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Kinoshita K, Motomura K, Ushida K, Hirata Y, Konno A, Hirai H, Kotani S, Hitora-Imamura N, Kurauchi Y, Seki T, Katsuki H. Nurr1 overexpression in the primary motor cortex alleviates motor dysfunction induced by intracerebral hemorrhage in the striatum in mice. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00370. [PMID: 38704311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhage-induced injury of the corticospinal tract (CST) in the internal capsule (IC) causes severe neurological dysfunction in both human patients and rodent models of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A nuclear receptor Nurr1 (NR4A2) is known to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in several neurological disorders. Previously we showed that Nurr1 ligands prevented CST injury and alleviated neurological deficits after ICH in mice. To prove direct effect of Nurr1 on CST integrity, we examined the effect of Nurr1 overexpression in neurons of the primary motor cortex on pathological consequences of ICH in mice. ICH was induced by intrastriatal injection of collagenase type VII, where hematoma invaded into IC. Neuron-specific overexpression of Nurr1 was induced by microinjection of synapsin I promoter-driven adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector into the primary motor cortex. Nurr1 overexpression significantly alleviated motor dysfunction but showed only modest effect on sensorimotor dysfunction after ICH. Nurr1 overexpression also preserved axonal structures in IC, while having no effect on hematoma-associated inflammatory events, oxidative stress, and neuronal death in the striatum after ICH. Immunostaining revealed that Nurr1 overexpression increased the expression of Ret tyrosine kinase and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 in neurons in the motor cortex. Moreover, administration of Nurr1 ligands 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)methane or amodiaquine increased phosphorylation levels of Akt and ERK1/2 as well as expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and Ret genes in the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that the therapeutic effect of Nurr1 on striatal ICH is attributable to the preservation of CST by acting on cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kinoshita
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Motomura
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ushida
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuma Hirata
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kotani
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Natsuko Hitora-Imamura
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kurauchi
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Seki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Himeji Dokkyo University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Katsuki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Ge G, Sivasubramanian BP, Geng BD, Zhao S, Zhou Q, Huang G, O'Connor JC, Clark RA, Li S. Long-term benefits of hematopoietic stem cell-based macrophage/microglia delivery of GDNF to the CNS in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Gene Ther 2024; 31:324-334. [PMID: 38627469 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects dopaminergic neurons in various models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Cell-based GDNF gene delivery mitigates neurodegeneration and improves both motor and non-motor functions in PD mice. As PD is a chronic condition, this study aims to investigate the long-lasting benefits of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based macrophage/microglia-mediated CNS GDNF (MMC-GDNF) delivery in an MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model. The results indicate that GDNF treatment effectively ameliorated MPTP-induced motor deficits for up to 12 months, which coincided with the protection of nigral dopaminergic neurons and their striatal terminals. Also, the HSC-derived macrophages/microglia were recruited selectively to the neurodegenerative areas of the substantia nigra. The therapeutic benefits appear to involve two mechanisms: (1) macrophage/microglia release of GDNF-containing exosomes, which are transferred to target neurons, and (2) direct release of GDNF by macrophage/microglia, which diffuses to target neurons. Furthermore, the study found that plasma GDNF levels were significantly increased from baseline and remained stable over time, potentially serving as a convenient biomarker for future clinical trials. Notably, no weight loss, altered food intake, cerebellar pathology, or other adverse effects were observed. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence for the long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of HSC-based MMC-GDNF delivery in the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Ge
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | | | - Bill D Geng
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Shujie Zhao
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Qing Zhou
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jason C O'Connor
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Robert A Clark
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Senlin Li
