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Sekerková G, Kilic S, Cheng YH, Fredrick N, Osmani A, Kim H, Opal P, Martina M. Phenotypical, genotypical and pathological characterization of the moonwalker mouse, a model of ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106492. [PMID: 38575093 PMCID: PMC11089908 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106492] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a comprehensive study of the morphological, functional, and genetic features of moonwalker (MWK) mice, a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a gain of function of the TRPC3 channel. These mice show numerous behavioral symptoms including tremor, altered gait, circling behavior, impaired motor coordination, impaired motor learning and decreased limb strength. Cerebellar pathology is characterized by early and almost complete loss of unipolar brush cells as well as slowly progressive, moderate loss of Purkinje cell (PCs). Structural damage also includes loss of synaptic contacts from parallel fibers, swollen ER structures, and degenerating axons. Interestingly, no obvious correlation was observed between PC loss and severity of the symptoms, as the phenotype stabilizes around 2 months of age, while the cerebellar pathology is progressive. This is probably due to the fact that PC function is severely impaired much earlier than the appearance of PC loss. Indeed, PC firing is already impaired in 3 weeks old mice. An interesting feature of the MWK pathology that still remains to be explained consists in a strong lobule selectivity of the PC loss, which is puzzling considering that TRPC is expressed in every PC. Intriguingly, genetic analysis of MWK cerebella shows, among other alterations, changes in the expression of both apoptosis inducing and resistance factors possibly suggesting that damaged PCs initiate specific cellular pathways that protect them from overt cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Sekerková
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Sumeyra Kilic
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yen-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Natalie Fredrick
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Anne Osmani
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Haram Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marco Martina
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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2
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Tandon S, Aggarwal P, Sarkar S. Polyglutamine disorders: Pathogenesis and potential drug interventions. Life Sci 2024; 344:122562. [PMID: 38492921 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122562] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Polyglutamine/poly(Q) diseases are a group nine hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused due to abnormally expanded stretches of CAG trinucleotide in functionally distinct genes. All human poly(Q) diseases are characterized by the formation of microscopically discernable poly(Q) positive aggregates, the inclusion bodies. These toxic inclusion bodies are responsible for the impairment of several cellular pathways such as autophagy, transcription, cell death, etc., that culminate in disease manifestation. Although, these diseases remain largely without treatment, extensive research has generated mounting evidences that various events of poly(Q) pathogenesis can be developed as potential drug targets. The present review article briefly discusses the key events of disease pathogenesis, model system-based investigations that support the development of effective therapeutic interventions against pathogenesis of human poly(Q) disorders, and a comprehensive list of pharmacological and bioactive compounds that have been experimentally shown to alleviate poly(Q)-mediated neurotoxicity. Interestingly, due to the common cause of pathogenesis, all poly(Q) diseases share etiology, thus, findings from one disease can be potentially extrapolated to other poly(Q) diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tandon
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Prerna Aggarwal
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India.
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3
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Smith CS, Álvarez Z, Qiu R, Sasselli IR, Clemons T, Ortega JA, Vilela-Picos M, Wellman H, Kiskinis E, Stupp SI. Enhanced Neuron Growth and Electrical Activity by a Supramolecular Netrin-1 Mimetic Nanofiber. ACS NANO 2023; 17:19887-19902. [PMID: 37793046 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are essential not only for guiding the organization of the developing nervous system but also for supporting the survival and growth of neurons after traumatic injury. In the central nervous system (CNS), inhibitory factors and the formation of a glial scar after injury hinder the functional recovery of neurons, requiring exogenous therapies to promote regeneration. Netrin-1, a neurotrophic factor, can initiate axon guidance, outgrowth, and branching, as well as synaptogenesis, through activation of deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) receptors. We report here the development of a nanofiber-shaped supramolecular mimetic of netrin-1 with monomers that incorporate a cyclic peptide sequence as the bioactive component. The mimetic structure was found to activate the DCC receptor in primary cortical neurons using low molar ratios of the bioactive comonomer. The supramolecular nanofibers enhanced neurite outgrowth and upregulated maturation as well as pre- and postsynaptic markers over time, resulting in differences in electrical activity similar to neurons treated with the recombinant netrin-1 protein. The results suggest the possibility of using the supramolecular structure as a therapeutic to promote regenerative bioactivity in CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara S Smith
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Zaida Álvarez
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ruomeng Qiu
