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Rajabi D, Khanmohammadi S, Rezaei N. The role of long noncoding RNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2023-0155. [PMID: 38452377 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0155] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a poor prognosis leading to death. The diagnosis and treatment of ALS are inherently challenging due to its complex pathomechanism. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides involved in different cellular processes, incisively gene expression. In recent years, more studies have been conducted on lncRNA classes and interference in different disease pathologies, showing their promising contribution to diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discussed the role of lncRNAs like NEAT1 and C9orf72-as in ALS pathogenesis mechanisms caused by mutations in different genes, including TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1). NEAT1 is a well-established lncRNA in ALS pathogenesis; hence, we elaborate on its involvement in forming paraspeckles, stress response, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Furthermore, antisense lncRNAs (as-lncRNAs), a key group of transcripts from the opposite strand of genes, including ZEB1-AS1 and ATXN2-AS, are discussed as newly identified components in the pathology of ALS. Ultimately, we review the current standing of using lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents and the future vision of further studies on lncRNA applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Rajabi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Children's Medical Center, No 63, Gharib Ave, Keshavarz Blv, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Felestin St., Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
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2
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Belosludtseva NV, Matveeva LA, Belosludtsev KN. Mitochondrial Dyshomeostasis as an Early Hallmark and a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16833. [PMID: 38069154 PMCID: PMC10706047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons, loss of muscle mass, and impaired energy metabolism. More than 40 genes are now known to be associated with ALS, which together account for the majority of familial forms of ALS and only 10% of sporadic ALS cases. To date, there is no consensus on the pathogenesis of ALS, which makes it difficult to develop effective therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondria, which play an important role in cellular homeostasis, are the earliest targets in ALS, and abnormalities in their structure and functions contribute to the development of bioenergetic stress and disease progression. Mitochondria are known to be highly dynamic organelles, and their stability is maintained through a number of key regulatory pathways. Mitochondrial homeostasis is dynamically regulated via mitochondrial biogenesis, clearance, fission/fusion, and trafficking; however, the processes providing "quality control" and distribution of the organelles are prone to dysregulation in ALS. Here, we systematically summarized changes in mitochondrial turnover, dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and alterations in mitochondrial transport and functions to provide in-depth insights into disease progression pathways, which may have a significant impact on current symptomatic therapies and personalized treatment programs for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Belosludtseva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Lyudmila A. Matveeva
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Belosludtsev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
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3
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Duranti E, Villa C. Muscle Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Understanding the Pathogenesis and Advancing Therapeutics. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1582. [PMID: 38002264 PMCID: PMC10669302 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal condition characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Muscle involvement, muscle atrophy, and subsequent paralysis are among the main features of this disease, which is defined as a neuromuscular disorder. ALS is a persistently progressive disease, and as motor neurons continue to degenerate, individuals with ALS experience a gradual decline in their ability to perform daily activities. Ultimately, muscle function loss may result in paralysis, presenting significant challenges in mobility, communication, and self-care. While the majority of ALS research has traditionally focused on pathogenic pathways in the central nervous system, there has been a great interest in muscle research. These studies were carried out on patients and animal models in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved and to develop therapies aimed at improving muscle function. This review summarizes the features of ALS and discusses the role of muscle, as well as examines recent studies in the development of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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4
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Morello G, La Cognata V, Guarnaccia M, La Bella V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. A Diagnostic Gene-Expression Signature in Fibroblasts of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:1884. [PMID: 37508548 PMCID: PMC10378077 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141884] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the heterogeneity and non-specific nature of the initial symptoms, resulting in delays that compromise prompt access to effective therapeutic strategies. Transcriptome profiling of patient-derived peripheral cells represents a valuable benchmark in overcoming such challenges, providing the opportunity to identify molecular diagnostic signatures. In this study, we characterized transcriptome changes in skin fibroblasts of sporadic ALS patients (sALS) and controls and evaluated their utility as a molecular classifier for ALS diagnosis. Our analysis identified 277 differentially expressed transcripts predominantly involved in transcriptional regulation, synaptic transmission, and the inflammatory response. A support vector machine classifier based on this 277-gene signature was developed to discriminate patients with sALS from controls, showing significant predictive power in both the discovery dataset and in six independent publicly available gene expression datasets obtained from different sALS tissue/cell samples. Taken together, our findings support the utility of transcriptional signatures in peripheral cells as valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Neurochemistry Laboratory, BiND, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
