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Cheng Y, Zhang S, Shang H. Latest advances on new promising molecular-based therapeutic approaches for Huntington's disease. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:134-147. [PMID: 38779119 PMCID: PMC11107186 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating, autosomal-dominant inherited, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor deficits, cognitive impairments, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is caused by excessive cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats within the huntingtin gene (HTT). Presently, therapeutic interventions capable of altering the trajectory of HD are lacking, while medications for abnormal movement and psychiatric symptoms are limited. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. In this review, we update the latest advances on new promising molecular-based therapeutic strategies for this disorder, including DNA-targeting techniques such as zinc-finger proteins, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and CRISPR/Cas9; post-transcriptional huntingtin-lowering approaches such as RNAi, antisense oligonucleotides, and small-molecule splicing modulators; and novel methods to clear the mHTT protein, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras. We mainly focus on the ongoing clinical trials and the latest pre-clinical studies to explore the progress of emerging potential HD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sirui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare disease center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, Sichuan Province, China
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2
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Moccia M, Pascucci B, Saviano M, Cerasa MT, Terzidis MA, Chatgilialoglu C, Masi A. Advances in Nucleic Acid Research: Exploring the Potential of Oligonucleotides for Therapeutic Applications and Biological Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:146. [PMID: 38203317 PMCID: PMC10778772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, nucleic acids have emerged as powerful biomaterials, revolutionizing the field of biomedicine. This review explores the multifaceted applications of nucleic acids, focusing on their pivotal role in various biomedical applications. Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), possess unique properties such as molecular recognition ability, programmability, and ease of synthesis, making them versatile tools in biosensing and for gene regulation, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Their compatibility with chemical modifications enhances their binding affinity and resistance to degradation, elevating their effectiveness in targeted applications. Additionally, nucleic acids have found utility as self-assembling building blocks, leading to the creation of nanostructures whose high order underpins their enhanced biological stability and affects the cellular uptake efficiency. Furthermore, this review delves into the significant role of oligonucleotides (ODNs) as indispensable tools for biological studies and biomarker discovery. ODNs, short sequences of nucleic acids, have been instrumental in unraveling complex biological mechanisms. They serve as probes for studying gene expression, protein interactions, and cellular pathways, providing invaluable insights into fundamental biological processes. By examining the synergistic interplay between nucleic acids as powerful biomaterials and ODNs as indispensable tools for biological studies and biomarkers, this review highlights the transformative impact of these molecules on biomedical research. Their versatile applications not only deepen our understanding of biological systems but also are the driving force for innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics, ultimately advancing the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moccia
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Strada Provinciale 35d, n. 9, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy; (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Barbara Pascucci
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Strada Provinciale 35d, n. 9, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy; (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Michele Saviano
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, URT Caserta, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Cerasa
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Giovanni Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Michael A. Terzidis
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Sindos Campus, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Chryssostomos Chatgilialoglu
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
- Center of Advanced Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
| | - Annalisa Masi
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Strada Provinciale 35d, n. 9, 00010 Montelibretti, Italy; (M.M.); (B.P.)
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Wilton-Clark H, Al-aghbari A, Yang J, Yokota T. Advancing Epidemiology and Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: Focus on Prevalence in the Indigenous Population of Western Canada. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1634. [PMID: 37628685 PMCID: PMC10454234 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy's disease, is a debilitating neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness and neuronal degeneration, affecting 1-2 individuals per 100,000 globally. While SBMA is relatively rare, recent studies have shown a significantly higher prevalence of the disease among the indigenous population of Western Canada compared to the general population. The disease is caused by a pathogenic expansion of polyglutamine residues in the androgen receptor protein, which acts as a key transcriptional regulator for numerous genes. SBMA has no cure, and current treatments are primarily supportive and focused on symptom management. Recently, a form of precision medicine known as antisense therapy has gained traction as a promising therapeutic option for numerous neuromuscular diseases. Antisense therapy uses small synthetic oligonucleotides to confer therapeutic benefit by acting on pathogenic mRNA molecules, serving to either degrade pathogenic mRNA transcripts or helping to modulate splicing. Recent studies have explored the suitability of antisense therapy for the treatment of SBMA, primarily focused on gene therapy and antisense-mediated mRNA knockdown approaches. Advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of SBMA and the development of targeted therapies offer hope for improved quality of life for individuals affected by this debilitating condition. Continued research is essential to optimize these genetic approaches, ensuring their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Wilton-Clark
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Ammar Al-aghbari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Jessica Yang
- Department of Immunology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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4
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Kerkhof LMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Roon-Mom WMC, Buijsen RAM. Therapeutic Strategies for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050788. [PMID: 37238658 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects one or two individuals per 100,000. The disease is caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 8 of the ATXN1 gene and is characterized mostly by a profound loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, leading to disturbances in coordination, balance, and gait. At present, no curative treatment is available for SCA1. However, increasing knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SCA1 has led the way towards several therapeutic strategies that can potentially slow disease progression. SCA1 therapeutics can be classified as genetic, pharmacological, and cell replacement therapies. These different therapeutic strategies target either the (mutant) ATXN1 RNA or the ataxin-1 protein, pathways that play an important role in downstream SCA1 disease mechanisms or which help restore cells that are lost due to SCA1 pathology. In this review, we will provide a summary of the different therapeutic strategies that are currently being investigated for SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M C Kerkhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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5
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Jain M, Patil N, Abdi G, Abbasi Tarighat M, Mohammed A, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Goh KW. Mechanistic Insights and Potential Therapeutic Approaches in PolyQ Diseases via Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010162. [PMID: 36672670 PMCID: PMC9856063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a group of congenital neurodegenerative diseases categorized with genomic abnormalities in the expansion of CAG triplet repeats in coding regions of specific disease-related genes. Protein aggregates are the toxic hallmark for polyQ diseases and initiate neuronal death. Autophagy is a catabolic process that aids in the removal of damaged organelles or toxic protein aggregates, a process required to maintain cellular homeostasis that has the potential to fight against neurodegenerative diseases, but this pathway gets affected under diseased conditions, as there is a direct impact on autophagy-related gene expression. The increase in the accumulation of autophagy vesicles reported in neurodegenerative diseases was due to an increase in autophagy or may have been due to a decrease in autophagy flux. These reports suggested that there is a contribution of autophagy in the pathology of diseases and regulation in the process of autophagy. It was demonstrated in various disease models of polyQ diseases that autophagy upregulation by using modulators can enhance the dissolution of toxic aggregates and delay disease progression. In this review, interaction of the autophagy pathway with polyQ diseases was analyzed, and a therapeutic approach with autophagy inducing drugs was established for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Jain
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Nil Patil
- Department of Lifesciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Lab 209 Cell and Developmental Biology Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Gholamreza Abdi
- Department of Biotechnology, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, 75169, Iran
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Maryam Abbasi Tarighat
- Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Iran
| | - Arifullah Mohammed
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli 17600, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Rajaei Ahmad Mohd Zain
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (M.R.A.M.Z.); (K.W.G.)
