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Aziz N, Wal P, Patel A, Prajapati H. A comprehensive review on the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurodegenerative disorders: potential therapeutic targets. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03109-4. [PMID: 38734839 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03109-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer and Parkinson's, pose significant challenges to public health due to their complex etiologies and limited treatment options. Recent advances in research have highlighted the intricate bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological disorders. Thus, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurological disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating CNS function through various mechanisms, including the production of neurotransmitters, neuroactive metabolites, and immune system modulation. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in gut microbial composition and function, has been observed in many neurological disorders, indicating a potential causative or contributory role. Pharmacological interventions targeting the gut microbiome have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and microbial metabolite-based interventions have shown beneficial effects in animal models and some human studies. These interventions aim to restore microbial homeostasis, enhance microbial diversity, and promote the production of beneficial metabolites. However, several challenges remain, including the need for standardized protocols, identification of specific microbial signatures associated with different neurological disorders, and understanding the precise mechanisms underlying gut-brain communication. Further research is necessary to unravel the intricate interactions between the gut microbiome and the CNS and to develop targeted pharmacological interventions for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namra Aziz
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-19, Kanpur, UP, 209305, India
| | - Pranay Wal
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-19, Kanpur, UP, 209305, India.
| | - Aman Patel
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-19, Kanpur, UP, 209305, India
| | - Harshit Prajapati
- PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-19, Kanpur, UP, 209305, India
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Alix JJP, Plesia M, Dudgeon AP, Kendall CA, Hewamadduma C, Hadjivassiliou M, Gorman GS, Taylor RW, McDermott CJ, Shaw PJ, Mead RJ, Day JC. Conformational fingerprinting with Raman spectroscopy reveals protein structure as a translational biomarker of muscle pathology. Analyst 2024; 149:2738-2746. [PMID: 38533726 PMCID: PMC11056770 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00320a] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions that can result in weakness of skeletal muscles. Examples include fatal diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and conditions associated with high morbidity such as myopathies (muscle diseases). Many of these disorders are known to have abnormal protein folding and protein aggregates. Thus, easy to apply methods for the detection of such changes may prove useful diagnostic biomarkers. Raman spectroscopy has shown early promise in the detection of muscle pathology in neuromuscular disorders and is well suited to characterising the conformational profiles relating to protein secondary structure. In this work, we assess if Raman spectroscopy can detect differences in protein structure in muscle in the setting of neuromuscular disease. We utilise in vivo Raman spectroscopy measurements from preclinical models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the myopathy Duchenne muscular dystrophy, together with ex vivo measurements of human muscle samples from individuals with and without myopathy. Using quantitative conformation profiling and matrix factorisation we demonstrate that quantitative 'conformational fingerprinting' can be used to identify changes in protein folding in muscle. Notably, myopathic conditions in both preclinical models and human samples manifested a significant reduction in α-helix structures, with concomitant increases in β-sheet and, to a lesser extent, nonregular configurations. Spectral patterns derived through non-negative matrix factorisation were able to identify myopathy with a high accuracy (79% in mouse, 78% in human tissue). This work demonstrates the potential of conformational fingerprinting as an interpretable biomarker for neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J P Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield, UK
| | - Maria Plesia
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
| | - Alexander P Dudgeon
- Biophotonics Research Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine A Kendall
- Biophotonics Research Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Academic Directorate of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, UK
| | - Marios Hadjivassiliou
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Academic Directorate of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, UK
| | - Gráinne S Gorman
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - John C Day
- Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, UK
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Mázala DA, Chen D, Chin ER. SERCA1 Overexpression in Skeletal Muscle Attenuates Muscle Atrophy and Improves Motor Function in a Mouse Model of ALS. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:315-326. [PMID: 38217607 PMCID: PMC10977371 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230123] [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] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle function. Previous work from our lab demonstrated that skeletal muscles from a mouse model of ALS show elevated intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels and heightened endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Objective To investigate whether overexpression of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase 1 (SERCA1) in skeletal muscle would improve intracellular Ca2+ handling, attenuate ER stress, and improve motor function ALS transgenic mice. Methods B6SJL-Tg (SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J (ALS-Tg) mice were bred with skeletal muscle α-actinin SERCA1 overexpressing mice to generate wild type (WT), SERCA1 overexpression (WT/+SERCA1), ALS-Tg, and SERCA1 overexpressing ALS-Tg (ALS-Tg/+SERCA1) mice. Motor function (grip test) was assessed weekly and skeletal muscles were harvested at 16 weeks of age to evaluate muscle mass, SR-Ca2+ ATPase activity, levels of SERCA1 and ER stress proteins - protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), Grp78/BiP, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Single muscle fibers were also isolated from the flexor digitorum brevis muscle to assess changes in resting and peak Fura-2 ratios. Results ALS-Tg/+SERCA1 mice showed improved motor function, delayed onset of disease, and improved muscle mass compared to ALS-Tg. Further, ALS-Tg/+SERCA1 mice returned levels of SERCA1 protein and SR-Ca2+ ATPase activity back to levels in WT mice. Unexpectedly, SERCA-1 overexpression increased levels of the ER stress maker Grp78/BiP in both WT and ALS-Tg mice, while not altering protein levels of PDI or CHOP. Lastly, single muscle fibers from ALS-Tg/+SERCA1 had similar resting but lower peak Fura-2 levels (at 30 Hz and 100 Hz) compared to ALS-Tg mice. Conclusions These data indicate that SERCA1 overexpression attenuates the progressive loss of muscle mass and maintains motor function in ALS-Tg mice while not lowering resting Ca2+ levels or ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi A.G. Mázala
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Professions, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Zeteo Tech, Inc., Sykesville, MD, USA
| | - Eva R. Chin
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Solve FSHD, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Yadav H, Jaldhi, Bhardwaj R, Anamika, Bakshi A, Gupta S, Maurya SK. Unveiling the role of gut-brain axis in regulating neurodegenerative diseases: A comprehensive review. Life Sci 2023; 330:122022. [PMID: 37579835 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence have shown the importance of gut microbiota in regulating brain functions. The diverse molecular mechanisms involved in cross-talk between gut and brain provide insight into importance of this communication in maintenance of brain homeostasis. It has also been observed that disturbed gut microbiota contributes to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and aging. Recently, gut microbiome-derived exosomes have also been reported to play an essential role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and could thereby act as a therapeutic target. Further, pharmacological interventions including antibiotics, prebiotics and probiotics can influence gut microbiome-mediated management of neurological diseases. However, extensive research is warranted to better comprehend this interconnection in maintenance of brain homeostasis and its implication in neurological diseases. Thus, the present review is aimed to provide a detailed understanding of gut-brain axis followed by possibilities to target the gut microbiome for improving neurological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Yadav
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Jaldhi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rati Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technical University, Delhi, India
| | - Anamika
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amrita Bakshi
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Suchi Gupta
- Tech Cell Innovations Private Limited, Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CMIE), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashank Kumar Maurya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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Alix JJP, Plesia M, Shaw PJ, Mead RJ, Day JCC. Combining electromyography and Raman spectroscopy: optical EMG. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:464-470. [PMID: 37477391 PMCID: PMC10952815 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27937] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Electromyography (EMG) remains a key component of the diagnostic work-up for suspected neuromuscular disease, but it does not provide insight into the molecular composition of muscle which can provide diagnostic information. Raman spectroscopy is an emerging neuromuscular biomarker capable of generating highly specific, molecular fingerprints of tissue. Here, we present "optical EMG," a combination of EMG and Raman spectroscopy, achieved using a single needle. METHODS An optical EMG needle was created to collect electrophysiological and Raman spectroscopic data during a single insertion. We tested functionality with in vivo recordings in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using both transgenic (n = 10) and non-transgenic (NTg, n = 7) mice. Under anesthesia, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), spontaneous EMG activity and Raman spectra were recorded from both gastrocnemius muscles with the optical EMG needle. Standard concentric EMG needle recordings were also undertaken. Electrophysiological data were analyzed with standard univariate statistics, Raman data with both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A significant difference in CMAP amplitude was observed between SOD1G93A and NTg mice with optical EMG and standard concentric needles (p = .015 and p = .011, respectively). Spontaneous EMG activity (positive sharp waves) was detected in transgenic SOD1G93A mice only. Raman spectra demonstrated peaks associated with key muscle components. Significant differences in molecular composition between SOD1G93A and NTg muscle were identified through the Raman spectra. DISCUSSION Optical EMG can provide standard electrophysiological data and molecular Raman data during a single needle insertion and represents a potential biomarker for neuromuscular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. P. Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Cross‐Faculty Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Maria Plesia
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Cross‐Faculty Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Cross‐Faculty Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - John C. C. Day
- Interface Analysis Centre, School of PhysicsUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Broadhead MJ, Ayvazian-Hancock A, Doucet K, Kantelberg O, Motherwell L, Zhu F, Grant SGN, Horrocks MH, Miles GB. Synaptic expression of TAR-DNA-binding protein 43 in the mouse spinal cord determined using super-resolution microscopy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1027898. [PMID: 37671010 PMCID: PMC10475998 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1027898] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by a loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that is preceded by early-stage changes in synapses that may be associated with TAR-DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology. Cellular inclusions of hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) are a key hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such ALS. However, there has been little characterisation of the synaptic expression of TDP-43 inside subpopulations of spinal cord synapses. This study utilises a range of high-resolution and super-resolution microscopy techniques with immunolabelling, as well as an aptamer-based TDP-43 labelling strategy visualised with single-molecule localisation microscopy, to characterise and quantify the presence of pTDP-43 in populations of excitatory synapses near where motor neurons reside in the lateral ventral horn of the mouse lumbar spinal cord. We observe that TDP-43 is expressed in approximately half of spinal cord synapses as nanoscale clusters. Synaptic TDP-43 clusters are found most abundantly at synapses associated with VGLUT1-positive presynaptic terminals, compared to VGLUT2-associated synapses. Our nanoscopy techniques showed no difference in the subsynaptic expression of pTDP-43 in the ALS mouse model, SOD1G93a, compared to healthy controls, despite prominent structural deficits in VGLUT1-associated synapses in SOD1G93a mice. This research characterises the basic synaptic expression of TDP-43 with nanoscale precision and provides a framework with which to investigate the potential relationship between TDP-43 pathology and synaptic pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Broadhead
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ani Ayvazian-Hancock
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Doucet
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Kantelberg
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lesley Motherwell
