1
|
Weiss L, Carrer M, Shmara A, Cheng C, Yin H, Ta L, Boock V, Fazeli Y, Chang M, Paguio M, Lee J, Yu H, Martin A, Raben N, Weiss J, Grossman T, Jafar-Nejad P, Kimonis V. Skeletal muscle effects of antisense oligonucleotides targeting glycogen synthase 1 in a mouse model of Pompe disease. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.22.580414. [PMID: 38464319 PMCID: PMC10925133 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.22.580414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is a progressive myopathy caused by the aberrant accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscle resulting from the deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). Administration of recombinant human GAA as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) works well in alleviating the cardiac manifestations of PD but loses sustained benefit in ameliorating the skeletal muscle pathology. The limited efficacy of ERT in skeletal muscle is partially attributable to its inability to curb the accumulation of new glycogen produced by the muscle enzyme glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1). Substrate reduction therapies aimed at knocking down GYS1 expression represent a promising avenue to improve Pompe myopathy. However, finding specific inhibitors for GYS1 is challenging given the presence of the highly homologous GYS2 in the liver. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are chemically modified oligomers that hybridize to their complementary target RNA to induce their degradation with exquisite specificity. In the present study, we show that ASO-mediated Gys1 knockdown in the Gaa -/- mouse model of PD led to a robust reduction in glycogen accumulation in skeletal and cardiac muscle. In addition, combining Gys1 ASO with ERT further reduced glycogen content in muscle, eliminated autophagic buildup and lysosomal dysfunction, and improved motor function in Gaa -/- mice. Our results provide a strong foundation for further validation of the use of Gys1 ASO, alone or in combination with ERT, as a therapy for PD. We propose that early administration of Gys1 ASO in combination with ERT may be the key to preventative treatment options in PD.
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendonca D, Cappuccio G, Sheppard J, Delacruz M, Bengtsson J, Carvalho CMB, Bajic A, Park H, Kim JJ, Jafar-Nejad P, Coquery C, Pehlivan D, Suter B, Maletic-Savatic M. Generation of five induced pluripotent stem cell lines from patients with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. Stem Cell Res 2024; 74:103292. [PMID: 38154383 PMCID: PMC10898976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2023.103292] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS) is a rare, severe neurodevelopmental disorder arising from duplications in the Xq28 region containing the MECP2 gene that predominantly affects males. We generated five human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from the fibroblasts of individuals carrying between 0.355 and 11.2 Mb size duplications in the chromosomal locus containing MECP2. All lines underwent extensive testing to confirm MECP2 duplication and iPSC-related features such as morphology, pluripotency markers, and trilineage differentiation potential. These lines are a valuable resource for molecular and functional studies of MDS as well as screening for a variety of therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Mendonca
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer Sheppard
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Magdalena Delacruz
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jesse Bengtsson
- Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | | | - Aleksandar Bajic
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyekyung Park
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jean J Kim
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang S, Niou ZX, Enriquez A, LaMar J, Huang JY, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Gilley J, Coleman MP, Tennessen JM, Rangaraju V, Lu HC. NMNAT2 supports vesicular glycolysis via NAD homeostasis to fuel fast axonal transport. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38282024 PMCID: PMC10823734 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00690-9] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioenergetic maladaptations and axonopathy are often found in the early stages of neurodegeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, is mainly synthesized by Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) in CNS neurons. NMNAT2 mRNA levels are reduced in the brains of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Here we addressed whether NMNAT2 is required for axonal health of cortical glutamatergic neurons, whose long-projecting axons are often vulnerable in neurodegenerative conditions. We also tested if NMNAT2 maintains axonal health by ensuring axonal ATP levels for axonal transport, critical for axonal function. METHODS We generated mouse and cultured neuron models to determine the impact of NMNAT2 loss from cortical glutamatergic neurons on axonal transport, energetic metabolism, and morphological integrity. In addition, we determined if exogenous NAD supplementation or inhibiting a NAD hydrolase, sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1), prevented axonal deficits caused by NMNAT2 loss. This study used a combination of techniques, including genetics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, fluorescent time-lapse imaging, live imaging with optical sensors, and anti-sense oligos. RESULTS We provide in vivo evidence that NMNAT2 in glutamatergic neurons is required for axonal survival. Using in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that NMNAT2 maintains the NAD-redox potential to provide "on-board" ATP via glycolysis to vesicular cargos in distal axons. Exogenous NAD+ supplementation to NMNAT2 KO neurons restores glycolysis and resumes fast axonal transport. Finally, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that reducing the activity of SARM1, an NAD degradation enzyme, can reduce axonal transport deficits and suppress axon degeneration in NMNAT2 KO neurons. CONCLUSION NMNAT2 ensures axonal health by maintaining NAD redox potential in distal axons to ensure efficient vesicular glycolysis required for fast axonal transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Yang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Zhen-Xian Niou
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Andrea Enriquez
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jacob LaMar
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- Present address: Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Jui-Yen Huang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Karen Ling
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855, Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855, Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Jonathan Gilley
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Coleman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jason M Tennessen
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Vidhya Rangaraju
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
López-Erauskin J, Bravo-Hernandez M, Presa M, Baughn MW, Melamed Z, Beccari MS, Agra de Almeida Quadros AR, Arnold-Garcia O, Zuberi A, Ling K, Platoshyn O, Niño-Jara E, Ndayambaje IS, McAlonis-Downes M, Cabrera L, Artates JW, Ryan J, Hermann A, Ravits J, Bennett CF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Marsala M, Lutz CM, Cleveland DW, Lagier-Tourenne C. Stathmin-2 loss leads to neurofilament-dependent axonal collapse driving motor and sensory denervation. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:34-47. [PMID: 37996528 PMCID: PMC10842032 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01496-0] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA transcript of the human STMN2 gene, encoding for stathmin-2 protein (also called SCG10), is profoundly impacted by TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) loss of function. The latter is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using a combination of approaches, including transient antisense oligonucleotide-mediated suppression, sustained shRNA-induced depletion in aging mice, and germline deletion, we show that stathmin-2 has an important role in the establishment and maintenance of neurofilament-dependent axoplasmic organization that is critical for preserving the caliber and conduction velocity of myelinated large-diameter axons. Persistent stathmin-2 loss in adult mice results in pathologies found in ALS, including reduced interneurofilament spacing, axonal caliber collapse that drives tearing within outer myelin layers, diminished conduction velocity, progressive motor and sensory deficits, and muscle denervation. These findings reinforce restoration of stathmin-2 as an attractive therapeutic approach for ALS and other TDP-43-dependent neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jone López-Erauskin
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mariana Bravo-Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael W Baughn
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ze'ev Melamed
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Melinda S Beccari
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Agra de Almeida Quadros
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olatz Arnold-Garcia
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII (CIBER, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Sciences and Innovation), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elkin Niño-Jara
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - I Sandra Ndayambaje
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Larissa Cabrera
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Artates
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Anita Hermann
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Martin Marsala
- Department of Anesthesiology and Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aggarwal G, Banerjee S, Jones SA, Benchaar Y, Bélanger J, Sévigny M, Smith DM, Niehoff ML, Pavlack M, de Vera IMS, Petkau TL, Leavitt BR, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Morley JE, Farr SA, Dutchak PA, Sephton CF, Nguyen AD. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting the miR-29b binding site in the GRN mRNA increase progranulin translation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105475. [PMID: 37981208 PMCID: PMC10755782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105475] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous GRN (progranulin) mutations cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to haploinsufficiency, and increasing progranulin levels is a major therapeutic goal. Several microRNAs, including miR-29b, negatively regulate progranulin protein levels. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for neurological diseases, but strategies for increasing target protein levels are limited. Here, we tested the efficacy of ASOs as enhancers of progranulin expression by sterically blocking the miR-29b binding site in the 3' UTR of the human GRN mRNA. We found 16 ASOs that increase progranulin protein in a dose-dependent manner in neuroglioma cells. A subset of these ASOs also increased progranulin protein in iPSC-derived neurons and in a humanized GRN mouse model. In FRET-based assays, the ASOs effectively competed for miR-29b from binding to the GRN 3' UTR RNA. The ASOs increased levels of newly synthesized progranulin protein by increasing its translation, as revealed by polysome profiling. Together, our results demonstrate that ASOs can be used to effectively increase target protein levels by partially blocking miR binding sites. This ASO strategy may be therapeutically feasible for progranulin-deficient FTD as well as other conditions of haploinsufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Aggarwal
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Subhashis Banerjee
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Spencer A Jones
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yousri Benchaar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jasmine Bélanger
