1
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Huang C, Wang S, Deng J, Gu X, Guo S, Yin X. A "messenger zone hypothesis" based on the visual three-dimensional spatial distribution of motoneurons innervating deep limb muscles. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1559-1567. [PMID: 38051900 PMCID: PMC10883482 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202407000-00036/figure1/v/2023-11-20T171125Z/r/image-tiff
Coordinated contraction of skeletal muscles relies on selective connections between the muscles and multiple classes of the spinal motoneurons. However, current research on the spatial location of the spinal motoneurons innervating different muscles is limited. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution and relative position of different motoneurons that control the deep muscles of the mouse hindlimbs, which were innervated by the obturator nerve, femoral nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, and tibial nerve. Locations were visualized by combining a multiplex retrograde tracking technique compatible with three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared organs (3DISCO) and 3-D imaging technology based on lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Additionally, we propose the hypothesis that “messenger zones” exist as interlaced areas between the motoneuron pools that dominate the synergistic or antagonist muscle groups. We hypothesize that these interlaced neurons may participate in muscle coordination as messenger neurons. Analysis revealed the precise mutual positional relationships among the many motoneurons that innervate different deep muscles of the mouse. Not only do these findings update and supplement our knowledge regarding the overall spatial layout of spinal motoneurons that control mouse limb muscles, but they also provide insights into the mechanisms through which muscle activity is coordinated and the architecture of motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Wang
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Deng
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Gu
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhang Guo
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yin
- MoE Key Laboratory for Trauma Treatment and Nerve Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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2
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Hu Y, Chen W, Wei C, Jiang S, Li S, Wang X, Xu R. Pathological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1036-1044. [PMID: 37862206 PMCID: PMC10749610 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis refers to a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor system, the cause of which remains unexplained despite several years of research. Thus, the journey to understanding or treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still a long one. According to current research, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely not due to a single factor but rather to a combination of mechanisms mediated by complex interactions between molecular and genetic pathways. The progression of the disease involves multiple cellular processes and the interaction between different complex mechanisms makes it difficult to identify the causative factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the most common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated pathogenic genes and the pathways involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as summarize currently proposed potential mechanisms responsible for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease and their evidence for involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, we discuss current emerging strategies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Studying the emergence of these new therapies may help to further our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Caihui Wei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shishi Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College; The Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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3
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Dermentzaki G, Furlan M, Tanaka I, Leonardi T, Rinchetti P, Passos PMS, Bastos A, Ayala YM, Hanna JH, Przedborski S, Bonanomi D, Pelizzola M, Lotti F. Depletion of Mettl3 in cholinergic neurons causes adult-onset neuromuscular degeneration. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113999. [PMID: 38554281 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron (MN) demise is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Post-transcriptional gene regulation can control RNA's fate, and defects in RNA processing are critical determinants of MN degeneration. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification that controls diverse aspects of RNA metabolism. To assess the m6A requirement in MNs, we depleted the m6A methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in cells and mice. METTL3 depletion in embryonic stem cell-derived MNs has profound and selective effects on survival and neurite outgrowth. Mice with cholinergic neuron-specific METTL3 depletion display a progressive decline in motor behavior, accompanied by MN loss and muscle denervation, culminating in paralysis and death. Reader proteins convey m6A effects, and their silencing phenocopies METTL3 depletion. Among the m6A targets, we identified transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and discovered that its expression is under epitranscriptomic control. Thus, impaired m6A signaling disrupts MN homeostasis and triggers neurodegeneration conceivably through TDP-43 deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Dermentzaki
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mattia Furlan
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Iris Tanaka
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Leonardi
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia M S Passos
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alliny Bastos
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yuna M Ayala
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dario Bonanomi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Pelizzola
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy; Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Antonucci S, Caron G, Dikwella N, Krishnamurty SS, Harster A, Zarrin H, Tahanis A, Heuvel FO, Danner SM, Ludolph A, Grycz K, Baczyk M, Zytnicki D, Roselli F. Non-canonical adrenergic neuromodulation of motoneuron intrinsic excitability through β-receptors in wild-type and ALS mice. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.25.586570. [PMID: 38585891 PMCID: PMC10996613 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Altered neuronal excitability and synaptic inputs to motoneurons are part of the pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The cAMP/PKA pathway regulates both of them but therapeutic interventions at this level are limited by the lack of knowledge about suitable pharmacological entry points. Here we used transcriptomics on microdissected and in situ motoneurons to reveal the modulation of PKA-coupled receptorome in SOD1(G93A) ALS mice, vs WT, demonstrating the dysregulation of multiple PKA-coupled GPCRs, in particular on vulnerable MNs, and the relative sparing of β-adrenergic receptors. In vivo MN electrophysiology showed that β2/β3 agonists acutely increase excitability, in particular the input/output relationship, demonstrating a non-canonical adrenergic neuromodulation mediated by β2/β3 receptors both in WT and SOD1 mice. The excitability increase corresponds to the upregulation of immediate-early gene expression and dysregulation of ion channels transcriptome. However the β2/β3 neuromodulation is submitted to a strong homeostasis, since a ten days delivery of β2/β3 agonists results in an abolition of the excitability increase. The homeostatic response is largely caused by a substantial downregulation of PKA-coupled GPCRs in MNs from WT and SOD1 mice. Thus, β-adrenergic receptors are physiologically involved in the regulation of MN excitability and transcriptomics, but, intriguingly, a strong homeostatic response is triggered upon chronic pharmacologic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillaume Caron
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Anthony Harster
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Simon M. Danner
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Dept. of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, DE
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, DE
| | - Kamil Grycz
- Dept. of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poland
| | - Marcin Baczyk
- Dept. of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poland
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Dept. of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, DE
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, DE
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5
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Fiore APZP, Maity S, Jeffery L, An D, Rendleman J, Iannitelli D, Choi H, Mazzoni E, Vogel C. Identification of molecular signatures defines the differential proteostasis response in induced spinal and cranial motor neurons. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113885. [PMID: 38457337 PMCID: PMC11018139 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis damages proteostasis, affecting spinal and upper motor neurons earlier than a subset of cranial motor neurons. To aid disease understanding, we exposed induced cranial and spinal motor neurons (iCrMNs and iSpMNs) to proteotoxic stress, under which iCrMNs showed superior survival, quantifying the transcriptome and proteome for >8,200 genes at 0, 12, and 36 h. Two-thirds of the proteome showed cell-type differences. iSpMN-enriched proteins related to DNA/RNA metabolism, and iCrMN-enriched proteins acted in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/ER chaperone complex, tRNA aminoacylation, mitochondria, and the plasma/synaptic membrane, suggesting that iCrMNs expressed higher levels of proteins supporting proteostasis and neuronal function. When investigating the increased proteasome levels in iCrMNs, we showed that the activity of the 26S proteasome, but not of the 20S proteasome, was higher in iCrMNs than in iSpMNs, even after a stress-induced decrease. We identified Ublcp1 as an iCrMN-specific regulator of the nuclear 26S activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuvadeep Maity
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Lauren Jeffery
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Disi An
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Justin Rendleman
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dylan Iannitelli
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Esteban Mazzoni
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christine Vogel
- New York University, Department of Biology, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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6
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Jagaraj CJ, Shadfar S, Kashani SA, Saravanabavan S, Farzana F, Atkin JD. Molecular hallmarks of ageing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:111. [PMID: 38430277 PMCID: PMC10908642 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, severely debilitating and rapidly progressing disorder affecting motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments, thus there remains a critical need to find novel interventions that can mitigate against its effects. Whilst the aetiology of ALS remains unclear, ageing is the major risk factor. Ageing is a slowly progressive process marked by functional decline of an organism over its lifespan. However, it remains unclear how ageing promotes the risk of ALS. At the molecular and cellular level there are specific hallmarks characteristic of normal ageing. These hallmarks are highly inter-related and overlap significantly with each other. Moreover, whilst ageing is a normal process, there are striking similarities at the molecular level between these factors and neurodegeneration in ALS. Nine ageing hallmarks were originally proposed: genomic instability, loss of telomeres, senescence, epigenetic modifications, dysregulated nutrient sensing, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and altered inter-cellular communication. However, these were recently (2023) expanded to include dysregulation of autophagy, inflammation and dysbiosis. Hence, given the latest updates to these hallmarks, and their close association to disease processes in ALS, a new examination of their relationship to pathophysiology is warranted. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms by which normal ageing impacts on neurodegenerative mechanisms implicated in ALS, and new therapeutic interventions that may arise from this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sara Assar Kashani
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sayanthooran Saravanabavan
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Fabiha Farzana
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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7
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Zhang X, Dou Z, Kim SH, Upadhyay G, Havert D, Kang S, Kazemi K, Huang K, Aydin O, Huang R, Rahman S, Ellis‐Mohr A, Noblet HA, Lim KH, Chung HJ, Gritton HJ, Saif MTA, Kong HJ, Beggs JM, Gazzola M. Mind In Vitro Platforms: Versatile, Scalable, Robust, and Open Solutions to Interfacing with Living Neurons. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2306826. [PMID: 38161217 PMCID: PMC10953569 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Motivated by the unexplored potential of in vitro neural systems for computing and by the corresponding need of versatile, scalable interfaces for multimodal interaction, an accurate, modular, fully customizable, and portable recording/stimulation solution that can be easily fabricated, robustly operated, and broadly disseminated is presented. This approach entails a reconfigurable platform that works across multiple industry standards and that enables a complete signal chain, from neural substrates sampled through micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) to data acquisition, downstream analysis, and cloud storage. Built-in modularity supports the seamless integration of electrical/optical stimulation and fluidic interfaces. Custom MEA fabrication leverages maskless photolithography, favoring the rapid prototyping of a variety of configurations, spatial topologies, and constitutive materials. Through a dedicated analysis and management software suite, the utility and robustness of this system are demonstrated across neural cultures and applications, including embryonic stem cell-derived and primary neurons, organotypic brain slices, 3D engineered tissue mimics, concurrent calcium imaging, and long-term recording. Overall, this technology, termed "mind in vitro" to underscore the computing inspiration, provides an end-to-end solution that can be widely deployed due to its affordable (>10× cost reduction) and open-source nature, catering to the expanding needs of both conventional and unconventional electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Zhi Dou
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Gaurav Upadhyay
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Daniel Havert
- Department of PhysicsIndiana University BloomingtonBloomingtonIN47405USA
| | - Sehong Kang
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Kimia Kazemi
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Kai‐Yu Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Onur Aydin
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Raymond Huang
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Saeedur Rahman
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Austin Ellis‐Mohr
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Hayden A. Noblet
- Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Neuroscience ProgramUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Ki H. Lim
- Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Hee Jung Chung
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Neuroscience ProgramUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Howard J. Gritton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61802USA
| | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Hyun Joon Kong
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - John M. Beggs
- Department of PhysicsIndiana University BloomingtonBloomingtonIN47405USA
| | - Mattia Gazzola
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
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8
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Shi Y, Huang L, Dong H, Yang M, Ding W, Zhou X, Lu T, Liu Z, Zhou X, Wang M, Zeng B, Sun Y, Zhong S, Wang B, Wang W, Yin C, Wang X, Wu Q. Decoding the spatiotemporal regulation of transcription factors during human spinal cord development. Cell Res 2024; 34:193-213. [PMID: 38177242 PMCID: PMC10907391 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord is a crucial component of the central nervous system that facilitates sensory processing and motor performance. Despite its importance, the spatiotemporal codes underlying human spinal cord development have remained elusive. In this study, we have introduced an image-based single-cell transcription factor (TF) expression decoding spatial transcriptome method (TF-seqFISH) to investigate the spatial expression and regulation of TFs during human spinal cord development. By combining spatial transcriptomic data from TF-seqFISH and single-cell RNA-sequencing data, we uncovered the spatial distribution of neural progenitor cells characterized by combinatorial TFs along the dorsoventral axis, as well as the molecular and spatial features governing neuronal generation, migration, and differentiation along the mediolateral axis. Notably, we observed a sandwich-like organization of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons transiently appearing in the dorsal horns of the developing human spinal cord. In addition, we integrated data from 10× Visium to identify early and late waves of neurogenesis in the dorsal horn, revealing the formation of laminas in the dorsal horns. Our study also illuminated the spatial differences and molecular cues underlying motor neuron (MN) diversification, and the enrichment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) risk genes in MNs and microglia. Interestingly, we detected disease-associated microglia (DAM)-like microglia groups in the developing human spinal cord, which are predicted to be vulnerable to ALS and engaged in the TYROBP causal network and response to unfolded proteins. These findings provide spatiotemporal transcriptomic resources on the developing human spinal cord and potential strategies for spinal cord injury repair and ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Shi
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Guangdong, China.
