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Shafie A, Ashour AA, Anwar S, Anjum F, Hassan MI. Exploring molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and clinical manifestations of Huntington's disease. Arch Pharm Res 2024:10.1007/s12272-024-01499-w. [PMID: 38764004 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a paradigm of a genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene. This extensive review investigates the molecular complexities of HD by highlighting the pathogenic mechanisms initiated by the mutant huntingtin protein. Adverse outcomes of HD include mitochondrial dysfunction, compromised protein clearance, and disruption of intracellular signaling, consequently contributing to the gradual deterioration of neurons. Numerous therapeutic strategies, particularly precision medicine, are currently used for HD management. Antisense oligonucleotides, such as Tominersen, play a leading role in targeting and modulating the expression of mutant huntingtin. Despite the promise of these therapies, challenges persist, particularly in improving delivery systems and the necessity for long-term safety assessments. Considering the future landscape, the review delineates promising directions for HD research and treatment. Innovations such as Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated system therapies (CRISPR)-based genome editing and emerging neuroprotective approaches present unprecedented opportunities for intervention. Collaborative interdisciplinary endeavors and a more insightful understanding of HD pathogenesis are on the verge of reshaping the therapeutic landscape. As we navigate the intricate landscape of HD, this review serves as a guide for unraveling the intricacies of this disease and progressing toward transformative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, PO Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Adnan Ashour
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, PO Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Farah Anjum
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, PO Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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2
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Ding F, Sun Q, Long C, Rasmussen RN, Peng S, Xu Q, Kang N, Song W, Weikop P, Goldman SA, Nedergaard M. Dysregulation of extracellular potassium distinguishes healthy ageing from neurodegeneration. Brain 2024; 147:1726-1739. [PMID: 38462589 PMCID: PMC11068329 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive neuronal loss is a hallmark feature distinguishing neurodegenerative diseases from normal ageing. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Extracellular K+ homeostasis is a potential mediator of neuronal injury as K+ elevations increase excitatory activity. The dysregulation of extracellular K+ and potassium channel expressions during neurodegeneration could contribute to this distinction. Here we measured the cortical extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]e) in awake wild-type mice as well as murine models of neurodegeneration using K+-sensitive microelectrodes. Unexpectedly, aged wild-type mice exhibited significantly lower cortical [K+]e than young mice. In contrast, cortical [K+]e was consistently elevated in Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (SOD1G93A) and Huntington's disease (R6/2) models. Cortical resting [K+]e correlated inversely with neuronal density and the [K+]e buffering rate but correlated positively with the predicted neuronal firing rate. Screening of astrocyte-selective genomic datasets revealed a number of potassium channel genes that were downregulated in these disease models but not in normal ageing. In particular, the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kcnj10 was downregulated in ALS and Huntington's disease models but not in normal ageing, while Fxyd1 and Slc1a3, each of which acts as a negative regulator of potassium uptake, were each upregulated by astrocytes in both Alzheimer's disease and ALS models. Chronic elevation of [K+]e in response to changes in gene expression and the attendant neuronal hyperexcitability may drive the neuronal loss characteristic of these neurodegenerative diseases. These observations suggest that the dysregulation of extracellular K+ homeostasis in a number of neurodegenerative diseases could be due to aberrant astrocytic K+ buffering and as such, highlight a fundamental role for glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfei Ding
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Carter Long
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Rune Nguyen Rasmussen
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Neurology Department, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sisi Peng
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Qiwu Xu
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ning Kang
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Wei Song
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Pia Weikop
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Neurology Department, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Neurology Department, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Neurology Department, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Olechnowicz A, Blatkiewicz M, Jopek K, Isalan M, Mielcarek M, Rucinski M. Deregulated Transcriptome as a Platform for Adrenal Huntington's Disease-Related Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2176. [PMID: 38396853 PMCID: PMC10888552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects mainly the central nervous system (CNS) by inducing progressive deterioration in both its structure and function. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the impact of HD on peripheral tissue function. Herein, we used the R6/2 mouse model of HD to investigate the influence of the disease on adrenal gland functioning. A transcriptomic analysis conducted using a well-established quantitative method, an Affymetrix array, revealed changes in gene expression in the R6/2 model compared to genetic background controls. For the first time, we identified disruptions in cholesterol and sterol metabolism, blood coagulation, and xenobiotic metabolism in HD adrenal glands. This study showed that the disrupted expression of these genes may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of Huntington's disease. Our findings may contribute to developing a better understanding of Huntington's disease progression and aid in the development of novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Olechnowicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Blatkiewicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Karol Jopek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mark Isalan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Michal Mielcarek
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Marcin Rucinski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
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Wiprich MT, da Rosa Vasques R, Gusso D, Rübensam G, Kist LW, Bogo MR, Bonan CD. Locomotor Behavior and Memory Dysfunction Induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid in Adult Zebrafish: Modulation of Dopaminergic Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:609-621. [PMID: 37648841 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03584-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuropsychiatric disturbance, cognitive impairment, and locomotor dysfunction. In the early stage (chorea) of HD, expression of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) is reduced, whereas dopamine (DA) levels are increased. Contrary, in the late stage (bradykinesia), DA levels and the expression of D2R and dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) are reduced. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is a toxin that may replicate HD behavioral phenotypes and biochemical aspects. This study assessed the neurotransmitter levels, dopamine receptor gene expression, and the effect of acute exposure to quinpirole (D2R agonist) and eticlopride (D2R antagonist) in an HD model induced by 3-NPA in adult zebrafish. Quinpirole and eticlopride were acutely applied by i.p. injection in adult zebrafish after chronic treatment of 3-NPA (60 mg/kg). 3-NPA treatment caused a reduction in DA, glutamate, and serotonin levels. Quinpirole reversed the bradykinesia and memory loss induced by 3-NPA. Together, these data showed that 3-NPA acts on the dopaminergic system and causes biochemical alterations similar to late-stage HD. These data reinforce the hypothesis that DA levels are linked with locomotor and memory deficits. Thus, these findings may suggest that the use of DA agonists could be a pharmacological strategy to improve the bradykinesia and memory deficits in the late-stage HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Talita Wiprich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência E Tecnologia Em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade E Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafaela da Rosa Vasques
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Darlan Gusso
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Rübensam
- Centro de Pesquisa Em Toxicologia E Farmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiza Wilges Kist
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Reis Bogo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla Denise Bonan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência E Tecnologia Em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade E Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Chen Y, Sun J, Tao J, Sun T. Treatments and regulatory mechanisms of acoustic stimuli on mood disorders and neurological diseases. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1322486. [PMID: 38249579 PMCID: PMC10796816 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1322486] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acoustic stimuli such as music or ambient noise can significantly affect physiological and psychological health in humans. We here summarize positive effects of music therapy in premature infant distress regulation, performance enhancement, sleep quality control, and treatment of mental disorders. Specifically, music therapy exhibits promising effects on treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). We also highlight regulatory mechanisms by which auditory intervention affects an organism, encompassing modulation of immune responses, gene expression, neurotransmitter regulation and neural circuitry. As a safe, cost-effective and non-invasive intervention, music therapy offers substantial potential in treating a variety of neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Chen
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China
| | - Julianne Sun
- Xiamen Institute of Technology Attached School, Xiamen, China
| | - Junxian Tao
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China
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6
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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7
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Plácido E, Gomes Welter P, Wink A, Karasiak GD, Outeiro TF, Dafre AL, Gil-Mohapel J, Brocardo PS. Beyond Motor Deficits: Environmental Enrichment Mitigates Huntington's Disease Effects in YAC128 Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12607. [PMID: 37628801 PMCID: PMC10454852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, cognitive, and peripheral symptoms without effective therapy. Evidence suggests that lifestyle factors can modulate disease onset and progression, and environmental enrichment (EE) has emerged as a potential approach to mitigate the progression and severity of neurodegenerative processes. Wild-type (WT) and yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) 128 mice were exposed to different EE conditions. Animals from cohort 1 were exposed to EE between postnatal days 21 and 60, and animals from cohort 2 were exposed to EE between postnatal days 60 and 120. Motor and non-motor behavioral tests were employed to evaluate the effects of EE on HD progression. Monoamine levels, hippocampal cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and dendritic arborization were also assessed. Here we show that EE had an antidepressant-like effect and slowed the progression of motor deficits in HD mice. It also reduced monoamine levels, which correlated with better motor performance, particularly in the striatum. EE also modulated neuronal differentiation in the YAC128 hippocampus. These results confirm that EE can impact behavior, hippocampal neuroplasticity, and monoamine levels in YAC128 mice, suggesting this could be a therapeutic strategy to modulate neuroplasticity deficits in HD. However, further research is needed to fully understand EE's mechanisms and long-term effects as an adjuvant therapy for this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelini Plácido
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil (A.W.); (A.L.D.)
