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Bao J, Qiu Y, Xu X, Fu X, Song J, Wang L, Huang L, Zhang W. Towards an optimized model of food allergy in zebrafish. Mol Immunol 2024; 173:110-116. [PMID: 39106608 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.07.014] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise, posing a significant challenge to public health. Rodents serve as the predominant animal model in food allergy research; yet, the application of rodent models proves to be a laborious and time-consuming endeavor. It is imperative to develop novel in vivo models. METHODS Ovalbumin (OVA) was administered as the allergen, following the recommended dosage used in other species. During the sensitization phase, a dosage of 0.25 mg per 10 tails per 1 L was administered twice daily, and during the challenge phase, the dosage was increased to 3 times the initial level. The study explored two dimensions of sensitization: the mode of exposure, which can be either continuous or intermittent, and the duration of exposure, which includes 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days. We examined midgut pathological changes, immunoglobulins contents, and mRNA expressions associated to T helper cells (Th) 2 cytokines following exposure. RESULTS A significant 109.3 % increase in the number of eosinophils was observed in the midgut histopathology following intermittent 5-day OVA exposure, which emerged as the most effective model. OVA exposure increased concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (105.2 %), IgZ (312.1 %), and IgD (304.3 %) in this model. The mRNA expressions of Th2-related interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 were also elevated by 132.8 % and 421.0 %, respectively. CONCLUSION The intermittent 5-day OVA exposure was suggested to be the best constructed zebrafish food allergy model, which may be a potential tool for research into food allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Bao
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 3333 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yushu Qiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Children's Hospital, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinyi Xu
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiao Fu
- the Departments of Radiology, Changhai Hospital, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lisu Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 3333 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310052, China.
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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Gawel K, Hulas-Stasiak M, Marszalek-Grabska M, Grenda A, Siekierska A, Kosheva N, van der Ent W, Esguerra CV, Krawczyk P, Turski WA. Induction of seizures and initiation of epileptogenesis by pilocarpine in zebrafish larvae. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1418606. [PMID: 39165716 PMCID: PMC11333333 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1418606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Preclinical models of seizures and epilepsy in rodents contributed substantially to the discovery of currently available antiseizure medications. These were also broadly used for investigation of processes of epileptogenesis. Nevertheless, rodent models pose some limitations, thus, new models using alternative species are in high demand. The aim of this study was to describe a new model of seizures/epilepsy induced by the cholinomimetic agent, pilocarpine (PILO), in larval zebrafish. Methods Local field potential (LFP) recordings were conducted to analyze electroencephalographic discharges and correlate it with larval behavior. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, as well as TUNEL staining were performed to analyze morphology and apoptosis, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was undertaken for gene expression analysis. Results Acute exposure to PILO, in a concentration-dependent manner, induces electroencephalographic discharges in larval zebrafish, which behaviorally manifest as decreased locomotion and moving time, but enhanced movement velocity. The PILO-induced seizure-like activity is behaviorally distinct from this induced by the application of chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Zebrafish larvae previously exposed to PILO (2 h), after a washing out period, exhibit spontaneous, unprovoked discharges and apoptotic changes in their brains. Significance Here, we comprehensively investigated a new model of PILO-induced seizures/epilepsy in larval zebrafish. We propose that this model may be used to study epileptogenesis and for antiseizure drug screening purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Hulas-Stasiak
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Siekierska
- VirusBank Platform, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nataliia Kosheva
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Forskningsparken, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Forskningsparken, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pawel Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Whyte-Fagundes PA, Vance A, Carroll A, Figueroa F, Manukyan C, Baraban SC. Testing of putative antiseizure medications in a preclinical Dravet syndrome zebrafish model. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae135. [PMID: 38707709 PMCID: PMC11069116 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe genetic epilepsy primarily caused by de novo mutations in a voltage-activated sodium channel gene (SCN1A). Patients face life-threatening seizures that are largely resistant to available anti-seizure medications. Preclinical Dravet syndrome animal models are a valuable tool to identify candidate anti-seizure medications for these patients. Among these, scn1lab mutant zebrafish, exhibiting spontaneous seizure-like activity, are particularly amenable to large-scale drug screening. Thus far, we have screened more than 3000 drug candidates in scn1lab zebrafish mutants, identifying valproate, stiripentol, and fenfluramine e.g. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, with clinical application in the Dravet syndrome population. Successful phenotypic screening in scn1lab mutant zebrafish is rigorous and consists of two stages: (i) a locomotion-based assay measuring high-velocity convulsive swim behaviour and (ii) an electrophysiology-based assay, using in vivo local field potential recordings, to quantify electrographic seizure-like events. Historically, nearly 90% of drug candidates fail during translation from preclinical models to the clinic. With such a high failure rate, it becomes necessary to address issues of replication and false positive identification. Leveraging our scn1lab zebrafish assays is one approach to address these problems. Here, we curated a list of nine anti-seizure drug candidates recently identified by other groups using preclinical Dravet syndrome models: 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, AA43279, chlorzoxazone, donepezil, lisuride, mifepristone, pargyline, soticlestat and vorinostat. First-stage locomotion-based assays in scn1lab mutant zebrafish identified only 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, chlorzoxazone and lisuride. However, second-stage local field potential recording assays did not show significant suppression of spontaneous electrographic seizure activity for any of the nine anti-seizure drug candidates. Surprisingly, soticlestat induced frank electrographic seizure-like discharges in wild-type control zebrafish. Taken together, our results failed to replicate clear anti-seizure efficacy for these drug candidates highlighting a necessity for strict scientific standards in preclinical identification of anti-seizure medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Whyte-Fagundes
