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Bhandari UR, Danish SM, Ahmad S, Ikram M, Nadaf A, Hasan N, Kesharwani P, Ahmad FJ. New opportunities for antioxidants in amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 221:111961. [PMID: 38960099 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111961] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review elucidates the critical role of antioxidants to mitigate oxidative stress, a common denominator in an array of neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress-induced damage has been linked to the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This article examines a wide range of scientific literature and methodically delineates the several methods by which antioxidants exercise their neuroprotective benefits. It also explores into the complex relationship between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, focusing on how antioxidants can alter signaling pathways and transcription factors to slow neurodegenerative processes. Key antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, glutathione, and polyphenolic compounds, are tested for their ability to combat reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The dual character of antioxidants, which operate as both direct free radical scavengers and regulators of cellular redox homeostasis, is investigated in terms of therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the study focuses on new antioxidant-based therapy techniques and their mechanisms including Nrf-2, PCG1α, Thioredoxin etc., which range from dietary interventions to targeted antioxidant molecules. Insights into ongoing clinical studies evaluating antioxidant therapies in neurodegenerative illnesses offer an insight into the translational potential of antioxidant research. Finally, this review summarizes our present understanding of antioxidant processes in neurodegenerative illnesses, providing important possibilities for future study and treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttam Raj Bhandari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Syed Mohammad Danish
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Shadaan Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Ikram
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Arif Nadaf
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Nazeer Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| | - Farhan J Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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2
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Germeys C, Vandoorne T, Davie K, Poovathingal S, Heeren K, Vermeire W, Nami F, Moisse M, Quaegebeur A, Sierksma A, Rué L, Sicart A, Eykens C, De Cock L, De Strooper B, Carmeliet P, Van Damme P, De Bock K, Van Den Bosch L. Targeting EGLN2/PHD1 protects motor neurons and normalizes the astrocytic interferon response. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114719. [PMID: 39255062 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114719] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and dysregulated energy metabolism are linked to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor (EGLN) enzymes, also known as prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes, are metabolic sensors regulating cellular inflammation and metabolism. Using an oligonucleotide-based and a genetic approach, we showed that the downregulation of Egln2 protected motor neurons and mitigated the ALS phenotype in two zebrafish models and a mouse model of ALS. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the murine spinal cord revealed that the loss of EGLN2 induced an astrocyte-specific downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, mediated via the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein. In addition, we found that the genetic deletion of EGLN2 restored this interferon response in patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes, confirming the link between EGLN2 and astrocytic interferon signaling. In conclusion, we identified EGLN2 as a motor neuron protective target normalizing the astrocytic interferon-dependent inflammatory axis in vivo, as well as in patient-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Germeys
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vandoorne
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristofer Davie
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research Technologies, Single Cell Bioinformatics Unit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Suresh Poovathingal
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research Technologies, Single Cell Microfluidics & Analytics Unit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kara Heeren
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wendy Vermeire
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - FatemehArefeh Nami
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven (SCIL), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Quaegebeur
- University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CB2 2PY Cambridge, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals, Department of Histopathology, CB2 0QQ Cambridge, UK
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrià Sicart
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline Eykens
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lenja De Cock
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Molecular Neurobiology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Center for Biotechnology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Bock
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Wenzhi Y, Xiangyi L, Dongsheng F. The prion-like effect and prion-like protein targeting strategy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34963. [PMID: 39170125 PMCID: PMC11336370 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), such as superoxide dismutase 1, TAR DNA-binding protein 43, and fused in sarcoma, exhibit a prion-like pattern. All these proteins have a low-complexity domain and seeding activity in cells. In this review, we summarize the studies on the prion-like effect of these proteins and list six prion-like protein targeting strategies that we believe have potential for ALS therapy, including antisense oligonucleotides, antibody-based technology, peptide, protein chaperone, autophagy enhancement, and heteromultivalent compounds. Considering the pathological complexity and heterogeneity of ALS, we believe that the final solution to ALS therapy is most likely to be an individualized cocktail therapy, including clearance of toxicity, blockage of pathological progress, and protection of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wenzhi
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Xiangyi
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Dongsheng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
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4
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Tarbali S, Dadkhah M, Saadati H. Lipophilic fluorescent products as a potential biomarker of oxidative stress: A link between central (brain) and peripheral (blood). JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 29:38. [PMID: 39239084 PMCID: PMC11376719 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_671_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a key role in brain damage because of the sensitivity of brain tissue to oxidative damage. Biomarkers with easy measurement can be a candidate for reflecting the oxidative stress issue in humans. For this reason, we need to focus on specific metabolic products of the brain. End products of free radical reactions such as malondialdehydes form fluorescent products known as lipophilic fluorescent products (LFPs). The distinctive feature of LFPs is their autofluorescent properties. LFPs are detectable in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, because of the diffusion into the bloodstream, these lipophilic molecules can be detected in the blood. Accumulations of these compounds produce more reactive oxygen species and increase the sensitivity of cells to oxidative damage. Hence, LFPs can be considered a danger signal for neurons and can be introduced as a strong index of oxidative damage both in the central and in the peripheral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Tarbali
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Saadati
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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5
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Vijayakumar S, Yesudhason BV, Anandharaj JL, Sathyaraj WV, Selvan Christyraj JRS. Impact of double-strand breaks induced by uv radiation on neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:725. [PMID: 38851636 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09693-1] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to UV affects the development and growth of a wide range of organisms. Nowadays, researchers are focusing on the impact of UV radiation and its underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as devising strategies to mitigate its harmful effects. Different forms of UV radiation, their typical exposure effects, the impact of UV on DNA integrity, and the deterioration of genetic material are discussed in this review; furthermore, we also review the effects of UV radiation that affect the biological functions of the organisms. Subsequently, we address the processes that aid organisms in navigating the damage in genetic material, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration brought on by UV-mediated double-strand breaks. To emphasize the molecular pathways, we conclude the review by going over the animal model studies that highlight the genes and proteins that are impacted by UV radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srilakshmi Vijayakumar
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Beryl Vedha Yesudhason
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jenif Leo Anandharaj
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Weslen Vedakumari Sathyaraj
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Johnson Retnaraj Samuel Selvan Christyraj
- Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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6
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Ropert B, Gallrein C, Schumacher B. DNA repair deficiencies and neurodegeneration. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 138:103679. [PMID: 38640601 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103679] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are the second most prevalent cause of death in industrialized countries. Alzheimer's Disease is the most widespread and also most acknowledged form of dementia today. Together with Parkinson's Disease they account for over 90 % cases of neurodegenerative disorders caused by proteopathies. Far less known are the neurodegenerative pathologies in DNA repair deficiency syndromes. Such diseases like Cockayne - or Werner Syndrome are described as progeroid syndromes - diseases that cause the premature ageing of the affected persons, and there are clear implications of such diseases in neurologic dysfunction and degeneration. In this review, we aim to draw the attention on commonalities between proteopathy-associated neurodegeneration and neurodegeneration caused by DNA repair defects and discuss how mitochondria are implicated in the development of both disorder classes. Furthermore, we highlight how nematodes are a valuable and indispensable model organism to study conserved neurodegenerative processes in a fast-forward manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Ropert
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University and University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | - Christian Gallrein
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University and University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany; Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstraße 11, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University and University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, Cologne 50931, Germany.