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Zhu
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Seth G. N. Grant
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB), Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth B. Miles
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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Grimm H, Biller-Andorno N, Buch T, Dahlhoff M, Davies G, Cederroth CR, Maissen O, Lukas W, Passini E, Törnqvist E, Olsson IAS, Sandström J. Advancing the 3Rs: innovation, implementation, ethics and society. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1185706. [PMID: 37396988 PMCID: PMC10310538 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1185706] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3Rs principle of replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals in science has been gaining widespread support in the international research community and appears in transnational legislation such as the European Directive 2010/63/EU, a number of national legislative frameworks like in Switzerland and the UK, and other rules and guidance in place in countries around the world. At the same time, progress in technical and biomedical research, along with the changing status of animals in many societies, challenges the view of the 3Rs principle as a sufficient and effective approach to the moral challenges set by animal use in research. Given this growing awareness of our moral responsibilities to animals, the aim of this paper is to address the question: Can the 3Rs, as a policy instrument for science and research, still guide the morally acceptable use of animals for scientific purposes, and if so, how? The fact that the increased availability of alternatives to animal models has not correlated inversely with a decrease in the number of animals used in research has led to public and political calls for more radical action. However, a focus on the simple measure of total animal numbers distracts from the need for a more nuanced understanding of how the 3Rs principle can have a genuine influence as a guiding instrument in research and testing. Hence, we focus on three core dimensions of the 3Rs in contemporary research: (1) What scientific innovations are needed to advance the goals of the 3Rs? (2) What can be done to facilitate the implementation of existing and new 3R methods? (3) Do the 3Rs still offer an adequate ethical framework given the increasing social awareness of animal needs and human moral responsibilities? By answering these questions, we will identify core perspectives in the debate over the advancement of the 3Rs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herwig Grimm
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikola Biller-Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Buch
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gail Davies
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Otto Maissen
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Animal Welfare Division, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wilma Lukas
- Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Passini
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Elin Törnqvist
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - I. Anna S. Olsson
- Laboratory Animal Science, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wintz K, Post J, Langen KJ, Willbold D, Willuweit A, Kutzsche J. Oral Treatment with d-RD2RD2 Impedes Early Disease Mechanisms in SOD1*G93A Transgenic Mice but Does Not Prolong Survival. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11040995. [PMID: 37189613 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11040995] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, thus, progressing to complete muscle loss until the patient dies from respiratory arrest. The disease is not curable, and patients die approximately 2-5 years after diagnosis. Studying the underlying disease mechanisms to get access to new treatment options is, therefore, essential for patients' benefit. However, so far, only three drugs that alleviate the symptoms have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A new drug candidate for the treatment of ALS is the all-d-enantiomeric peptide RD2RD2. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of RD2RD2 in two setups. First, we analyzed disease progression and survival in 7 week-old B6.Cg-Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J mice. Second, we confirmed the result of the survival analysis in the B6SJL-Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J mouse line. Shortly before disease onset, the mice were treated daily with an oral dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Treatment with RD2RD2 led to a delayed disease onset and reduced motor phenotype as shown using the SHIRPA test, the splay reflex test, and the pole test, but did not affect survival. In conclusion, RD2RD2 has the ability to delay the onset of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wintz
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Julia Post
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Antje Willuweit
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Janine Kutzsche
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Karmakar M, Pérez Gómez AA, Carroll RJ, Lawley KS, Amstalden KAZ, Welsh CJ, Threadgill DW, Brinkmeyer-Langford C. Baseline Gait and Motor Function Predict Long-Term Severity of Neurological Outcomes of Viral Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032843. [PMID: 36769167 PMCID: PMC9917409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032843] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological dysfunction following viral infection varies among individuals, largely due to differences in their genetic backgrounds. Gait patterns, which can be evaluated using measures of coordination, balance, posture, muscle function, step-to-step variability, and other factors, are also influenced by genetic background. Accordingly, to some extent gait can be characteristic of an individual, even prior to changes in neurological function. Because neuromuscular aspects of gait are under a certain degree of genetic control, the hypothesis tested was that gait parameters could be predictive of neuromuscular dysfunction following viral infection. The Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse resource was utilized to model genetically diverse populations and the DigiGait treadmill system used to provide quantitative and objective measurements of 131 gait parameters in 142 mice from 23 CC and SJL/J strains. DigiGait measurements were taken prior to infection with the neurotropic virus Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV). Neurological phenotypes were recorded over 90 days post-infection (d.p.i.), and the cumulative frequency of the observation of these phenotypes was statistically associated with discrete baseline DigiGait measurements. These associations represented spatial and postural aspects of gait influenced by the 90 d.p.i. phenotype score. Furthermore, associations were found between these gait parameters with sex and outcomes considered to show resistance, resilience, or susceptibility to severe neurological symptoms after long-term infection. For example, higher pre-infection measurement values for the Paw Drag parameter corresponded with greater disease severity at 90 d.p.i. Quantitative trait loci significantly associated with these DigiGait parameters revealed potential relationships between 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and different aspects of gait influenced by viral infection. Thus, these potential candidate genes and genetic variations may be predictive of long-term neurological dysfunction. Overall, these findings demonstrate the predictive/prognostic value of quantitative and objective pre-infection DigiGait measurements for viral-induced neuromuscular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Karmakar
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Aracely A. Pérez Gómez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Raymond J. Carroll
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Koedi S. Lawley
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Katia A. Z. Amstalden
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - C. Jane Welsh
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David W. Threadgill
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A & M Health Science Center, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Candice Brinkmeyer-Langford
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Khademullah CS, De Koninck Y. A novel assessment of fine-motor function reveals early hindlimb and detectable forelimb deficits in an experimental model of ALS. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17010. [PMID: 36220871 PMCID: PMC9553953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20333-1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of cortical and spinal motor neurons (MNs) and muscle degeneration (Kiernan et al. in Lancet 377:942-955, 2011). In the preclinical setting, functional tests that can detect early changes in motor function in rodent models of ALS are critical to understanding the etiology of the disease and treatment development. Here, we established a string-pulling paradigm that can detect forelimb and hindlimb motor deficits in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS earlier than traditional motor performance tasks. Additionally, our findings indicate that early loss of forelimb and hindlimb function is correlated with cortical and spinal MN loss, respectively. This task is not only ecological, low-cost, efficient, and non-onerous, it also requires little animal handling and reduces the stress placed on the animal. It has long been a concern in the field that the SOD1 mouse does not display forelimb motor deficits and does not give researchers a complete picture of the disease. Here, we provide evidence that the SOD1 model does in fact develop early forelimb motor deficits due to the task's ability to assess fine-motor function, reconciling this model with the various clinical presentation of ALS. Taken together, the string-pulling paradigm may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of ALS, offer nuanced evaluation of prospective treatments, and has high translational potential to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sahara Khademullah
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390CERVO Brain Research Centre, Université Laval, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
| | - Yves De Koninck
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390CERVO Brain Research Centre, Université Laval, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
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11
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Barbosa M, Santos M, de Sousa N, Duarte-Silva S, Vaz AR, Salgado AJ, Brites D. Intrathecal Injection of the Secretome from ALS Motor Neurons Regulated for miR-124 Expression Prevents Disease Outcomes in SOD1-G93A Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092120. [PMID: 36140218 PMCID: PMC9496075 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with short life expectancy and no effective therapy. We previously identified upregulated miR-124 in NSC-34-motor neurons (MNs) expressing human SOD1-G93A (mSOD1) and established its implication in mSOD1 MN degeneration and glial cell activation. When anti-miR-124-treated mSOD1 MN (preconditioned) secretome was incubated in spinal cord organotypic cultures from symptomatic mSOD1 mice, the dysregulated homeostatic balance was circumvented. To decipher the therapeutic potential of such preconditioned secretome, we intrathecally injected it in mSOD1 mice at the early stage of the disease (12-week-old). Preconditioned secretome prevented motor impairment and was effective in counteracting muscle atrophy, glial reactivity/dysfunction, and the neurodegeneration of the symptomatic mSOD1 mice. Deficits in corticospinal function and gait abnormalities were precluded, and the loss of gastrocnemius muscle fiber area was avoided. At the molecular level, the preconditioned secretome enhanced NeuN mRNA/protein expression levels and the PSD-95/TREM2/IL-10/arginase 1/MBP/PLP genes, thus avoiding the neuronal/glial cell dysregulation that characterizes ALS mice. It also prevented upregulated GFAP/Cx43/S100B/vimentin and inflammatory-associated miRNAs, specifically miR-146a/miR-155/miR-21, which are displayed by symptomatic animals. Collectively, our study highlights the intrathecal administration of the secretome from anti-miR-124-treated mSOD1 MNs as a therapeutic strategy for halting/delaying disease progression in an ALS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barbosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nídia de Sousa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Vaz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António J. Salgado
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Dora Brites
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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12
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Kirby AJ, Palmer T, Mead RJ, Ichiyama RM, Chakrabarty S. Caudal-Rostral Progression of Alpha Motoneuron Degeneration in the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:983. [PMID: 35624847 PMCID: PMC9137889 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050983] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice with transgenic expression of human SOD1G93A are a widely used model of ALS, with a caudal-rostral progression of motor impairment. Previous studies have quantified the progression of motoneuron (MN) degeneration based on size, even though alpha (α-) and gamma (γ-) MNs overlap in size. Therefore, using molecular markers and synaptic inputs, we quantified the survival of α-MNs and γ-MNs at the lumbar and cervical spinal segments of 3- and 4-month SOD1G93A mice, to investigate whether there is a caudal-rostral progression of MN death. By 3 months, in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord, there was α-MN degeneration with complete γ-MN sparing. At 3 months, the cervical spinal cord had more α-MNs per ventral horn than the lumbar spinal cord in SOD1G93A mice. A similar spatial trend of degeneration was observed in the corticospinal tract, which remained intact in the cervical spinal cord at 3- and 4- months of age. These findings agree with the corticofugal synaptopathy model that α-MNs and CST of the lumbar spinal cord are more susceptible to degeneration in SOD1G93A mice. Hence, there is a spatial and temporal caudal-rostral progression of α-MN and CST degeneration in SOD1G93A mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J. Kirby
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Thomas Palmer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK;
| | - Ronaldo M. Ichiyama
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Samit Chakrabarty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.J.K.); (T.P.); (R.M.I.)