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6
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Helm J, Schöls L, Hauser S. Towards Personalized Allele-Specific Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies for Toxic Gain-of-Function Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081708. [PMID: 36015334 PMCID: PMC9416334 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are single-stranded nucleic acid strings that can be used to selectively modify protein synthesis by binding complementary (pre-)mRNA sequences. By specific arrangements of DNA and RNA into a chain of nucleic acids and additional modifications of the backbone, sugar, and base, the specificity and functionality of the designed ASOs can be adjusted. Thereby cellular uptake, toxicity, and nuclease resistance, as well as binding affinity and specificity to its target (pre-)mRNA, can be modified. Several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by autosomal dominant toxic gain-of-function mutations, which lead to toxic protein products driving disease progression. ASOs targeting such mutations—or even more comprehensively, associated variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—promise a selective degradation of the mutant (pre-)mRNA while sparing the wild type allele. By this approach, protein expression from the wild type strand is preserved, and side effects from an unselective knockdown of both alleles can be prevented. This makes allele-specific targeting strategies a focus for future personalized therapies. Here, we provide an overview of current strategies to develop personalized, allele-specific ASO therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such Huntington’s disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Helm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Hauser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Bramanti SM, Manippa V, Babore A, Dilillo A, Marcellino A, Martucci V, Mallardo S, Isoldi S, Bloise S, Sanseviero M, Iorfida D, De Luca E, Trumello C, D’Alleva F, Ventriglia F, Lubrano R, Del Giudice E. Comparing parental distress and children's difficulties between parents of children with rheumatic diseases and parents of healthy children in families facing the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35967493 PMCID: PMC9361970 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a threat for the health status of children with a chronic condition. The present study aimed to explore parents' and children's psychological adjustment during the current pandemic, pursuing a triple objective: to compare the psychological adjustment of parents of children with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) and parents of healthy children; to analyze children's psychological symptoms (emotional problems and hyperactivity) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with or without a PRDs diagnosis; to explore the associations of children's emotional problems and hyperactivity with parents' psychological adjustment, parent-child interactions and belonging or not to families with PRDs. This cross-sectional study involved 56 parents of children with PRDs and 53 parents of healthy children. Self-report questionnaires about parents' depression, anxiety, parenting stress, and children's emotional symptoms and hyperactivity-inattention were administered. No differences were detected on psychological adjustment between parents of children with PRDs and parents of healthy children. Parents of children with PRDs reported statistically significant higher levels of children's emotional problems and hyperactivity before the pandemic, compared to parents of healthy children; during COVID-19 pandemic, emotional symptoms increased for both groups, while hyperactivity-inattention symptoms increased only in the group of healthy children. Children's emotional difficulties were associated with higher levels of parental anxiety, worse parent-child interaction and having PRDs; children's hyperactivity symptoms were related to parent-child difficult interaction and higher levels of parental depression. Findings suggest the importance to target the children in relation to their parents, when approaching the psychological aspects of PRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia M. Bramanti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valerio Manippa
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Babore
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Dilillo
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Alessia Marcellino
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Vanessa Martucci
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Saverio Mallardo
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvia Bloise
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Sanseviero
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Donatella Iorfida
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Enrica De Luca
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Carmen Trumello
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca D’Alleva
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Flavia Ventriglia
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lubrano
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Del Giudice
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
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Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
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Ferguson MW, Kennedy CJ, Palpagama TH, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. Current and Possible Future Therapeutic Options for Huntington’s Disease. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221092517. [PMID: 35615642 PMCID: PMC9125092 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221092517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by an excessive number of CAG trinucleotide repeats within the huntingtin gene ( HTT). HD patients can present with a variety of symptoms including chorea, behavioural and psychiatric abnormalities and cognitive decline. Each patient has a unique combination of symptoms, and although these can be managed using a range of medications and non-drug treatments there is currently no cure for the disease. Current therapies prescribed for HD can be categorized by the symptom they treat. These categories include chorea medication, antipsychotic medication, antidepressants, mood stabilizing medication as well as non-drug therapies. Fortunately, there are also many new HD therapeutics currently undergoing clinical trials that target the disease at its origin; lowering the levels of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT). Currently, much attention is being directed to antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies, which bind to pre-RNA or mRNA and can alter protein expression via RNA degradation, blocking translation or splice modulation. Other potential therapies in clinical development include RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, RNA targeting small molecule therapies, stem cell therapies, antibody therapies, non-RNA targeting small molecule therapies and neuroinflammation targeted therapies. Potential therapies in pre-clinical development include Zinc-Finger Protein (ZFP) therapies, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) therapies and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated system (Cas) therapies. This comprehensive review aims to discuss the efficacy of current HD treatments and explore the clinical trial progress of emerging potential HD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie W. Ferguson
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Connor J. Kennedy
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thulani H. Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J. Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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10
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Jansen-West K, Todd TW, Daughrity LM, Yue M, Tong J, Carlomagno Y, Del Rosso G, Kurti A, Jones CY, Dunmore JA, Castanedes-Casey M, Dickson DW, Wszolek ZK, Fryer JD, Petrucelli L, Prudencio M. Plasma PolyQ-ATXN3 Levels Associate With Cerebellar Degeneration and Behavioral Abnormalities in a New AAV-Based SCA3 Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863089. [PMID: 35386195 PMCID: PMC8977414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the gene encoding ATXN3. The polyQ expansion induces protein inclusion formation in the neurons of patients and results in neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop a new mouse model of SCA3 that recapitulates several features of the human disease, including locomotor defects, cerebellar-specific neuronal loss, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 inclusions, and TDP-43 pathology. We also found that neurofilament light is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SCA3 animals, and the expanded polyQ-ATXN3 protein can be detected in the plasma. Interestingly, the levels of polyQ-ATXN3 in plasma correlated with measures of cerebellar degeneration and locomotor deficits in 6-month-old SCA3 mice, supporting the hypothesis that this factor could act as a biomarker for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany W. Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Mei Yue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Jimei Tong
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yari Carlomagno
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Giulia Del Rosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Caroline Y. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Judith A. Dunmore
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - John D. Fryer
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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11
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Brunet de Courssou JB, Durr A, Adams D, Corvol JC, Mariani LL. Antisense therapies in neurological diseases. Brain 2021; 145:816-831. [PMID: 35286370 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in targeted regulation of gene expression allowed new therapeutic approaches for monogenic neurological diseases. Molecular diagnosis has paved the way to personalized medicine targeting the pathogenic roots: DNA or its RNA transcript. These antisense therapies rely on modified nucleotides sequences (single-strand DNA or RNA, both belonging to the antisense oligonucleotides family, or double-strand interfering RNA) to act specifically on pathogenic target nucleic acids, thanks to complementary base pairing. Depending on the type of molecule, chemical modifications and target, base pairing will lead alternatively to splicing modifications of primary transcript RNA or transient messenger RNA degradation or non-translation. The key to success for neurodegenerative diseases also depends on the ability to reach target cells. The most advanced antisense therapies under development in neurological disorders are presented here, at the clinical stage of development, either at phase 3 or market authorization stage, such as in spinal amyotrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis, porphyria and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; or in earlier clinical phase 1 B, for Huntington disease, synucleinopathies and tauopathies. We also discuss antisense therapies at the preclinical stage, such as in some tauopathies, spinocerebellar ataxias or other rare neurological disorders. Each subtype of antisense therapy, antisense oligonucleotides or interfering RNA, has proved target engagement or even clinical efficacy in patients; undisputable recent advances for severe and previously untreatable neurological disorders. Antisense therapies show great promise, but many unknowns remain. Expanding the initial successes achieved in orphan or rare diseases to other disorders will be the next challenge, as shown by the recent failure in Huntington disease or due to long-term preclinical toxicity in multiple system atrophy and cystic fibrosis. This will be critical in the perspective of new planned applications to premanifest mutation carriers, or other non-genetic degenerative disorders such as multiple system atrophy or Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Brunet de Courssou
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Neurology, CIC Neurosciences, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - David Adams
- Department of Neurology, Bicêtre hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence National des Neuropathies Périphériques Rares, Paris Saclay University, INSERM U 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Corvol
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Neurology, CIC Neurosciences, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Louise-Laure Mariani
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Neurology, CIC Neurosciences, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
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12
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Jarosińska OD, Rüdiger SGD. Molecular Strategies to Target Protein Aggregation in Huntington's Disease. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:769184. [PMID: 34869596 PMCID: PMC8636123 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.769184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein in nerve cells. mHTT self-aggregates to form soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils, which interfere in a number of key cellular functions. This leads to cell quiescence and ultimately cell death. There are currently still no treatments available for HD, but approaches targeting the HTT levels offer systematic, mechanism-driven routes towards curing HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the mRNA targeting approaches such as antisense oligonucleotides and RNAi system; and the novel methods targeting mHTT and aggregates for degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome or the autophagy-lysosomal systems. These methods include the proteolysis-targeting chimera, Trim-Away, autophagosome-tethering compound, autophagy-targeting chimera, lysosome-targeting chimera and approach targeting mHTT for chaperone-mediated autophagy. These molecular strategies provide a knowledge-based approach to target HD and other neurodegenerative diseases at the origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D. Jarosińska
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Science for Life, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan G. D. Rüdiger
- Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Science for Life, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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13
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Vázquez-Mojena Y, León-Arcia K, González-Zaldivar Y, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Velázquez-Pérez L. Gene Therapy for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2731-2744. [PMID: 34628681 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of six autosomal dominant ataxias caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat expansions in the coding region of single genes. Currently, there is no curative or disease-slowing treatment for these disorders, but their monogenic inheritance has informed rationales for development of gene therapy strategies. In fact, RNA interference strategies have shown promising findings in cellular and/or animal models of SCA1, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7. In addition, antisense oligonucleotide therapy has provided encouraging proofs of concept in models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA7, but they have not yet progressed to clinical trials. On the contrary, the gene editing strategies, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9), have been introduced to a limited extent in these disorders. In this article, we review the available literature about gene therapy in polyglutamine SCAs and discuss the main technological and ethical challenges toward the prospect of their use in future clinical trials. Although antisense oligonucleotide therapies are further along the path to clinical phases, the recent failure of three clinical trials in Huntington's disease may delay their utilization for polyglutamine SCAs, but they offer lessons that could optimize the likelihood of success in potential future clinical studies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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14
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Huntingtin and Its Role in Mechanisms of RNA-Mediated Toxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070487. [PMID: 34357961 PMCID: PMC8310054 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a CAG-repeat expansion mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. It is characterized by progressive psychiatric and neurological symptoms in combination with a progressive movement disorder. Despite the ubiquitous expression of HTT, pathological changes occur quite selectively in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of HD more than 150 years ago, a lot of research on molecular mechanisms contributing to neurotoxicity has remained the focal point. While traditionally, the protein encoded by the HTT gene remained the cynosure for researchers and was extensively reviewed elsewhere, several studies in the last few years clearly indicated the contribution of the mutant RNA transcript to cellular dysfunction as well. In this review, we outline recent studies on RNA-mediated molecular mechanisms that are linked to cellular dysfunction in HD models. These mechanisms include mis-splicing, aberrant translation, deregulation of the miRNA machinery, deregulated RNA transport and abnormal regulation of mitochondrial RNA. Furthermore, we summarize recent therapeutical approaches targeting the mutant HTT transcript. While currently available treatments are of a palliative nature only and do not halt the disease progression, recent clinical studies provide hope that these novel RNA-targeting strategies will lead to better therapeutic approaches.