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Myriam Sévigny
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denise M Smith
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael L Niehoff
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Monica Pavlack
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ian Mitchelle S de Vera
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Terri L Petkau
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, B.C. Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, B.C. Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - John E Morley
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Susan A Farr
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul A Dutchak
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantelle F Sephton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew D Nguyen
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Canalis E, Mocarska M, Schilling L, Jafar-Nejad P, Carrer M. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting a NOTCH3 mutation in male mice ameliorate the cortical osteopenia of lateral meningocele syndrome. Bone 2023; 177:116898. [PMID: 37704069 PMCID: PMC10591917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2023.116898] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Lateral Meningocele Syndrome (LMS) is a monogenic disorder associated with NOTCH3 pathogenic variants that result in the stabilization of NOTCH3 and a gain-of-function. A mouse model (Notch3em1Ecan) harboring a 6691-TAATGA mutation in the Notch3 locus that results in a functional outcome analogous to LMS exhibits cancellous and cortical bone osteopenia. We tested Notch3 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) specific to the Notch36691-TAATGA mutation for their effects on Notch3 downregulation and on the osteopenia of Notch3em1Ecan mice. Twenty-four mouse Notch3 mutant ASOs were designed and tested for toxic effects in vivo, and 12 safe ASOs were tested for their impact on the downregulation of Notch36691-TAATGA and Notch3 mRNA in osteoblast cultures from Notch3em1Ecan mice. Three ASOs downregulated Notch3 mutant transcripts specifically and were tested in vivo for their effects on the bone microarchitecture of Notch3em1Ecan mice. All three ASOs were well tolerated. One of these ASOs had more consistent effects in vivo and was studied in detail. The Notch3 mutant ASO downregulated Notch3 mutant transcripts in osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells and had no effect on other Notch receptors. The subcutaneous administration of Notch3 mutant ASO at 50 mg/Kg decreased Notch36691-TAATGA mRNA in bone without apparent toxicity; microcomputed tomography demonstrated that the ASO ameliorated the cortical osteopenia of Notch3em1Ecan mice but not the cancellous bone osteopenia. In conclusion, a Notch3 ASO that downregulates Notch3 mutant expression specifically ameliorates the cortical osteopenia in Notch3em1Ecan mice. ASOs may become useful strategies in the management of monogenic disorders affecting the skeleton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Canalis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA; UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Magda Mocarska
- UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Lauren Schilling
- UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rothstein JD, Baskerville V, Rapuri S, Mehlhop E, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Bennett F, Mizielinska S, Isaacs A, Coyne AN. G 2C 4 targeting antisense oligonucleotides potently mitigate TDP-43 dysfunction in human C9orf72 ALS/FTD induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 147:1. [PMID: 38019311 PMCID: PMC10840905 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02652-3] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The G4C2 repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Many studies suggest that dipeptide repeat proteins produced from this repeat are toxic, yet, the contribution of repeat RNA toxicity is under investigated and even less is known regarding the pathogenicity of antisense repeat RNA. Recently, two clinical trials targeting G4C2 (sense) repeat RNA via antisense oligonucleotide failed despite a robust decrease in sense-encoded dipeptide repeat proteins demonstrating target engagement. Here, in this brief report, we show that G2C4 antisense, but not G4C2 sense, repeat RNA is sufficient to induce TDP-43 dysfunction in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons (iPSNs). Unexpectedly, only G2C4, but not G4C2 sense strand targeting, ASOs mitigate deficits in TDP-43 function in authentic C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient iPSNs. Collectively, our data suggest that the G2C4 antisense repeat RNA may be an important therapeutic target and provide insights into a possible explanation for the recent G4C2 ASO clinical trial failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Victoria Baskerville
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sampath Rapuri
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Emma Mehlhop
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | | | - Sarah Mizielinska
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adrian Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Alyssa N Coyne
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Okoh J, Mays J, Bacq A, Oses-Prieto JA, Tyanova S, Chen CJ, Imanbeyev K, Doladilhe M, Zhou H, Jafar-Nejad P, Burlingame A, Noebels J, Baulac S, Costa-Mattioli M. Targeted suppression of mTORC2 reduces seizures across models of epilepsy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7364. [PMID: 37963879 PMCID: PMC10645975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42922-y] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that poses a major threat to public health. Hyperactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is believed to lead to abnormal network rhythmicity associated with epilepsy, and its inhibition is proposed to provide some therapeutic benefit. However, mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) is also activated in the epileptic brain, and little is known about its role in seizures. Here we discover that genetic deletion of mTORC2 from forebrain neurons is protective against kainic acid-induced behavioral and EEG seizures. Furthermore, inhibition of mTORC2 with a specific antisense oligonucleotide robustly suppresses seizures in several pharmacological and genetic mouse models of epilepsy. Finally, we identify a target of mTORC2, Nav1.2, which has been implicated in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Our findings, which are generalizable to several models of human seizures, raise the possibility that inhibition of mTORC2 may serve as a broader therapeutic strategy against epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Okoh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jacqunae Mays
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre Bacq
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Chien-Ju Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Novartis Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khalel Imanbeyev
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marion Doladilhe
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Hongyi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Alma Burlingame
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niknejad N, Fox D, Burwinkel JL, Zarrin-Khameh N, Cho S, Soriano A, Cast AE, Lopez MF, Huppert KA, Rigo F, Huppert SS, Jafar-Nejad P, Jafar-Nejad H. ASO silencing of a glycosyltransferase, Poglut1 , improves the liver phenotypes in mouse models of Alagille syndrome. Hepatology 2023; 78:1337-1351. [PMID: 37021797 PMCID: PMC10558624 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts (BDs) is caused by various etiologies and often leads to cholestatic liver disease. For example, in patients with Alagille syndrome (ALGS), which is a genetic disease primarily caused by mutations in jagged 1 ( JAG1) , BD paucity often results in severe cholestasis and liver damage. However, no mechanism-based therapy exists to restore the biliary system in ALGS or other diseases associated with BD paucity. Based on previous genetic observations, we investigated whether postnatal knockdown of the glycosyltransferase gene protein O -glucosyltransferase 1 ( Poglut1) can improve the ALGS liver phenotypes in several mouse models generated by removing one copy of Jag1 in the germline with or without reducing the gene dosage of sex-determining region Y-box 9 in the liver. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using an ASO established in this study, we show that reducing Poglut1 levels in postnatal livers of ALGS mouse models with moderate to profound biliary abnormalities can significantly improve BD development and biliary tree formation. Importantly, ASO injections prevent liver damage in these models without adverse effects. Furthermore, ASO-mediated Poglut1 knockdown improves biliary tree formation in a different mouse model with no Jag1 mutations. Cell-based signaling assays indicate that reducing POGLUT1 levels or mutating POGLUT1 modification sites on JAG1 increases JAG1 protein level and JAG1-mediated signaling, suggesting a likely mechanism for the observed in vivo rescue. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical studies establish ASO-mediated POGLUT1 knockdown as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALGS liver disease and possibly other diseases associated with BD paucity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Niknejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Duncan Fox
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jennifer L. Burwinkel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neda Zarrin-Khameh
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Soomin Cho
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Ashley E. Cast
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Mario F. Lopez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Kari A. Huppert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Stacey S. Huppert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Hamed Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
González YR, Kamkar F, Jafar-Nejad P, Wang S, Qu D, Alvarez LS, Hawari D, Sonnenfeld M, Slack RS, Albert PR, Park DS, Joselin A. PFTK1 kinase regulates axogenesis during development via RhoA activation. BMC Biol 2023; 21:240. [PMID: 37907898 PMCID: PMC10617079 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01732-w] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PFTK1/Eip63E is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) family and plays an important role in normal cell cycle progression. Eip63E expresses primarily in postnatal and adult nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster but its role in CNS development remains unknown. We sought to understand the function of Eip63E in the CNS by studying the fly ventral nerve cord during development. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that Eip63E regulates axogenesis in neurons and its deficiency leads to neuronal defects. Functional interaction studies performed using the same system identify an interaction between Eip63E and the small GTPase Rho1. Furthermore, deficiency of Eip63E homolog in mice, PFTK1, in a newly generated PFTK1 knockout mice results in increased axonal outgrowth confirming that the developmental defects observed in the fly model are due to defects in axogenesis. Importantly, RhoA phosphorylation and activity are affected by PFTK1 in primary neuronal cultures. We report that GDP-bound inactive RhoA is a substrate of PFTK1 and PFTK1 phosphorylation is required for RhoA activity. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our work establishes an unreported neuronal role of PFTK1 in axon development mediated by phosphorylation and activation of GDP-bound RhoA. The results presented add to our understanding of the role of Cdks in the maintenance of RhoA-mediated axon growth and its impact on CNS development and axonal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Kamkar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Present Address: Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Suzi Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Dianbo Qu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Leticia Sanchez Alvarez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Dina Hawari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Margaret Sonnenfeld