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil (A.W.); (A.L.D.)
| | - Ana Wink
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil (A.W.); (A.L.D.)
| | - Gabriela Duarte Karasiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil;
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 18147 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alcir Luiz Dafre
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil (A.W.); (A.L.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil;
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil (A.W.); (A.L.D.)
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
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Harris KL, Mason SL, Vallin B, Barker RA. Reduced expression of dopamine D2 receptors on astrocytes in R6/1 HD mice and HD post-mortem tissue. Neurosci Lett 2022; 767:136289. [PMID: 34637857 PMCID: PMC9188264 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the central dopaminergic system is thought to contribute to some of the clinical features of Huntington's disease (HD), and dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists are commonly used to good effect in its treatment. It is well established that there is an early significant reduction in neuronal D2 receptors in HD, considered to be a compensatory response to increased dopaminergic activity. However, no studies have examined the expression of D2 receptors on astrocytes which is important given that these cells have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of HD, as well as express dopamine receptors and modulate DA homeostasis in the normal brain. We therefore sought to investigate the expression of D2 receptors on astrocytes in HD, and found them to be reduced in both the R6/1 HD mouse model, and in human post-mortem brain in comparison to controls, suggesting that astrocytes may be important in DA-dependent aspects of HD. Further studies are needed to determine the functional significance of this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Harris
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Sarah L Mason
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Benjamin Vallin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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9
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Sawant N, Morton H, Kshirsagar S, Reddy AP, Reddy PH. Mitochondrial Abnormalities and Synaptic Damage in Huntington's Disease: a Focus on Defective Mitophagy and Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:6350-6377. [PMID: 34519969 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal and pure genetic disease with a progressive loss of medium spiny neurons (MSN). HD is caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in the exon 1 of HD gene. Clinically, HD is characterized by chorea, seizures, involuntary movements, dystonia, cognitive decline, intellectual impairment, and emotional disturbances. Several years of intense research revealed that multiple cellular changes, including defective axonal transport, protein-protein interactions, defective bioenergetics, calcium dyshomeostasis, NMDAR activation, synaptic damage, mitochondrial abnormalities, and selective loss of medium spiny neurons are implicated in HD. Recent research on mutant huntingtin (mHtt) and mitochondria has found that mHtt interacts with the mitochondrial division protein, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), enhances GTPase DRP1 enzymatic activity, and causes excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and abnormal distribution, leading to defective axonal transport of mitochondria and selective synaptic degeneration. Recent research also revealed that failure to remove dead and/or dying mitochondria is an early event in the disease progression. Currently, efforts are being made to reduce abnormal protein interactions and enhance synaptic mitophagy as therapeutic strategies for HD. The purpose of this article is to discuss recent research in HD progression. This article also discusses recent developments of cell and mouse models, cellular changes, mitochondrial abnormalities, DNA damage, bioenergetics, oxidative stress, mitophagy, and therapeutics strategies in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sawant
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Hallie Morton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Arubala P Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Neurology, Department of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Public Health and School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Neuroscience & Pharmacology3601 4th Street, NeurologyLubbock, TX, 79430, USA.
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10
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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11
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Deng Y, Wang H, Joni M, Sekhri R, Reiner A. Progression of basal ganglia pathology in heterozygous Q175 knock-in Huntington's disease mice. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:1327-1371. [PMID: 32869871 PMCID: PMC8049038 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We used behavioral testing and morphological methods to detail the progression of basal ganglia neuron type-specific pathology and the deficits stemming from them in male heterozygous Q175 mice, compared to age-matched WT males. A rotarod deficit was not present in Q175 mice until 18 months, but increased open field turn rate (reflecting hyperkinesia) and open field anxiety were evident at 6 months. No loss of striatal neurons was seen out to 18 months, but ENK+ and DARPP32+ striatal perikarya were fewer by 6 months, due to diminished expression, with further decline by 18 months. No reduction in SP+ striatal perikarya or striatal interneurons was seen in Q175 mice at 18 months, but cholinergic interneurons showed dendrite attenuation by 6 months. Despite reduced ENK expression in indirect pathway striatal perikarya, ENK-immunostained terminals in globus pallidus externus (GPe) were more abundant at 6 months and remained so out to 18 months. Similarly, SP-immunostained terminals from striatal direct pathway neurons were more abundant in globus pallidus internus and substantia nigra at 6 months and remained so at 18 months. FoxP2+ arkypallidal GPe neurons and subthalamic nucleus neurons were lost by 18 months but not prototypical PARV+ GPe neurons or dopaminergic nigral neurons. Our results show that striatal projection neuron abnormalities and behavioral abnormalities reflecting them develop between 2 and 6 months of age in Q175 male heterozygotes, indicating early effects of the HD mutation. The striatal pathologies resemble those in human HD, but are less severe at 18 months than even in premanifest HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunping Deng
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Marion Joni
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Radhika Sekhri
- Department of PathologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Anton Reiner
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTennesseeUSA
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12