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13
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Broadhead MJ, Bonthron C, Waddington J, Smith WV, Lopez MF, Burley S, Valli J, Zhu F, Komiyama NH, Smith C, Grant SGN, Miles GB. Selective vulnerability of tripartite synapses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:471-486. [PMID: 35305541 PMCID: PMC8960590 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Separate lines of evidence suggest that synapses and astrocytes play a role in the pathological mechanisms underlying ALS. Given that astrocytes make specialised contacts with some synapses, called tripartite synapses, we hypothesise that tripartite synapses could act as the fulcrum of disease in ALS. To test this hypothesis, we have performed an extensive microscopy-based investigation of synapses and tripartite synapses in the spinal cord of ALS model mice and post-mortem human tissue from ALS cases. We reveal widescale synaptic changes at the early symptomatic stages of the SOD1G93a mouse model. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that large complex postsynaptic structures are lost in ALS mice. Most surprisingly, tripartite synapses are selectively lost, while non-tripartite synapses remain in equal number to healthy controls. Finally, we also observe a similar selective loss of tripartite synapses in human post-mortem ALS spinal cords. From these data we conclude that tripartite synaptopathy is a key hallmark of ALS.
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14
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Oya R, Tsukamoto O, Hitsumoto T, Nakahara N, Okamoto C, Matsuoka K, Kato H, Inohara H, Takashima S. Gene Transfer of Skeletal Muscle-Type Myosin Light Chain Kinase via Adeno-Associated Virus 6 Improves Muscle Functions in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1747. [PMID: 35163674 PMCID: PMC8836241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031747] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that shows progressive muscle weakness. A few treatments exist including symptomatic therapies, which can prolong survival or reduce a symptom; however, no fundamental therapies have been found. As a therapeutic strategy, enhancing muscle force is important for patients' quality of life. In this study, we focused on skeletal muscle-specific myosin regulatory light chain kinase (skMLCK), which potentially enhances muscle contraction, as overexpression of skMLCK was thought to improve muscle function. The adeno-associated virus serotype 6 encoding skMLCK (AAV6/skMLCK) and eGFP (control) was produced and injected intramuscularly into the lower limbs of SOD1G37R mice, which are a familial ALS model. AAV6/skMLCK showed the successful expression of skMLCK in the muscle tissues. Although the control did not affect the muscle force in both of the WT and SOD1G37R mice, AAV6/skMLCK enhanced the twitch force of SOD1G37R mice and the tetanic force of WT and SOD1G37R mice. These results indicate that overexpression of skMLCK can enhance the tetanic force of healthy muscle as well as rescue weakened muscle function. In conclusion, the gene transfer of skMLCK has the potential to be a new therapy for ALS as well as for other neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Oya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Osamu Tsukamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Tatsuro Hitsumoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Naoya Nakahara
- Department of Molecular Physiology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan;
| | - Chisato Okamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Ken Matsuoka
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Hisakazu Kato
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Hidenori Inohara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Frontier Biosciences, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (R.O.); (T.H.); (C.O.); (K.M.); (H.K.); (S.T.)
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15
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Sheppard K, Gardin J, Sabnis GS, Peer A, Darrell M, Deats S, Geuther B, Lutz CM, Kumar V. Stride-level analysis of mouse open field behavior using deep-learning-based pose estimation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110231. [PMID: 35021077 PMCID: PMC8796662 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait and posture are often perturbed in many neurological, neuromuscular, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Rodents provide a tractable model for elucidating disease mechanisms and interventions. Here, we develop a neural-network-based assay that adopts the commonly used open field apparatus for mouse gait and posture analysis. We quantitate both with high precision across 62 strains of mice. We characterize four mutants with known gait deficits and demonstrate that multiple autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models show gait and posture deficits, implying this is a general feature of ASD. Mouse gait and posture measures are highly heritable and fall into three distinct classes. We conduct a genome-wide association study to define the genetic architecture of stride-level mouse movement in the open field. We provide a method for gait and posture extraction from the open field and one of the largest laboratory mouse gait and posture data resources for the research community. Sheppard et al. present a method for gait and posture analysis in the common open field apparatus using neural-network-based pose estimation. They apply this high-throughput method to dissect the genetic architecture of mouse movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Sheppard
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Justin Gardin
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Gautam S Sabnis
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Asaf Peer
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Megan Darrell
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Sean Deats
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Brian Geuther
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Cathleen M Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Vivek Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
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16
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Durand J, Filipchuk A. Electrical and Morphological Properties of Developing Motoneurons in Postnatal Mice and Early Abnormalities in SOD1 Transgenic Mice. Adv Neurobiol 2022; 28:353-373. [PMID: 36066832 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_14] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review electrical and morphological properties of lumbar motoneurons during postnatal development in wild-type (WT) and transgenic superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mice, models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First we showed that sensorimotor reflexes do not develop normally in transgenic SOD1G85R pups. Fictive locomotor activity recorded in in vitro whole brainstem/spinal cord preparations was not induced in these transgenic SOD1G85R mice using NMDA and 5HT in contrast to WT mice. Further, abnormal electrical properties were detected as early as the second postnatal week in lumbar motoneurons of SOD1 mice while they develop clinical symptoms several months after birth. We compared two different strains of mice (G85R and G93A) at the same postnatal period using intracellular recordings and patch clamp recordings of WT and SOD1 motoneurons. We defined three types of motoneurons according to their discharge firing pattern (transient, sustained and delayed onset firing) when motor units are not yet mature. The delayed-onset firing motoneurons had the higher rheobase compared to the transient and sustained firing groups in the WT mice. We demonstrated hypoexcitability in the delayed onset-firing motoneurons of SOD1 mice. Intracellular staining of motoneurons revealed dendritic overbranching in SOD1 lumbar motoneurons that was more pronounced in the sustained firing motoneurons. We suggested that motoneuronal hypoexcitability is an early pathological sign affecting a subset of lumbar motoneurons in the spinal cord of SOD1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Durand
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (INT) P3M team, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, cedex 05, France.
| | - Anton Filipchuk
- Department for Integrative and Computational Neuroscience (ICN), Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (NeuroPSI), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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17
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Collibee SE, Bergnes G, Chuang C, Ashcraft L, Gardina J, Garard M, Jamison CR, Lu K, Lu PP, Muci A, Romero A, Valkevich E, Wang W, Warrington J, Yao B, Durham N, Hartman J, Marquez A, Hinken A, Schaletzky J, Xu D, Hwee DT, Morgans D, Malik FI, Morgan BP. Discovery of Reldesemtiv, a Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin Activator for the Treatment of Impaired Muscle Function. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14930-14941. [PMID: 34636234 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of reldesemtiv, a second-generation fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) that increases force production at submaximal stimulation frequencies, is reported. Property-based optimization of high throughput screening hit 1 led to compounds with improved free exposure and in vivo muscle activation potency compared to the first-generation FSTA, tirasemtiv. Reldesemtiv demonstrated increased muscle force generation in a phase 1 clinical trial and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Collibee
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Gustave Bergnes
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Chihyuan Chuang
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Luke Ashcraft
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeffrey Gardina
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Marc Garard
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Chris R Jamison
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kevin Lu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Pu-Ping Lu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Alexander Muci
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Antonio Romero
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ellen Valkevich
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wenyue Wang
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeffrey Warrington
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bing Yao
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Nickie Durham
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - James Hartman
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Anna Marquez
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Hinken
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Donghong Xu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - David Morgans
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Fady I Malik
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bradley P Morgan
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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18
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Roesl C, Evans ER, Dissanayake KN, Boczonadi V, Jones RA, Jordan GR, Ledahawsky L, Allen GCC, Scott M, Thomson A, Wishart TM, Hughes DI, Mead RJ, Shone CC, Slater CR, Gillingwater TH, Skehel PA, Ribchester RR. Confocal Endomicroscopy of Neuromuscular Junctions Stained with Physiologically Inert Protein Fragments of Tetanus Toxin. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1499. [PMID: 34680132 PMCID: PMC8534034 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101499] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Live imaging of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in situ has been constrained by the suitability of ligands for inert vital staining of motor nerve terminals. Here, we constructed several truncated derivatives of the tetanus toxin C-fragment (TetC) fused with Emerald Fluorescent Protein (emGFP). Four constructs, namely full length emGFP-TetC (emGFP-865:TetC) or truncations comprising amino acids 1066-1315 (emGFP-1066:TetC), 1093-1315 (emGFP-1093:TetC) and 1109-1315 (emGFP-1109:TetC), produced selective, high-contrast staining of motor nerve terminals in rodent or human muscle explants. Isometric tension and intracellular recordings of endplate potentials from mouse muscles indicated that neither full-length nor truncated emGFP-TetC constructs significantly impaired NMJ function or transmission. Motor nerve terminals stained with emGFP-TetC constructs were readily visualised in situ or in isolated preparations using fibre-optic confocal endomicroscopy (CEM). emGFP-TetC derivatives and CEM also visualised regenerated NMJs. Dual-waveband CEM imaging of preparations co-stained with fluorescent emGFP-TetC constructs and Alexa647-α-bungarotoxin resolved innervated from denervated NMJs in axotomized WldS mouse muscle and degenerating NMJs in transgenic SOD1G93A mouse muscle. Our findings highlight the region of the TetC fragment required for selective binding and visualisation of motor nerve terminals and show that fluorescent derivatives of TetC are suitable for in situ morphological and physiological characterisation of healthy, injured and diseased NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Roesl
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Elizabeth R. Evans
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (E.R.E.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Kosala N. Dissanayake
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Veronika Boczonadi
- Applied Neuromuscular Junction Facility, Bio-Imaging Unit, Biosciences Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (V.B.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Ross A. Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Graeme R. Jordan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Leire Ledahawsky
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Guy C. C. Allen
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Molly Scott
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Alanna Thomson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Thomas M. Wishart
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - David I. Hughes
- Spinal Cord Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK;
| | - Clifford C. Shone
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (E.R.E.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Clarke R. Slater
- Applied Neuromuscular Junction Facility, Bio-Imaging Unit, Biosciences Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (V.B.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Paul A. Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
| | - Richard R. Ribchester
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; (C.R.); (K.N.D.); (R.A.J.); (G.R.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.C.A.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (T.H.G.)