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anjelica Vance
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aloe Carroll
- Behavioral Neurosciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Francisco Figueroa
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Catherine Manukyan
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Scott C Baraban
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Doldur-Balli F, Smieszek SP, Keenan BT, Zimmerman AJ, Veatch OJ, Polymeropoulos CM, Birznieks G, Polymeropoulos MH. Screening effects of HCN channel blockers on sleep/wake behavior in zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1375484. [PMID: 38567282 PMCID: PMC10986788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels generate electrical rhythmicity in various tissues although primarily heart, retina and brain. The HCN channel blocker compound, Ivabradine (Corlanor), is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medication to lower heart rate by blocking hyperpolarization activated inward current in the sinoatrial node. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests a role for HCN channels in regulation of sleep/wake behavior. Zebrafish larvae are ideal model organisms for high throughput drug screening, drug repurposing and behavioral phenotyping studies. We leveraged this model system to investigate effects of three HCN channel blockers (Ivabradine, Zatebradine Hydrochloride and ZD7288) at multiple doses on sleep/wake behavior in wild type zebrafish. Results of interest included shorter latency to daytime sleep at 0.1 μM dose of Ivabradine (ANOVA, p: 0.02), moderate reduction in average activity at 30 μM dose of Zatebradine Hydrochloride (ANOVA, p: 0.024) in daytime, and increased nighttime sleep at 4.5 μM dose of ZD7288 (ANOVA, p: 0.036). Taken together, shorter latency to daytime sleep, decrease in daytime activity and increased nighttime sleep indicate that different HCN channel antagonists affected different parameters of sleep and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Doldur-Balli
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Brendan T. Keenan
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amber J. Zimmerman
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Olivia J. Veatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | | | - Gunther Birznieks
- Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, United States
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Nieoczym D, Marszalek-Grabska M, Szalak R, Kundap U, Kaczor AA, Wrobel TM, Kosheva N, Komar M, Abram M, Esguerra CV, Samarut E, Pieróg M, Jakubiec M, Kaminski K, Kukula-Koch W, Gawel K. A comprehensive assessment of palmatine as anticonvulsant agent - In vivo and in silico studies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116234. [PMID: 38325264 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116234] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that palmatine (PALM) - an isoquinoline alkaloid from Berberis sibrica radix, exerted antiseizure activity in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure assay in larval zebrafish. The aim of the present study was to more precisely characterize PALM as a potential anticonvulsant drug candidate. A range of zebrafish and mouse seizure/epilepsy models were applied in the investigation. Immunostaining analysis was conducted to assess the changes in mouse brains, while in silico molecular modelling was performed to determine potential targets for PALM. Accordingly, PALM had anticonvulsant effect in ethyl 2-ketopent-4-enoate (EKP)-induced seizure assay in zebrafish larvae as well as in the 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizure threshold and timed infusion PTZ tests in mice. The protective effect in the EKP-induced seizure assay was confirmed in the local field potential recordings. PALM did not affect seizures in the gabra1a knockout line of zebrafish larvae. In the scn1Lab-/- zebrafish line, pretreatment with PALM potentiated seizure-like behaviour of larvae. Repetitive treatment with PALM, however, did not reduce development of PTZ-induced seizure activity nor prevent the loss of parvalbumin-interneurons in the hippocampus of the PTZ kindled mice. In silico molecular modelling revealed that the noted anticonvulsant effect of PALM in EKP-induced seizure assay might result from its interactions with glutamic acid decarboxylase and/or via AMPA receptor non-competitive antagonism. Our study has demonstrated the anticonvulsant activity of PALM in some experimental models of seizures, including a model of pharmacoresistant seizures induced by EKP. These results indicate that PALM might be a suitable new drug candidate but the precise mechanism of its anticonvulsant activity has to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Nieoczym
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka Str. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Szalak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, 12 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Uday Kundap
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Canada East Spine Centre, Saint John Regional Hospital, Department of Spine and Orthopaedics surgery, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, NB E2L 4L4, Canada
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodżki St., PL-20093 Lublin, Poland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomasz M Wrobel
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodżki St., PL-20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Nataliia Kosheva
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Komar
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, 12 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michal Abram
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Eric Samarut
- Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CRCHUM), Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Neurosciences Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mateusz Pieróg
- Chair of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka Str. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Jakubiec
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kaminski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki Str. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