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7
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Zhang H, Yang J, Guo Y, Lü P, Gong X, Chen K, Li X, Tang M. Rotenone-induced PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy: establishing a silkworm model for Parkinson's disease potential. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1359294. [PMID: 38706874 PMCID: PMC11066238 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1359294] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), ranking as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally, presents a pressing need for innovative animal models to deepen our understanding of its pathophysiology and explore potential therapeutic interventions. The development of such animal models plays a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of PD and investigating promising treatment avenues. In this study, we employed transcriptome sequencing on BmN cells treated with 1 μg/ml rotenone, aiming to elucidate the underlying toxicological mechanisms. The investigation brought to light a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by rotenone, subsequently triggering mitophagy. Notably, the PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway emerged as a key player in the cascade leading to rotenone-induced mitophagy. Furthermore, our exploration extended to silkworms exposed to 50 μg/ml rotenone, revealing distinctive motor dysfunction as well as inhibition of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression. These observed effects not only contribute valuable insights into the impact and intricate mechanisms of rotenone exposure on mitophagy but also provide robust scientific evidence supporting the utilization of rotenone in establishing a PD model in the silkworm. This comprehensive investigation not only enriches our understanding of the toxicological pathways triggered by rotenone but also highlights the potential of silkworms as a valuable model organism for PD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyue Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yinglu Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Lü
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xun Gong
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiubin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Min Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Lépine S, Nauleau-Javaudin A, Deneault E, Chen CXQ, Abdian N, Franco-Flores AK, Haghi G, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Maussion G, Chaineau M, Durcan TM. Homozygous ALS-linked mutations in TARDBP/TDP-43 lead to hypoactivity and synaptic abnormalities in human iPSC-derived motor neurons. iScience 2024; 27:109166. [PMID: 38433895 PMCID: PMC10905001 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 is a pathological hallmark of the motor neuron (MN) disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, while mutations in TARDBP (encoding TDP-43) have been associated with ALS, the pathogenic consequences of these mutations remain poorly understood. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we engineered two homozygous knock-in induced pluripotent stem cell lines carrying mutations in TARDBP encoding TDP-43A382T and TDP-43G348C, two common yet understudied ALS TDP-43 variants. Motor neurons (MNs) differentiated from knock-in iPSCs had normal viability and displayed no significant changes in TDP-43 subcellular localization, phosphorylation, solubility, or aggregation compared with isogenic control MNs. However, our results highlight synaptic impairments in both TDP-43A382T and TDP-43G348C MN cultures, as reflected in synapse abnormalities and alterations in spontaneous neuronal activity. Collectively, our findings suggest that MN dysfunction may precede the occurrence of TDP-43 pathology and neurodegeneration in ALS and further implicate synaptic and excitability defects in the pathobiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Angela Nauleau-Javaudin
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Eric Deneault
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research; Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Carol X.-Q. Chen
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Narges Abdian
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Anna Krystina Franco-Flores
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Ghazal Haghi
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - María José Castellanos-Montiel
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Gilles Maussion
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Mathilde Chaineau
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), The Neuro-Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
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9
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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10
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Cunha-Oliveira T, Montezinho L, Simões RF, Carvalho M, Ferreiro E, Silva FSG. Mitochondria: A Promising Convergent Target for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:248. [PMID: 38334639 PMCID: PMC10854804 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030248] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, for which current treatment options are limited. Recent studies have shed light on the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis, making them an attractive therapeutic intervention target. This review contains a very comprehensive critical description of the involvement of mitochondria and mitochondria-mediated mechanisms in ALS. The review covers several key areas related to mitochondria in ALS, including impaired mitochondrial function, mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species, metabolic processes and energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, turnover, autophagy and mitophagy, impaired mitochondrial transport, and apoptosis. This review also highlights preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated various mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment. These include strategies to improve mitochondrial function, such as the use of dichloroacetate, ketogenic and high-fat diets, acetyl-carnitine, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. Additionally, antiapoptotic agents, like the mPTP-targeting agents minocycline and rasagiline, are discussed. The paper aims to contribute to the identification of effective mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment by synthesizing the current understanding of the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis and reviewing potential convergent therapeutic interventions. The complex interplay between mitochondria and the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS holds promise for the development of novel treatment strategies to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Rui F. Simões
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Carvalho
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena S. G. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Mitotag Lda, Biocant Park, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
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11
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Paul BD, Pieper AA. Neuroprotective Roles of the Biliverdin Reductase-A/Bilirubin Axis in the Brain. Biomolecules 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38397392 PMCID: PMC10887292 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020155] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliverdin reductase-A (BVRA) is a multi-functional enzyme with a multitude of important roles in physiologic redox homeostasis. Classically, BVRA is well known for converting the heme metabolite biliverdin to bilirubin, which is a potent antioxidant in both the periphery and the brain. However, BVRA additionally participates in many neuroprotective signaling cascades in the brain that preserve cognition. Here, we review the neuroprotective roles of BVRA and bilirubin in the brain, which together constitute a BVRA/bilirubin axis that influences healthy aging and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu D. Paul
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew A. Pieper
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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12
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Weemering DN, Midei M, Milner P, Gopalakrishnan V, Kumar A, Dannenberg AJ, Bunte TM, Foucher J, Ingre C, Ķēniņa V, Rallmann K, van den Berg LH, van Eijk RPA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RT001 in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3722-3731. [PMID: 37550954 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16020] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE RT001 is a deuterated synthetic homologue of linoleic acid, which makes membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids resistant to lipid peroxidation, a process involved in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We conducted a randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with ALS were randomly allocated to receive either RT001 or placebo for 24 weeks. After the double-blind period, all patients received RT001 during an open-label phase for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measures were safety and tolerability. Key efficacy outcomes included the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), percent predicted slow vital capacity, and plasma neurofilament light chain concentration. RESULTS In total, 43 patients (RT001 = 21; placebo = 22) were randomized. RT001 was well tolerated; one patient required dose reduction due to adverse events (AEs). Numerically, there were more AEs in the RT001 group compared to the placebo group (71% versus 55%, p = 0.35), with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common (43% in RT001, 27% in placebo, p = 0.35). Two patients in the RT001 group experienced a serious AE, though unrelated to treatment. The least-squares mean difference in ALSFRS-R total score at week 24 of treatment was 1.90 (95% confidence interval = -1.39 to 5.19) in favor of RT001 (p = 0.25). The directions of other efficacy outcomes favored RT001 compared to placebo, although no inferential statistics were performed. CONCLUSIONS Initial data indicate that RT001 is safe and well tolerated. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a larger clinical trial is required to evaluate its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne N Weemering
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Midei
- BioJiva, LLC, Los Altos, California, USA
| | | | | | - Anil Kumar
- BioJiva, LLC, Los Altos, California, USA
| | | | - Tommy M Bunte
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Juliette Foucher
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, ME Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, ME Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktorija Ķēniņa
- Rare Neurological Disease Centre, Riga Stradinš Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Karin Rallmann
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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13
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Belosludtseva NV, Matveeva LA, Belosludtsev KN. Mitochondrial Dyshomeostasis as an Early Hallmark and a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16833. [PMID: 38069154 PMCID: PMC10706047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons, loss of muscle mass, and impaired energy metabolism. More than 40 genes are now known to be associated with ALS, which together account for the majority of familial forms of ALS and only 10% of sporadic ALS cases. To date, there is no consensus on the pathogenesis of ALS, which makes it difficult to develop effective therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondria, which play an important role in cellular homeostasis, are the earliest targets in ALS, and abnormalities in their structure and functions contribute to the development of bioenergetic stress and disease progression. Mitochondria are known to be highly dynamic organelles, and their stability is maintained through a number of key regulatory pathways. Mitochondrial homeostasis is dynamically regulated via mitochondrial biogenesis, clearance, fission/fusion, and trafficking; however, the processes providing "quality control" and distribution of the organelles are prone to dysregulation in ALS. Here, we systematically summarized changes in mitochondrial turnover, dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and alterations in mitochondrial transport and functions to provide in-depth insights into disease progression pathways, which may have a significant impact on current symptomatic therapies and personalized treatment programs for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Belosludtseva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Lyudmila A. Matveeva
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Belosludtsev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
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14
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Hu ML, Pan YR, Yong YY, Liu Y, Yu L, Qin DL, Qiao G, Law BYK, Wu JM, Zhou XG, Wu AG. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and neurodegenerative diseases: Past, present, and future. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102078. [PMID: 37758006 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102078] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a first responder that recognizes DNA damage and facilitates its repair. Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive neuron loss driven by various risk factors, including DNA damage, have increasingly shed light on the pivotal involvement of PARP1. During the early phases of neurodegenerative diseases, PARP1 experiences controlled activation to swiftly address mild DNA damage, thereby contributing to maintain brain homeostasis. However, in late stages, exacerbated PARP1 activation precipitated by severe DNA damage exacerbates the disease condition. Consequently, inhibition of PARP1 overactivation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we comprehensively synthesize and explore the multifaceted role of PARP1 in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on its over-activation in the aggregation of misfolded proteins, dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosome pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury. Additionally, we encapsulate the therapeutic applications and limitations intrinsic of PARP1 inhibitors, mainly including limited specificity, intricate pathway dynamics, constrained clinical translation, and the heterogeneity of patient cohorts. We also explore and discuss the potential synergistic implementation of these inhibitors alongside other agents targeting DNA damage cascades within neurodegenerative diseases. Simultaneously, we propose several recommendations for the utilization of PARP1 inhibitors within the realm of neurodegenerative disorders, encompassing factors like the disease-specific roles of PARP1, combinatorial therapeutic strategies, and personalized medical interventions. Lastly, the encompassing review presents a forward-looking perspective along with strategic recommendations that could guide future research endeavors in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Hu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yi-Ru Pan
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yong
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Da-Lian Qin
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Gan Qiao
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jian-Ming Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Xiao-Gang Zhou
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - An-Guo Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China.