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19
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Keerie A, Brown-Wright H, Kirkland I, Grierson A, Alix JJP, Holscher C, Mead RJ. The GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, fails to slow disease progression in SOD1 G93A and TDP-43 Q331K transgenic mouse models of ALS. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17027. [PMID: 34426623 PMCID: PMC8382676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96418-0] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GLP-1 receptor agonists used for the treatment of diabetes, have shown some neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). There are currently few studies investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of ALS, where these neuroprotective effects may be beneficial. Here we investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in two well characterised transgenic mouse models of ALS (SOD1G93A and TDP-43Q331K) to determine if liraglutide could be a potential treatment in ALS patients. Doses of liraglutide previously shown to have efficacy in AD and PD mouse models were used. Behavioural testing was carried out to ascertain the effect of liraglutide on disease progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue was used to determine any neuroprotective effects on the CNS. We found that liraglutide dosed animals showed no significant differences in disease progression when compared to vehicle dosed animals in either the SOD1G93A or TDP-43Q331K mouse models of ALS. We also observed no changes in motor neuron counts or glial activation in lumbar spinal cords of liraglutide treated mice compared to vehicle dosed mice. Overall, we found no evidence to support clinical evaluation of liraglutide as a potential candidate for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Keerie
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Heledd Brown-Wright
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Isaac Kirkland
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - James J P Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christian Holscher
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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20
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Watkins JA, Alix JJP, Shaw PJ, Mead RJ. Extensive phenotypic characterisation of a human TDP-43 Q331K transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Sci Rep 2021; 11:16659. [PMID: 34404845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96122-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of preclinical studies in ALS have relied on transgenic models with overexpression of mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), widely regarded to have failed in terms of translation of therapeutic effects. However, there are still no widely accepted models of other genetic subtypes of ALS. The majority of patients show ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kilodaltons (TDP-43) in spinal motor neurons at the end stage of disease and a small proportion have mutations in TARDBP, the gene encoding TDP-43. TDP-43 transgenic mouse models have been produced, but have not been widely adopted. Here, we characterised one of these models available from the Jackson Laboratory in detail. Compared to TDP-43WT mice, TDP-43Q331K mice had 43% less hindlimb muscle mass at 6 months and a 73% reduction in hindlimb compound muscle action potential at 8 months of age. Rotarod and gait analysis indicated motor system decline with elevated weight gain. At the molecular level, the lack of TDP-43 cellular pathology was confirmed with a surprising increase in nuclear TDP-43 in motor neurons. Power analysis indicated group sizes of 12–14 mice are needed to detect 10–20% changes in measured parameters with a power of 80%, providing valid readouts for preclinical testing. Overall, this model may represent a useful component of multi-model pre-clinical therapeutic studies for ALS.
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21
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Post J, Schaffrath A, Gering I, Hartwig S, Lehr S, Shah NJ, Langen KJ, Willbold D, Kutzsche J, Willuweit A. Oral Treatment with RD2RD2 Impedes Development of Motoric Phenotype and Delays Symptom Onset in SOD1 G93A Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137066. [PMID: 34209129 PMCID: PMC8269060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137066] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It has been implicated as driver of disease progression and is observed in ALS patients, as well as in the transgenic SOD1G93A mouse model. Here, we explore and validate the therapeutic potential of the d-enantiomeric peptide RD2RD2 upon oral administration in SOD1G93A mice. Transgenic mice were treated daily with RD2RD2 or placebo for 10 weeks and phenotype progression was followed with several behavioural tests. At the end of the study, plasma cytokine levels and glia cell markers in brain and spinal cord were analysed. Treatment resulted in a significantly increased performance in behavioural and motor coordination tests and a decelerated neurodegenerative phenotype in RD2RD2-treated SOD1G93A mice. Additionally, we observed retardation of the average disease onset. Treatment of SOD1G93A mice led to significant reduction in glial cell activation and a rescue of neurons. Analysis of plasma revealed normalisation of several cytokines in samples of RD2RD2-treated SOD1G93A mice towards the levels of non-transgenic mice. In conclusion, these findings qualify RD2RD2 to be considered for further development and testing towards a disease modifying ALS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Post
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (A.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Anja Schaffrath
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (A.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Ian Gering
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (A.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Sonja Hartwig
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.); (S.L.)
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Partner Düsseldorf, 85764 München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Lehr
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.); (S.L.)
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Partner Düsseldorf, 85764 München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 11, INM-11, JARA, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- JARA-Brain-Translational Medicine, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (A.S.); (I.G.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.K.); (A.W.); Tel.: +49-2461-612100 (D.W.); +49-2461-619496 (J.K.); +49-2461-6196358 (A.W.); Fax: +49-2461-612023 (D.W.); +49-2461-619497 (J.K.); +49-2461-612302 (A.W.)
| | - Janine Kutzsche
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (A.S.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.K.); (A.W.); Tel.: +49-2461-612100 (D.W.); +49-2461-619496 (J.K.); +49-2461-6196358 (A.W.); Fax: +49-2461-612023 (D.W.); +49-2461-619497 (J.K.); +49-2461-612302 (A.W.)
| | - Antje Willuweit
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.K.); (A.W.); Tel.: +49-2461-612100 (D.W.); +49-2461-619496 (J.K.); +49-2461-6196358 (A.W.); Fax: +49-2461-612023 (D.W.); +49-2461-619497 (J.K.); +49-2461-612302 (A.W.)
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22
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Leek CC, Soulas JM, Bhattacharya I, Ganji E, Locke RC, Smith MC, Bhavsar JD, Polson SW, Ornitz DM, Killian ML. Deletion of Fibroblast growth factor 9 globally and in skeletal muscle results in enlarged tuberosities at sites of deltoid tendon attachments. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1778-1795. [PMID: 34091985 PMCID: PMC8639753 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growth of most bony tuberosities, like the deltoid tuberosity (DT), rely on the transmission of muscle forces at the tendon-bone attachment during skeletal growth. Tuberosities distribute muscle forces and provide mechanical leverage at attachment sites for joint stability and mobility. The genetic factors that regulate tuberosity growth remain largely unknown. In mouse embryos with global deletion of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), the DT size is notably enlarged. In this study, we explored the tissue-specific regulation of DT size using both global and targeted deletion of Fgf9. RESULTS We showed that cell hypertrophy and mineralization dynamics of the DT, as well as transcriptional signatures from skeletal muscle but not bone, were influenced by the global loss of Fgf9. Loss of Fgf9 during embryonic growth led to increased chondrocyte hypertrophy and reduced cell proliferation at the DT attachment site. This endured hypertrophy and limited proliferation may explain the abnormal mineralization patterns and locally dysregulated expression of markers of endochondral development in Fgf9null attachments. We then showed that targeted deletion of Fgf9 in skeletal muscle leads to postnatal enlargement of the DT. CONCLUSION Taken together, we discovered that Fgf9 may play an influential role in muscle-bone cross-talk during embryonic and postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor C Leek
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Soulas
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Iman Bhattacharya
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Elahe Ganji
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ryan C Locke
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Megan C Smith
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jaysheel D Bhavsar
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Shawn W Polson
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - David M Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Megan L Killian
- College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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23
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Plesia M, Stevens OA, Lloyd GR, Kendall CA, Coldicott I, Kennerley AJ, Miller G, Shaw PJ, Mead RJ, Day JCC, Alix JJP. In Vivo Fiber Optic Raman Spectroscopy of Muscle in Preclinical Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1768-1776. [PMID: 33950665 PMCID: PMC8154326 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases result in muscle weakness, disability, and, in many instances, death. Preclinical models form the bedrock of research into these disorders, and the development of in vivo and potentially translational biomarkers for the accurate identification of disease is crucial. Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy can provide a rapid, label-free, and highly specific molecular fingerprint of tissue, making it an attractive potential biomarker. In this study, we have developed and tested an in vivo intramuscular fiber optic Raman technique in two mouse models of devastating human neuromuscular diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (SOD1G93A and mdx, respectively). The method identified diseased and healthy muscle with high classification accuracies (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC): 0.76-0.92). In addition, changes in diseased muscle over time were also identified (AUROCs 0.89-0.97). Key spectral changes related to proteins and the loss of α-helix protein structure. Importantly, in vivo recording did not cause functional motor impairment and only a limited, resolving tissue injury was seen on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Lastly, we demonstrate that ex vivo muscle from human patients with these conditions produced similar spectra to those observed in mice. We conclude that spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of muscle shows promise as a translational research tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Plesia
- Sheffield
Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Oliver A. Stevens
- Interface
Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University
of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Gavin R. Lloyd
- Phenome
Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Biophotonics
Research Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester GL1 3NN, UK
| | - Catherine A. Kendall
- Biophotonics
Research Unit, Gloucestershire Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester GL1 3NN, UK
| | - Ian Coldicott
- Sheffield
Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | | | - Gaynor Miller
- Department
of Oncology and Metabolism, University of
Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield
Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Cross-Faculty
Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield
Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Cross-Faculty
Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - John C. C. Day
- Interface
Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University
of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK
| | - James J. P. Alix
- Sheffield
Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Cross-Faculty
Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
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24
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Ciervo Y, Gatto N, Allen C, Grierson A, Ferraiuolo L, Mead RJ, Shaw PJ. Adipose-derived stem cells protect motor neurons and reduce glial activation in both in vitro and in vivo models of ALS. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:413-433. [PMID: 33869658 PMCID: PMC8044387 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition for which new therapeutic options are urgently needed. We injected GFP+ adipose-derived stem cells (EGFP-ADSCs) directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of transgenic SOD1G93A mice, a well-characterized model of familial ALS. Despite short-term survival of the injected cells and limited engraftment efficiency, EGFP-ADSCs improved motor function and delayed disease onset by promoting motor neuron (MN) survival and reducing glial activation. We then tested the in vitro neuroprotective potential of mouse ADSCs in astrocyte/MN co-cultures where ALS astrocytes show neurotoxicity. ADSCs were able to rescue MN death caused by ALS astrocytes derived from symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. Further, ADSCs were found to reduce the inflammatory signature of ALS astrocytes by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and inducing the secretion of neuroprotective factors. Finally, mouse ADSCs were able to protect MNs from the neurotoxicity mediated by human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) derived from patients with either sporadic or familial ALS, thus for the first time showing the potential therapeutic translation of ADSCs across the spectrum of human ALS. These data in two translational models of ALS show that, through paracrine mechanisms, ADSCs support MN survival and modulate the toxic microenvironment that contributes to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Ciervo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Noemi Gatto
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Chloe Allen
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Andrew Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Richard J. Mead, PhD, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
- Corresponding author: Pamela J. Shaw, Professor, Dame, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, 385 Glossop Rd., Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
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25
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Post J, Kogel V, Schaffrath A, Lohmann P, Shah NJ, Langen KJ, Willbold D, Willuweit A, Kutzsche J. A Novel Anti-Inflammatory d-Peptide Inhibits Disease Phenotype Progression in an ALS Mouse Model. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061590. [PMID: 33805709 PMCID: PMC7999518 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by selective neuronal death in the brain stem and spinal cord. The cause is unknown, but an increasing amount of evidence has firmly certified that neuroinflammation plays a key role in ALS pathogenesis. Neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders and has been implicated as driver of disease progression. Here, we describe a treatment study demonstrating the therapeutic potential of a tandem version of the well-known all-d-peptide RD2 (RD2RD2) in a transgenic mouse model of ALS (SOD1*G93A). Mice were treated intraperitoneally for four weeks with RD2RD2 vs. placebo. SOD1*G93A mice were tested longitudinally during treatment in various behavioural and motor coordination tests. Brain and spinal cord samples were investigated immunohistochemically for gliosis and neurodegeneration. RD2RD2 treatment in SOD1*G93A mice resulted not only in a reduction of activated astrocytes and microglia in both the brain stem and lumbar spinal cord, but also in a rescue of neurons in the motor cortex. RD2RD2 treatment was able to slow progression of the disease phenotype, especially the motor deficits, to an extent that during the four weeks treatment duration, no significant progression was observed in any of the motor experiments. Based on the presented results, we conclude that RD2RD2 is a potential therapeutic candidate against ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Post
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, IBI-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (V.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Vanessa Kogel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, IBI-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (V.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Anja Schaffrath
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, IBI-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (V.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Philipp Lohmann
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (P.L.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (P.L.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 11, INM-11, JARA, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- JARA-Brain-Translational Medicine, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (P.L.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, IBI-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (V.K.); (A.S.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (A.W.); (J.K.); Tel.: +49-2461-619496 (J.K.)