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Ivan R Sasselli
- Centro de Fisica de Materiales (CFM), CSIC-UPV/EHU, San Sebastián 20018, Spain
| | - Tristan Clemons
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - J Alberto Ortega
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Marcos Vilela-Picos
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Haley Wellman
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Samuel I Stupp
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Wang Z, Gonzalez KM, Cordova LE, Lu J. Nanotechnology-empowered therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1907. [PMID: 37248794 PMCID: PMC10525015 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are posing pressing health issues due to the high prevalence among aging populations in the 21st century. They are evidenced by the progressive loss of neuronal function, often associated with neuronal necrosis and many related devastating complications. Nevertheless, effective therapeutical strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases remain a tremendous challenge due to the multisystemic nature and limited drug delivery to the central nervous system. As a result, there is a pressing need to develop effective alternative therapeutics to manage the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. By utilizing the functional reconstructive materials and technologies with specific targeting ability at the nanoscale level, nanotechnology-empowered medicines can transform the therapeutic paradigms of neurodegenerative diseases with minimal systemic side effects. This review outlines the current applications and progresses of the nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiren Wang
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Karina Marie Gonzalez
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Leyla Estrella Cordova
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Program, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
- Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721, United States
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5
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Edamakanti CR, Mohan V, Opal P. Reactive Bergmann glia play a central role in spinocerebellar ataxia inflammation via the JNK pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:126. [PMID: 37237366 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02801-1] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are devastating neurological diseases characterized by progressive cerebellar incoordination. While neurons bear the brunt of the pathology, a growing body of evidence suggests that glial cells are also affected. It has, however, been difficult to understand the role of glia, given the diversity of subtypes, each with their individual contributions to neuronal health. Using human SCA autopsy samples we have discovered that Bergmann glia-the radial glia of the cerebellum, which form intimate functional connections with cerebellar Purkinje neurons-display inflammatory JNK-dependent c-Jun phosphorylation. This phosphorylation defines a signaling pathway not observed in other activated glial populations, providing an opportunity to isolate the role of Bergmann glia in SCA inflammation. Turning to an SCA1 mouse model as a paradigmatic SCA, we demonstrate that inhibiting the JNK pathway reduces Bergmann glia inflammation accompanied by improvements in the SCA1 phenotype both behaviorally and pathologically. These findings demonstrate the causal role for Bergmann glia inflammation in SCA1 and point to a novel therapeutic strategy that could span several ataxic syndromes where Bergmann glia inflammation is a major feature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrakanth Reddy Edamakanti
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ward 10-332, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Annexon Biosciences, 1400 Sierra Point Parkway Building C, 2nd Floor, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA.
| | - Vishwa Mohan
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ward 10-332, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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6
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Kerkhof LMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Roon-Mom WMC, Buijsen RAM. Therapeutic Strategies for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050788. [PMID: 37238658 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects one or two individuals per 100,000. The disease is caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 8 of the ATXN1 gene and is characterized mostly by a profound loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, leading to disturbances in coordination, balance, and gait. At present, no curative treatment is available for SCA1. However, increasing knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SCA1 has led the way towards several therapeutic strategies that can potentially slow disease progression. SCA1 therapeutics can be classified as genetic, pharmacological, and cell replacement therapies. These different therapeutic strategies target either the (mutant) ATXN1 RNA or the ataxin-1 protein, pathways that play an important role in downstream SCA1 disease mechanisms or which help restore cells that are lost due to SCA1 pathology. In this review, we will provide a summary of the different therapeutic strategies that are currently being investigated for SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M C Kerkhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Ding Y, Zhang Y, Liu X. Combinational treatments of RNA interference and extracellular vesicles in the spinocerebellar ataxia. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1043947. [PMID: 36311034 PMCID: PMC9606576 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1043947] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease (ND) with a high mortality rate. Symptomatic treatment is the only clinically adopted treatment. However, it has poor effect and serious complications. Traditional diagnostic methods [such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] have drawbacks. Presently, the superiority of RNA interference (RNAi) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in improving SCA has attracted extensive attention. Both can serve as the potential biomarkers for the diagnosing and monitoring disease progression. Herein, we analyzed the basis and prospect of therapies for SCA. Meanwhile, we elaborated the development and application of miRNAs, siRNAs, shRNAs, and EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of SCA. We propose the combination of RNAi and EVs to avoid the adverse factors of their respective treatment and maximize the benefits of treatment through the technology of EVs loaded with RNA. Obviously, the combinational therapy of RNAi and EVs may more accurately diagnose and cure SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xuehong Liu,
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8
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Chen JM, Chen SK, Jin PP, Sun SC. Identification of the ataxin-1 interaction network and its impact on spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:29. [PMID: 35906672 PMCID: PMC9335979 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein. The pathogenic mechanism resulting in SCA1 is still unclear. Protein–protein interactions affect the function and stability of ataxin-1. Methods Wild-type and mutant ataxin-1 were expressed in HEK-293T cells. The levels of expression were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blots. Co-immunoprecipitation was done in HEK-293T cells expressing exogenous wild-type and mutant ataxin-1 using anti-Flag antibody following by tandem affinity purification in order to study protein–protein interactions. The candidate interacting proteins were validated by immunoprecipitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing were performed using HEK-293T cells expressing wild-type or mutant ataxin-1. Results In this study using HEK-293T cells, we found that wild-type ataxin-1 interacted with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206, while mutant ataxin-1 lost its interaction with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206. Two ataxin-1 binding targets containing the core GGAG or AAAT were identified in HEK-293T cells using ChIP-seq. Gene Ontology analysis of the top ataxin-1 binding genes identified SLC6A15, NTF3, KCNC3, and DNAJC6 as functional genes in neurons in vitro. Ataxin-1 also was identified as an RNA-binding protein in HEK-293T cells using RIP-seq, but the polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 had no direct effects on the RNA-binding activity of ataxin-1. Conclusions An expanded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 might interfere with protein–protein or protein–DNA interactions but had little effect on protein–RNA interactions. This study suggested that the dysfunction of protein–protein or protein–DNA interactions is involved in the pathogenesis of SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Ming Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201801, China
| | - Shi-Kai Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201801, China
| | - Pei-Pei Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201801, China
| | - Shun-Chang Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201801, China.
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9
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McElroy GS, Chakrabarty RP, D'Alessandro KB, Hu YS, Vasan K, Tan J, Stoolman JS, Weinberg SE, Steinert EM, Reyfman PA, Singer BD, Ladiges WC, Gao L, Lopéz-Barneo J, Ridge K, Budinger GRS, Chandel NS. Reduced expression of mitochondrial complex I subunit Ndufs2 does not impact healthspan in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5196. [PMID: 35338200 PMCID: PMC8956724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging in mammals leads to reduction in genes encoding the 45-subunit mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I. It has been hypothesized that normal aging and age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s disease are in part due to modest decrease in expression of mitochondrial complex I subunits. By contrast, diminishing expression of mitochondrial complex I genes in lower organisms increases lifespan. Furthermore, metformin, a putative complex I inhibitor, increases healthspan in mice and humans. In the present study, we investigated whether loss of one allele of Ndufs2, the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial complex I, impacts healthspan and lifespan in mice. Our results indicate that Ndufs2 hemizygous mice (Ndufs2+/−) show no overt impairment in aging-related motor function, learning, tissue histology, organismal metabolism, or sensitivity to metformin in a C57BL6/J background. Despite a significant reduction of Ndufs2 mRNA, the mice do not demonstrate a significant decrease in complex I function. However, there are detectable transcriptomic changes in individual cell types and tissues due to loss of one allele of Ndufs2. Our data indicate that a 50% decline in mRNA of the core mitochondrial complex I subunit Ndufs2 is neither beneficial nor detrimental to healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S McElroy
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ram P Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karis B D'Alessandro
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuan-Shih Hu
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karthik Vasan
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jerica Tan
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua S Stoolman
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel E Weinberg
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Steinert
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paul A Reyfman
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin D Singer
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Warren C Ladiges
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lin Gao