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15
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Grossini E, De Marchi F, Venkatesan S, Mele A, Ferrante D, Mazzini L. Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Evaluation on Plasma Markers and Members of the Neurovascular Unit. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1887. [PMID: 37891966 PMCID: PMC10604350 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress, the alteration of mitochondrial function, and the neurovascular unit (NVU), play a role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. We aimed to demonstrate the changes in the plasma redox system and nitric oxide (NO) in 32 new ALS-diagnosed patients in treatment with Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) compared to healthy controls. We also evaluated the effects of plasma on human umbilical cord-derived endothelial vascular cells (HUVEC) and astrocytes. The analyses were performed at the baseline (T0), after three months (T1), and after six months (T2). In ALS patients at T0/T1, the plasma markers of lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and 4-hydroxy nonenal (4-HNE) were higher, whereas the antioxidants, glutathione (GSH) and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were lower than in healthy controls. At T2, plasma TBARS and 4-HNE decreased, whereas plasma GSH and the GPx activity increased in ALS patients. As regards NO, the plasma levels were firmly lower at T0-T2 than those of healthy controls. Cell viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential in HUVEC/astrocytes treated with the plasma of ALS patients at T0-T2 were reduced, while the oxidant release increased. Those results, which confirmed the fundamental role of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and of the NVU in ALS pathogenesis, can have a double meaning, acting as disease markers at baseline and potential markers of drug effects in clinical practice and during clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grossini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.G.); (S.V.)
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Sakthipriyan Venkatesan
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.G.); (S.V.)
| | - Angelica Mele
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Statistic Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
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16
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Llido JP, Jayanti S, Tiribelli C, Gazzin S. Bilirubin and Redox Stress in Age-Related Brain Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1525. [PMID: 37627520 PMCID: PMC10451892 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular redox status has a crucial role in brain physiology, as well as in pathologic conditions. Physiologic senescence, by dysregulating cellular redox homeostasis and decreasing antioxidant defenses, enhances the central nervous system's susceptibility to diseases. The reduction of free radical accumulation through lifestyle changes, and the supplementation of antioxidants as a prophylactic and therapeutic approach to increase brain health, are strongly suggested. Bilirubin is a powerful endogenous antioxidant, with more and more recognized roles as a biomarker of disease resistance, a predictor of all-cause mortality, and a molecule that may promote health in adults. The alteration of the expression and activity of the enzymes involved in bilirubin production, as well as an altered blood bilirubin level, are often reported in neurologic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases (together denoted NCDs) in aging. These changes may predict or contribute both positively and negatively to the diseases. Understanding the role of bilirubin in the onset and progression of NCDs will be functional to consider the benefits vs. the drawbacks and to hypothesize the best strategies for its manipulation for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Llido
- Liver Brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Italian Liver Foundation, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (J.P.L.); or (S.J.); (S.G.)
- Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sri Jayanti
- Liver Brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Italian Liver Foundation, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (J.P.L.); or (S.J.); (S.G.)
- Eijkman Research Centre for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver Brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Italian Liver Foundation, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (J.P.L.); or (S.J.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Liver Brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Italian Liver Foundation, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (J.P.L.); or (S.J.); (S.G.)
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17
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Wunsch FT, Metzler-Nolte N, Theiss C, Matschke V. Defects in Glutathione System in an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051014. [PMID: 37237880 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051014] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progredient neurodegenerative disease characterized by a degeneration of the first and second motor neurons. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of glutathione, which are important defense mechanisms against ROS, have been reported in the central nervous system (CNS) of ALS patients and animal models. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of decreased glutathione levels in the CNS of the ALS model wobbler mouse. We analyzed changes in glutathione metabolism in the spinal cord, hippocampus, cerebellum, liver, and blood samples of the ALS model, wobbler mouse, using qPCR, Western Blot, HPLC, and fluorometric assays. Here, we show for the first time a decreased expression of enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice. We provide evidence for a deficient glutathione metabolism, which is not restricted to the nervous system, but can be seen in various tissues of the wobbler mouse. This deficient system is most likely the reason for an inefficient antioxidative system and, thus, for elevated ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska T Wunsch
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nils Metzler-Nolte
- Inorganic Chemistry I-Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
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18
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Rey F, Berardo C, Maghraby E, Mauri A, Messa L, Esposito L, Casili G, Ottolenghi S, Bonaventura E, Cuzzocrea S, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Esposito E, Paterniti I, Cereda C, Carelli S. Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040965. [PMID: 37107340 PMCID: PMC10135575 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
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19
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Shadfar S, Parakh S, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Redox dysregulation as a driver for DNA damage and its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 37055865 PMCID: PMC10103468 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis refers to the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and their elimination by antioxidants. It is linked to all important cellular activities and oxidative stress is a result of imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant species. Oxidative stress perturbs many cellular activities, including processes that maintain the integrity of DNA. Nucleic acids are highly reactive and therefore particularly susceptible to damage. The DNA damage response detects and repairs these DNA lesions. Efficient DNA repair processes are therefore essential for maintaining cellular viability, but they decline considerably during aging. DNA damage and deficiencies in DNA repair are increasingly described in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, oxidative stress has long been associated with these conditions. Moreover, both redox dysregulation and DNA damage increase significantly during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the links between redox dysfunction and DNA damage, and their joint contributions to pathophysiology in these conditions, are only just emerging. This review will discuss these associations and address the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and major source of DNA damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding these connections may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and ultimately lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies based on preventing both redox dysregulation and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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20
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Chew LA, Iannaccone A. Gene-agnostic approaches to treating inherited retinal degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1177838. [PMID: 37123404 PMCID: PMC10133473 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1177838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have been waiting for treatments that are "just around the corner" for decades, with only a handful of seminal breakthroughs happening in recent years. Highlighting the difficulties in the quest for curative therapeutics, Luxturna required 16 years of development before finally obtaining United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and its international equivalents. IRDs are both genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. While this diversity offers many opportunities for gene-by-gene precision medicine-based approaches, it also poses a significant challenge. For this reason, alternative (or parallel) strategies to identify more comprehensive, across-the-board therapeutics for the genetically and phenotypically diverse IRD patient population are very appealing. Even when gene-specific approaches may be available and become approved for use, many patients may have reached a disease stage whereby these approaches may no longer be viable. Thus, alternate visual preservation or restoration therapeutic approaches are needed at these stages. In this review, we underscore several gene-agnostic approaches that are being developed as therapeutics for IRDs. From retinal supplementation to stem cell transplantation, optogenetic therapy and retinal prosthetics, these strategies would bypass at least in part the need for treating every individual gene or mutation or provide an invaluable complement to them. By considering the diverse patient population and treatment strategies suited for different stages and patterns of retinal degeneration, gene agnostic approaches are very well poised to impact favorably outcomes and prognosis for IRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Chew
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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21
