostasis, mainly in the roots, and reduced tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Moreover, a molecular chaperone protein, ZmHSP20, was found to interact with ZmMFS_1-62 and ZmMFS_1-73, and interference with ZmHSP20 in maize seedlings also led to folate disruption and increased sensitivity to drought and salt stresses. Overall, this is the first report of functional identification of maize PCFTs, which play essential roles in salt and drought stress tolerance, thereby linking folate metabolism with abiotic stress responses in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowan Hou
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Hainan Province for Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Tropical Horticultural Products, South Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Forage and Endemic Crop Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.
| | - Zhiwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Hainan Province for Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Tropical Horticultural Products, South Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Taifei Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, the "Double-First Class" Application Characteristic Discipline of Hunan Province (Pharmaceutical Science), Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Hainan Province for Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Tropical Horticultural Products, South Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Quansheng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Hainan Province for Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Tropical Horticultural Products, South Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing 100081, China; National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China.
| | - Yiding Niu
- Key Laboratory of Forage and Endemic Crop Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing 100081, China; National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China.
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28
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Dreha-Kulaczewski S, Sahoo P, Preusse M, Gkalimani I, Dechent P, Helms G, Hofer S, Steinfeld R, Gärtner J. Folate receptor α deficiency - Myelin-sensitive MRI as a reliable biomarker to monitor the efficacy and long-term outcome of a new therapeutic approach. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:387-403. [PMID: 38200656 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral folate transport deficiency, caused by a genetic defect in folate receptor α, is a devastating neurometabolic disorder that, if untreated, leads to epileptic encephalopathy, psychomotor decline and hypomyelination. Currently, there are limited data on effective dosage and duration of treatment, though early diagnosis and therapy with folinic acid appears critical. The aim of this long-term study was to identify new therapeutic approaches and novel biomarkers for assessing efficacy, focusing on myelin-sensitive MRI. Clinical, biochemical, structural and quantitative MRI parameters of seven patients with genetically confirmed folate receptor α deficiency were acquired over 13 years. Multimodal MRI approaches comprised MR-spectroscopy (MRS), magnetization transfer (MTI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences. Patients started oral treatment immediately following diagnosis or in an interval of up to 2.5 years. Escalation to intravenous and intrathecal administration was performed in the absence of effects. Five patients improved, one with a presymptomatic start of therapy remained symptom-free, and one with inconsistent treatment deteriorated. While CSF 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and MRS parameters normalized immediately after therapy initiation, myelin-sensitive MTI and DTI measures correlated with gradual clinical improvement and ongoing myelination under therapy. Early initiation of treatment at sufficient doses, considering early intrathecal applications, is critical for favorable outcome. The majority of patients showed clinical improvements that correlated best with MTI parameters, allowing individualized monitoring of myelination recovery. Presymptomatic therapy seems to ensure normal development and warrants newborn screening. Furthermore, the quantitative parameters of myelin-sensitive MRI for therapy assessments can now be used for hypomyelination disorders in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffi Dreha-Kulaczewski
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Prativa Sahoo
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Preusse
- Kinderkrankenhaus Amsterdamer Strasse, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Köln, Germany
| | - Irini Gkalimani
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Dechent
- MR-Research in Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gunther Helms
- Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sabine Hofer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert Steinfeld
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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29
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Liu X, Cao Y, Wang S, Liu J, Hao H. Extracellular vesicles: powerful candidates in nano-drug delivery systems. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:295-311. [PMID: 37581742 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nanoparticles that are actively released by cells, contain a variety of biologically active substances, serve as significant mediators of intercellular communication, and participate in many processes, in health and pathologically. Compared with traditional nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs), EVs have unique advantages due to their natural physiological properties, such as their biocompatibility, stability, ability to cross barriers, and inherent homing properties. A growing number of studies have reported that EVs deliver therapeutic proteins, small-molecule drugs, siRNAs, miRNAs, therapeutic proteins, and nanomaterials for targeted therapy in various diseases. However, due to the lack of standardized techniques for isolating, quantifying, and characterizing EVs; lower-than-anticipated drug loading efficiency; insufficient clinical production; and potential safety concerns, the practical application of EVs still faces many challenges. Here, we systematically review the current commonly used methods