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Whyte-Fagundes P, Vance A, Carroll A, Figueroa F, Manukyan C, Baraban SC. Testing of putative antiseizure drugs in a preclinical Dravet syndrome zebrafish model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.11.566723. [PMID: 38014342 PMCID: PMC10680609 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.11.566723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe genetic epilepsy primarily caused by de novo mutations in a voltage-activated sodium channel gene (SCN1A). Patients face life-threatening seizures that are largely resistant to available anti-seizure medications (ASM). Preclinical DS animal models are a valuable tool to identify candidate ASMs for these patients. Among these, scn1lab mutant zebrafish exhibiting spontaneous seizure-like activity are particularly amenable to large-scale drug screening. Prior screening in a scn1lab mutant zebrafish line generated using N-ethyl-Nnitrosourea (ENU) identified valproate, stiripentol, and fenfluramine e.g., Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs with clinical application in the DS population. Successful phenotypic screening in scn1lab mutant zebrafish consists of two stages: (i) a locomotion-based assay measuring high-velocity convulsive swim behavior and (ii) an electrophysiology-based assay, using in vivo local field potential (LFP) recordings, to quantify electrographic seizure-like events. Using this strategy more than 3000 drug candidates have been screened in scn1lab zebrafish mutants. Here, we curated a list of nine additional anti-seizure drug candidates recently identified in preclinical models: 1-EBIO, AA43279, chlorzoxazone, donepezil, lisuride, mifepristone, pargyline, soticlestat and vorinostat. First-stage locomotion-based assays in scn1lab mutant zebrafish identified only 1-EBIO, chlorzoxazone and lisuride. However, second-stage LFP recording assays did not show significant suppression of spontaneous electrographic seizure activity for any of the nine anti-seizure drug candidates. Surprisingly, soticlestat induced frank electrographic seizure-like discharges in wild-type control zebrafish. Taken together, our results failed to replicate clear anti-seizure efficacy for these drug candidates highlighting a necessity for strict scientific standards in preclinical identification of ASMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Whyte-Fagundes
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Vance
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Carroll
- Behavioral Neurosciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - F Figueroa
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - C Manukyan
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - S C Baraban
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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7
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Chitolina R, Gallas-Lopes M, Reis CG, Benvenutti R, Stahlhofer-Buss T, Calcagnotto ME, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review. Epilepsy Res 2023; 197:107236. [PMID: 37801749 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Chitolina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thailana Stahlhofer-Buss
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Neuroquímica da Excitabilidade Neuronal e Plasticidade Sináptica (NNNESP Lab), Departamento de bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Sri Hari A, Banerji R, Liang LP, Fulton RE, Huynh CQ, Fabisiak T, McElroy PB, Roede JR, Patel M. Increasing glutathione levels by a novel posttranslational mechanism inhibits neuronal hyperexcitability. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102895. [PMID: 37769522 PMCID: PMC10539966 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with DMP elevated GSH and inhibited a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker (4-aminopyridine, 4AP) induced neuronal hyperexcitability. DMP increased GSH in wildtype (WT) zebrafish larvae and significantly attenuated convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute 'seizure-like' swim behavior. DMP treatment increased GSH and inhibited convulsive, spontaneous 'seizure-like' swim behavior in the Dravet Syndrome (DS) zebrafish larvae (scn1Lab). Furthermore, DMP treatment significantly decreased spontaneous electrographic seizures and associated seizure parameters in scn1Lab zebrafish larvae. We investigated the role of the redox-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway due to the presence of several cysteine-rich proteins and their involvement in regulating neuronal excitability. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with 4AP or l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly increased mTOR complex I (mTORC1) activity which was rescued by pre-treatment with DMP. Furthermore, BSO-mediated GSH depletion oxidatively modified the tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC) consisting of hamartin (TSC1), tuberin (TSC2), and TBC1 domain family member 7 (TBC1D7) which are critical negative regulators of mTORC1. In summary, our results suggest that DMP-mediated GSH elevation by a novel post-translational mechanism can inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability both in-vitro and in-vivo and a plausible link is the redox sensitive mTORC1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sri Hari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rajeswari Banerji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Li-Ping Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ruth E Fulton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher Quoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Timothy Fabisiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pallavi Bhuyan McElroy
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Greater Philadelphia Area, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - James R Roede
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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9
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Zizioli D, Ferretti S, Tiecco G, Mignani L, Monti E, Castelli F, Quiros-Roldan E, Zanella I. Comparison of Efavirenz and Doravirine Developmental Toxicity in an Embryo Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11664. [PMID: 37511423 PMCID: PMC10380689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411664] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past, one of the most widely used non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) of HIV infection was efavirenz (EFV), which is already used as a cost-effective treatment in developing countries due to its efficacy, tolerability, and availability. However, EFV also demonstrates several adverse effects, like hepatotoxicity, altered lipid profile, neuropsychological symptoms, and behavioral effects in children after in utero exposure. In 2018, another NNRTI, doravirine (DOR), was approved due to its similar efficacy but better safety profile. Preclinical safety studies demonstrated that DOR is not genotoxic and exhibits no developmental toxicity or effects on fertility in rats. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos have been widely accepted as a vertebrate model for pharmacological and developmental studies. We used zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model to investigate the developmental toxicity of DOR compared to EFV. After exposure of the embryos to the drugs from the gastrula stage up to different developmental stages (30 embryos for each arm, in three independent experiments), we assessed their survival, morphology, hatching rate, apoptosis in the developing head, locomotion behavior, vasculature development, and neutral lipid distribution. Overall, DOR showed a better safety profile than EFV in our model. Therapeutic and supra-therapeutic doses of DOR induced very low mortality [survival rates: 92, 90, 88, 88, and 81% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 24 h post fecundation (hpf), and 88, 85, 88, 89, and 75% at the same doses, respectively, at 48 hpf] and mild morphological alterations compared to EFV exposure also in the sub-therapeutic ranges (survival rates: 80, 77, 69, 63, and 44% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 24 hpf and 72, 70, 63, 52, and 0% at the same doses, respectively, at 48 hpf). Further, DOR only slightly affected the hatching rate at supra-therapeutic doses (97, 98, 96, 87, and 83% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 72 hpf), while EFV already strongly reduced hatching at sub-therapeutic doses (83, 49, 11, 0, and 0% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at the same time endpoint). Both DOR at therapeutic doses and most severely EFV at sub-therapeutic doses enhanced apoptosis in the developing head during crucial phases of embryo neurodevelopment and perturbed the locomotor behavior. Furthermore, EFV strongly affected angiogenesis and disturbed neutral lipid homeostasis even at sub-therapeutic doses compared to DOR at therapeutic concentrations. Our findings in zebrafish embryos add further data confirming the higher safety of DOR with respect to EFV regarding embryo development, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and lipid metabolism. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the better pharmacological safety profile of DOR, and further human studies are required to confirm these results in the zebrafish animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Ferretti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tiecco