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5
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Afonso GJM, Cavaleiro C, Valero J, Mota SI, Ferreiro E. Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Emergent Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:1763. [PMID: 37443797 PMCID: PMC10340215 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It is a rare disease characterized by high patient-to-patient heterogeneity, which makes its study arduous and complex. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in the development of ALS. Thus, ALS phenotype-expressing cells can spread their abnormal bioactive cargo through the secretion of EVs, even in distant tissues. Importantly, owing to their nature and composition, EVs' formation and cargo can be exploited for better comprehension of this elusive disease and identification of novel biomarkers, as well as for potential therapeutic applications, such as those based on stem cell-derived exosomes. This review highlights recent advances in the identification of the role of EVs in ALS etiopathology and how EVs can be promising new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo J. M. Afonso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Cavaleiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sandra I. Mota
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (G.J.M.A.); (C.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- III-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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6
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Joilin G, Hafezparast M. A case for non-coding RNA as a suitable biomarker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:1049-1051. [PMID: 37961916 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2283522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Greig Joilin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Patel RB, Bajpai AK, Thirumurugan K. Differential Expression of MicroRNAs and Predicted Drug Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:375-390. [PMID: 37249795 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a rare type of neurodegenerative disease. It shows progressive degradation of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. At present, there is no treatment available that can completely cure ALS. The available treatments can only increase a patient's life span by a few months. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a sub-class of small non-coding RNAs have been shown to play an essential role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of ALS. Our study focuses on analyzing differential miRNA profiles and predicting drug targets in ALS using bioinformatics and computational approach. The study identifies eight highly differentially expressed miRNAs in ALS patients, four of which are novel. We identified 42 hub genes for these eight highly expressed miRNAs with Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) as a candidate gene among them for highly expressed down-regulated miRNA, hsa-miR-455-3p using protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape analysis. A novel association has been found between hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway using KEGG pathway analysis. Also, molecular docking studies have revealed curcumin as a potential drug target that may be used for the treatment of ALS. Thus, the present study has identified four novel miRNA biomarkers: hsa-miR-3613-5p, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-3064-5p, and hsa-miR-4455. There is a formation of a novel axis, hsa-miR-455-3p/APP/serotonergic pathway, and curcumin is predicted as a potential drug target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Ben Patel
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Kavitha Thirumurugan
- #412J, Structural Biology Lab, Pearl Research Park, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
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Giagnorio E, Malacarne C, Cavalcante P, Scandiffio L, Cattaneo M, Pensato V, Gellera C, Riva N, Quattrini A, Dalla Bella E, Lauria G, Mantegazza R, Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S. MiR-146a in ALS: Contribution to Early Peripheral Nerve Degeneration and Relevance as Disease Biomarker. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054610. [PMID: 36902041 PMCID: PMC10002507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive, irreversible loss of upper and lower motor neurons (UMNs, LMNs). MN axonal dysfunctions are emerging as relevant pathogenic events since the early ALS stages. However, the exact molecular mechanisms leading to MN axon degeneration in ALS still need to be clarified. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of neuromuscular diseases. These molecules represent promising biomarkers for these conditions since their expression in body fluids consistently reflects distinct pathophysiological states. Mir-146a has been reported to modulate the expression of the NFL gene, encoding the light chain of the neurofilament (NFL) protein, a recognized biomarker for ALS. Here, we analyzed miR-146a and Nfl expression in the sciatic nerve of G93A-SOD1 ALS mice during disease progression. The miRNA was also analyzed in the serum of affected mice and human patients, the last stratified relying on the predominant UMN or LMN clinical signs. We revealed a significant miR-146a increase and Nfl expression decrease in G93A-SOD1 peripheral nerve. In the serum of both ALS mice and human patients, the miRNA levels were reduced, discriminating UMN-predominant patients from the LMN ones. Our findings suggest a miR-146a contribution to peripheral axon impairment and its potential role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Giagnorio
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Malacarne
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalcante
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Scandiffio
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cattaneo
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Pensato
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-2284 (S.B.); +39-02-2394-4651 (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-7063-3874 (S.M.)
| | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV—Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-02-2394-2284 (S.B.); +39-02-2394-4651 (S.M.); Fax: +39-02-7063-3874 (S.M.)