for isolating EVs, summarize the types and methods of loading therapeutic drugs into EVs, and discuss the latest progress in applying EVs as NDDs. Finally, we present the challenges that hinder the clinical application of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinfang Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, No. 17 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University Research Center for Glycochemistry of Characteristic Medicinal Resources, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Zhao H, Sun M, Zhang Y, Kong W, Fan L, Wang K, Xu Q, Chen B, Dong J, Shi Y, Wang Z, Wang S, Zhuang X, Li Q, Lin F, Yao X, Zhang W, Kong C, Zhang R, Feng D, Zhao X. Connecting the Dots: The Cerebral Lymphatic System as a Bridge Between the Central Nervous System and Peripheral System in Health and Disease. Aging Dis 2024; 15:115-152. [PMID: 37307828 PMCID: PMC10796102 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0516] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As a recently discovered waste removal system in the brain, cerebral lymphatic system is thought to play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Currently, more and more attention is being focused on the cerebral lymphatic system. Further understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of diseases and to explore therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the structural components and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system. More importantly, it is closely associated with peripheral system diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney. However, there is still a gap in the study of the cerebral lymphatic system. However, we believe that it is a critical mediator of the interactions between the central nervous system and the peripheral system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Zhao
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Wenwen Kong
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Lulu Fan
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Kaifang Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Baiyan Chen
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Jianxin Dong
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Yanan Shi
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Zhengyan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - ShiQi Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Xiaoli Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Feihong Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyu Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - WenBo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chang Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Dayun Feng
- Department of neurosurgery, Tangdu hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Zhao
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
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31
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Courtney Y, Head JP, Yimer ED, Dani N, Shipley FB, Libermann TA, Lehtinen MK. A choroid plexus apocrine secretion mechanism shapes CSF proteome and embryonic brain development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574486. [PMID: 38260341 PMCID: PMC10802501 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
We discovered that apocrine secretion by embryonic choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells contributes to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome and influences brain development in mice. The apocrine response relies on sustained intracellular calcium signaling and calpain-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling. It rapidly alters the embryonic CSF proteome, activating neural progenitors lining the brain's ventricles. Supraphysiological apocrine secretion induced during mouse development by maternal administration of a serotonergic 5HT2C receptor agonist dysregulates offspring cerebral cortical development, alters the fate of CSF-contacting neural progenitors, and ultimately changes adult social behaviors. Critically, exposure to maternal illness or to the psychedelic drug LSD during pregnancy also overactivates the ChP, inducing excessive secretion. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a new mechanism by which maternal exposure to diverse stressors disrupts in utero brain development.
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32
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Shrestha B, Tallila M, Matilainen O. Folate receptor overexpression induces toxicity in a diet-dependent manner in C. elegans. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1066. [PMID: 38212621 PMCID: PMC10784478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate receptor (FR) alpha (FOLR1) and beta (FOLR2) are membrane-anchored folate transporters that are expressed at low levels in normal tissues, while their expression is strongly increased in several cancers. Intriguingly, although the function of these receptors in, for example, development and cancer has been studied intensively, their role in aging is still unknown. To address this, we utilized Caenorhabditis elegans, in which FOLR-1 is the sole ortholog of folate receptors. We found that the loss of FOLR-1 does not affect reproduction, physical condition, proteostasis or lifespan, indicating that it is not required for folate transport to maintain health. Interestingly, we found that FOLR-1 is detectably expressed only in uterine-vulval cells, and that the histone-binding protein LIN-53 inhibits its expression in other tissues. Furthermore, whereas knockdown of lin-53 is known to shorten lifespan, we found that the loss of FOLR-1 partially rescues this phenotype, suggesting that elevated folr-1 expression is detrimental for health. Indeed, our data demonstrate that overexpression of folr-1 is toxic, and that this phenotype is dependent on diet. Altogether, this work could serve as a basis for further studies to elucidate the organismal effects of abnormal FR expression in diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bideep Shrestha
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Milla Tallila
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Matilainen
- The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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33