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Molnar MJ, Molnar V, Fedor M, Csehi R, Acsai K, Borsos B, Grosz Z. Improving Mood and Cognitive Symptoms in Huntington's Disease With Cariprazine Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:825532. [PMID: 35222108 PMCID: PMC8866559 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.825532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Huntington's disease (HD), the main clinical symptoms include depression, apathy, cognitive deficits, motor deficiencies and involuntary movements. Cognitive, mood and behavioral changes may precede motor symptoms by up to 15 years. The treatment of these diverse symptoms is challenging. Tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine are the only medications specifically approved for Huntington's chorea, but they do not affect the non-motor symptoms. For these, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines have demonstrated benefit in some cases and can be used off-label. These drugs, due to sedative side effects, may negatively influence cognition. Sixteen patients having HD received a 12-week off-label cariprazine (CAR) treatment (1.5-3 mg/day). Cognitive performance and behavioral changes were measured by the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination (ACE) test, the Cognitive and Behavioral part of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Mixed model for repeated measures was fitted to the data, with terms of visit, baseline (BL) and their interaction. Cariprazine treatment resulted in the following changes from BL to week 12, respectively: the mean score of BDI decreased from 17.7 ± 10.7 to 10.0 ± 10.7 (p <0.0097), while the Behavioral Assessment score of the UHDRS decreased from 54.9 ± 11.3 to 32.5 ± 15.4 (p < 0.0001); ACE score increased from 75.1 ± 11.0 to 89.0 ± 9.3 (p < 0.0001); Cognitive Verbal Fluency score from 6.2 ± 2.5 to 7.7 ± 2.7 (p < 0.0103); Symbol Digit Test from 9.2 ± 6.9 to 12.3 ± 8.9 (p < 0.0009). Mild akathisia was the most frequent side effect, presenting in 2 out of 16 patients (12.5%). We conclude that CAR had a positive effect on depressive mood, apathy and cognitive functions in patients with early stage of HD. Based on the neurobiological basis of these symptoms, CAR can improve the dopamine imbalance of the prefrontal cortex. This draws attention to the transdiagnostic approach which supports the further understanding of the similar symptomatology of different neuropsychiatric disorders and helps to identify new indications of pharmaceutical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Judit Molnar
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Molnar
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mariann Fedor
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Reka Csehi
- Global Medical Division, Richter Gedeon Plc., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karoly Acsai
- Global Medical Division, Richter Gedeon Plc., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Borsos
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Grosz
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
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13
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Morigaki R, Lee JH, Yoshida T, Wüthrich C, Hu D, Crittenden JR, Friedman A, Kubota Y, Graybiel AM. Spatiotemporal Up-Regulation of Mu Opioid Receptor 1 in Striatum of Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease Differentially Affecting Caudal and Striosomal Regions. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:608060. [PMID: 33362481 PMCID: PMC7758501 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.608060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The striatum of humans and other mammals is divided into macroscopic compartments made up of a labyrinthine striosome compartment embedded in a much larger surrounding matrix compartment. Anatomical and snRNA-Seq studies of the Huntington’s disease (HD) postmortem striatum suggest a preferential decline of some striosomal markers, and mRNAs studies of HD model mice concur. Here, by immunohistochemical methods, we examined the distribution of the canonical striosomal marker, mu-opioid receptor 1 (MOR1), in the striatum of the Q175 knock-in mouse model of HD in a postnatal time series extending from 3 to 19 months. We demonstrate that, contrary to the loss of many markers for striosomes, there is a pronounced up-regulation of MOR1 in these Q175 knock-in mice. We show that in heterozygous Q175 knock-in model mice [~192 cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats], this MOR1 up-regulation progressed with advancing age and disease progression, and was particularly remarkable at caudal levels of the striatum. Given the known importance of MOR1 in basal ganglia signaling, our findings, though in mice, should offer clues to the pathogenesis of psychiatric features, especially depression, reinforcement sensitivity, and involuntary movements in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Morigaki
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Advanced Brain Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Jannifer H Lee
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Tomoko Yoshida
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Christian Wüthrich
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Dan Hu
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jill R Crittenden
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Institute for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Friedman
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Yasuo Kubota
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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14
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Machado TCG, Guatimosim C, Kangussu LM. The Renin-Angiotensin System in Huntington's Disease: Villain or Hero? Protein Pept Lett 2020; 27:456-462. [PMID: 31933441 PMCID: PMC7403685 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200110154523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe symptoms, including motor impairment, cognitive decline, and psychiatric alterations. Several systems, molecules, and mediators have been associated with the pathophysiology of HD. Among these, there is the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), a peptide hormone system that has been associated with the pathology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Important alterations in this system have been demonstrated in HD. However, the role of RAS components in HD is still unclear and needs further investigation. Nonetheless, modulation of the RAS components may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatiane C G Machado
- Departamento de Morfologia - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Cristina Guatimosim
- Departamento de Morfologia - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas M Kangussu
- Departamento de Morfologia - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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15
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Cross-sectional analysis of plasma and CSF metabolomic markers in Huntington's disease for participants of varying functional disability: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20490. [PMID: 33235276 PMCID: PMC7686309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition. While generally considered for its devastating neurological phenotype, disturbances in other organ systems and metabolic pathways outside the brain have attracted attention for possible relevance to HD pathology, potential as therapeutic targets, or use as biomarkers of progression. In addition, it is not established how metabolic changes in the HD brain correlate to progression across the full spectrum of early to late-stage disease. In this pilot study, we sought to explore the metabolic profile across manifest HD from early to advanced clinical staging through metabolomic analysis by mass spectrometry in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). With disease progression, we observed nominally significant increases in plasma arginine, citrulline, and glycine, with decreases in total and d-serine, cholesterol esters, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins. In CSF, worsening disease was associated with nominally significant increases in NAD+, arginine, saturated long chain free fatty acids, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, and sphingomyelins. Notably, diacylglycerides and triacylglyceride species associated with clinical progression were different between plasma and CSF, suggesting different metabolic preferences for these compartments. Increasing NAD+ levels strongly correlating with disease progression was an unexpected finding. Our data suggest that defects in the urea cycle, glycine, and serine metabolism may be underrecognized in the progression HD pathology, and merit further study for possible therapeutic relevance.
