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Nunes MJ, Carvalho AN, Reis J, Costa D, Moutinho M, Mateus J, Mendes de Almeida R, Brito S, Risso D, Nunes S, Castro-Caldas M, Gama MJ, Rodrigues CMP, Xapelli S, Diógenes MJ, Cartier N, Chali F, Piguet F, Rodrigues E. Cholesterol redistribution triggered by CYP46A1 gene therapy improves major hallmarks of Niemann-Pick type C disease but is not sufficient to halt neurodegeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166993. [PMID: 38142760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) is an exclusively neuronal cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol, which serves as the primary pathway for eliminating cholesterol in the brain. We and others have shown that increased activity of CYP46A1 leads to reduced levels of cholesterol and has a positive effect on cognition. Therefore, we hypothesized that CYP46A1 could be a potential therapeutic target in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cholesterol accumulation in endolysosomal compartments. Herein, we show that CYP46A1 ectopic expression, in cellular models of NPC and in Npc1tm(I1061T) mice by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy improved NPC disease phenotype. Amelioration in functional, biochemical, molecular and neuropathological hallmarks of NPC disease were characterized. In vivo, CYP46A1 expression partially prevented weight loss and hepatomegaly, corrected the expression levels of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, and promoted a redistribution of brain cholesterol accumulated in late endosomes/lysosomes. Moreover, concomitant with the amelioration of cholesterol metabolism dysregulation, CYP46A1 attenuated microgliosis and lysosomal dysfunction in mouse cerebellum, favoring a pro-resolving phenotype. In vivo CYP46A1 ectopic expression improves important features of NPC disease and may represent a valid therapeutic approach to be used concomitantly with other drugs. However, promoting cholesterol redistribution does not appear to be enough to prevent Purkinje neuronal death in the cerebellum. This indicates that cholesterol buildup in neurons might not be the main cause of neurodegeneration in this human lipidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves Carvalho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Moutinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Mateus
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Mendes de Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Risso
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Castro-Caldas
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria João Gama
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Diógenes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Farah Chali
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Piguet
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Elsa Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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MacLeod CM, Yousufzai FAK, Spencer LT, Kim S, Rivera-Rosario LA, Barrera ZD, Walsh L, Krummenacher C, Carone B, Soto I. Trehalose enhances mitochondria deficits in human NPC1 mutant fibroblasts but disrupts mouse Purkinje cell dendritic growth ex vivo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294312. [PMID: 38033125 PMCID: PMC10688965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes play important roles in catabolism, nutrient sensing, metabolic signaling, and homeostasis. NPC1 deficiency disrupts lysosomal function by inducing cholesterol accumulation that leads to early neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease. Mitochondria pathology and deficits in NPC1 deficient cells are associated with impaired lysosomal proteolysis and metabolic signaling. It is thought that activation of the transcription factor TFEB, an inducer of lysosome biogenesis, restores lysosomal-autophagy activity in lysosomal storage disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of trehalose, a TFEB activator, in the mitochondria pathology of NPC1 mutant fibroblasts in vitro and in mouse developmental Purkinje cells ex vivo. We found that in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts, serum starvation or/and trehalose treatment, both activators of TFEB, reversed mitochondria fragmentation to a more tubular mitochondrion. Trehalose treatment also decreased the accumulation of Filipin+ cholesterol in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts. However, trehalose treatment in cerebellar organotypic slices (COSCs) from wild-type and Npc1nmf164 mice caused mitochondria fragmentation and lack of dendritic growth and degeneration in developmental Purkinje cells. Our data suggest, that although trehalose successfully restores mitochondria length and decreases cholesterol accumulation in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts, in COSCs, Purkinje cells mitochondria and dendritic growth are negatively affected possibly through the overactivation of the TFEB-lysosomal-autophagy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin M. MacLeod
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Fawad A. K. Yousufzai
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - Liam T. Spencer
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Sarah Kim
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | | | - Zerian D. Barrera
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - Lindsay Walsh
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Claude Krummenacher
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Carone
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - Ileana Soto
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, United States of America
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Lucarelli M, Camuso S, Di Pietro C, Bruno F, La Rosa P, Marazziti D, Fiorenza MT, Canterini S. Reduced Cerebellar BDNF Availability Affects Postnatal Differentiation and Maturation of Granule Cells in a Mouse Model of Cholesterol Dyshomeostasis. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5395-5410. [PMID: 37314654 PMCID: PMC10415459 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is a lysosomal lipid storage disorder due to mutations in the NPC1 gene resulting in the accumulation of cholesterol within the endosomal/lysosomal compartments. The prominent feature of the disorder is the progressive Purkinje cell degeneration leading to ataxia.In a mouse model of NPC1 disease, we have previously demonstrated that impaired Sonic hedgehog signaling causes defective proliferation of granule cells (GCs) and abnormal cerebellar morphogenesis. Studies conducted on cortical and hippocampal neurons indicate a functional interaction between Sonic hedgehog and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, leading us to hypothesize that BDNF signaling may be altered in Npc1 mutant mice, contributing to the onset of cerebellar alterations present in NPC1 disease before the appearance of signs of ataxia.We characterized the expression/localization patterns of the BDNF and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), in the early postnatal and young adult cerebellum of the Npc1nmf164 mutant mouse strain.In Npc1nmf164 mice, our results show (i) a reduced expression of cerebellar BDNF and pTrkB in the first 2 weeks postpartum, phases in which most GCs complete the proliferative/migrative program and begin differentiation; (ii) an altered subcellular localization of the pTrkB receptor in GCs, both in vivo and in vitro; (iii) reduced chemotactic response to BDNF in GCs cultured in vitro, associated with impaired internalization of the activated TrkB receptor; (iv) an overall increase in dendritic branching in mature GCs, resulting in impaired differentiation of the cerebellar glomeruli, the major synaptic complex between GCs and mossy fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Lucarelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Camuso