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Amina SJ, Azam T, Dagher F, Guo B. A review on the use of extracellular vesicles for the delivery of drugs and biological therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:45-70. [PMID: 38226932 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2305115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles, are effective tools for delivering small-molecule drugs and biological therapeutics into cells and tissues. Surface modifications with targeting ligands ensure precise delivery to specific cells, minimizing accumulation in healthy organs and reducing the side effects. This is a rapidly growing area in drug delivery research and this review aims to comprehensively discuss the recent advances in the field. AREA COVERED Recent studies have presented compelling evidence supporting the application of exosomes as efficient delivery vehicles that escape endosome trapping, achieving effective in vivo delivery in animal models. This review provides a systemic discussion on the exosome-based delivery technology, with topics covering exosome purification, surface modification, and targeted delivery of various cargos ranging from siRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins, to small molecule drugs. EXPERT OPINION Exosome-based gene and drug delivery has low toxicity and low immunogenicity. Surface modifications of the exosomes can effectively avoid endosome trapping and increase delivery efficiency. This exciting technology can be applied to improve the treatments for a wide variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Jabeen Amina
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tasmia Azam
- School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Dagher
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Sangha V, Aboulhassane S, Qu QR, Bendayan R. Protective effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone in brain folate deficiency. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:84. [PMID: 37981683 PMCID: PMC10659058 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folates (Vitamin B9) are critical for normal neurodevelopment and function, with transport mediated by three major pathways: folate receptor alpha (FRα), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC). Cerebral folate uptake primarily occurs at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) through concerted actions of FRα and PCFT, with impaired folate transport resulting in the neurological disorder cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). Increasing evidence suggests that disorders associated with CFD also present with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, however the role of brain folate deficiency in inducing these abnormalities is not well-understood. Our laboratory has identified the upregulation of RFC by nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) once indirectly activated by the natural compound pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). PQQ is also of interest due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mitochondrial biogenesis effects. In this study, we examined the effects of folate deficiency and PQQ treatment on inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and changes in mitochondrial function. METHODS Primary cultures of mouse mixed glial cells exposed to folate-deficient (FD) conditions and treated with PQQ were analyzed for changes in gene expression of the folate transporters, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content through qPCR analysis. Changes in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed in vitro through a DCFDA assay. Wildtype (C57BL6/N) mice exposed to FD (0 mg/kg folate), or control (2 mg/kg folate) diets underwent a 10-day (20 mg/kg/day) PQQ treatment regimen and brain tissues were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Folate deficiency resulted in increased expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in vitro and in vivo, with increased cellular ROS levels observed in mixed glial cells as well as a reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content observed in FD mixed glial cells. PQQ treatment was able to reverse these changes, while increasing RFC expression through activation of the PGC-1α/NRF-1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the effects of brain folate deficiency, which may contribute to the neurological deficits commonly seen in disorders of CFD. PQQ may represent a novel treatment strategy for disorders associated with CFD, as it can increase folate uptake, while in parallel reversing many abnormalities that arise with brain folate deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Sangha
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Aboulhassane
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qing Rui Qu
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Hernando S, Santos-Vizcaíno E, Igartua M, Hernandez RM. Targeting the central nervous system: From synthetic nanoparticles to extracellular vesicles-Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1898. [PMID: 37157144 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are an accelerating global health problem as life expectancy rises worldwide. Despite their significant burden in public health systems to date, the existing treatments only manage the symptoms without slowing down disease progression. Thus, the ongoing neurodegenerative process remains untreated. Moreover, the stronghold of the brain-the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-prevents drug penetrance and dwindles effective treatments. In the last years, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising approach to target and treat these disorders related to the central nervous system (CNS). PLGA based nanoparticles (NPs) were the first employed DDS for effective drug delivery. However, the poor drug loading capacity and localized immunogenicity prompted the scientific community to move to another DDS such as lipid-based NPs. Despite the lipid NPs' safety and effectiveness, their off-target accumulation together with the denominated CARPA (complement activation-related pseudo allergy) reaction has limited their complete clinical translation. Recently, biological NPs naturally secreted by cells, termed as extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In addition, EVs act as dual players in NDs treatment, as a "cell free" therapy themselves, as well as new biological NPs with numerous characteristics that qualify them as promising carriers over synthetic DDS. The present review aims to display advantages, drawbacks, current limitations and future prospective of the previously cited synthetic and biological DDS to enter the brain and treat one of 21st century most challenging diseases, NDs. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hernando