| | - Antje Willuweit
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (P.L.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (A.W.); (J.K.); Tel.: +49-2461-619496 (J.K.)
| | - Janine Kutzsche
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, IBI-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (J.P.); (V.K.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (A.W.); (J.K.); Tel.: +49-2461-619496 (J.K.)
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Watkins J, Ghosh A, Keerie AFA, Alix JJP, Mead RJ, Sreedharan J. Female sex mitigates motor and behavioural phenotypes in TDP-43 Q331K knock-in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19220. [PMID: 33154447 PMCID: PMC7645778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are overlapping neurodegenerative disorders. ALS is more commonly seen in men than women and the same may be the case for FTD. Preclinical models demonstrating sex-specific vulnerability may help to understand female resistance to ALS-FTD and thereby identify routes to therapy. We previously characterised a TDP-43Q331K knock-in mouse, which demonstrated behavioural phenotypes reminiscent of ALS-FTD in males. Here we present our behavioural observations of female TDP-43Q331K mutants. Female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice displayed increased weight relative to wild-type and increased food intake at 20 months of age, much later than previously observed in male mutants. Spontaneous digging behaviour was initially normal and only declined in mutants in the second year of life. Gait analysis using Catwalk (https://www.noldus.com/catwalk-xt) found significant deficits in the second year of life, while nocturnal running behaviour was attenuated from ~ 250 days of life. These results indicate that while female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice do display progressive behavioural phenotypes, these are less severe than we previously noted in male mutants. Further studies of male and female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice may help to unravel the mechanisms underlying sex-specific vulnerability in ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Watkins
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Anshua Ghosh
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Amy F A Keerie
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - James J P Alix
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Richard J Mead
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, UK.
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Simanaviciute U, Ahmed J, Brown RE, Connor-Robson N, Farr TD, Fertan E, Gambles N, Garland H, Morton AJ, Staiger JF, Skillings EA, Trueman RC, Wade-Martins R, Wood NI, Wong AA, Grant RA. Recommendations for measuring whisker movements and locomotion in mice with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 331:108532. [PMID: 31785300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have measured whisker movements and locomotion to characterise mouse models of neurodegenerative disease. However, these studies have always been completed in isolation, and do not involve standardized procedures for comparisons across multiple mouse models and background strains. NEW METHOD We present a standard method for conducting whisker movement and locomotion studies, by carrying out qualitative scoring and quantitative measurement of whisker movements from high-speed video footage of mouse models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, Somatosensory Cortex Development and Ischemic stroke. RESULTS Sex, background strain, source breeder and genotype all affected whisker movements. All mouse models, apart from Parkinson's disease, revealed differences in whisker movements during locomotion. R6/2 CAG250 Huntington's disease mice had the strongest behavioural phenotype. Robo3R3-5-CKO and RIM-DKOSert mouse models have abnormal somatosensory cortex development and revealed significant changes in whisker movements during object exploration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Our results have good agreement with past studies, which indicates the robustness and reliability of measuring whisking. We recommend that differences in whisker movements of mice with motor deficits can be captured in open field arenas, but that mice with impairments to sensory or cognitive functioning should also be filmed investigating objects. Scoring clips qualitatively before tracking will help to structure later analyses. CONCLUSIONS Studying whisker movements provides a quantitative measure of sensing, motor control and exploration. However, the effect of background strain, sex and age on whisker movements needs to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Simanaviciute
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jewel Ahmed
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Tracy D Farr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nikki Gambles
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L2 2QP, UK
| | - Huw Garland
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Jochen F Staiger
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A Skillings
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Rebecca C Trueman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nigel I Wood
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Aimee A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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28
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Landoni LM, Myles JR, Wells TL, Mayer WP, Akay T. Cholinergic modulation of motor neurons through the C-boutons are necessary for the locomotor compensation for severe motor neuron loss during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression. Behav Brain Res 2019; 369:111914. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Van Acker ZP, Declerck K, Luyckx E, Vanden Berghe W, Dewilde S. Non-Methylation-Linked Mechanism of REST-Induced Neuroglobin Expression Impacts Mitochondrial Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroscience 2019; 412:233-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Fernandes JG, Franco NH, Grierson AJ, Hultgren J, Furley AJW, Olsson IAS. Methodological standards, quality of reporting and regulatory compliance in animal research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sci 2019; 3:e000016. [PMID: 35047680 PMCID: PMC8715942 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2018-000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research community was one of the first to adopt methodology guidelines to improve preclinical research reproducibility. We here present the results of a systematic review to investigate how the standards in this field changed over the 10-year period during which the guidelines were first published (2007) and updated (2010). Methods We searched for papers reporting ALS research on SOD1 (superoxide dismutase 1) mice published between 2005 and 2015 on the ISI Web of Science database, resulting in a sample of 569 papers to review, after triage. Two scores-one for methodological quality, one for regulatory compliance-were built from weighted sums of separate sets of items, and subjected to multivariable regression analysis, to assess how these related to publication year, type of study, country of origin and journal. Results Reporting standards improved over time. Of papers published after the first ALS guidelines were made public, fewer than 9% referred specifically to these. Of key research parameters, only three (genetic background, number of transgenes and group size) were reported in >50% of the papers. Information on housing conditions, randomisation and blinding was absent in over two-thirds of the papers. Group size was among the best reported parameters, but the majority reported using fewer than the recommended sample size and only two studies clearly justified group size. Conclusions General methodological standards improved gradually over a period of 8-10 years, but remained generally comparable with related fields with no specific guidelines, except with regard to severity. Only 11% of ALS studies were classified in the highest severity level (animals allowed to reach death or moribund stages), substantially below the proportion in studies of comparable neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's. The existence of field-specific guidelines, although a welcome indication of concern, seems insufficient to ensure adherence to high methodological standards. Other mechanisms may be required to improve methodological and welfare standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana G Fernandes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno H Franco
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrew J Grierson
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jan Hultgren
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Andrew J W Furley
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - I Anna S Olsson
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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31
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Pigna E, Simonazzi E, Sanna K, Bernadzki KM, Proszynski T, Heil C, Palacios D, Adamo S, Moresi V. Histone deacetylase 4 protects from denervation and skeletal muscle atrophy in a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EBioMedicine 2019; 40:717-32. [PMID: 30713114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) has been proposed as a target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) because it mediates nerve-skeletal muscle interaction and since its expression in skeletal muscle correlates with the severity of the disease. However, our recent studies on the skeletal muscle response upon long-term denervation highlighted the importance of HDAC4 in maintaining muscle integrity. Methods To fully identify the yet uncharacterized HDAC4 functions in ALS, we genetically deleted HDAC4 in skeletal muscles of a mouse model of ALS. Body weight, skeletal muscle, innervation and spinal cord were analyzed over time by morphological and molecular analyses. Transcriptome analysis was also performed to delineate the signaling modulated by HDAC4 in skeletal muscle of a mouse model of ALS. Findings HDAC4 deletion in skeletal muscle caused earlier ALS onset, characterized by body weight loss, muscle denervation and atrophy, and compromised muscle performance, although the main catabolic pathways were not activated. Transcriptome analysis identified the gene networks modulated by HDAC4 in ALS, revealing UCP1 as a top regulator that may be implicated in worsening ALS features. Interpretation HDAC4 plays an important role in preserving innervations and skeletal muscle in ALS, likely by modulating the UCP1 gene network. Our study highlights a possible risk in considering HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of ALS. Fund This work was supported by FIRB grant (RBFR12BUMH) from Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, by Fondazione Veronesi, by Sapienza research project 2017 (RM11715C78539BD8) and Polish National Science Center grant (UMO-2016/21/B/NZ3/03638).