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), I-00015, Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP, 88046, Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), 88046, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Marazziti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), I-00015, Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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Kim S, Ochoa K, Melli SE, Yousufzai FAK, Barrera ZD, Williams AA, McIntyre G, Delgado E, Bolish JN, Macleod CM, Boghos M, Lens HP, Ramos AG, Wilson VB, Maloney K, Padron ZM, Khan AH, Blanco RE, Soto I. Disruptive lysosomal-metabolic signaling and neurodevelopmental deficits that precede Purkinje cell loss in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick Type-C disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5665. [PMID: 37024714 PMCID: PMC10079843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32971-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cell (PC) loss occurs at an early age in patients and animal models of Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the Npc1 or Npc2 genes. Although degeneration of PCs occurs early in NPC, little is known about how NPC1 deficiency affects the postnatal development of PCs. Using the Npc1nmf164 mouse model, we found that NPC1 deficiency significantly affected the postnatal development of PC dendrites and synapses. The developing dendrites of Npc1nmf164 PCs were significantly deficient in mitochondria and lysosomes. Furthermore, anabolic (mTORC1) and catabolic (TFEB) signaling pathways were not only perturbed but simultaneously activated in NPC1-deficient PCs, suggesting a loss of metabolic balance. We also found that mice with conditional heterozygous deletion of the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome 10 gene (Pten-cHet), an inhibitor of mTORC1, showed similar early dendritic alterations in PCs to those found in Npc1-deficient mice. However, in contrast to Npc1nmf164 mice, Pten-cHet mice exhibited the overactivation of the mTORC1 pathway but with a strong inhibition of TFEB signaling, along with no dendritic mitochondrial reductions by the end of their postnatal development. Our data suggest that disruption of the lysosomal-metabolic signaling in PCs causes dendritic and synaptic developmental deficits that precede and promote their early degeneration in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Kathleen Ochoa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Sierra E Melli
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Fawad A K Yousufzai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Zerian D Barrera
- Department of Biological Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Aela A Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Gianna McIntyre
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Esteban Delgado
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - James N Bolish
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | | | - Mary Boghos
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Hayden P Lens
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alex G Ramos
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Vincent B Wilson
- Department of Biological Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Kelly Maloney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary M Padron
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Amaal H Khan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Rosa E Blanco
- The Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Ileana Soto
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA.
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The Cerebellum in Niemann-Pick C1 Disease: Mouse Versus Man. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:102-119. [PMID: 35040097 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Selective neuronal vulnerability is common to most degenerative disorders, including Niemann-Pick C (NPC), a rare genetic disease with altered intracellular trafficking of cholesterol. Purkinje cell dysfunction and loss are responsible for cerebellar ataxia, which is among the prevailing neurological signs of the NPC disease. In this review, we focus on some questions that are still unresolved. First, we frame the cerebellar vulnerability in the context of the extended postnatal time length by which the development of this structure is completed in mammals. In line with this thought, the much later development of cerebellar symptoms in humans is due to the later development and/or maturation of the cerebellum. Hence, the occurrence of developmental events under a protracted condition of defective intracellular cholesterol mobilization hits the functional maturation of the various cell types generating the ground of increased vulnerability. This is particularly consistent with the high cholesterol demand required for cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and synapse formation/remodeling. Other major questions we address are why the progression of Purkinje cells loss is always from the anterior to the posterior lobes and why cerebellar defects persist in the mouse model even when genetic manipulations can lead to nearly normal survival.
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Ishitsuka Y, Irie T, Matsuo M. Cyclodextrins applied to the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114617. [PMID: 36356931 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cyclodextrin (CD), a cyclic oligosaccharide, is a pharmaceutical additive that improves the solubility of hydrophobic compounds. Recent research has focused on the potential active pharmaceutical abilities of CD. Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited metabolic diseases characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and abnormal lipid storage. Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is caused by mutations in cholesterol transporter genes (NPC1, NPC2) and is characterized by cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. A biocompatible cholesterol solubilizer 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was recently used in NPC patients for compassionate use and in clinical trials. HP-β-CD is an attractive drug candidate for NPC; however, its adverse effects, such as ototoxicity, should be solved. In this review, we discuss the current use of HP-β-CD in basic and clinical research and discuss alternative CD derivatives that may outperform HP-β-CD, which should be considered for clinical use. The potential of CD therapy for the treatment of other lysosomal storage diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Ishitsuka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
| | - Tetsumi Irie
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Informatics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Packaging Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Muneaki Matsuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
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Rava A, La Rosa P, Palladino G, Dragotto J, Totaro A, Tiberi J, Canterini S, Oddi S, Fiorenza MT. The appearance of phagocytic microglia in the postnatal brain of Niemann Pick type C mice is developmentally regulated and underscores shortfalls in fine odor discrimination. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:4563-4579. [PMID: 36322609 PMCID: PMC7613956 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The loss of NPC1 or NPC2 function results in cholesterol and sphingolipid dyshomeostasis that impairs developmental trajectories, predisposing the postnatal brain to the appearance of pathological signs, including progressive and stereotyped Purkinje cell loss and microgliosis. Despite increasing evidence reporting the activation of pro-inflammatory microglia as a cardinal event of NPC1 disease progression at symptomatic stages both in patients and preclinical models, how microglia cells respond to altered neurodevelopmental dynamics remains not completely understood. To gain an insight on this issue, we have characterized patterns of microglia activation in the early postnatal cerebellum and young adult olfactory bulb of the hypomorphic Npc1nmf164 mouse model. Previous evidence has shown that both these areas display a number of anomalies affecting neuron and glial cell proliferation and differentiation, which largely anticipate cellular changes and clinical signs, raising our interest on how microglia interplay to these changes. Even so, to separate the contribution of cues provided by the dysfunctional microenvironment we have also studied microglia isolated from mice of increasing ages and cultured in vitro for 1 week. Our findings show that microglia of both cerebellum and olfactory bulb of Npc1nmf164 mice adopt an activated phenotype, characterized by increased cell proliferation, enlarged soma size and de-ramified processes, as well as a robust phagocytic activity, in a time- and space-specific manner. Enhanced phagocytosis associates with a profound remodeling of gene expression signatures towards gene products involved in chemotaxis, cell recognition and engulfment, including Cd68 and Trem2. These early changes in microglia morphology and activities are induced by region-specific developmental anomalies that likely anticipate alterations in neuronal connectivity. As a proof of concept, we show that microglia activation within the granule cell layer and glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb of Npc1nmf164 mice is associated with shortfalls in fine odor discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rava