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15
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Bizot F, Vulin A, Goyenvalle A. Current Status of Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy in Neuromuscular Disorders. Drugs 2021; 80:1397-1415. [PMID: 32696107 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders include a wide range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, which are primarily characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. While there were no effective therapies until recently, several therapeutic approaches have advanced to clinical trials in the past few years. Among these, the antisense technology aiming at modifying RNA processing and function has remarkably progressed and a few antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have now been approved. Despite these recent clinical successes, several ASOs have also failed and clinical programs have been suspended, in most cases when the route of administration was systemic, highlighting the existing challenges notably with respect to effective ASO delivery. In this review we summarize the recent advances and current status of antisense based-therapies for neuromuscular disorders, using successful as well as unsuccessful examples to highlight the variability of outcomes depending on the target tissue and route of administration. We describe the different ASO-mediated therapeutic approaches, including splice-switching applications, steric-blocking strategies and targeted gene knock-down mediated by ribonuclease H recruitment. In this overview, we discuss the merits and challenges of the current ASO technology, and discuss the future of ASO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Bizot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France. .,LIA BAHN, Centre scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
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16
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Prudencio M, Garcia-Moreno H, Jansen-West KR, Al-Shaikh RH, Gendron TF, Heckman MG, Spiegel MR, Carlomagno Y, Daughrity LM, Song Y, Dunmore JA, Byron N, Oskarsson B, Nicholson KA, Staff NP, Gorcenco S, Puschmann A, Lemos J, Januário C, LeDoux MS, Friedman JH, Polke J, Labrum R, Shakkottai V, McLoughlin HS, Paulson HL, Konno T, Onodera O, Ikeuchi T, Tada M, Kakita A, Fryer JD, Karremo C, Gomes I, Caviness JN, Pittelkow MR, Aasly J, Pfeiffer RF, Veerappan V, Eggenberger ER, Freeman WD, Huang JF, Uitti RJ, Wierenga KJ, Marin Collazo IV, Tipton PW, van Gerpen JA, van Blitterswijk M, Bu G, Wszolek ZK, Giunti P, Petrucelli L. Toward allele-specific targeting therapy and pharmacodynamic marker for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/566/eabb7086. [PMID: 33087504 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb7086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-3 gene (ATXN3), is characterized by neuronal polyglutamine (polyQ) ATXN3 protein aggregates. Although there is no cure for SCA3, gene-silencing approaches to reduce toxic polyQ ATXN3 showed promise in preclinical models. However, a major limitation in translating putative treatments for this rare disease to the clinic is the lack of pharmacodynamic markers for use in clinical trials. Here, we developed an immunoassay that readily detects polyQ ATXN3 proteins in human biological fluids and discriminates patients with SCA3 from healthy controls and individuals with other ataxias. We show that polyQ ATXN3 serves as a marker of target engagement in human fibroblasts, which may bode well for its use in clinical trials. Last, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism that strongly associates with the expanded allele, thus providing an exciting drug target to abrogate detrimental events initiated by mutant ATXN3. Gene-silencing strategies for several repeat diseases are well under way, and our results are expected to improve clinical trial preparedness for SCA3 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,Ataxia Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | | | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Michael G Heckman
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Matthew R Spiegel
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Yari Carlomagno
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Yuping Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Judith A Dunmore
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Natalie Byron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Björn Oskarsson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Katharine A Nicholson
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nathan P Staff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sorina Gorcenco
- Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund 22185, Sweden
| | - Andreas Puschmann
- Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund 22185, Sweden
| | - João Lemos
- Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Coimbra University, Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Cristina Januário
- Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Coimbra University, Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Mark S LeDoux
- University of Memphis and Veracity Neuroscience LLC, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Joseph H Friedman
- Department of Neurology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - James Polke
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,Ataxia Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Robin Labrum
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,Ataxia Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Vikram Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Takuya Konno
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ikeuchi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Mari Tada
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - John D Fryer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | - Christin Karremo
- Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund 22185, Sweden
| | - Inês Gomes
- Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Coimbra University, Coimbra 3000-075, Portugal
| | - John N Caviness
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | - Mark R Pittelkow
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | - Jan Aasly
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ronald F Pfeiffer
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Venka Veerappan
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ryan J Uitti
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Klaas J Wierenga
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Philip W Tipton
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK. .,Ataxia Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. .,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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17
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Hommersom MP, Buijsen RAM, van Roon-Mom WMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Bokhoven H. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Modelling of Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:441-456. [PMID: 34031815 PMCID: PMC8930896 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) constitute a large group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that mainly present with dysfunction of the cerebellum as their main hallmark. Although animal and cell models have been highly instrumental for our current insight into the underlying disease mechanisms of these neurodegenerative disorders, they do not offer the full human genetic and physiological context. The advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and protocols to differentiate these into essentially every cell type allows us to closely model SCAs in a human context. In this review, we systematically summarize recent findings from studies using hiPSC-based modelling of SCAs, and discuss what knowledge has been gained from these studies. We conclude that hiPSC-based models are a powerful tool for modelling SCAs as they contributed to new mechanistic insights and have the potential to serve the development of genetic therapies. However, the use of standardized methods and multiple clones of isogenic lines are essential to increase validity and reproducibility of the insights gained. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Hommersom
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
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18
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Current Status of Gene Therapy Research in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084249. [PMID: 33921915 PMCID: PMC8074016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (PolyQ SCAs) are a group of 6 rare autosomal dominant diseases, which arise from an abnormal CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of their causative gene. These neurodegenerative ataxic disorders are characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, which translates into progressive ataxia, the main clinical feature, often accompanied by oculomotor deficits and dysarthria. Currently, PolyQ SCAs treatment is limited only to symptomatic mitigation, and no therapy is available to stop or delay the disease progression, which culminates with death. Over the last years, many promising gene therapy approaches were investigated in preclinical studies and could lead to a future treatment to stop or delay the disease development. Here, we summed up the most promising of these therapies, categorizing them in gene augmentation therapy, gene silencing strategies, and gene edition approaches. While several of the reviewed strategies are promising, there is still a gap from the preclinical results obtained and their translation to clinical studies. However, there is an increase in the number of approved gene therapies, as well as a constant development in their safety and efficacy profiles. Thus, it is expected that in a near future some of the promising strategies reviewed here could be tested in a clinical setting and if successful provide hope for SCAs patients.