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Lopéz-Barneo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Karen Ridge
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - G R Scott Budinger
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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10
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Brooker SM, Edamakanti CR, Akasha SM, Kuo SH, Opal P. Spinocerebellar ataxia clinical trials: opportunities and challenges. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1543-1556. [PMID: 34019331 PMCID: PMC8283160 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of dominantly inherited diseases that share the defining feature of progressive cerebellar ataxia. The disease process, however, is not confined to the cerebellum; other areas of the brain, in particular, the brainstem, are also affected, resulting in a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no disease‐modifying treatments for the SCAs, but preclinical research has led to the development of therapeutic agents ripe for testing in patients. Unfortunately, due to the rarity of these diseases and their slow and variable progression, there are substantial hurdles to overcome in conducting clinical trials. While the epidemiological features of the SCAs are immutable, the feasibility of conducting clinical trials is being addressed through a combination of strategies. These include improvements in clinical outcome measures, the identification of imaging and fluid biomarkers, and innovations in clinical trial design. In this review, we highlight current challenges in initiating clinical trials for the SCAs and also discuss pathways for researchers and clinicians to mitigate these challenges and harness opportunities for clinical trial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Brooker
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Sara M Akasha
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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11
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Edamakanti CR, Opal P. Developmental Alterations in Adult-Onset Neurodegenerative Disorders: Lessons from Polyglutamine Diseases. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1548-1552. [PMID: 34014004 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Faouzi A, Roullin VG. Think Big, Start Small: How Nanomedicine Could Alleviate the Burden of Rare CNS Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:109. [PMID: 33573213 PMCID: PMC7912386 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity and organization of the central nervous system (CNS) is widely modulated by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), which both act as biochemical, dynamic obstacles impeding any type of undesirable exogenous exchanges. The disruption of these barriers is usually associated with the development of neuropathologies which can be the consequence of genetic disorders, local antigenic invasions, or autoimmune diseases. These disorders can take the shape of rare CNS-related diseases (other than Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) which a exhibit relatively low or moderate prevalence and could be part of a potential line of treatments from current nanotargeted therapies. Indeed, one of the most promising therapeutical alternatives in that field comes from the development of nanotechnologies which can be divided between drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, the number of studies dedicated to treating these rare diseases using nanotherapeutics is limited, which is mostly due to a lack of interest from industrial pharmaceutical companies. In the present review, we will provide an overview of some of these rare CNS diseases, discuss the physiopathology of these disorders, shed light on how nanotherapies could be of interest as a credible line of treatment, and finally address the major issues which can hinder the development of efficient therapies in that area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Faouzi
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63131, USA;
| | - Valérie Gaëlle Roullin
- Laboratoire de Nanotechnologies Pharmaceutiques, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Neves-Carvalho A, Duarte-Silva S, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias: emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1099-1119. [PMID: 32962458 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1827394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Six of the most frequent dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) worldwide - SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17 - are caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the corresponding proteins. While the identification of the causative mutation has advanced knowledge on the pathogenesis of polyQ SCAs, effective therapeutics able to mitigate the severe clinical manifestation of these highly incapacitating disorders are not yet available. AREAS COVERED This review provides a comprehensive and critical perspective on well-established and emerging therapeutic targets for polyQ SCAs; it aims to inspire prospective drug discovery efforts. EXPERT OPINION The landscape of polyQ SCAs therapeutic targets and strategies includes (1) the mutant genes and proteins themselves, (2) enhancement of endogenous protein quality control responses, (3) abnormal protein-protein interactions of the mutant proteins, (4) disturbed neuronal function, (5) mitochondrial function, energy availability and oxidative stress, and (6) glial dysfunction, growth factor or hormone imbalances. Challenges include gaining a clearer definition of therapeutic targets for the drugs in clinical development, the discovery of novel drug-like molecules for challenging key targets, and the attainment of a stronger translation of preclinical findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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14