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience University La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- European Center for Brain Research IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - Giampiero Palladino
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience University La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience University La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Antonio Totaro
- European Center for Brain Research IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - Jessica Tiberi
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- PhD program in Behavioral Neuroscience University La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Sergio Oddi
- European Center for Brain Research IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Teramo Teramo Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology University La Sapienza Rome Italy
- European Center for Brain Research IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
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Bruno F, Laganà V, Di Lorenzo R, Bruni AC, Maletta R. Calabria as a Genetic Isolate: A Model for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092288. [PMID: 36140389 PMCID: PMC9496333 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although originally multi-ethnic in its structure, nowadays the Calabria region of southern Italy represents an area with low genetic heterogeneity and a high level of consanguinity that allows rare mutations to be maintained due to the founder effect. A complex research methodology—ranging from clinical activity to the genealogical reconstruction of families/populations across the centuries, the creation of databases, and molecular/genetic research—was modelled on the characteristics of the Calabrian population for more than three decades. This methodology allowed the identification of several novel genetic mutations or variants associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a higher prevalence of several hereditary neurodegenerative diseases has been reported in this population, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Niemann–Pick type C disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, and Gerstmann–Straussler–Scheinker disease. Here, we summarize and discuss the results of research data supporting the view that Calabria could be considered as a genetic isolate and could represent a model, a sort of outdoor laboratory—similar to very few places in the world—useful for the advancement of knowledge on neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bruno
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Valentina Laganà
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | | | - Amalia C. Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Raffaele Maletta
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
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9
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Garg C, khan H, Kaur A, Singh TG, Sharma VK, Singh SK. Therapeutic Implications of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Metabolic Disorders: Novel Target for Effective Treatment. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Bernardo A, De Nuccio C, Visentin S, Martire A, Minghetti L, Popoli P, Ferrante A. Myelin Defects in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: Mechanisms and Possible Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168858. [PMID: 34445564 PMCID: PMC8396228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is a wide-spectrum clinical condition classified as a neurovisceral disorder affecting mainly the liver and the brain. It is caused by mutations in one of two genes, NPC1 and NPC2, coding for proteins located in the lysosomes. NPC proteins are deputed to transport cholesterol within lysosomes or between late endosome/lysosome systems and other cellular compartments, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. The first trait of NPC is the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids, like sphingosine and glycosphingolipids, in the late endosomal and lysosomal compartments, which causes the blockade of autophagic flux and the impairment of mitochondrial functions. In the brain, the main consequences of NPC are cerebellar neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and myelin defects. This review will focus on myelin defects and the pivotal importance of cholesterol for myelination and will offer an overview of the molecular targets and the pharmacological strategies so far proposed, or an object of clinical trials for NPC. Finally, it will summarize recent data on a new and promising pharmacological perspective involving A2A adenosine receptor stimulation in genetic and pharmacological NPC dysmyelination models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Bernardo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Chiara De Nuccio
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Alberto Martire
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Luisa Minghetti
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Antonella Ferrante
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-49902050
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11
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Thurm A, Chlebowski C, Joseph L, Farmer C, Adedipe D, Weiss M, Wiggs E, Farhat N, Bianconi S, Berry-Kravis E, Porter FD. Neurodevelopmental Characterization of Young Children Diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2021; 41:388-396. [PMID: 32073546 PMCID: PMC7592416 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, with the age of diagnosis ranging from the prenatal period through adulthood. Although neurological symptoms usually precede genetic diagnosis, they do not necessarily prompt diagnosis in the early years. Few prospective data are available to describe neurological onset, including neurodevelopmental delays, in children with NPC1. This dearth of information hinders the planning and implementation of adequate monitoring and treatment for the neurodevelopmental sequelae of NPC1. METHOD Twenty-nine infants, toddlers, and preschoolers younger than 6 years participated in a natural history study and were administered neurodevelopmental assessments using instruments commonly used for early intervention screening in the community. RESULTS Twenty-two of 29 participants met the criteria for a significant delay of at least 1.5 SDs below the mean in at least one domain of development; the youngest children often met these criteria for a significant delay based on motor delays, but cognitive and language delays were also common. However, only 11 of the 22 participants were reported to receive early intervention services before study entry. CONCLUSION Although neurological symptoms may not prompt the genetic diagnosis of NPC1, the current findings support the use of a multimethod approach to repeated assessments for young children with the diagnosis because of the frequency of developmental delays or decline in multiple domains. The diagnosis of NPC1 alone should qualify children for evaluation for early intervention services and consideration of investigational therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Colby Chlebowski
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lisa Joseph
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Dee Adedipe
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Madison Weiss
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Edythe Wiggs
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Nicole Farhat
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Simona Bianconi