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19
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A high-throughput screening to identify small molecules that suppress huntingtin promoter activity or activate huntingtin-antisense promoter activity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6157. [PMID: 33731741 PMCID: PMC7969751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of huntingtin (HTT). While there are currently no disease-modifying treatments for HD, recent efforts have focused on the development of nucleotide-based therapeutics to lower HTT expression. As an alternative to siRNA or oligonucleotide methods, we hypothesized that suppression of HTT expression might be accomplished by small molecules that either (1) directly decrease HTT expression by suppressing HTT promoter activity or (2) indirectly decrease HTT expression by increasing the promoter activity of HTT-AS, the gene antisense to HTT that appears to inhibit expression of HTT. We developed and employed a high-throughput screen for modifiers of HTT and HTT-AS promoter activity using luminescent reporter HEK293 cells; of the 52,041 compounds tested, we identified 898 replicable hits. We used a rigorous stepwise approach to assess compound toxicity and the capacity of the compounds to specifically lower huntingtin protein in 5 different cell lines, including HEK293 cells, HD lymphoblastoid cells, mouse primary neurons, HD iPSCs differentiated into cortical-like neurons, and HD hESCs. We found no compounds which were able to lower huntingtin without lowering cell viability in all assays, though the potential efficacy of a few compounds at non-toxic doses could not be excluded. Our results suggest that more specific targets may facilitate a small molecule approach to HTT suppression.
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20
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Abstract
The genetic basis for most inherited neurodegenerative diseases has been identified, yet there are limited disease-modifying therapies for these patients. A new class of drugs-antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-show promise as a therapeutic platform for treating neurological diseases. ASOs are designed to bind to the RNAs either by promoting degradation of the targeted RNA or by elevating expression by RNA splicing. Intrathecal injection into the cerebral spinal fluid results in broad distribution of antisense drugs and long-term effects. Approval of nusinersen in 2016 demonstrated that effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases can be identified and that treatments not only slow disease progression but also improve some symptoms. Antisense drugs are currently in development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Angelman syndrome, and several drugs are in late-stage research for additional neurological diseases. This review highlights the advances in antisense technology as potential treatments for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, California 92010, USA;
| | | | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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21
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Zhang N, Bewick B, Xia G, Furling D, Ashizawa T. A CRISPR-Cas13a Based Strategy That Tracks and Degrades Toxic RNA in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Genet 2020; 11:594576. [PMID: 33362853 PMCID: PMC7758406 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.594576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cas13a, an effector of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems, is an RNA guided RNase with multiplexing and therapeutic potential. This study employs the Leptotrichia shahii (Lsh) Cas13a and a repeat-based CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to track and eliminate toxic RNA aggregates in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) – a neuromuscular disease caused by CTG expansion in the DMPK gene. We demonstrate that LshCas13a cleaves CUG repeat RNA in biochemical assays and reduces toxic RNA load in patient-derived myoblasts. As a result, LshCas13a reverses the characteristic adult-to-embryonic missplicing events in several key genes that contribute to DM1 phenotype. The deactivated LshCas13a can further be repurposed to track RNA-rich organelles within cells. Our data highlights the reprogrammability of LshCas13a and the possible use of Cas13a to target expanded repeat sequences in microsatellite expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brittani Bewick
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
| | - Denis Furling
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Centre de Recherche en Myologie (CRM), Association Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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22
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Bennett CF, Krainer AR, Cleveland DW. Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Annu Rev Neurosci 2020; 42:385-406. [PMID: 31283897 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-070918-050501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides represent a novel therapeutic platform for the discovery of medicines that have the potential to treat most neurodegenerative diseases. Antisense drugs are currently in development for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, and multiple research programs are underway for additional neurodegenerative diseases. One antisense drug, nusinersen, has been approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Importantly, nusinersen improves disease symptoms when administered to symptomatic patients rather than just slowing the progression of the disease. In addition to the benefit to spinal muscular atrophy patients, there are discoveries from nusinersen that can be applied to other neurological diseases, including method of delivery, doses, tolerability of intrathecally delivered antisense drugs, and the biodistribution of intrathecal dosed antisense drugs. Based in part on the early success of nusinersen, antisense drugs hold great promise as a therapeutic platform for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian R Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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23
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Silva AC, Lobo DD, Martins IM, Lopes SM, Henriques C, Duarte SP, Dodart JC, Nobre RJ, Pereira de Almeida L. Antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases: the case of polyglutamine disorders. Brain 2020; 143:407-429. [PMID: 31738395 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders are a group of nine neurodegenerative diseases that share a common genetic cause, which is an expansion of CAG repeats in the coding region of the causative genes that are otherwise unrelated. The trinucleotide expansion encodes for an expanded polyQ tract in the respective proteins, resulting in toxic gain-of-function and eventually in neurodegeneration. Currently, no disease-modifying therapies are available for this group of disorders. Nevertheless, given their monogenic nature, polyQ disorders are ideal candidates for therapies that target specifically the gene transcripts. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have been under intense investigation over recent years as gene silencing tools. ASOs are small synthetic single-stranded chains of nucleic acids that target specific RNA transcripts through several mechanisms. ASOs can reduce the levels of mutant proteins by breaking down the targeted transcript, inhibit mRNA translation or alter the maturation of the pre-mRNA via splicing correction. Over the years, chemical optimization of ASO molecules has allowed significant improvement of their pharmacological properties, which has in turn made this class of therapeutics a very promising strategy to treat a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, preclinical and clinical strategies have been developed in recent years for some polyQ disorders using ASO therapeutics. The success of ASOs in several animal models, as well as encouraging results in the clinic for Huntington's disease, points towards a promising future regarding the application of ASO-based therapies for polyQ disorders in humans, offering new opportunities to address unmet medical needs for this class of disorders. This review aims to present a brief overview of key chemical modifications, mechanisms of action and routes of administration that have been described for ASO-based therapies. Moreover, it presents a review of the most recent and relevant preclinical and clinical trials that have tested ASO therapeutics in polyQ disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês M Martins
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector, Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia P Duarte
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector, Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,ViraVector, Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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24
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Caron NS, Southwell AL, Brouwers CC, Cengio LD, Xie Y, Black HF, Anderson LM, Ko S, Zhu X, van Deventer SJ, Evers MM, Konstantinova P, Hayden MR. Potent and sustained huntingtin lowering via AAV5 encoding miRNA preserves striatal volume and cognitive function in a humanized mouse model of Huntington disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:36-54. [PMID: 31745548 PMCID: PMC7145682 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a pathogenic expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. There are no disease-modifying therapies for HD. Artificial microRNAs targeting HTT transcripts for degradation have shown preclinical promise and will soon enter human clinical trials. Here, we examine the tolerability and efficacy of non-selective HTT lowering with an AAV5 encoded miRNA targeting human HTT (AAV5-miHTT) in the humanized Hu128/21 mouse model of HD. We show that intrastriatal administration of AAV5-miHTT results in potent and sustained HTT suppression for at least 7 months post-injection. Importantly, non-selective suppression of huntingtin was generally tolerated, however high dose AAV5-miHTT did induce astrogliosis. We observed an improvement of select behavioural and modest neuropathological HD-like phenotypes in Hu128/21 mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit of miRNA-mediated non-selective HTT lowering. Finally, we also observed that potent reduction of wild type HTT (wtHTT) in Hu21 control mice was tolerated up to 7 months post-injection but may induce impairment of motor coordination and striatal atrophy. Taken together, our data suggests that in the context of HD, the therapeutic benefits of mHTT reduction may outweigh the potentially detrimental effects of wtHTT loss following non-selective HTT lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Caron
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amber L Southwell
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia C Brouwers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louisa Dal Cengio
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuanyun Xie
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Hailey Findlay Black
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa M Anderson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seunghyun Ko
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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McIntosh CS, Aung-Htut MT, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Removal of the Polyglutamine Repeat of Ataxin-3 by Redirecting pre-mRNA Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215434. [PMID: 31683630 PMCID: PMC6862616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure, nor effective treatment strategy. One of nine polyglutamine disorders known to date, SCA3 is clinically heterogeneous and the main feature is progressive ataxia, which in turn affects speech, balance and gait of the affected individual. SCA3 is caused by an expanded polyglutamine tract in the ataxin-3 protein, resulting in conformational changes that lead to toxic gain of function. The expanded glutamine tract is located at the 5′ end of the penultimate exon (exon 10) of ATXN3 gene transcript. Other studies reported removal of the expanded glutamine tract using splice switching antisense oligonucleotides. Here, we describe improved efficiency in the removal of the toxic polyglutamine tract of ataxin-3 in vitro using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, when compared to antisense oligonucleotides composed of 2′-O-methyl modified bases on a phosphorothioate backbone. Significant downregulation of both the expanded and non-expanded protein was induced by the morpholino antisense oligomer, with a greater proportion of ataxin-3 protein missing the polyglutamine tract. With growing concerns over toxicity associated with long-term administration of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, the use of a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer may be preferable for clinical application. These results suggest that morpholino oligomers may provide greater therapeutic benefit for the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, without toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S McIntosh
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - May Thandar Aung-Htut
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia.