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Ruth S Slack
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David S Park
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Alvin Joselin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hill SF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Reduction of Kcnt1 is therapeutic in mouse models of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282201. [PMID: 37901435 PMCID: PMC10603267 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe seizure disorders with inadequate treatment options. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations of neuronal ion channel genes, including potassium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, are common causes of DEE. We previously demonstrated that reduced expression of the sodium channel gene Scn8a is therapeutic in mouse models of sodium and potassium channel mutations. In the current study, we tested whether reducing expression of the potassium channel gene Kcnt1 would be therapeutic in mice with mutation of the sodium channel genes Scn1a or Scn8a. A Kcnt1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) prolonged survival of both Scn1a and Scn8a mutant mice, suggesting a modulatory effect for KCNT1 on the balance between excitation and inhibition. The cation channel blocker quinidine was not effective in prolonging survival of the Scn8a mutant. Our results implicate KCNT1 as a therapeutic target for treatment of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F. Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tejwani L, Jung Y, Kokubu H, Sowmithra S, Ni L, Lee C, Sanders B, Lee PJ, Xiang Y, Luttik K, Soriano A, Yoon J, Park J, Ro HH, Ju H, Liao C, Tieze SM, Rigo F, Jafar-Nejad P, Lim J. Reduction of nemo-like kinase increases lysosome biogenesis and ameliorates TDP-43-related neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e138207. [PMID: 37384409 PMCID: PMC10425213 DOI: 10.1172/jci138207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although mutations in TARDBP, encoding transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), account for less than 1% of all ALS cases, TDP-43-positive aggregates are present in nearly all ALS patients, including patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) or carrying other familial ALS-causing (fALS-causing) mutations. Interestingly, TDP-43 inclusions are also present in subsets of patients with frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease; therefore, methods of activating intracellular protein quality control machinery capable of clearing toxic cytoplasmic TDP-43 species may alleviate disease-related phenotypes. Here, we identify a function of nemo-like kinase (Nlk) as a negative regulator of lysosome biogenesis. Genetic or pharmacological reduction of Nlk increased lysosome formation and improved clearance of aggregated TDP-43. Furthermore, Nlk reduction ameliorated pathological, behavioral, and life span deficits in 2 distinct mouse models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Because many toxic proteins can be cleared through the autophagy/lysosome pathway, targeted reduction of Nlk represents a potential approach to therapy development for multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Youngseob Jung
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kokubu
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sowmithra Sowmithra
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Luhan Ni
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Changwoo Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Benjamin Sanders
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Paul J. Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | | | | | - Junhyun Park
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
| | | | - Hyoungseok Ju
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Janghoo Lim
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Department of Neuroscience, and
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, and
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu P, Chen W, Jiang H, Huang H, Liu L, Fang F, Li L, Feng X, Liu D, Dalal R, Sun Y, Jafar-Nejad P, Ling K, Rigo F, Ye J, Hu Y. Differential effects of SARM1 inhibition in traumatic glaucoma and EAE optic neuropathies. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 32:13-27. [PMID: 36950280 PMCID: PMC10025007 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Optic neuropathy is a group of optic nerve (ON) diseases with progressive degeneration of ON and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The lack of neuroprotective treatments is a central challenge for this leading cause of irreversible blindness. SARM1 (sterile α and TIR motif-containing protein 1) has intrinsic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolase activity that causes axon degeneration by degrading axonal NAD+ significantly after activation by axon injury. SARM1 deletion is neuroprotective in many, but not all, neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we compare two therapy strategies for SARM1 inhibition, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and CRISPR, with germline SARM1 deletion in the neuroprotection of three optic neuropathy mouse models. This study reveals that, similar to germline SARM1 knockout in every cell, local retinal SARM1 ASO delivery and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated RGC-specific CRISPR knockdown of SARM1 provide comparable neuroprotection to both RGC somata and axons in the silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU) glaucoma model but only protect RGC axons, not somata, after traumatic ON injury. Surprisingly, neither of these two therapy strategies of SARM1 inhibition nor SARM1 germline knockout (KO) benefits RGC or ON survival in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)/optic neuritis model. Our studies therefore suggest that SARM1 inhibition by local ASO delivery or AAV-mediated CRISPR is a promising neuroprotective gene therapy strategy for traumatic and glaucomatous optic neuropathies but not for demyelinating optic neuritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | | | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Corresponding author: Yang Hu, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luan W, Wright AL, Brown-Wright H, Le S, San Gil R, Madrid San Martin L, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Walker AK. Early activation of cellular stress and death pathways caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS and FTD. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2445-2461. [PMID: 37012334 PMCID: PMC10611572 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02036-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology is a key feature of over 95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and nearly half of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. The pathogenic mechanisms of TDP-43 dysfunction are poorly understood, however, activation of cell stress pathways may contribute to pathogenesis. We, therefore, sought to identify which cell stress components are critical for driving disease onset and neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD. We studied the rNLS8 transgenic mouse model, which expresses human TDP-43 with a genetically-ablated nuclear localisation sequence within neurons of the brain and spinal cord resulting in cytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology and progressive motor dysfunction. Amongst numerous cell stress-related biological pathways profiled using qPCR arrays, several critical integrated stress response (ISR) effectors, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (Chop/Ddit3) and activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4), were upregulated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice prior to disease onset. This was accompanied by early up-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 and diverse pro-apoptotic genes including BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid). However, pro-apoptotic signalling predominated after onset of motor phenotypes. Notably, pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 protein was elevated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice at later disease stages, suggesting that downstream activation of apoptosis drives neurodegeneration following failure of early protective responses. Unexpectedly, suppression of Chop in the brain and spinal cord using antisense oligonucleotide-mediated silencing had no effect on overall TDP-43 pathology or disease phenotypes in rNLS8 mice. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation therefore causes very early activation of ISR and both anti- and pro-apoptotic signalling that switches to predominant pro-apoptotic activation later in disease. These findings suggest that precise temporal modulation of cell stress and death pathways may be beneficial to protect against neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luan
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda L Wright
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heledd Brown-Wright
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca San Gil
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Lidia Madrid San Martin
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 90201, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 90201, USA
| | - Adam K Walker
- Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang S, Niou ZX, Enriquez A, LaMar J, Huang JY, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Gilley J, Coleman MP, Tennessen JM, Rangaraju V, Lu HC. NMNAT2 supports vesicular glycolysis via NAD homeostasis to fuel fast axonal transport. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2859584. [PMID: 37292715 PMCID: PMC10246254 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2859584/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Bioenergetic maladaptations and axonopathy are often found in the early stages of neurodegeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, is mainly synthesized by Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) in CNS neurons. NMNAT2 mRNA levels are reduced in the brains of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Here we addressed whether NMNAT2 is required for axonal health of cortical glutamatergic neurons, whose long-projecting axons are often vulnerable in neurodegenerative conditions. We also tested if NMNAT2 maintains axonal health by ensuring axonal ATP levels for axonal transport, critical for axonal function. Methods We generated mouse and cultured neuron models to determine the impact of NMNAT2 loss from cortical glutamatergic neurons on axonal transport, energetic metabolism, and morphological integrity. In addition, we determined if exogenous NAD supplementation or inhibiting a NAD hydrolase, sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1), prevented axonal deficits caused by NMNAT2 loss. This study used a combination of genetics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, fluorescent time-lapse imaging, live imaging with optical sensors, and anti-sense oligos. Results We provide in vivo evidence that NMNAT2 in glutamatergic neurons is required for axonal survival. Using in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that NMNAT2 maintains the NAD-redox potential to provide "on-board" ATP via glycolysis to vesicular cargos in distal axons. Exogenous NAD+ supplementation to NMNAT2 KO neurons restores glycolysis and resumes fast axonal transport. Finally, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that reducing the activity of SARM1, an NAD degradation enzyme, can reduce axonal transport deficits and suppress axon degeneration in NMNAT2 KO neurons. Conclusion NMNAT2 ensures axonal health by maintaining NAD redox potential in distal axons to ensure efficient vesicular glycolysis required for fast axonal transport.