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Lee LKC, Leong LI, Liu Y, Luo M, Chan HYE, Choi CHJ. Preclinical Nanomedicines for Polyglutamine-Based Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Pharm 2020; 18:610-626. [PMID: 32584043 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, such as Huntington's disease and several types of spinocerebellar ataxias, are dominantly inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorders and characterized by the presence of expanded CAG trinucleotide repeats in the respective disease locus of the patient genomes. Patients with polyQ diseases currently need to rely on symptom-relieving treatments because disease-modifying therapeutic interventions remain scarce. Many disease-modifying therapeutic agents are now under clinical testing for treating polyQ diseases, but their delivery to the brain is often too invasive (e.g., intracranial injection) or inefficient, owing to in vivo degradation and clearance by physiological barriers (e.g., oral and intravenous administration). Nanoparticles provide a feasible solution for improving drug delivery to the brain, as evidenced by an increasing number of preclinical studies that document the efficacy of nanomedicines for polyQ diseases over the past 5-6 years. In this review, we present the pathogenic mechanisms of polyQ diseases, the common animal models of polyQ diseases for evaluating the efficacy of nanomedicines, and the common administration routes for delivering nanoparticles to the brain. Next, we summarize the recent preclinical applications of nanomedicines for treating polyQ diseases and improving neurological conditions in vivo, placing emphasis on antisense oligonucleotides, small peptide inhibitors, and small molecules as the disease-modifying agents. We conclude with our perspectives of the burgeoning field of "nanomedicines for polyQ diseases", including the use of inorganic nanoparticles and potential drugs as next-generation nanomedicines, development of higher-order animal models of polyQ diseases, and importance of "brain-nano" interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meihua Luo
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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15
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Srinivasan SR, Shakkottai VG. Moving Towards Therapy in SCA1: Insights from Molecular Mechanisms, Identification of Novel Targets, and Planning for Human Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:999-1008. [PMID: 31338702 PMCID: PMC6985354 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. The SCAs result in progressive gait imbalance, incoordination of the limbs, speech changes, and oculomotor dysfunction, among other symptoms. Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these diseases. Although multiple efforts using a combination of genetics and pharmacology with small molecules have been made towards developing new therapeutics, no FDA approved treatment currently exists. In this review, we focus on SCA1, a common SCA subtype, in which some of the greatest advances have been made in understanding disease biology, and consequently potential therapeutic targets. Understanding of the underlying basic biology and targets of therapy in SCA1 is likely to give insight into treatment strategies in other SCAs. The diversity of the biology in the SCAs, and insight from SCA1 suggests, however, that both shared treatment strategies and specific approaches tailored to treat distinct genetic causes of SCA are likely needed for this group of devastating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 4009 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.
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Lu J, Guan F, Cui F, Sun X, Zhao L, Wang Y, Wang X. Enhanced angiogenesis by the hyaluronic acid hydrogels immobilized with a VEGF mimetic peptide in a traumatic brain injury model in rats. Regen Biomater 2019; 6:325-334. [PMID: 31827886 PMCID: PMC6897340 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in brain injury repair, which contributes to the reconstruction of regenerative neurovascular niche for promoting axonal regeneration in the lesion area. As a major component of developing brain extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid (HA) has attracted more attention as a supporting matrix for brain repair. In the present study, HA-KLT hydrogel was developed via modifying HA with a VEGF mimetic peptide of KLT (KLTWQELYQLKYKGI). The characterization of the hydrogel shows that it could provide a porous, three-dimensional scaffold structure, which has a large specific surface area available for cell adhesion and interaction. Compared with the unmodified HA hydrogel, the HA-KLT hydrogel could effectively promote the attachment, spreading and proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, the pro-angiogenic ability of hydrogels in vivo was evaluated by implanting them into the lesion cavities in the injured rat brain. Our results showed that the hydrogels could form a permissive interface with the host tissues at 4 weeks after implantation. Moreover, they could efficiently inhibit the formation of glial scars at the injured sites. The HA-KLT hydrogel could significantly increase the expression of endoglin/CD105 and promote the formation of blood vessels, suggesting that HA-KLT hydrogel promoted angiogenesis in vivo. Collectively, the HA-KLT hydrogel has the potential to repair brain defects by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting the formation of glial-derived scar tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaju Lu
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fengyi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fuzhai Cui
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lingyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Beijing Center of Neutral Regeneration and Repair, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Iscen A, Schatz GC. Hofmeister Effects on Peptide Amphiphile Nanofiber Self-Assembly. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:7006-7013. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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