| | - Luwei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xin Zhou
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengdi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Yinuo Sun
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Suijuan Zhong
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Bosong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Qian Wu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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9
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Xu H, Czyżowska A, Van Remmen H, Brown JL. Modulation of sarcopenia phenotypes by glutathione peroxidase 4 overexpression in mice. J Physiol 2023; 601:5277-5293. [PMID: 37878529 PMCID: PMC10871152 DOI: 10.1113/jp285259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our laboratory previously showed lipid hydroperoxides and oxylipin levels are elevated in response to loss of skeletal muscle innervation and are associated with muscle pathologies. To elucidate the pathological impact of lipid hydroperoxides, we overexpressed glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), an enzyme that targets reduction of lipid hydroperoxides in membranes, in adult CuZn superoxide dismutase knockout (Sod1KO) mice that show accelerated muscle atrophy associated with loss of innervation. The gastrocnemius muscle from Sod1KO mice shows reduced mitochondrial respiration and elevated oxidative stress (F2 -isoprostanes and hydroperoxides) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Overexpression of GPx4 improved mitochondrial respiration and reduced hydroperoxide generation in Sod1KO mice, but did not attenuate the muscle loss that occurs in Sod1KO mice. In contrast, contractile force generation is reduced in EDL muscle in Sod1KO mice relative to WT mice, and overexpression of GPx4 restored force generation to WT levels in Sod1KO mice. GPx4 overexpression also prevented loss of muscle contractility at the single fibre level in fast-twitch fibres from Sod1KO mice. Muscle fibres from Sod1KO mice were less sensitive to both depolarization and calcium at the single fibre level and exhibited a reduced activation by S-glutathionylation. GPx4 overexpression in Sod1KO mice rescued the deficits in both membrane excitability and calcium sensitivity of fast-twitch muscle fibres. Overexpression of GPx4 also restored the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase activity in Sod1KO gastrocnemius muscles. These data suggest that GPx4 plays an important role in preserving excitation-contraction coupling function and Ca2+ homeostasis, and in maintaining muscle and mitochondrial function in oxidative stress-induced sarcopenia. KEY POINTS: Knockout of CuZn superoxide dismutase (Sod1KO) induces elevated oxidative stress with accelerated muscle atrophy and weakness. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) plays a fundamental role in the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides in membranes, and overexpression of GPx4 improves mitochondrial respiration and reduces hydroperoxide generation in Sod1KO mice. Muscle contractile function deficits in Sod1KO mice are alleviated by the overexpression of GPx4. GPx4 overexpression in Sod1KO mice rescues the impaired muscle membrane excitability of fast-twitch muscle fibres and improves their calcium sensitivity. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase activity in Sod1KO muscles is decreased, and it is restored by the overexpression of GPx4. Our results confirm that GPx4 plays an important role in preserving excitation-contraction coupling function and Ca2+ homeostasis, and maintaining muscle and mitochondrial function in oxidative stress-induced sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Xu
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Agnieszka Czyżowska
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Holly Van Remmen
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jacob L Brown
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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10
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Justs KA, Sempertegui S, Riboul DV, Oliva CD, Durbin RJ, Crill S, Stawarski M, Su C, Renden RB, Fily Y, Macleod GT. Mitochondrial phosphagen kinases support the volatile power demands of motor nerve terminals. J Physiol 2023; 601:5705-5732. [PMID: 37942946 PMCID: PMC10841428 DOI: 10.1113/jp284872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons are the longest neurons in the body, with axon terminals separated from the soma by as much as a meter. These terminals are largely autonomous with regard to their bioenergetic metabolism and must burn energy at a high rate to sustain muscle contraction. Here, through computer simulation and drawing on previously published empirical data, we determined that motor neuron terminals in Drosophila larvae experience highly volatile power demands. It might not be surprising then, that we discovered the mitochondria in the motor neuron terminals of both Drosophila and mice to be heavily decorated with phosphagen kinases - a key element in an energy storage and buffering system well-characterized in fast-twitch muscle fibres. Knockdown of arginine kinase 1 (ArgK1) in Drosophila larval motor neurons led to several bioenergetic deficits, including mitochondrial matrix acidification and a faster decline in the cytosol ATP to ADP ratio during axon burst firing. KEY POINTS: Neurons commonly fire in bursts imposing highly volatile demands on the bioenergetic machinery that generates ATP. Using a computational approach, we built profiles of presynaptic power demand at the level of single action potentials, as well as the transition from rest to sustained activity. Phosphagen systems are known to buffer ATP levels in muscles and we demonstrate that phosphagen kinases, which support such phosphagen systems, also localize to mitochondria in motor nerve terminals of fruit flies and mice. By knocking down phosphagen kinases in fruit fly motor nerve terminals, and using fluorescent reporters of the ATP:ADP ratio, lactate, pH and Ca2+ , we demonstrate a role for phosphagen kinases in stabilizing presynaptic ATP levels. These data indicate that the maintenance of phosphagen systems in motor neurons, and not just muscle, could be a beneficial initiative in sustaining musculoskeletal health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlis A. Justs
- Integrative Biology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Sergio Sempertegui
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Danielle V. Riboul
- Integrative Biology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Carlos D. Oliva
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ryan J. Durbin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557
| | - Sarah Crill
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Michal Stawarski
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Chenchen Su
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Robert B. Renden
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557
| | - Yaouen Fily
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Gregory T. Macleod
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Institute for Human Health & Disease Intervention, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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11
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Rupareliya VP, Singh AA, Butt AM, A H, Kumar H. The "molecular soldiers" of the CNS: Astrocytes, a comprehensive review on their roles and molecular signatures. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176048. [PMID: 37758010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, neurons held the position of central players in the nervous system. Since there are far more astrocytes than neurons in the brain, it makes us wonder if these cells just take up space and support the neurons or if they are actively participating in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Now, astrocytes' contribution to CNS physiology is appreciated as they are known to regulate ion and neurotransmitter levels, synapse formation and elimination, blood-brain barrier integrity, immune function, cerebral blood flow, and many more. In many neurological and psychiatric disorders, astrocyte functions are altered. Advancements in microscopic and transcriptomic tools revealed populations of astrocytes with varied morphology, electrophysiological properties, and transcriptomic profiles. Neuron-circuit-specific functions and neuron-specific interactions of astroglial subpopulations are found, which suggests that diversity is essential in carrying out diverse region-specific CNS functions. Investigations on heterogeneous astrocyte populations are revealing new astrocyte functions and their role in pathological conditions, opening a new therapeutic avenue for targeting neurological conditions. The true extent of astrocytic heterogeneity and its functional implications are yet to be fully explored. This review summarizes essential astrocytic functions and their relevance in pathological conditions and discusses astrocytic diversity in relation to morphology, function, and gene expression throughout the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal P Rupareliya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Aditya A Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Ayub Mohammed Butt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hariharan A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
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12
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Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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13
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Maranzano A, Verde F, Colombo E, Poletti B, Doretti A, Bonetti R, Gagliardi D, Meneri M, Maderna L, Messina S, Corti S, Morelli C, Silani V, Ticozzi N. Regional spreading pattern is associated with clinical phenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:4105-4116. [PMID: 37075222 PMCID: PMC10545526 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that disease spreading in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) follows a preferential pattern with more frequent involvement of contiguous regions from the site of symptom onset. The aim of our study was to assess if: (i) the burden of upper (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement influences directionality of disease spreading; (ii) specific patterns of disease progression are associated with motor and neuropsychological features of different ALS subtypes (classic, bulbar, primary lateral sclerosis, UMN-predominant, progressive muscular atrophy, flail arm, flail leg); and (iii) specific clinical features may help identify ALS subtypes, which remain localized to the site of onset for a prolonged time (regionally entrenching ALS). A single-centre, retrospective cohort of 913 Italian ALS patients was evaluated to assess correlations between directionality of the disease process after symptom onset and motor/neuropsychological phenotype. All patients underwent an extensive evaluation including the following clinical scales: Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS), MRC Scale for Muscle Strength and the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS). The most frequent initial spreading pattern was that towards adjacent horizontal regions (77.3%), which occurred preferentially in patients with lower MRC scores (P = 0.038), while vertical diffusion (21.1%) was associated with higher PUMNS (P < 0.001) and with reduced survival (P < 0.001). Non-contiguous disease spreading was associated with more severe UMN impairment (P = 0.003), while contiguous disease pattern with lower MRC scores. Furthermore, non-contiguous disease spreading was associated with more severe cognitive impairment in both executive and visuospatial ECAS domains. Individuals with regionally entrenching ALS were more frequently female (45.6% versus 36.9%; P = 0.028) and had higher frequencies of symmetric disease onset (40.3% versus 19.7%; P < 0.001) and bulbar phenotype (38.5% versus 16.4%; P < 0.001). Our study suggests that motor phenotypes characterized by a predominant UMN involvement are associated with a vertical pattern of disease progression reflecting ipsilateral spreading within the motor cortex, while those with predominant LMN involvement display more frequently a horizontal spreading from one side of the spinal cord to the other. These observations raise the hypothesis that one of the mechanisms underlying disease spreading in ALS pathology is represented by diffusion of toxic factors in the neuron microenvironment. Finally, it is possible that in our cohort, regionally entrenching ALS forms are mainly observed in patients with atypical bulbar phenotypes, characterized by a slowly progressive course and relatively benign prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bonetti
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
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14