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Iannitti T, Scarrott JM, Likhite S, Coldicott IRP, Lewis KE, Heath PR, Higginbottom A, Myszczynska MA, Milo M, Hautbergue GM, Meyer K, Kaspar BK, Ferraiuolo L, Shaw PJ, Azzouz M. Translating SOD1 Gene Silencing toward the Clinic: A Highly Efficacious, Off-Target-free, and Biomarker-Supported Strategy for fALS. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2018; 12:75-88. [PMID: 30195799 PMCID: PMC6023790 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) cases, 20% are caused by mutations in the gene encoding human cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (hSOD1). Efficient translation of the therapeutic potential of RNAi for the treatment of SOD1-ALS patients requires the development of vectors that are free of significant off-target effects and with reliable biomarkers to discern sufficient target engagement and correct dosing. Using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 to deliver RNAi against hSOD1 in the SOD1G93A mouse model, we found that intrathecal injection of the therapeutic vector via the cisterna magna delayed onset of disease, decreased motor neuron death at end stage by up to 88%, and prolonged the median survival of SOD1G93A mice by up to 42%. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate no significant off-target effects linked to hSOD1 silencing, providing further confidence in the specificity of this approach. We also report the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hSOD1 protein levels as a biomarker of effective dosing and efficacy of hSOD1 knockdown. Together, these data provide further confidence in the safety of the clinical therapeutic vector. The CSF biomarker will be a useful measure of biological activity for translation into human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Iannitti
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joseph M Scarrott
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Shibi Likhite
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ian R P Coldicott
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Katherine E Lewis
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Monika A Myszczynska
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marta Milo
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Guillaume M Hautbergue
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK.
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Gatto RG, Li W, Gao J, Magin RL. In vivo diffusion MRI detects early spinal cord axonal pathology in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NMR Biomed 2018; 31:e3954. [PMID: 30117615 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3954] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibits contrast that identifies macro- and microstructural changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown that MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can observe changes in spinal cord white matter in animals and humans affected with symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The goal of this preclinical work was to investigate the sensitivity of DTI for the detection of signs of tissue damage before symptoms appear. High-field MRI data were acquired using a 9.4-T animal scanner to examine the spinal cord of an ALS mouse model at pre- and post-symptomatic stages (days 80 and 120, respectively). The MRI results were validated using yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) via optical microscopy of spinal cord tissue slices collected from the YFP,G93A-SOD1 mouse strain. DTI maps of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signal intensity, mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were computed for axial slices of the lumbar region of the spinal cord. Significant changes were observed in FA (6.7% decrease, p < 0.01), AD (19.5% decrease, p < 0.01) and RD (16.1% increase, p < 0.001) at postnatal day 80 (P80). These differences were correlated with changes in axonal fluorescence intensity and membrane cellular markers. This study demonstrates the value of DTI as a potential tool to detect the underlying pathological progression associated with ALS, and may accelerate the discovery of therapeutic strategies for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo G Gatto
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Weiguo Li
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Bioengineering, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jin Gao
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Bioengineering, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard L Magin
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Bioengineering, Chicago, IL, USA
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Madaro L, Passafaro M, Sala D, Etxaniz U, Lugarini F, Proietti D, Alfonsi MV, Nicoletti C, Gatto S, De Bardi M, Rojas-García R, Giordani L, Marinelli S, Pagliarini V, Sette C, Sacco A, Puri PL. Denervation-activated STAT3-IL-6 signalling in fibro-adipogenic progenitors promotes myofibres atrophy and fibrosis. Nat Cell Biol 2018; 20:917-927. [PMID: 30050118 PMCID: PMC6145844 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [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: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are typically activated in response to muscle injury, and establish functional interactions with inflammatory and muscle stem cells (MuSCs) to promote muscle repair. We found that denervation causes progressive accumulation of FAPs, without concomitant infiltration of macrophages and MuSC-mediated regeneration. Denervation-activated FAPs exhibited persistent STAT3 activation and secreted elevated levels of IL-6, which promoted muscle atrophy and fibrosis. FAPs with aberrant activation of STAT3-IL-6 signalling were also found in mouse models of spinal cord injury, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in muscles of ALS patients. Inactivation of STAT3-IL-6 signalling in FAPs effectively countered muscle atrophy and fibrosis in mouse models of acute denervation and ALS (SODG93A mice). Activation of pathogenic FAPs following loss of integrity of neuromuscular junctions further illustrates the functional versatility of FAPs in response to homeostatic perturbations and suggests their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of neuromuscular diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Adipogenesis/drug effects
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/metabolism
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/pathology
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/prevention & control
- Animals
- Cardiotoxins
- Cell Line
- Coculture Techniques
- Denervation/methods
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscular Atrophy/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy/metabolism
- Muscular Atrophy/pathology
- Muscular Atrophy/prevention & control
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/metabolism
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/pathology
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/prevention & control
- Mutation
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/drug effects
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/metabolism
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/pathology
- Neuromuscular Agents/pharmacology
- Quadriceps Muscle/drug effects
- Quadriceps Muscle/innervation
- Quadriceps Muscle/metabolism
- Quadriceps Muscle/pathology
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/antagonists & inhibitors
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Sciatic Nerve/surgery
- Signal Transduction
- Spinal Cord Injuries/genetics
- Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism
- Spinal Cord Injuries/pathology
- Spinal Cord Injuries/prevention & control
- Superoxide Dismutase-1/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magda Passafaro
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - David Sala
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Usue Etxaniz
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Daisy Proietti
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Nicoletti
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sole Gatto
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Rojas-García
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research into Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Giordani
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Center for Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Sara Marinelli
- CNR - National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Roma, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Institute Of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sacco
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pier Lorenzo Puri
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Maimon R, Ionescu A, Bonnie A, Sweetat S, Wald-Altman S, Inbar S, Gradus T, Trotti D, Weil M, Behar O, Perlson E. miR126-5p Downregulation Facilitates Axon Degeneration and NMJ Disruption via a Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanism in ALS. J Neurosci 2018; 38:5478-94. [PMID: 29773756 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3037-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration and disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are key events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Although the disease's etiology is not fully understood, it is thought to involve a non-cell-autonomous mechanism and alterations in RNA metabolism. Here, we identified reduced levels of miR126-5p in presymptomatic ALS male mice models, and an increase in its targets: axon destabilizing Type 3 Semaphorins and their coreceptor Neuropilins. Using compartmentalized in vitro cocultures, we demonstrated that myocytes expressing diverse ALS-causing mutations promote axon degeneration and NMJ dysfunction, which were inhibited by applying Neuropilin1 blocking antibody. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue axon degeneration and NMJ disruption both in vitro and in vivo Thus, we demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying ALS pathology, in which alterations in miR126-5p facilitate a non-cell-autonomous mechanism of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite some progress, currently no effective treatment is available for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We suggest a novel regulatory role for miR126-5p in ALS and demonstrate, for the first time, a mechanism by which alterations in miR126-5p contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption observed in ALS. We show that miR126-5p is altered in ALS models and that it can modulate Sema3 and NRP protein expression. Furthermore, NRP1 elevations in motor neurons and muscle secretion of Sema3A contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption in ALS. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue NMJ disruption and axon degeneration both in vitro and in vivo.
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Ciervo Y, Ning K, Jun X, Shaw PJ, Mead RJ. Advances, challenges and future directions for stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:85. [PMID: 29132389 PMCID: PMC5683324 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0227-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition where loss of motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord leads to muscle atrophy, weakness, paralysis and ultimately death within 3–5 years from onset of symptoms. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying the disease pathology are not fully understood and neuroprotective treatment options are minimally effective. In recent years, stem cell transplantation as a new therapy for ALS patients has been extensively investigated, becoming an intense and debated field of study. In several preclinical studies using the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS, stem cells were demonstrated to be neuroprotective, effectively delayed disease onset and extended survival. Despite substantial improvements in stem cell technology and promising results in preclinical studies, several questions still remain unanswered, such as the identification of the most suitable and beneficial cell source, cell dose, route of delivery and therapeutic mechanisms. This review will cover publications in this field and comprehensively discuss advances, challenges and future direction regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells in ALS, with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, given their high proliferation activity, immunomodulation, multi-differentiation potential, and the capacity to secrete neuroprotective factors, adult mesenchymal stem cells represent a promising candidate for clinical translation. However, technical hurdles such as optimal dose, differentiation state, route of administration, and the underlying potential therapeutic mechanisms still need to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Ciervo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK.,Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Rd, Yangpu Qu, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Ning
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK.,Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Rd, Yangpu Qu, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Jun
- Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Rd, Yangpu Qu, Shanghai, China
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd S10 2HQ, Sheffield, UK.
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Kameda T, Kaneuchi Y, Sekiguchi M, Konno SI. Measurement of mechanical withdrawal thresholds and gait analysis using the CatWalk method in a nucleus pulposus-applied rodent model. J Exp Orthop 2017; 4:31. [PMID: 28971381 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-017-0105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are some previous reports of gait analysis using a rodent pain model. Applying the CatWalk method, objective measurements of pain-related behavior could be evaluated, but this method has not been investigated using the nucleus pulposus (NP) applied model, which was developed as a model of lumber disc herniation. We aimed to measure mechanical withdrawal thresholds and analyze gait patterns using the CatWalk method for the evaluation of the pain-related behavior caused by NP application. Methods Twenty-four nine-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups, the NP group (n = 12), in which autologous NP from the tail was applied to the left L5 dorsal root ganglion, and the sham-operated group (n = 12). Measurements of mechanical withdrawal thresholds were performed using von Frey filaments touching the left footpads, and gait analysis was performed using the CatWalk method. These experiments were conducted 1 day before surgery and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. Data were statistically analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results The NP group showed significantly lower withdrawal thresholds than the sham group at days 14 and 21. Stand (duration of contact of a paw with the glass plate) was significantly higher in the NP group at days 7 and 14, whereas step cycle (duration between two consecutive initial contacts of the same paw) and duty cycle (stand as a percentage of step cycle) were the same at day 7. Long initial dual stance (duration of ground contact for both hind paws simultaneously, but the first one in a step cycle of a target hind paw) of the right hind paw was measured at days 7 and 14. The left hind paw per right hind paw ratio of the stand index (speed at which the paw loses contact with the glass plate) and mean intensity (mean intensity of the complete paw) changed at day 7 or 14. Phase dispersion (parameter describing the temporal relationship between placement of two paws) of the hind paws decreased at day 7. Conclusions Rats with applied NP showed a decreased withdrawal threshold and abnormal gait. The differences in gait parameters between the NP and sham groups were observed at an earlier time point than the withdrawal thresholds. Gait analysis could be an effective method for understanding pain caused by applied NP.