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26
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Martier R, Sogorb-Gonzalez M, Stricker-Shaver J, Hübener-Schmid J, Keskin S, Klima J, Toonen LJ, Juhas S, Juhasova J, Ellederova Z, Motlik J, Haas E, van Deventer S, Konstantinova P, Nguyen HP, Evers MM. Development of an AAV-Based MicroRNA Gene Therapy to Treat Machado-Joseph Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:343-358. [PMID: 31828177 PMCID: PMC6889651 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), or Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the ATXN3 gene. The expanded CAG repeat is translated into a prolonged polyglutamine repeat in the ataxin-3 protein and accumulates within inclusions, acquiring toxic properties, which results in degeneration of the cerebellum and brain stem. In the current study, a non-allele-specific ATXN3 silencing approach was investigated using artificial microRNAs engineered to target various regions of the ATXN3 gene (miATXN3). The miATXN3 candidates were screened in vitro based on their silencing efficacy on a luciferase (Luc) reporter co-expressing ATXN3. The three best miATXN3 candidates were further tested for target engagement and potential off-target activity in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into frontal brain-like neurons and in a SCA3 knockin mouse model. Besides a strong reduction of ATXN3 mRNA and protein, small RNA sequencing revealed efficient guide strand processing without passenger strands being produced. We used different methods to predict alteration of off-target genes upon AAV5-miATXN3 treatment and found no evidence for unwanted effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated in a large animal model, the minipig, that intrathecal delivery of AAV5 can transduce the main areas affected in SCA3 patients. These results proved a strong basis to move forward to investigate distribution, efficacy, and safety of AAV5-miATXN3 in large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raygene Martier
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Sogorb-Gonzalez
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Janice Stricker-Shaver
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Sonay Keskin
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiri Klima
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Lodewijk J Toonen
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Haas
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sander van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Kourkouta E, Weij R, González-Barriga A, Mulder M, Verheul R, Bosgra S, Groenendaal B, Puoliväli J, Toivanen J, van Deutekom JCT, Datson NA. Suppression of Mutant Protein Expression in SCA3 and SCA1 Mice Using a CAG Repeat-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:601-614. [PMID: 31394429 PMCID: PMC6695277 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and type 1 (SCA1) are dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders that are currently incurable. Both diseases are caused by a CAG-repeat expansion in exon 10 of the Ataxin-3 and exon 8 of the Ataxin-1 gene, respectively, encoding an elongated polyglutamine tract that confers toxic properties to the resulting proteins. We have previously shown lowering of the pathogenic polyglutamine protein in Huntington's disease mouse models using (CUG)7, a CAG repeat-targeting antisense oligonucleotide. Here we evaluated the therapeutic capacity of (CUG)7 for SCA3 and SCA1, in vitro in patient-derived cell lines and in vivo in representative mouse models. Repeated intracerebroventricular (CUG)7 administration resulted in a significant reduction of mutant Ataxin-3 and Ataxin-1 proteins throughout the brain of SCA3 and SCA1 mouse models, respectively. Furthermore, in both a SCA3 patient cell line and the MJD84.2 mouse model, (CUG)7 induced formation of a truncated Ataxin-3 protein species lacking the polyglutamine stretch, likely arising from (CUG)7-mediated exon 10 skipping. In contrast, skipping of exon 8 of Ataxin-1 did not significantly contribute to the Ataxin-1 protein reduction observed in (CUG)7-treated SCA1154Q/2Q mice. These findings support the therapeutic potential of a single CAG repeat-targeting AON for the treatment of multiple polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rudie Weij
- BioMarin Nederland BV, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jussi Toivanen
- Charles River Discovery Research Services, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Imbert M, Blandel F, Leumann C, Garcia L, Goyenvalle A. Lowering Mutant Huntingtin Using Tricyclo-DNA Antisense Oligonucleotides As a Therapeutic Approach for Huntington's Disease. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:256-265. [PMID: 31184975 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the first exon of huntingtin gene (HTT) encoding for a toxic polyglutamine protein. This disease is characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive impairments. Currently, there is no disease modifying treatment. However, reducing the expression of the huntingtin protein (HTT) using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has been shown as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of ASO made of tricyclo-DNA (tcDNA), a conformationally constrained DNA analog, to silence HTT. We used a gapmer ASO, containing central DNA nucleotides flanked by tcDNA modifications on 5' and 3' ends, allowing the recruitment of RNAse H and subsequent degradation of the messenger RNA. After transfection of tcDNA-ASO in patient-derived fibroblast cell lines, we show a strong decrease of HTT mRNA and protein levels. As a control, 2'O-methyl-RNA targeting the same region of HTT was also tested and did not induce a significant effect. tcDNA-ASO were also evaluated in vivo in the YAC128 mice, containing the full-length human HTT gene with 128 CAG repeat expansion. Single intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of tcDNA induce a significant decrease of HTT messenger and protein levels in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum of treated mice. tcDNA-ASO were found well distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and show long lasting effect with protein levels still low, 12 weeks after a single ICV injection. This proof of concept study suggests the therapeutic potential of gapmer tcDNA ASO to downregulate huntingtin in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Imbert
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé-LIA BAHN CSM, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Florence Blandel
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé-LIA BAHN CSM, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Christian Leumann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Garcia
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé-LIA BAHN CSM, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurelie Goyenvalle
- U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé-LIA BAHN CSM, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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29
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Abstract
Nucleotide repeat disorders encompass more than 30 diseases, most of which show dominant inheritance, such as Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, and myotonic dystrophies. Yet others, including Friedreich's ataxia, are recessively inherited. A common feature is the presence of a DNA tandem repeat in the disease-associated gene and the propensity of the repeats to expand in germ and in somatic cells, with ensuing neurological and frequently also neuromuscular defects. Repeat expansion is the most frequent event in these diseases; however, sequence contractions, deletions, and mutations have also been reported. Nucleotide repeat sequences are predisposed to adopt non-B-DNA conformations, such as hairpins, cruciform, and intramolecular triple-helix structures (triplexes), also known as H-DNA. For gain-of-function disorders, oligonucleotides can be used to target either transcripts or duplex DNA and in diseases with recessive inheritance oligonucleotides may be used to alter repressive DNA or RNA conformations. Most current treatment strategies are aimed at altering transcript levels, but therapies directed against DNA are also emerging, and novel strategies targeting DNA, instead of RNA, are described. Different mechanisms using modified oligonucleotides are discussed along with the structural aspects of repeat sequences, which can influence binding modes and efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Centre for Advanced Therapies, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Centre for Advanced Therapies, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Buijsen RAM, Toonen LJA, Gardiner SL, van Roon-Mom WMC. Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Progress in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:263-286. [PMID: 30607747 PMCID: PMC6554265 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its connections. All ADCAs have progressive ataxia as their main clinical feature, frequently accompanied by dysarthria and oculomotor deficits. The most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are 6 polyglutamine (polyQ) SCAs. These diseases are all caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of a gene. Currently, no curative treatment is available for any of the polyQ SCAs, but increasing knowledge on the genetics and the pathological mechanisms of these polyQ SCAs has provided promising therapeutic targets to potentially slow disease progression. Potential treatments can be divided into pharmacological and gene therapies that target the toxic downstream effects, gene therapies that target the polyQ SCA genes, and stem cell replacement therapies. Here, we will provide a review on the genetics, mechanisms, and therapeutic progress in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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31
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Abstract
The 25 years since the identification of the gene responsible for Huntington disease (HD) have stood witness to profound discoveries about the nature of the disease and its pathogenesis. Despite this progress, however, the development of disease-modifying therapies has thus far been slow. Preclinical validation of the therapeutic potential of disrupted pathways in HD has led to the advancement of pharmacological agents, both novel and repurposed, for clinical evaluation. The most promising therapeutic approaches include huntingtin (HTT) lowering and modification as well as modulation of neuroinflammation and synaptic transmission. With clinical trials for many of these approaches imminent or currently ongoing, the coming years are promising not only for HD but also for more prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, in which many of these pathways have been similarly implicated.