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D'Elia KP, Hameedy H, Goldblatt D, Frazel P, Kriese M, Zhu Y, Hamling KR, Kawakami K, Liddelow SA, Schoppik D, Dasen JS. Determinants of motor neuron functional subtypes important for locomotor speed. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113049. [PMID: 37676768 PMCID: PMC10600875 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion requires precise control of the strength and speed of muscle contraction and is achieved by recruiting functionally distinct subtypes of motor neurons (MNs). MNs are essential to movement and differentially susceptible in disease, but little is known about how MNs acquire functional subtype-specific features during development. Using single-cell RNA profiling in embryonic and larval zebrafish, we identify novel and conserved molecular signatures for MN functional subtypes and identify genes expressed in both early post-mitotic and mature MNs. Assessing MN development in genetic mutants, we define a molecular program essential for MN functional subtype specification. Two evolutionarily conserved transcription factors, Prdm16 and Mecom, are both functional subtype-specific determinants integral for fast MN development. Loss of prdm16 or mecom causes fast MNs to develop transcriptional profiles and innervation similar to slow MNs. These results reveal the molecular diversity of vertebrate axial MNs and demonstrate that functional subtypes are specified through intrinsic transcriptional codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P D'Elia
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanna Hameedy
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dena Goldblatt
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Frazel
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mercer Kriese
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yunlu Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyla R Hamling
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Schoppik
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jeremy S Dasen
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Loke LYC, Barsoum DR, Murphey TD, Argall BD. Characterizing Eye Gaze for Assistive Device Control. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37941208 DOI: 10.1109/icorr58425.2023.10304812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Eye gaze tracking is increasingly popular due to improved technology and availability. However, in assistive device control, eye gaze tracking is often limited to discrete control inputs. In this paper, we present a method for collecting both reactionary and control eye gaze signals to build an individualized characterization for eye gaze interface use. Results from a study conducted with motor-impaired participants are presented, offering insights into maximizing the potential of eye gaze for assistive device control. These findings can inform the development of continuous control paradigms using eye gaze.
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16
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Lebœuf M, Vargas-Abonce SE, Pezé-Hedsieck E, Dupont E, Jimenez-Alonso L, Moya KL, Prochiantz A. ENGRAILED-1 transcription factor has a paracrine neurotrophic activity on adult spinal α-motoneurons. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56525. [PMID: 37534581 PMCID: PMC10398658 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several homeoprotein transcription factors transfer between cells and regulate gene expression, protein translation, and chromatin organization in recipient cells. ENGRAILED-1 is one such homeoprotein expressed in spinal V1 interneurons that synapse on α-motoneurons. Neutralizing extracellular ENGRAILED-1 by expressing a secreted single-chain antibody blocks its capture by spinal motoneurons resulting in α-motoneuron loss and limb weakness. A similar but stronger phenotype is observed in the Engrailed-1 heterozygote mouse, confirming that ENGRAILED-1 exerts a paracrine neurotrophic activity on spinal cord α-motoneurons. Intrathecal injection of ENGRAILED-1 leads to its specific internalization by spinal motoneurons and has long-lasting protective effects against neurodegeneration and weakness. Midbrain dopaminergic neurons express Engrailed-1 and, similarly to spinal cord α-motoneurons, degenerate in the heterozygote. We identify genes expressed in spinal cord motoneurons whose expression changes in mouse Engrailed-1 heterozygote midbrain neurons. Among these, p62/SQSTM1 shows increased expression during aging in spinal cord motoneurons in the Engrailed-1 heterozygote and upon extracellular ENGRAILED-1 neutralization. We conclude that ENGRAILED-1 might regulate motoneuron aging and has non-cell-autonomous neurotrophic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lebœuf
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- BrainEver SAS, Paris, France
| | - Stephanie E Vargas-Abonce
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- BrainEver SAS, Paris, France
| | - Eugénie Pezé-Hedsieck
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Edmond Dupont
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | | | - Kenneth L Moya
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Alain Prochiantz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
- BrainEver SAS, Paris, France
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17
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Alhindi A, Shand M, Smith HL, Leite AS, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Ridgway Z, Faller KME, Jones RA, Gillingwater TH, Chaytow H. Neuromuscular junction denervation and terminal Schwann cell loss in the hTDP-43 overexpression mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12925. [PMID: 37465879 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex aetiology. Despite evidence of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation and 'dying-back' pathology in models of SOD1-dependent ALS, evidence in other genetic forms of ALS is limited by a lack of suitable animal models. TDP-43, a key mediator protein in ALS, is overexpressed in neurons in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. We therefore aimed to comprehensively analyse NMJ pathology in this model of ALS. METHODS Expression of TDP-43 was assessed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry techniques, alongside NMJ-morph quantification, were used to analyse motor neuron number, NMJ denervation status and terminal Schwann cell morphology. RESULTS We present a time course of progressive, region-specific motor neuron pathology in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. Thy1-driven hTDP-43 expression increased steadily, correlating with developing hindlimb motor weakness and associated motor neuron loss in the spinal cord with a median survival of 21 days. Pronounced NMJ denervation was observed in hindlimb muscles, mild denervation in cranial muscles but no evidence of denervation in either forelimb or trunk muscles. NMJ pathology was restricted to motor nerve terminals, with denervation following the same time course as motor neuron loss. Terminal Schwann cells were lost from NMJs in hindlimb muscles, directly correlating with denervation status. CONCLUSIONS Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice represent a severe model of ALS, with NMJ pathology/denervation of distal muscles and motor neuron loss, as observed in ALS patients. This model therefore provides an ideal platform to investigate mechanisms of dying-back pathology, as well as NMJ-targeting disease-modifying therapies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Shand
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah L Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ana S Leite
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Medicine, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zara Ridgway
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
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18
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Younes R, Issa Y, Jdaa N, Chouaib B, Brugioti V, Challuau D, Raoul C, Scamps F, Cuisinier F, Hilaire C. The Secretome of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Its Components GDF15 and HB-EGF Protect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motoneurons against Death. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2152. [PMID: 37626649 PMCID: PMC10452672 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable paralytic disorder caused by the progressive death of upper and lower motoneurons. Although numerous strategies have been developed to slow disease progression and improve life quality, to date only a few therapeutic treatments are available with still unsatisfactory therapeutic benefits. The secretome of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) contains numerous neurotrophic factors that could promote motoneuron survival. Accordingly, DPSCs confer neuroprotective benefits to the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. However, the mode of action of DPSC secretome on motoneurons remains largely unknown. Here, we used conditioned medium of human DPSCs (DPSCs-CM) and assessed its effect on survival, axonal length, and electrical activity of cultured wildtype and SOD1G93A motoneurons. To further understand the role of individual factors secreted by DPSCs and to circumvent the secretome variability bias, we focused on GDF15 and HB-EGF whose neuroprotective properties remain elusive in the ALS pathogenic context. DPSCs-CM rescues motoneurons from trophic factor deprivation-induced death, promotes axon outgrowth of wildtype but not SOD1G93A mutant motoneurons, and has no impact on the spontaneous electrical activity of wildtype or mutant motoneurons. Both GDF15 and HB-EGF protect SOD1G93A motoneurons against nitric oxide-induced death, but not against death induced by trophic factor deprivation. GDF15 and HB-EGF receptors were found to be expressed in the spinal cord, with a two-fold increase in expression for the GDF15 low-affinity receptor in SOD1G93A mice. Therefore, the secretome of DPSCs appears as a new potential therapeutic candidate for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Younes
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
- LBN, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Issa
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Nadia Jdaa
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Batoul Chouaib
- LBN, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
- Human Health Department, IRSN, SERAMED, LRMed, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Désiré Challuau
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric Raoul
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Cécile Hilaire
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
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19
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Brandenburg JE, Rabatin AE, Driscoll SW. Spasticity Interventions: Decision-Making and Management. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:483-500. [PMID: 37121638 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Spasticity results from an abnormality of the central nervous system and is characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone or stiffness. In children, it can cause functional impairments, delays in achieving developmental or motor milestones, participation restrictions, discomfort, and musculoskeletal differences. Unique to children is the ongoing process of a maturing central nervous system and body, which can create the appearance of worsening or changing spasticity. Treatment options include physical interventions such as stretching, serial casting, and bracing; oral and injectable medications; and neurosurgical procedures such as selective dorsal rhizotomy and intrathecal baclofen pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline E Brandenburg
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Amy E Rabatin
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sherilyn W Driscoll
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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20