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Isabella Zanella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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10
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Sourbron J, Lagae L. Fenfluramine: a plethora of mechanisms? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1192022. [PMID: 37251322 PMCID: PMC10213522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1192022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are rare, treatment-resistant epilepsies with high seizure burden and non-seizure comorbidities. The antiseizure medication (ASM) fenfluramine is an effective treatment for reducing seizure frequency, ameliorating comorbidities, and potentially reducing risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, among other rare epilepsies. Fenfluramine has a unique mechanism of action (MOA) among ASMs. Its primary MOA is currently described as dual-action sigma-1 receptor and serotonergic activity; however, other mechanisms may be involved. Here, we conduct an extensive review of the literature to identify all previously described mechanisms for fenfluramine. We also consider how these mechanisms may play a role in the reports of clinical benefit in non-seizure outcomes, including SUDEP and everyday executive function. Our review highlights the importance of serotonin and sigma-1 receptor mechanisms in maintaining a balance between excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA]-ergic) neural networks, and suggests that these mechanisms may represent primary pharmacological MOAs in seizures, non-seizure comorbidities, and SUDEP. We also describe ancillary roles for GABA neurotransmission, noradrenergic neurotransmission, and the endocrine system (especially such progesterone derivatives as neuroactive steroids). Dopaminergic activity underlies appetite reduction, a common side effect with fenfluramine treatment, but any involvement in seizure reduction remains speculative. Further research is underway to evaluate promising new biological pathways for fenfluramine. A better understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms for fenfluramine in reducing seizure burden and non-seizure comorbidities may allow for rational drug design and/or improved clinical decision-making when prescribing multi-ASM regimens.
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11
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Costa B, Vale N. Efavirenz: History, Development and Future. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010088. [PMID: 36671473 PMCID: PMC9855767 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Efavirenz (Sustiva®) is a first-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection or to prevent the spread of HIV. In 1998, the FDA authorized efavirenz for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Patients formerly required three 200 mg efavirenz capsules daily, which was rapidly updated to a 600 mg tablet that only required one tablet per day. However, when given 600 mg once daily, plasma efavirenz concentrations were linked not only to poor HIV suppression but also to toxicity. Clinical data suggested that the standard dose of efavirenz could be reduced without compromising its effectiveness, resulting in a reduction in side effects and making the drug more affordable. Therefore, ENCORE1 was performed to compare the efficiency and safeness of a reduced dose of efavirenz (400 mg) with the standard dose (600 mg) plus two NRTI in antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected individuals. Nowadays, due to the emergence of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), some consider that it is time to stop using efavirenz as a first-line treatment on a global scale, in the parts of the world where that is possible. Efavirenz has been a primary first-line antiviral drug for more than 15 years. However, at this moment, the best use for efavirenz could be for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and repurposing in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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12
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Moog M, Baraban SC. Clemizole and Trazodone are Effective Antiseizure Treatments in a Zebrafish Model of STXBP1 Disorder. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:504-511. [PMID: 35451230 PMCID: PMC9436285 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-generated zebrafish carrying a 12 base-pair deletion in stxbpb1b, a paralog sharing 79% amino acid sequence identity with human, exhibit spontaneous electrographic seizures during larval stages of development. Zebrafish stxbp1b mutants provide an efficient preclinical platform to test antiseizure therapeutics. The present study was designed to test antiseizure medications approved for clinical use and two recently identified repurposed drugs with antiseizure activity. Larval homozygous stxbp1b zebrafish (4 days post-fertilization) were agarose-embedded and monitored for electrographic seizure activity using a local field recording electrode placed in midbrain. Frequency of ictal-like events was evaluated at baseline and following 45 min of continuous drug exposure (1 mM, bath application). Analysis was performed on coded files by an experimenter blinded to drug treatment and genotype. Phenytoin, valproate, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and diazepam had no effect on ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish. Clemizole and trazodone decreased ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish by 80% and 83%, respectively. These results suggest that repurposed drugs with serotonin receptor binding affinities could be effective antiseizure treatments. Clemizole and trazodone were previously identified in a larval zebrafish model for Dravet syndrome. Based primarily on these preclinical zebrafish studies, compassionate-use and double-blind clinical trials with both drugs have progressed. The present study extends this approach to a preclinical zebrafish model representing STXBP1-related disorders, and suggests that future clinical studies may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Moog