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Shalkovskyi Y, Stanislavchuk M. Level of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor in the blood plasma of rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relationship with alexithymia. Reumatologia 2024; 62:94-100. [PMID: 38799779 PMCID: PMC11114127 DOI: 10.5114/reum/187110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has an important role in the pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Alexithymia is associated with a severe clinical course and worse prognosis, while the relationship between alexithymia and GDNF in RA patients has not been investigated before. The aims of the study were to investigate the GDNF level in blood plasma in RA patients depending on the presence of alexithymia and to evaluate the relationship of GDNF level with clinical manifestation and quality of life. Material and methods Fifteen men and 73 women with RA were examined using the Disease Activity Score with 28-joint count (DAS28) with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) index, the Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), the Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), the Visual Analogue Scale (according to the assessment of the patient - VAS-P and the assessment of the doctor - VAS-D), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Disability Rating Index (DRI) and SF-36 indexes. Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor level in the blood plasma was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Forty percent of RA patients had alexithymia. Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor level in the examined patients was 3.73 ±2.59 pg/ml, in patients with alexithymia 4.08 ±2.87 pg/ml, without alexithymia 3.48 ±2.37 pg/ml (p = 0.295). Patients with alexithymia had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and index scores than patients without alexithymia - ESR: 34.29 ±14.22 vs. 22.73 ±12.03 mm/h (p = 0.017), DAS28: 6.53 ±0.66 vs. 6.09 ±0.55 (p = 0.017), VAS-D: 7.19 ±0.81 vs. 6.53 ±0.83 (p = 0.020), HAQ: 1.78 ±0.58 vs. 1.51 ±0.54 (p = 0.040). Also they had worse SF-36 indicators - physical functioning: 39.52 ±13.78 vs. 51.00 ±14.90 (p = 0.019), role functioning due to physical condition: 30.95 ±20.77 vs. 46.67 ±24.76 (p = 0.041), physical component of health: 31.47 ±11.44 vs. 41.61 ±15.88 (p = 0.028). In patients with alexithymia, a correlation was found between the GDNF level and severity of pain according to VAS-P: rS = 0.338, p = 0.044, and VAS-D: rS = 0.446, p = 0.006. Conclusions Alexithymia was found in 40% of RA patients. Rheumatoid arthritis patients with alexithymia had a nonsignificantly higher GDNF level compared to patients without alexithymia. In RA patients with alexithymia, an association of GDNF level in the blood plasma with RA activity, loss of functional capacity and reduced quality of life was established. Alexithymia in RA patients is an important factor in the clinical manifestation of RA and modification of the pathophysiological role of GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevhenii Shalkovskyi
- Department of Internal Medicine No. 1, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Mykola Stanislavchuk
- Department of Internal Medicine No. 1, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
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Neuman SS, Metzger JM, Bondarenko V, Wang Y, Felton J, Levine JE, Saha K, Gong S, Emborg ME. Striatonigral distribution of a fluorescent reporter following intracerebral delivery of genome editors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1237613. [PMID: 37564994 PMCID: PMC10410562 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1237613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Targeted gene editing is proposed as a therapeutic approach for numerous disorders, including neurological diseases. As the brain is organized into neural networks, it is critical to understand how anatomically connected structures are affected by genome editing. For example, neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) project to the striatum, and the striatum contains neurons that project to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr). Methods: Here, we report the effect of injecting genome editors into the striatum of Ai14 reporter mice, which have a LoxP-flanked stop cassette that prevents expression of the red fluorescent protein tdTomato. Two weeks following intracerebral delivery of either synthetic nanocapsules (NCs) containing CRISPR ribonucleoprotein targeting the tdTomato stop cassette or adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing Cre recombinase, the brains were collected, and the presence of tdTomato was assessed in both the striatum and SN. Results: TdTomato expression was observed at the injection site in both the NC- and AAV-treated groups and typically colocalized with the neuronal marker NeuN. In the SN, tdTomato-positive fibers were present in the pars reticulata, and SNpr area expressing tdTomato correlated with the size of the striatal genome edited area. Conclusion: These results demonstrate in vivo anterograde axonal transport of reporter gene protein products to the SNpr following neuronal genome editing in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Neuman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jeanette M. Metzger
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Viktoriya Bondarenko
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yuyuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jesi Felton