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Lazo PA, Morejón-García P. VRK1 variants at the cross road of Cajal body neuropathogenic mechanisms in distal neuropathies and motor neuron diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106172. [PMID: 37257665 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Distal hereditary neuropathies and neuro motor diseases are complex neurological phenotypes associated with pathogenic variants in a large number of genes, but in some the origin is unknown. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the human VRK1 gene have been associated with these neurological phenotypes. All VRK1 pathogenic variants are recessive, and their clinical presentation occurs in either homozygous or compound heterozygous patients. The pathogenic VRK1 gene pathogenic variants are located in three clusters within the protein sequence. The main, and initial, shared clinical phenotype among VRK1 pathogenic variants is a distal progressive loss of motor and/or sensory function, which includes diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia. In most cases, symptoms start early in infancy, or in utero, and are slowly progressive. Additional neurological symptoms vary among non-related patients, probably because of their different VRK1 variants and their genetic background. The underlying common pathogenic mechanism, by its functional impairment, is a likely consequence of the roles that the VRK1 protein plays in the regulation on the stability and assembly of Cajal bodies, which affect RNA maturation and processing, neuronal migration of RNPs along axons, and DNA-damage responses. Alterations of these processes are associated with several neuro sensory or motor syndromes. The clinical heterogeneity of the neurological phenotypes associated with VRK1 is a likely consequence of the protein complexes in which VRK1 is integrated, which include several proteins known to be associated with Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses. Several hereditary distal neurological diseases are a consequence of pathogenic variants in genes that alter these cellular functions. We conclude that VRK1-related distal hereditary neuropathies and motor neuron diseases represent a novel subgroup of Cajal body related neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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21
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Wlaschin JJ, Donahue C, Gluski J, Osborne JF, Ramos LM, Silberberg H, Le Pichon CE. Promoting regeneration while blocking cell death preserves motor neuron function in a model of ALS. Brain 2023; 146:2016-2028. [PMID: 36342754 PMCID: PMC10411937 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons with very few treatment options. We had previously found that motor neuron degeneration in a mouse model of ALS can be delayed by deleting the axon damage sensor MAP3K12 or dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK). However, DLK is also involved in axon regeneration, prompting us to ask whether combining DLK deletion with a way to promote axon regeneration would result in greater motor neuron protection. To achieve this, we used a mouse line that constitutively expresses ATF3, a master regulator of regeneration in neurons. Although there is precedence for each individual strategy in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS, these have not previously been combined. By several lines of evidence including motor neuron electrophysiology, histology and behaviour, we observed a powerful synergy when combining DLK deletion with ATF3 expression. The combinatorial strategy resulted in significant protection of motor neurons with fewer undergoing cell death, reduced axon degeneration and preservation of motor function and connectivity to muscle. This study provides a demonstration of the power of combinatorial therapy to treat neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette J Wlaschin
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Caroline Donahue
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jacob Gluski
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer F Osborne
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Leana M Ramos
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hanna Silberberg
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Claire E Le Pichon
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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22
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Tan S, Faull RLM, Curtis MA. The tracts, cytoarchitecture, and neurochemistry of the spinal cord. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:777-819. [PMID: 36099279 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The human spinal cord can be described using a range of nomenclatures with each providing insight into its structure and function. Here we have comprehensively reviewed the key literature detailing the general structure, configuration of tracts, the cytoarchitecture of Rexed's laminae, and the neurochemistry at the spinal segmental level. The purpose of this review is to detail current anatomical understanding of how the spinal cord is structured and to aid researchers in identifying gaps in the literature that need to be studied to improve our knowledge of the spinal cord which in turn will improve the potential of therapeutic intervention for disorders of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Tan
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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23
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Xu HJ, Yao Y, Yao F, Chen J, Li M, Yang X, Li S, Lu F, Hu P, He S, Peng G, Jing N. Generation of functional posterior spinal motor neurons from hPSCs-derived human spinal cord neural progenitor cells. Cell Regen 2023; 12:15. [PMID: 36949352 PMCID: PMC10033800 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Spinal motor neurons deficiency results in a series of devastating disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spinal cord injury (SCI). These disorders are currently incurable, while human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived spinal motor neurons are promising but suffered from inappropriate regional identity and functional immaturity for the study and treatment of posterior spinal cord related injuries. In this study, we have established human spinal cord neural progenitor cells (hSCNPCs) via hPSCs differentiated neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) and demonstrated the hSCNPCs can be continuously expanded up to 40 passages. hSCNPCs can be rapidly differentiated into posterior spinal motor neurons with high efficiency. The functional maturity has been examined in detail. Moreover, a co-culture scheme which is compatible for both neural and muscular differentiation is developed to mimic the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation in vitro. Together, these studies highlight the potential avenues for generating clinically relevant spinal motor neurons and modeling neuromuscular diseases through our defined hSCNPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Jax Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenyong Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiehui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meishi Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xianfa Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Sheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20023, China
| | - Fangru Lu
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Ping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
- Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20023, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuijin He
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Guangdun Peng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas, Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Arpke RW, Moritz TC, Hahn KL, Stark DA, Villalón E, Lorson CL, Cornelison DDW. Normal muscle fiber type distribution is recapitulated in aged ephrin-A3 -/- mice that previously lacked most slow myofibers. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C718-C727. [PMID: 36717102 PMCID: PMC10027087 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00519.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Individual limb muscles have characteristic representation and spatial distribution of muscle fiber types (one slow and up to three fast isoforms) appropriate to their unique anatomical location and function. This distribution can be altered by physiological stimuli such as training (i.e., for increased endurance or force) or pathological conditions such as aging. Our group previously showed that ephrin-A3 is expressed only on slow myofibers, and that adult mice lacking ephrin-A3 have dramatically reduced numbers of slow myofibers due to postnatal innervation of previously slow myofibers by fast motor neurons. In this study, fiber type composition of hindlimb muscles of aged and denervated/reinnervated C57BL/6 and ephrin-A3-/- mice was analyzed to determine whether the loss of slow myofibers persists across the lifespan. Surprisingly, fiber-type composition of ephrin-A3-/- mouse muscles at two years of age was nearly indistinguishable from age-matched C57BL/6 mice. After challenge with nerve crush, the percentage of IIa and I/IIa hybrid myofibers increased significantly in aged ephrin-A3-/- mice. While EphA8, the receptor for ephrin-A3, is present at all neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) on fast fibers in 3-6 mo old C57BL/6 and ephrin-A3-/- mice, this exclusive localization is lost with aging, with EphA8 expression now found on a subset of NMJs on some slow muscle fibers. This return to appropriate fiber-type distribution given time and under use reinforces the role of activity in determining fiber-type representation and suggests that, rather than being a passive baseline, the developmentally and evolutionarily selected fiber type pattern may instead be actively reinforced by daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Arpke
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Timothy C. Moritz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Kevin L. Hahn
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Danny A. Stark
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Eric Villalón
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Christian L. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - DDW Cornelison
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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25
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Venugopal S, Ghulam-Jhelani Z, Ahn IS, Yang X, Wiedau M, Simmons D, Chandler SH. Early deficits in GABA inhibition parallels an increase in L-type Ca 2+ currents in the jaw motor neurons of SOD1 G93A mouse model for ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 177:105992. [PMID: 36623607 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) involves protracted pre-symptomatic periods of abnormal motor neuron (MN) excitability occurring in parallel with central and peripheral synaptic perturbations. Focusing on inhibitory control of MNs, we first compared longitudinal changes in pre-synaptic terminal proteins for GABA and glycine neurotransmitters around the soma of retrogradely identified trigeminal jaw closer (JC) MNs and ChAT-labeled midbrain extraocular (EO) MNs in the SOD1G93A mouse model for ALS. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging were used to quantify GAD67 and GlyT2 synaptic bouton density (SBD) around MN soma at pre-symptomatic ages ∼P12 (postnatal), ∼P50 (adult) and near disease end-stage (∼P135) in SOD1G93A mice and age-matched wild-type (WT) controls. We noted reduced GAD67 innervation in the SOD1G93A trigeminal jaw closer MNs around P12, relative to age-matched WT and no significant difference around P50 and P135. In contrast, both GAD67 and GlyT2 innervation were elevated in the SOD1G93A EO MNs at the pre-symptomatic time points. Considering trigeminal MNs are vulnerable in ALS while EO MNs are spared, we suggest that upregulation of inhibition in the latter might be compensatory. Notable contrast also existed in the innate co-expression patterns of GAD67 and GlyT2 with higher mutual information (co-dependency) in EO MNs compared to JC in both SOD1G93A and WT mice, especially at adult stages (P50 and P135). Around P12 when GAD67 terminals expression was low in the mutant, we further tested for persistent GABA inhibition in those MNs using in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology. Our results show that SOD1G93A JC MNs have reduced persistent GABA inhibition, relative to WT. Pharmacological blocking of an underlying tonically active GABA conductance using the GABA-α5 subunit inverse agonist, L-655-708, disinhibited WT JC MNs and lowered their recruitment threshold, suggesting its role in the control of intrinsic MN excitability. Quantitative RT-PCR in laser dissected JC MNs further supported a reduction in GABA-α5 subunit mRNA expression in the mutant. In light of our previous report that JC MNs forming putative fast motor units have lower input threshold in the SOD1G93A mice, we suggest that our present result on reduced GABA-α5 tonic inhibition provides for a mechanism contributing to such imbalance. In parallel with reduced GABA inhibition, we noted an increase in voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ currents in the mutant JC MNs around P12. Together these results support that, early modifications in intrinsic properties of vulnerable MNs could be an adaptive response to counter synaptic deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Venugopal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Zohal Ghulam-Jhelani
- Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - In Sook Ahn
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Martina Wiedau
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dwayne Simmons
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Scott H Chandler