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32
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Chen ZS, Li L, Peng S, Chen FM, Zhang Q, An Y, Lin X, Li W, Koon AC, Chan TF, Lau KF, Ngo JCK, Wong WT, Kwan KM, Chan HYE. Planar cell polarity gene Fuz triggers apoptosis in neurodegenerative disease models. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:embr.201745409. [PMID: 30026307 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201745409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Planar cell polarity (PCP) describes a cell-cell communication process through which individual cells coordinate and align within the plane of a tissue. In this study, we show that overexpression of Fuz, a PCP gene, triggers neuronal apoptosis via the dishevelled/Rac1 GTPase/MEKK1/JNK/caspase signalling axis. Consistent with this finding, endogenous Fuz expression is upregulated in models of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases and in fibroblasts from spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) patients. The disruption of this upregulation mitigates polyQ-induced neurodegeneration in Drosophila We show that the transcriptional regulator Yin Yang 1 (YY1) associates with the Fuz promoter. Overexpression of YY1 promotes the hypermethylation of Fuz promoter, causing transcriptional repression of Fuz Remarkably, YY1 protein is recruited to ATXN3-Q84 aggregates, which reduces the level of functional, soluble YY1, resulting in Fuz transcriptional derepression and induction of neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, Fuz transcript level is elevated in amyloid beta-peptide, Tau and α-synuclein models, implicating its potential involvement in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Taken together, this study unveils a generic Fuz-mediated apoptotic cell death pathway in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefan Stephen Chen
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li Li
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shaohong Peng
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Francis M Chen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying An
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen Li
- Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Chun Koon
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Molecular Biotechnology Program, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Gerald Choa Neuroscience Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok-Fai Lau
- Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Molecular Biotechnology Program, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacky Chi Ki Ngo
- Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin Ming Kwan
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (CUHK), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho Yin Edwin Chan
- Laboratory of Drosophila Research, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China .,Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences Faculty of Science The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Molecular Biotechnology Program, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.,Gerald Choa Neuroscience Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
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Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are hereditary degenerative disorders of the nervous system that have remained, to this date, untreatable. Promisingly, investigation into their molecular etiology and the development of increasingly perfected tools have contributed to the design of novel strategies with therapeutic potential. Encouraging studies have explored gene therapy as a means to counteract cell demise and loss in this context. The current chapter addresses the two main focuses of research in the area: the characteristics of the systems used to deliver nucleic acids to cells and the molecular and cellular actions of the therapeutic agents. Vectors used in gene therapy have to satisfyingly reach the tissues and cell types of interest, while eliciting the lowest toxicity possible. Both viral and non-viral systems have been developed for the delivery of nucleic acids to the central nervous system, each with its respective advantages and shortcomings. Since each polyglutamine disease is caused by mutation of a single gene, many gene therapy strategies have tried to halt degeneration by silencing the corresponding protein products, usually recurring to RNA interference. The potential of small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs and microRNAs has been investigated. Overexpression of protective genes has also been evaluated as a means of decreasing mutant protein toxicity and operate beneficial alterations. Recent gene editing tools promise yet other ways of interfering with the disease-causing genes, at the most upstream points possible. Results obtained in both cell and animal models encourage further delving into this type of therapeutic strategies and support the future use of gene therapy in the treatment of polyglutamine diseases.
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Evers MM, Miniarikova J, Juhas S, Vallès A, Bohuslavova B, Juhasova J, Skalnikova HK, Vodicka P, Valekova I, Brouwers C, Blits B, Lubelski J, Kovarova H, Ellederova Z, van Deventer SJ, Petry H, Motlik J, Konstantinova P. AAV5-miHTT Gene Therapy Demonstrates Broad Distribution and Strong Human Mutant Huntingtin Lowering in a Huntington's Disease Minipig Model. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2163-2177. [PMID: 30007561 PMCID: PMC6127509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. Previously, we showed strong huntingtin reduction and prevention of neuronal dysfunction in HD rodents using an engineered microRNA targeting human huntingtin, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 vector with a transgene encoding an engineered miRNA against HTT mRNA (AAV5-miHTT). One of the challenges of rodents as a model of neurodegenerative diseases is their relatively small brain, making successful translation to the HD patient difficult. This is particularly relevant for gene therapy approaches, where distribution achieved upon local administration into the parenchyma is likely dependent on brain size and structure. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the translation of huntingtin-lowering gene therapy to a large-animal brain. We investigated the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of one-time intracranial administration of AAV5-miHTT in the transgenic HD (tgHD) minipig model. We detected widespread dose-dependent distribution of AAV5-miHTT throughout the tgHD minipig brain that correlated with the engineered microRNA expression. Both human mutant huntingtin mRNA and protein were significantly reduced in all brain regions transduced by AAV5-miHTT. The combination of widespread vector distribution and extensive huntingtin lowering observed with AAV5-miHTT supports the translation of a huntingtin-lowering gene therapy for HD from preclinical studies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Astrid Vallès
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petr Vodicka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Ivona Valekova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Cynthia Brouwers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacek Lubelski
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hana Kovarova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ouyang S, Xie Y, Xiong Z, Yang Y, Xian Y, Ou Z, Song B, Chen Y, Xie Y, Li H, Sun X. CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Deletion of Polyglutamine in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:756-770. [PMID: 29661116 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0209] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is caused by an abnormal expansion of the cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) triplet in ATXN3, which translates into a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract within ataxin-3 (ATXN3) protein. Although the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, it is well established that expression of mutant forms of ATXN3 carrying an expanded polyQ domain are involved in SCA3 pathogenesis, and several strategies to suppress mutant ATXN3 have shown promising potential for SCA3 treatment. In this study, we described successful clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated deletion of the expanded polyQ-encoding region of ATXN3 in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a SCA3 patient, and these patient-specific iPSCs retained pluripotency and neural differentiation following expanded polyQ deletion. Furthermore, the ubiquitin-binding capacity of ATXN3 was retained in the neural cells differentiated from the corrected iPSCs. For the first time, this work provides preliminary data for gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 in SCA3, and demonstrates the feasibility of using a single-guide RNA pair to delete the expanded polyQ-encoding region of ATXN3, suggesting the potential efficacy of this method for future therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Ouyang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjun Xie
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yexing Xian
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanhui Ou
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Song
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhuan Xie
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxian Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou City, People's Republic of China
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36
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van Roon-Mom WMC, Roos RAC, de Bot ST. Dose-Dependent Lowering of Mutant Huntingtin Using Antisense Oligonucleotides in Huntington Disease Patients. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:59-62. [PMID: 29620999 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
On December 11 of 2017, Ionis Pharmaceuticals published a press release announcing dose-dependent reductions of mutant huntingtin protein in their HTTRx Phase 1/2a study in Huntington disease (HD) patients. The results from this Ionis trial have gained much attention from the patient community and the oligonucleotide therapeutics field, since it is the first trial targeting the cause of HD, namely the mutant huntingtin protein, using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The press release also states that the primary endpoints of the study (safety and tolerability) were met, but does not contain data. This news follows the approval of another therapeutic ASO nusinersen (trade name Spinraza) for a neurological disease, spinal muscular atrophy, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency, in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Combined, this offers hope for the development of the HTTRx therapy for HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymund A C Roos
- 2 Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne T de Bot
- 2 Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
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37
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Daniel DC, Johnson EM. PURA, the gene encoding Pur-alpha, member of an ancient nucleic acid-binding protein family with mammalian neurological functions. Gene 2017; 643:133-143. [PMID: 29221753 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The PURA gene encodes Pur-alpha, a 322 amino acid protein with repeated nucleic acid binding domains that are highly conserved from bacteria through humans. PUR genes with a single copy of this domain have been detected so far in spirochetes and bacteroides. Lower eukaryotes possess one copy of the PUR gene, whereas chordates possess 1 to 4 PUR family members. Human PUR genes encode Pur-alpha (Pura), Pur-beta (Purb) and two forms of Pur-gamma (Purg). Pur-alpha is a protein that binds specific DNA and RNA sequence elements. Human PURA, located at chromosome band 5q31, is under complex control of three promoters. The entire protein coding sequence of PURA is contiguous within a single exon. Several studies have found that overexpression or microinjection of Pura inhibits anchorage-independent growth of oncogenically transformed cells and blocks proliferation at either G1-S or G2-M checkpoints. Effects on the cell cycle may be mediated by interaction of Pura with cellular proteins including Cyclin/Cdk complexes and the Rb tumor suppressor protein. PURA knockout mice die shortly after birth with effects on brain and hematopoietic development. In humans environmentally induced heterozygous deletions of PURA have been implicated in forms of myelodysplastic syndrome and progression to acute myelogenous leukemia. Pura plays a role in AIDS through association with the HIV-1 protein, Tat. In the brain Tat and Pura association in glial cells activates transcription and replication of JC polyomavirus, the agent causing the demyelination disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Tat and Pura also act to stimulate replication of the HIV-1 RNA genome. In neurons Pura accompanies mRNA transcripts to sites of translation in dendrites. Microdeletions in the PURA locus have been implicated in several neurological disorders. De novo PURA mutations have been related to a spectrum of phenotypes indicating a potential PURA syndrome. The nucleic acid, G-rich Pura binding element is amplified as expanded polynucleotide repeats in several brain diseases including fragile X syndrome and a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/fronto-temporal dementia. Throughout evolution the Pura protein plays a critical role in survival, based on conservation of its nucleic acid binding properties. These Pura properties have been adapted in higher organisms to the as yet unfathomable development of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne C Daniel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Edward M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