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Rahman MM, Islam MR, Alam Tumpa MA, Shohag S, Shakil Khan Shuvo, Ferdous J, Kajol SA, Aljohani ASM, Al Abdulmonem W, Rauf A, Thiruvengadam M. Insights into the promising prospect of medicinal chemistry studies against neurodegenerative disorders. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 373:110375. [PMID: 36739931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110375] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, pharmacology, informatics, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, and other disciplines. Additionally, it considers molecular factors such as the mode of action of the drugs, their chemical structure-activity relationship (SAR), and pharmacokinetic aspects like absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity. Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which are defined by the breakdown of neurons over time, are affecting an increasing number of people. Oxidative stress, particularly the increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), plays a crucial role in the growth of various disorders, as indicated by the identification of protein, lipid, and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oxidation products in vivo. Because of their inherent nature, most biological molecules are vulnerable to ROS, even if they play a role in metabolic parameters and cell signaling. Due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, low antioxidant barrier, and high oxygen uptake, neurons are particularly vulnerable to oxidation by nature. As a result, excessive ROS generation in neurons looks especially harmful, and the mechanisms associated with biomolecule oxidative destruction are several and complex. This review focuses on the formation and management of ROS, as well as their chemical characteristics (both thermodynamic and kinetic), interactions, and implications in NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Afroza Alam Tumpa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Shohag
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University Buraydah, 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakil Khan Shuvo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Ferdous
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Saima Akter Kajol
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University Buraydah, 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Swabi, Anbar, 23430, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea; Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
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22
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Mead RJ, Shan N, Reiser HJ, Marshall F, Shaw PJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disorder poised for successful therapeutic translation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:185-212. [PMID: 36543887 PMCID: PMC9768794 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease caused by degeneration of motor neurons. As with all major neurodegenerative disorders, development of disease-modifying therapies has proven challenging for multiple reasons. Nevertheless, ALS is one of the few neurodegenerative diseases for which disease-modifying therapies are approved. Significant discoveries and advances have been made in ALS preclinical models, genetics, pathology, biomarkers, imaging and clinical readouts over the last 10-15 years. At the same time, novel therapeutic paradigms are being applied in areas of high unmet medical need, including neurodegenerative disorders. These developments have evolved our knowledge base, allowing identification of targeted candidate therapies for ALS with diverse mechanisms of action. In this Review, we discuss how this advanced knowledge, aligned with new approaches, can enable effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical studies through to clinical benefit for patients with ALS. We anticipate that this approach in ALS will also positively impact the field of drug discovery for neurodegenerative disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ning Shan
- Aclipse Therapeutics, Radnor, PA, US
| | | | - Fiona Marshall
- MSD UK Discovery Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (UK) Limited, London, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Keapstone Therapeutics, The Innovation Centre, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK.
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23
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Olufunmilayo EO, Gerke-Duncan MB, Holsinger RMD. Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020517. [PMID: 36830075 PMCID: PMC9952099 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders constitute a substantial proportion of neurological diseases with significant public health importance. The pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases is characterized by a complex interplay of various general and disease-specific factors that lead to the end point of neuronal degeneration and loss, and the eventual clinical manifestations. Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between pro-oxidant species and antioxidant systems, characterized by an elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, and a reduction in the levels of endogenous antioxidants. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted oxidative stress and associated mitochondrial dysfunction to be important players in the pathophysiologic processes involved in neurodegenerative conditions. In this article, we review the current knowledge of the general effects of oxidative stress on the central nervous system, the different specific routes by which oxidative stress influences the pathophysiologic processes involved in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington's disease, and how oxidative stress may be therapeutically reversed/mitigated in order to stall the pathological progression of these neurodegenerative disorders to bring about clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward O. Olufunmilayo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Dementia, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Road, Oritamefa, Ibadan 5116, PMB, Nigeria
| | - Michelle B. Gerke-Duncan
- Education Innovation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - R. M. Damian Holsinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Dementia, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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24
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Dennys CN, Roussel F, Rodrigo R, Zhang X, Sierra Delgado A, Hartlaub A, Saelim-Ector A, Ray W, Heintzman S, Fox A, Kolb SJ, Beckman J, Franco MC, Meyer K. CuATSM effectively ameliorates ALS patient astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity in human in vitro models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Glia 2023; 71:350-365. [PMID: 36213964 PMCID: PMC10092379 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Patient diversity and unknown disease cause are major challenges for drug development and clinical trial design for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Transgenic animal models do not adequately reflect the heterogeneity of ALS. Direct reprogramming of patient fibroblasts to neuronal progenitor cells and subsequent differentiation into patient astrocytes allows rapid generation of disease relevant cell types. Thus, this methodology can facilitate compound testing in a diverse genetic background resulting in a more representative population for therapeutic evaluation. Here, we used established co-culture assays with motor neurons and reprogrammed patient skin-derived astrocytes (iAs) to evaluate the effects of (SP-4-2)-[[2,2'-(1,2-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediylidene)bis[N-methylhydrazinecarbothioamidato-κN2 ,κS]](2-)]-copper (CuATSM), currently in clinical trial for ALS in Australia. Pretreatment of iAs with CuATSM had a differential effect on neuronal survival following co-culture with healthy motor neurons. Using this assay, we identified responding and non-responding cell lines for both sporadic and familial ALS (mutant SOD1 and C9ORF72). Importantly, elevated mitochondrial respiration was the common denominator in all CuATSM-responders, a metabolic phenotype not observed in non-responders. Pre-treatment of iAs with CuATSM restored mitochondrial activity to levels comparable to healthy controls. Hence, this metabolic parameter might allow selection of patient subpopulations best suited for CuATSM treatment. Moreover, CuATSM might have additional therapeutic value for mitochondrial disorders. Enhanced understanding of patient-specific cellular and molecular profiles could help improve clinical trial design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Florence Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Sierra Delgado
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Annalisa Hartlaub
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Asya Saelim-Ector
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Will Ray
- Mathematics Department, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph Beckman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Maria Clara Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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25
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Mavragani A, Fujita K, Oki R, Osaki Y, Miyamoto R, Morino H, Nagano S, Atsuta N, Kanazawa Y, Matsumoto Y, Arisawa A, Kawai H, Sato Y, Sakaguchi S, Yagi K, Hamatani T, Kagimura T, Yanagawa H, Mochizuki H, Doyu M, Sobue G, Harada M, Izumi Y. An Exploratory Trial of EPI-589 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (EPIC-ALS): Protocol for a Multicenter, Open-Labeled, 24-Week, Single-Group Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e42032. [PMID: 36716091 PMCID: PMC9926342 DOI: 10.2196/42032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, with its currently approved drugs, including riluzole and edaravone, showing limited therapeutic effects. Therefore, safe and effective drugs are urgently necessary. EPI-589 is an orally available, small-molecule, novel redox-active agent characterized by highly potent protective effects against oxidative stress with high blood-brain barrier permeability. Given the apparent oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction involvement in the pathogenesis of ALS, EPI-589 may hold promise as a therapeutic agent. OBJECTIVE This protocol aims to describe the design and rationale for the EPI-589 Early Phase 2 Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial for ALS (EPIC-ALS). METHODS EPIC-ALS is an explorative, open-labeled, single-arm trial that evaluates the safety and tolerability of EPI-589 in patients with ALS. This trial consists of 12-week run-in, 24-week treatment, and 4-week follow-up periods. Patients will receive 500 mg of EPI-589 3 times daily over the 24-week treatment period. Clinical assessments include the mean monthly change of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised total score. The biomarkers are selected to analyze the effect on oxidative stress and neuronal damage. The plasma biomarkers are 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH), homocysteine, and creatinine. The cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers are 8-OHdG, 3-NT, NfL, pNfH, and ornithine. The magnetic resonance biomarkers are fractional anisotropy in the corticospinal tract and N-acetylaspartate in the primary motor area. RESULTS This trial began data collection in September 2021 and is expected to be completed in October 2023. CONCLUSIONS This study can provide useful data to understand the characteristics of EPI-589. TRIAL REGISTRATION Japan Primary Registries Network jRCT2061210031; tinyurl.com/2p84emu6. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/42032.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Oki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yusuke Osaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Miyamoto
