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Rasmussen CLM, Thomsen LB, Heegaard CW, Moos T, Burkhart A. The Npc2 Gt(LST105)BygNya mouse signifies pathological changes comparable to human Niemann-Pick type C2 disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 126:103880. [PMID: 37454976 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Niemann-Pick type C2 disease (NP-C2) is a fatal neurovisceral disorder caused by defects in the lysosomal cholesterol transporter protein NPC2. Consequently, cholesterol and other lipids accumulate within the lysosomes, causing a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical manifestations. Murine models are essential for increasing the understanding of the complex pathology of NP-C2. This study, therefore, aims to describe the neurovisceral pathology in the NPC2-deficient mouse model to evaluate its correlation to human NP-C2. METHODS Npc2-/- mice holding the LST105 mutation were used in the present study (Npc2Gt(LST105)BygNya). Body and organ weight and histopathological evaluations were carried out in six and 12-week-old Npc2-/- mice, with a special emphasis on neuropathology. The Purkinje cell (PC) marker calbindin, the astrocytic marker GFAP, and the microglia marker IBA1 were included to assess PC degeneration and neuroinflammation, respectively. In addition, the pathology of the liver, lungs, and spleen was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS Six weeks old pre-symptomatic Npc2-/- mice showed splenomegaly and obvious neuropathological changes, especially in the cerebellum, where initial PC loss and neuroinflammation were evident. The Npc2-/- mice developed neurological symptoms at eight weeks of age, severely progressing until the end-stage of the disease at 12 weeks. At the end-stage of the disease, Npc2-/- mice were characterized by growth retardation, tremor, cerebellar ataxia, splenomegaly, foam cell accumulation in the lungs, liver, and spleen, brain atrophy, pronounced PC degeneration, and severe neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION The Npc2Gt(LST105)BygNya mouse model resembles the pathology seen in NP-C2 patients and denotes a valuable model for increasing the understanding of the complex disease manifestation and is relevant for testing the efficacies of new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | | | - Torben Moos
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark.
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Pfrieger FW. The Niemann-Pick type diseases – A synopsis of inborn errors in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101225. [PMID: 37003582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of lipid homeostasis in cells provoke human diseases. The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and the development of efficient therapies represent formidable challenges for biomedical research. Exemplary cases are two rare, autosomal recessive, and ultimately fatal lysosomal diseases historically named "Niemann-Pick" honoring the physicians, whose pioneering observations led to their discovery. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) and Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) are caused by specific variants of the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) or NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) genes that perturb homeostasis of two key membrane components, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, respectively. Patients with severe forms of these diseases present visceral and neurologic symptoms and succumb to premature death. This synopsis traces the tortuous discovery of the Niemann-Pick diseases, highlights important advances with respect to genetic culprits and cellular mechanisms, and exposes efforts to improve diagnosis and to explore new therapeutic approaches.
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Vuolo D, Do Nascimento CC, D'Almeida V. Reproduction in Animal Models of Lysosomal Storage Diseases: A Scoping Review. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:773384. [PMID: 34869599 PMCID: PMC8636128 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.773384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Enzymatic dysfunction results in a progressive storage of substrates that gradually affects lysosomal, cellular and tissue physiology. Their pathophysiological consequences vary according to the nature of the stored substrate, making LSDs complex and multisystemic diseases. Some LSDs result in near normal life expectancies, and advances in treatments mean that more people reach the age to have children, so considering the effects of LSDs on fertility and the risks associated with having children is of growing importance. Objectives: As there is a lack of clinical studies describing the effect of LSDs on the physiology of reproductivity, we undertook a scoping review of studies using animal models of LSDs focusing on reproductive parameters. Methods: We searched six databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciELO, and identified 49 articles that met our inclusion criteria. Results: The majority of the studies used male animal models, and a number reported severe morphological and physiological damage in gametes and gonads in models of sphingolipidoses. Models of other LSDs, such as mucopolysaccharidoses, presented important morphological damage. Conclusion: Many of the models found alterations in reproductive systems. Any signs of subfertility or morphological damage in animal models are important, particularly in rodents which are extremely fertile, and may have implications for individuals with LSDs. We suggest the use of more female animal models to better understand the physiopathology of the diseases, and the use of clinical case studies to further explore the risks of individuals with LSDs having children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Vuolo