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16
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Julayanont P, Heilman KM, McFarland NR. Early‐Motor Phenotype Relates to Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Disorders in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2020; 35:781-788. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.27980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Parunyou Julayanont
- Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology, Department of NeurologyUniversity of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Kenneth M. Heilman
- Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology, Department of NeurologyUniversity of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Nikolaus R. McFarland
- Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Program, Department of NeurologyUniversity of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
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17
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Silajdžić E, Björkqvist M. A Critical Evaluation of Wet Biomarkers for Huntington's Disease: Current Status and Ways Forward. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 7:109-135. [PMID: 29614689 PMCID: PMC6004896 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet clinical need for objective biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment response in Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this review is, therefore, to provide practical advice for biomarker discovery and to summarise studies on biofluid markers for HD. A PubMed search was performed to review literature with regard to candidate saliva, urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for HD. Information has been organised into tables to allow a pragmatic approach to the discussion of the evidence and generation of practical recommendations for future studies. Many of the markers published converge on metabolic and inflammatory pathways, although changes in other analytes representing antioxidant and growth factor pathways have also been found. The most promising markers reflect neuronal and glial degeneration, particularly neurofilament light chain. International collaboration to standardise assays and study protocols, as well as to recruit sufficiently large cohorts, will facilitate future biomarker discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Silajdžić
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Brain Disease Biomarker Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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18
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Koch ET, Raymond LA. Dysfunctional striatal dopamine signaling in Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1636-1654. [PMID: 31304622 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine signaling in the striatum is critical for a variety of behaviors including movement, behavioral flexibility, response to reward and many forms of learning. Alterations to dopamine transmission contribute to pathological features of many neurological diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene. The striatum is preferentially degenerated in HD, and this region receives dopaminergic input from the substantia nigra. Studies of HD patients and genetic rodent models have shown changes to levels of dopamine and its receptors in the striatum, and alterations in dopamine receptor signaling and modulation of other neurotransmitters, notably glutamate. Throughout his career, Dr. Michael Levine's research has furthered our understanding of dopamine signaling in the striatum of healthy rodents and HD mouse models. This review will focus on the work of his group and others in elucidating alterations to striatal dopamine signaling that contribute to pathophysiology in HD mouse models, and how these findings relate to human HD studies. We will also discuss current and potential therapeutic interventions for HD that target the dopamine system, and future research directions for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T Koch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Huguet G, Temel Y, Kádár E, Pol S, Casaca-Carreira J, Segura-Torres P, Jahanshahi A. Altered expression of dopaminergic cell fate regulating genes prior to manifestation of symptoms in a transgenic rat model of Huntington's disease. Brain Res 2019; 1712:101-108. [PMID: 30711400 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the dopaminergic pathway is thought to contribute to clinical symptoms in the early stages of Huntington's disease (HD). It is suggested to be result of a reduced dopaminergic inhibition by degeneration of medium spiny neurons in the striatum. Previously, we have shown that the number of dopaminergic cells is increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of HD patients and transgenic HD (tgHD) rats during the manifestation phase of the disease; as well as in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of tgHD rats. To address whether these changes are secondary to neurodegeneration or take place in the pre-manifest phase of the disease, we examined the expression of genes controlling neuronal cell fate and genes that define dopaminergic cell phenotype. In the SNc-VTA of tgHD rats, Msx1 was upregulated, which correlated with an altered expression of transcription factors Zbtb16 and Tcf12. Zbtb16 was upregulated in the DRN and it was the only gene that showed a correlated expression in the tgHD rats between SNc-VTA and DRN. Zbtb16 may be a candidate for regionally tuning its cell populations, resulting in the increase in dopaminergic cells observed in our previous studies. Here, we demonstrated an altered expression of genes related to dopaminergic cell fate regulation in the brainstem of 6 months-old tgHD rats. This suggests that changes in dopaminergic system in HD precede the manifestation of clinical symptoms, contradicting the theory that hyperdopaminergic status in HD is a consequence of neurodegeneration in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Huguet
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisabet Kádár
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Sylvana Pol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Joao Casaca-Carreira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Segura-Torres
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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20
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Jamwal S, Kumar P. Insight Into the Emerging Role of Striatal Neurotransmitters in the Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease: A Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:165-175. [PMID: 29512464 PMCID: PMC6343208 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180302115032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration in neurotransmitters signaling in basal ganglia has been consistently shown to significantly contribute to the pathophysiological basis of Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which plays a critical role in coordinated body movements. Alteration in the level of brain dopamine and receptor radically contributes to irregular movements, glutamate mediated excitotoxic neuronal death and further leads to imbalance in the levels of other neurotransmitters viz. GABA, adenosine, acetylcholine and endocannabinoids. This review is based upon the data from clinical and preclinical studies to characterize the role of various striatal neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Further, we have collected data of altered level of various neurotransmitters and their metabolites and receptor density in basal ganglia region. Although the exact mechanisms underlying neuropathology of movement disorders are not fully understood, but several mechanisms related to neurotransmitters alteration, excitotoxic neuronal death, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation are being put forward. Restoring neurotransmitters level and downstream signaling has been considered to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify more specific drugs and drug targets that can restore the altered neurotransmitters level in brain and prevent/delay neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Panjab, India; E-mail:
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21
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Denis HL, Lamontagne-Proulx J, St-Amour I, Mason SL, Weiss A, Chouinard S, Barker RA, Boilard E, Cicchetti F. Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in Huntington's disease. J Neurol 2018; 265:2704-2712. [PMID: 30209650 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-9022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The production and release of extracellular vesicles (EV) is a property shared by all eukaryotic cells and a phenomenon frequently exacerbated in pathological conditions. The protein cargo of EV, their cell type signature and availability in bodily fluids make them particularly appealing as biomarkers. We recently demonstrated that platelets, among all types of blood cells, contain the highest concentrations of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt)-the genetic product of Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder which manifests in adulthood with a complex combination of motor, cognitive and psychiatric deficits. Herein, we used a cohort of 59 HD patients at all stages of the disease, including individuals in pre-manifest stages, and 54 healthy age- and sex-matched controls, to evaluate the potential of EV derived from platelets as a biomarker. We found that platelets of pre-manifest and manifest HD patients do not release more EV even if they are activated. Importantly, mHtt was not found within EV derived from platelets, despite them containing high levels of this protein. Correlation analyses also failed to reveal an association between the number of platelet-derived EV and the age of the patients, the number of CAG repeats, the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale total motor score, the Total Functional Capacity score or the Burden of Disease score. Our data would, therefore, suggest that EV derived from platelets with HD is not a valuable biomarker in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélèna L Denis
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Sarah L Mason
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sylvain Chouinard
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal et Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Département de médecine, Hôpital Notre-Dame, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric Boilard
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département de psychiatrie et neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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22