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Morino
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Naoki Atsuta
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuki Kanazawa
- Department of Biomedical Information Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Matsumoto
- Department of Radiology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Atsuko Arisawa
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kawai
- Department of Radiology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Sato
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sakaguchi
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenta Yagi
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuo Kagimura
- The Translational Research Center for Medical Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yanagawa
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Manabu Doyu
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Masafumi Harada
- Department of Radiology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
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26
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Li H, Yuan L, Yang H, Guo Y, Zheng W, Fan K, Deng S, Gong L, Xu H, Yang Z, Cheng J, Kang M, Deng H. Analysis of SOD1 Variants in Chinese Patients with Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. QJM 2023; 116:365-374. [PMID: 36661322 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, and genetic contributors exert a significant role in the complicated pathogenesis. Identification of the genetic causes in ALS families could be valuable for early diagnosis and management. The development of potential drugs for patients with genetic defects will shed new light on ALS therapy. AIM To identify causative variants in three Chinese families with familial ALS (FALS), reveal the pathogenic mechanism, and look for the targeted drug for ALS. DESIGN AND METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to perform genetic analysis of the ALS families. Functional analysis was performed to study the variants' function and search for potential drug targets. RESULTS Three heterozygous missense variants of the SOD1 gene were identified in families with FALS. The clinical manifestations of these patients include spinal onset, predominant lower motor neurons presentation, and absence of cognitive involvement. Functional analysis showed that all three SOD1 variants led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduced cell viability, and formation of cytoplasmic aggregates. Remarkably, the decreased cell viability induced by variants was rescued after treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine. CONCLUSIONS This study identified three SOD1 variants in three families with FALS. The variant SOD1 toxicity was associated with oxidative damage and aggregation, and N-acetylcysteine could rescue the decreased cell viability induced by these variants. Our findings support a pathogenic role for ROS in SOD1 deficiencies, and provide a potential drug N-acetylcysteine for ALS therapy, especially in SOD1-patients with limb onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Li
- Health Management Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - L Yuan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - H Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, China
| | - Y Guo
- Department of Medical Information, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - W Zheng
- Department of Neurology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - K Fan
- Department of Neurology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - S Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - L Gong
- Department of Neurology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - H Xu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Z Yang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - J Cheng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - M Kang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - H Deng
- Health Management Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
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27
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Saucier D, Registe PPW, Bélanger M, O'Connell C. Urbanization, air pollution, and water pollution: Identification of potential environmental risk factors associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using systematic reviews. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1108383. [PMID: 36970522 PMCID: PMC10030603 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1108383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite decades of research, causes of ALS remain unclear. To evaluate recent hypotheses of plausible environmental factors, the aim of this study was to synthesize and appraise literature on the potential associations between the surrounding environment, including urbanization, air pollution and water pollution, and ALS. Methods We conducted a series (n = 3) of systematic reviews in PubMed and Scopus to identify epidemiological studies assessing relationships between urbanization, air pollution and water pollution with the development of ALS. Results The combined search strategy led to the inclusion of 44 articles pertaining to at least one exposure of interest. Of the 25 included urbanization studies, four of nine studies on living in rural areas and three of seven studies on living in more highly urbanized/dense areas found positive associations to ALS. There were also three of five studies for exposure to electromagnetic fields and/or proximity to powerlines that found positive associations to ALS. Three case-control studies for each of diesel exhaust and nitrogen dioxide found positive associations with the development of ALS, with the latter showing a dose-response in one study. Three studies for each of high selenium content in drinking water and proximity to lakes prone to cyanobacterial blooms also found positive associations to ALS. Conclusion Whereas markers of air and water pollution appear as potential risk factors for ALS, results are mixed for the role of urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Saucier
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Daniel Saucier
| | - Pierre Philippe Wilson Registe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Mathieu Bélanger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Stan Cassidy Center for Rehabilitation, Fredericton, NB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
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28
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Jeon YM, Kwon Y, Lee S, Kim HJ. Potential roles of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1047897. [PMID: 36875699 PMCID: PMC9974850 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1047897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major organelle involved in protein quality control and cellular homeostasis. ER stress results from structural and functional dysfunction of the organelle, along with the accumulation of misfolded proteins and changes in calcium homeostasis, it leads to ER stress response pathway such as unfolded protein response (UPR). Neurons are particularly sensitive to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Thus, the ER stress is involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion disease and motor neuron disease (MND). Recently, the complex involvement of ER stress pathways has been demonstrated in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/MND using pharmacological and genetic manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive response to ER stress. Here, we aim to provide recent evidence demonstrating that the ER stress pathway is an essential pathological mechanism of ALS. In addition, we also provide therapeutic strategies that can help treat diseases by targeting the ER stress pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mi Jeon
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghwi Kwon
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinrye Lee
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Kim
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
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29
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Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
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30
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Yang D, Wang X, Zhang L, Fang Y, Zheng Q, Liu X, Yu W, Chen S, Ying J, Hua F. Lipid metabolism and storage in neuroglia: role in brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:106. [PMID: 35831869 PMCID: PMC9277953 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00828-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of neuroglia in maintaining normal brain function under physiological and pathological conditions has been supported by growing evidence in recent years. The most important issues regarding glial metabolism and function include the cooperation between glial populations and neurons, morphological and functional changes in pathological states, and the role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Although lipid accumulation and further lipid droplet production in neurodegenerative disease brain models have been observed for a long time, the dynamic development of brain lipid droplet research in recent years suggests its role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases was previously underestimated. First recognized as organelles of lipid storage, lipid droplets (LDs) have emerged as an important organelle in metabolic diseases, inflammation, and host defense. Dynamic changes in lipid metabolism within neurons and glial cells resulting in lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation are present in brain models of various neurodegenerative diseases, yet their role in the brain remains largely unexplored. This paper first reviews the metabolism and accumulation of several major lipids in the brain and discusses the regulation of lipid accumulation in different types of brain cells. We explore the potential role of intracellular lipid accumulation in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, starting from lipid metabolism and LDs biogenesis in glial cells, and discuss several pathological factors that promote lipid droplet formation, mainly focusing on oxidative stress, energy metabolism and glial cell-neuron coupling, which are closely related to the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, the directions and challenges of intracellular lipid metabolism in glial cells in neurodegeneration are discussed.