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith DM, Niehoff ML, Ling K, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Farr SA, Wilkinson MF, Nguyen AD. Targeting nonsense-mediated RNA decay does not increase progranulin levels in the Grn R493X mouse model of frontotemporal dementia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282822. [PMID: 36893203 PMCID: PMC9997918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282822] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A common cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are nonsense mutations in the progranulin (GRN) gene. Because nonsense mutations activate the nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway, we sought to inhibit this RNA turnover pathway as a means to increase progranulin levels. Using a knock-in mouse model harboring a common patient mutation, we tested whether either pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NMD upregulates progranulin in these GrnR493X mice. We first examined antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting an exonic region in GrnR493X mRNA predicted to block its degradation by NMD. As we previously reported, these ASOs effectively increased GrnR493X mRNA levels in fibroblasts in vitro. However, following CNS delivery, we found that none of the 8 ASOs we tested increased Grn mRNA levels in the brains of GrnR493X mice. This result was obtained despite broad ASO distribution in the brain. An ASO targeting a different mRNA was effective when administered in parallel to wild-type mice. As an independent approach to inhibit NMD, we examined the effect of loss of an NMD factor not required for embryonic viability: UPF3b. We found that while Upf3b deletion effectively perturbed NMD, it did not increase Grn mRNA levels in Grn+/R493X mouse brains. Together, our results suggest that the NMD-inhibition approaches that we used are likely not viable for increasing progranulin levels in individuals with FTD caused by nonsense GRN mutations. Thus, alternative approaches should be pursued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise M. Smith
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Niehoff
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, United States of America
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, United States of America
| | - Susan A. Farr
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Miles F. Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Nguyen
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hatch RJ, Berecki G, Jancovski N, Li M, Rollo B, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Kaila K, Reid CA, Petrou S. Carbogen-Induced Respiratory Acidosis Blocks Experimental Seizures by a Direct and Specific Inhibition of Na V1.2 Channels in the Axon Initial Segment of Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1658-1667. [PMID: 36732074 PMCID: PMC10010452 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1387-22.2022] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain pH is a critical factor for determining neuronal activity, with alkalosis increasing and acidosis reducing excitability. Acid shifts in brain pH through the breathing of carbogen (5% CO2/95% O2) reduces seizure susceptibility in animal models and patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying this seizure protection remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that male and female mice exposed to carbogen are fully protected from thermogenic-triggered seizures. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that acid shifts in extracellular pH (pHo) significantly reduce action potential firing in CA1 pyramidal neurons but did not alter firing in hippocampal inhibitory interneurons. In real-time dynamic clamp experiments, acidification reduced simulated action potential firing generated in hybrid model neurons expressing the excitatory neuron predominant NaV1.2 channel. Conversely, acidification had no effect on action potential firing in hybrid model neurons expressing the interneuron predominant NaV1.1 channel. Furthermore, knockdown of Scn2a mRNA in vivo using antisense oligonucleotides reduced the protective effects of carbogen on seizure susceptibility. Both carbogen-mediated seizure protection and the reduction in CA1 pyramidal neuron action potential firing by low pHo were maintained in an Asic1a knock-out mouse ruling out this acid-sensing channel as the underlying molecular target. These data indicate that the acid-mediated reduction in excitatory neuron firing is mediated, at least in part, through the inhibition of NaV1.2 channels, whereas inhibitory neuron firing is unaffected. This reduction in pyramidal neuron excitability is the likely basis of seizure suppression caused by carbogen-mediated acidification.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain pH has long been known to modulate neuronal excitability. Here, we confirm that brain acidification reduces seizure susceptibility in a mouse model of thermogenic seizures. Extracellular acidification reduced excitatory pyramidal neuron firing while having no effect on interneuron firing. Acidification also reduced dynamic clamp firing in cells expressing the NaV1.2 channel but not in cells expressing NaV1.1 channels. In vivo knockdown of Scn2a mRNA reduced seizure protection of acidification. In contrast, acid-mediated seizure protection was maintained in the Asic1a knock-out mouse. These data suggest NaV1.2 channel as an important target for acid-mediated seizure protection. Our results have implications on how natural variations in pH can modulate neuronal excitability and highlight potential antiseizure drug development strategies based on the NaV1.2 channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hatch
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Géza Berecki
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Melody Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ben Rollo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California 92008
| | - Kai Kaila
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee D, Chen W, Kaku HN, Zhuo X, Chao ES, Soriano A, Kuncheria A, Flores S, Kim JH, Rivera A, Rigo F, Jafar-Nejad P, Beaudet AL, Caudill MS, Xue M. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues disturbed brain rhythms and sleep in juvenile and adult mouse models of Angelman syndrome. eLife 2023; 12:e81892. [PMID: 36594817 PMCID: PMC9904759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
UBE3A encodes ubiquitin protein ligase E3A, and in neurons its expression from the paternal allele is repressed by the UBE3A antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). This leaves neurons susceptible to loss-of-function of maternal UBE3A. Indeed, Angelman syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, is caused by maternal UBE3A deficiency. A promising therapeutic approach to treating Angelman syndrome is to reactivate the intact paternal UBE3A by suppressing UBE3A-ATS. Prior studies show that many neurological phenotypes of maternal Ube3a knockout mice can only be rescued by reinstating Ube3a expression in early development, indicating a restricted therapeutic window for Angelman syndrome. Here, we report that reducing Ube3a-ATS by antisense oligonucleotides in juvenile or adult maternal Ube3a knockout mice rescues the abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms and sleep disturbance, two prominent clinical features of Angelman syndrome. Importantly, the degree of phenotypic improvement correlates with the increase of Ube3a protein levels. These results indicate that the therapeutic window of genetic therapies for Angelman syndrome is broader than previously thought, and EEG power spectrum and sleep architecture should be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwon Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Heet Naresh Kaku
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Xinming Zhuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Eugene S Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | | | - Allen Kuncheria
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Stephanie Flores
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Armando Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, United States
| | | | - Arthur L Beaudet
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Matthew S Caudill
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Burbano LE, Li M, Jancovski N, Jafar-Nejad P, Richards K, Sedo A, Soriano A, Rollo B, Jia L, Gazina EV, Piltz S, Adikusuma F, Thomas PQ, Kopsidas H, Rigo F, Reid CA, Maljevic S, Petrou S. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for KCNT1 encephalopathy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:146090. [PMID: 36173683 PMCID: PMC9746904 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146090] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are characterized by pharmaco-resistant seizures with concomitant intellectual disability. Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is one of the most severe of these syndromes. De novo variants in ion channels, including gain-of-function variants in KCNT1, which encodes for sodium activated potassium channel protein KNa1.1, have been found to play a major role in the etiology of EIMFS. Here, we test a potential precision therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated DEE using a gene-silencing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approach. We generated a mouse model carrying the KCNT1 p.P924L pathogenic variant; only the homozygous animals presented with the frequent, debilitating seizures and developmental compromise that are seen in patients. After a single intracerebroventricular bolus injection of a Kcnt1 gapmer ASO in symptomatic mice at postnatal day 40, seizure frequency was significantly reduced, behavioral abnormalities improved, and overall survival was extended compared with mice treated with a control ASO (nonhybridizing sequence). ASO administration at neonatal age was also well tolerated and effective in controlling seizures and extending the life span of treated animals. The data presented here provide proof of concept for ASO-based gene silencing as a promising therapeutic approach in KCNT1-associated epilepsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisseth Estefania Burbano
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melody Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kay Richards
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Sedo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ben Rollo
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linghan Jia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena V. Gazina
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandra Piltz
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Fatwa Adikusuma
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Q. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Kopsidas
