1
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Yang W, Chen X, Zhou Y, Tang X, Sun Y, Dong Y, Yang H, Chen Y, Zhang M. Investigation of a Fused in Sarcoma Splicing Mutation in a Chinese Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient. Can J Neurol Sci 2023; 50:891-896. [PMID: 36511129 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.336] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic mutations of fused in sarcoma (FUS) causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may disrupt mRNA splicing events. For example, the FUS c.1394-2delA variant was reported in two western ALS patients, but its molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate FUS splice site mutations in Chinese ALS patients. METHODS Sanger sequencing was used to identify FUS splicing mutations in Chinese ALS patients. We combined a deep learning tool (SpliceAI), RNA sequencing, and RT-PCR/RT-qPCR to analyze the effect of FUS c.1394-2delA mutation on RNA splicing and expression. AlphaFold was used to predict the protein structure of mutant FUS. In transfected cell lines, we used immunofluorescence to assess cytoplasmic mislocalization of mutant FUS protein. RESULTS We identified a de novo FUS splice acceptor site mutation (c.1394-2delA, p. Gly466Valfs*14) in one Chinese sporadic ALS patient, which is linked to exon 14 skipping, and upregulated total FUS mRNA expression. The FUS splice site mutation was predicted to be translated into a truncated protein product at C-terminal. In vitro studies revealed that the FUS mutation increased cytoplasmic mislocalization in both HEK293T and SH-SY5Y cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified a de novo FUS splicing mutation (c.1394-2delA, p. Gly466Valfs*14) in 1 out of 233 Chinese ALS patients. It caused abnormal RNA splicing, upregulated gene expression, truncated FUS translation, and cytosolic mislocalization. Our findings suggested that FUS splice site mutation is rare in Chinese ALS patients and extended our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of the FUS c.1394-2delA mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Yang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Tang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Sun
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Yang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Akçimen F, Lopez ER, Landers JE, Nath A, Chiò A, Chia R, Traynor BJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: translating genetic discoveries into therapies. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:642-658. [PMID: 37024676 PMCID: PMC10611979 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in sequencing technologies and collaborative efforts have led to substantial progress in identifying the genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This momentum has, in turn, fostered the development of putative molecular therapies. In this Review, we outline the current genetic knowledge, emphasizing recent discoveries and emerging concepts such as the implication of distinct types of mutation, variability in mutated genes in diverse genetic ancestries and gene-environment interactions. We also propose a high-level model to synthesize the interdependent effects of genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, and ageing into a unified theory of ALS. Furthermore, we summarize the current status of therapies developed on the basis of genetic knowledge established for ALS over the past 30 years, and we discuss how developing treatments for ALS will advance our understanding of targeting other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Akçimen
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Elia R Lopez
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John E Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, C.N.R, Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta' della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Ruth Chia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Therapeutic Development Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Estévez-Silva HM, Mediavilla T, Giacobbo BL, Liu X, Sultan FR, Marcellino DJ. Pridopidine modifies disease phenotype in a SOD1 mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1356-1372. [PMID: 35080077 PMCID: PMC9305776 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal and incurable neurodegenerative disease due to the loss of upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. Sigma‐1 receptor (σ‐1R) is a ligand‐operated protein that exhibits pro‐survival and anti‐apoptotic properties. In addition, mutations in its codifying gene are linked to development of juvenile ALS pointing to an important role in ALS. Here, we investigated the disease‐modifying effects of pridopidine, a σ‐1R agonist, using a delayed onset SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Mice were administered a continuous release of pridopidine (3.0 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks starting before the appearance of any sign of muscle weakness. Mice were monitored weekly and several behavioural tests were used to evaluate muscle strength, motor coordination and gait patterns. Pridopidine‐treated SOD1 G93A mice showed genotype‐specific effects with the prevention of cachexia. In addition, these effects exhibited significant improvement of motor behaviour 5 weeks after treatment ended. However, the survival of the animals was not extended. In summary, these results show that pridopidine can modify the disease phenotype of ALS‐associated cachexia and motor deficits in a SOD1 G93A mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M Estévez-Silva