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Walker C, Herranz-Martin S, Karyka E, Liao C, Lewis K, Elsayed W, Lukashchuk V, Chiang SC, Ray S, Mulcahy PJ, Jurga M, Tsagakis I, Iannitti T, Chandran J, Coldicott I, De Vos KJ, Hassan MK, Higginbottom A, Shaw PJ, Hautbergue GM, Azzouz M, El-Khamisy SF. C9orf72 expansion disrupts ATM-mediated chromosomal break repair. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:1225-35. [PMID: 28714954 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion represents the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia, though the mechanisms by which the expansion cause neurodegeneration are poorly understood. We report elevated levels of DNA/RNA hybrids (R-loops) and double-strand breaks (DSBs) in rodent neurons, human cells, and in C9orf72-ALS patient spinal cord tissues. Accumulation of endogenous DNA damage is concomitant with defective ATM-mediated DNA repair signalling and accumulation of protein-linked DNA breaks. We further reveal that defective ATM-mediated DNA repair is a consequence of p62 accumulation, which impairs H2A ubiquitylation and perturbs ATM signalling. Adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of C9orf72-related RNA and dipeptide repeats in the murine central nervous system causes elevated DSBs, ATM defects, and triggers neurodegeneration. These findings identify R-Loops, DSBs, and defective ATM-mediated repair as pathological consequences of C9orf72 expansions, and suggest that C9orf72-linked neurodegeneration is driven, at least in part, by genomic instability.
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Kichkin E, Visvanathan A, Lovicu FJ, Shu DY, Das SJ, Reddel SW, McCann EP, Zhang KY, Williams KL, Blair IP, Phillips WD. Postnatal Development of Spasticity Following Transgene Insertion in the Mouse βIV Spectrin Gene (SPTBN4). J Neuromuscul Dis 2017; 4:159-164. [PMID: 28582869 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The L25 mouse line was generated by random genomic insertion of a lens-specific transgene. Inbreeding of L25 hemizygotes revealed an unanticipated spastic phenotype in the hind limbs. OBJECTIVE The goals were to characterize the motor phenotype in the L25 mice and to map the transgene insert site within the mouse genome. METHODS Six pairs of L25+/- mice were repeatedly mated. Beginning at weaning, all progeny were inspected for body weight and motor signs twice weekly until they displayed predefined ethical criteria for termination. The transgene insert site was determined by whole genome sequencing. Western blotting was used to compare the expression levels of beta-IV spectrin protein in the brain. RESULTS Matings of hemizygous L25+/- × L25+/- mice yielded 20% (29/148) affected weanlings, identified by an abnormal retraction of the hind limbs when lifted by the tail, and a fine tremor. Affected mice were less mobile and grew more slowly than wild-type littermates. All affected mice required termination due to >15% loss of body weight (50% survival age 92 days). At the endpoint, mice showed varying degrees of spastic paresis or spastic paralysis localised to the hind limbs. Motor endplates remained fully innervated. Genome sequencing confirmed that the transgene was inserted in the locus of βIV spectrin of L25 mice. Western blotting indicated that this random insertion had greatly reduced the expression of βIV spectrin protein in the affected L25 mice. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm the importance of βIV spectrin for maintaining central motor pathway control of the hind limbs, and provide a developmental time course for the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kichkin
- Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Frank J Lovicu
- Anatomy and Histology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daisy Y Shu
- Anatomy and Histology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shannon J Das
- Anatomy and Histology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen W Reddel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily P McCann
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katharine Y Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Herranz-Martin S, Chandran J, Lewis K, Mulcahy P, Higginbottom A, Walker C, Valenzuela IMPY, Jones RA, Coldicott I, Iannitti T, Akaaboune M, El-Khamisy SF, Gillingwater TH, Shaw PJ, Azzouz M. Viral delivery of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in mice leads to repeat-length-dependent neuropathology and behavioural deficits. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:859-868. [PMID: 28550099 PMCID: PMC5536911 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Intronic GGGGCC repeat expansions in C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Two major pathologies stemming from the hexanucleotide RNA expansions (HREs) have been identified in postmortem tissue: intracellular RNA foci and repeat-associated non-ATG dependent (RAN) dipeptides, although it is unclear how these and other hallmarks of disease contribute to the pathophysiology of neuronal injury. Here, we describe two novel lines of mice that overexpress either 10 pure or 102 interrupted GGGGCC repeats mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) and recapitulate the relevant human pathology and disease-related behavioural phenotypes. Similar levels of intracellular RNA foci developed in both lines of mice, but only mice expressing 102 repeats generated C9orf72 RAN pathology, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) abnormalities, dispersal of the hippocampal CA1, enhanced apoptosis, and deficits in gait and cognition. Neither line of mice, however, showed extensive TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology or neurodegeneration. Our data suggest that RNA foci pathology is not a good predictor of C9orf72 RAN dipeptide formation, and that RAN dipeptides and NMJ dysfunction are drivers of C9orf72 disease pathogenesis. These AAV-mediated models of C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD will be useful tools for studying disease pathophysiology and developing new therapeutic approaches. Summary:C9orf72-linked motor neuron disease models with viral-mediated expression of GGGGCC repeat expansion in mice show neuropathology and behavioural deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Herranz-Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Jayanth Chandran
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Katherine Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Padraig Mulcahy
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Callum Walker
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Krebs and Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | | | - Ross A Jones
- Centre for Integrative Physiology & Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, Hugh Robson Building, The University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Ian Coldicott
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Tommaso Iannitti
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Mohammed Akaaboune
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Krebs and Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Centre for Integrative Physiology & Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, Hugh Robson Building, The University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
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Hewitt BM, Yap MH, Hodson-Tole EF, Kennerley AJ, Sharp PS, Grant RA. A novel automated rodent tracker (ART), demonstrated in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 300:147-156. [PMID: 28414047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generating quantitative metrics of rodent locomotion and general behaviours from video footage is important in behavioural neuroscience studies. However, there is not yet a free software system that can process large amounts of video data with minimal user interventions. NEW METHOD Here we propose a new, automated rodent tracker (ART) that uses a simple rule-based system to quickly and robustly track rodent nose and body points, with minimal user input. Tracked points can then be used to identify behaviours, approximate body size and provide locomotion metrics, such as speed and distance. RESULTS ART was demonstrated here on video recordings of a SOD1 mouse model, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aged 30, 60, 90 and 120days. Results showed a robust decline in locomotion speeds, as well as a reduction in object exploration and forward movement, with an increase in the time spent still. Body size approximations (centroid width), showed a significant decrease from P30. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) ART performed to a very similar accuracy as manual tracking and Ethovision (a commercially available alternative), with average differences in coordinate points of 0.6 and 0.8mm, respectively. However, it required much less user intervention than Ethovision (6 as opposed to 30 mouse clicks) and worked robustly over more videos. CONCLUSIONS ART provides an open-source option for behavioural analysis of rodents, performing to the same standards as commercially available software. It can be considered a validated, and accessible, alternative for researchers for whom non-invasive quantification of natural rodent behaviour is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Hewitt
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; School of Biology & Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Moi Hoon Yap
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma F Hodson-Tole
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Paul S Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- School of Biology & Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
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Bontempi P, Busato A, Bonafede R, Schiaffino L, Scambi I, Sbarbati A, Mariotti R, Marzola P. MRI reveals therapeutical efficacy of stem cells: An experimental study on the SOD1(G93A) animal model. Magn Reson Med 2017; 79:459-469. [PMID: 28370153 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The first part of the experiment identifies and validates MRI biomarkers distinctive of the disease progression in the transgenic superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1(G93A)) animal model. The second part assesses the efficacy of a mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy through the MRI biomarkers previously defined. METHODS The first part identifies MRI differences between SOD1(G93A) and healthy mice. The second part of the experiment follows the disease evolution of stem cell-treated and non-stem-cell treated SOD1(G93A) mice. The analysis focused on voxel-based morphometry and T2 mapping on the brain tissues, and T2-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) on the hind limbs. RESULTS Comparing diseased mice to healthy control revealed gray matter alterations in the brainstem area, accompanied by increased T2 relaxation time. Differences in muscle volume, muscle signal intensity, fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were measured in the hind limbs. In the comparison between stem cell-treated mice and nontreated ones, differences in muscle volume, muscle signal intensity, and DTI-derived maps were found. CONCLUSION MRI-derived biomarkers can be used to identify differences between stem cell-treated and nontreated SOD1(G93A) mice. Magn Reson Med 79:459-469, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Bontempi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Busato
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberta Bonafede
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Schiaffino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Sbarbati
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pasquina Marzola
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Heitzer M, Kaiser S, Kanagaratnam M, Zendedel A, Hartmann P, Beyer C, Johann S. Administration of 17β-Estradiol Improves Motoneuron Survival and Down-regulates Inflammasome Activation in Male SOD1(G93A) ALS Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:8429-8443. [PMID: 27957680 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease manifested by the progressive loss of upper and lower motoneurons. The pathomechanism of ALS is complex and not yet fully understood. Neuroinflammation is believed to significantly contribute to disease progression. Inflammasome activation was recently shown in the spinal cord of human sporadic ALS patients and in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model for ALS. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment in pre-symptomatic and symptomatic male SOD1(G93A) mice. Symptomatic mice with E2 substitution exhibited improved motor performance correlating with an increased survival of motoneurons in the lumbar spinal cord. Expression of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins and levels of activated caspase 1 and mature interleukin 1 beta were significantly reduced in SOD1(G93A) mice supplemented with E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Heitzer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah Kaiser
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mithila Kanagaratnam
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Adib Zendedel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Philipp Hartmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sonja Johann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Preisig DF, Kulic L, Krüger M, Wirth F, Mcafoose J, Späni C, Gantenbein P, Derungs R, Nitsch RM, Welt T. High-speed video gait analysis reveals early and characteristic locomotor phenotypes in mouse models of neurodegenerative movement disorders. Behav Brain Res 2016; 311:340-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Luh LM, Das I, Bertolotti A. qMotor, a set of rules for sensitive, robust and quantitative measurement of motor performance in mice. Nat Protoc 2017; 12:1451-7. [PMID: 28686587 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2017.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic analysis of mouse models of human diseases is essential to understanding the underlying disease mechanisms and to developing therapeutics. Many models of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with motor dysfunction, a powerful readout for the disease. We describe here a set of measures to quantitatively monitor early disease onset and progression. We named this set of rules qMotor because it enables sensitive, robust and quantitative measurement of motor performance in 3 d. qMotor can be used to assess early disease onset, before paralysis, as well as disease progression in diverse mouse models, and can be exploited to define robust and humane experimental end points, thereby reducing animal suffering. As an example, we apply qMotor to SOD1G93A transgenic mice. Early studies with the original transgenic SOD1G93A mice in the hybrid background (B6SJL-Tg(SOD1-G93A) have been criticized because of high noise in this mixed background and because of inadequate study designs. We applied qMotor in SOD1G93A transgenic mice in an inbred C57BL/6J background, hereafter called iSOD1G93A mice, and show a remarkably robust and consistent phenotype in this line that we use to evaluate a therapeutic approach. qMotor is a protocol generically applicable to different mouse models.