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Christopher A. Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Korobeynikov VA, Lyashchenko AK, Blanco-Redondo B, Jafar-Nejad P, Shneider NA. Antisense oligonucleotide silencing of FUS expression as a therapeutic approach in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Med 2022; 28:104-116. [PMID: 35075293 PMCID: PMC8799464 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [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: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an RNA-binding protein that is genetically and pathologically associated with rare and aggressive forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To explore the mechanisms by which mutant FUS causes neurodegeneration in ALS-FTD, we generated a series of FUS knock-in mouse lines that express the equivalent of ALS-associated mutant FUSP525L and FUSΔEX14 protein. In FUS mutant mice, we show progressive, age-dependent motor neuron loss as a consequence of a dose-dependent gain of toxic function, associated with the insolubility of FUS and related RNA-binding proteins. In this disease-relevant mouse model of ALS-FUS, we show that ION363, a non-allele-specific FUS antisense oligonucleotide, efficiently silences Fus and reduces postnatal levels of FUS protein in the brain and spinal cord, delaying motor neuron degeneration. In a patient with ALS with a FUSP525L mutation, we provide preliminary evidence that repeated intrathecal infusions of ION363 lower wild-type and mutant FUS levels in the central nervous system, resulting in a marked reduction in the burden of FUS aggregates that are a pathological hallmark of disease. In mouse genetic and human clinical studies, we provide evidence in support of FUS silencing as a therapeutic strategy in FUS-dependent ALS and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav A Korobeynikov
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander K Lyashchenko
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beatriz Blanco-Redondo
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Rudolf-Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Neil A Shneider
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Li M, Jancovski N, Jafar-Nejad P, Burbano LE, Rollo B, Richards K, Drew L, Sedo A, Heighway J, Pachernegg S, Soriano A, Jia L, Blackburn T, Roberts B, Nemiroff A, Dalby K, Maljevic S, Reid CA, Rigo F, Petrou S. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy reduces seizures and extends life span in an SCN2A gain-of-function epilepsy model. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:152079. [PMID: 34850743 DOI: 10.1172/jci152079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo variation in SCN2A can give rise to severe childhood disorders. Biophysical gain of function in SCN2A is seen in some patients with early seizure onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). In these cases, targeted reduction in SCN2A expression could substantially improve clinical outcomes. We tested this theory by central administration of a gapmer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting Scn2a mRNA in a mouse model of Scn2a early seizure onset DEE (Q/+ mice). Untreated Q/+ mice presented with spontaneous seizures at P1 and did not survive beyond P30. Administration of the ASO to Q/+ mice reduced spontaneous seizures and significantly extended life span. Across a range of behavioral tests, Scn2a ASO-treated Q/+ mice were largely indistinguishable from WT mice, suggesting treatment is well tolerated. A human SCN2A gapmer ASO could likewise impact the lives of patients with SCN2A gain-of-function DEE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikola Jancovski
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lisseth E Burbano
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Rollo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kay Richards
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Drew
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Sedo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Heighway
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Svenja Pachernegg
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Linghan Jia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Todd Blackburn
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,RogCon Biosciences, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Blaine Roberts
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex Nemiroff
- RogCon Biosciences, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelley Dalby
- RogCon Biosciences, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Snezana Maljevic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,RogCon Biosciences, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schoch KM, Ezerskiy LA, Morhaus MM, Bannon RN, Sauerbeck AD, Shabsovich M, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Miller TM. Acute Trem2 reduction triggers increased microglial phagocytosis, slowing amyloid deposition in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2100356118. [PMID: 34187891 PMCID: PMC8271763 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100356118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous genetic variants within the TREM2 gene show a strong association with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Amyloid beta-depositing mouse models haploinsufficient or null for Trem2 have identified important relationships among TREM2, microglia, and AD pathology; however, results are challenging to interpret in the context of varying microglial phenotypes and disease progression. We hypothesized that acute Trem2 reduction may alter amyloid pathology and microglial responses independent of genetic Trem2 deletion in mouse models. We developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that potently but transiently lower Trem2 messenger RNA throughout the brain and administered them to APP/PS1 mice at varying stages of plaque pathology. Late-stage ASO-mediated Trem2 knockdown significantly reduced plaque deposition and attenuated microglial association around plaque deposits when evaluated 1 mo after ASO injection. Changes in microglial gene signatures 1 wk after ASO administration and phagocytosis measured in ASO-treated cells together indicate that microglia may be activated with short-term Trem2 reduction. These results suggest a time- and/or dose-dependent role for TREM2 in mediating plaque deposition and microglial responses in which loss of TREM2 function may be beneficial for microglial activation and plaque removal in an acute context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110;
| | - Lubov A Ezerskiy
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Michaela M Morhaus
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Riley N Bannon
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Andrew D Sauerbeck
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Mark Shabsovich
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shao Y, Sztainberg Y, Wang Q, Bajikar SS, Trostle AJ, Wan YW, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Liu Z, Tang J, Zoghbi HY. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy in a humanized mouse model of MECP2 duplication syndrome. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eaaz7785. [PMID: 33658357 PMCID: PMC8976688 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz7785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many intellectual disability disorders are due to copy number variations, and, to date, there have been no treatment options tested for this class of diseases. MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is one of the most common genomic rearrangements in males and results from duplications spanning the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene locus. We previously showed that antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy can reduce MeCP2 protein amount in an MDS mouse model and reverse its disease features. This MDS mouse model, however, carried one transgenic human allele and one mouse allele, with the latter being protected from human-specific MECP2-ASO targeting. Because MeCP2 is a dosage-sensitive protein, the ASO must be titrated such that the amount of MeCP2 is not reduced too far, which would cause Rett syndrome. Therefore, we generated an "MECP2 humanized" MDS model that carries two human MECP2 alleles and no mouse endogenous allele. Intracerebroventricular injection of the MECP2-ASO efficiently down-regulated MeCP2 expression throughout the brain in these mice. Moreover, MECP2-ASO mitigated several behavioral deficits and restored expression of selected MeCP2-regulated genes in a dose-dependent manner without any toxicity. Central nervous system administration of MECP2-ASO is therefore well tolerated and beneficial in this mouse model and provides a translatable approach that could be feasible for treating MDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingyao Shao
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yehezkel Sztainberg
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sameer S Bajikar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexander J Trostle
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ying-Wooi Wan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianrong Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rodriguez CM, Wright SE, Kearse MG, Haenfler JM, Flores BN, Liu Y, Ifrim MF, Glineburg MR, Krans A, Jafar-Nejad P, Sutton MA, Bassell GJ, Parent JM, Rigo F, Barmada SJ, Todd PK. A native function for RAN translation and CGG repeats in regulating fragile X protein synthesis. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:386-397. [PMID: 32066985 PMCID: PMC7668390 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG translation of expanded CGG repeats (CGG RAN) from the FMR1 5’ UTR produces toxic proteins that contribute to neurodegeneration in Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Here we describe how unexpanded CGG repeats and their translation play conserved roles in regulating FMRP synthesis. In neurons, CGG RAN acts as an inhibitory upstream open reading frame to suppress basal FMRP production. Activation of mGluR5 receptors enhances FMRP synthesis. This enhancement requires both the CGG repeat and CGG RAN initiation sites. Using non-cleaving antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), we selectively blocked RAN translation. This ASO blockade enhanced endogenous human neuronal FMRP expression. In human and rodent neurons, RAN blocking ASOs suppressed repeat toxicity and prolonged survival. These findings delineate a native function for CGG repeats and RAN translation in regulating basal and activity-dependent FMRP synthesis and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of modulating CGG RAN translation in fragile X-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael G Kearse
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jill M Haenfler