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Tomás Mediavilla
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Xijia Liu
- Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fahad R Sultan
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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4
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Berdyński M, Miszta P, Safranow K, Andersen PM, Morita M, Filipek S, Żekanowski C, Kuźma-Kozakiewicz M. SOD1 mutations associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis analysis of variant severity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:103. [PMID: 34996976 PMCID: PMC8742055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting upper and lower motor neurons. The clinical phenotype of ALS shows inter- and intrafamilial heterogeneity. The aim of the study was to analyze the relations between individual SOD1 mutations and the clinical presentation using in silico methods to assess the SOD1 mutations severity. We identified SOD1 causative variants in a group of 915 prospectively tested consecutive Polish ALS patients from a neuromuscular clinical center, performed molecular modeling of mutated SOD1 proteins and in silico analysis of mutation impact on clinical phenotype and survival analysis of associations between mutations and hazard of clinical end-points. Fifteen SOD1 mutations were identified in 21.1% familial and 2.3% sporadic ALS cases. Their effects on SOD1 protein structure and functioning inferred from molecular modeling and in silico analyses correlate well with the clinical data. Molecular modeling results support the hypothesis that folding intermediates rather than mature SOD1 protein give rise to the source of cytotoxic conformations in ALS. Significant associations between type of mutation and clinical end-points were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Berdyński
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Przemysław Miszta
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, 72 Powstańców Wlkp. Str., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mitsuya Morita
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Sławomir Filipek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cezary Żekanowski
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuźma-Kozakiewicz
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. .,Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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5
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Neurofilaments can differentiate ALS subgroups and ALS from common diagnostic mimics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22128. [PMID: 34764380 PMCID: PMC8585882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are frequent in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND). Neurofilament light chain (NFL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH) are elevated in ALS patients. We retrospectively quantified cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NFL, CSF pNFH and plasma NFL in stored samples that were collected at the diagnostic work-up of ALS patients (n = 234), ALS mimics (n = 44) and controls (n = 9). We assessed the diagnostic performance, prognostication value and relationship to the site of onset and genotype. CSF NFL, CSF pNFH and plasma NFL levels were significantly increased in ALS patients compared to patients with neuropathies & myelopathies, patients with myopathies and controls. Furthermore, CSF pNFH and plasma NFL levels were significantly higher in ALS patients than in patients with other MNDs. Bulbar onset ALS patients had significantly higher plasma NFL levels than spinal onset ALS patients. ALS patients with C9orf72HRE mutations had significantly higher plasma NFL levels than patients with SOD1 mutations. Survival was negatively correlated with all three biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristics showed the highest area under the curve for CSF pNFH for differentiating ALS from ALS mimics and for plasma NFL for estimating ALS short and long survival. All three biomarkers have diagnostic value in differentiating ALS from clinically relevant ALS mimics. Plasma NFL levels can be used to differentiate between clinical and genetic ALS subgroups.