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jon E. Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Marina E. Emborg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Protective mechanisms by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor against the α-synuclein accumulation in Parkinson's disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:245-257. [PMID: 36794783 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies constitute a disease family named after alpha-synuclein protein, which is a significant component of the intracellular inclusions called Lewy bodies. Accompanying the progressive neurodegeneration, Lewy bodies and neurites are the main histopathologies of synucleinopathies. The complicated role of alpha-synuclein in the disease pathology makes it an attractive therapeutic target for disease-modifying treatments. GDNF is one of the most potent neurotrophic factors for dopamine neurons, whereas CDNF is protective and neurorestorative with entirely different mechanisms of action. Both have been in the clinical trials for the most common synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease. With the AAV-GDNF clinical trials ongoing and the CDNF trial being finalized, their effects on abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation are of great interest. Previous animal studies with an alpha-synuclein overexpression model have shown that GDNF was ineffective against alpha-synuclein accumulation. However, a recent study with cell culture and animal models of alpha-synuclein fibril inoculation has demonstrated the opposite by revealing that the GDNF/RET signaling cascade is required for the protective effect of GDNF on alpha-synuclein aggregation. CDNF, an ER resident protein, was shown to bind alpha-synuclein directly. CDNF reduced the uptake of alpha-synuclein fibrils by the neurons and alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by fibrils injected into the mouse brain. Thus, GDNF and CDNF can modulate different symptoms and pathologies of Parkinson's disease, and perhaps, similarly for other synucleinopathies. Their unique mechanisms for preventing alpha-synuclein-related pathology should be studied more carefully to develop disease-modifying therapies.
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Itokazu Y, Fuchigami T, Yu RK. Functional Impairment of the Nervous System with Glycolipid Deficiencies. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:419-448. [PMID: 36255683 PMCID: PMC9793801 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with nervous system disorders suffer from impaired cognitive, sensory and motor functions that greatly inconvenience their daily life and usually burdens their family and society. It is difficult to achieve functional recovery for the damaged central nervous system (CNS) because of its limited ability to regenerate. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are abundant in the CNS and are known to play essential roles in cell-cell recognition, adhesion, signal transduction, and cellular migration, that are crucial in all phases of neurogenesis. Despite intense investigation of CNS regeneration, the roles of GSLs in neural regeneration remain unclear. Here we focus on the respective potentials of glycolipids to promote regeneration and repair of the CNS. Mice lacking glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide or gangliosides show lethal phenotypes. More importantly, patients with ganglioside deficiencies exhibit severe clinical phenotypes. Further, neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders are associated with altered GSL expression. Accumulating studies demonstrate that GSLs not only delimit physical regions but also play central roles in the maintenance of the biological functions of neurons and glia. We anticipate that the ability of GSLs to modulate behavior of a variety of molecules will enable them to ameliorate biochemical and neurobiological defects in patients. The use of GSLs to treat such defects in the human CNS will be a paradigm-shift in approach since GSL-replacement therapy has not yet been achieved in this manner clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Itokazu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Takahiro Fuchigami
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Robert K Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Padmakumar S, D'Souza A, Parayath NN, Bleier BS, Amiji MM. Nucleic acid therapies for CNS diseases: Pathophysiology, targets, barriers, and delivery strategies. J Control Release 2022; 352:121-145. [PMID: 36252748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have emerged as one of the very advanced and efficacious treatment approaches for debilitating health conditions, including those diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Precise targeting with an optimal control over gene regulation confers long-lasting benefits through the administration of nucleic acid payloads via viral, non-viral, and engineered vectors. The current review majorly focuses on the development and clinical translational potential of non-viral vectors for treating CNS diseases with a focus on their specific design and targeting approaches. These carriers must be able to surmount the various intracellular and extracellular barriers, to ensure successful neuronal transfection and ultimately attain higher therapeutic efficacies. Additionally, the specific challenges associated with CNS administration also include the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), the complex pathophysiological and biochemical changes associated with different disease conditions and the existence of non-dividing cells. The advantages offered by lipid-based or polymeric systems, engineered proteins, particle-based systems coupled with various approaches of neuronal targeting have been discussed in the context of a variety of CNS diseases. The possibilities of rapid yet highly efficient gene modifications rendered by the breakthrough methodologies for gene editing and gene manipulation have also opened vast avenues of research in neuroscience and CNS disease therapy. The current review also underscores the extensive scientific efforts to optimize specialized, efficacious yet non-invasive and safer administration approaches to overcome the therapeutic delivery challenges specifically posed by the CNS transport barriers and the overall obstacles to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Padmakumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anisha D'Souza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | - Neha N Parayath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 20115, USA