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brittany N Flores
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marius F Ifrim
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary R Glineburg
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Michael A Sutton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jack M Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lenk GM, Jafar-Nejad P, Hill SF, Huffman LD, Smolen CE, Wagnon JL, Petit H, Yu W, Ziobro J, Bhatia K, Parent J, Giger RJ, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Scn8a Antisense Oligonucleotide Is Protective in Mouse Models of SCN8A Encephalopathy and Dravet Syndrome. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:339-346. [PMID: 31943325 PMCID: PMC7064908 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective SCN8A encephalopathy is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by de novo gain‐of‐function mutations of sodium channel Nav1.6 that result in neuronal hyperactivity. Affected individuals exhibit early onset drug‐resistant seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment. This study was carried out to determine whether reducing the abundance of the Scn8a transcript with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) would delay seizure onset and prolong survival in a mouse model of SCN8A encephalopathy. Methods ASO treatment was tested in a conditional mouse model with Cre‐dependent expression of the pathogenic patient SCN8A mutation p.Arg1872Trp (R1872W). This model exhibits early onset of seizures, rapid progression, and 100% penetrance. An Scn1a+/− haploinsufficient mouse model of Dravet syndrome was also treated. ASO was administered by intracerebroventricular injection at postnatal day 2, followed in some cases by stereotactic injection at postnatal day 30. Results We observed a dose‐dependent increase in length of survival from 15 to 65 days in the Scn8a‐R1872W/+ mice treated with ASO. Electroencephalographic recordings were normal prior to seizure onset. Weight gain and activity in an open field were unaffected, but treated mice were less active in a wheel running assay. A single treatment with Scn8a ASO extended survival of Dravet syndrome mice from 3 weeks to >5 months. Interpretation Reduction of Scn8a transcript by 25 to 50% delayed seizure onset and lethality in mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy and Dravet syndrome. Reduction of SCN8A transcript is a promising approach to treatment of intractable childhood epilepsies. Ann Neurol 2020;87:339–346
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy M Lenk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lucas D Huffman
- Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Corrine E Smolen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Hayley Petit
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kritika Bhatia
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jack Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Roman J Giger
- Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen CJ, Sgritta M, Mays J, Zhou H, Lucero R, Park J, Wang IC, Park JH, Kaipparettu BA, Stoica L, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Chin J, Noebels JL, Costa-Mattioli M. Therapeutic inhibition of mTORC2 rescues the behavioral and neurophysiological abnormalities associated with Pten-deficiency. Nat Med 2019; 25:1684-1690. [PMID: 31636454 PMCID: PMC7082835 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [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: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which is mediated by two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, has been implicated in several neurological disorders1-3. Individuals carrying loss-of-function mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, are prone to developing macrocephaly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), seizures and intellectual disability2,4,5. It is generally believed that the neurological symptoms associated with loss of PTEN and other mTORopathies (for example, mutations in the tuberous sclerosis genes TSC1 or TSC2) are due to hyperactivation of mTORC1-mediated protein synthesis1,2,4,6,7. Using molecular genetics, we unexpectedly found that genetic deletion of mTORC2 (but not mTORC1) activity prolonged lifespan, suppressed seizures, rescued ASD-like behaviors and long-term memory, and normalized metabolic changes in the brain of mice lacking Pten. In a more therapeutically oriented approach, we found that administration of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting mTORC2's defining component Rictor specifically inhibits mTORC2 activity and reverses the behavioral and neurophysiological abnormalities in adolescent Pten-deficient mice. Collectively, our findings indicate that mTORC2 is the major driver underlying the neuropathophysiology associated with Pten-deficiency, and its therapeutic reduction could represent a promising and broadly effective translational therapy for neurological disorders where mTOR signaling is dysregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ju Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martina Sgritta
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacqunae Mays
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hongyi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rocco Lucero
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - I-Ching Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Hyoung Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benny Abraham Kaipparettu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Loredana Stoica
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Jeannie Chin
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Spiller KJ, Khan T, Dominique MA, Restrepo CR, Cotton-Samuel D, Levitan M, Jafar-Nejad P, Zhang B, Soriano A, Rigo F, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY. Reduction of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) protects motor neurons from TDP-43-triggered death in rNLS8 mice. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:133-140. [PMID: 30458231 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies are needed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One potential target is matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which is expressed only by fast motor neurons (MNs) that are selectively vulnerable to various ALS-relevant triggers. Previous studies have shown that reduction of MMP-9 function delayed motor dysfunction in a mouse model of familial ALS. However, given that the majority of ALS cases are sporadic, we propose preclinical testing in a mouse model which may be more clinically translatable: rNLS8 mice. In rNLS8 mice, neurodegeneration is triggered by the major pathological hallmark of ALS, TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation. MMP-9 was targeted in 3 different ways in rNLS8 mice: by AAV9-mediated knockdown, using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology, and by genetic modification. All 3 strategies preserved the motor unit during disease, as measured by MN counts, tibialis anterior (TA) muscle innervation, and physiological recordings from muscle. However, the strategies that reduced MMP-9 beyond the motor unit lead to premature deaths in a subset of rNLS8 mice. Therefore, selective targeting of MMP-9 in MNs could be beneficial in ALS, but side effects outside of the motor circuit may limit the most commonly used clinical targeting strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista J Spiller
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Tahiyana Khan
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Myrna A Dominique
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Clark R Restrepo
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dejania Cotton-Samuel
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maya Levitan
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Bin Zhang
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Becker LA, Huang B, Bieri G, Ma R, Knowles DA, Jafar-Nejad P, Messing J, Kim HJ, Soriano A, Auburger G, Pulst SM, Taylor JP, Rigo F, Gitler AD. Therapeutic reduction of ataxin-2 extends lifespan and reduces pathology in TDP-43 mice. Nature 2017; 544:367-371. [PMID: 28405022 PMCID: PMC5642042 DOI: 10.1038/nature22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [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: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by motor neuron loss and that leads to paralysis and death 2-5 years after disease onset. Nearly all patients with ALS have aggregates of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 in their brains and spinal cords, and rare mutations in the gene encoding TDP-43 can cause ALS. There are no effective TDP-43-directed therapies for ALS or related TDP-43 proteinopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA-interference approaches are emerging as attractive therapeutic strategies in neurological diseases. Indeed, treatment of a rat model of inherited ALS (caused by a mutation in Sod1) with ASOs against Sod1 has been shown to substantially slow disease progression. However, as SOD1 mutations account for only around 2-5% of ALS cases, additional therapeutic strategies are needed. Silencing TDP-43 itself is probably not appropriate, given its critical cellular functions. Here we present a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for ALS that involves targeting ataxin-2. A decrease in ataxin-2 suppresses TDP-43 toxicity in yeast and flies, and intermediate-length polyglutamine expansions in the ataxin-2 gene increase risk of ALS. We used two independent approaches to test whether decreasing ataxin-2 levels could mitigate disease in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy. First, we crossed ataxin-2 knockout mice with TDP-43 (also known as TARDBP) transgenic mice. The decrease in ataxin-2 reduced aggregation of TDP-43, markedly increased survival and improved motor function. Second, in a more therapeutically applicable approach, we administered ASOs targeting ataxin-2 to the central nervous system of TDP-43 transgenic mice. This single treatment markedly extended survival. Because TDP-43 aggregation is a component of nearly all cases of ALS, targeting ataxin-2 could represent a broadly effective therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A. Becker
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brenda Huang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gregor Bieri
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rosanna Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David A. Knowles
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - James Messing