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6
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Muratet F, Teyssou E, Chiot A, Boillée S, Lobsiger CS, Bohl D, Gyorgy B, Guegan J, Marie Y, Amador MDM, Salachas F, Meininger V, Bernard E, Antoine JC, Camdessanché JP, Camu W, Cazeneuve C, Fauret-Amsellem AL, Leguern E, Mouzat K, Guissart C, Lumbroso S, Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Grapperon AM, Attarian S, Verschueren A, Seilhean D, Millecamps S. Impact of a frequent nearsplice SOD1 variant in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: optimising SOD1 genetic screening for gene therapy opportunities. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:942-949. [PMID: 33785574 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1), encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase protein, are the second most frequent high penetrant genetic cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) motor neuron disease in populations of European descent. More than 200 missense variants are reported along the SOD1 protein. To limit the production of these aberrant and deleterious SOD1 species, antisense oligonucleotide approaches have recently emerged and showed promising effects in clinical trials. To offer the possibility to any patient with SOD1-ALS to benefit of such a gene therapy, it is necessary to ascertain whether any variant of unknown significance (VUS), detected for example in SOD1 non-coding sequences, is pathogenic. METHODS We analysed SOD1 mutation distribution after SOD1 sequencing in a large cohort of 470 French familial ALS (fALS) index cases. RESULTS We identified a total of 27 SOD1 variants in 38 families including two SOD1 variants located in nearsplice or intronic regions of the gene. The pathogenicity of the c.358-10T>G nearsplice SOD1 variant was corroborated based on its high frequency (as the second most frequent SOD1 variant) in French fALS, the segregation analysis confirmed in eight affected members of a large pedigree, the typical SOD1-related phenotype observed (with lower limb onset and prominent lower motor neuron involvement), and findings on postmortem tissues showing SOD1 misaccumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlighted nearsplice/intronic mutations in SOD1 are responsible for a significant portion of French fALS and suggested the systematic analysis of the SOD1 mRNA sequence could become the method of choice for SOD1 screening, not to miss these specific cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Muratet
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Elisa Teyssou
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Aude Chiot
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Séverine Boillée
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Christian S Lobsiger
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Delphine Bohl
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Beata Gyorgy
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Justine Guegan
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Yannick Marie
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Maria Del Mar Amador
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France.,AP-HP, Département de Neurologie, Centre de référence SLA Ile de France, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Francois Salachas
- AP-HP, Département de Neurologie, Centre de référence SLA Ile de France, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
| | - Vincent Meininger
- Hôpital des Peupliers, Ramsay General Health Group, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Emilien Bernard
- Centre de référence SLA, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Bron, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.,Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Antoine
- Service de Neurologie, Centre de Ressource et de Compétence SLA, Hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Camdessanché
- Service de Neurologie, Centre de Ressource et de Compétence SLA, Hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - William Camu
- Centre de référence SLA, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, CHU de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Cécile Cazeneuve
- Département de Génétique et Cytogénétique, Unité Fonctionnelle de neurogénétique moléculaire et cellulaire, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Anne-Laure Fauret-Amsellem
- Département de Génétique et Cytogénétique, Unité Fonctionnelle de neurogénétique moléculaire et cellulaire, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Eric Leguern
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France.,Département de Génétique et Cytogénétique, Unité Fonctionnelle de neurogénétique moléculaire et cellulaire, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Kevin Mouzat
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHU Nimes, Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.,Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Claire Guissart
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHU Nimes, Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.,Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Serge Lumbroso
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHU Nimes, Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.,Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Centre de référence SLA, Département de Neurologie, CHRU Tours, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France.,UMR 1253, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France.,Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Tours, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | - Aude-Marie Grapperon
- Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Neuromusculaire et la SLA, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, CHU de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Shahram Attarian
- Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Neuromusculaire et la SLA, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, CHU de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Annie Verschueren
- Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Neuromusculaire et la SLA, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, CHU de Marseille, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Danielle Seilhean
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France.,Département de Neuropathologie, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Stéphanie Millecamps
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM,Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, Île de France, France
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7
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Keskin I, Forsgren E, Lehmann M, Andersen PM, Brännström T, Lange DJ, Synofzik M, Nordström U, Zetterström P, Marklund SL, Gilthorpe JD. The molecular pathogenesis of superoxide dismutase 1-linked ALS is promoted by low oxygen tension. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:85-101. [PMID: 30863976 PMCID: PMC6570705 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disease pathogenesis is linked to destabilization, disorder and aggregation of the SOD1 protein. However, the non-genetic factors that promote disorder and the subsequent aggregation of SOD1 have not been studied. Mainly located to the reducing cytosol, mature SOD1 contains an oxidized disulfide bond that is important for its stability. Since O2 is required for formation of the bond, we reasoned that low O2 tension might be a risk factor for the pathological changes associated with ALS development. By combining biochemical approaches in an extensive range of genetically distinct patient-derived cell lines, we show that the disulfide bond is an Achilles heel of the SOD1 protein. Culture of patient-derived fibroblasts, astrocytes, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mixed motor neuron and astrocyte cultures (MNACs) under low O2 tensions caused reductive bond cleavage and increases in disordered SOD1. The effects were greatest in cells derived from patients carrying ALS-linked mutations in SOD1. However, significant increases also occurred in wild-type SOD1 in cultures derived from non-disease controls, and patients carrying mutations in other common ALS-linked genes. Compared to fibroblasts, MNACs showed far greater increases in SOD1 disorder and even aggregation of mutant SOD1s, in line with the vulnerability of the motor system to SOD1-mediated neurotoxicity. Our results show for the first time that O2 tension is a principal determinant of SOD1 stability in human patient-derived cells. Furthermore, we provide a mechanism by which non-genetic risk factors for ALS, such as aging and other conditions causing reduced vascular perfusion, could promote disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Keskin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elin Forsgren
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Manuela Lehmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thomas Brännström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dale J Lange
- Department of Neurology, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrika Nordström
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Zetterström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stefan L Marklund
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan D Gilthorpe
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden.