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Noor SM, Wong CED, Wong PF, Norazit A. Generation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (gdnf) morphants in zebrafish larvae by cerebroventricular microinjection of vivo morpholino. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 181:17-32. [PMID: 38302238 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons in the brain are an important source of dopamine, which is a crucial neurotransmitter for wellbeing, memory, reward, and motor control. Deficiency of dopamine due to advanced age and accumulative dopaminergic neuron defects can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of many factors involved in dopaminergic neuron development and/or survival. However, other endogenous GDNF functions in the brain await further investigation. Zebrafish is a well-established genetic model for neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration studies. Importantly, zebrafish shares approximately 70% functional orthologs with human genes including GDNF. To gain a better understanding on the precise functional role of gdnf in dopaminergic neurons, our laboratory devised a targeted knockdown of gdnf in the zebrafish larval brain using vivo morpholino. Here, detailed protocols on the generation of gdnf morphants using vivo morpholino are outlined. This method can be applied for targeting of genes in the brain to determine specific spatiotemporal gene function in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzita Mohd Noor
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee Ern David Wong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Pooi-Fong Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anwar Norazit
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Saleh M, Markovic M, Olson KE, Gendelman HE, Mosley RL. Therapeutic Strategies for Immune Transformation in Parkinson’s Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:S201-S222. [PMID: 35871362 PMCID: PMC9535567 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity can lead to alpha-synuclein (α-syn) misfolding, aggregation, and post-translational modifications in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This process is driven by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the release of neurotoxic oligomers that facilitate dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Strategies that promote vaccines and antibodies target the clearance of misfolded, modified α-syn, while gene therapy approaches propose to deliver intracellular single chain nanobodies to mitigate α-syn misfolding, or to deliver neurotrophic factors that support neuronal viability in an otherwise neurotoxic environment. Additionally, transformative immune responses provide potential targets for PD therapeutics. Anti-inflammatory drugs represent one strategy that principally affects innate immunity. Considerable research efforts have focused on transforming the balance of pro-inflammatory effector T cells (Teffs) to favor regulatory T cell (Treg) activity, which aims to attenuate neuroinflammation and support reparative and neurotrophic homeostasis. This approach serves to control innate microglial neurotoxic activities and may facilitate clearance of α-syn aggregates accordingly. More recently, changes in the intestinal microbiome have been shown to alter the gut-immune-brain axis leading to suppressed leakage of bacterial products that can promote peripheral inflammation and α-syn misfolding. Together, each of the approaches serves to interdict chronic inflammation associated with disordered immunity and neurodegeneration. Herein, we examine research strategies aimed at improving clinical outcomes in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maamoon Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Milica Markovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Katherine E. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Howard E. Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - R. Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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10
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Rhymes ER, Tosolini AP, Fellows AD, Mahy W, McDonald NQ, Schiavo G. Bimodal regulation of axonal transport by the GDNF-RET signalling axis in healthy and diseased motor neurons. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:584. [PMID: 35798698 PMCID: PMC9263112 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in axonal transport are one of the earliest pathological outcomes in several models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including SOD1G93A mice. Evidence suggests that rescuing these deficits prevents disease progression, stops denervation, and extends survival. Kinase inhibitors have been previously identified as transport enhancers, and are being investigated as potential therapies for ALS. For example, inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and insulin growth factor receptor 1 have been shown to rescue axonal transport deficits in vivo in symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. In this work, we investigated the impact of RET, the tyrosine kinase receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as a modifier of axonal transport. We identified the fundamental interplay between RET signalling and axonal transport in both wild-type and SOD1G93A motor neurons in vitro. We demonstrated that blockade of RET signalling using pharmacological inhibitors and genetic knockdown enhances signalling endosome transport in wild-type motor neurons and uncovered a divergence in the response of primary motor neurons to GDNF compared with cell lines. Finally, we showed that inhibition of the GDNF-RET signalling axis rescues in vivo transport deficits in early symptomatic SOD1G93A mice, promoting RET as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R. Rhymes
