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Jagomäe T, Gaur N, Seppa K, Reimets R, Pastak M, Plaas M, Kaasik A, Vasar E, Plaas M. Treatment with the dual-incretin agonist DA-CH5 demonstrates potent therapeutic effect in a rat model of Wolfram Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1234925. [PMID: 37900147 PMCID: PMC10611518 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1234925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a rare condition caused by mutations in Wfs1, with a poor prognosis and no cure. Mono-agonists targeting the incretin glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) have demonstrated disease-modifying potential in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Dual agonists that target GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP-1) are reportedly more efficacious; hence, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of dual incretin agonism in a loss-of-function rat model of WS. Methods Eight-month-old Wfs1 knock-out (KO) and wild-type control rats were continuously treated with either the dual agonist DA-CH5 or saline for four months. Glycemic profile, visual acuity and hearing sensitivity were longitudinally monitored pre-treatment, and then at 10.5 and 12 months. Pancreata and retina were harvested for immunohistological analysis. Results DA-CH5 therapy reversed glucose intolerance in KO rats and provided lasting anti-diabetogenic protection. Treatment also reversed intra-islet alterations, including reduced endocrine islet area and β-cell density, indicating its regenerative potential. Although no rescue effect was noted for hearing loss, visual acuity and retinal ganglion cell density were better preserved in DA-CH5-treated rats. Conclusion We present preclinical evidence for the pleiotropic therapeutic effects of long-term dual incretin agonist treatment; effects were seen despite treatment beginning after symptom-onset, indicating reversal of disease progression. Dual incretins represent a promising therapeutic avenue for WS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toomas Jagomäe
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nayana Gaur
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Seppa
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Riin Reimets
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marko Pastak
- Eye Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Plaas
- Ear Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Allen Kaasik
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mario Plaas
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Gorgogietas V, Rajaei B, Heeyoung C, Santacreu BJ, Marín-Cañas S, Salpea P, Sawatani T, Musuaya A, Arroyo MN, Moreno-Castro C, Benabdallah K, Demarez C, Toivonen S, Cosentino C, Pachera N, Lytrivi M, Cai Y, Carnel L, Brown C, Urano F, Marchetti P, Gilon P, Eizirik DL, Cnop M, Igoillo-Esteve M. GLP-1R agonists demonstrate potential to treat Wolfram syndrome in human preclinical models. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1306-1321. [PMID: 36995380 PMCID: PMC10244297 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05905-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene. It is characterised by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, optic nerve atrophy, diabetes insipidus, hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Considering the unmet treatment need for this orphan disease, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists under wolframin (WFS1) deficiency with a particular focus on human beta cells and neurons. METHODS The effect of the GLP-1R agonists dulaglutide and exenatide was examined in Wfs1 knockout mice and in an array of human preclinical models of Wolfram syndrome, including WFS1-deficient human beta cells, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived beta-like cells and neurons from control individuals and individuals affected by Wolfram syndrome, and humanised mice. RESULTS Our study shows that the long-lasting GLP-1R agonist dulaglutide reverses impaired glucose tolerance in WFS1-deficient mice, and that exenatide and dulaglutide improve beta cell function and prevent apoptosis in different human WFS1-deficient models including iPSC-derived beta cells from people with Wolfram syndrome. Exenatide improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress and prevented apoptosis in Wolfram syndrome iPSC-derived neural precursors and cerebellar neurons. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our study provides novel evidence for the beneficial effect of GLP-1R agonists on WFS1-deficient human pancreatic beta cells and neurons, suggesting that these drugs may be considered as a treatment for individuals with Wolfram syndrome.
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Grants
- P30 DK020579 NIDDK NIH HHS
- R01 DK132090 NIDDK NIH HHS
- UL1 TR002345 NCATS NIH HHS
- U01 DK127786 NIDDK NIH HHS
- Pandarome project FWO and F.R.S.-FNRS under the Excellence of Science (EOS) programme
- Welbio-FNRS
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)/NIDDK
- Philanthropic supports from the Silberman Fund, the Ellie White Foundation for the Rare Genetic Disorders, the Snow Foundation, the Unravel Wolfram Syndrome Fund, the Stowe Fund, the Feiock Fund, the Cachia Fund, the Gildenhorn Fund, the Eye Hope Foundation, Ontario Wolfram League, Associazione Gentian - Sindrome di Wolfram Italia, Alianza de Familias Afectadas por el Sindrome Wolfram Spain, Wolfram syndrome UK, and Association Syndrome de Wolfram France.