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8
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Keskin I, Birve A, Berdynski M, Hjertkvist K, Rofougaran R, Nilsson TK, Glass JD, Marklund SL, Andersen PM. Comprehensive analysis to explain reduced or increased SOD1 enzymatic activity in ALS patients and their relatives. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:457-463. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1301481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isil Keskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,
| | - Anna Birve
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,
| | - Mariusz Berdynski
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland,
| | - Karin Hjertkvist
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, and
| | - Reza Rofougaran
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,
| | - Torbjörn K. Nilsson
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, and
| | - Jonathan D. Glass
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stefan L. Marklund
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden, and
| | - Peter M. Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,
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9
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Bonifacino T, Musazzi L, Milanese M, Seguini M, Marte A, Gallia E, Cattaneo L, Onofri F, Popoli M, Bonanno G. Altered mechanisms underlying the abnormal glutamate release in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at a pre-symptomatic stage of the disease. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 95:122-33. [PMID: 27425885 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal Glu release occurs in the spinal cord of SOD1(G93A) mice, a transgenic animal model for human ALS. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying Glu release in spinal cord nerve terminals of SOD1(G93A) mice at a pre-symptomatic disease stage (30days) and found that the basal release of Glu was more elevated in SOD1(G93A) with respect to SOD1 mice, and that the surplus of release relies on synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Exposure to high KCl or ionomycin provoked Ca(2+)-dependent Glu release that was likewise augmented in SOD1(G93A) mice. Equally, the Ca(2+)-independent hypertonic sucrose-induced Glu release was abnormally elevated in SOD1(G93A) mice. Also in this case, the surplus of Glu release was exocytotic in nature. We could determine elevated cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, increased phosphorylation of Synapsin-I, which was causally related to the abnormal Glu release measured in spinal cord synaptosomes of pre-symptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice, and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 at the inhibitory sites, an event that favours SNARE protein assembly. Western blot experiments revealed an increased number of SNARE protein complexes at the nerve terminal membrane, with no changes of the three SNARE proteins and increased expression of synaptotagmin-1 and β-Actin, but not of an array of other release-related presynaptic proteins. These results indicate that the abnormal exocytotic Glu release in spinal cord of pre-symptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice is mainly based on the increased size of the readily releasable pool of vesicles and release facilitation, supported by plastic changes of specific presynaptic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Mara Seguini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Luca Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Franco Onofri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
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10
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He J, Mangelsdorf M, Fan D, Bartlett P, Brown MA. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetic Studies: From Genome-wide Association Mapping to Genome Sequencing. Neuroscientist 2014; 21:599-615. [PMID: 25378359 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414555404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of obscure etiology. Multiple genetic studies have been conducted to advance our understanding of the disease, employing a variety of techniques such as linkage mapping in families, to genome-wide association studies and sequencing based approaches such as whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing and a few epigenetic analyses. While major progress has been made, the majority of the genetic variation involved in ALS is yet to be undefined. The optimal study designs to investigate ALS depend on the genetic model for the disease, and it is likely that different approaches will be required to map genes involved in familial and sporadic disease. The potential approaches and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji He
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marie Mangelsdorf
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Perry Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew A Brown
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
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11
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Milanese M, Giribaldi F, Melone M, Bonifacino T, Musante I, Carminati E, Rossi PI, Vergani L, Voci A, Conti F, Puliti A, Bonanno G. Knocking down metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 improves survival and disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 64:48-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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12