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Forbes D Porter
- Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
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12
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Wiweger M, Majewski L, Adamek-Urbanska D, Wasilewska I, Kuznicki J. npc2-Deficient Zebrafish Reproduce Neurological and Inflammatory Symptoms of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:647860. [PMID: 33986646 PMCID: PMC8111220 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.647860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease that is caused by a mutation of the NPC1 or NPC2 gene, in which un-esterified cholesterol and sphingolipids accumulate mainly in the liver, spleen, and brain. Abnormal lysosomal storage leads to cell damage, neurological problems, and premature death. The time of onset and severity of symptoms of NPC disease are highly variable. The molecular mechanisms that are responsible for NPC disease pathology are far from being understood. The present study generated and characterized a zebrafish mutant that lacks Npc2 protein that may be useful for studies at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels and both small-scale and high-throughput screens. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we knocked out the zebrafish homolog of NPC2. Five-day-old npc2 mutants were morphologically indistinguishable from wildtype larvae. We found that live npc2-/- larvae exhibited stronger Nile blue staining. The npc2-/- larvae exhibited low mobility and a high anxiety-related response. These behavioral changes correlated with downregulation of the mcu (mitochondrial calcium uniporter) gene, ppp3ca (calcineurin) gene, and genes that are involved in myelination (mbp and mpz). Histological analysis of adult npc2-/- zebrafish revealed that pathological changes in the nervous system, kidney, liver, and pancreas correlated with inflammatory responses (i.e., the upregulation of il1, nfκβ, and mpeg; i.e., hallmarks of NPC disease). These findings suggest that the npc2 mutant zebrafish may be a model of NPC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Wiweger
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Majewski
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dobrochna Adamek-Urbanska
- Department of Ichthyology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iga Wasilewska
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Kuznicki
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Boyle BR, Melli SE, Altreche RS, Padron ZM, Yousufzai FAK, Kim S, Vasquez MD, Carone DM, Carone BR, Soto I. NPC1 deficiency impairs cerebellar postnatal development of microglia and climbing fiber refinement in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C. Development 2020; 147:dev.189019. [PMID: 32611604 PMCID: PMC7420841 DOI: 10.1242/dev.189019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effects of NPC1 deficiency in brain development and whether these effects contribute to neurodegeneration in Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC). Degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells occurs at an earlier stage and to a greater extent in NPC; therefore, we analyzed the effect of NPC1 deficiency on microglia and on climbing fiber synaptic refinement during cerebellar postnatal development using the Npc1nmf164 mouse. Our analysis revealed that NPC1 deficiency leads to early phenotypic changes in microglia that are not associated with an innate immune response. However, the lack of NPC1 in Npc1nmf164 mice significantly affected the early development of microglia by delaying the radial migration, increasing the proliferation and impairing the differentiation of microglia precursor cells during postnatal development. Additionally, increased phagocytic activity of differentiating microglia was observed at the end of the second postnatal week in Npc1nmf164 mice. Moreover, significant climbing fiber synaptic refinement deficits along with an increased engulfment of climbing fiber synaptic elements by microglia were found in Npc1nmf164 mice, suggesting that profound developmental defects in microglia and synaptic connectivity might precede and predispose Purkinje cells to early neurodegeneration in NPC. Summary: Genetic deficiency of Npc1 impairs postnatal development of microglia and climbing fiber synaptic pruning in the mouse cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R Boyle
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Sierra E Melli
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Ruth S Altreche
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Zachary M Padron
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Fawad A K Yousufzai
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Mariella D Vasquez
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Dawn M Carone
- Swarthmore College, Department of Biology, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
| | - Benjamin R Carone
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Ileana Soto
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
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14
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Cawley NX, Sojka C, Cougnoux A, Lyons AT, Nicoli E, Wassif CA, Porter FD. Abnormal LAMP1 glycosylation may play a role in Niemann-Pick disease, type C pathology. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227829. [PMID: 31999726 PMCID: PMC6992233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of Niemann-Pick disease, type C (NPC) is the progressive degeneration of Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum caused by the accumulation of free cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in the lysosome. Recent studies suggest that the state of glycosylation of lysosomal membrane proteins may play a role in disease progression. Our study has identified the presence of a highly glycosylated form of Lysosome Associated Membrane Protein 1 (LAMP1) that correlated spatiotemporally with Purkinje neuron loss. This form of LAMP1 was predominantly localized to activated microglia; showing a ~5-fold increase in surface labeling by FACS analysis. This suggests a potential role for LAMP1 in the neuro-inflammatory process in these mice during disease progression. Analysis of other mouse models of neurodegeneration that exhibit neuro-inflammation showed little or no presence of this glycosylated form of LAMP1, suggesting this observation for LAMP1 is specific to NPC disease. Furthermore, early treatment of Npc1-/- mice with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), significantly prevented the appearance of the glycosylated LAMP1 in the cerebellum of Npc1-/- mice at 7 weeks, consistent with the prevention of neuro-inflammation in mice treated with this drug. Treatment of Npc1-/- mice with HPβCD at 7 weeks, after disease onset, did not reverse or prevent further appearance of the hyperglycosylated LAMP1, demonstrating that once this aspect of neuro-inflammation began, it continued despite the HPβCD treatment. Analysis of LAMP1 in cerebellar tissue of NPC1 patients showed a small level of hyperglycosylated LAMP1 in the tissue, however, this was not seen in the CSF of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh X. Cawley
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Sojka
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Antony Cougnoux
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Anna T. Lyons
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Elena‐Raluca Nicoli
- Department of Health and Human Services, Pediatric Undiagnosed Diseases Program, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Health and Human Services, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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15