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38
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Curtis HJ, Seow Y, Wood MJA, Varela MA. Knockdown and replacement therapy mediated by artificial mirtrons in spinocerebellar ataxia 7. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:7870-7885. [PMID: 28575281 PMCID: PMC5569705 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluate a knockdown-replacement strategy mediated by mirtrons as an alternative to allele-specific silencing using spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) as a model. Mirtrons are introns that form pre-microRNA hairpins after splicing, producing RNAi effectors not processed by Drosha. Mirtron mimics may therefore avoid saturation of the canonical processing pathway. This method combines gene silencing mediated by an artificial mirtron with delivery of a functional copy of the gene such that both elements of the therapy are always expressed concurrently, minimizing the potential for undesirable effects and preserving wild-type function. This mutation- and single nucleotide polymorphism-independent method could be crucial in dominant diseases that feature both gain- and loss-of-function pathologies or have a heterogeneous genetic background. Here we develop mirtrons against ataxin 7 with silencing efficacy comparable to shRNAs, and introduce silent mutations into an ataxin 7 transgene such that it is resistant to their effect. We successfully express the transgene and one mirtron together from a single construct. Hence, we show that this method can be used to silence the endogenous allele of ataxin 7 and replace it with an exogenous copy of the gene, highlighting the efficacy and transferability across patient genotypes of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Curtis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Yiqi Seow
- Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institutes, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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39
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Wild EJ, Tabrizi SJ. Therapies targeting DNA and RNA in Huntington's disease. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:837-847. [PMID: 28920889 PMCID: PMC5604739 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
No disease-slowing treatment exists for Huntington's disease, but its monogenic inheritance makes it an appealing candidate for the development of therapies targeting processes close to its genetic cause. Huntington's disease is caused by CAG repeat expansions in the HTT gene, which encodes the huntingtin protein; development of therapies to target HTT transcription and the translation of its mRNA is therefore an area of intense investigation. Huntingtin-lowering strategies include antisense oligonucleotides and RNA interference targeting mRNA, and zinc finger transcriptional repressors and CRISPR-Cas9 methods aiming to reduce transcription by targeting DNA. An intrathecally delivered antisense oligonucleotide that aims to lower huntingtin is now well into its first human clinical trial, with other antisense oligonucleotides expected to enter trials in the next 1-2 years and virally delivered RNA interference and zinc finger transcriptional repressors in advanced testing in animal models. Recent advances in the design and delivery of therapies to target HTT RNA and DNA are expected to improve their efficacy, safety, tolerability, and duration of effect in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Wild
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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40
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Abstract
The most common dominantly inherited ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene that encodes an abnormally long polyglutamine tract in the disease protein, ATXN3. Mice lacking ATXN3 are phenotypically normal; hence, disease gene suppression offers a compelling approach to slow the neurodegenerative cascade in SCA3. Here we tested antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target human ATXN3 in two complementary mouse models of SCA3: yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) MJD-Q84.2 (Q84) mice expressing the full-length human ATXN3 gene and cytomegalovirus (CMV) MJD-Q135 (Q135) mice expressing a human ATXN3 cDNA. Intracerebroventricular injection of ASOs resulted in widespread delivery to the most vulnerable brain regions in SCA3. In treated Q84 mice, three of five tested ASOs reduced disease protein levels by >50% in the diencephalon, cerebellum, and cervical spinal cord. Two ASOs also significantly reduced mutant ATXN3 in the mouse forebrain and resulted in no signs of astrogliosis or microgliosis. In Q135 mice expressing a single ATXN3 isoform via a cDNA transgene, ASOs did not result in similar robust ATXN3 silencing. Our results indicate that ASOs targeting full-length human ATXN3 would likely be well tolerated and could lead to a preventative therapy for SCA3.
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41
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Datson NA, González-Barriga A, Kourkouta E, Weij R, van de Giessen J, Mulders S, Kontkanen O, Heikkinen T, Lehtimäki K, van Deutekom JCT. The expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene as target for therapeutic RNA modulation throughout the HD mouse brain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171127. [PMID: 28182673 PMCID: PMC5300196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of these studies was to demonstrate the therapeutic capacity of an antisense oligonucleotide with the sequence (CUG)7 targeting the expanded CAG repeat in huntingtin (HTT) mRNA in vivo in the R6/2 N-terminal fragment and Q175 knock-in Huntington’s disease (HD) mouse models. In a first study, R6/2 mice received six weekly intracerebroventricular infusions with a low and high dose of (CUG)7 and were sacrificed 2 weeks later. A 15–60% reduction of both soluble and aggregated mutant HTT protein was observed in striatum, hippocampus and cortex of (CUG)7-treated mice. This correction at the molecular level resulted in an improvement of performance in multiple motor tasks, increased whole brain and cortical volume, reduced levels of the gliosis marker myo-inositol, increased levels of the neuronal integrity marker N-aceyl aspartate and increased mRNA levels of the striatal marker Darpp-32. These neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes, together with the improved motor performance, suggest that treatment with (CUG)7 ameliorates basal ganglia dysfunction. The HTT-lowering was confirmed by an independent study in Q175 mice using a similar (CUG)7 AON dosing regimen, further demonstrating a lasting reduction of mutant HTT protein in striatum, hippocampus and cortex for up to 18 weeks post last infusion along with an increase in motor activity. Based on these encouraging results, (CUG)7 may thus offer an interesting alternative HTT-lowering strategy for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rudie Weij
- BioMarin Nederland BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Outi Kontkanen
- Charles River Discovery Research Services, Kuopio, Finland
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42
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Escalona-Rayo O, Fuentes-Vázquez P, Leyva-Gómez G, Cisneros B, Villalobos R, Magaña JJ, Quintanar-Guerrero D. Nanoparticulate strategies for the treatment of polyglutamine diseases by halting the protein aggregation process. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017; 43:871-888. [PMID: 28142290 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1281949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a class of neurodegenerative disorders that cause cellular dysfunction and, eventually, neuronal death in specific regions of the brain. Neurodegeneration is linked to the misfolding and aggregation of expanded polyQ-containing proteins, and their inhibition is one of major therapeutic strategies used commonly. However, successful treatment has been limited to date because of the intrinsic properties of therapeutic agents (poor water solubility, low bioavailability, poor pharmacokinetic properties), and difficulty in crossing physiological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In order to solve these problems, nanoparticulate systems with dimensions of 1-1000 nm able to incorporate small and macromolecules with therapeutic value, to protect and deliver them directly to the brain, have recently been developed, but their use for targeting polyQ disease-mediated protein misfolding and aggregation remains scarce. This review provides an update of the polyQ protein aggregation process and the development of therapeutic strategies for halting it. The main features that a nanoparticulate system should possess in order to enhance brain delivery are discussed, as well as the different types of materials utilized to produce them. The final part of this review focuses on the potential application of nanoparticulate system strategies to improve the specific and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain for the treatment of polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Paulina Fuentes-Vázquez
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- b Laboratory of Connective Tissue , CENIAQ, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- c Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology , CINVESTAV-IPN , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Rafael Villalobos
- d División de Estudios de Posgrado (Tecnología Farmacéutica), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
| | - Jonathan J Magaña
- e Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics , Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - David Quintanar-Guerrero
- a Laboratorio de Investigación y Posgrado en Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Cuautitlán Izcalli , Mexico
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Casaca-Carreira J, Toonen LJ, Evers MM, Jahanshahi A, van-Roon-Mom WM, Temel Y. In vivo proof-of-concept of removal of the huntingtin caspase cleavage motif-encoding exon 12 approach in the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:93-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Design, Characterization, and Lead Selection of Therapeutic miRNAs Targeting Huntingtin for Development of Gene Therapy for Huntington's Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e297. [PMID: 27003755 PMCID: PMC5014463 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by accumulation of CAG expansions in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Hence, decreasing the expression of mutated HTT (mtHTT) is the most upstream approach for treatment of HD. We have developed HTT gene-silencing approaches based on expression cassette-optimized artificial miRNAs (miHTTs). In the first approach, total silencing of wild-type and mtHTT was achieved by targeting exon 1. In the second approach, allele-specific silencing was induced by targeting the heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs362331 in exon 50 or rs362307 in exon 67 linked to mtHTT. The miHTT expression cassette was optimized by embedding anti-HTT target sequences in ten pri-miRNA scaffolds and their HTT knockdown efficacy, allele selectivity, passenger strand activity, and processing patterns were analyzed in vitro. Furthermore, three scaffolds expressing miH12 targeting exon 1 were incorporated in an adeno-associated viral serotype 5 (AAV5) vector and their HTT knock-down efficiency and pre-miHTT processing were compared in the humanized transgenic Hu128/21 HD mouse model. Our data demonstrate strong allele-selective silencing of mtHTT by miSNP50 targeting rs362331 and total HTT silencing by miH12 both in vitro and in vivo. Ultimately, we show that HTT knock-down efficiency and guide strand processing can be enhanced by using different cellular pri-miRNA scaffolds.