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Rajkumar S, Vasavada AR, Praveen MR, Ananthan R, Reddy GB, Tripathi H, Ganatra DA, Arora AI, Patel AR. Exploration of molecular factors impairing superoxide dismutase isoforms activity in human senile cataractous lenses. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:6224-33. [PMID: 23970468 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-11935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore different molecular factors impairing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms in senile cataractous lenses. METHODS Enzyme activity of SOD isoforms, levels of their corresponding cofactors copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and expression of mRNA transcripts and proteins were determined in the lenses of human subjects with and without cataract. DNA from lens epithelium (LE) and peripheral blood was isolated. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) followed by sequencing was carried out to screen somatic mutations. The impact of intronic insertion/deletion (INDEL) variations on the splicing process and on the resultant transcript was evaluated. Genotyping of IVS4+42delG polymorphism of SOD1 gene was done by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS A significant decrease in Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD activity (P < 0.001) and in Cu/Zn-SOD transcript (P < 0.001) and its protein (P < 0.05) were found in cataractous lenses. No significant change in the level of copper (P = 0.36) and an increase in the level of manganese (P = 0.01) and zinc (P = 0.02) were observed in cataractous lenses. A significant positive correlation between the level of Cu/Zn-SOD activity and the levels of Cu (P = 0.003) and Zn (P = 0.005) was found in the cataractous lenses. DNA sequencing revealed three intronic INDEL variations in exon4 of SOD1 gene. Splice-junction analysis showed the potential of IVS4+42delG in creating a new cryptic acceptor site. If it is involved in alternate splicing, it could result in generation of SOD1 mRNA transcripts lacking exon4 region. Transcript analysis revealed the presence of complete SOD1 mRNA transcripts. Genotyping revealed the presence of IVS4+42delG polymorphism in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS The decrease in the activity of SOD1 isoform in cataractous lenses was associated with the decreased level of mRNA transcripts and their protein expression and was not associated with either modulation in the level of enzyme cofactors or with INDEL variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankaranarayanan Rajkumar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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13
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Saccon RA, Bunton-Stasyshyn RKA, Fisher EMC, Fratta P. Is SOD1 loss of function involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 136:2342-58. [PMID: 23687121 PMCID: PMC3722346 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are causative for familial forms of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. When the first SOD1 mutations were identified they were postulated to give rise to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through a loss of function mechanism, but experimental data soon showed that the disease arises from a—still unknown—toxic gain of function, and the possibility that loss of function plays a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis was abandoned. Although loss of function is not causative for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, here we re-examine two decades of evidence regarding whether loss of function may play a modifying role in SOD1–amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. From analysing published data from patients with SOD1–amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we find a marked loss of SOD1 enzyme activity arising from almost all mutations. We continue to examine functional data from all Sod1 knockout mice and we find obvious detrimental effects within the nervous system with, interestingly, some specificity for the motor system. Here, we bring together historical and recent experimental findings to conclude that there is a possibility that SOD1 loss of function may play a modifying role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This likelihood has implications for some current therapies aimed at knocking down the level of mutant protein in patients with SOD1–amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, the wide-ranging phenotypes that result from loss of function indicate that SOD1 gene sequences should be screened in diseases other than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele A Saccon
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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14