- Department of Neurological Surgery & Weill Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott C. Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery & Weill Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Sourbron J, Lagae L. Serotonin receptors in epilepsy: novel treatment targets? Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:231-246. [PMID: 35075810 PMCID: PMC9159250 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of over 30 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no “one size fits it all,” so there is a continuing search for novel ASMs. There are divergent data demonstrating that modulation of distinct serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) receptors subtypes could be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities, whereas only a few ASM, such as fenfluramine (FA), act via 5‐HT. There are 14 different 5‐HT receptor subtypes, and most epilepsy studies focus on one or a few of these subtypes, using different animal models and different ligands. We reviewed the available evidence of each 5‐HT receptor subtype using MEDLINE up to July 2021. Our search included medical subject heading (MeSH) and free terms of each “5‐HT subtype” separately and its relation to “epilepsy or seizures.” Most research underlines the antiseizure activity of 5‐HT1A,1D,2A,2C,3 agonism and 5‐HT6 antagonism. Consistently, FA, which has recently been approved for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome, is an agonist of 5‐HT1D,2A,2C receptors. Even though each study focused on a distinct seizure/epilepsy type and generalization of different findings could lead to false interpretations, we believe that the available preclinical and clinical studies emphasize the role of serotonergic modulation, especially stimulation, as a promising avenue in epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Crouzier L, Richard EM, Sourbron J, Lagae L, Maurice T, Delprat B. Use of Zebrafish Models to Boost Research in Rare Genetic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13356. [PMID: 34948153 PMCID: PMC8706563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases are a group of pathologies with often unmet clinical needs. Even if rare by a single genetic disease (from 1/2000 to 1/more than 1,000,000), the total number of patients concerned account for approximatively 400 million peoples worldwide. Finding treatments remains challenging due to the complexity of these diseases, the small number of patients and the challenge in conducting clinical trials. Therefore, innovative preclinical research strategies are required. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful animal model for investigating rare diseases. Zebrafish combines conserved vertebrate characteristics with high rate of breeding, limited housing requirements and low costs. More than 84% of human genes responsible for diseases present an orthologue, suggesting that the majority of genetic diseases could be modelized in zebrafish. In this review, we emphasize the unique advantages of zebrafish models over other in vivo models, particularly underlining the high throughput phenotypic capacity for therapeutic screening. We briefly introduce how the generation of zebrafish transgenic lines by gene-modulating technologies can be used to model rare genetic diseases. Then, we describe how zebrafish could be phenotyped using state-of-the-art technologies. Two prototypic examples of rare diseases illustrate how zebrafish models could play a critical role in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases and their use to identify innovative therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Elodie M. Richard
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Benjamin Delprat
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
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15
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Zhou J, Liang W, Wang J, Chen J, Liu D, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Shen D. An epileptic encephalopathy associated GABRG2 missense mutation leads to pre- and postsynaptic defects in zebrafish. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:3216-3230. [PMID: 34957497 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor γ2 subunit gene, GABRG2, have been associated with a variety of epilepsy syndromes. A de novo mutation (c.T1027C, p.F343L) in GABRG2 was identified in a patient with early onset epileptic encephalopathy. Zebrafish overexpressing mutant human GABRG2 (F343L) subunits displayed spontaneous seizure activity and convulsive behaviors. In this study, we demonstrated that Tg (hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish displayed hyperactivity during light phase with normal circadian rhythm, as well as increased drug-induced locomotor activity. Real-time quantitative PCR, whole mount in situ hybridization and western blotting showed that Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish had altered expression of GABAA receptor subunits. Furthermore, investigation of synaptic protein expression and synapse ultrastructure uncovered a robust synaptic phenotype that is causally linked to GABRG2(F343L) mutation. Strikingly, Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish not only had postsynaptic defects, but also displayed an unanticipated deficit at the presynaptic level. Overall, our Tg(hGABRG2F343L) overexpression zebrafish model has expanded the GABAergic paradigm in epileptic encephalopathy from channelopathy to synaptopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenpeng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Science, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Youjia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Department of Neurology & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Hotz AL, Jamali A, Rieser NN, Niklaus S, Aydin E, Myren‐Svelstad S, Lalla L, Jurisch‐Yaksi N, Yaksi E, Neuhauss SCF. Loss of glutamate transporter eaat2a leads to aberrant neuronal excitability, recurrent epileptic seizures, and basal hypoactivity. Glia 2021; 70:196-214. [PMID: 34716961 PMCID: PMC9297858 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2, GLT‐1, and SLC1A2) regulates the duration and extent of neuronal excitation by removing glutamate from the synaptic cleft. Hence, an impairment in EAAT2 function could lead to an imbalanced brain network excitability. Here, we investigated the functional alterations of neuronal and astroglial networks associated with the loss of function in the astroglia predominant eaat2a gene in zebrafish. We observed that eaat2a−/− mutant zebrafish larvae display recurrent spontaneous and light‐induced seizures in neurons and astroglia, which coincide with an abrupt increase in extracellular glutamate levels. In stark contrast to this hyperexcitability, basal neuronal and astroglial activity was surprisingly reduced in eaat2a−/− mutant animals, which manifested in decreased overall locomotion. Our results reveal an essential and mechanistic contribution of EAAT2a in balancing brain excitability, and its direct link to epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana L. Hotz
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Life Science Zürich Graduate School ‐ NeuroscienceUniversity of Zurich and ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Ahmed Jamali
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Nicolas N. Rieser
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Life Science Zürich Graduate School ‐ NeuroscienceUniversity of Zurich and ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Stephanie Niklaus
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Present address:
EraCal TherapeuticsSchlierenSwitzerland
| | - Ecem Aydin
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Sverre Myren‐Svelstad
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Department of Neurology and Clinical NeurophysiologySt. Olav's University HospitalTrondheimNorway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Laetitia Lalla
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Nathalie Jurisch‐Yaksi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Department of Neurology and Clinical NeurophysiologySt. Olav's University HospitalTrondheimNorway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Emre Yaksi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural ComputationFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