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Edorta Santos-Vizcaíno
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBER-BBN, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
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Mai J, Wu L, Yang L, Sun T, Liu X, Yin R, Jiang Y, Li J, Li Q. Therapeutic strategies targeting folate receptor α for ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254532. [PMID: 37711615 PMCID: PMC10499382 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, and presents a major clinical challenge due to limited treatment options. Folate receptor alpha (FRα), encoded by the FOLR1 gene, is an attractive therapeutically target due to its prevalent and high expression in EOC cells. Recent basic and translational studies have explored several modalities, such as antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and folate-drug conjugate, to exploit FRα for EOC treatment. In this review, we summarize the function of FRα, and clinical efficacies of various FRα-based therapeutics. We highlight mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV), or Elahere (ImmunoGen), the first FRα-targeting ADC approved by the FDA to treat platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. We discuss potential mechanisms and management of ocular adverse events associated with MIRV administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Limei Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rutie Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinke Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qintong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mineiro R, Albuquerque T, Neves AR, Santos CRA, Costa D, Quintela T. The Role of Biological Rhythms in New Drug Formulations to Cross the Brain Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12541. [PMID: 37628722 PMCID: PMC10454916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
For brain protection, the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier limit the traffic of molecules between blood and brain tissue and between blood and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. Besides their protective function, brain barriers also limit the passage of therapeutic drugs to the brain, which constitutes a great challenge for the development of therapeutic strategies for brain disorders. This problem has led to the emergence of novel strategies to treat neurological disorders, like the development of nanoformulations to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain. Recently, functional molecular clocks have been identified in the blood-brain barrier and in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. In fact, circadian rhythms in physiological functions related to drug disposition were also described in brain barriers. This opens the possibility for chronobiological approaches that aim to use time to improve drug efficacy and safety. The conjugation of nanoformulations with chronobiology for neurological disorders is still unexplored. Facing this, here, we reviewed the circadian rhythms in brain barriers, the nanoformulations studied to deliver drugs to the brain, and the nanoformulations with the potential to be conjugated with a chronobiological approach to therapeutic strategies for the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mineiro
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Neves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- UDI-IPG—Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
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Potic A, Perrier S, Radovic T, Gavrilovic S, Ostojic J, Tran LT, Thiffault I, Pastinen T, Schiffmann R, Bernard G. Hypomyelination caused by a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in FOLR1: complete clinical and radiological recovery with oral folinic acid therapy and review of the literature. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:187. [PMID: 37443037 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02802-6] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in FOLR1. Onset typically occurs in late infancy and is characterized by psychomotor regression, epilepsy, and a hypomyelinating leukodystrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. If left untreated, progressive neurodegeneration occurs. However, early treatment with folinic acid has been shown to stabilize or reverse neurological features. Approximately thirty patients have been described worldwide. Here, we report the first two cases with genetically proven cerebral folate transport deficiency from South-Eastern Europe, describe the effect of oral folinic acid therapy on clinical and neuroradiological features and review the literature. RESULTS Two siblings presented in childhood with clinical and radiological findings consistent with a hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in FOLR1 (c.465_466delinsTG; p.W156G), confirming the diagnosis of neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency. Folinic acid treatment was promptly initiated in both patients. The younger sibling was treated early in disease course at 2 years of age, and demonstrated complete recovery in clinical and MRI features. The older sibling, who was 8 years of age at the time of diagnosis and treatment, demonstrated partial but substantial improvements. CONCLUSION We present the first account in the literature that early treatment initiation with oral folinic acid alone can result in complete neurological recovery of both clinical and radiological abnormalities in neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate deficiency. Moreover, through the report of these patients along with review of the literature, we provide information about the natural history of the disease with comparison of treatment effects at different stages of disease progression. This report also reinforces the importance of universal access to genetic testing to ensure prompt diagnoses for treatable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Potic
- Clinic for Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Neurology, University of Belgrade, 6A Dr. Subotica Street, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Stefanie Perrier
