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Rashid S, Dimitriadi M. Autophagy in spinal muscular atrophy: from pathogenic mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1307636. [PMID: 38259504 PMCID: PMC10801191 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1307636] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by the depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While the genetic cause of SMA has been well documented, the exact mechanism(s) by which SMN depletion results in disease progression remain elusive. A wide body of evidence has highlighted the involvement and dysregulation of autophagy in SMA. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process which is necessary for cellular homeostasis; defects in the autophagic machinery have been linked with a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathway is particularly known to prevent neurodegeneration and has been suggested to act as a neuroprotective factor, thus presenting an attractive target for novel therapies for SMA patients. In this review, (a) we provide for the first time a comprehensive summary of the perturbations in the autophagic networks that characterize SMA development, (b) highlight the autophagic regulators which may play a key role in SMA pathogenesis and (c) propose decreased autophagic flux as the causative agent underlying the autophagic dysregulation observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Dimitriadi
- School of Life and Medical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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2
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Lashgari NA, Roudsari NM, Shayan M, Eshraghi S, Momtaz S, Jamialahmadi T, Abdolghaffari AH, Sahebkar A. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment: The MTOR Regulatory Intervention. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1512-1522. [PMID: 36788689 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230213114909] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary disorder affecting neurons and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. Most SMA cases are diagnosed during infancy or early childhood, the most common inherited cause of infant mortality without treatment. Still, SMA might appear at older ages with milder symptoms. SMA patients demonstrate progressive muscle waste, movement problems, tremors, dysphagia, bone and joint deformations, and breathing difficulties. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the mechanistic target of rapamycin, is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase family of protein kinases encoded by the mTOR gene in humans. The mTOR phosphorylation, deregulation, and autophagy have shown dissimilarity amongst SMA cell types. Therefore, exploring the underlying molecular process in SMA therapy could provide novel insights and pave the way for finding new treatment options. This paper provides new insight into the possible modulatory effect of mTOR/ autophagy in SMA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser-Aldin Lashgari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Momeni Roudsari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Eshraghi
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Abstract
Our understanding of stress granule (SG) biology has deepened considerably in recent years, and with this, increased understanding of links has been made between SGs and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. One of the proposed mechanisms by which SGs and any associated protein aggregates may become pathological is based upon defects in their autophagic clearance, and so the precise processes governing the degradation of SGs are important to understand. Mutations and disease-associated variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar dementia compromise autophagy, whilst autophagy-inhibiting drugs or knockdown of essential autophagy proteins result in the persistence of SGs. In this review, we will consider the current knowledge regarding the autophagy of SG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ryan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
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Yamashita S, Nagatoshi A, Takeuchi Y, Nishino I, Ueda M. Myopathic changes caused by protein aggregates in adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Neuropathology 2023; 43:408-412. [PMID: 36864825 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12901] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal-recessive lower motor neuron disease, causes progressive proximal muscle waste and weakness. It remains unclear whether myopathic changes are involved in pathogenesis. We encountered a patient with adult-onset SMA caused by a homozygous deletion in exon 7 of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene who had had four copies of SMN2 exon 7. Muscle biopsy showed neurogenic features of groups of atrophic fibers, fiber-type grouping, and pyknotic nuclear clumps associated with fibers with rimmed vacuoles. Immunohistochemistry revealed sarcoplasmic aggregates of phosphorylated TDP-43 and p62 but not SMN. This study demonstrated myopathic changes with the accumulation of phosphorylated p62 and TDP-43 in the muscles of a patient with SMA, suggesting that abnormal protein aggregation may be involved in myopathic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamashita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, Narita, Japan
| | - Akihito Nagatoshi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Kumamotominami National Hospital, Uki, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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5