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Synofzik M, Ronchi D, Keskin I, Basak AN, Wilhelm C, Gobbi C, Birve A, Biskup S, Zecca C, Fernández-Santiago R, Kaugesaar T, Schöls L, Marklund SL, Andersen PM. Mutant superoxide dismutase-1 indistinguishable from wild-type causes ALS. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3568-74. [PMID: 22595972 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A reason for screening amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients for mutations in the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene is the opportunity to find novel mutations with properties that can give information on pathogenesis. A novel c.352C>G (L117V) SOD1 mutation was found in two Syrian ALS families living in Europe. The disease showed unusually low penetrance and slow progression. In erythrocytes, the total SOD1 activity, as well as specific activity of the mutant protein, was equal in carriers of the mutation and family controls lacking SOD1 mutations. The structural stabilities of the L117V mutant and wild-type SOD1 under denaturing conditions were likewise equal, but considerably lower than that of murine SOD1. As analyzed with an ELISA specific for misfolded SOD1 species, no differences were found in the content of misfolded SOD1 protein between extracts of fibroblasts from wild-type controls and from an L117V patient. In contrast, elevated levels of misfolded SOD1 protein were found in fibroblasts from ALS patients carrying seven other mutations in the SOD1 gene. We conclude that mutations in SOD1 that result in a fully stable protein are associated with low disease penetrance for ALS and may be found in cases of apparently sporadic ALS. Wild-type human SOD1 is moderately stable, and was found here to be within the stability range of ALS-causing SOD1 variants, lending support to the hypothesis that wild-type SOD1 could be more generally involved in ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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15
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SOD1 Mutations: More to Learn. Can J Neurol Sci 2012; 39:132-3. [DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100013135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Nakanishi ST, Whelan PJ. A decerebrate adult mouse model for examining the sensorimotor control of locomotion. J Neurophysiol 2011; 107:500-15. [PMID: 21994265 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00699.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As wild-type and genetically modified mice are progressively becoming the predominant models for studying locomotor physiology, the technical ability to record sensory and motor components from adult mice, in vivo, are expected to contribute to a better understanding of sensorimotor spinal cord networks. Here, specific technical and surgical details are presented on how to produce an adult decerebrate mouse preparation that can reliably produce sustained bouts of stepping, in vivo, in the absence of anesthetic drugs. Data are presented demonstrating the ability of this preparation to produce stepping during treadmill locomotion, adaptability in its responses to changes in the treadmill speed, and left-right alternation. Furthermore, intracellular recordings from motoneurons and interneurons in the spinal cord are presented from preparations where muscle activity was blocked. Intraaxonal recordings are also presented demonstrating that individual afferents can be recorded using this preparation. These data demonstrate that the adult decerebrate mouse is a tractable preparation for the study of sensorimotor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stan T Nakanishi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Univ. of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N4N1
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17
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Andersen PM, Al-Chalabi A. Clinical genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: what do we really know? Nat Rev Neurol 2011; 7:603-15. [PMID: 21989245 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2011.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 499] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) encompasses a group of genetic disorders characterized by adult-onset loss of the lower and upper motor neuron systems, often with involvement of other parts of the nervous system. Cases of hereditary ALS have been attributed to mutations in 12 different genes, the most common being SOD1, FUS and TARDBP-mutations in the other genes are rare. The identified genes explain 25-35% of cases of familial ALS, but identifying the remaining genes has proved difficult. Only a few genes seem to account for significant numbers of ALS cases, with many others causing a few cases each. Hereditary ALS can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked manner, and families with low disease penetrance are frequently observed. In such families, the genetic predisposition may remain unnoticed, so many patients carry a diagnosis of isolated or sporadic ALS. The only clinical feature that distinguishes recognized hereditary from apparently sporadic ALS is a lower mean age of onset in the former. All the clinical features reported in hereditary cases (including signs of extrapyramidal, cerebellar or cognitive involvement) have also been observed in sporadic cases. Genetic counseling and risk assessment in relatives depend on establishing the specific gene defect and the disease penetrance in the particular family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Andersen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Section for Neurology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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18