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vânia D'Almeida
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wiweger M, Majewski L, Adamek-Urbanska D, Wasilewska I, Kuznicki J. npc2-Deficient Zebrafish Reproduce Neurological and Inflammatory Symptoms of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:647860. [PMID: 33986646 PMCID: PMC8111220 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.647860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease that is caused by a mutation of the NPC1 or NPC2 gene, in which un-esterified cholesterol and sphingolipids accumulate mainly in the liver, spleen, and brain. Abnormal lysosomal storage leads to cell damage, neurological problems, and premature death. The time of onset and severity of symptoms of NPC disease are highly variable. The molecular mechanisms that are responsible for NPC disease pathology are far from being understood. The present study generated and characterized a zebrafish mutant that lacks Npc2 protein that may be useful for studies at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels and both small-scale and high-throughput screens. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we knocked out the zebrafish homolog of NPC2. Five-day-old npc2 mutants were morphologically indistinguishable from wildtype larvae. We found that live npc2-/- larvae exhibited stronger Nile blue staining. The npc2-/- larvae exhibited low mobility and a high anxiety-related response. These behavioral changes correlated with downregulation of the mcu (mitochondrial calcium uniporter) gene, ppp3ca (calcineurin) gene, and genes that are involved in myelination (mbp and mpz). Histological analysis of adult npc2-/- zebrafish revealed that pathological changes in the nervous system, kidney, liver, and pancreas correlated with inflammatory responses (i.e., the upregulation of il1, nfκβ, and mpeg; i.e., hallmarks of NPC disease). These findings suggest that the npc2 mutant zebrafish may be a model of NPC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Wiweger
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Majewski
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dobrochna Adamek-Urbanska
- Department of Ichthyology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iga Wasilewska
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Kuznicki
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Meléndez-García N, García-Ibarra F, Bizarro-Nevares P, Rojas-Lemus M, López-Valdez N, González-Villalva A, Ayala-Escobar ME, García-Vázquez F, Fortoul TI. Changes in Ovarian and Uterine Morphology and Estrous Cycle in CD-1 Mice After Vanadium Inhalation. Int J Toxicol 2019; 39:20-29. [PMID: 31884850 DOI: 10.1177/1091581819894529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Vanadium is a metal present in particulate matter and its reprotoxic effects have been demonstrated in males and pregnant females in animal models. However, the effects of this metal on the reproductive organs of nonpregnant females have not been sufficiently studied. In a vanadium inhalation model in nonpregnant female mice, we found anestrous and estrous cycle irregularity, as well as low serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone. A decrease in the diameter of secondary and preovulatory follicles, as well as a thickening of the myometrium and endometrial stroma, was observed in the vanadium-treated mice. There was no difference against the control group with respect to the presence of the estrogen receptor α in the uterus of the animals during the estrous stage. Our results indicate that when vanadium is administered by inhalation, effects are observed on the female reproductive organs and the production of female sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeli Meléndez-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fátima García-Ibarra
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Bizarro-Nevares
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Rojas-Lemus
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nelly López-Valdez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana González-Villalva
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Elena Ayala-Escobar
- Laboratorio 5 Pubertad, Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco García-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenética Molecular, Departamento de Análisis Clínicos y Estudios Especiales, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa I Fortoul
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bhanothu V, Venkatesan V. Conventional polymerase chain reaction and amplification refractory mutation system-multi-gene/ multi-primer PCR in the diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis. Arch Microbiol 2019; 201:267-281. [DOI: 10.1007/s00203-019-01631-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Voisin AS, Kültz D, Silvestre F. Early-life exposure to the endocrine disruptor 17-α-ethinylestradiol induces delayed effects in adult brain, liver and ovotestis proteomes of a self-fertilizing fish. J Proteomics 2018; 194:112-124. [PMID: 30550985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Early-life represents a critically sensitive window to endocrine disrupting chemicals, potentially leading to long-term repercussions on the phenotype later in life. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, referred to as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), are still poorly understood. To gain molecular understanding of these effects, we exposed mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) for 28 days post hatching (dph) to 4 and 120 ng/L 17-α-ethinylestradiol, a model xenoestrogen. After 28 days, fish were raised for 140 days in clean water and we performed quantitative label-free proteomics on brain, liver and ovotestis of 168 dph adults. A total of 820, 888 and 420 proteins were robustly identified in the brain, liver and ovotestis, respectively. Effects of 17-α-ethinylestradiol were tissue and dose-dependent: a total of 31, 51 and 18 proteins were differentially abundant at 4 ng/L in the brain, liver and ovotestis, respectively, compared to 20, 25 and 39 proteins at 120 ng/L. Our results suggest that estrogen-responsive pathways, such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, and the innate immune system were affected months after the exposure. In addition, the potential perturbation of S-adenosylmethionine metabolism encourages future studies to investigate the role of DNA methylation in mediating the long-term effects of early-life exposures. SIGNIFICANCE: The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) states that early life stages of humans and animals are sensitive to environmental stressors and can develop health issues later in life, even if the stress has ceased. Molecular mechanisms supporting DOHaD are still unclear. The mangrove rivulus is a new fish model species naturally reproducing by self-fertilization, making it possible to use isogenic lineages in which all individuals are highly homozygous. This species therefore permits to strongly reduce the confounding factor of genetic variability in order to investigate the effects of environmental stress on the phenotype. After characterizing the molecular phenotype of brain, liver and ovotestis, we obtained true proteomic reaction norms of these three organs in adults after early life stages have been exposed to the common endocrine disruptor 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Our study demonstrates long-term effects of early-life endocrine disruption at the proteomic level in diverse estrogen-responsive pathways 5 months after the exposure. The lowest tested and environmentally relevant concentration of 4 ng/L had the highest impact on the proteome in brain and liver, highlighting the potency of endocrine disruptors at low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Voisin
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology - Institute of Life, Earth and Environment - University of Namur, 61 Rue de Bruxelles, B5000 Namur, Belgium.
| | - Dietmar Kültz
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Frédéric Silvestre
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology - Institute of Life, Earth and Environment - University of Namur, 61 Rue de Bruxelles, B5000 Namur, Belgium
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Erickson RP. Do GWAS and studies of heterozygotes for NPC1 and/or NPC2 explain why NPC disease cases are so rare? J Appl Genet 2018; 59:441-7. [PMID: 30209687 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-018-0465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early onset Niemann-Pick C diseases are extremely rare, especially Niemann-Pick C2. Perhaps unusually for autosomal recessive diseases, heterozygotes for mutations in NPC1 manifest many biological variations. NPC2 deficiency has large effects on fertility. These features of NPC1 and NPC2 are reviewed in regard to possible negative selection for heterozygotes carrying null and hypomorphic alleles.
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Nawaratna SSK, Gobert GN, Willis C, Mulvenna J, Hofmann A, McManus DP, Jones MK. Lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP)--preliminary study on a hidden antigen target for vaccination against schistosomiasis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15069. [PMID: 26472258 PMCID: PMC4607944 DOI: 10.1038/srep15069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previously reported gene atlasing of schistosome tissues revealed transcripts that were highly enriched in the digestive tract of Schistosoma mansoni. From these, we selected two candidates, Sm-LAMP and Sm-NPC2 for testing as vaccine targets. The two molecules were selected on the basis of relatively high expression in the gastrodermis, their potentially important biological function, divergence from homologous molecules of the host and possible apical membrane expression in the gastrodermis. Bacterially expressed recombinant peptides corresponding to regions excluding trans-membrane domains of the selected vaccine targets were used in blinded vaccine trials in CBA mice using alum-CpG as adjuvant. Vaccine trials using the recombinant insoluble Sm-LAMP protein showed 16-25% significant reduction in total worm burden. Faecal egg count reduction was 52% and 60% in two trials, respectively, with similar results for the solubly expressed protein. Liver egg burden was reduced significantly (20% and 38%) with an insoluble recombinant Sm-LAMP in two trials, but not with the soluble recombinant form. Parasite fecundity was not affected by either Sm-LAMP protein preparations in the trials. It is concluded that Sm-LAMP may provide limited protection towards S. mansoni infections but could be used in combination with other vaccine candidates, to provide more comprehensive protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton Qld, 4343, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Charlene Willis