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Xie G, Jin H, Mikhail H, Pavel V, Yang G, Ji B, Lu B, Li Y. Autophagy in sarcopenia: Possible mechanisms and novel therapies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115147. [PMID: 37473679 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With global population aging, age-related diseases, especially sarcopenia, have attracted much attention in recent years. Characterized by low muscle strength, low muscle quantity or quality and low physical performance, sarcopenia is one of the major factors associated with an increased risk of falls and disability. Much effort has been made to understand the cellular biological and physiological mechanisms underlying sarcopenia. Autophagy is an important cellular self-protection mechanism that relies on lysosomes to degrade misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. Research designed to obtain new insight into human diseases from the autophagic aspect has been carried out and has made new progress, which encourages relevant studies on the relationship between autophagy and sarcopenia. Autophagy plays a protective role in sarcopenia by modulating the regenerative capability of satellite cells, relieving oxidative stress and suppressing the inflammatory response. This review aims to reveal the specific interaction between sarcopenia and autophagy and explore possible therapies in hopes of encouraging more specific research in need and unlocking novel promising therapies to ameliorate sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyang Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hongfu Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Herasimenka Mikhail
- Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Minsk 220024, Belarus
| | - Volotovski Pavel
- Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Minsk 220024, Belarus
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bingzhou Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bangbao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
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Buchner F, Dokuzluoglu Z, Grass T, Rodriguez-Muela N. Spinal Cord Organoids to Study Motor Neuron Development and Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1254. [PMID: 37374039 DOI: 10.3390/life13061254] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect the cranial and/or spinal motor neurons (spMNs), spinal sensory neurons and the muscular system. Although they have been investigated for decades, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms; and therefore, efficacious therapies are scarce. Model organisms and relatively simple two-dimensional cell culture systems have been instrumental in our current knowledge of neuromuscular disease pathology; however, in the recent years, human 3D in vitro models have transformed the disease-modeling landscape. While cerebral organoids have been pursued the most, interest in spinal cord organoids (SCOs) is now also increasing. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based protocols to generate SpC-like structures, sometimes including the adjacent mesoderm and derived skeletal muscle, are constantly being refined and applied to study early human neuromuscular development and disease. In this review, we outline the evolution of human PSC-derived models for generating spMN and recapitulating SpC development. We also discuss how these models have been applied to exploring the basis of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we provide an overview of the main challenges to overcome in order to generate more physiologically relevant human SpC models and propose some exciting new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Buchner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Grass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Kataoka M, Sahashi K, Tsujikawa K, Takeda JI, Hirunagi T, Iida M, Katsunoa M. Dysregulation of Aldh1a2 underlies motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00090-1. [PMID: 37146794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.04.007] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Lower motor neuron degeneration is the pathological hallmark of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a hereditary motor neuron disease caused by loss of the SMN1 gene and the resulting deficiency of ubiquitously expressed SMN protein. The molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration, however, remain elusive. To clarify the cell-autonomous defect in developmental processes, we here performed transcriptome analyses of isolated embryonic motor neurons of SMA model mice to explore mechanisms of dysregulation of cell-type-specific gene expression. Of 12 identified genes that were differentially expressed between the SMA and control motor neurons, we focused on Aldh1a2, an essential gene for lower motor neuron development. In primary spinal motor neuron cultures, knockdown of Aldh1a2 led to the formation of axonal spheroids and neurodegeneration, reminiscent of the histopathological changes observed in human and animal cellular models. Conversely, Aldh1a2 rescued these pathological features in spinal motor neurons derived from SMA mouse embryos. Our findings suggest that developmental defects due to Aldh1a2 dysregulation enhances lower motor neuron vulnerability in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Kataoka
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Kentaro Sahashi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
| | - Koyo Tsujikawa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Takeda
- Division of Neurogenetics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Tomoki Hirunagi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Madoka Iida
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsunoa
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan; Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
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8
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Riboldi GM, Faravelli I, Rinchetti P, Lotti F. SMN post-translational modifications in spinal muscular atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1092488. [PMID: 36874214 PMCID: PMC9981653 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1092488] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its first identification as the gene responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the range of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein functions has increasingly expanded. This multimeric complex plays a crucial role in a variety of RNA processing pathways. While its most characterized function is in the biogenesis of ribonucleoproteins, several studies have highlighted the SMN complex as an important contributor to mRNA trafficking and translation, axonal transport, endocytosis, and mitochondria metabolism. All these multiple functions need to be selectively and finely modulated to maintain cellular homeostasis. SMN has distinct functional domains that play a crucial role in complex stability, function, and subcellular distribution. Many different processes were reported as modulators of the SMN complex activities, although their contribution to SMN biology still needs to be elucidated. Recent evidence has identified post-translational modifications (PTMs) as a way to regulate the pleiotropic functions of the SMN complex. These modifications include phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, sumoylation, and many other types. PTMs can broaden the range of protein functions by binding chemical moieties to specific amino acids, thus modulating several cellular processes. Here, we provide an overview of the main PTMs involved in the regulation of the SMN complex with a major focus on the functions that have been linked to SMA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Francesco Lotti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Cozzi M, Chierichetti M, Casarotto E, Pramaggiore P, Mina F, Piccolella M, Cristofani R, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Galbiati M, Poletti A. The role of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in motor neuron diseases. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1489-1503. [PMID: 36111809 PMCID: PMC9704526 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) include a broad group of diseases in which neurodegeneration mainly affects upper and/or lower motor neurons (MNs). Although the involvement of specific MNs, symptoms, age of onset, and progression differ in MNDs, the main pathogenic mechanism common to most MNDs is represented by proteostasis alteration and proteotoxicity. This pathomechanism may be directly related to mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the protein quality control system, particularly the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP). Alternatively, proteostasis alteration can be caused by aberrant proteins that tend to misfold and to aggregate, two related processes that, over time, cannot be properly handled by the ALP. Here, we summarize the main ALP features, focusing on different routes utilized to deliver substrates to the lysosome and how the various ALP pathways intersect with the intracellular trafficking of membranes and vesicles. Next, we provide an overview of the mutated genes that have been found associated with MNDs, how these gene products are involved in different steps of ALP and related processes. Finally, we discuss how autophagy can be considered a valid therapeutic target for MNDs treatment focusing on traditional autophagy modulators and on emerging approaches to overcome their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Chierichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Casarotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Pramaggiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Mina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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10
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Dumas SA, Villalón E, Bergman EM, Wilson KJ, Marugan JJ, Lorson CL, Burnett BG. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2989-3000. [PMID: 35419606 PMCID: PMC9433732 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Current disease-modifying therapies increase SMN levels and dramatically improve survival and motor function of SMA patients. Nevertheless, current treatments are not cures and autopsy data suggest that SMN induction is variable. Our group and others have shown that combinatorial approaches that target different modalities can improve outcomes in rodent models of SMA. Here we explore if slowing SMN protein degradation and correcting SMN splicing defects could synergistically increase SMN production and improve the SMA phenotype in model mice. We show that co-administering ML372, which inhibits SMN ubiquitination, with an SMN-modifying antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) increases SMN production in SMA cells and model mice. In addition, we observed improved spinal cord, neuromuscular junction and muscle pathology when ML372 and the ASO were administered in combination. Importantly, the combinatorial approach resulted in increased motor function and extended survival of SMA mice. Our results demonstrate that a combination of treatment modalities synergistically increases SMN levels and improves pathophysiology of SMA model mice over individual treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth M Bergman
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Kenneth J Wilson
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, Discovery Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892-2152, USA
| | - Juan J Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, Discovery Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892-2152, USA
| | - Christian L Lorson
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Barrington G. Burnett. Tel: +1 301-295-3506; ; Christian L. Lorson. Tel: +1 573-884-2219;
| | - Barrington G Burnett
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Barrington G. Burnett. Tel: +1 301-295-3506; ; Christian L. Lorson. Tel: +1 573-884-2219;
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11
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Abstract
Over the past several decades, research on autophagy, a highly conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, has been advanced by studies in different model organisms, especially in the field of its molecular mechanism and regulation. The malfunction of autophagy is linked to various diseases, among which cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are the major focus. In this review, we cover some other important diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders, as well as rare diseases, with a hope of providing a more complete understanding of the spectrum of autophagy's role in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wen
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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12