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9
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Chen X, Zhou L, Cui C, Sun J. Evolving markers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Adv Clin Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
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Koike Y, Onodera O. Implications of miRNAs dysregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Challenging for clinical applications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1131758. [PMID: 36895420 PMCID: PMC9989161 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131758] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Currently, there are no effective biomarkers and fundamental therapies for this disease. Dysregulation in RNA metabolism plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of ALS. With the contribution of Next Generation Sequencing, the functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained increasing interests. Especially, micro RNAs (miRNAs), which are tissue-specific small ncRNAs of about 18-25 nucleotides, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression to target multiple molecules and pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite intensive recent research in this field, the crucial links between ALS pathogenesis and miRNAs remain unclear. Many studies have revealed that ALS-related RNA binding proteins (RBPs), such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS), regulate miRNAs processing in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Of interest, Cu2+/Zn2+ superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a non-RBP associated with familial ALS, shows partially similar properties to these RBPs via the dysregulation of miRNAs in the cellular pathway related to ALS. The identification and validation of miRNAs are important to understand the physiological gene regulation in the CNS, and the pathological implications in ALS, leading to a new avenue for early diagnosis and gene therapies. Here, we offer a recent overview regarding the mechanism underlying the functions of multiple miRNAs across TDP-43, FUS, and SOD1 with the context of cell biology, and challenging for clinical applications in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Koike
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Osamu Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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11
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Banack SA, Dunlop RA, Stommel EW, Mehta P, Cox PA. miRNA extracted from extracellular vesicles is a robust biomarker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2022; 442:120396. [PMID: 36081303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We examined miRNA biomarkers for ALS extracted from extracellular vesicles in blood samples using a large and diverse patient and control population. Different blood collection and storage protocols by different investigators could impact repeatability of miRNA analysis. We tested the hypotheses that miRNA extracted from extracellular vesicles using immunoaffinity purification techniques are robust and repeatable across investigators, laboratories and in a broad ALS population. METHODS De-identified patient blood plasma samples obtained from the U.S. National ALS Biorepository were compared with plasma from non-ALS controls. Extracellular vesicles were extracted and isolated using L1CAM immunoaffinity purification. Total RNA was extracted, and miRNA quantified using qPCR following careful quality control measures. Gene fold expressions of eight miRNAs were compared using a Mann-Whitney two-tailed test. RESULTS One hundred blinded, blood plasma samples were analyzed. Thirty-five men and 15 women with ALS were compared with controls consisting of 30 men and 20 women. None of the ALS patient cohort reported family members with ALS suggesting sporadic ALS. Five of the eight biomarkers previously published were found to significantly discriminate ALS patient samples from control samples. DISCUSSION The methods used in this study provide a repeatable measure of miRNA biomarkers that statistically differentiate ALS patient samples from control samples. The broad inclusion criteria for both the ALS patient cohort and controls along with the collection of blood samples by different investigators suggest that these methods are robust and represent good candidates for further research and development aimed at clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elijah W Stommel
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Paul Mehta
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
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Glavač D, Mladinić M, Ban J, Mazzone GL, Sámano C, Tomljanović I, Jezernik G, Ravnik-Glavač M. The Potential Connection between Molecular Changes and Biomarkers Related to ALS and the Development and Regeneration of CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911360. [PMID: 36232667 PMCID: PMC9570269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the greatest medical burdens of the modern age, being mostly incurable and with limited prognostic and diagnostic tools. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons, with a complex etiology, combining genetic, epigenetic, and environmental causes. The neuroprotective therapeutic approaches are very limited, while the diagnostics rely on clinical examination and the exclusion of other diseases. The recent advancement in the discovery of molecular pathways and gene mutations involved in ALS has deepened the understanding of the disease pathology and opened the possibility for new treatments and diagnostic procedures. Recently, 15 risk loci with distinct genetic architectures and neuron-specific biology were identified as linked to ALS through common and rare variant association analyses. Interestingly, the quantity of related proteins to these genes has been found to change during early postnatal development in mammalian spinal cord tissue (opossum Monodelphis domestica) at the particular time when neuroregeneration stops being possible. Here, we discuss the possibility that the ALS-related genes/proteins could be connected to neuroregeneration and development. Moreover, since the regulation of gene expression in developmental checkpoints is frequently regulated by non-coding RNAs, we propose that studying the changes in the composition and quantity of non-coding RNA molecules, both in ALS patients and in the developing central nervous (CNS) system of the opossum at the time when neuroregeneration ceases, could reveal potential biomarkers useful in ALS prognosis and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljublana, Slovenia
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Miranda Mladinić