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Sturgeon ML, Langton R, Sharma S, Cornell RA, Glykys J, Bassuk AG. The opioid antagonist naltrexone decreases seizure-like activity in genetic and chemically induced epilepsy models. Epilepsia Open 2021; 6:528-538. [PMID: 34664432 PMCID: PMC8408599 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A significant number of epileptic patients fail to respond to available anticonvulsive medications. To find new anticonvulsive medications, we evaluated FDA-approved drugs not known to be anticonvulsants. Using zebrafish larvae as an initial model system, we found that the opioid antagonist naltrexone exhibited an anticonvulsant effect. We validated this effect in three other epilepsy models and present naltrexone as a promising anticonvulsive candidate. METHODS Candidate anticonvulsant drugs, determined by our prior transcriptomics analysis of hippocampal tissue, were evaluated in a larval zebrafish model of human Dravet syndrome (scn1Lab mutants), in wild-type zebrafish larvae treated with the pro-convulsant drug pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), in wild-type C57bl/6J acute brain slices exposed to PTZ, and in wild-type mice treated with PTZ in vivo. Abnormal locomotion was determined behaviorally in zebrafish and mice and by field potential in neocortex layer IV/V and CA1 stratum pyramidale in the hippocampus. RESULTS The opioid antagonist naltrexone decreased abnormal locomotion in the larval zebrafish model of human Dravet syndrome (scn1Lab mutants) and wild-type larvae treated with the pro-convulsant drug PTZ. Naltrexone also decreased seizure-like events in acute brain slices of wild-type mice, and the duration and number of seizures in adult mice injected with PTZ. SIGNIFICANCE Our data reveal that naltrexone has anticonvulsive properties and is a candidate drug for seizure treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Langton
- Department of PediatricsDivision of Child NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
| | | | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
| | - Joseph Glykys
- Department of PediatricsDivision of Child NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
| | - Alexander G. Bassuk
- Department of PediatricsDivision of Child NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
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18
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Martin P, Reeder T, Sourbron J, de Witte PAM, Gammaitoni AR, Galer BS. An Emerging Role for Sigma-1 Receptors in the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8416. [PMID: 34445144 PMCID: PMC8395113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are complex conditions characterized primarily by seizures associated with neurodevelopmental and motor deficits. Recent evidence supports sigma-1 receptor modulation in both neuroprotection and antiseizure activity, suggesting that sigma-1 receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of DEEs, and that targeting this receptor has the potential to positively impact both seizures and non-seizure outcomes in these disorders. Recent studies have demonstrated that the antiseizure medication fenfluramine, a serotonin-releasing drug that also acts as a positive modulator of sigma-1 receptors, reduces seizures and improves everyday executive functions (behavior, emotions, cognition) in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Here, we review the evidence for sigma-1 activity in reducing seizure frequency and promoting neuroprotection in the context of DEE pathophysiology and clinical presentation, using fenfluramine as a case example. Challenges and opportunities for future research include developing appropriate models for evaluating sigma-1 receptors in these syndromic epileptic conditions with multisystem involvement and complex clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthena Martin
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Thadd Reeder
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences at KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - Bradley S. Galer
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
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19
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Abstract
Danio rerio (zebrafish) are a powerful experimental model for genetic and developmental studies. Adaptation of zebrafish to study seizures was initially established using the common convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Larval PTZ-exposed zebrafish exhibit clear behavioral convulsions and abnormal electrographic activity, reminiscent of interictal and ictal epileptiform discharge. By using this model, our laboratory developed simple locomotion-based and electrophysiological assays to monitor and quantify seizures in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish also offer multiple advantages for rapid genetic manipulation and high-throughput phenotype-based drug screening. Combining these seizure assays with genetically modified zebrafish that represent Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, ultimately contributed to a phenotype-based screen of over 3500 drugs. Several drugs identified in these zebrafish screens are currently in clinical or compassionate-use trials. The emergence of this 'aquarium-to-bedside' approach suggests that broader efforts to adapt and improve upon this zebrafish-centric strategy can drive a variety of exciting new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco,CA 94143-0350, USA
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20
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Jamadagni P, Breuer M, Schmeisser K, Cardinal T, Kassa B, Parker JA, Pilon N, Samarut E, Patten SA. Chromatin remodeller CHD7 is required for GABAergic neuron development by promoting PAQR3 expression. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e50958. [PMID: 33900016 PMCID: PMC8183419 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the chromatin remodeller‐coding gene CHD7 cause CHARGE syndrome (CS). CS features include moderate to severe neurological and behavioural problems, clinically characterized by intellectual disability, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. To investigate the poorly characterized neurobiological role of CHD7, we here generate a zebrafish chd7−/− model. chd7−/− mutants have less GABAergic neurons and exhibit a hyperactivity behavioural phenotype. The GABAergic neuron defect is at least in part due to downregulation of the CHD7 direct target gene paqr3b, and subsequent upregulation of MAPK/ERK signalling, which is also dysregulated in CHD7 mutant human cells. Through a phenotype‐based screen in chd7−/− zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that the small molecule ephedrine restores normal levels of MAPK/ERK signalling and improves both GABAergic defects and behavioural anomalies. We conclude that chd7 promotes paqr3b expression and that this is required for normal GABAergic network development. This work provides insight into the neuropathogenesis associated with CHD7 deficiency and identifies a promising compound for further preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maximilian Breuer
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Kathrin Schmeisser
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Cardinal
- Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Betelhem Kassa
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Modelis inc., Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Samarut