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew P. Tosolini
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander D. Fellows
- grid.42475.300000 0004 0605 769XMRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - William Mahy
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Alzheimer’s Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Q. McDonald
- grid.451388.30000 0004 1795 1830Signalling and Structural Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK ,grid.88379.3d0000 0001 2324 0507Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
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Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges of Magneto-Plasmonic Nanoparticles under Remote Magnetic and Light Stimulation for Brain-Tissue and Cellular Regeneration. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132242. [PMID: 35808077 PMCID: PMC9268050 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Finding curable therapies for neurodegenerative disease (ND) is still a worldwide medical and clinical challenge. Recently, investigations have been made into the development of novel therapeutic techniques, and examples include the remote stimulation of nanocarriers to deliver neuroprotective drugs, genes, growth factors, and antibodies using a magnetic field and/or low-power lights. Among these potential nanocarriers, magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles possess obvious advantages, such as the functional restoration of ND models, due to their unique nanostructure and physiochemical properties. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest advances in magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles, and the associated therapeutic approaches to repair and restore brain tissues. We have reviewed their potential as smart nanocarriers, including their unique responsivity under remote magnetic and light stimulation for the controlled and sustained drug delivery for reversing neurodegenerations, as well as the utilization of brain organoids in studying the interaction between NPs and neuronal tissue. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current progress, opportunities, and challenges of using these smart nanocarriers for programmable therapeutics to treat ND, and predict the mechanism and future directions.
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12
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The promise of the TGF-β superfamily as a therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105805. [PMID: 35764291 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of evidence underscore the regulatory role of TGF-β superfamily in the central nervous system. Components of the TGF-β superfamily modulate key events during embryonic brain development and adult brain tissue injury repair. With respect to Parkinson's disease (PD), TGF-ß signaling pathways are implicated in the differentiation, maintenance and synaptic function of the dopaminergic neurons, as well as in processes related to the activation state of astrocytes and microglia. In vitro and in vivo studies using toxin models, have interrogated on the dopaminotrophic and protective role of the TGF-β superfamily members. The evolution of genetic and animal models of PD that more closely recapitulate the disease condition has made possible the dissection of intracellular pathways in response to TGF-ß treatment. Although the first clinical trials using GDNF did not meet their primary endpoints, substantial work has been carried out to reappraise the TGF-β superfamily's clinical benefit.
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Lmx1a-Dependent Activation of miR-204/211 Controls the Timing of Nurr1-Mediated Dopaminergic Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136961. [PMID: 35805964 PMCID: PMC9266978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons requires a fine temporal and spatial regulation of a very specific gene expression program. Here, we report that during mouse brain development, the microRNA (miR-) 204/211 is present at a high level in a subset of DA precursors expressing the transcription factor Lmx1a, an early determinant for DA-commitment, but not in more mature neurons expressing Th or Pitx3. By combining different in vitro model systems of DA differentiation, we show that the levels of Lmx1a influence the expression of miR-204/211. Using published transcriptomic data, we found a significant enrichment of miR-204/211 target genes in midbrain dopaminergic neurons where Lmx1a was selectively deleted at embryonic stages. We further demonstrated that miR-204/211 controls the timing of the DA differentiation by directly downregulating the expression of Nurr1, a late DA differentiation master gene. Thus, our data indicate the Lmx1a-miR-204/211-Nurr1 axis as a key component in the cascade of events that ultimately lead to mature midbrain dopaminergic neurons differentiation and point to miR-204/211 as the molecular switch regulating the timing of Nurr1 expression.
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