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jelena Ban
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Graciela L. Mazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1629AHJ, Argentina
| | - Cynthia Sámano
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, Mexico
| | - Ivana Tomljanović
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gregor Jezernik
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Cai Z, Zhao K, Zeng L, Liu M, Sun T, Li Z, Liu R. The Relationship between the Aberrant Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Competitive Endogenous RNA Network and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158497. [PMID: 35955632 PMCID: PMC9369371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with the action of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in AD remains unclear. The present study aimed to identify significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (SDELs) and establish lncRNA-associated ceRNA networks via RNA sequencing analysis and a quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assay using transgenic mice with five familial AD mutations. A total of 53 SDELs in the cortex and 51 SDELs in the hippocampus were identified, including seven core SDELs common to both regions. The functions and pathways were then investigated through the potential target genes of SDELs via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, which indicate biological effects, action distributions, and pathological transductions associated with AD. Based on the ceRNA hypothesis, integrated ceRNA networks in the cortex and hippocampus of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA were constructed. The core SDEL-mediated ceRNA relationship was established and the expression of these RNAs was verified by qPCR. The results identified lncRNA ENSMUST00000127786 and highlighted miRNAs and mRNAs as potential key mediators in AD. These findings provide AD-derived lncRNA-mediated ceRNA profiles, and further experimental evidence is needed to confirm these identified ceRNA regulatory relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rui Liu
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (R.L.)
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14
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Dysregulated miRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutical Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050770. [PMID: 35629192 PMCID: PMC9143965 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are representative neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) characterized by degeneration of selective neurons, as well as the lack of effective biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. In the last decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained considerable interest in diagnostics and therapy of NDs, owing to their aberrant expression and their ability to target multiple molecules and pathways. Here, we provide an overview of dysregulated miRNAs in fluids (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) and nervous tissue of AD, PD, and ALS patients. By emphasizing those that are commonly dysregulated in these NDs, we highlight their potential role as biomarkers or therapeutical targets and describe the use of antisense oligonucleotides as miRNA therapies.
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15
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Rizzuti M, Melzi V, Gagliardi D, Resnati D, Meneri M, Dioni L, Masrori P, Hersmus N, Poesen K, Locatelli M, Biella F, Silipigni R, Bollati V, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Van Damme P, Nizzardo M, Corti S. Insights into the identification of a molecular signature for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exploiting integrated microRNA profiling of iPSC-derived motor neurons and exosomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:189. [PMID: 35286466 PMCID: PMC8921154 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04217-1] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Most cases are sporadic, whereas 10% are familial. The pathological mechanisms underlying the disease are partially understood, but it is increasingly being recognized that alterations in RNA metabolism and deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression occur in ALS. In this study, we performed miRNA expression profile analysis of iPSC-derived MNs and related exosomes from familial patients and healthy subjects. We identified dysregulation of miR-34a, miR-335 and miR-625-3p expression in both MNs and exosomes. These miRNAs regulate genes and pathways which correlate with disease pathogenesis, suggesting that studying miRNAs deregulation can contribute to deeply investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. We also assayed the expression profile of these miRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of familial (fALS) and sporadic patients (sALS) and we identified a significant dysregulation of miR-34a-3p and miR-625-3p levels in ALS compared to controls. Taken together, all these findings suggest that miRNA analysis simultaneously performed in different human biological samples could represent a promising molecular tool to understand the etiopathogenesis of ALS and to develop new potential miRNA-based strategies in this new propitious therapeutic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Resnati
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Dioni
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pegah Masrori
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Hersmus
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Poesen
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Locatelli
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Biella
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Silipigni
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET LAB, Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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16
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The Biogenesis of miRNAs and Their Role in the Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030572. [PMID: 35159383 PMCID: PMC8833997 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. As there is no effective treatment for ALS, it is particularly important to screen key gene therapy targets. The identifications of microRNAs (miRNAs) have completely changed the traditional view of gene regulation. miRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent advances also indicate that miRNAs are biomarkers in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in ALS pathogenesis and its application to gene therapy for ALS. The potential of miRNAs to target diverse pathways opens a new avenue for ALS therapy.
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