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Modelis inc., Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada
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21
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Mantegazza M, Cestèle S, Catterall WA. Sodium channelopathies of skeletal muscle and brain. Physiol Rev 2021; 101:1633-1689. [PMID: 33769100 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00025.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate action potentials in nerve, skeletal muscle, and other electrically excitable cells. Mutations in them cause a wide range of diseases. These channelopathy mutations affect every aspect of sodium channel function, including voltage sensing, voltage-dependent activation, ion conductance, fast and slow inactivation, and both biosynthesis and assembly. Mutations that cause different forms of periodic paralysis in skeletal muscle were discovered first and have provided a template for understanding structure, function, and pathophysiology at the molecular level. More recent work has revealed multiple sodium channelopathies in the brain. Here we review the well-characterized genetics and pathophysiology of the periodic paralyses of skeletal muscle and then use this information as a foundation for advancing our understanding of mutations in the structurally homologous α-subunits of brain sodium channels that cause epilepsy, migraine, autism, and related comorbidities. We include studies based on molecular and structural biology, cell biology and physiology, pharmacology, and mouse genetics. Our review reveals unexpected connections among these different types of sodium channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mantegazza
- Université Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France.,CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France.,INSERM, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Sandrine Cestèle
- Université Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France.,CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
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22
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Miziak B, Czuczwar S. Advances in the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:579-593. [PMID: 33275464 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1857722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet syndrome (severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy) begins in the first year of life characterized by generalized or unilateral clonic seizures that are frequently triggered by high fever. A subsequent worsening stage occurs (in years 1-4 of life) and seizure activity is accompanied by disturbed psychomotor development. The third stage of the disease, known as the 'stabilization phase,' is associated with seizures and intellectual impairment. Of note, a mutation in the voltage-gated sodium-channel gene α 1 subunit (SCN1A) has been found in around 85% of patients with Dravet syndrome.Areas covered: The authors review the current treatment strategies as well as potential drugs in the initial stages of clinical evaluation. The authors also review drugs with protective activity in mice models of Dravet syndrome.Expert opinion: Experimental data and results from initial clinical studies have brought attention to several drugs with various mechanisms of action including: ataluren (a suppressant of premature stop codons; under clinical evaluation), EPX-100, EPX-200, fenfluramine (serotonin modulators), soticlestat (an 24-hydroxylase cholesterol enzyme inhibitor), SPN-817 (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase), verapamil (a voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitor) and STK-001 (an antisense oligonucleotide). The latter is scheduled for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław Czuczwar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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23
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Specchio N, Pietrafusa N, Doccini V, Trivisano M, Darra F, Ragona F, Cossu A, Spolverato S, Battaglia D, Quintiliani M, Luigia Gambardella M, Rosati A, Mei D, Granata T, Dalla Bernardina B, Vigevano F, Guerrini R. Efficacy and safety of Fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome: A real‐world study. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2405-2414. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Viola Doccini
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Silvia Spolverato
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Domenica Battaglia
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Michela Quintiliani
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Gambardella
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Anna Rosati
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
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24
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Thornton C, Dickson KE, Carty DR, Ashpole NM, Willett KL. Cannabis constituents reduce seizure behavior in chemically-induced and scn1a-mutant zebrafish. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 110:107152. [PMID: 32585475 PMCID: PMC8276876 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are undesirable for many reasons including the inability to reduce seizures in certain types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome (DS) where in one-third of patients does not respond to current AEDs, and severe adverse effects that are frequently experienced by patients. Epidiolex, a cannabidiol (CBD)-based drug, was recently approved for treatment of DS. While Epidiolex shows great promise in reducing seizures in patients with DS, it is used in conjunction with other AEDs and can cause liver toxicity. To investigate whether other cannabis-derived compounds could also reduce seizures, the antiepileptic effects of CBD, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabinol (CBN), and linalool (LN) were compared in both a chemically-induced (pentylenetetrazole, PTZ) and a DS (scn1Lab-/-) seizure models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) that were either wild-type (Tupfel longfin) or scn1Lab-/- (DS) were exposed to CBD, THC, CBDV, CBN, or LN for 24 h from 5 to 6 days postfertilization. Following exposure, total distance traveled was measured in a ViewPoint Zebrabox to determine if these compounds reduced seizure-like activity. Cannabidiol (0.6 and 1 μM) and THC (1 and 4 μM) significantly reduced PTZ-induced total distance moved. At the highest THC concentration, the significant reduction in PTZ-induced behavior was likely the result of sedation as opposed to antiseizure activity. In the DS model, CBD (0.6 μM), THC (1 μM), CBN (0.6 and 1 μM), and LN (4 μM) significantly reduced total distance traveled. Cannabinol was the most effective at reducing total distance relative to controls. In addition to CBD, other cannabis-derived compounds showed promise in reducing seizure-like activity in zebrafish. Specifically, four of the five compounds were effective in the DS model, whereas in the PTZ model, only CBD and THC were, suggesting a divergence in the mode of action among the cannabis constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cammi Thornton
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States of America
| | - Kennedy E Dickson
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States of America
| | - Dennis R Carty
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States of America
| | - Nicole M Ashpole
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States of America
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States of America.