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Naito M, Hideyama T, Teramoto S, Saito T, Kato H, Terashi H, Kwak S, Aizawa H. Pathological features of glial cells and motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in sporadic ALS using ADAR2 conditional knockout mice. J Neurol Sci 2023; 444:120520. [PMID: 36527980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). In the MNs of patients with ALS, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2)-mediated RNA editing of GluA2 mRNA at the Q/R site is profoundly deficient. In genetically modified mice (ADAR2flox/flox/VAChT-Cre.Fast; AR2), the selective knockout of ADAR2 in cholinergic neurons induced progressive loss of lower MNs. MNs exhibiting an age-related increase in abnormal TDP-43 localization and reduced ADAR2 immunoreactivity are localized in the lateral areas of the anterior horns (AHs) in aged wild-type mice. However, the patterns in the AHs of AR2 mice remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether similar degeneration is observed in AR2 mice. We compared the number of astrocytes and MNs in the lateral and medial AHs of the lumbar spinal cord of 12-month-old AR2 mice with age-matched wild-type mice. The number of MNs significantly decreased in both the lateral and medial areas in AR2 mice AHs, particularly in the former. The number of reactive astrocytes increased significantly in the lateral areas of the AHs of AR2 mice. In conclusion, stronger activation of astrocytes with reduction of MNs in the ADAR2 deficiency-related lateral area increases in AR2 mice AHs. Fast fatigable MNs are expected to be present in the lateral area of the AHs. We found that MN death is more common in the lateral area of AHs associated with FF MNs due to differences in vulnerability to MN under ADAR2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Naito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuto Hideyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sayaka Teramoto
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Kato
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Terashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Aizawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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27
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Abstract
Muscle spindles, one of the two main classes of proprioceptors together with Golgi tendon organs, are sensory structures that keep the central nervous system updated about the position and movement of body parts. Although they were discovered more than 150 years ago, their function during movement is not yet fully understood. Here, we summarize the morphology and known functions of muscle spindles, with a particular focus on locomotion. Although certain properties such as the sensitivity to dynamic and static muscle stretch are long known, recent advances in molecular biology have allowed the characterization of the molecular mechanisms for signal transduction in muscle spindles. Building upon classic literature showing that a lack of sensory feedback is deleterious to locomotion, we bring to the discussion more recent findings that support a pivotal role of muscle spindles in maintaining murine and human locomotor robustness, defined as the ability to cope with perturbations. Yet, more research is needed to expand the existing mechanistic understanding of how muscle spindles contribute to the production of robust, functional locomotion in real world settings. Future investigations should focus on combining different animal models to identify, in health and disease, those peripheral, spinal and brain proprioceptive structures involved in the fine tuning of motor control when locomotion happens in challenging conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Santuz
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Life Sciences Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Turgay Akay
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Life Sciences Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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28
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Colasuonno F, Price R, Moreno S. Upper and Lower Motor Neurons and the Skeletal Muscle: Implication for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol 2023; 236:111-129. [PMID: 37955773 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38215-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between motor neurons and the skeletal muscle during development and in pathologic contexts are addressed in this Chapter.We discuss the developmental interplay of muscle and nervous tissue, through neurotrophins and the activation of differentiation and survival pathways. After a brief overview on muscular regulatory factors, we focus on the contribution of muscle to early and late neurodevelopment. Such a role seems especially intriguing in relation to the epigenetic shaping of developing motor neuron fate choices. In this context, emphasis is attributed to factors regulating energy metabolism, which may concomitantly act in muscle and neural cells, being involved in common pathways.We then review the main features of motor neuron diseases, addressing the cellular processes underlying clinical symptoms. The involvement of different muscle-associated neurotrophic factors for survival of lateral motor column neurons, innervating MyoD-dependent limb muscles, and of medial motor column neurons, innervating Myf5-dependent back musculature is discussed. Among the pathogenic mechanisms, we focus on oxidative stress, that represents a common and early trait in several neurodegenerative disorders. The role of organelles primarily involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging and, more generally, in energy metabolism-namely mitochondria and peroxisomes-is discussed in the frame of motor neuron degeneration.We finally address muscular involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multifactorial degenerative disorder, hallmarked by severe weight loss, caused by imbalanced lipid metabolism. Even though multiple mechanisms have been recognized to play a role in the disease, current literature generally assumes that the primum movens is neuronal degeneration and that muscle atrophy is only a consequence of such pathogenic event. However, several lines of evidence point to the muscle as primarily involved in the disease, mainly through its role in energy homeostasis. Data from different ALS mouse models strongly argue for an early mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle tissue, possibly leading to motor neuron disturbances. Detailed understanding of skeletal muscle contribution to ALS pathogenesis will likely lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Colasuonno
- Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Xu X, Talifu Z, Zhang CJ, Gao F, Ke H, Pan YZ, Gong H, Du HY, Yu Y, Jing YL, Du LJ, Li JJ, Yang DG. Mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury: A narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1099143. [PMID: 36937344 PMCID: PMC10020380 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1099143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury leads to loss of innervation of skeletal muscle, decreased motor function, and significantly reduced load on skeletal muscle, resulting in atrophy. Factors such as braking, hormone level fluctuation, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage accelerate skeletal muscle atrophy. The atrophy process can result in skeletal muscle cell apoptosis, protein degradation, fat deposition, and other pathophysiological changes. Skeletal muscle atrophy not only hinders the recovery of motor function but is also closely related to many systemic dysfunctions, affecting the prognosis of patients with spinal cord injury. Extensive research on the mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy and intervention at the molecular level has shown that inflammation and oxidative stress injury are the main mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and that multiple pathways are involved. These may become targets of future clinical intervention. However, most of the experimental studies are still at the basic research stage and still have some limitations in clinical application, and most of the clinical treatments are focused on rehabilitation training, so how to develop more efficient interventions in clinical treatment still needs to be further explored. Therefore, this review focuses mainly on the mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury and summarizes the cytokines and signaling pathways associated with skeletal muscle atrophy in recent studies, hoping to provide new therapeutic ideas for future clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Han Gong
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Hua-Yong Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Li Jing
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Jun Li
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
- De-Gang Yang
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30
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Just-Borràs L, Cilleros-Mañé V, Polishchuk A, Balanyà-Segura M, Tomàs M, Garcia N, Tomàs J, Lanuza MA. TrkB signaling is correlated with muscular fatigue resistance and less vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1069940. [PMID: 36618825 PMCID: PMC9813967 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1069940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), motor neurons and myocytes maintain a bidirectional communication that guarantees adequate functionality. Thus, motor neurons' firing pattern, which is influenced by retrograde muscle-derived neurotrophic factors, modulates myocyte contractibility. Myocytes can be fast-twitch fibers and become easily fatigued or slow-twitch fibers and resistant to fatigue. Extraocular muscles (EOM) show mixed properties that guarantee fast contraction speed and resistance to fatigue and the degeneration caused by Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. The TrkB signaling is an activity-dependent pathway implicated in the NMJ well-functioning. Therefore, it could mediate the differences between fast and slow myocytes' resistance to fatigue. The present study elucidates a specific protein expression profile concerning the TrkB signaling that correlates with higher resistance to fatigue and better neuroprotective capacity through time. The results unveil that Extra-ocular muscles (EOM) express lower levels of NT-4 that extend TrkB signaling, differential PKC expression, and a higher abundance of phosphorylated synaptic proteins that correlate with continuous neurotransmission requirements. Furthermore, common molecular features between EOM and slow soleus muscles including higher neurotrophic consumption and classic and novel PKC isoforms balance correlate with better preservation of these two muscles in ALS. Altogether, higher resistance of Soleus and EOM to fatigue and ALS seems to be associated with specific protein levels concerning the TrkB neurotrophic signaling.
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31
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Chen YA, Kankel MW, Hana S, Lau SK, Zavodszky MI, McKissick O, Mastrangelo N, Dion J, Wang B, Ferretti D, Koske D, Lehman S, Koszka K, McLaughlin H, Liu M, Marshall E, Fabian AJ, Cullen P, Marsh G, Hamann S, Craft M, Sebalusky J, Arnold HM, Driscoll R, Sheehy A, Luo Y, Manca S, Carlile T, Sun C, Sigrist K, McCampbell A, Henderson CE, Lo SC. In vivo genome editing using novel AAV-PHP variants rescues motor function deficits and extends survival in a SOD1-ALS mouse model. Gene Ther 2022;:1-12. [PMID: 36450833 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-based gene editing technology represents a promising approach to deliver therapies for inherited disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Toxic gain-of-function superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations are responsible for ~20% of familial ALS cases. Thus, current clinical strategies to treat SOD1-ALS are designed to lower SOD1 levels. Here, we utilized AAV-PHP.B variants to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 guide RNAs designed to disrupt the human SOD1 (huSOD1) transgene in SOD1G93A mice. A one-time intracerebroventricular injection of AAV.PHP.B-huSOD1-sgRNA into neonatal H11Cas9 SOD1G93A mice caused robust and sustained mutant huSOD1 protein reduction in the cortex and spinal cord, and restored motor function. Neonatal treatment also reduced spinal motor neuron loss, denervation at neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and muscle atrophy, diminished axonal damage and preserved compound muscle action potential throughout the lifespan of treated mice. SOD1G93A treated mice achieved significant disease-free survival, extending lifespan by more than 110 days. Importantly, a one-time intrathecal or intravenous injection of AAV.PHP.eB-huSOD1-sgRNA in adult H11Cas9 SOD1G93A mice, immediately before symptom onset, also extended lifespan by at least 170 days. We observed substantial protection against disease progression, demonstrating the utility of our CRISPR editing preclinical approach for target evaluation. Our approach uncovered key parameters (e.g., AAV capsid, Cas9 expression) that resulted in improved efficacy compared to similar approaches and can also serve to accelerate drug target validation.