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Jason Mulvenna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld 4111, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton Qld, 4343, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Qld, 4006, Australia
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Busso D, Oñate-Alvarado MJ, Balboa E, Castro J, Lizama C, Morales G, Vargas S, Härtel S, Moreno RD, Zanlungo S. Spermatozoa from mice deficient in Niemann-Pick disease type C2 (NPC2) protein have defective cholesterol content and reduced in vitro fertilising ability. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:609-21. [PMID: 24709320 DOI: 10.1071/rd12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol content of the sperm membrane is regulated during both maturation in the epididymis and capacitation in the female tract, two processes required for the spermatozoa to acquire their fertilising ability. Because Niemann-Pick disease, type C2 (NPC2) protein is one of the most abundant components of the epididymal fluid and contains a functional cholesterol-binding site that can transfer cholesterol between membranes, it has been suggested for years that NPC2 could be involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. In the present study, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated significant levels of NPC2 in the mouse epididymal epithelium. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from NPC2(-/-) mice were morphologically normal and had normal motility parameters, but had a reduced cholesterol content compared with that of wild-type (WT) spermatozoa, as determined by both biochemical and by flow cytometry analyses. These results suggest that NPC2 could be involved in regulating cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. To understand the relevance of epididymal NPC2 for sperm function, the ability of spermatozoa to undergo events influenced by epididymal maturation, such as capacitation and fertilisation, were compared between WT and NPC2(-/-) mice. Capacitated NPC2(-/-) spermatozoa exhibited defective tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and a reduced ability to fertilise cumulus-oocyte complexes compared with WT spermatozoa, supporting the relevance of mouse epididymal NPC2 for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Busso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Oñate-Alvarado
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Elisa Balboa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Castro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Lizama
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Morales
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Susana Vargas
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvana Zanlungo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
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Erickson RP. Current controversies in Niemann-Pick C1 disease: steroids or gangliosides; neurons or neurons and glia. J Appl Genet 2013; 54:215-24. [PMID: 23292954 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-012-0130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There has been a recent explosion in research on Niemann-Pick type C disease. Much of the work has used mouse models or cells in culture to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in the phenotype of the disease. This work has generated several contrasting views on the mechanism, which are labeled 'controversies' here. In this review, two of these controversies are explored. The first concerns which stored materials are causative in the disease: cholesterol, gangliosides and sphingolipids, or something else? The second concerns which cells in the body require Npc1 in order to function properly: somatic cells, neurons only, or neurons and glia? For the first controversy, a clear answer has emerged. More research will be needed in order to definitively solve the second controversy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, USA.
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Schwend T, Loucks EJ, Snyder D, Ahlgren SC. Requirement of Npc1 and availability of cholesterol for early embryonic cell movements in zebrafish. J Lipid Res 2011; 52:1328-44. [PMID: 21576600 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m012377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease, type C (NP-C), often associated with Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) mutations, is a cholesterol-storage disorder characterized by cellular lipid accumulation, neurodegeneration, and reduced steroid production. To study NPC1 function in vivo, we cloned zebrafish npc1 and analyzed its gene expression and activity by reducing Npc1 protein with morpholino (MO)-oligonucleotides. Filipin staining in npc1-morphant cells was punctate, suggesting abnormal accumulation of cholesterol. Developmentally, reducing Npc1 did not disrupt early cell fate or survival; however, early morphogenetic movements were delayed, and the actin cytoskeleton network was abnormal. MO-induced defects were rescued with ectopic expression of mouse NPC1, demonstrating functional gene conservation, and by treatments with steroids pregnenolone or dexamethasone, suggesting that reduced steroidogenesis contributed to abnormal cell movements. Cell death was found in anterior tissues of npc1 morphants at later stages, consistent with findings in mammals. Collectively, these studies show that npc1 is required early for proper cell movement and cholesterol localization and later for cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Schwend
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago , IL, USA
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