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Vergouts M, Marinangeli C, Ingelbrecht C, Genard G, Schakman O, Sternotte A, Calas AG, Hermans E. Early ALS-type gait abnormalities in AMP-dependent protein kinase-deficient mice suggest a role for this metabolic sensor in early stages of the disease. Metab Brain Dis 2015; 30:1369-77. [PMID: 26152932 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9706-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motoneurons. While the principal cause of the disease remains so far unknown, the onset and progression of the pathology are increasingly associated with alterations in the control of cell metabolism. On the basis of the well-known key roles of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in sensing and regulating the intracellular energy status, we hypothesized that mice with a genetic deletion of AMPK would develop locomotor abnormalities that bear similarity with those detected in the very early disease stage of mice carrying the ALS-associated mutated gene hSOD1(G93A). Using an automated gait analysis system (CatWalk), we here show that hSOD1(G93A) mice and age-matched mice lacking the neuronal and skeletal muscle predominant α2 catalytic subunit of AMPK showed an altered gait, clearly different from wild type control mice. Double mutant mice lacking AMPK α2 and carrying hSOD1(G93A) showed the same early gait abnormalities as hSOD1(G93A) mice over an age span of 8 to 16 weeks. Taken together, these data support the concept that altered AMPK function and associated bioenergetic abnormalities could constitute an important component in the early pathogenesis of ALS. Therapeutic interventions acting on metabolic pathways could prove beneficial on early locomotor deficits, which are sensitively detectable in rodent models using the CatWalk system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vergouts
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudia Marinangeli
- Alzheimer Dementia Group, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline Ingelbrecht
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geraldine Genard
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Schakman
- Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anthony Sternotte
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André-Guilhem Calas
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, B1.54.10, Av. Hippocrate 54, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Baker DJ, Blackburn DJ, Keatinge M, Sokhi D, Viskaitis P, Heath PR, Ferraiuolo L, Kirby J, Shaw PJ. Lysosomal and phagocytic activity is increased in astrocytes during disease progression in the SOD1 (G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:410. [PMID: 26528138 PMCID: PMC4606544 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are key players in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previously, gene expression profiling of astrocytes from the pre-symptomatic stage of the SOD1G93A model of ALS has revealed reduced lactate metabolism and altered trophic support. Here, we have performed microarray analysis of symptomatic and late-stage disease astrocytes isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) from the lumbar spinal cord of the SOD1G93A mouse to complete the picture of astrocyte behavior throughout the disease course. Astrocytes at symptomatic and late-stage disease show a distinct up-regulation of transcripts defining a reactive phenotype, such as those involved in the lysosome and phagocytic pathways. Functional analysis of hexosaminidase B enzyme activity in the spinal cord and of astrocyte phagocytic ability has demonstrated a significant increase in lysosomal enzyme activity and phagocytic activity in SOD1G93A vs. littermate controls, validating the findings of the microarray study. In addition to the increased reactivity seen at both stages, astrocytes from late-stage disease showed decreased expression of many transcripts involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Staining for the master regulator of cholesterol synthesis, SREBP2, has revealed an increased localization to the cytoplasm of astrocytes and motor neurons in late-stage SOD1G93A spinal cord, indicating that down-regulation of transcripts may be due to an excess of cholesterol in the CNS during late-stage disease possibly due to phagocytosis of neuronal debris. Our data reveal that SOD1G93A astrocytes are characterized more by a loss of supportive function than a toxic phenotype during ALS disease progression and future studies should focus upon restorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel J Blackburn
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Marcus Keatinge
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Dilraj Sokhi
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Paulius Viskaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
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Vaughan SK, Kemp Z, Hatzipetros T, Vieira F, Valdez G. Degeneration of proprioceptive sensory nerve endings in mice harboring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-causing mutations. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:2477-94. [PMID: 26136049 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily targets the motor system. Although much is known about the effects of ALS on motor neurons and glial cells, little is known about its effect on proprioceptive sensory neurons. This study examines proprioceptive sensory neurons in mice harboring mutations associated with ALS, in SOD1(G93A) and TDP43(A315T) transgenic mice. In both transgenic lines, we found fewer proprioceptive sensory neurons containing fluorescently tagged cholera toxin in their soma five days after injecting this retrograde tracer into the tibialis anterior muscle. We asked whether this is due to neuronal loss or selective degeneration of peripheral nerve endings. We found no difference in the total number and size of proprioceptive sensory neuron soma between symptomatic SOD1(G93A) and control mice. However, analysis of proprioceptive nerve endings in muscles revealed early and significant alterations at Ia/II proprioceptive nerve endings in muscle spindles before the symptomatic phase of the disease. Although these changes occur alongside those at α-motor axons in SOD1(G93A) mice, Ia/II sensory nerve endings degenerate in the absence of obvious alterations in α-motor axons in TDP43(A315T) transgenic mice. We next asked whether proprioceptive nerve endings are similarly affected in the spinal cord and found that nerve endings terminating on α-motor neurons are affected during the symptomatic phase and after peripheral nerve endings begin to degenerate. Overall, we show that Ia/II proprioceptive sensory neurons are affected by ALS-causing mutations, with pathological changes starting at their peripheral nerve endings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney K Vaughan
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Zachary Kemp
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Theo Hatzipetros
- ALS Therapy Development Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Fernando Vieira
- ALS Therapy Development Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Gregorio Valdez
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
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49
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Chen D, Wang Y, Chin ER. Activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in skeletal muscle of G93A*SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:170. [PMID: 26041991 PMCID: PMC4435075 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [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: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are one of the genetic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Although the primary symptom of ALS is muscle weakness, the link between SOD1 mutations, cellular dysfunction and muscle atrophy and weakness is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize cellular markers of ER stress in skeletal muscle across the lifespan of G93A*SOD1 (ALS-Tg) mice. Muscles were obtained from ALS-Tg and age-matched wild type (WT) mice at 70d (pre-symptomatic), 90d and 120–140d (symptomatic) and analyzed for ER stress markers. In white gastrocnemius (WG) muscle, ER stress sensors PERK and IRE1α were upregulated ~2-fold at 70d and remained (PERK) or increased further (IRE1α) at 120–140d. Phospho-eIF2α, a downstream target of PERK and an inhibitor of protein translation, was increased by 70d and increased further to 12.9-fold at 120–140d. IRE1α upregulation leads to increased splicing of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) to the XBP-1s isoform. XBP-1s transcript was increased at 90d and 120–140d indicating activation of IRE1α signaling. The ER chaperone/heat shock protein Grp78/BiP was upregulated 2-fold at 70d and 90d and increased to 6.1-fold by 120–140d. The ER-stress-specific apoptotic signaling protein CHOP was upregulated 2-fold at 70d and 90d and increased to 13.3-fold at 120–140d indicating progressive activation of an apoptotic signal in muscle. There was a greater increase in Grp78/BiP and CHOP in WG vs. the more oxidative red gastrocnemius (RG) ALS-Tg at 120–140d indicating greater ER stress and apoptosis in fast glycolytic muscle. These data show that the ER stress response is activated in skeletal muscle of ALS-Tg mice by an early pre-symptomatic age and increases with disease progression. These data suggest a mechanism by which myocellular ER stress leads to reduced protein translation and contributes to muscle atrophy and weakness in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Chen
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland MD, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Proteomics Core Facility, College of Computer, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland MD, USA
| | - Eva R Chin
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland MD, USA
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Bennett EJ, Mead RJ, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ, Grierson AJ. Early detection of motor dysfunction in the SOD1G93A mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using home cage running wheels. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107918. [PMID: 25268710 PMCID: PMC4182307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SOD1G93A mouse has been used since 1994 for preclinical testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite recent genetic advances in our understanding of ALS, transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1 remain the best available, and most widely used, vertebrate model of the disease. We previously described an optimised and rapid approach for preclinical studies in the SOD1G93A mouse. Here we describe improvements to this approach using home cage running wheels to obtain daily measurements of motor function, with minimal intervention. We show that home cage running wheels detect reductions in motor function at a similar time to the rotarod test, and that the data obtained are less variable allowing the use of smaller groups of animals to obtain satisfactory results. This approach refines use of the SOD1G93A model, and reduces the number of animals undergoing procedures of substantial severity, two central principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use in research). The small group sizes and rapid timescales enable affordable large-scale therapeutic pre-screening in the SOD1G93A mouse, as well as rapid validation of published positive effects in a second laboratory, one of the major stumbling blocks in ALS preclinical therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J. Bennett
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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