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32
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Baraldo M, Zorzato S, Dondjang AHT, Geremia A, Nogara L, Dumitras AG, Canato M, Marcucci L, Nolte H, Blaauw B. Inducible deletion of raptor and mTOR from adult skeletal muscle impairs muscle contractility and relaxation. J Physiol 2022; 600:5055-5075. [PMID: 36255030 DOI: 10.1113/jp283686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle weakness has been associated with different pathological conditions, including sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, and is accompanied by altered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. We wanted to elucidate the functional role of mTOR in muscle contractility. Most loss-of-function studies for mTOR signalling have used the drug rapamycin to inhibit some of the signalling downstream of mTOR. However, given that rapamycin does not inhibit all mTOR signalling completely, we generated a double knockout for mTOR and for the scaffold protein of mTORC1, raptor, in skeletal muscle. We found that double knockout in mice results in a more severe phenotype compared with deletion of raptor or mTOR alone. Indeed, these animals display muscle weakness, increased fibre denervation and a slower muscle relaxation following tetanic stimulation. This is accompanied by a shift towards slow-twitch fibres and changes in the expression levels of calcium-related genes, such as Serca1 and Casq1. Double knockout mice show a decrease in calcium decay kinetics after tetanus in vivo, suggestive of a reduced calcium reuptake. In addition, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that many downregulated genes, such as Tcap and Fhod3, are linked to sarcomere organization. These results suggest a key role for mTOR signalling in maintaining proper fibre relaxation in skeletal muscle. KEY POINTS: Skeletal muscle wasting and weakness have been associated with different pathological conditions, including sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, and are accompanied by altered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. Mammalian target of rapamycin plays a crucial role in the maintenance of muscle mass and functionality. We found that the loss of both mTOR and raptor results in contractile abnormalities, with severe muscle weakness and delayed relaxation following tetanic stimulation. These results are associated with alterations in the expression of genes involved in sarcomere organization and calcium handling and with an impairment in calcium reuptake after contraction. Taken together, these results provide a mechanistic insight into the role of mTOR in muscle contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Baraldo
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zorzato
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Achille Homère Tchampda Dondjang
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessia Geremia
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Nogara
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ana Georgia Dumitras
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Canato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marcucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Suita, Japan
| | - Hendrik Nolte
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bert Blaauw
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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33
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Akter M, Ding B. Modeling Movement Disorders via Generation of hiPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Cells 2022; 11. [PMID: 36497056 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of motor neurons (MNs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain tissues and provides an unprecedent approach for modeling MN-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent progression in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MN differentiation and their applications in the generation of MNs from hiPSCs, with a particular focus on two approaches: induction by small molecules and induction by lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. At each induction stage, different culture media and supplements, typical growth conditions and cellular morphology, and specific markers for validation of cell identity and quality control are specifically discussed. Both approaches can generate functional MNs. Currently, the major challenges in modeling neurological diseases using iPSC-derived neurons are: obtaining neurons with high purity and yield; long-term neuron culture to reach full maturation; and how to culture neurons more physiologically to maximize relevance to in vivo conditions.
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34
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Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Cozzi M, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Pramaggiore P, Mina F, Galbiati M, Rusmini P, Crippa V, Cristofani R, Poletti A. The Role of Small Heat Shock Proteins in Protein Misfolding Associated Motoneuron Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11759. [PMID: 36233058 PMCID: PMC9569637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases (MNDs) are neurodegenerative conditions associated with death of upper and/or lower motoneurons (MNs). Proteostasis alteration is a pathogenic mechanism involved in many MNDs and is due to the excessive presence of misfolded and aggregated proteins. Protein misfolding may be the product of gene mutations, or due to defects in the translation process, or to stress agents; all these conditions may alter the native conformation of proteins making them prone to aggregate. Alternatively, mutations in members of the protein quality control (PQC) system may determine a loss of function of the proteostasis network. This causes an impairment in the capability to handle and remove aberrant or damaged proteins. The PQC system consists of the degradative pathways, which are the autophagy and the proteasome, and a network of chaperones and co-chaperones. Among these components, Heat Shock Protein 70 represents the main factor in substrate triage to folding, refolding, or degradation, and it is assisted in this task by a subclass of the chaperone network, the small heat shock protein (sHSPs/HSPBs) family. HSPBs take part in proteostasis by bridging misfolded and aggregated proteins to the HSP70 machinery and to the degradative pathways, facilitating refolding or clearance of the potentially toxic proteins. Because of its activity against proteostasis alteration, the chaperone system plays a relevant role in the protection against proteotoxicity in MNDs. Here, we discuss the role of HSPBs in MNDs and which HSPBs may represent a valid target for therapeutic purposes.
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35
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Lescouzères L, Bordignon B, Bomont P. Development of a high-throughput tailored imaging method in zebrafish to understand and treat neuromuscular diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:956582. [PMID: 36204134 PMCID: PMC9530744 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.956582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate species offering multitude of advantages for the study of conserved biological systems in human and has considerably enriched our knowledge in developmental biology and physiology. Being equally important in medical research, the zebrafish has become a critical tool in the fields of diagnosis, gene discovery, disease modeling, and pharmacology-based therapy. Studies on the zebrafish neuromuscular system allowed for deciphering key molecular pathways in this tissue, and established it as a model of choice to study numerous motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle diseases. Starting with the similarities of the zebrafish neuromuscular system with the human system, we review disease models associated with the neuromuscular system to focus on current methodologies employed to study them and outline their caveats. In particular, we put in perspective the necessity to develop standardized and high-resolution methodologies that are necessary to deepen our understanding of not only fundamental signaling pathways in a healthy tissue but also the changes leading to disease phenotype outbreaks, and offer templates for high-content screening strategies. While the development of high-throughput methodologies is underway for motility assays, there is no automated approach to quantify the key molecular cues of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we provide a novel high-throughput imaging methodology in the zebrafish that is standardized, highly resolutive, quantitative, and fit for drug screening. By providing a proof of concept for its robustness in identifying novel molecular players and therapeutic drugs in giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) disease, we foresee that this new tool could be useful for both fundamental and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lescouzères
- ERC Team, Institut NeuroMyoGéne-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR 5261, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Benoît Bordignon
- Montpellier Ressources Imagerie, BioCampus, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Bomont
- ERC Team, Institut NeuroMyoGéne-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR 5261, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- *Correspondence: Pascale Bomont,
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36
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Patel T, Hammelman J, Aziz S, Jang S, Closser M, Michaels TL, Blum JA, Gifford DK, Wichterle H. Transcriptional dynamics of murine motor neuron maturation in vivo and in vitro. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5427. [PMID: 36109497 PMCID: PMC9477853 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons born in the embryo can undergo a protracted period of maturation lasting well into postnatal life. How gene expression changes are regulated during maturation and whether they can be recapitulated in cultured neurons remains poorly understood. Here, we show that mouse motor neurons exhibit pervasive changes in gene expression and accessibility of associated regulatory regions from embryonic till juvenile age. While motifs of selector transcription factors, ISL1 and LHX3, are enriched in nascent regulatory regions, motifs of NFI factors, activity-dependent factors, and hormone receptors become more prominent in maturation-dependent enhancers. Notably, stem cell-derived motor neurons recapitulate ~40% of the maturation expression program in vitro, with neural activity playing only a modest role as a late-stage modulator. Thus, the genetic maturation program consists of a core hardwired subprogram that is correctly executed in vitro and an extrinsically-controlled subprogram that is dependent on the in vivo context of the maturing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulsi Patel
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jennifer Hammelman
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Siaresh Aziz
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sumin Jang
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Michael Closser
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Theodore L Michaels
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jacob A Blum
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David K Gifford
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Tosolini AP, Sleigh JN, Surana S, Rhymes ER, Cahalan SD, Schiavo G. BDNF-dependent modulation of axonal transport is selectively impaired in ALS. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:121. [PMID: 35996201 PMCID: PMC9396851 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal transport ensures long-range delivery of essential cargoes between proximal and distal compartments, and is needed for neuronal development, function, and survival. Deficits in axonal transport have been detected at pre-symptomatic stages in the SOD1G93A and TDP-43M337V mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting that impairments in this critical process are fundamental for disease pathogenesis. Strikingly, in ALS, fast motor neurons (FMNs) degenerate first whereas slow motor neurons (SMNs) are more resistant, and this is a currently unexplained phenomenon. The main aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on in vivo axonal transport in different α-motor neuron (MN) subtypes in wild-type (WT) and SOD1G93A mice. We report that despite displaying similar basal transport speeds, stimulation of wild-type MNs with BDNF enhances in vivo trafficking of signalling endosomes specifically in FMNs. This BDNF-mediated enhancement of transport was also observed in primary ventral horn neuronal cultures. However, FMNs display selective impairment of axonal transport in vivo in symptomatic SOD1G93A mice, and are refractory to BDNF stimulation, a phenotype that was also observed in primary embryonic SOD1G93A neurons. Furthermore, symptomatic SOD1G93A mice display upregulation of the classical non-pro-survival truncated TrkB and p75NTR receptors in muscles, sciatic nerves, and Schwann cells. Altogether, these data indicate that cell- and non-cell autonomous BDNF signalling is impaired in SOD1G93A MNs, thus identifying a new key deficit in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Tosolini
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK. .,UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - James N Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sunaina Surana
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Elena R Rhymes
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephen D Cahalan
- Comparative Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK. .,UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK. .,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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38
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Schweingruber C, Hedlund E. The Cell Autonomous and Non-Cell Autonomous Aspects of Neuronal Vulnerability and Resilience in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Biology 2022; 11:1191. [PMID: 36009818 PMCID: PMC9405388 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by a progressive paralysis due to the loss of particular neurons in our nervous system called motor neurons, that exert voluntary control of all our skeletal muscles. It is not entirely understood why motor neurons are particularly vulnerable in ALS, neither is it completely clear why certain groups of motor neurons, including those that regulate eye movement, are rather resilient to this disease. However, both vulnerability and resilience to ALS likely reflect cell intrinsic properties of different motor neuron subpopulations as well as non-cell autonomous events regulated by surrounding cell types. In this review we dissect the particular properties of different motor neuron types and their responses to disease that may underlie their respective vulnerabilities and resilience. Disease progression in ALS involves multiple cell types that are closely connected to motor neurons and we here also discuss their contributions to the differential vulnerability of motor neurons. Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by the loss of upper motor neurons (MNs) that project from the cerebral cortex to the brain stem and spinal cord and of lower MNs in the brain stem and spinal cord which innervate skeletal muscles, leading to spasticity, muscle atrophy, and paralysis. ALS involves several disease stages, and multiple cell types show dysfunction and play important roles during distinct phases of disease initiation and progression, subsequently leading to selective MN loss. Why MNs are particularly vulnerable in this lethal disease is still not entirely clear. Neither is it fully understood why certain MNs are more resilient to degeneration in ALS than others. Brain stem MNs of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, which innervate our eye muscles, are highly resistant and persist until the end-stage of the disease, enabling paralyzed patients to communicate through ocular tracking devices. MNs of the Onuf’s nucleus in the sacral spinal cord, that innervate sphincter muscles and control urogenital functions, are also spared throughout the disease. There is also a differential vulnerability among MNs that are intermingled throughout the spinal cord, that directly relate to their physiological properties. Here, fast-twitch fatigable (FF) MNs, which innervate type IIb muscle fibers, are affected early, before onset of clinical symptoms, while slow-twitch (S) MNs, that innervate type I muscle fibers, remain longer throughout the disease progression. The resilience of particular MN subpopulations has been attributed to intrinsic determinants and multiple studies have demonstrated their unique gene regulation and protein content in health and in response to disease. Identified factors within resilient MNs have been utilized to protect more vulnerable cells. Selective vulnerability may also, in part, be driven by non-cell autonomous processes and the unique surroundings and constantly changing environment close to particular MN groups. In this article, we review in detail the cell intrinsic properties of resilient and vulnerable MN groups, as well as multiple additional cell types involved in disease initiation and progression and explain how these may contribute to the selective MN resilience and vulnerability in ALS.