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Erickson RP, Aras S, Purandare N, Hüttemann M, Liu J, Dragotto J, Fiorenza MT, Grossman LI. Decreased membrane cholesterol in liver mitochondria of the point mutation mouse model of juvenile Niemann-Pick C1, Npc1 nmf164. Mitochondrion 2019; 51:15-21. [PMID: 31862414 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It has long been known that there is decreased mitochondrial function in several tissues of Niemann-Pick C1 model mice and cultured cells. These defects contribute to the accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and tissue damage. It is also well established that there is increased unesterified cholesterol, stored in late endosomes/lysosomes, in many tissues in mutant humans, mouse models, and mutant cultured cells. Using a mouse model with an NPC1 point mutation that is more typical of the most common form of the disease, and highly purified liver mitochondria, we find markedly decreased mitochondrial membrane cholesterol. This is compared to previous reports of increased mitochondrial membrane cholesterol. We also find that, although in wild-type or heterozygous mitochondria cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity decreases with age as expected, surprisingly, COX activity in homozygous mutant mice improves with age. COX activity is less than half of wild-type amounts in young mutant mice but later reaches wild-type levels while total liver cholesterol is decreasing. Mutant mice also contain a decreased number of mitochondria that are morphologically abnormal. We suggest that the decreased mitochondrial membrane cholesterol is causative for the mitochondrial energy defects. In addition, we find that the mitochondrial stress regulator protein MNRR1 can stimulate NPC1 synthesis and is deficient in mutant mouse livers. Furthermore, the age curve of MNRR1 deficiency paralleled levels of total cholesterol. The role of such altered mitochondria in initiating the abnormal autophagy and neuroinflammation found in NPC1 mouse models is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, United States.
| | - Siddhesh Aras
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Neeraja Purandare
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Maik Hüttemann
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Jenney Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Lawrence I Grossman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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16
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Alteration of GABAergic Input Precedes Neurodegeneration of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells of NPC1-Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246288. [PMID: 31847086 PMCID: PMC6940741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 (NPC1) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease belonging to the family of lysosomal storage disorders. NPC1-patients suffer from, amongst other symptoms, ataxia, based on the dysfunction and loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Alterations in synaptic transmission are believed to contribute to a pathological mechanism leading to the progressive loss of Purkinje cells observed in NPC1-deficient mice. With regard to inhibitory synaptic transmission, alterations of GABAergic synapses are described but functional data are missing. For this reason, we have examined here the inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission of Purkinje cells of NPC1-deficient mice (NPC1−/−). Patch clamp recordings of inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs) of Purkinje cells revealed an increased frequency of GABAergic IPSCs in NPC1−/− mice. In addition, Purkinje cells of NPC1−/− mice were less amenable for modulation of synaptic transmission via the activation of excitatory NMDA-receptors (NMDA-Rs). Western blot testing disclosed a reduced protein level of phosphorylated alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPA-Rs) subunit GluA2 in the cerebella of NPC1−/− mice, indicating a disturbance in the internalization of GluA2-containing AMPA-Rs. Since this is triggered by the activation of NMDA-Rs, we conclude that a disturbance in the synaptic turnover of AMPA-Rs underlies the defective inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission. While these alterations precede obvious signs of neurodegeneration of Purkinje cells, we propose a contribution of synaptic malfunction to the initiation of the loss of Purkinje cells in NPC1. Thus, a prevention of the disturbance of synaptic transmission in early stages of the disease might display a target with which to avert progressive neurodegeneration in NPC1.
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17
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Malik AR, Willnow TE. Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters in Physiology and Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225671. [PMID: 31726793 PMCID: PMC6888459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) encompass a class of five transporters with distinct expression in neurons and glia of the central nervous system (CNS). EAATs are mainly recognized for their role in uptake of the amino acid glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter. EAATs-mediated clearance of glutamate released by neurons is vital to maintain proper glutamatergic signalling and to prevent toxic accumulation of this amino acid in the extracellular space. In addition, some EAATs also act as chloride channels or mediate the uptake of cysteine, required to produce the reactive oxygen speciesscavenger glutathione. Given their central role in glutamate homeostasis in the brain, as well as their additional activities, it comes as no surprise that EAAT dysfunctions have been implicated in numerous acute or chronic diseases of the CNS, including ischemic stroke and epilepsy, cerebellar ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Here we review the studies in cellular and animal models, as well as in humans that highlight the roles of EAATs in the pathogenesis of these devastating disorders. We also discuss the mechanisms regulating EAATs expression and intracellular trafficking and new exciting possibilities to modulate EAATs and to provide neuroprotection in course of pathologies affecting the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Malik
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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18
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Kavetsky L, Green KK, Boyle BR, Yousufzai FAK, Padron ZM, Melli SE, Kuhnel VL, Jackson HM, Blanco RE, Howell GR, Soto I. Increased interactions and engulfment of dendrites by microglia precede Purkinje cell degeneration in a mouse model of Niemann Pick Type-C. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14722. [PMID: 31605022 PMCID: PMC6788982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann Pick Type-C disease (NPC) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by pathogenic variants in the Npc1 or Npc2 genes that lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in lysosomes. NPC1 deficiency causes neurodegeneration, dementia and early death. Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are particularly hypersensitive to NPC1 deficiency and degenerate earlier than other neurons in the brain. Activation of microglia is an important contributor to PCs degeneration in NPC. However, the mechanisms by which activated microglia promote PCs degeneration in NPC are not completely understood. Here, we are demonstrating that in the Npc1nmf164 mouse cerebellum, microglia in the molecular layer (ML) are activated and contacting dendrites at early stages of NPC, when no loss of PCs is detected. During the progression of PCs degeneration in Npc1nmf164 mice, accumulation of phagosomes and autofluorescent material in microglia at the ML coincided with the degeneration of dendrites and PCs. Feeding Npc1nmf164 mice a western diet (WD) increased microglia activation and corresponded with a more extensive degeneration of dendrites but not PC somata. Together our data suggest that microglia contribute to the degeneration of PCs by interacting, engulfing and phagocytosing their dendrites while the cell somata are still present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Kavetsky
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Kayla K Green
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Bridget R Boyle
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Fawad A K Yousufzai
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary M Padron
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Sierra E Melli
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Victoria L Kuhnel
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | | | - Rosa E Blanco
- The Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | - Ileana Soto
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA.