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31
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Baek Y, Woo TG, Ahn J, Lee D, Kwon Y, Park BJ, Ha NC. Structural analysis of the overoxidized Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase in ROS-induced ALS filament formation. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1085. [PMID: 36224351 PMCID: PMC9556535 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is primarily responsible for cytotoxic filament formation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neurons. Two cysteine residues in SOD1 form an intramolecular disulfide bond. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of SOD1 filament formation by cysteine overoxidation in sporadic ALS (sALS). In this study, we determined the crystal structure of the double mutant (C57D/C146D) SOD1 that mimics the overoxidation of the disulfide-forming cysteine residues. The structure revealed the open and relaxed conformation of loop IV containing the mutated Asp57. The double mutant SOD1 produced more contagious filaments than wild-type protein, promoting filament formation of the wild-type SOD1 proteins. Importantly, we further found that HOCl treatment to the wild-type SOD1 proteins facilitated their filament formation. We propose a feasible mechanism for SOD1 filament formation in ALS from the wild-type SOD1, suggesting that overoxidized SOD1 is a triggering factor of sALS. Our findings extend our understanding of other neurodegenerative disorders associated with ROS stresses at the molecular level. Characterization of the structure of an overoxidation-mimicking double mutant of superoxide dismutase SOD1 shows the production of more cytotoxic filaments seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongjin Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gyun Woo
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsook Ahn
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Dukwon Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghoon Kwon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Chul Ha
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Cunha-Oliveira T, Silva DF, Segura L, Baldeiras I, Marques R, Rosenstock T, Oliveira PJ, Silva FSG. Redox profiles of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lymphoblasts with or without known SOD1 mutations. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13798. [PMID: 35467758 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. This disease is associated with oxidative stress especially in mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (mutSOD1) patients. However, less is known for the most prevalent sporadic ALS form, due to a lack of disease models. Here, we studied oxidative stress profiles in lymphoblasts from ALS patients with mutSOD1 or unknown (undSOD1) mutations. METHODS mutSOD1 and undSOD1 lymphoblasts, as well as sex/age-matched controls (3/group) were obtained from Coriell and divided into 46 years-old-men (C1), 46 years-old-women (C2) or 26/27 years-old-men (C3) cohorts. Growth curves were performed, and several parameters associated with redox homeostasis were evaluated, including SOD activity and expression, general oxidative stress levels, lipid peroxidation, response to oxidative stimulus, glutathione redox cycle, catalase expression, and activity, and Nrf2 transcripts. Pooled (all cohorts) and paired (intra-cohort) statistical analyses were performed, followed by clustering and principal component analyses (PCA). RESULTS Although a high heterogeneity among lymphoblast redox profiles was found between cohorts, clustering analysis based on 7 parameters with high chi-square ranking (total SOD activity, oxidative stress levels, catalase transcripts, SOD1 protein levels, metabolic response to mM concentrations of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, glutathione reductase activity, and Nrf2 transcript levels) provided a perfect cluster segregation between samples from healthy controls and ALS (undSOD1 and mutSOD1), also visualized in the PCA. CONCLUSIONS Our results show distinct redox signatures in lymphoblasts from mutSOD1, undSOD1 and healthy controls that can be used as therapeutic targets for ALS drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Franco Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Segura
- Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, Physiological Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inês Baldeiras
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Marques
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Rosenstock
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Sygnature Discovery, In vitro Neuroscience, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena S G Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Mitotag Lda, Cantanhede, Portugal
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33
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Junghans M, John F, Cihankaya H, Schliebs D, Winklhofer KF, Bader V, Matschke J, Theiss C, Matschke V. ROS scavengers decrease γH2ax spots in motor neuronal nuclei of ALS model mice in vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:963169. [PMID: 36119129 PMCID: PMC9470831 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.963169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons in cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Numerous studies have demonstrated signs of oxidative stress in postmortem neuronal tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and urine of ALS patients, without focusing on the specific processes within motor neurons. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relevance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification mechanisms and its consequences on the formation of toxic/lethal DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in the ALS model of the Wobbler mouse. Methods: Live cell imaging in dissociated motor neuronal cultures was used to investigate the production of ROS using Dihydroethidium (DHE). The expression levels of ROS detoxifying molecules were investigated by qPCR as well as Western blots. Furthermore, the expression levels of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and H2ax were investigated using qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. Proof-of-principle experiments using ROS scavengers were performed in vitro to decipher the influence of ROS on the formation of DNA double strand breaks quantifying the γH2ax spots formation. Results: Here, we verified an elevated ROS-level in spinal motor neurons of symptomatic Wobbler mice in vitro. As a result, an increased number of DNA damage response proteins p53bp1 and γH2ax in dissociated motor neurons of the spinal cord of Wobbler mice was observed. Furthermore, we found a significantly altered expression of several antioxidant molecules in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice, suggesting a deficit in ROS detoxification mechanisms. This hypothesis could be verified by using ROS scavenger molecules in vitro to reduce the number of γH2ax foci in dissociated motor neurons and thus counteract the harmful effects of ROS. Conclusion: Our data indicate that maintenance of redox homeostasis may play a key role in the therapy of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. Our results underline a necessity for multimodal treatment approaches to prolong the average lifespan of motor neurons and thus slow down the progression of the disease, since a focused intervention in one pathomechanism seems to be insufficient in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Junghans
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Felix John
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Schliebs
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Veronika Matschke
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34
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Altered TDP-43 Structure and Function: Key Insights into Aberrant RNA, Mitochondrial, and Cellular and Systemic Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080709. [PMID: 36005581 PMCID: PMC9415507 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder with no cure available and limited treatment options. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, whereby patients present with vastly different phenotypes. Despite this heterogeneity, over 97% of patients will exhibit pathological TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) cytoplasmic inclusions. TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein with the capacity to bind over 6000 RNA and DNA targets—particularly those involved in RNA, mitochondrial, and lipid metabolism. Here, we review the unique structure and function of TDP-43 and its role in affecting the aforementioned metabolic processes in ALS. Considering evidence published specifically in TDP-43-relevant in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models we posit that TDP-43 acts in a positive feedback loop with mRNA transcription/translation, stress granules, cytoplasmic aggregates, and mitochondrial proteins causing a relentless cycle of disease-like pathology eventuating in neuronal toxicity. Given its undeniable presence in ALS pathology, TDP-43 presents as a promising target for mechanistic disease modelling and future therapeutic investigations.
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35
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Welch G, Tsai LH. Mechanisms of DNA damage-mediated neurotoxicity in neurodegenerative disease. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54217. [PMID: 35499251 PMCID: PMC9171412 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are highly susceptible to DNA damage accumulation due to their large energy requirements, elevated transcriptional activity, and long lifespan. While newer research has shown that DNA breaks and mutations may facilitate neuron diversity during development and neuronal function throughout life, a wealth of evidence indicates deficient DNA damage repair underlies many neurological disorders, especially age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, efforts to clarify the molecular link between DNA damage and neurodegeneration have improved our understanding of how the genomic location of DNA damage and defunct repair proteins impact neuron health. Additionally, work establishing a role for senescence in the aging and diseased brain reveals DNA damage may play a central role in neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwyneth Welch
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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36
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Konopka A, Atkin JD. DNA Damage, Defective DNA Repair, and Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:786420. [PMID: 35572138 PMCID: PMC9093740 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.786420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA is under constant attack from both endogenous and exogenous sources, and when damaged, specific cellular signalling pathways respond, collectively termed the “DNA damage response.” Efficient DNA repair processes are essential for cellular viability, although they decline significantly during aging. Not surprisingly, DNA damage and defective DNA repair are now increasingly implicated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord, leading to muscle wasting due to denervation. DNA damage is increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of ALS, and interestingly, the number of DNA damage or repair proteins linked to ALS is steadily growing. This includes TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a DNA/RNA binding protein that is present in a pathological form in almost all (97%) cases of ALS. Hence TDP-43 pathology is central to neurodegeneration in this condition. Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) bears structural and functional similarities to TDP-43 and it also functions in DNA repair. Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is also fundamental to ALS because mutations in C9orf72 are the most frequent genetic cause of both ALS and related condition frontotemporal dementia, in European and North American populations. Genetic variants encoding other proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) have also been described in ALS, including FUS, SOD1, SETX, VCP, CCNF, and NEK1. Here we review recent evidence highlighting DNA damage and defective DNA repair as an important mechanism linked to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Konopka
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anna Konopka,
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Julie D. Atkin,
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37
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Genetic Variability of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Genes Affects Onset, Progression of the Disease and Survival of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050757. [PMID: 35627142 PMCID: PMC9140599 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are recognized as important contributors to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease pathogenesis. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress on ALS susceptibility and modification. One-hundred-and-eighty-five ALS patients and 324 healthy controls were genotyped for nine polymorphisms in seven antioxidant and inflammatory genes using competitive allele-specific PCR. Logistic regression; nonparametric tests and survival analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Investigated polymorphisms were not associated with ALS susceptibility. Carriers of at least one polymorphic SOD2 rs4880 T or IL1B rs1071676 C allele more often had bulbar ALS onset (p = 0.036 and p = 0.039; respectively). IL1B rs1071676 was also associated with a higher rate of disease progression (p = 0.015). After adjustment for clinical parameters; carriers of two polymorphic IL1B rs1071676 C alleles had shorter survival (HR = 5.02; 95% CI = 1.92–13.16; p = 0.001); while carriers of at least one polymorphic CAT rs1001179 T allele had longer survival (HR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.47–0.99; p = 0.046). Our data suggest that common genetic variants in the antioxidant and inflammatory pathways may modify ALS disease. Such genetic information could support the identification of patients that may be responsive to the immune or antioxidant system—based therapies.