- the Walloon Region SPW-EER Win2Wal project BetaSource
- National Institutes of Health Human Islet Research Network Consortium on Beta Cell Death & Survival from Pancreatic β-Cell Gene Networks to Therapy [HIRN-CBDS])
- Eye Hope Foundation
- Fonds Erasme for Medical Research
- Alianza de familias afectadas por el síndrome de Wolfram (AFASW)
- Brussels Region Innoviris (Bridge) project DiaType
- Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation (Innovate2CureType1)
- Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS)
- Francophone Foundation for Diabetes Research (FFRD, that is sponsored by the French Diabetes Federation, Abbott, Eli Lilly,Merck Sharp & Dohme and Novo Nordisk)
- NIH/ National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyron Gorgogietas
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bahareh Rajaei
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chae Heeyoung
- Institut de Recherche Expérimental et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Bruno J Santacreu
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Marín-Cañas
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paraskevi Salpea
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Toshiaki Sawatani
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anyishai Musuaya
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - María N Arroyo
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Khadija Benabdallah
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Celine Demarez
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sanna Toivonen
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cristina Cosentino
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Pachera
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Lytrivi
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ying Cai
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Cris Brown
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Fumihiko Urano
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Piero Marchetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOUP Cisanello University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Institut de Recherche Expérimental et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Decio L Eizirik
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miriam Cnop
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Panfili E, Frontino G, Pallotta MT. GLP-1 receptor agonists as promising disease-modifying agents in WFS1 spectrum disorder. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2023; 4:1171091. [PMID: 37333802 PMCID: PMC10275359 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1171091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
WFS1 spectrum disorder (WFS1-SD) is a rare monogenic neurodegenerative disorder whose cardinal symptoms are childhood-onset diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, deafness, diabetes insipidus, and neurological signs ranging from mild to severe. The prognosis is poor as most patients die prematurely with severe neurological disabilities such as bulbar dysfunction and organic brain syndrome. Mutation of the WFS1 gene is recognized as the prime mover of the disease and responsible for a dysregulated ER stress signaling, which leads to neuron and pancreatic β-cell death. There is no currently cure and no treatment that definitively arrests the progression of the disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to be an efficient way to reduce elevated ER stress in vitro and in vivo, and increasing findings suggest they could be effective in delaying the progression of WFS1-SD. Here, we summarize the characteristics of GLP-1 receptor agonists and preclinical and clinical data obtained by testing them in WFS1-SD as a feasible strategy for managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Panfili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulio Frontino
- Diabetes Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
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4
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Punapart M, Reimets R, Seppa K, Kirillov S, Gaur N, Eskla KL, Jagomäe T, Vasar E, Plaas M. Chronic Stress Alters Hippocampal Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Component Expression in an Aged Rat Model of Wolfram Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040827. [PMID: 37107585 PMCID: PMC10137641 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biallelic mutations in the gene encoding WFS1 underlie the development of Wolfram syndrome (WS), a rare neurodegenerative disorder with no available cure. We have previously shown that Wfs1 deficiency can impair the functioning of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The expression of two key receptors, angiotensin II receptor type 2 (Agtr2) and bradykinin receptor B1 (Bdkrb1), was downregulated both in vitro and in vivo across multiple organs in a rat model of WS. Here, we show that the expression of key RAAS components is also dysregulated in neural tissue from aged WS rats and that these alterations are not normalized by pharmacological treatments (liraglutide (LIR), 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) or their combination). We found that the expression of angiotensin II receptor type 1a (Agtr1a), angiotensin II receptor type 1b (Agtr1b), Agtr2 and Bdkrb1 was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus of WS animals that experienced chronic experimental stress. Treatment-naïve WS rats displayed different gene expression patterns, underscoring the effect of prolonged experiment-induced stress. Altogether, we posit that Wfs1 deficiency disturbs RAAS functioning under chronic stressful conditions, thereby exacerbating neurodegeneration in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marite Punapart
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Riin Reimets
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Seppa
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Silvia Kirillov
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nayana Gaur
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kattri-Liis Eskla
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Jagomäe
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mario Plaas
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Correspondence:
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5
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de Muijnck C, Brink JBT, Bergen AA, Boon CJF, van Genderen MM. Delineating Wolfram-like syndrome: A systematic review and discussion of the WFS1-associated disease spectrum. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00035-8. [PMID: 36764396 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Wolfram-like syndrome (WFLS) is a recently described autosomal dominant disorder with phenotypic similarities to autosomal recessive Wolfram syndrome (WS), including optic atrophy, hearing impairment, and diabetes mellitus. We summarize current literature, define the clinical characteristics, and investigate potential genotype phenotype correlations. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBACE, and Cochrane Library. We included studies reporting patients with a clinical picture consisting at least 2 typical clinical manifestations of WSF1 disorders and heterozygous mutations in WFS1. In total, 86 patients from 35 studies were included. The most common phenotype consisted of the combination of optic atrophy (87%) and hearing impairment (94%). Diabetes mellitus was seen in 44% of the patients. Nineteen percent developed cataract. Patients with missense mutations in WFS1 had a lower number of clinical manifestations, less chance of developing diabetes insipidus, but a younger age at onset of hearing impairment compared to patients with nonsense mutations or deletions causing frameshift. There were no studies reporting decreased life expectancy. This review shows that, within the spectrum of WFS1-associated disorders or "wolframinopathies," autosomal dominantly inherited WFLS has a relatively mild phenotype compared to autosomal recessive WS. The clinical manifestations and their age at onset are associated with the specific underlying mutations in the WFS1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu de Muijnck
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacoline B Ten Brink
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Queen Emma Center of Precision Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maria M van Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, Zeist, the Netherlands.