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19
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Dragotto J, Palladino G, Canterini S, Caporali P, Patil R, Fiorenza MT, Erickson RP. Decreased neural stem cell proliferation and olfaction in mouse models of Niemann-Pick C1 disease and the response to hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. J Appl Genet 2019; 60:357-365. [PMID: 31485950 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-019-00517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The Npc1nih/nih-null model and the Npc1nmf164/nmf164 hypomorph models of Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) disease show defects in olfaction. We have tested the effects of the life-prolonging treatment hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) on olfaction and neural stem cell numbers when delivered either systemically or by nasal inhalation. Using the paradigm of finding a hidden cube of food after overnight food deprivation, Npc1nih/nih homozygous mice showed a highly significant delay in finding the food compared with wild-type mice. Npc1nmf164/nmf164 homozygous mice showed an early loss of olfaction which was mildly corrected by somatic delivery of HPBCD which also increased the number of neural stem cells in the mutant but did not change the number in wild-type mice. In contrast, nasal delivery of this drug, at 1/5 the dosage used for somatic delivery, to Npc1nmf164/nmf164 mutant mice delayed loss of olfaction but the control of nasal delivered saline did so as well. The nasal delivery of HPBCD to wild-type mice caused loss of olfaction but nasal delivery of saline did not. Neural stem cell counts were not improved by nasal therapy with HPBCD. We credit the delay in olfaction found with the treatment, a delay which was also found for time of death, to a large amount of stimulation the mice received with handling during the nasal delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dragotto
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Palladino
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Caporali
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Rutaraj Patil
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5073, USA
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert P Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5073, USA.
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20
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Oddi S, Caporali P, Dragotto J, Totaro A, Maiolati M, Scipioni L, Angelucci CB, Orsini C, Canterini S, Rapino C, Maccarrone M, Fiorenza MT. The endocannabinoid system is affected by cholesterol dyshomeostasis: Insights from a murine model of Niemann Pick type C disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104531. [PMID: 31302243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The dyshomeostasis of intracellular cholesterol trafficking is typical of the Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a fatal inherited lysosomal storage disorder presenting with progressive neurodegeneration and visceral organ involvement. In light of the well-established relevance of cholesterol in regulating the endocannabinoid (eCB) system expression and activity, this study was aimed at elucidating whether NPC disease-related cholesterol dyshomeostasis affects the functional status of the brain eCB system. To this end, we exploited a murine model of NPC deficiency for determining changes in the expression and activity of the major molecular components of the eCB signaling, including cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors, their ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), along with their main synthesizing/inactivating enzymes. We found a robust alteration of distinct components of the eCB system in various brain regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum, of Npc1-deficient compared to wild-type pre-symptomatic mice. Changes of the eCB component expression and activity differ from one brain structure to another, although 2-AG and AEA are consistently found to decrease and increase in each structure, respectively. The thorough biochemical characterization of the eCB system was accompanied by a behavioral characterization of Npc1-deficient mice using a number of paradigms evaluating anxiety, locomotor activity, spatial learning/memory abilities, and coping response to stressful experience. Our findings provide the first description of an early and region-specific alteration of the brain eCB system in NPC and suggest that defective eCB signaling could contribute at producing and/or worsening the neurological symptoms of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | - Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Totaro
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | - Marzia Maiolati
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Scipioni
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Orsini
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00179, Italy; Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sardi 70, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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21
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Fiorenza MT, Moro E, Erickson RP. The pathogenesis of lysosomal storage disorders: beyond the engorgement of lysosomes to abnormal development and neuroinflammation. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:R119-R129. [PMID: 29718288 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that the complex clinical manifestations of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are not fully explained by the engorgement of the endosomal-autophagic-lysosomal system. In this review, we explore current knowledge of common pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the early onset of tissue abnormalities of two LSDs, Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPSII) and Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) diseases. In particular, perturbations of the homeostasis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and cholesterol (Chol) in MPSII and NPC diseases, respectively, affect key biological processes, including morphogen signaling. Both GAGs and Chol finely regulate the release, reception and tissue distribution of Shh. Hence, not surprisingly, developmental processes depending on correct Shh signaling have been found altered in both diseases. Besides abnormal signaling, exaggerated activation of microglia and impairment of autophagy and mitophagy occur in both diseases, largely before the appearance of typical pathological signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Moro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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22