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38
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Shibuya K, Otani R, Suzuki YI, Kuwabara S, Kiernan MC. Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Free Radical Toxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Established and Future Targets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040433. [PMID: 35455429 PMCID: PMC9025031 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with evidence of degeneration involving upper and lower motor neuron compartments of the nervous system. Presently, two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been established as being useful in slowing disease progression in ALS. Riluzole possesses anti-glutamatergic properties, while edaravone eliminates free radicals (FRs). Glutamate is the excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and binds to several inotropic receptors. Excessive activation of these receptors generates FRs, inducing neurodegeneration via damage to intracellular organelles and upregulation of proinflammatory mediators. FRs bind to intracellular structures, leading to cellular impairment that contributes to neurodegeneration. As such, excitotoxicity and FR toxicities have been considered as key pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the cascade of degeneration that envelopes neurons in ALS. Recent advanced technologies, including neurophysiological, imaging, pathological and biochemical techniques, have concurrently identified evidence of increased excitability in ALS. This review focuses on the relationship between FRs and excitotoxicity in motor neuronal degeneration in ALS and introduces concepts linked to increased excitability across both compartments of the human nervous system. Within this cellular framework, future strategies to promote therapeutic development in ALS, from the perspective of neuronal excitability and function, will be critically appraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Shibuya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Ryo Otani
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Yo-ichi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence:
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39
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Grossini E, Garhwal D, Venkatesan S, Ferrante D, Mele A, Saraceno M, Scognamiglio A, Mandrioli J, Amedei A, De Marchi F, Mazzini L. The Potential Role of Peripheral Oxidative Stress on the Neurovascular Unit in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: A Preliminary Report from Human and In Vitro Evaluations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030691. [PMID: 35327493 PMCID: PMC8945260 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress, the alteration of mitochondrial function, and changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU) could play a role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Our aim was to analyze the plasma redox system and nitric oxide (NO) in 25 ALS new-diagnosed patients and five healthy controls and the effects of plasma on the peroxidation/mitochondrial function in human umbilical cord-derived endothelial vascular cells (HUVEC) and astrocytes. In plasma, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) were analyzed by using specific assays. In HUVEC/astrocytes, the effects of plasma on the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) and NO, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. In the plasma of ALS patients, an increase in TBARS and a reduction in GSH and NO were found. In HUVEC/astrocytes treated with a plasma of ALS patients, mitoROS increased, whereas cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. Our results show that oxidative stress and NVU play a central role in ALS and suggest that unknown plasma factors could be involved in the disease pathogenesis. Quantifiable changes in ALS plasma related to redox state alterations can possibly be used for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grossini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.G.); (D.G.); (S.V.)
| | - Divya Garhwal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.G.); (D.G.); (S.V.)
| | - Sakthipriyan Venkatesan
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.G.); (D.G.); (S.V.)
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Statistic Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Angelica Mele
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (A.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Massimo Saraceno
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (A.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Ada Scognamiglio
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (A.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (A.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (A.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (F.D.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0321-3733834; Fax: +39-0321-3733298
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Shadfar S, Brocardo M, Atkin JD. The Complex Mechanisms by Which Neurons Die Following DNA Damage in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052484. [PMID: 35269632 PMCID: PMC8910227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cells are exposed to numerous exogenous and endogenous insults every day. Unlike other molecules, DNA cannot be replaced by resynthesis, hence damage to DNA can have major consequences for the cell. The DNA damage response contains overlapping signalling networks that repair DNA and hence maintain genomic integrity, and aberrant DNA damage responses are increasingly described in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, DNA repair declines during aging, which is the biggest risk factor for these conditions. If unrepaired, the accumulation of DNA damage results in death to eliminate cells with defective genomes. This is particularly important for postmitotic neurons because they have a limited capacity to proliferate, thus they must be maintained for life. Neuronal death is thus an important process in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the inability of neurons to divide renders them susceptible to senescence or re-entry to the cell cycle. The field of cell death has expanded significantly in recent years, and many new mechanisms have been described in various cell types, including neurons. Several of these mechanisms are linked to DNA damage. In this review, we provide an overview of the cell death pathways induced by DNA damage that are relevant to neurons and discuss the possible involvement of these mechanisms in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mariana Brocardo
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (S.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
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41
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Modeling axonal regeneration by changing cytoskeletal dynamics in stem cell-derived motor nerve organoids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2082. [PMID: 35136073 PMCID: PMC8827082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress triggers axon degeneration and cell death, leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Spinal motor nerves project very long axons, increasing the burden on axonal transport and metabolism. As such, spinal motor nerves are expected to be susceptible to oxidative stress, but model systems for visualizing and investigating acutely degenerating motor axons are limited. In this study, we establish motor nerve organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with properties similar to those of neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), a population of progenitor cells that comprise the caudal spinal cord. Three-dimensional differentiation of organoids efficiently gave rise to mature motor neurons within 18 days. Adherent organoids showed robust axon fascicles and active growth cones under normal conditions. In addition, more homogenous and efficient generation of motor neurons were achieved when organoids were dissociated into individual cells. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress resulted in a broad range of signs of axon degeneration including the disappearance of growth cones and neurites, axon retraction, axon fragmentation and bleb formation, and apoptotic cell death, whose severity can be reliably quantifiable in our culture system. Remarkably, cytoskeletal drugs modulating actin or microtubule turnover differentially facilitated axon dynamics and increased axon regenerative potential. Taken together, our motor nerve organoid model could be potentially useful for drug screens evaluating the rearrangement of cytoskeletons in regenerating motor axons.
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42
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Trigo D, Avelar C, Fernandes M, Sá J, da Cruz E Silva O. Mitochondria, energy, and metabolism in neuronal health and disease. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1095-1110. [PMID: 35088449 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are associated with various cellular activities critical to homeostasis, particularly in the nervous system. The plastic architecture of the mitochondrial network and its dynamic structure play crucial roles in ensuring that varying energetic demands are rapidly met to maintain neuronal and axonal energy homeostasis. Recent evidence associates ageing and neurodegeneration with anomalous neuronal metabolism, as age-dependent alterations of neuronal metabolism are now believed to occur prior to neurodegeneration. The brain has a high energy demand, which makes it particularly sensitive to mitochondrial dysfunction. Distinct cellular events causing oxidative stress or disruption of metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis can trigger a neuropathology. This review explores the bioenergetic hypothesis for the neurodegenerative pathomechanisms, discussing factors leading to age-related brain hypometabolism and its contribution to cognitive decline. Recent research on the mitochondrial network in healthy nervous system cells, its response to stress and how it is affected by pathology, as well as current contributions to novel therapeutic approaches will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Trigo
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Avelar
- Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fernandes
- Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Juliana Sá
- Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Odete da Cruz E Silva
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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43
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Folarin OR, Olopade FE, Olopade JO. Essential Metals in the Brain and the Application of Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry for their Detection. Niger J Physiol Sci 2021; 36:123-147. [PMID: 35947740 DOI: 10.54548/njps.v36i2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metals are natural component of the ecosystem present throughout the layers of atmosphere; their abundant expression in the brain indicates their importance in the central nervous system (CNS). Within the brain tissue, their distribution is highly compartmentalized, the pattern of which is determined by their primary roles. Bio-imaging of the brain to reveal spatial distribution of metals within specific regions has provided a unique understanding of brain biochemistry and architecture, linking both the structures and the functions through several metal mediated activities. Bioavailability of essential trace metal is needed for normal brain function. However, disrupted metal homeostasis can influence several biochemical pathways in different fields of metabolism and cause characteristic neurological disorders with a typical disease process usually linked with aberrant metal accumulations. In this review we give a brief overview of roles of key essential metals (Iron, Copper and Zinc) including their molecular mechanisms and bio-distribution in the brain as well as their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of related neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we also reviewed recent applications of Laser Ablation Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry (LA-ICP-MS) in the detection of both toxic and essential metal dyshomeostasis in neuroscience research and other related brain diseases.