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Eddy CM, Cook JL. Emotions in action: The relationship between motor function and social cognition across multiple clinical populations. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:229-244. [PMID: 29857027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Eddy
- National Centre for Mental Health and College of Medical and Dental Sciences, BSMHFT, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jennifer L Cook
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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23
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Alpaugh M, Galleguillos D, Forero J, Morales LC, Lackey SW, Kar P, Di Pardo A, Holt A, Kerr BJ, Todd KG, Baker GB, Fouad K, Sipione S. Disease-modifying effects of ganglioside GM1 in Huntington's disease models. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1537-1557. [PMID: 28993428 PMCID: PMC5666311 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201707763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric problems. Previous studies indicated that levels of brain gangliosides are lower than normal in HD models and that administration of exogenous ganglioside GM1 corrects motor dysfunction in the YAC128 mouse model of HD In this study, we provide evidence that intraventricular administration of GM1 has profound disease-modifying effects across HD mouse models with different genetic background. GM1 administration results in decreased levels of mutant huntingtin, the protein that causes HD, and in a wide array of beneficial effects that include changes in levels of DARPP32, ferritin, Iba1 and GFAP, modulation of dopamine and serotonin metabolism, and restoration of normal levels of glutamate, GABA, L-Ser and D-Ser. Treatment with GM1 slows down neurodegeneration, white matter atrophy and body weight loss in R6/2 mice. Motor functions are significantly improved in R6/2 mice and restored to normal in Q140 mice, including gait abnormalities that are often resistant to treatments. Psychiatric-like and cognitive dysfunctions are also ameliorated by GM1 administration in Q140 and YAC128 mice. The widespread benefits of GM1 administration, at molecular, cellular and behavioural levels, indicate that this ganglioside has strong therapeutic and disease-modifying potential in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Alpaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Danny Galleguillos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Juan Forero
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Preeti Kar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alba Di Pardo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew Holt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bradley J Kerr
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kathryn G Todd
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Glen B Baker
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karim Fouad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Simonetta Sipione
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada .,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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24
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Reiner A, Deng Y. Disrupted striatal neuron inputs and outputs in Huntington's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:250-280. [PMID: 29582587 PMCID: PMC5875736 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene coding for the protein huntingtin, resulting in a pathogenic expansion of the polyglutamine tract in the N-terminus of this protein. The HD pathology resulting from the mutation is most prominent in the striatal part of the basal ganglia, and progressive differential dysfunction and loss of striatal projection neurons and interneurons account for the progression of motor deficits seen in this disease. The present review summarizes current understanding regarding the progression in striatal neuron dysfunction and loss, based on studies both in human HD victims and in genetic mouse models of HD. We review evidence on early loss of inputs to striatum from cortex and thalamus, which may be the basis of the mild premanifest bradykinesia in HD, as well as on the subsequent loss of indirect pathway striatal projection neurons and their outputs to the external pallidal segment, which appears to be the basis of the chorea seen in early symptomatic HD. Later loss of direct pathway striatal projection neurons and their output to the internal pallidal segment account for the severe akinesia seen late in HD. Loss of parvalbuminergic striatal interneurons may contribute to the late dystonia and rigidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Reiner
- Department of Anatomy & NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
| | - Yun‐Ping Deng
- Department of Anatomy & NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
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25
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Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative condition where new markers of disease progression are needed. So far no disease-modifying interventions have been found, and few interventions have been proven to alleviate symptoms. This may be partially explained by the lack of reliable indicators of disease severity, progression, and phenotype.Biofluid biomarkers may bring advantages in addition to clinical measures, such as reliability, reproducibility, price, accuracy, and direct quantification of pathobiological processes at the molecular level; and in addition to empowering clinical trials, they have the potential to generate useful hypotheses for new drug development.In this chapter we review biofluid biomarker reports in HD, emphasizing those we feel are likely to be closest to clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe B Rodrigues
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lauren M Byrne
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edward J Wild
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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26
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Rangel-Barajas C, Rebec GV. Dysregulation of Corticostriatal Connectivity in Huntington's Disease: A Role for Dopamine Modulation. J Huntingtons Dis 2017; 5:303-331. [PMID: 27983564 PMCID: PMC5181679 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-160221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant communication between striatum, the main information processing unit of the basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex plays a critical role in the emergence of Huntington’s disease (HD), a fatal monogenetic condition that typically strikes in the prime of life. Although both striatum and cortex undergo substantial cell loss over the course of HD, corticostriatal circuits become dysfunctional long before neurons die. Understanding the dysfunction is key to developing effective strategies for treating a progressively worsening triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Cortical output neurons drive striatal activity through the release of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Striatal outputs, in turn, release γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and exert inhibitory control over downstream basal ganglia targets. Ample evidence from transgenic rodent models points to dysregulation of corticostriatal glutamate transmission along with corresponding changes in striatal GABA release as underlying factors in the HD behavioral phenotype. Another contributor is dysregulation of dopamine (DA), a modulator of both glutamate and GABA transmission. In fact, pharmacological manipulation of DA is the only currently available treatment for HD symptoms. Here, we review data from animal models and human patients to evaluate the role of DA in HD, including DA interactions with glutamate and GABA within the context of dysfunctional corticostriatal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George V. Rebec
- Correspondence to: George V. Rebec, PhD, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in
Neuroscience, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, USA. Tel.: +1 812 855 4832;
Fax: +1 812 855 4520; E-mail:
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27
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Morigaki R, Goto S. Striatal Vulnerability in Huntington's Disease: Neuroprotection Versus Neurotoxicity. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7060063. [PMID: 28590448 PMCID: PMC5483636 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7060063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat encoding an abnormally long polyglutamine tract (PolyQ) in the huntingtin (Htt) protein. In HD, striking neuropathological changes occur in the striatum, including loss of medium spiny neurons and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons accompanied by neurodegeneration of the striosome and matrix compartments, leading to progressive impairment of reasoning, walking and speaking abilities. The precise cause of striatal pathology in HD is still unknown; however, accumulating clinical and experimental evidence suggests multiple plausible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying striatal neurodegeneration in HD. Here, we review and discuss the characteristic neurodegenerative patterns observed in the striatum of HD patients and consider the role of various huntingtin-related and striatum-enriched proteins in neurotoxicity and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Morigaki
- Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia Research Center, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Goto
- Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia Research Center, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders Research, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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28
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Tyebji S, Hannan AJ. Synaptopathic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and dementia: Insights from Huntington's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 153:18-45. [PMID: 28377290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dementia encapsulates a set of symptoms that include loss of mental abilities such as memory, problem solving or language, and reduces a person's ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, however dementia can also occur in other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD). Many studies have demonstrated that loss of neuronal cell function manifests pre-symptomatically and thus is a relevant therapeutic target to alleviate symptoms. Synaptopathy, the physiological dysfunction of synapses, is now being approached as the target for many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including HD. HD is an autosomal dominant and progressive degenerative disorder, with clinical manifestations that encompass movement, cognition, mood and behaviour. HD is one of the most common tandem repeat disorders and is caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion, encoding an extended polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Animal models as well as human studies have provided detailed, although not exhaustive, evidence of synaptic dysfunction in HD. In this review, we discuss the neuropathology of HD and how the changes in synaptic signalling in the diseased brain lead to its symptoms, which include dementia. Here, we review and discuss the mechanisms by which the 'molecular orchestras' and their 'synaptic symphonies' are disrupted in neurodegeneration and dementia, focusing on HD as a model disease. We also explore the therapeutic strategies currently in pre-clinical and clinical testing that are targeted towards improving synaptic function in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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29