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tijana Radovic
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Radiology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Gavrilovic
- University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Centre for Radiology and Magnetic Resonance, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Ostojic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luan T Tran
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
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Gurler G, Belder N, Beker MC, Sever-Bahcekapili M, Uruk G, Kilic E, Yemisci M. Reduced folate carrier 1 is present in retinal microvessels and crucial for the inner blood retinal barrier integrity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:47. [PMID: 37328777 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1; SLC19a1) is the main responsible transporter for the B9 family of vitamins named folates, which are essential for normal tissue growth and development. While folate deficiency resulted in retinal vasculopathy, the expression and the role of RFC1 in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) are not well known. METHODS We used whole mount retinas and trypsin digested microvessel samples of adult mice. To knockdown RFC1, we delivered RFC1-targeted short interfering RNA (RFC1-siRNA) intravitreally; while, to upregulate RFC1 we delivered lentiviral vector overexpressing RFC1. Retinal ischemia was induced 1-h by applying FeCl3 to central retinal artery. We used RT-qPCR and Western blotting to determine RFC1. Endothelium (CD31), pericytes (PDGFR-beta, CD13, NG2), tight-junctions (Occludin, Claudin-5 and ZO-1), main basal membrane protein (Collagen-4), endogenous IgG and RFC1 were determined immunohistochemically. RESULTS Our analyses on whole mount retinas and trypsin digested microvessel samples of adult mice revealed the presence of RFC1 in the inner BRB and colocalization with endothelial cells and pericytes. Knocking down RFC1 expression via siRNA delivery resulted in the disintegration of tight junction proteins and collagen-4 in twenty-four hours, which was accompanied by significant endogenous IgG extravasation. This indicated the impairment of BRB integrity after an abrupt RFC1 decrease. Furthermore, lentiviral vector-mediated RFC1 overexpression resulted in increased tight junction proteins and collagen-4, confirming the structural role of RFC1 in the inner BRB. Acute retinal ischemia decreased collagen-4 and occludin levels and led to an increase in RFC1. Besides, the pre-ischemic overexpression of RFC1 partially rescued collagen-4 and occludin levels which would be decreased after ischemia. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study clarifies the presence of RFC1 protein in the inner BRB, which has recently been defined as hypoxia-immune-related gene in other tissues and offers a novel perspective of retinal RFC1. Hence, other than being a folate carrier, RFC1 is an acute regulator of the inner BRB in healthy and ischemic retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokce Gurler
- The Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nevin Belder
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | - Gokhan Uruk
- The Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Kilic
- Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Ankara, Turkey
- Physiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muge Yemisci
- The Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Ankara, Turkey.
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Almahmoud R, Mekki M, El-Hattab AW. Cerebral folate deficiency: A report of two affected siblings. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2023; 35:100975. [PMID: 37101857 PMCID: PMC10123369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2023.100975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is a rare progressive neurological condition characterized by normal blood folate level and low 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Patients present with different neurological findings including hypotonia and microcephaly. Later, patients develop ataxia, seizures, para or quadri-plagia. Herein, we report two siblings; born to consanguineous parents; who had normal neurological development in early childhood. Subsequently they developed drug-resistant seizures, neurological regression, and spastic quadriplegia. After thorough investigations patients had brain MRI which showed abnormal white matter signals and ventricular dilatation, CSF with low 5-MTHF, and whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel homozygous variant in FOLR1 (c.245A > G; p.Tyr82Cys) consistent with the diagnosis of cerebral folate deficiency. They were treated with folinic acid in addition to standard anti-seizure medications. WES aids in reaching CFD diagnosis due to FOLR1 pathogenic variants. These results can be used for future counselling to prevent recurrence in future pregnancies by preimplantation genetic testing prior to implanting the embryo in the uterus. Treatment with folinic acid was shown to improve the neurological symptoms namely reduced the seizures and spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabah Almahmoud
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Corresponding author at: College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, PO BOX 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohammed Mekki
- Department of Pediatrics, AlQassimi Women and Children Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayman W. El-Hattab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Miner MWG, Liljenbäck H, Virta J, Kärnä S, Viitanen R, Elo P, Gardberg M, Teuho J, Saipa P, Rajander J, Mansour HMA, Cleveland NA, Low PS, Li XG, Roivainen A. High folate receptor expression in gliomas can be detected in vivo using folate-based positron emission tomography with high tumor-to-brain uptake ratio divulging potential future targeting possibilities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145473. [PMID: 37275898 PMCID: PMC10232737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-invasive imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) are extremely important for cancer detection and characterization especially for difficult to biopsy or extremely delicate organs such as the brain. The folate analogue 1,4,7-triazacylononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid-conjugated