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Acevedo-Arozena A, Kalmar B, Essa S, Ricketts T, Joyce P, Kent R, Rowe C, Parker A, Gray A, Hafezparast M, Thorpe JR, Greensmith L, Fisher EMC. A comprehensive assessment of the SOD1G93A low-copy transgenic mouse, which models human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dis Model Mech 2011; 4:686-700. [PMID: 21540242 PMCID: PMC3180233 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.007237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in the death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The disorder generally strikes in mid-life, relentlessly leading to paralysis and death, typically 3-5 years after diagnosis. No effective treatments are available. Up to 10% of ALS is familial, usually autosomal dominant. Several causative genes are known and, of these, mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is by far the most frequently found, accounting for up to 20% of familial ALS. A range of human mutant SOD1 transgenic mouse strains has been produced, and these largely successfully model the human disease. Of these, the most widely used is the SOD1 mouse, which expresses a human SOD1 transgene with a causative G93A mutation. This mouse model is excellent for many purposes but carries up to 25 copies of the transgene and produces a great excess of SOD1 protein, which might affect our interpretation of disease processes. A variant of this strain carries a deletion of the transgene array such that the copy number is dropped to eight to ten mutant SOD1 genes. This 'deleted' 'low-copy' mouse undergoes a slower course of disease, over many months. Here we have carried out a comprehensive analysis of phenotype, including nerve and muscle physiology and histology, to add to our knowledge of this 'deleted' strain and give baseline data for future studies. We find differences in phenotype that arise from genetic background and sex, and we quantify the loss of nerve and muscle function over time. The slowly progressive pathology observed in this mouse strain could provide us with a more appropriate model for studying early-stage pathological processes in ALS and aid the development of therapies for early-stage treatments.
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Cosottini M, Pesaresi I, Piazza S, Diciotti S, Belmonte G, Battaglini M, Ginestroni A, Siciliano G, De Stefano N, Mascalchi M. Magnetization transfer imaging demonstrates a distributed pattern of microstructural changes of the cerebral cortex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:704-8. [PMID: 21436337 PMCID: PMC7965898 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To date, damage of the cerebral cortex neurons in ALS was investigated by using conventional MR imaging and proton MR spectroscopy. We explored the capability of MTI to map the microstructural changes in cerebral motor and extramotor cortices of patients with ALS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with ALS and 17 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. A high-resolution 3D SPGR sequence with and without MT saturation pulses was obtained on a 1.5T scanner to compute MTR values. Using the FMRIB Software Library tools, we automatically computed the MTR of the cerebral cortex GM in 48 regions of the entire cerebral cortex derived from the standard Harvard-Oxford cortical atlas. RESULTS The MTR values were significantly lower in patients with ALS than in healthy controls in the primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus), nonprimary motor areas (superior and middle frontal gyri and superior parietal lobe), and some extramotor areas (frontal pole, planum temporale, and planum polare). No correlation was found between regional MTR values and the severity of clinical deficits or disease duration. CONCLUSIONS MTI analysis can detect the distributed pattern of microstructural changes of the GM in the cerebral cortex of patients with ALS with involvement of both the motor and extramotor areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cosottini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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20
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Long pre-mRNA depletion and RNA missplicing contribute to neuronal vulnerability from loss of TDP-43. Nat Neurosci 2011; 14:459-68. [PMID: 21358643 PMCID: PMC3094729 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 922] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cross-linking and immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing was used to identify binding sites within 6,304 genes as the brain RNA targets for TDP-43, an RNA binding protein which when mutated causes Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Use of massively parallel sequencing and splicing-sensitive junction arrays revealed that levels of 601 mRNAs are changed (including Fus/Tls, progranulin, and other transcripts encoding neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins) and 965 altered splicing events are detected (including in sortilin, the receptor for progranulin), following depletion of TDP-43 from mouse adult brain with antisense oligonucleotides. RNAs whose levels are most depleted by reduction in TDP-43 are derived from genes with very long introns and which encode proteins involved in synaptic activity. Lastly, TDP-43 was found to auto-regulate its synthesis, in part by directly binding and enhancing splicing of an intron within the 3′ untranslated region of its own transcript, thereby triggering nonsense mediated RNA degradation. (147 words)
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