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Lucarelli M, Di Pietro C, La Sala G, Fiorenza MT, Marazziti D, Canterini S. Anomalies in Dopamine Transporter Expression and Primary Cilium Distribution in the Dorsal Striatum of a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick C1 Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:226. [PMID: 31178699 PMCID: PMC6544041 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the accumulation of endocytosed cholesterol and other lipids in the endosome/lysosome compartments. In the brain, the accumulation/mislocalization of unesterified cholesterol, gangliosides and sphingolipids is responsible for the appearance of neuropathological hallmarks, and progressive neurological decline in patients. The imbalance of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids, including GM2 and GM3 gangliosides, alters a number of signaling mechanisms impacting on the overall homeostasis of neurons. In particular, lipid depletion experiments have shown that lipid rafts regulate the cell surface expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) and modulate its activity. Dysregulated dopamine transporter's function results in imbalanced dopamine levels at synapses and severely affects dopamine-induced locomotor responses and dopamine receptor-mediated synaptic signaling. Recent studies begin to correlate dopaminergic stimulation with the length and function of the primary cilium, a non-motile organelle that coordinates numerous signaling pathways. In particular, the absence of dopaminergic D2 receptor stimulation induces the elongation of dorso-striatal neuron's primary cilia. This study has used a mouse model of the NPC1 disease to correlate cholesterol dyshomeostasis with dorso-striatal anomalies in terms of DAT expression and primary cilium (PC) length and morphology. We found that juvenile Npc1nmf164 mice display a reduction of dorso-striatal DAT expression, with associated alterations of PC number, length-frequency distribution, and tortuosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Lucarelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Center for Research in Neurobiology 'Daniel Bovet', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Center for Research in Neurobiology 'Daniel Bovet', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Marazziti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Canterini
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Center for Research in Neurobiology 'Daniel Bovet', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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Atypical Auditory Brainstem Response and Protein Expression Aberrations Related to ASD and Hearing Loss in the Adnp Haploinsufficient Mouse Brain. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1494-1507. [PMID: 30659505 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a wide spread neurodevelopmental disorder with growing morbidity rates, affecting more boys than girls worldwide. Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) was recently recognized as a leading gene accounted for 0.17% of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases globally. Respectively, mutations in the human ADNP gene (ADNP syndrome), cause multi-system body dysfunctions with apparent ASD-related traits, commencing as early as childhood. The Adnp haploinsufficient (Adnp+/-) mouse model was researched before in relations to Alzheimer's disease and autism. Adnp+/- mice suffer from deficient social memory, vocal and motor impediments, irregular tooth eruption and short stature, all of which corresponds with reported phenotypes in patients with the ADNP syndrome. Recently, a more elaborated description of the ADNP syndrome was published, presenting impediments such as hearing disabilities in > 10% of the studied children. Irregular auditory brainstem response (ABR) has been connected to ASD-related cases and has been suggested as a potential hallmark for autism, allowing diagnosis of ASD risk and early intervention. Herein, we present detriment hearing in the Adnp+/- mice with atypical ABR and significant protein expression irregularities that coincides with ASD and hearing loss studies in the brain.
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24
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Linear Cyclodextrin Polymer Prodrugs as Novel Therapeutics for Niemann-Pick Type C1 Disorder. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9547. [PMID: 29934581 PMCID: PMC6015065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick Type C1 disorder (NPC) is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol in lysosomes. NPC has no FDA approved treatments yet, however 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) has shown efficacy for treating the disease in both mouse and feline NPC models and is currently being investigated in late stage clinical trials. Despite promising results, therapeutic use of HPβCD is limited by the need for high doses, ototoxicity and intrathecal administration. These limitations can be attributed to its poor pharmacokinetic profile. In the attempt to overcome these limitations, we have designed a β-cyclodextrin (βCD) based polymer prodrugs (ORX-301) for an enhanced pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profile, which in turn can potentially provide an improved efficacy at lower doses. We demonstrated that subcutaneously injected ORX-301 extended the mean lifespan of NPC mice at a dosage 5-fold lower (800 mg/kg, body weight) the HPβCD dose proven efficacious (4000 mg/kg). We also show that ORX-301 penetrates the blood brain barrier and counteracts neurological impairment. These properties represent a substantial improvement and appear to overcome major limitations of presently available βCD-based therapy, demonstrating that this novel prodrug is a valuable alternative/complement for existing therapies.