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Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang Q, Du C, Lu W, Yuan H, Zhang Z, Li D, Ling X, Ren X, Zhao Y, Su Q, Xing Z, Qin Y, Yang X, Shen Y, Wu H, Qi Y. Hyper-SUMOylation of SMN induced by SENP2 deficiency decreases its stability and leads to spinal muscular atrophy-like pathology. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1797-1813. [PMID: 34628513 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02130-x] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a degenerative motor neuron disease and a leading cause of infant mortality, is caused by loss of functional survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to SMN1 gene mutation. Here, using mouse and cell models for behavioral and histological studies, we found that SENP2 (SUMO/sentrin-specific protease 2)-deficient mice developed a notable SMA-like pathology phenotype with significantly decreased muscle fibers and motor neurons. At the molecular level, SENP2 deficiency in mice did not affect transcription but decreased SMN protein levels by promoting the SUMOylation of SMN. SMN was modified by SUMO2 with the E3 PIAS2α and deconjugated by SENP2. SUMOylation of SMN accelerated its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway with the ubiquitin E1 UBA1 (ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1) and E3 ITCH. SUMOylation of SMN increased its acetylation to inhibit the formation of Cajal bodies (CBs). These results showed that SENP2 deficiency induced hyper-SUMOylation of the SMN protein, which further affected the stability and functions of the SMN protein, eventually leading to the SMA-like phenotype. Thus, we uncovered the important roles for hyper-SUMOylation of SMN induced by SENP2 deficiency in motor neurons and provided a novel targeted therapeutic strategy for SMA. KEY MESSAGES: SENP2 deficiency enhanced the hyper-SUMOylation of SMN and promoted the degradation of SMN by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. SUMOylation increased the acetylation of SMN to inhibit CB formation. SENP2 deficiency caused hyper-SUMOylation of SMN protein, which further affected the stability and functions of SMN protein and eventually led to the occurrence of SMA-like pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Congcong Du
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danqing Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Ling
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qi Su
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhengcao Xing
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yajie Shen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongmei Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yitao Qi
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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Salucci S, Bartoletti Stella A, Battistelli M, Burattini S, Bavelloni A, Cocco LI, Gobbi P, Faenza I. How Inflammation Pathways Contribute to Cell Death in Neuro-Muscular Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1109. [PMID: 34439778 PMCID: PMC8391499 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-muscular disorders include a variety of diseases induced by genetic mutations resulting in muscle weakness and waste, swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, muscle alterations and nerve depletions involve specific molecular and cellular mechanisms which lead to the loss of motor-nerve or skeletal-muscle function, often due to an excessive cell death. Morphological and molecular studies demonstrated that a high number of these disorders seem characterized by an upregulated apoptosis which significantly contributes to the pathology. Cell death involvement is the consequence of some cellular processes that occur during diseases, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, free radical generation, excitotoxicity and inflammation. The latter represents an important mediator of disease progression, which, in the central nervous system, is known as neuroinflammation, characterized by reactive microglia and astroglia, as well the infiltration of peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of the mechanisms underlying inflammation have been linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, which trigger mitochondrial genomic and respiratory chain instability, autophagy impairment and finally neuron or muscle cell death. This review discusses the main inflammatory pathways contributing to cell death in neuro-muscular disorders by highlighting the main mechanisms, the knowledge of which appears essential in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent the consequent neuron loss and muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Bartoletti Stella
- Department of Diagnostic Experimental and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michela Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Sabrina Burattini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alberto Bavelloni
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lucio Ildebrando Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
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14
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Sansa A, Hidalgo I, Miralles MP, de la Fuente S, Perez-Garcia MJ, Munell F, Soler RM, Garcera A. Spinal Muscular Atrophy autophagy profile is tissue-dependent: differential regulation between muscle and motoneurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:122. [PMID: 34217376 PMCID: PMC8254901 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular genetic disease caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is ubiquitous and deficient levels cause spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) degeneration and muscle atrophy. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which SMN reduction in muscle contributes to SMA disease is not fully understood. Therefore, studies evaluating atrophy mechanisms in SMA muscles will contribute to strengthening current knowledge of the pathology. Here we propose to evaluate autophagy in SMA muscle, a pathway altered in myotube atrophy. We analized autophagy proteins and mTOR in muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients and in gastrocnemius muscles from a severe SMA mouse model. Human MNs differentiated from SMA and unaffected control iPSCs were also included in the analysis of the autophagy. Muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients showed reduction of the autophagy marker LC3-II. In SMA mouse gastrocnemius, we observed lower levels of LC3-II, Beclin 1, and p62/SQSTM1 proteins at pre-symptomatic stage. mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 was decreased in SMA muscle cells. However, in mouse and human cultured SMA MNs mTOR phosphorylation and LC3-II levels were increased. These results suggest a differential regulation in SMA of the autophagy process in muscle cells and MNs. Opposite changes in autophagy proteins and mTOR phosphorylation between muscle cells and neurons were observed. These differences may reflect a specific response to SMN reduction, which could imply diverse tissue-dependent reactions to therapies that should be taken into account when treating SMA patients.