folate radiolabeled with aluminum fluoride-18 ([18F]FOL) has been previously shown to accumulate preferentially in tumor cells with an overexpression of folate receptors (FRs) and here was investigated for its ability to detect orthotopic gliomas in a rat model. In addition, we studied the expression of FRs in human glioblastoma samples to investigate if an analogous relationship may exist. Methods Nine BDIX rats were injected with BT4C rat glioma cells into the right hemisphere of the brain. Animals were imaged with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at on days prior to PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging. Animals were divided into two groups, and were PET/CT imaged with either [18F]FOL or 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) on 19 and 32-days post glioma grafting. Two subjects were also PET/CT imaged with [18F]FOL on day 16. Biodistribution was studied and brains were cryosectioned for autoradiography, immunofluorescence, and histological studies. Patient-derived paraffin-embedded glioblastomas were sectioned and stained with similar methods. Results PET imaging showed an increase of [18F]FOL tumor-to-brain uptake ratio (TBR) over the study duration from day 16/19 (3.3 ± 0.9) increasing to 5.7 ± 1.0 by day 32. [18F]FDG PET-imaged rats had a consistent TBR of 1.6 ± 0.1 throughout the study. Ex vivo autoradiography results revealed an exceptionally high TBR of 116.1 ± 26.9 for [18F]FOL while the [18F]FDG values were significantly lower giving 2.9 ± 0.6 (P<0.0001). Immunostaining demonstrated an increased presence of FR-α in the BT4C gliomas versus the contralateral brain tissue, while FR-β was present only on glioma periphery. Human sections assayed showed similar FRs expression characteristics. Conclusion This study shows upregulation of FR-α inside glioma regions in both human and animal tissue, providing a biochemical basis for the observed increased [18F]FOL uptake in animal PET images. These results suggest that FRs targeting imaging and therapeutic compounds may possess clinically relevant translational abilities for the detection and treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jenni Virta
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Salli Kärnä
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Petri Elo
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Gardberg
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jarmo Teuho
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Piritta Saipa
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johan Rajander
- Accelerator Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Nathan A. Cleveland
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Philip S. Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Xiang-Guo Li
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Gupta D, Wiklander OP, Wood MJ, El-Andaloussi S. Biodistribution of therapeutic extracellular vesicles. EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 4:170-190. [PMID: 39697988 PMCID: PMC11648525 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2023.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
The field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has seen a tremendous paradigm shift in the past two decades, from being regarded as cellular waste bags to being considered essential mediators in intercellular communication. Their unique ability to transfer macromolecules across cells and biological barriers has made them a rising star in drug delivery. Mounting evidence suggests that EVs can be explored as efficient drug delivery vehicles for a range of therapeutic macromolecules. In contrast to many synthetic delivery systems, these vesicles appear exceptionally well tolerated in vivo. This tremendous development in the therapeutic application of EVs has been made through technological advancement in labelling and understanding the in vivo biodistribution of EVs. Here in this review, we have summarised the recent findings in EV in vivo pharmacokinetics and discussed various biological barriers that need to be surpassed to achieve tissue-specific delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanu Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics. University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14151, Sweden
| | - Oscar P.B Wiklander
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14151, Sweden
| | - Matthew J.A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics. University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Samir El-Andaloussi
- Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14151, Sweden
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Abdelsalam M, Ahmed M, Osaid Z, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into Exosome Transport through the Blood-Brain Barrier and the Potential Therapeutical Applications in Brain Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:571. [PMID: 37111328 PMCID: PMC10144189 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is limited due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective physiological barrier located at the brain microvessels that regulates the flow of cells, molecules and ions between the blood and the brain. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles expressed by all cell types and that function as cargos, allowing for communication between the cells. The exosomes were shown to cross or regulate the BBB in healthy and disease conditions. However, the mechanistic pathways by which exosomes cross the BBB have not been fully elucidated yet. In this review, we explore the transport mechanisms of exosomes through the BBB. A large body of evidence suggests that exosome transport through the BBB occurs primarily through transcytosis. The transcytosis mechanisms are influenced by several regulators. Inflammation and metastasis also enhance exosome trafficking across the BBB. We also shed light on the therapeutical applications of exosomes for treating brain diseases. Further investigations are essential to provide clearer insights related to trafficking of exosomes across the BBB and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.A.); (Z.O.)
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.A.); (Z.O.)
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zaynab Osaid
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.A.); (Z.O.)
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.A.); (Z.O.)