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Bushart DD, Murphy GG, Shakkottai VG. Precision medicine in spinocerebellar ataxias: treatment based on common mechanisms of disease. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:25. [PMID: 26889478 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2016.01.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders affecting the cerebellum and its associated pathways. There are no available symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies available for any of the over 30 known causes of SCA. In order to develop precise treatments for SCAs, two strategies can be employed: (I) the use of gene-targeting strategies to silence disease-causing mutant protein expression; and (II) the identification and targeting of convergent mechanisms of disease across SCAs as a basis for treatment. Gene targeting strategies include RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides designed to silence mutant genes in order to prevent mutant protein expression. These therapies can be precise, but delivery is difficult and many disease-causing mutations remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that several common disease mechanisms may exist across SCAs. Disrupted protein homeostasis, RNA toxicity, abnormal synaptic signaling, altered intracellular calcium handling, and altered Purkinje neuron membrane excitability are all disease mechanisms which are seen in multiple etiologies of SCA and could potentially be targeted for treatment. Clinical trials with drugs such as riluzole, a potassium channel activator, show promise for multiple SCAs and suggest that convergent disease mechanisms do exist and can be targeted. Precise treatment of SCAs may be best achieved through pharmacologic agents targeting specific disrupted pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Bushart
- 1 Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2 Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, 3 Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- 1 Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2 Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, 3 Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- 1 Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2 Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, 3 Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Mastrokolias A, Pool R, Mina E, Hettne KM, van Duijn E, van der Mast RC, van Ommen G, ‘t Hoen PAC, Prehn C, Adamski J, van Roon-Mom W. Integration of targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics identifies deregulation of phosphatidylcholine metabolism in Huntington's disease peripheral blood samples. Metabolomics 2016; 12:137. [PMID: 27524956 PMCID: PMC4963448 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-016-1084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic changes have been frequently associated with Huntington's disease (HD). At the same time peripheral blood represents a minimally invasive sampling avenue with little distress to Huntington's disease patients especially when brain or other tissue samples are difficult to collect. OBJECTIVES We investigated the levels of 163 metabolites in HD patient and control serum samples in order to identify disease related changes. Additionally, we integrated the metabolomics data with our previously published next generation sequencing-based gene expression data from the same patients in order to interconnect the metabolomics changes with transcriptional alterations. METHODS This analysis was performed using targeted metabolomics and flow injection electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in 133 serum samples from 97 Huntington's disease patients (29 pre-symptomatic and 68 symptomatic) and 36 controls. RESULTS By comparing HD mutation carriers with controls we identified 3 metabolites significantly changed in HD (serine and threonine and one phosphatidylcholine-PC ae C36:0) and an additional 8 phosphatidylcholines (PC aa C38:6, PC aa C36:0, PC ae C38:0, PC aa C38:0, PC ae C38:6, PC ae C42:0, PC aa C36:5 and PC ae C36:0) that exhibited a significant association with disease severity. Using workflow based exploitation of pathway databases and by integrating our metabolomics data with our gene expression data from the same patients we identified 4 deregulated phosphatidylcholine metabolism related genes (ALDH1B1, MBOAT1, MTRR and PLB1) that showed significant association with the changes in metabolite concentrations. CONCLUSION Our results support the notion that phosphatidylcholine metabolism is deregulated in HD blood and that these metabolite alterations are associated with specific gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Mastrokolias
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rene Pool
- Department of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The EMGO + Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Mina
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina M. Hettne
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik van Duijn
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Mental Health Care Delfland, Jorisweg 2, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Roos C. van der Mast
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - GertJan van Ommen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A. C. ‘t Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Prehn
- Helmholtz Zentrum, München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Helmholtz Zentrum, München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Willeke van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Koscianska E, Witkos TM, Kozlowska E, Wojciechowska M, Krzyzosiak WJ. Cooperation meets competition in microRNA-mediated DMPK transcript regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:9500-18. [PMID: 26304544 PMCID: PMC4627076 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fundamental role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression has been well-established, but many miRNA-driven regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we demonstrate that miRNAs regulate the expression of DMPK, the gene mutated in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), and we provide insight regarding the concerted effect of the miRNAs on the DMPK target. Specifically, we examined the binding of several miRNAs to the DMPK 3′ UTR using luciferase assays. We validated the interactions between the DMPK transcript and the conserved miR-206 and miR-148a. We suggest a possible cooperativity between these two miRNAs and discuss gene targeting by miRNA pairs that vary in distance between their binding sites and expression profiles. In the same luciferase reporter system, we showed miR-15b/16 binding to the non-conserved CUG repeat tract present in the DMPK transcript and that the CUG-repeat-binding miRNAs might also act cooperatively. Moreover, we detected miR-16 in cytoplasmic foci formed by exogenously expressed RNAs with expanded CUG repeats. Therefore, we propose that the expanded CUGs may serve as a target for concerted regulation by miRNAs and may also act as molecular sponges for natural miRNAs with CAG repeats in their seed regions, thereby affecting their physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Koscianska
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Witkos
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Emilia Kozlowska
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marzena Wojciechowska
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz J Krzyzosiak
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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Evers MM, Toonen LJ, van Roon-Mom WM. Antisense oligonucleotides in therapy for neurodegenerative disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:90-103. [PMID: 25797014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are synthetic single stranded strings of nucleic acids that bind to RNA and thereby alter or reduce expression of the target RNA. They can not only reduce expression of mutant proteins by breakdown of the targeted transcript, but also restore protein expression or modify proteins through interference with pre-mRNA splicing. There has been a recent revival of interest in the use of antisense oligonucleotides to treat several neurodegenerative disorders using different approaches to prevent disease onset or halt disease progression and the first clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showing promising results. For these trials, intrathecal delivery is being used but direct infusion into the brain ventricles and several methods of passing the blood brain barrier after peripheral administration are also under investigation.
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Fan HC, Ho LI, Chi CS, Chen SJ, Peng GS, Chan TM, Lin SZ, Harn HJ. Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases: genetics to treatments. Cell Transplant 2015; 23:441-58. [PMID: 24816443 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x678454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats encoding a long polyQ tract in the respective proteins. To date, a total of nine polyQ disorders have been described: six spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) types 1, 2, 6, 7, 17; Machado-Joseph disease (MJD/SCA3); Huntington's disease (HD); dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA); and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, X-linked 1 (SMAX1/SBMA). PolyQ diseases are characterized by the pathological expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeat in the translated region of unrelated genes. The translated polyQ is aggregated in the degenerated neurons leading to the dysfunction and degeneration of specific neuronal subpopulations. Although animal models of polyQ disease for understanding human pathology and accessing disease-modifying therapies in neurodegenerative diseases are available, there is neither a cure nor prevention for these diseases, and only symptomatic treatments for polyQ diseases currently exist. Long-term pharmacological treatment is so far disappointing, probably due to unwanted complications and decreasing drug efficacy. Cellular transplantation of stem cells may provide promising therapeutic avenues for restoration of the functions of degenerative and/or damaged neurons in polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Godinho BM, Malhotra M, O’Driscoll CM, Cryan JF. Delivering a disease-modifying treatment for Huntington's disease. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:50-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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