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15
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Qiu Q, Shen T, Yu X, Jia N, Zhu K, Wang Q, Liu B, He Q. Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy Alleviates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Myocardial Necroptosis by Modulating Autophagy. Biomed Res Int 2021; 2021:8880179. [PMID: 33532500 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8880179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Regulated necrosis (necroptosis) is crucially involved in cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). The aim of our study is to investigate whether shock wave therapy (SWT) is capable of exerting protective effects by inhibiting necroptosis during myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the possible role of autophagy in this process. We established a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in vitro using HL-1 cells to simulate MIRI. MTS assays and LDH cytotoxicity assay were performed to measure cell viability and cell damage. Annexin V/PI staining was used to determine apoptosis and necrosis. Western blotting was performed to assess the changes in cell signaling pathways associated with autophagy, necroptosis, and apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected using DHE staining. Autophagosome generation and degradation (autophagic flux) were analysed using GFP and RFP tandemly tagged LC3 (tfLC3). HL-1 cells were then transfected with p62/SQSTM1 siRNA in order to analyse its role in cardioprotection. Our results revealed that SWT increased cell viability in the H/R model and decreased receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3 expression. ROS production was also inhibited by SWT. Moreover, SWT decreased Beclin1 expression and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I following H/R. Simultaneously, in the tfLC3 assay, the SWT provoked a decrease in the cumulative autophagosome abundance. siRNA-mediated knockdown of p62 attenuated H/R-induced necroptosis, and SWT did not exert additive effects. Taken together, SWT ameliorated H/R injury by inhibiting necroptosis. SWT also relieved the blockade of autophagic flux in response to H/R injury. The restoration of autophagic flux by SWT might contribute to its cardioprotective effect on necroptosis following H/R injury.
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16
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Abstract
The path from gene discovery to therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been a highly challenging endeavor, but also led to one of the most successful stories in neurogenetics. In SMA, a neuromuscular disorder with an often fatal outcome until recently, with those affected never able to sit, stand, or walk, children now achieve these motoric abilities and almost age-based development when treated presymptomatically. This review summarizes the challenges along this 30-year journey. It is also meant to inspire early-career scientists not to give up when things become difficult but to try to uncover the biological underpinnings and transform the challenge into the next big discovery. Without doubt, the improvements seen with the three therapeutic strategies in SMA are impressive; many open questions remain and are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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17
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Simon CM, Van Alstyne M, Lotti F, Bianchetti E, Tisdale S, Watterson DM, Mentis GZ, Pellizzoni L. Stasimon Contributes to the Loss of Sensory Synapses and Motor Neuron Death in a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cell Rep 2020; 29:3885-3901.e5. [PMID: 31851921 PMCID: PMC6956708 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein causes the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we show that adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-mediated delivery of Stasimon—a gene encoding an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident transmembrane protein regulated by SMN—improves motor function in a mouse model of SMA through multiple mechanisms. In proprioceptive neurons, Stasimon overexpression prevents the loss of afferent synapses on motor neurons and enhances sensory-motor neurotransmission. In motor neurons, Stasimon suppresses neurodegeneration by reducing phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor p53. Moreover, Stasimon deficiency converges on SMA-related mechanisms of p53 upregulation to induce phosphorylation of p53 through activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and pharmacological inhibition of this kinase prevents motor neuron death in SMA mice. These findings identify Stasimon dysfunction induced by SMN deficiency as an upstream driver of distinct cellular cascades that lead to synaptic loss and motor neuron degeneration, revealing a dual contribution of Stasimon to motor circuit pathology in SMA. SMN deficiency causes motor circuit dysfunction in SMA. Simon et al. show that Stasimon—an ER-resident protein regulated by SMN—contributes to sensory synaptic loss and motor neuron death in SMA mice through distinct mechanisms. In motor neurons, Stasimon dysfunction induces p38 MAPK-mediated phosphorylation of p53 whose inhibition prevents neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Simon
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Meaghan Van Alstyne