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6
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The Role of ER Stress in Diabetes: Exploring Pathological Mechanisms Using Wolfram Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010230. [PMID: 36613674 PMCID: PMC9820298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cytosolic organelle that plays an essential role in the folding and processing of new secretory proteins, including insulin. The pathogenesis of diabetes, a group of metabolic disorders caused by dysfunctional insulin secretion (Type 1 diabetes, T1DM) or insulin sensitivity (Type 2 diabetes, T2DM), is known to involve the excess accumulation of "poorly folded proteins", namely, the induction of pathogenic ER stress in pancreatic β-cells. ER stress is known to contribute to the dysfunction of the insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. T1DM and T2DM are multifactorial diseases, especially T2DM; both environmental and genetic factors are involved in their pathogenesis, making it difficult to create experimental disease models. In recent years, however, the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other regenerative technologies has greatly expanded research capabilities, leading to the development of new candidate therapies. In this review, we will discuss the mechanism by which dysregulated ER stress responses contribute to T2DM pathogenesis. Moreover, we describe new treatment methods targeting protein folding and ER stress pathways with a particular focus on pivotal studies of Wolfram syndrome, a monogenic form of syndromic diabetes caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene, which also leads to ER dysfunction.
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7
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Le Collen L, Delemer B, Spodenkiewicz M, Cornillet Lefebvre P, Durand E, Vaillant E, Badreddine A, Derhourhi M, Mouhoub TA, Jouret G, Juttet P, Souchon PF, Vaxillaire M, Froguel P, Bonnefond A, Doco Fenzy M. Compound genetic etiology in a patient with a syndrome including diabetes, intellectual deficiency and distichiasis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:86. [PMID: 35227307 PMCID: PMC8887189 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied a young woman with atypical diabetes associated with mild intellectual disability, lymphedema distichiasis syndrome (LDS) and polymalformative syndrome including distichiasis. We used different genetic tools to identify causative pathogenic mutations and/or copy number variations. RESULTS Although proband's, diabetes mellitus occurred during childhood, type 1 diabetes was unlikely due to the absence of detectable autoimmunity. DNA microarray analysis first identified a de novo, heterozygous deletion at the chr16q24.2 locus. Previously, thirty-three pathogenic or likely pathogenic deletions encompassing this locus have been reported in patients presenting with intellectual deficiency, obesity and/or lymphedema but not with diabetes. Of note, the deletion encompassed two topological association domains, whose one included FOXC2 that is known to be linked with LDS. Via whole-exome sequencing, we found a heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant in WFS1 (encoding wolframin endoplasmic reticulum [ER] transmembrane glycoprotein) which was inherited from her father who also had diabetes. WFS1 is known to be involved in monogenic diabetes. We also found a likely pathogenic variant in USP9X (encoding ubiquitin specific peptidase 9 X-linked) that is involved in X-linked intellectual disability, which was inherited from her mother who had dyscalculia and dyspraxia. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive genetic analysis suggested that the peculiar phenotypes of our patient were possibly due to the combination of multiple genetic causes including chr16q24.2 deletion, and two likely pathogenic variants in WFS1 and USP9X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Le Collen
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetology, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France. .,Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France. .,University of Lille, Lille, France. .,Department of Genetic, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France.
| | - Brigitte Delemer
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetology, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France. .,Faculty of Medicine of Reims, CRESTIC EA 3804, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Moulin de La Housse, BP 1039, 51687, Reims Cedex 2, France.
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Durand
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France.,University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Vaillant
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France.,University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alaa Badreddine
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France.,University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mehdi Derhourhi
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France.,University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Tarik Ait Mouhoub
- Department of Genetic, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France
| | - Guillaume Jouret
- Department of Genetic, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France.,Departement of Genetic, 1 rue Louis Rech Dudelange, 3555, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | | | - Martine Vaxillaire
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France.,University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Froguel
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France. .,University of Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Amélie Bonnefond
- Inserm/CNRS UMR 1283/8199, Pasteur Institute of Lille, EGID, Lille, France. .,University of Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Martine Doco Fenzy
- Department of Genetic, University Hospital Center of Reims, Reims, France. .,Faculty of Medicine of Reims, EA 3801, URCA, Reims, France.