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Afzal A, Khawar MB, Habiba U, Shahzaman S, Hamid SE, Rafiq M, Abbasi MH, Sheikh N. Nanoengineering of Extracellular Vesicles for Drug Delivery Systems: Current Advances and Future Directions. OPENNANO 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2023.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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45
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Gök V, Erdem Ş, Haliloğlu Y, Bişgin A, Belkaya S, Başaran KE, Canatan MF, Özcan A, Yılmaz E, Acıpayam C, Karakükcü M, Canatan H, Per H, Patıroğlu T, Eken A, Ünal E. Immunodeficiency associated with a novel functionally defective variant of SLC19A1 benefits from folinic acid treatment. Genes Immun 2023; 24:12-20. [PMID: 36517554 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-022-00191-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient dietary folate intake, hereditary malabsorption, or defects in folate transport may lead to combined immunodeficiency (CID). Although loss of function mutations in the major intestinal folate transporter PCFT/SLC46A1 was shown to be associated with CID, the evidence for pathogenic variants of RFC/SLC19A1 resulting in immunodeficiency was lacking. We report two cousins carrying a homozygous pathogenic variant c.1042 G > A, resulting in p.G348R substitution who showed symptoms of immunodeficiency associated with defects of folate transport. SLC19A1 expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was quantified by real-time qPCR and immunostaining. T cell proliferation, methotrexate resistance, NK cell cytotoxicity, Treg cells and cytokine production by T cells were examined by flow cytometric assays. Patients were treated with and benefited from folinic acid. Studies revealed normal NK cell cytotoxicity, Treg cell counts, and naive-memory T cell percentages. Although SLC19A1 mRNA and protein expression were unaltered, remarkably, mitogen induced-T cell proliferation was significantly reduced at suboptimal folic acid and supraoptimal folinic acid concentrations. In addition, patients' PBMCs were resistant to methotrexate-induced apoptosis supporting a functionally defective SLC19A1. This study presents the second pathogenic SLC19A1 variant in the literature, providing the first experimental evidence that functionally defective variants of SLC19A1 may present with symptoms of immunodeficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veysel Gök
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Şerife Erdem
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Yeşim Haliloğlu
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Atıl Bişgin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Serkan Belkaya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Kemal Erdem Başaran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | | | - Alper Özcan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Ebru Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Can Acıpayam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye
| | - Musa Karakükcü
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Halit Canatan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Per
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Türkan Patıroğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Eken
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye. .,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.
| | - Ekrem Ünal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye. .,Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye. .,Department of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, Health Science Institution, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.
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Gyimesi G, Hediger MA. Transporter-Mediated Drug Delivery. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031151. [PMID: 36770817 PMCID: PMC9919865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane transport of small organic and inorganic molecules is one of the cornerstones of cellular metabolism. Among transmembrane transporters, solute carrier (SLC) proteins form the largest, albeit very diverse, superfamily with over 400 members. It was recognized early on that xenobiotics can directly interact with SLCs and that this interaction can fundamentally determine their efficacy, including bioavailability and intertissue distribution. Apart from the well-established prodrug strategy, the chemical ligation of transporter substrates to nanoparticles of various chemical compositions has recently been used as a means to enhance their targeting and absorption. In this review, we summarize efforts in drug design exploiting interactions with specific SLC transporters to optimize their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we describe current and future challenges as well as new directions for the advanced development of therapeutics that target SLC transporters.
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Mondal J, Pillarisetti S, Junnuthula V, Saha M, Hwang SR, Park IK, Lee YK. Hybrid exosomes, exosome-like nanovesicles and engineered exosomes for therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2023; 353:1127-1149. [PMID: 36528193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are endosome-derived nanovesicles involved in cellular communication. They are natural nanocarriers secreted by various cells, making them suitable candidates for diverse drug delivery and therapeutic applications from a material standpoint. They have a phospholipid bilayer decorated with functional molecules and an enclosed parental matrix, which has attracted interest in developing designer/hybrid engineered exosome nanocarriers. The structural versatility of exosomes allows the modification of their original configuration using various methods, including genetic engineering, chemical procedures, physical techniques, and microfluidic technology, to load exosomes with additional cargo for expanded biomedical applications. Exosomes show enormous potential for overcoming the limitations of conventional nanoparticle-based techniques in targeted therapy. This review highlights the exosome sources, characteristics, state of the art in the field of hybrid exosomes, exosome-like nanovesicles and engineered exosomes as potential cargo delivery vehicles for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagannath Mondal
- Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea
| | - Shameer Pillarisetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University Medical School, 160 Baekseo-ro, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Monochura Saha
- Media lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 75 Amherst Street, Cambridge 02139, USA
| | - Seung Rim Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University Medical School, 160 Baekseo-ro, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Kyu Lee
- Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea.