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25
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Gawel K, Turski WA, van der Ent W, Mathai BJ, Kirstein-Smardzewska KJ, Simonsen A, Esguerra CV. Phenotypic Characterization of Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio) with Partial Knockdown of the cacna1a Gene. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1904-1916. [PMID: 31875924 PMCID: PMC7118054 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01860-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore-forming α1 subunit of voltage-gated P/Q type Ca2+ channels (Cav2.1). Mutations in this gene, among others, have been described in patients and rodents suffering from absence seizures and episodic ataxia type 2 with/without concomitant seizures. In this study, we aimed for the first time to assess phenotypic and behavioral alterations in larval zebrafish with partial cacna1aa knockdown, placing special emphasis on changes in epileptiform-like electrographic discharges in larval brains. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis revealed expression of cacna1aa in the optic tectum and medulla oblongata of larval zebrafish at 4 and 5 days post-fertilization. Next, microinjection of two antisense morpholino oligomers (individually or in combination) targeting all splice variants of cacna1aa into fertilized zebrafish eggs resulted in dose-dependent mortality and decreased or absent touch response. Over 90% knockdown of cacna1aa on protein level induced epileptiform-like discharges in the optic tectum of larval zebrafish brains. Incubation of morphants with antiseizure drugs (sodium valproate, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, topiramate) significantly decreased the number and, in some cases, cumulative duration of epileptiform-like discharges. In this context, sodium valproate seemed to be the least effective. Carbamazepine did not affect the number and duration of epileptiform-like discharges. Altogether, our data indicate that cacna1aa loss-of-function zebrafish may be considered a new model of absence epilepsy and may prove useful both for the investigation of Cacna1a-mediated epileptogenesis and for in vivo drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benan J Mathai
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 1112 Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karolina J Kirstein-Smardzewska
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 1112 Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway. .,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælandsvei 24, 0371, Oslo, Norway.
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26
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Brenet A, Hassan-Abdi R, Somkhit J, Yanicostas C, Soussi-Yanicostas N. Defective Excitatory/Inhibitory Synaptic Balance and Increased Neuron Apoptosis in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet Syndrome. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101199. [PMID: 31590334 PMCID: PMC6829503 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a type of severe childhood epilepsy that responds poorly to current anti-epileptic drugs. In recent years, zebrafish disease models with Scn1Lab sodium channel deficiency have been generated to seek novel anti-epileptic drug candidates, some of which are currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the spectrum of neuronal deficits observed following Scn1Lab depletion in zebrafish larvae has not yet been fully explored. To fill this gap and gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuron hyperexcitation in Scn1Lab-depleted larvae, we analyzed neuron activity in vivo using combined local field potential recording and transient calcium uptake imaging, studied the distribution of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and neurons as well as investigated neuron apoptosis. We found that Scn1Lab-depleted larvae displayed recurrent epileptiform seizure events, associating massive synchronous calcium uptakes and ictal-like local field potential bursts. Scn1Lab-depletion also caused a dramatic shift in the neuronal and synaptic balance toward excitation and increased neuronal death. Our results thus provide in vivo evidence suggesting that Scn1Lab loss of function causes neuron hyperexcitation as the result of disturbed synaptic balance and increased neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Brenet
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France.
| | | | - Julie Somkhit
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France.
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27
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Sourbron J, Partoens M, Scheldeman C, Zhang Y, Lagae L, de Witte P. Drug repurposing for Dravet syndrome in scn1Lab -/- mutant zebrafish. Epilepsia 2019; 60:e8-e13. [PMID: 30663052 PMCID: PMC6850687 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe genetic epileptic encephalopathy with onset during the first year of life. Zebrafish models recapitulating human diseases are often used as drug discovery platforms, but also for drug repurposing testing. It was recently shown that pharmacological modulation of three serotonergic (5-HT) receptors (5-HT1D , 5-HT2C , 5-HT2A ) exerts antiseizure effects in a zebrafish scn1Lab-/- mutant model of DS. Using the zebrafish DS model, our aim was to examine the possibility of repurposing efavirenz (EFA), lisuride (LIS), and rizatriptan (RIZA), marketed medicines with a 5-HT on- or off-target profile, as antiepileptic drugs for DS. To examine whether these compounds have a broader antiseizure profile, they were tested in pentylenetetrazol and ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP) zebrafish models. Pharmacological effects were assessed by locomotor behavior, local field potential brain recordings, and bioluminescence. EFA was active in all models, whereas LIS was selectively active in the zebrafish DS model. Mainly, a poor response was observed to RIZA. Taken together, our preclinical results show that LIS could be a potential candidate for DS treatment. EFA was also active in the EKP model, characterized by a high level of treatment resistance, and hence these data are potentially important for future treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michèle Partoens
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chloë Scheldeman
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurogenetics Research Group, VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University of Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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