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Pérez-Torres EJ, Utkina-Sosunova I, Mishra V, Barbuti P, De Planell-Saguer M, Dermentzaki G, Geiger H, Basile AO, Robine N, Fagegaltier D, Politi KA, Rinchetti P, Jackson-Lewis V, Harms M, Phatnani H, Lotti F, Przedborski S. Retromer dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118755119. [PMID: 35749364 PMCID: PMC9245686 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118755119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retromer is a heteropentameric complex that plays a specialized role in endosomal protein sorting and trafficking. Here, we report a reduction in the retromer proteins-vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35), VPS26A, and VPS29-in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in the ALS model provided by transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the mutant superoxide dismutase-1 G93A. These changes are accompanied by a reduction of levels of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit GluA1, a proxy of retromer function, in spinal cords from Tg SOD1G93A mice. Correction of the retromer deficit by a viral vector expressing VPS35 exacerbates the paralytic phenotype in Tg SOD1G93A mice. Conversely, lowering Vps35 levels in Tg SOD1G93A mice ameliorates the disease phenotype. In light of these findings, we propose that mild alterations in retromer inversely modulate neurodegeneration propensity in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J. Pérez-Torres
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Irina Utkina-Sosunova
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Vartika Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Peter Barbuti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Mariangels De Planell-Saguer
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Georgia Dermentzaki
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Heather Geiger
- Computational Biology, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013
| | - Anna O. Basile
- Computational Biology, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013
| | - Nicolas Robine
- Computational Biology, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013
| | - Delphine Fagegaltier
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013
| | - Kristin A. Politi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Vernice Jackson-Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | | | - Matthew Harms
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
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Lambert-Smith IA, Saunders DN, Yerbury JJ. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology proteostasis impairment and ALS. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2022; 174:3-27. [PMID: 35716729 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that results from the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons. It is the most common motor neuron disease and currently has no effective treatment. There is mounting evidence to suggest that disturbances in proteostasis play a significant role in ALS pathogenesis. Proteostasis is the maintenance of the proteome at the right level, conformation and location to allow a cell to perform its intended function. In this review, we present a thorough synthesis of the literature that provides evidence that genetic mutations associated with ALS cause imbalance to a proteome that is vulnerable to such pressure due to its metastable nature. We propose that the mechanism underlying motor neuron death caused by defects in mRNA metabolism and protein degradation pathways converges on proteostasis dysfunction. We propose that the proteostasis network may provide an effective target for therapeutic development in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Lambert-Smith
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Darren N Saunders
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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41
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Johnson B, Kokkinis A, Gai N, Shamim EA, Blackstone C, Fischbeck KH, Grunseich C. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Inherited and Sporadic Motor Neuron Degeneration. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:936. [PMID: 35741698 PMCID: PMC9222520 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe evidence of fatty liver disease in patients with forms of motor neuron degeneration with both genetic and sporadic etiology compared to controls. A group of 13 patients with motor neuron disease underwent liver imaging and laboratory analysis. The cohort included five patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia, four with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), three with familial ALS, and one with primary lateral sclerosis. A genetic mutation was reported in nine of the thirteen motor neuron disease (MND) patients. Fatty liver disease was detected in 10 of 13 (77%) MND patients via magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with an average dome intrahepatic triacylglycerol content of 17% (range 2–63%, reference ≤5.5%). Liver ultrasound demonstrated evidence of fatty liver disease in 6 of the 13 (46%) patients, and serum liver function testing revealed significantly elevated alanine aminotransferase levels in MND patients compared to age-matched controls. Fatty liver disease may represent a non-neuronal clinical component of various forms of MND.
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42
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Salvany S, Casanovas A, Piedrafita L, Gras S, Calderó J, Esquerda JE. Accumulation of misfolded SOD1 outlines distinct patterns of motor neuron pathology and death during disease progression in a SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13078. [PMID: 35584812 PMCID: PMC9616096 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (mfSOD1) accumulation, motor neuron (MN) degeneration, and microgliosis are hallmark pathological features in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice. Because of the different vulnerabilities of distinct MN subtypes, degenerating and surviving MNs coexist in different proportions during disease progression. By examining the expression of misfolded conformers of SOD1 using specific antibodies, we defined distinct MN phenotypes that were evaluated during disease progression and the local neuroinflammatory reaction. The most severe phenotype corresponded to somata of fast‐twitch subtype MNs, which exhibited highly positive mfSOD1 immunostaining and an extreme degree of vacuolar degeneration. Vacuoles, which are of mitochondrial origin, contain mfSOD1 in conjunction with nonmitochondrial proteins, such as chromogranin, CD81, and flotillin. The fusion of ER‐derived vesicles enriched in mfSOD1 with outer mitochondrial membranes is thought to be the primary mechanism for vacuole formation. In addition, the ulterior coalescence of enlarged mitochondria may lead to the formation of giant vacuoles. Vacuolar degeneration is a transient degenerative process occurring early during the presymptomatic stages of the disease in ALS mice. Some vacuolated MNs are also positive for pMLKL, the effector protein of necroptosis. This indicates a newly described mechanism in which extracellular vesicles derived from damaged MNs, via cellular secretion or necroptotic disruption, may be the triggers for initiating neuroinflammation, glial‐mediated neurotoxicity, and disease spreading. Furthermore, as MN degeneration in mutant SOD1 mice is noncell autonomous, the effects of experimentally increasing or decreasing the microglial response on the expression of MN phenotypes were also evaluated, demonstrating bidirectional cross talk signaling between the degree of expression of mfSOD1 and local neuroinflammation. More detailed knowledge regarding these processes occurring long before the end stages of the disease is necessary to identify novel molecular targets for future preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salvany
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Casanovas
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lídia Piedrafita
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sílvia Gras
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep E Esquerda
- Patologia Neuromuscular Experimental, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
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Lee PJ, Kennedy Z, Wang Y, Lu Y, Cefaliello C, Uyan Ö, Song C, Godinho BMDC, Xu Z, Rusckowski M, Xue W, Brown RH. Imaging Net Retrograde Axonal Transport In Vivo: A Physiological Biomarker. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:716-729. [PMID: 35178738 PMCID: PMC9313858 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a novel method for monitoring the integrity of motor neurons in vivo by quantifying net retrograde axonal transport. METHODS The method uses single photon emission computed tomography to quantify retrograde transport to spinal cord of tetanus toxin fragment C (125 I-TTC) following intramuscular injection. We characterized the transport profiles in 3 transgenic mouse models carrying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated genes, aging mice, and SOD1G93A transgenic mice following CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Lastly, we studied the effect of prior immunization of tetanus toxoid on the transport profile of TTC. RESULTS This technique defines a quantitative profile of net retrograde axonal transport of TTC in living mice. The profile is distinctly abnormal in transgenic SOD1G93A mice as young as 65 days (presymptomatic) and worsens with disease progression. Moreover, this method detects a distinct therapeutic benefit of gene editing in transgenic SOD1G93A mice well before other clinical parameters (eg, grip strength) show improvement. Symptomatic transgenic PFN1C71G/C71G ALS mice display gross reductions in net retrograde axonal transport, which is also disturbed in asymptomatic mice harboring a human C9ORF72 transgene with an expanded GGGGCC repeat motif. In wild-type mice, net retrograde axonal transport declines with aging. Lastly, prior immunization with tetanus toxoid does not preclude use of this assay. INTERPRETATION This assay of net retrograde axonal transport has broad potential clinical applications and should be particularly valuable as a physiological biomarker that permits early detection of benefit from potential therapies for motor neuron diseases. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:716-729.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin‐Tsun Justin Lee
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Zachary Kennedy
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | | | - Carolina Cefaliello
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Özgün Uyan
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Chun‐Qing Song
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Bruno Miguel da Cruz Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular PharmacologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Mary Rusckowski
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Wen Xue