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25
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Kemp KC, Dey R, Verhagen J, Scolding NJ, Usowicz MM, Wilkins A. Aberrant cerebellar Purkinje cell function repaired in vivo by fusion with infiltrating bone marrow-derived cells. Acta Neuropathol 2018. [PMID: 29541917 PMCID: PMC5954067 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived cells are known to infiltrate the adult brain and fuse with cerebellar Purkinje cells. Histological observations that such heterotypic cell fusion events are substantially more frequent following cerebellar injury suggest they could have a role in the protection of mature brain neurons. To date, the possibility that cell fusion can preserve or restore the structure and function of adult brain neurons has not been directly addressed; indeed, though frequently suggested, the possibility of benefit has always been rather speculative. Here we report, for the first time, that fusion of a bone marrow-derived cell with a neuron in vivo, in the mature brain, results in the formation of a spontaneously firing neuron. Notably, we also provide evidence supporting the concept that heterotypic cell fusion acts as a biological mechanism to repair pathological changes in Purkinje cell structure and electrophysiology. We induced chronic central nervous system inflammation in chimeric mice expressing bone marrow cells tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein. Subsequent in-depth histological analysis revealed significant Purkinje cell injury. In addition, there was an increased incidence of cell fusion between bone marrow-derived cells and Purkinje cells, revealed as enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing binucleate heterokaryons. These fused cells resembled healthy Purkinje cells in their morphology, soma size, ability to synthesize the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, and synaptic innervation from neighbouring cells. Extracellular recording of spontaneous firing ex vivo revealed a shift in the predominant mode of firing of non-fused Purkinje cells in the context of cerebellar inflammation. By contrast, the firing patterns of fused Purkinje cells were the same as in healthy control cerebellum, indicating that fusion of bone marrow-derived cells with Purkinje cells mitigated the effects of cell injury on electrical activity. Together, our histological and electrophysiological results provide novel fundamental insights into physiological processes by which nerve cells are protected in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Kemp
- Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Rimi Dey
- Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Johan Verhagen
- Infection and Immunity, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Neil J Scolding
- Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria M Usowicz
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alastair Wilkins
- Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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26
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Impact of Reduced Cerebellar EAAT Expression on Purkinje Cell Firing Pattern of NPC1-deficient Mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3318. [PMID: 29463856 PMCID: PMC5820268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease Type C1 (NPC1) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease. NPC1-patients suffer, amongst others, from ataxia, based on a loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). Impaired expression/function of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are suspected of contributing to PC-degeneration in hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Thus, we studied EAAT-expression and its impact to PC-activity in NPC1−/–mice. Western blot revealed reduced EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT4, and βIII-spectrin levels in NPC1−/–mice. EAATs play a crucial role in synaptic transmission, thus we were interested in the impact of the reduced EAAT-expression on the function of PCs. Patch-clamp recordings of PCs showed no differences in the firing patterns of NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice using a low internal chloride concentration. Because EAAT4 also comprises a chloride permeable ion pore, we perturbed the chloride homeostasis using a high internal chloride concentration. We observed differences in the firing patterns of NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice, suggesting an impact of the altered EAAT4-expression. Additionally, the EAAT-antagonist DL-TBOA acts differently in NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice. Our data support the line of evidence that an altered EAAT-expression/function is involved in neurodegeneration of PCs observed in SCAs. Thus, we suggest that similar pathogenic mechanisms contribute the loss of PCs in NPC1.
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27
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Altered Brain Cholesterol/Isoprenoid Metabolism in a Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience 2018; 372:27-37. [PMID: 29309878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) present a wide range of symptoms characterized by altered sociability, compromised communication and stereotypic/repetitive behaviors. These symptoms are caused by developmental changes, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Some lines of evidence suggest an impairment of the cholesterol/isoprenoid metabolism in the brain as a possible cause, but systematic analyses in rodent models of ASDs are lacking. Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproate (VPA) is a risk factor for ASDs in humans and generates a well-established model for the disease in rodents. Here, we studied cholesterol/isoprenoid metabolism in different brain areas of infant, adolescent and adult rats prenatally exposed to VPA. VPA-treated rats present autistic-like symptoms, they show changes in cholesterol/isoprenoid homeostasis in some brain areas, a decreased number of oligodendrocytes and impaired myelination in the hippocampus. Together, our data suggest a relation between brain cholesterol/isoprenoid homeostasis and ASDs.
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28
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Marshall CA, Watkins-Chow DE, Palladino G, Deutsch G, Chandran K, Pavan WJ, Erickson RP. In Niemann-Pick C1 mouse models, glial-only expression of the normal gene extends survival much further than do changes in genetic background or treatment with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Gene 2017; 643:117-123. [PMID: 29223359 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Npc1nmf164 allele of Npc1 provides a mouse model for Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a genetic disease known to have a widely variable phenotype. The transfer of the Npc1nmf164 mutation from the C57BL/6J inbred strain to the BALB/cJ inbred strain increased the mean lifespan from 117.8days to 153.1days, confirming that the severity of the NPC1 phenotype is strongly influenced by genetic background. The transfer of another Npc1 allele, Npc1nih, to this background also extended survival of the homozygotes indicating that the modifying effect of BALB/cJ is not limited to a single allele of Npc1. The increased longevity due to the BALB/cJ background did not map to a previously mapped modifier on chromosome 19, indicating the presence of additional genes impacting disease severity. The previously studied Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein promoter-Npc1 cDNA transgene (GFAP-Npc1) which only expresses NPC1 in astrocytes further extended the lifespan of Npc1nmf164 homozygotes on a BALB/cJ background (up to 600days). Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) treatment, not previously tested in the Npc1nmf164 mutant, extended life in the Npc1nmf164 homozygotes but not the transgenic, Npc1nmf164 mice on the BALB/cJ background. In all cases, lack of weight gain and early cerebellar symptoms of loss of motor control were found. At termination, the one mouse sacrificed for histological studies showed severe, diffuse pulmonary alveolar proteinosis suggesting that pulmonary abnormalities in NPC1 mouse models are not unique to the Npc1nih allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, United States
| | - Dawn E Watkins-Chow
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Giampiero Palladino
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, United States
| | - Gail Deutsch
- Department of Pathology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keshav Chandran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, United States
| | - William J Pavan
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Robert P Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, United States.
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29
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Totenhagen JW, Bernstein A, Yoshimaru ES, Erickson RP, Trouard TP. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of brain atrophy in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178179. [PMID: 28542381 PMCID: PMC5443551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to investigate regional and global brain atrophy in the neurodegenerative Niemann Pick Type C1 (NPC1) disease mouse model. Imaging experiments were conducted with the most commonly studied mouse model of NPC1 disease at early and late disease states. High-resolution in vivo images were acquired at early and late stages of the disease and analyzed with atlas-based registration to obtain measurements of twenty brain region volumes. A two-way ANOVA analysis indicated eighteen of these regions were different due to genotype and thirteen showed a significant interaction with age and genotype. The ability to measure in vivo neurodegeneration evidenced by brain atrophy adds to the ability to monitor disease progression and treatment response in the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Totenhagen
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Adam Bernstein
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Eriko S. Yoshimaru
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Robert P. Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Theodore P. Trouard
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- McKight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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