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44
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D’Antona S, Caramenti M, Porro D, Castiglioni I, Cava C. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Diet Review. Foods 2021; 10:foods10123128. [PMID: 34945679 PMCID: PMC8702143 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease related to upper and lower motor neurons degeneration. Although the environmental and genetic causes of this disease are still unclear, some factors involved in ALS onset such as oxidative stress may be influenced by diet. A higher risk of ALS has been correlated with a high fat and glutamate intake and β-methylamino-L-alanine. On the contrary, a diet based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as curcumin, creatine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and phytochemicals could reduce the risk of ALS. However, data are controversial as there is a discrepancy among different studies due to a limited number of samples and the many variables that are involved. In addition, an improper diet could lead to an altered microbiota and consequently to an altered metabolism that could predispose to the ALS onset. In this review we summarized some research that involve aspects related to ALS such as the epidemiology, the diet, the eating behaviour, the microbiota, and the metabolic diseases. Further research is needed to better comprehend the role of diet and the metabolic diseases in the mechanisms leading to ALS onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D’Antona
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Martina Caramenti
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Danilo Porro
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Isabella Castiglioni
- Department of Physics “G. Occhialini”, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudia Cava
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.lli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Anoar S, Woodling NS, Niccoli T. Mitochondria Dysfunction in Frontotemporal Dementia/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Lessons From Drosophila Models. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:786076. [PMID: 34899176 PMCID: PMC8652125 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.786076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by declining motor and cognitive functions. Even though these diseases present with distinct sets of symptoms, FTD and ALS are two extremes of the same disease spectrum, as they show considerable overlap in genetic, clinical and neuropathological features. Among these overlapping features, mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with both FTD and ALS. Recent studies have shown that cells derived from patients' induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)s display mitochondrial abnormalities, and similar abnormalities have been observed in a number of animal disease models. Drosophila models have been widely used to study FTD and ALS because of their rapid generation time and extensive set of genetic tools. A wide array of fly models have been developed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of toxicity for mutations associated with FTD/ALS. Fly models have been often instrumental in understanding the role of disease associated mutations in mitochondria biology. In this review, we discuss how mutations associated with FTD/ALS disrupt mitochondrial function, and we review how the use of Drosophila models has been pivotal to our current knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifah Anoar
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathaniel S Woodling
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Niccoli
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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46
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Gupta R, Jha A, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Regulatory mechanism of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases in post-mitotic neuronal cell division. Life Sci 2021; 285:120006. [PMID: 34606852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120006] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are the most common life-threatening disease of the central nervous system and it cause the progressive loss of neuronal cells. The exact mechanism of the disease's progression is not clear and thus line of treatment for NDDs is a baffling issue. During the progression of NDDs, oxidative stress and DNA damage play an important regulatory function, and ultimately induces neurodegeneration. Recently, aberrant cell cycle events have been demonstrated in the progression of different NDDs. However, the pertinent role of signaling mechanism, for instance, post-translational modifications, oxidative stress, DNA damage response pathway, JNK/p38 MAPK, MEK/ERK cascade, actively participated in the aberrant cell cycle reentry induced neuronal cell death. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that aberrant cell cycle re-entry is a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of NDDs rather than a secondary phenomenon. In the brain of AD patients with mild cognitive impairment, post miotic cell division can be seen in the early stage of the disease. However, in the brain of PD patients, response to various neurotoxic signals, the cell cycle re-entry has been observed that causes neuronal apoptosis. On contrary, the contributing factors that leads to the induction of cell cycle events in mature neurons in HD and ALS brain pathology is remain unclear. Various pharmacological drugs have been developed to reduce the pathogenesis of NDDs, but they are still not helpful in eliminating the cause of these NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Ankita Jha
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), India.
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Bono S, Feligioni M, Corbo M. Impaired antioxidant KEAP1-NRF2 system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: NRF2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34663413 PMCID: PMC8521937 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species and, together with other numerous pathological mechanisms, leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MAIN BODY Two of the main players in the molecular and cellular response to OS are NRF2, the transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and its principal negative regulator, KEAP1, Kelch-like ECH (erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology)-associated protein 1. Here we first provide an overview of the structural organization, regulation, and critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in counteracting OS, with a focus on its alteration in ALS. We then examine several compounds capable of promoting NRF2 activity thereby inducing cytoprotective effects, and which are currently in different stages of clinical development for many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS Although challenges associated with some of these compounds remain, important advances have been made in the development of safer and more effective drugs that could actually represent a breakthrough for fatal degenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
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48
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Vazquez-Villasenor I, Garwood CJ, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Mortiboys H, Wharton SB. Persistent DNA damage alters the neuronal transcriptome suggesting cell cycle dysregulation and altered mitochondrial function. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6987-7005. [PMID: 34536321 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative DNA damage induces changes in the neuronal cell cycle and activates a DNA damage response (DDR) to promote repair, but these processes may be altered under a chronic oxidative environment, leading to the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage and continued activation of a DDR. Failure to repair DNA damage can lead to apoptosis or senescence, which is characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest. Increased oxidative stress and accumulation of oxidative DNA damage are features of brain ageing and neurodegeneration, but the effects of persistent DNA damage in neurons are not well characterized. We developed a model of persistent oxidative DNA damage in immortalized post-mitotic neurons in vitro by exposing them to a sublethal concentration of hydrogen peroxide following a 'double stress' protocol and performed a detailed characterization of the neuronal transcriptome using microarray analysis. Persistent DNA damage significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DDR and repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function, suggesting an active DDR response to replication stress and alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and functional validation experiments confirmed hyperactivation of mitochondrial Complex I in response to persistent DNA damage. These changes in response to persistent oxidative DNA damage may lead to further oxidative stress, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and ultimately neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire J Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Biomolecular Modifications Linked to Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Determining Promising Biomarkers Related to Oxidative Stress. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9091667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction–oxidation reactions are essential to cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress transcends physiological antioxidative system damage to biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, and modifies their structures. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. The cells present in the central nervous system, including motor neurons, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Neurodegeneration has been demonstrated to be caused by oxidative biomolecular modifications. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. Recent progress in research on the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in ALS has led to the development of disease-modifying therapies, including edaravone. However, the clinical effects of edaravone remain limited, and ALS is a heretofore incurable disease. The reason for the lack of reliable biomarkers and the precise underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS remain unclear. As extracellular proteins and RNAs present in body fluids and represent intracellular pathological neurodegenerative processes, extracellular proteins and/or RNAs are predicted to promise diagnosis, prediction of disease course, and therapeutic biomarkers for ALS. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS, and promising biomarkers indicating the mechanism to determine whether therapy targeting oxidative stress can be fundamental for ALS.
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50
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Liu R, Wang Y, Bai L, Wang R, Wu Y, Liu M, Li Q, Ba Y, Zhang H, Zhou G, Cheng X, Huang H. Time-course miRNA alterations and SIRT1 inhibition triggered by adolescent lead exposure in mice. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:667-676. [PMID: 34484659 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab050] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the NAD-dependent histone deacetylase, has been extensively investigated due to its cognitive protective effect. Studies suggest microRNAs (miRNAs) and histone modifications are key epigenetic regulators of gene expression and play important role in brain development. We previously showed that cognitive impairment by lead (Pb) was associated with downregulation of SIRT1, but the epigenetic role of this is unclear. Thus, we exposed 4-week-old male mice to 0.2% lead acetate solution for three months, and subsequently extracted brain homogenate from mice cortex and hippocampus at the age of 1, 4, and 16 months, respectively. In this study, we found that the protein level of SIRT1 was inhibited in the hippocampus and cortex of 16-month-old aged mice exposed to Pb. Moreover, changes in the levels of miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p, which were considered to the mechanistic target of SIRT1 by bioinformatic analysis, were negative correlations SIRT1 protein expression. We also found miR-34c-3p expression was increased in the cortex of mice at the age of 16 months. Collectively, our results showed the expression of neural SIRT1 and three selected microRNAs at different age nodes of mice for the first time of following Pb exposure. Our results suggest that additional efforts should focus on the consequences of early Pb exposure from an epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Bai
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengchen Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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