- RNA Therapeutics InstituteUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA,Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Disease ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNA expression in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and potential therapeutic approaches. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:728-740. [PMID: 34472458 PMCID: PMC8530133 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A review of recent animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showed a large number of miRNAs had altered levels of expression in the brain and spinal cord, motor neurons of spinal cord and brainstem, and hypoglossal, facial, and red motor nuclei and were mostly upregulated. Among the miRNAs found to be upregulated in two of the studies were miR-21, miR-155, miR-125b, miR-146a, miR-124, miR-9, and miR-19b, while those downregulated in two of the studies included miR-146a, miR-29, miR-9, and miR-125b. A change of direction in miRNA expression occurred in some tissues when compared (e.g., miR-29b-3p in cerebellum and spinal cord of wobbler mice at 40 days), or at different disease stages (e.g., miR-200a in spinal cord of SOD1(G93A) mice at 95 days vs. 108 and 112 days). In the animal models, suppression of miR-129-5p resulted in increased lifespan, improved muscle strength, reduced neuromuscular junction degeneration, and tended to improve motor neuron survival in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model. Suppression of miR-155 was also associated with increased lifespan, while lowering of miR-29a tended to improve lifespan in males and increase muscle strength in SOD1(G93A) mice. Overexpression of members of miR-17~92 cluster improved motor neuron survival in SOD1(G93A) mice. Treatment with an artificial miRNA designed to target hSOD1 increased lifespan and improved muscle strength in SOD1(G93A) animals. Further studies with animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are warranted to validate these findings and identify specific miRNAs whose suppression or directed against hSOD1 results in increased lifespan, improved muscle strength, reduced neuromuscular junction degeneration, and improved motor neuron survival in SOD1(G93A) animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Medicine, St. Georges University School of Medicine, Grenada
| | - Philip V. Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Grycz K, Głowacka A, Ji B, Krzywdzińska K, Charzyńska A, Czarkowska-Bauch J, Gajewska-Woźniak O, Skup M. Regulation of perineuronal net components in the synaptic bouton vicinity on lumbar α-motoneurons in the rat after spinalization and locomotor training: New insights from spatio-temporal changes in gene, protein expression and WFA labeling. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bazarek S, Johnston BR, Sten M, Mandeville R, Eggan K, Wainger BJ, Brown JM. Spinal motor neuron transplantation to enhance nerve reconstruction strategies: Towards a cell therapy. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114054. [PMID: 35341748 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nerve transfers have become a powerful intervention to restore function following devastating paralyzing injuries. A major limitation to peripheral nerve repair and reconstructive strategies is the progressive, fibrotic degeneration of the distal nerve and denervated muscle, eventually precluding recovery of these targets and thus defining a time window within which reinnervation must occur. One proven strategy in the clinic has been the sacrifice and transfer of an adjacent distal motor nerve to provide axons to occupy, and thus preserve (or "babysit"), the target muscle. However, available nearby nerves are limited in severe brachial plexus or spinal cord injury. An alternative and novel proposition is the transplantation of spinal motor neurons (SMNs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into the target nerve to extend their axons to occupy and preserve the targets. These cells could potentially be delivered through minimally invasive or percutaneous techniques. Several reports have demonstrated survival, functional innervation, and muscular preservation following transplantation of SMNs into rodent nerves. Advances in the generation, culture, and differentiation of human iPSCs now offer the possibility for an unlimited supply of clinical grade SMNs. This review will discuss the previous reports of peripheral SMN transplantation, outline key considerations, and propose next steps towards advancing this approach to clinic. Stem cells have garnered great enthusiasm for their potential to revolutionize medicine. However, this excitement has often led to premature clinical studies with ill-defined cell products and mechanisms of action, particularly in spinal cord injury. We believe the peripheral transplantation of a defined SMN population to address neuromuscular degeneration will be transformative in augmenting current reconstructive strategies. By thus removing the current barriers of time and distance, this strategy would dramatically enhance the potential for reconstruction and functional recovery in otherwise hopeless paralyzing injuries. Furthermore, this strategy may be used as a permanent axon replacement following destruction of lower motor neurons and would enable exogenous stimulation options, such as pacing of transplanted SMN axons in the phrenic nerve to avoid mechanical ventilation in high cervical cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Bazarek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin R Johnston
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Margaret Sten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ross Mandeville
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Kevin Eggan
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., San Rafael, CA, United States of America
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Departments of Neurology and Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Justin M Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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Guerra San Juan I, Nash LA, Smith KS, Leyton-Jaimes MF, Qian M, Klim JR, Limone F, Dorr AB, Couto A, Pintacuda G, Joseph BJ, Whisenant DE, Noble C, Melnik V, Potter D, Holmes A, Burberry A, Verhage M, Eggan K. Loss of mouse Stmn2 function causes motor neuropathy. Neuron 2022:S0896-6273(22)00176-3. [PMID: 35294901 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motor neuron degeneration accompanied by aberrant accumulation and loss of function of the RNA-binding protein TDP43. Thus far, it remains unresolved to what extent TDP43 loss of function directly contributes to motor system dysfunction. Here, we employed gene editing to find whether the mouse ortholog of the TDP43-regulated gene STMN2 has an important function in maintaining the motor system. Both mosaic founders and homozygous loss-of-function Stmn2 mice exhibited neuromuscular junction denervation and fragmentation, resulting in muscle atrophy and impaired motor behavior, accompanied by an imbalance in neuronal microtubule dynamics in the spinal cord. The introduction of human STMN2 through BAC transgenesis was sufficient to rescue the motor phenotypes observed in Stmn2 mutant mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that disrupting the ortholog of a single TDP43-regulated RNA is sufficient to cause substantial motor dysfunction, indicating that disruption of TDP43 function is likely a contributor to ALS.
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48
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Dos Santos M, Backer S, Auradé F, Wong MM, Wurmser M, Pierre R, Langa F, Do Cruzeiro M, Schmitt A, Concordet JP, Sotiropoulos A, Jeffrey Dilworth F, Noordermeer D, Relaix F, Sakakibara I, Maire P. A fast Myosin super enhancer dictates muscle fiber phenotype through competitive interactions with Myosin genes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1039. [PMID: 35210422 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The contractile properties of adult myofibers are shaped by their Myosin heavy chain isoform content. Here, we identify by snATAC-seq a 42 kb super-enhancer at the locus regrouping the fast Myosin genes. By 4C-seq we show that active fast Myosin promoters interact with this super-enhancer by DNA looping, leading to the activation of a single promoter per nucleus. A rainbow mouse transgenic model of the locus including the super-enhancer recapitulates the endogenous spatio-temporal expression of adult fast Myosin genes. In situ deletion of the super-enhancer by CRISPR/Cas9 editing demonstrates its major role in the control of associated fast Myosin genes, and deletion of two fast Myosin genes at the locus reveals an active competition of the promoters for the shared super-enhancer. Last, by disrupting the organization of fast Myosin, we uncover positional heterogeneity within limb skeletal muscles that may underlie selective muscle susceptibility to damage in certain myopathies. The contractile properties of adult myofibers are shaped by their Myosin heavy chain isoform content. Here the authors show that a super enhancer controls the spatiotemporal expression of the genes at the fast myosin heavy chain locus by DNA looping and that this expression profile is recapitulated in a rainbow transgenic mouse model of the locus.
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Liu J, Zhou F, Guan Y, Meng F, Zhao Z, Su Q, Bao W, Wang X, Zhao J, Huo Z, Zhang L, Zhou S, Chen Y, Wang X. The Biogenesis of miRNAs and Their Role in the Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:572. [PMID: 35159383 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. As there is no effective treatment for ALS, it is particularly important to screen key gene therapy targets. The identifications of microRNAs (miRNAs) have completely changed the traditional view of gene regulation. miRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent advances also indicate that miRNAs are biomarkers in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in ALS pathogenesis and its application to gene therapy for ALS. The potential of miRNAs to target diverse pathways opens a new avenue for ALS therapy.
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50
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Yamamotoya T, Hasei S, Akasaka Y, Ohata Y, Nakatsu Y, Kanna M, Fujishiro M, Sakoda H, Ono H, Kushiyama A, Misawa H, Asano T. Involvement of neuronal and muscular Trk-fused gene (TFG) defects in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1966. [PMID: 35121777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05884-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trk-fused gene (TFG) mutations have been identified in patients with several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we attempted to clarify the effects of TFG deletions in motor neurons and in muscle fibers, using tissue-specific TFG knockout (vMNTFG KO and MUSTFG KO) mice. vMNTFG KO, generated by crossing TFG floxed with VAChT-Cre, showed deterioration of motor function and muscle atrophy especially in slow-twitch soleus muscle, in line with the predominant Cre expression in slow-twitch fatigue-resistant (S) and fast-twitch fatigue-resistant (FR) motor neurons. Consistently, denervation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) was apparent in the soleus, but not in the extensor digitorum longus, muscle. Muscle TFG expressions were significantly downregulated in vMNTFG KO, presumably due to decreased muscle IGF-1 concentrations. However, interestingly, MUSTFG KO mice showed no apparent impairment of muscle movements, though a denervation marker, AChRγ, was elevated and Agrin-induced AChR clustering in C2C12 myotubes was inhibited. Our results clarify that loss of motor neuron TFG is sufficient for the occurrence of NMJ degeneration and muscle atrophy, though lack of muscle TFG may exert an additional effect. Reduced muscle TFG, also observed in aged mice, might be involved in age-related NMJ degeneration, and this issue merits further study.
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