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elena Bianchetti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sarah Tisdale
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - George Z Mentis
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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18
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Wang F, Zhang C, Hou S, Geng X. Synergistic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Promoting Autophagy and Synaptic Plasticity in Vascular Dementia. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 74:1341-1350. [PMID: 30256913 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gly221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation both showed therapeutic effects on cognition impairment in vascular dementia (VD) model rats. However, whether these two therapies have synergistic effects and the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In our present study, rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, sham operation group, VD group, MSC group, rTMS group, and MSC+rTMS group. The VD model rats were prepared using a modified 2VO method. rTMS treatment was implemented at a frequency of 5 Hz, the stimulation intensity for 0.5 Tesla, 20 strings every day with 10 pulses per string and six treatment courses. The results of the Morris water maze test showed that the learning and memory abilities of the MSC group, rTMS group, and MSC+rTMS group were better than that of the VD group, and the MSC+rTMS group showed the most significant effect. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, NR1, LC3-II, and Beclin-1 were the highest and p62 protein was the lowest in the MSC+rTMS group. Our findings demonstrated that rTMS could further enhance the effect of MSC transplantation on VD rats and provided an important basis for the combined application of MSC transplantation and rTMS to treat VD or other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Siyuan Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Xin Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, China
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19
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Xu YJ, Liu PP, Ng SC, Teng ZQ, Liu CM. Regulatory networks between Polycomb complexes and non-coding RNAs in the central nervous system. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:327-336. [PMID: 31291646 PMCID: PMC7288736 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has facilitated the identification of many types of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in diverse cellular processes. NcRNAs as epigenetic mediators play key roles in neuronal development, maintenance, and dysfunction by controlling gene expression at multiple levels. NcRNAs may not only target specific DNA or RNA for gene silence but may also directly interact with chromatin-modifying proteins like Polycomb group (PcG) proteins to drive orchestrated transcriptional programs. Recent significant progress has been made in characterizing ncRNAs and PcG proteins involved in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic regulation. More importantly, dysregulation of ncRNAs, PcG proteins, and interplay among them is closely associated with the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In this review, we focus on the interplay between ncRNAs and PcG proteins in the CNS and highlight the functional roles of the partnership during neural development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pei-Pei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shyh-Chang Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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20
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Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a wide group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the degeneration of a specific neuronal type located in the central nervous system, the motor neuron (MN). There are two main types of MNs, spinal and cortical MNs and depending on the type of MND, one or both types are affected. Cortical MNs innervate spinal MNs and these control a variety of cellular targets, being skeletal muscle their main one which is also affected in MNDs. A correct functionality of autophagy is necessary for the survival of all cellular types and it is particularly crucial for neurons, given their postmitotic and highly specialized nature. Numerous studies have identified alterations of autophagy activity in multiple MNDs. The scientific community has been particularly prolific in reporting the role that autophagy plays in the most common adult MND, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although many studies have started to identify physiological and pathological functions of this catabolic system in other MNDs, such as spinal muscular atrophy and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. The degradation of selective cargo by autophagy and how this process is altered upon the presence of MND-causing mutations is currently also a matter of intense investigation, particularly regarding the selective autophagic clearance of mitochondria. Thorough reviews on this field have been recently published. This chapter will cover the current knowledge on the functionality of autophagy and lysosomal homeostasis in the main MNDs and other autophagy-related topics in the MND field that have risen special interest in the research community.