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Cherubini M, Ginés S. Mitochondrial fragmentation in neuronal degeneration: Toward an understanding of HD striatal susceptibility. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:1063-1068. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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30
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Vidoni C, Castiglioni A, Seca C, Secomandi E, Melone MAB, Isidoro C. Dopamine exacerbates mutant Huntingtin toxicity via oxidative-mediated inhibition of autophagy in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: Beneficial effects of anti-oxidant therapeutics. Neurochem Int 2016; 101:132-143. [PMID: 27840125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal cell death in Huntington's Disease (HD) is associated with the abnormal expansions of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the huntingtin protein (Htt) at the N-terminus that causes the misfolding and aggregation of the mutated protein (mHtt). Autophagy-lysosomal degradation of Htt aggregates may protect the neurons in HD. HD patients eventually manifest parkinsonian-like symptoms, which underlie defects in the dopaminergic system. We hypothesized that dopamine (DA) exacerbates the toxicity in affected neurons by over-inducing an oxidative stress that negatively impinges on the autophagy clearance of mHtt and thus precipitating neuronal cell death. Here we show that the hyper-expression of mutant (>113/150) polyQ Htt is per se toxic to dopaminergic human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and that DA exacerbates this toxicity leading to apoptosis and secondary necrosis. DA toxicity is mediated by ROS production (mainly anion superoxide) that elicits a block in the formation of autophagosomes. We found that the pre-incubation with N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine (a quinone reductase inducer) or Deferoxamine (an iron chelator) prevents the generation of ROS, restores the autophagy degradation of mHtt and preserves the cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells expressing the polyQ Htt and exposed to DA. The present findings suggest that DA-induced impairment of autophagy underlies the parkinsonism in HD patients. Our data provide a mechanistic explanation of the DA toxicity in dopaminergic neurons expressing the mHtt and support the use of anti-oxidative stress therapeutics to restore protective autophagy in order to slow down the neurodegeneration in HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vidoni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Castiglioni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Christian Seca
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Secomandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Mariarosa A B Melone
- 2° Division of Neurology, Department of Medical Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy; InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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31
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Bunner KD, Rebec GV. Corticostriatal Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease: The Basics. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:317. [PMID: 27445757 PMCID: PMC4924423 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The main input to the basal ganglia, the corticostriatal pathway, shows some of the earliest signs of neuropathology in Huntington’s disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative condition that typically strikes in mid-life with progressively deteriorating cognitive, emotional, and motor symptoms. Although an effective treatment remains elusive, research on transgenic animal models has implicated dysregulation of glutamate (Glu), the excitatory amino acid released by corticostriatal neurons, in HD onset. Abnormalities in the control of Glu transmission at the level of postsynaptic receptors and Glu transport proteins play a critical role in the loss of information flow through downstream circuits that set the stage for the HD behavioral phenotype. Parallel but less-well characterized changes in dopamine (DA), a key modulator of Glu activation, ensure further deficits in neuronal communication throughout the basal ganglia. Continued analysis of corticostriatal Glu transmission and its modulation by DA, including analysis at the neurobehavioral level in transgenic models, is likely to be an effective strategy in the pursuit of HD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra D Bunner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - George V Rebec
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, USA
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32
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Byrne LM, Wild EJ. Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Huntington’s Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2016; 5:1-13. [DOI: 10.3233/jhd-160196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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33
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Allosteric activation of M4 muscarinic receptors improve behavioral and physiological alterations in early symptomatic YAC128 mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:14078-83. [PMID: 26508634 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1512812112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations that lead to Huntington's disease (HD) result in increased transmission at glutamatergic corticostriatal synapses at early presymptomatic stages that have been postulated to set the stage for pathological changes and symptoms that are observed at later ages. Based on this, pharmacological interventions that reverse excessive corticostriatal transmission may provide a novel approach for reducing early physiological changes and motor symptoms observed in HD. We report that activation of the M4 subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor reduces transmission at corticostriatal synapses and that this effect is dramatically enhanced in presymptomatic YAC128 HD and BACHD relative to wild-type mice. Furthermore, chronic administration of a novel highly selective M4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) beginning at presymptomatic ages improves motor and synaptic deficits in 5-mo-old YAC128 mice. These data raise the exciting possibility that selective M4 PAMs could provide a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HD.
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34
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Rangel-Barajas C, Coronel I, Florán B. Dopamine Receptors and Neurodegeneration. Aging Dis 2015; 6:349-68. [PMID: 26425390 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2015.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is one of the major neurotransmitters and participates in a number of functions such as motor coordination, emotions, memory, reward mechanism, neuroendocrine regulation etc. DA exerts its effects through five DA receptors that are subdivided in 2 families: D1-like DA receptors (D1 and D5) and the D2-like (D2, D3 and D4). All DA receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in not only in physiological conditions but also pathological scenarios. Abnormalities in the DAergic system and its receptors in the basal ganglia structures are the basis Parkinson's disease (PD), however DA also participates in other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Under pathological conditions reorganization of DAergic system has been observed and most of the times, those changes occur as a mechanism of compensation, but in some cases contributes to worsening the alterations. Here we review the changes that occur on DA transmission and DA receptors (DARs) at both levels expression and signals transduction pathways as a result of neurotoxicity, inflammation and in neurodegenerative processes. The better understanding of the role of DA receptors in neuropathological conditions is crucial for development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rangel-Barajas
- 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Program in Neurosciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA ; 2Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Israel Coronel
- 3Health Sciences Faculty, Anahuac University, Mexico Norte, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Florán
- 4Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico
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35
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Schwab LC, Garas SN, Garas SN, Drouin-Ouellet J, Mason SL, Stott SR, Barker RA. Dopamine and Huntington's disease. Expert Rev Neurother 2015; 15:445-58. [PMID: 25773746 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1025383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable, inherited, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is defined by a combination of motor, cognitive and psychiatric features. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated an important role for the dopamine (DA) system in HD with dopaminergic dysfunction at the level of both DA release and DA receptors. It is, therefore, not surprising that the drug treatments most commonly used in HD are anti-dopaminergic agents. Their use is based primarily on the belief that the characteristic motor impairments are a result of overactivation of the central dopaminergic pathways. While this is a useful starting place, it is clear that the behavior of the central dopaminergic pathways is not fully understood in this condition and may change as a function of disease stage. In addition, how abnormalities in dopaminergic systems may underlie some of the non-motor features of HD has also been poorly investigated and this is especially important given the greater burden these place on the patients' and families' quality of life. In this review, we discuss what is known about central dopaminergic pathways in HD and how this informs us about the mechanisms of action of the dopaminergic therapies used to treat it. By doing so, we will highlight some of the paradoxes that exist and how solving them may reveal new insights for improved treatment of this currently incurable condition, including the possibility that such drugs may even have effects on disease progression and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia C Schwab