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Hong Joo Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | | | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan M. Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Aaron D. Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rousseaux MW, de Haro M, Lasagna-Reeves CA, De Maio A, Park J, Jafar-Nejad P, Al-Ramahi I, Sharma A, See L, Lu N, Vilanova-Velez L, Klisch TJ, Westbrook TF, Troncoso JC, Botas J, Zoghbi HY. TRIM28 regulates the nuclear accumulation and toxicity of both alpha-synuclein and tau. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27779468 PMCID: PMC5104516 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [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: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases are driven by the toxic gain-of-function of specific proteins within the brain. Elevated levels of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) appear to drive neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease (PD); neuronal accumulation of tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD); and their increased levels cause neurodegeneration in humans and model organisms. Despite the clinical differences between AD and PD, several lines of evidence suggest that α-Syn and tau overlap pathologically. The connections between α-Syn and tau led us to ask whether these proteins might be regulated through a shared pathway. We therefore screened for genes that affect post-translational levels of α-Syn and tau. We found that TRIM28 regulates α-Syn and tau levels and that its reduction rescues toxicity in animal models of tau- and α-Syn-mediated degeneration. TRIM28 stabilizes and promotes the nuclear accumulation and toxicity of both proteins. Intersecting screens across comorbid proteinopathies thus reveal shared mechanisms and therapeutic entry points. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19809.001 Behind many neurodegenerative diseases are specific proteins that abnormally accumulate inside neurons and damage the cells. In Parkinson’s disease, the protein alpha-synuclein accumulates; in Alzheimer’s disease, the protein tau is one of the toxic culprits; and in other neurodegenerative diseases, alpha-synuclein and tau both accumulate. Genetic studies suggest that accumulation of the two proteins may be linked, but little is known about the factors that regulate the levels of these proteins inside neurons. Rousseaux et al. set out to identify how these proteins are regulated in the hope of finding new ways of targeting them and reducing their toxicity. Screening a subset of human genes led to one that encodes a protein called TRIM28, which regulates the levels of both alpha-synuclein and tau. When the TRIM28 protein was depleted in human and mouse cells, the levels of alpha-synuclein and tau also went down. This effect was specific because the levels of other proteins with the potential to cause neurodegeneration remained unaffected. Models of neurodegenerative disease in fruit flies and mice were then used to explore how TRIM28 affects the levels of tau and alpha-synuclein in animals. In each case, the proteins’ levels dropped when TRIM28 was suppressed and this in turn protected the neurons from damage. Rousseaux et al. went on to show that TRIM28 affected how alpha-synuclein and tau were cleared in cells. Overexpressing TRIM28 revealed that it could encourage both alpha-synuclein and tau to accumulate in the nucleus of cells over time. Finally, Rousseaux et al. compared post-mortem brain tissue from people who had neurodegenerative conditions that are driven by or associated with tau and alpha-synuclein with tissue from those who did not. The cell nuclei in the diseased tissue had much more TRIM28 associated with alpha-synuclein and tau than those in the healthy tissues. Overall, the findings show that TRIM28 promotes the accumulation and damaging effects of both alpha-synuclein and tau. The next steps will be to understand how TRIM28 does this. It will also be important to determine if this effect can be targeted, whilst leaving others roles of TRIM28 intact, in order to explore it as a potential target to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19809.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Wc Rousseaux
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Maria de Haro
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Cristian A Lasagna-Reeves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Antonia De Maio
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Ismael Al-Ramahi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Lauren See
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Nan Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Luis Vilanova-Velez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Tiemo J Klisch
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Thomas F Westbrook
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,The Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Juan Botas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Canada.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jiang J, Zhu Q, Gendron TF, Saberi S, McAlonis-Downes M, Seelman A, Stauffer JE, Jafar-Nejad P, Drenner K, Schulte D, Chun S, Sun S, Ling SC, Myers B, Engelhardt J, Katz M, Baughn M, Platoshyn O, Marsala M, Watt A, Heyser CJ, Ard MC, De Muynck L, Daughrity LM, Swing DA, Tessarollo L, Jung CJ, Delpoux A, Utzschneider DT, Hedrick SM, de Jong PJ, Edbauer D, Van Damme P, Petrucelli L, Shaw CE, Bennett CF, Da Cruz S, Ravits J, Rigo F, Cleveland DW, Lagier-Tourenne C. Gain of Toxicity from ALS/FTD-Linked Repeat Expansions in C9ORF72 Is Alleviated by Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting GGGGCC-Containing RNAs. Neuron 2016; 90:535-50. [PMID: 27112497 PMCID: PMC4860075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide expansions in C9ORF72 are the most frequent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Disease mechanisms were evaluated in mice expressing C9ORF72 RNAs with up to 450 GGGGCC repeats or with one or both C9orf72 alleles inactivated. Chronic 50% reduction of C9ORF72 did not provoke disease, while its absence produced splenomegaly, enlarged lymph nodes, and mild social interaction deficits, but not motor dysfunction. Hexanucleotide expansions caused age-, repeat-length-, and expression-level-dependent accumulation of RNA foci and dipeptide-repeat proteins synthesized by AUG-independent translation, accompanied by loss of hippocampal neurons, increased anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. Single-dose injection of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target repeat-containing RNAs but preserve levels of mRNAs encoding C9ORF72 produced sustained reductions in RNA foci and dipeptide-repeat proteins, and ameliorated behavioral deficits. These efforts identify gain of toxicity as a central disease mechanism caused by repeat-expanded C9ORF72 and establish the feasibility of ASO-mediated therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Shahram Saberi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Melissa McAlonis-Downes
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amanda Seelman
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer E Stauffer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Kevin Drenner
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Derek Schulte
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Seung Chun
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shuo-Chien Ling
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Brian Myers
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Melanie Katz
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Michael Baughn
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Oleksandr Platoshyn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Martin Marsala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 9, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Andy Watt
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Charles J Heyser
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - M Colin Ard
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Louis De Muynck
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven/VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lillian M Daughrity
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Deborah A Swing
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Chris J Jung
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Arnaud Delpoux
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel T Utzschneider
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stephen M Hedrick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pieter J de Jong
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Maximilians University and Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven/VIB, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - C Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Sandrine Da Cruz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lasagna-Reeves CA, Rousseaux MW, Guerrero-Munoz MJ, Vilanova-Velez L, Park J, See L, Jafar-Nejad P, Richman R, Orr HT, Kayed R, Zoghbi HY. Ataxin-1 oligomers induce local spread of pathology and decreasing them by passive immunization slows Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 phenotypes. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26673892 PMCID: PMC4821792 DOI: 10.7554/elife.10891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported that ATXN1 oligomers are the primary drivers of toxicity in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1; Lasagna-Reeves et al., 2015). Here we report that polyQ ATXN1 oligomers can propagate locally in vivo in mice predisposed to SCA1 following intracerebral oligomeric tissue inoculation. Our data also show that targeting these oligomers with passive immunotherapy leads to some improvement in motor coordination in SCA1 mice and to a modest increase in their life span. These findings provide evidence that oligomer propagation is regionally limited in SCA1 and that immunotherapy targeting extracellular oligomers can mildly modify disease phenotypes. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10891.001
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Lasagna-Reeves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Maxime Wc Rousseaux
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | | | - Luis Vilanova-Velez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Jeehye Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Lauren See
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Ronald Richman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Harry T Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United states
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rousseaux M, de Haro M, Lasagna-Reeves C, De Maio A, Jafar-Nejad P, Park J, Al-Ramahi I, Kayed R, Botas H, Zoghbi H. TRIM28 regulates the stability and toxicity of alpha-synuclein and tau through a common mechanism. J Neurol Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.08.996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
33
|