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Overå KS, Garcia-Garcia J, Bhujabal Z, Jain A, Øvervatn A, Larsen KB, Deretic V, Johansen T, Lamark T, Sjøttem E. TRIM32, but not its muscular dystrophy-associated mutant, positively regulates and is targeted to autophagic degradation by p62/SQSTM1. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.236596. [PMID: 31685529 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.236596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins constitute a family of ubiquitin E3 ligases involved in a multitude of cellular processes, including protein homeostasis and autophagy. TRIM32 is characterized by six protein-protein interaction domains termed NHL, various point mutations in which are associated with limb-girdle-muscular dystrophy 2H (LGMD2H). Here, we show that TRIM32 is an autophagy substrate. Lysosomal degradation of TRIM32 was dependent on ATG7 and blocked by knockout of the five autophagy receptors p62 (also known as SQSTM1), NBR1, NDP52 (also known as CALCOCO2), TAX1BP1 and OPTN, pointing towards degradation by selective autophagy. p62 directed TRIM32 to lysosomal degradation, while TRIM32 mono-ubiquitylated p62 on lysine residues involved in regulation of p62 activity. Loss of TRIM32 impaired p62 sequestration, while reintroduction of TRIM32 facilitated p62 dot formation and its autophagic degradation. A TRIM32LGMD2H disease mutant was unable to undergo autophagic degradation and to mono-ubiquitylate p62, and its reintroduction into the TRIM32-knockout cells did not affect p62 dot formation. In light of the important roles of autophagy and p62 in muscle cell proteostasis, our results point towards impaired TRIM32-mediated regulation of p62 activity as a pathological mechanisms in LGMD2H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Stange Overå
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Juncal Garcia-Garcia
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Zambarlal Bhujabal
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ashish Jain
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Aud Øvervatn
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kenneth Bowitz Larsen
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Terje Johansen
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trond Lamark
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eva Sjøttem
- Molecular Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Ng SY, Mikhail A, Ljubicic V. Mechanisms of exercise-induced survival motor neuron expression in the skeletal muscle of spinal muscular atrophy-like mice. J Physiol 2019; 597:4757-4778. [PMID: 31361024 PMCID: PMC6767691 DOI: 10.1113/jp278454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a health‐ and life‐limiting neuromuscular disorder caused by a deficiency in survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While historically considered a motor neuron disease, current understanding of SMA emphasizes its systemic nature, which requires addressing affected peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle in particular. Chronic physical activity is beneficial for SMA patients, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of exercise biology are largely undefined in SMA. After a single bout of exercise, canonical responses such as skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) activation were preserved in SMA‐like Smn2B/− animals. Furthermore, molecules involved in SMN transcription were also altered following physical activity. Collectively, these changes were coincident with an increase in full‐length SMN transcription and corrective SMN pre‐mRNA splicing. This study advances understanding of the exercise biology of SMA and highlights the AMPK–p38–PGC‐1α axis as a potential regulator of SMN expression in muscle.
Abstract Chronic physical activity is safe and effective in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients, but the underlying cellular events that drive physiological adaptations are undefined. We examined the effects of a single bout of exercise on molecular mechanisms associated with adaptive remodelling in the skeletal muscle of Smn2B/− SMA‐like mice. Skeletal muscles were collected from healthy Smn2B/+ mice and Smn2B/− littermates at pre‐ (postnatal day (P) 9), early‐ (P13) and late‐ (P21) symptomatic stages to characterize SMA disease progression. Muscles were also collected from Smn2B/− animals exercised to fatigue on a motorized treadmill. Intracellular signalling and gene expression were examined using western blotting, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, real‐time quantitative PCR and endpoint PCR assays. Basal skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38) expression and activity were not affected by SMA‐like conditions. Canonical exercise responses such as AMPK, p38 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) activation were observed following a bout of exercise in Smn2B/− animals. Furthermore, molecules involved in survival motor neuron (SMN) transcription, including protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)/ETS‐like gene 1 (ELK1), were altered following physical activity. Acute exercise was also able to mitigate aberrant proteolytic signalling in the skeletal muscle of Smn2B/− mice. Collectively, these changes were coincident with an exercise‐evoked increase in full‐length SMN mRNA expression. This study advances our understanding of the exercise biology of SMA and highlights the AMPK–p38–PGC‐1α axis as a potential regulator of SMN expression alongside AKT and ERK/ELK1 signalling. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a health‐ and life‐limiting neuromuscular disorder caused by a deficiency in survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While historically considered a motor neuron disease, current understanding of SMA emphasizes its systemic nature, which requires addressing affected peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle in particular. Chronic physical activity is beneficial for SMA patients, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of exercise biology are largely undefined in SMA. After a single bout of exercise, canonical responses such as skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) activation were preserved in SMA‐like Smn2B/− animals. Furthermore, molecules involved in SMN transcription were also altered following physical activity. Collectively, these changes were coincident with an increase in full‐length SMN transcription and corrective SMN pre‐mRNA splicing. This study advances understanding of the exercise biology of SMA and highlights the AMPK–p38–PGC‐1α axis as a potential regulator of SMN expression in muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Y Ng
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Mikhail
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Abstract
SQSTM1 (also known as p62) is a multifunctional stress-inducible scaffold protein involved in diverse cellular processes. Its functions are tightly regulated through an extensive pattern of post-translational modifications, and include the isolation of cargos degraded by autophagy, induction of the antioxidant response by the Keap1-Nrf2 system, as well as the regulation of endosomal trafficking, apoptosis and inflammation. Accordingly, malfunction of SQSTM1 is associated with a wide range of diseases, including bone and muscle disorders, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, and multiple forms of cancer. In this Review, we summarize current knowledge regarding regulation, post-translational modifications and functions of SQSTM1, as well as how they are dysregulated in various pathogenic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sánchez-Martín
- Department of Biochemistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masaaki Komatsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan .,Department of Physiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Chaytow H, Huang YT, Gillingwater TH, Faller KME. The role of survival motor neuron protein (SMN) in protein homeostasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3877-3894. [PMID: 29872871 PMCID: PMC6182345 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ever since loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein was identified as the direct cause of the childhood inherited neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy, significant efforts have been made to reveal the molecular functions of this ubiquitously expressed protein. Resulting research demonstrated that SMN plays important roles in multiple fundamental cellular homeostatic pathways, including a well-characterised role in the assembly of the spliceosome and biogenesis of ribonucleoproteins. More recent studies have shown that SMN is also involved in other housekeeping processes, including mRNA trafficking and local translation, cytoskeletal dynamics, endocytosis and autophagy. Moreover, SMN has been shown to influence mitochondria and bioenergetic pathways as well as regulate function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this review, we summarise these diverse functions of SMN, confirming its key role in maintenance of the homeostatic environment of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Chaytow
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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de la Fuente S, Sansa A, Periyakaruppiah A, Garcera A, Soler RM. Calpain Inhibition Increases SMN Protein in Spinal Cord Motoneurons and Ameliorates the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4414-4427. [PMID: 30327977 PMCID: PMC6505520 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is caused by the loss of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMA is characterized by the degeneration and loss of spinal cord motoneurons (MNs), muscular atrophy, and weakness. SMN2 is the centromeric duplication of the SMN gene, whose numbers of copies determine the intracellular levels of SMN protein and define the disease onset and severity. It has been demonstrated that elevating SMN levels can be an important strategy in treating SMA and can be achieved by several mechanisms, including promotion of protein stability. SMN protein is a direct target of the calcium-dependent protease calpain and induces its proteolytic cleavage in muscle cells. In this study, we examined the involvement of calpain in SMN regulation on MNs. In vitro experiments showed that calpain activation induces SMN cleavage in CD1 and SMA mouse spinal cord MNs. Additionally, calpain 1 knockdown or inhibition increased SMN level and prevent neurite degeneration in these cells. We examined the effects of calpain inhibition on the phenotype of two severe SMA mouse models. Treatment with the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin, significantly improved the lifespan and motor function of these mice. Our observations show that calpain regulates SMN level in MNs and calpeptin administration improves SMA phenotype demonstrating the potential utility of calpain inhibitors in SMA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra de la Fuente
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Alba Sansa
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana Garcera
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa M Soler
- Unitat de Senyalització Neuronal, Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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