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
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36
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Gardoni F, Bellone C. Modulation of the glutamatergic transmission by Dopamine: a focus on Parkinson, Huntington and Addiction diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:25. [PMID: 25784855 PMCID: PMC4345909 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) plays a major role in motor and cognitive functions as well as in reward processing by regulating glutamatergic inputs. In particular in the striatum the release of DA rapidly influences synaptic transmission modulating both AMPA and NMDA receptors. Several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson, Huntington and addiction-related diseases, manifest a dysregulation of glutamate and DA signaling. Here, we will focus our attention on the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the glutamatergic transmission by DA in striatal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano Milano, Italy
| | - Camilla Bellone
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
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37
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Choi ML, Begeti F, Oh JH, Lee SY, O'Keeffe GC, Clelland CD, Tyers P, Cho ZH, Kim YB, Barker RA. Dopaminergic manipulations and its effects on neurogenesis and motor function in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 66:19-27. [PMID: 24561069 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is classically defined by a triad of movement and cognitive and psychiatric abnormalities with a well-established pathology that affects the dopaminergic systems of the brain. This has classically been described in terms of an early loss of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R), although interestingly the treatments most effectively used to treat patients with HD block these same receptors. We therefore sought to examine the dopaminergic system in HD not only in terms of striatal function but also at extrastriatal sites especially the hippocampus, given that transgenic (Tg) mice also exhibit deficits in hippocampal-dependent cognitive tests and a reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We showed that there was an early reduction of D2R in both the striatum and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus in the R6/1 transgenic HD mouse ahead of any overt motor signs and before striatal neuronal loss. Despite downregulation of D2Rs in these sites, further reduction of the dopaminergic input to these sites by either medial forebrain bundle lesions or receptor blockade using sulpiride was able to improve both deficits in motor performance and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In contrast, a reduction in dopaminergic innervation of the neurogenic niches resulted in impaired neurogenesis in healthy WT mice. This study therefore provides evidence that D2R blockade improves hippocampal and striatal deficits in HD mice although the underlying mechanism for this is unclear, and suggests that agents working within this network may have greater effects than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Choi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - F Begeti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - J H Oh
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 405-760, Republic of Korea
| | - S Y Lee
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 405-760, Republic of Korea
| | - G C O'Keeffe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - C D Clelland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - P Tyers
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Z H Cho
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Y B Kim
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - R A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; Department of Neurology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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38
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Cepeda C, Murphy KPS, Parent M, Levine MS. The role of dopamine in Huntington's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 211:235-54. [PMID: 24968783 PMCID: PMC4409123 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63425-2.00010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in Parkinson's disease are well known and widely studied. Much less is known about DA changes that accompany and underlie some of the symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD), a dominant inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chorea, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disturbances. The cause is an expansion in CAG (glutamine) repeats in the HTT gene. The principal histopathology of HD is the loss of medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) and, to a lesser degree, neuronal loss in cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Neurochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral studies in HD patients and genetic mouse models suggest biphasic changes in DA neurotransmission. In the early stages, DA neurotransmission is increased leading to hyperkinetic movements that can be alleviated by depleting DA stores. In contrast, in the late stages, DA deficits produce hypokinesia that can be treated by increasing DA function. Alterations in DA neurotransmission affect glutamate receptor modulation and could contribute to excitotoxicity. The mechanisms of DA dysfunction, in particular the increased DA tone in the early stages of the disease, are presently unknown but may include initial upregulation of DA neuron activity caused by the genetic mutation, reduced inhibition resulting from striatal MSN loss, increased excitation from cortical inputs, and DA autoreceptor dysfunction. Targeting both DA and glutamate receptor dysfunction could be the best strategy to treat HD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kerry P S Murphy
- Huntington's Disease Research Forum, Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Martin Parent
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Chen JY, Wang EA, Cepeda C, Levine MS. Dopamine imbalance in Huntington's disease: a mechanism for the lack of behavioral flexibility. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:114. [PMID: 23847463 PMCID: PMC3701870 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) plays an essential role in the control of coordinated movements. Alterations in DA balance in the striatum lead to pathological conditions such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases (HD). HD is a progressive, invariably fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a genetic mutation producing an expansion of glutamine repeats and is characterized by abnormal dance-like movements (chorea). The principal pathology is the loss of striatal and cortical projection neurons. Changes in brain DA content and receptor number contribute to abnormal movements and cognitive deficits in HD. In particular, during the early hyperkinetic stage of HD, DA levels are increased whereas expression of DA receptors is reduced. In contrast, in the late akinetic stage, DA levels are significantly decreased and resemble those of a Parkinsonian state. Time-dependent changes in DA transmission parallel biphasic changes in glutamate synaptic transmission and may enhance alterations in glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic activity. In this review, we focus on neuronal electrophysiological mechanisms that may lead to some of the motor and cognitive symptoms of HD and how they relate to dysfunction in DA neurotransmission. Based on clinical and experimental findings, we propose that some of the behavioral alterations in HD, including reduced behavioral flexibility, may be caused by altered DA modulatory function. Thus, restoring DA balance alone or in conjunction with glutamate receptor antagonists could be a viable therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y Chen
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Raymond LA, André VM, Cepeda C, Gladding CM, Milnerwood AJ, Levine MS. Pathophysiology of Huntington's disease: time-dependent alterations in synaptic and receptor function. Neuroscience 2011; 198:252-73. [PMID: 21907762 PMCID: PMC3221774 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurological condition caused by an expansion of CAG (glutamine) repeats in the coding region of the Huntington gene. To date, there is no cure but great strides have been made to understand pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, genetic animal models of HD have been instrumental in elucidating the progression of behavioral and physiological alterations, which had not been possible using classic neurotoxin models. Our groups have pioneered the use of transgenic HD mice to examine the excitotoxicity hypothesis of striatal neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, as well as alterations in excitation and inhibition in striatum and cerebral cortex. In this review, we focus on synaptic and receptor alterations of striatal medium-sized spiny (MSNs) and cortical pyramidal neurons in genetic HD mouse models. We demonstrate a complex series of alterations that are region-specific and time-dependent. In particular, many changes are bidirectional depending on the degree of disease progression, that is, early vs. late, and also on the region examined. Early synaptic dysfunction is manifested by dysregulated glutamate release in striatum followed by progressive disconnection between cortex and striatum. The differential effects of altered glutamate release on MSNs originating the direct and indirect pathways is also elucidated, with the unexpected finding that cells of the direct striatal pathway are involved early in the course of the disease. In addition, we review evidence for early N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction leading to enhanced sensitivity of extrasynaptic receptors and a critical role of GluN2B subunits. Some of the alterations in late HD could be compensatory mechanisms designed to cope with early synaptic and receptor dysfunctions. The main findings indicate that HD treatments need to be designed according to the stage of disease progression and should consider regional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Véronique M. André
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clare M. Gladding