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Cerebral Folate Metabolism in Post-Mortem Alzheimer's Disease Tissues: A Small Cohort Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010660. [PMID: 36614107 PMCID: PMC9820589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the cerebral folate system in post-mortem brains and matched cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from subjects with definite Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 21) and neuropathologically normal brains (n = 21) using immunohistochemistry, Western blot and dot blot. In AD the CSF showed a significant decrease in 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH), a critical folate binding protein and enzyme in the CSF, as well as in the main folate transporter, folate receptor alpha (FRα) and folate. In tissue, we found a switch in the pathway of folate supply to the cerebral cortex in AD compared to neurologically normal brains. FRα switched from entry through FDH-positive astrocytes in normal, to entry through glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes in the AD cortex. Moreover, this switch correlated with an apparent change in metabolic direction to hypermethylation of neurons in AD. Our data suggest that the reduction in FDH in CSF prohibits FRα-folate entry via FDH-positive astrocytes and promotes entry through the GFAP pathway directly to neurons for hypermethylation. This data may explain some of the cognitive decline not attributable to the loss of neurons alone and presents a target for potential treatment.
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Nassar A, Kodi T, Satarker S, Chowdari Gurram P, Upadhya D, SM F, Mudgal J, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic MicroRNAs and Transcription Factors in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244111. [PMID: 36552875 PMCID: PMC9776935 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important for maintaining cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and neurotransmission. Indeed, inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration contribute to the altered morphology, gene expression, and function of astrocytes. Astrocytes, in collaboration with numerous microRNAs, regulate brain cholesterol levels as well as glutamatergic and inflammatory signaling, all of which contribute to general brain homeostasis. Neural electrical activity, synaptic plasticity processes, learning, and memory are dependent on the astrocyte-neuron crosstalk. Here, we review the involvement of astrocytic microRNAs that potentially regulate cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The interaction between astrocytic microRNAs and long non-coding RNA and transcription factors specific to astrocytes also contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, astrocytic microRNAs arise as a promising target, as AD conditions are a worldwide public health problem. This review examines novel therapeutic strategies to target astrocyte dysfunction in AD, such as lipid nanodiscs, engineered G protein-coupled receptors, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Nassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Triveni Kodi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Fayaz SM
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence:
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50
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Sangha V, Hoque MT, Henderson JT, Bendayan R. Novel localization of folate transport systems in the murine central nervous system. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:92. [PMID: 36419095 PMCID: PMC9686069 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folates are a family of B9 vitamins that serve as one-carbon donors critical to biosynthetic processes required for the development and function of the central nervous system (CNS) in mammals. Folate transport is mediated by three highly specific systems: (1) folate receptor alpha (FRα; FOLR1/Folr1), (2) the reduced folate-carrier (RFC; SLC19A1/Slc19a1) and (3) the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1/Slc46a1). Folate transport into and out of the CNS occurs at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), mediated by FRα and PCFT. Impairment of folate transport at the BCSFB results in cerebral folate deficiency in infants characterized by severe neurological deficiencies and seizures. In contrast to the BCSFB, CNS folate transport at other brain barriers and brain parenchymal cells has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study is to characterize folate transport systems in the murine CNS at several known barriers encompassing the BCSFB, arachnoid barrier (AB), blood-brain barrier (BBB) and parenchymal cells (astrocytes, microglia, neurons). METHODS Applying immunohistochemistry, localization of folate transport systems (RFC, PCFT, FRα) was examined at CNS barriers and parenchymal sites in wildtype (C57BL6/N) mice. Subcellular localization of the folate transport systems was further assessed in an in vitro model of the mouse AB. Gene and protein expression was analyzed in several in vitro models of brain barriers and parenchyma by qPCR and western blot analysis. RESULTS RFC, PCFT, and FRα expression was localized within the BCSFB and BBB consistent with previous reports. Only RFC and PCFT expression was detected at the AB. Varied levels of RFC and PCFT expression were detected in neuronal and glial cells. CONCLUSIONS Localization of RFC and PCFT within the AB, described here for the first time, suggest that AB may contribute to folate transport between the peripheral circulation and the CSF. RFC and PCFT expression observed in astrocytes and microglia is consistent with the role that one or both of these transporters may play in delivering folates into cells within brain parenchyma. These studies provide insights into mechanisms of folate transport in the CNS and may enhance our understanding of the critical role folates play in neurodevelopment and in the development of novel treatment strategies for disorders of brain folate deficiency due to impaired transporter function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Sangha
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Md. Tozammel Hoque
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Henderson
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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