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8
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Shah S, Dooms MM, Amaral-Garcia S, Igoillo-Esteve M. Current Drug Repurposing Strategies for Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:768023. [PMID: 34992533 PMCID: PMC8724568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are life-threatening or chronically debilitating low-prevalent disorders caused by pathogenic mutations or particular environmental insults. Due to their high complexity and low frequency, important gaps still exist in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since new drug discovery is a very costly and time-consuming process, leading pharmaceutical companies show relatively low interest in orphan drug research and development due to the high cost of investments compared to the low market return of the product. Drug repurposing–based approaches appear then as cost- and time-saving strategies for the development of therapeutic opportunities for rare diseases. In this article, we discuss the scientific, regulatory, and economic aspects of the development of repurposed drugs for the treatment of rare neurodegenerative disorders with a particular focus on Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Wolfram syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The role of academia, pharmaceutical companies, patient associations, and foundations in the identification of candidate compounds and their preclinical and clinical evaluation will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Jagomäe T, Seppa K, Reimets R, Pastak M, Plaas M, Hickey MA, Kukker KG, Moons L, De Groef L, Vasar E, Kaasik A, Terasmaa A, Plaas M. Early Intervention and Lifelong Treatment with GLP1 Receptor Agonist Liraglutide in a Wolfram Syndrome Rat Model with an Emphasis on Visual Neurodegeneration, Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Diabetic Phenotype. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113193. [PMID: 34831417 PMCID: PMC8623088 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolfram syndrome (WS), also known as a DIDMOAD (diabetes insipidus, early-onset diabetes mellitus, optic nerve atrophy and deafness) is a rare autosomal disorder caused by mutations in the Wolframin1 (WFS1) gene. Previous studies have revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1 RA) are effective in delaying and restoring blood glucose control in WS animal models and patients. The GLP1 RA liraglutide has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties in aged WS rats. WS is an early-onset, chronic condition. Therefore, early diagnosis and lifelong pharmacological treatment is the best solution to control disease progression. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the long-term liraglutide treatment on the progression of WS symptoms. For this purpose, 2-month-old WS rats were treated with liraglutide up to the age of 18 months and changes in diabetes markers, visual acuity, and hearing sensitivity were monitored over the course of the treatment period. We found that treatment with liraglutide delayed the onset of diabetes and protected against vision loss in a rat model of WS. Therefore, early diagnosis and prophylactic treatment with the liraglutide may also prove to be a promising treatment option for WS patients by increasing the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toomas Jagomäe
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Kadri Seppa
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Riin Reimets
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Marko Pastak
- Eye Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8 Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Mihkel Plaas
- Ear Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 1a Street, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Miriam A. Hickey
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.A.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Kaia Grete Kukker
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Lieve Moons
- Research Group Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, Belgium & Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, Box 2464, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.M.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Lies De Groef
- Research Group Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, Belgium & Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, Box 2464, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.M.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Allen Kaasik
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (M.A.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Anton Terasmaa
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Mario Plaas
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 14B Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.S.); (R.R.); (K.G.K.); (A.T.)
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (M.P.)
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The Expression of RAAS Key Receptors, Agtr2 and Bdkrb1, Is Downregulated at an Early Stage in a Rat Model of Wolfram Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111717. [PMID: 34828323 PMCID: PMC8621801 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolfram syndrome (WS) 1 is a rare monogenic neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding WFS1. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of WS is incomplete and to date, there is no treatment available. Here, we describe early deviations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and bradykinin pathway (kallikrein kinin system, KKS) observed in a rat model of WS (Wfs1 KO) and the modulative effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide (LIR) and anti-epileptic drug valproate (VPA), which have been proven effective in delaying WS progression in WS animal models. We found that the expression of key receptors of the RAAS and KKS, Agtr2 and Bdkrb1, were drastically downregulated both in vitro and in vivo at an early stage in a rat model of WS. Moreover, in Wfs1, KO serum aldosterone levels were substantially decreased and bradykinin levels increased compared to WT animals. Neither treatment nor their combination affected the gene expression levels seen in the Wfs1 KO animals. However, all the treatments elevated serum aldosterone and decreased bradykinin in the Wfs1 KO rats, as well as increasing angiotensin II levels independent of genotype. Altogether, our results indicate that Wfs1 deficiency might disturb the normal functioning of RAAS and KKS and that LIR and VPA have the ability to modulate these systems.
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