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Austen J. Milnerwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael S. Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gamez J, Lorenzo-Bosquet C, Cuberas-Borrós G, Carmona F, Hernández-Vara J, Castilló J, Castell-Conesa J. Does reduced [123I]-FP-CIT binding in Huntington's disease suggest pre-synaptic dopaminergic involvement? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2010; 112:870-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2010.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Revised: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Vetter JM, Jehle T, Heinemeyer J, Franz P, Behrens PF, Jackisch R, Landwehrmeyer GB, Feuerstein TJ. Mice transgenic for exon 1 of Huntington's disease: properties of cholinergic and dopaminergic pre-synaptic function in the striatum. J Neurochem 2003; 85:1054-63. [PMID: 12716437 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01704.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In Huntington's disease (HD), neuronal loss is most prominent in the striatum leading to emotional, cognitive and progressive motor dysfunction. The R6/2 mice, transgenic for exon 1 of the HD gene, develop a neurological phenotype with similarities to these features of HD. In striatal tissue, electrically evoked release of tritiated acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) were compared in wild-type (WT) and R6/2 mice. In R6/2 mice, the evoked release of ACh, its M2 autoreceptor-mediated maximum inhibition and its dopamine D2 heteroreceptor-mediated maximum inhibition was diminished to 51%, 74% and 87% of controls, respectively. Also, the activities of choline acetyltransferase and of synaptosomal high-affinity choline uptake decreased progressively with age in these mice. In the DA release model, however, electrical stimulation elicited equal amounts of [3H]-DA both in WT and R6/2 mice. Moreover, high-affinity DA uptake into striatal slices was similar in WT and R6/2 mice. In order to confirm these findings in vivo, intrastriatal levels of extracellular DA were measured by intracerebral microdialysis in freely moving mice: striatal DA levels were found to be equal in WT and R6/2 mice. In conclusion, in the transgenic R6/2 mice changes occur mainly in striatal cholinergic neurones and their pre-synaptic modulation, but not in the dopaminergic afferent terminals. Whether similar events also contribute to the pathogenesis of HD in humans has to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Vetter
- Section of Clinicial Neuropharmacology, Neurozentrum, Breisacherstrasse 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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Petersén A, Puschban Z, Lotharius J, NicNiocaill B, Wiekop P, O'Connor WT, Brundin P. Evidence for dysfunction of the nigrostriatal pathway in the R6/1 line of transgenic Huntington's disease mice. Neurobiol Dis 2002; 11:134-46. [PMID: 12460553 DOI: 10.1006/nbdi.2002.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present multidisciplinary study examined nigrostriatal dopamine and striatal amino acid transmission in the R6/1 line of transgenic Huntington's disease (HD) mice expressing exon 1 of the HD gene with 115 CAG repeats. Although the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons was not reduced and nigrostriatal connectivity remained intact in 16-week-old R6/1 mice, the size of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra was reduced by 15%, and approximately 30% of these cells exhibited aggregated huntingtin. In addition, using in vivo microdialysis, we found that basal extracellular striatal dopamine levels were reduced by 70% in R6/1 mice compared to their wild-type littermates. Intrastriatal perfusion with malonate in R6/1 mice resulted in a short-lasting, attenuated increase in local dopamine release compared to wild-type mice. Furthermore, the size of the malonate-induced striatal lesion was 80% smaller in these animals. Taken together, these findings suggest that a functional deficit in nigrostriatal dopamine transmission may contribute to the behavioral phenotype and the resistance to malonate-induced neurotoxicity characteristic of R6/1 HD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Petersén
- Section for Neuronal Survival, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Sweden
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Inhibition of mitochondrial complex II induces a long-term potentiation of NMDA-mediated synaptic excitation in the striatum requiring endogenous dopamine. J Neurosci 2001. [PMID: 11438586 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.21-14-05110.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal involuntary movements and cognitive impairment represent the classical clinical symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD). This genetic disorder involves degeneration of striatal spiny neurons, but not striatal large cholinergic interneurons, and corresponds to a marked decrease in the activity of mitochondrial complex II [succinate dehydrogenase (SD)] in the brains of HD patients. Here we have examined the possibility that SD inhibitors exert their toxic action by increasing glutamatergic transmission. We report that SD inhibitors such as 3-nitroproprionic acid (3-NP), but not an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, produce a long-term potentiation of the NMDA-mediated synaptic excitation (3-NP-LTP) in striatal spiny neurons. In contrast, these inhibitors had no effect on excitatory synaptic transmission in striatal cholinergic interneurons and pyramidal cortical neurons. 3-NP-LTP involves increased intracellular calcium and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase and is critically dependent on endogenous dopamine acting via D2 receptors, whereas it is negatively regulated by D1 receptors. Thus 3-NP-LTP might play a key role in the regional and cell type-specific neuronal death observed in HD.
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Abstract
Huntington's disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder, the cause of which is unknown. Excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are all likely to contribute to the striatal cell death that occurs in this disorder. There are accumulating data indicating that under specific circumstances, dopamine, which occurs in high concentrations in the basal ganglia, might be neurotoxic. In this article, the current models used to study Huntington's disease are reviewed and the recent findings that implicate dopamine in the pathophysiology of this progressive disorder are discussed. Although many questions remain unanswered, the dopaminergic system could contribute to striatal vulnerability in Huntington's disease and provide a novel avenue for the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Jakel
- MSTP Program, University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Maragos WF, Jakel RJ, Pang Z, Geddes JW. 6-Hydroxydopamine injections into the nigrostriatal pathway attenuate striatal malonate and 3-nitropropionic acid lesions. Exp Neurol 1998; 154:637-44. [PMID: 9878198 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.1998.6918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial inhibitors malonate and 3-nitropropionic (3NP) acid are potent neurotoxins in vivo. Administration of these compounds results in neuronal loss similar to that seen in Huntington's disease. Although the mechanism of cell death produced by these compounds likely involves activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, it remains unclear why the striatum demonstrates regional susceptibility to the toxicity of these and other mitochondrial poisons. We hypothesized that dopamine, a weak neurotoxin that occurs in high concentrations in the striatum, may contribute to the neuronal damage caused by mitochondrial inhibition. We investigated whether depletion of striatal dopamine using the catecholaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine would attenuate lesions induced by mitochondrial inhibition. We found that dopamine depletion reduced significantly the extent of histological damage in the striatum elicited by both intraparenchymal injections of 0.8 micromol malonate and 20 mg/kg systemic administration of 3NP. These data suggest that dopamine or one of its metabolites may contribute to mitochondrial toxin-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- W F Maragos
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536-0284, USA
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Akoev GN, Chalisova NI, Ludino MI, Terent'ev DA, Yatsuk SL, Romanjuk AV. Epileptiform activity increases the level of nerve growth factor in cerebrospinal fluid of epileptic patients and in hippocampal neurons in tissue culture. Neuroscience 1996; 75:601-5. [PMID: 8931022 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(96)00208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A neurite-stimulating effect was induced by both the cerebrospinal fluid of epileptic patients and the media of co-cultures of rat hippocampus and chick embryo sensory neurons after veratridine treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with epilepsy stimulated extensive neurite growth in the organotypic culture of chick embryo dorsal root ganglia. The anti-nerve growth factor antibody partly blocked the neurite-stimulating effect of the cerebrospinal fluid. Co-cultures of newborn rat hippocampus and chick embryo dorsal root ganglia were used to investigate the involvement of neurotrophic factors into the processes which are activated by neuronal activity. The data obtained suggest that veratridine, an epileptiform agent, gave rise to an elevation in the level of neurotrophic factors in the culture media and neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons. The anti-nerve growth factor antibody was shown to block the neurite-stimulating effect mediated by veratridine. These results indicate that the epileptiform activity of neurons evokes the expression of neurotrophins.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Akoev
- I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Physiology of Sensory Receptors, St Petersburg, Russia
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Morrison PJ, Nevin NC. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity and ferritin in early Huntington disease patients. Ir J Med Sci 1994; 163:236-7. [PMID: 8045729 DOI: 10.1007/bf02943258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Serum iron, total iron binding capacity and ferritin was estimated in 42 patients with early Huntington disease (HD) and in 148 matched controls. Ferritin levels were significantly low in affected male subjects as compared to controls. Iron levels and total iron binding capacity were normal in HD patients. The importance of this finding, that occurs early in the pathogenesis of HD, is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Morrison
- Department of Medical Genetics, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast City Hospital
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