Lasagna-Reeves C, Al Ramahi I, de Haro M, Rousseaux M, Kim J, Jafar-Nejad P, Vilanova-Velez L, Westbrook T, Botas J, Zoghbi H. Targeting tau protein stability in alzheimer disease to identify novel therapeutic entry points. J Neurol Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.08.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
34
|
Lasagna-Reeves CA, Rousseaux MW, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Park J, Jafar-Nejad P, Richman R, Lu N, Sengupta U, Litvinchuk A, Orr HT, Kayed R, Zoghbi HY. A native interactor scaffolds and stabilizes toxic ATAXIN-1 oligomers in SCA1. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 25988806 PMCID: PMC4462648 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that soluble oligomers drive pathogenesis in several neurodegenerative proteinopathies, including Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. Curiously, the same conformational antibody recognizes different disease-related oligomers, despite the variations in clinical presentation and brain regions affected, suggesting that the oligomer structure might be responsible for toxicity. We investigated whether polyglutamine-expanded ATAXIN-1, the protein that underlies spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, forms toxic oligomers and, if so, what underlies their toxicity. We found that mutant ATXN1 does form oligomers and that oligomer levels correlate with disease progression in the Atxn1(154Q/+) mice. Moreover, oligomeric toxicity, stabilization and seeding require interaction with Capicua, which is expressed at greater ratios with respect to ATXN1 in the cerebellum than in less vulnerable brain regions. Thus, specific interactors, not merely oligomeric structure, drive pathogenesis and contribute to regional vulnerability. Identifying interactors that stabilize toxic oligomeric complexes could answer longstanding questions about the pathogenesis of other proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maxime Wc Rousseaux
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | | | - Jeehye Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Ronald Richman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Nan Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Alexandra Litvinchuk
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Harry T Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gennarino VA, Singh RK, White JJ, De Maio A, Han K, Kim JY, Jafar-Nejad P, di Ronza A, Kang H, Sayegh LS, Cooper TA, Orr HT, Sillitoe RV, Zoghbi HY. Pumilio1 haploinsufficiency leads to SCA1-like neurodegeneration by increasing wild-type Ataxin1 levels. Cell 2015; 160:1087-98. [PMID: 25768905 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a paradigmatic neurodegenerative proteinopathy, in which a mutant protein (in this case, ATAXIN1) accumulates in neurons and exerts toxicity; in SCA1, this process causes progressive deterioration of motor coordination. Seeking to understand how post-translational modification of ATAXIN1 levels influences disease, we discovered that the RNA-binding protein PUMILIO1 (PUM1) not only directly regulates ATAXIN1 but also plays an unexpectedly important role in neuronal function. Loss of Pum1 caused progressive motor dysfunction and SCA1-like neurodegeneration with motor impairment, primarily by increasing Ataxin1 levels. Breeding Pum1(+/-) mice to SCA1 mice (Atxn1(154Q/+)) exacerbated disease progression, whereas breeding them to Atxn1(+/-) mice normalized Ataxin1 levels and largely rescued the Pum1(+/-) phenotype. Thus, both increased wild-type ATAXIN1 levels and PUM1 haploinsufficiency could contribute to human neurodegeneration. These results demonstrate the importance of studying post-transcriptional regulation of disease-driving proteins to reveal factors underlying neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo A Gennarino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ravi K Singh
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Antonia De Maio
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kihoon Han
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ji-Yoen Kim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alberto di Ronza
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Layal S Sayegh
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas A Cooper
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Salas R, Steele K, Lin A, Loe C, Gauna L, Jafar-Nejad P. Playback Theatre as a tool to enhance communication in medical education. Med Educ Online 2013; 18:22622. [PMID: 24369762 PMCID: PMC3873757 DOI: 10.3402/meo.v18i0.22622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Playback Theatre (PT) is an improvisational form of theatre in which a group of actors "play back" real life stories told by audience members. In PT, a conductor elicits moments, feelings and stories from audience members, and conducts mini-interviews with those who volunteer a moment of their lives to be re-enacted or "played" for the audience. A musician plays music according to the theme of each story, and 4-5 actors listen to the interview and perform the story that has just been told. PT has been used in a large number of settings as a tool to share stories in an artistic manner. Despite its similarities to psychodrama, PT does not claim to be a form of therapy. We offered two PT performances to first year medical students at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, to bring the students a safe and fun environment, conducive to sharing feelings and moments related to being a medical student. Through the moments and stories shared by students, we conclude that there is an enormous need in this population for opportunities to communicate the many emotions associated with medical school and with healthcare-related personal experiences, such as anxiety, pride, or anger. PT proved a powerful tool to help students communicate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Salas
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA;
| | - Kenya Steele
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amy Lin
- Houston Playback Theatre, Houston, TX
| | - Claire Loe
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leslie Gauna
- Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Perroud B, Jafar-Nejad P, Wikoff WR, Gatchel JR, Wang L, Barupal DK, Crespo-Barreto J, Fiehn O, Zoghbi HY, Kaddurah-Daouk R. Pharmacometabolomic signature of ataxia SCA1 mouse model and lithium effects. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70610. [PMID: 23936457 PMCID: PMC3732229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We have shown that lithium treatment improves motor coordination in a spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) disease mouse model (Sca1(154Q/+)). To learn more about disease pathogenesis and molecular contributions to the neuroprotective effects of lithium, we investigated metabolomic profiles of cerebellar tissue and plasma from SCA1-model treated and untreated mice. Metabolomic analyses of wild-type and Sca1(154Q/+) mice, with and without lithium treatment, were performed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and BinBase mass spectral annotations. We detected 416 metabolites, of which 130 were identified. We observed specific metabolic perturbations in Sca1(154Q/+) mice and major effects of lithium on metabolism, centrally and peripherally. Compared to wild-type, Sca1(154Q/+) cerebella metabolic profile revealed changes in glucose, lipids, and metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and purines. Fewer metabolic differences were noted in Sca1(154Q/+) mouse plasma versus wild-type. In both genotypes, the major lithium responses in cerebellum involved energy metabolism, purines, unsaturated free fatty acids, and aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids. The largest metabolic difference with lithium was a 10-fold increase in ascorbate levels in wild-type cerebella (p<0.002), with lower threonate levels, a major ascorbate catabolite. In contrast, Sca1(154Q/+) mice that received lithium showed no elevated cerebellar ascorbate levels. Our data emphasize that lithium regulates a variety of metabolic pathways, including purine, oxidative stress and energy production pathways. The purine metabolite level, reduced in the Sca1(154Q/+) mice and restored upon lithium treatment, might relate to lithium neuroprotective properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Perroud
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William R. Wikoff
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Gatchel
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Dinesh K. Barupal
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Juan Crespo-Barreto
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Oliver Fiehn
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Huda Y. Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- The Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Neuroscience and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HZ); (RKD)
| | - Rima Kaddurah-Daouk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HZ); (RKD)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Elizondo LI, Jafar-Nejad P, Clewing JM, Boerkoel CF. Gene clusters, molecular evolution and disease: a speculation. Curr Genomics 2011; 10:64-75. [PMID: 19721813 PMCID: PMC2699835 DOI: 10.2174/138920209787581271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Revised: 12/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally eukaryotic genes are considered independently expressed under the control of their promoters and cis-regulatory domains. However, recent studies in worms, flies, mice and humans have shown that genes co-habiting a chromatin domain or “genomic neighborhood” are frequently co-expressed. Often these co-expressed genes neither constitute part of an operon nor function within the same biological pathway. The mechanisms underlying the partitioning of the genome into transcriptional genomic neighborhoods are poorly defined. However, cross-species analyses find that the linkage among the co-expressed genes of these clusters is significantly conserved and that the expression patterns of genes within clusters have coevolved with the clusters. Such selection could be mediated by chromatin interactions with the nuclear matrix and long-range remodeling of chromatin structure. In the context of human disease, we propose that dysregulation of gene expression across genomic neighborhoods will cause highly pleiotropic diseases. Candidate genomic neighborhood diseases include the nuclear laminopathies, chromosomal translocations and genomic instability disorders, imprinting disorders of errant insulator function, syndromes from impaired cohesin complex assembly, as well as diseases of global covalent histone modifications and DNA methylation. The alteration of transcriptional genomic neighborhoods provides an exciting and novel model for studying epigenetic alterations as quantitative traits in complex common human diseases.
Collapse
|
39
|
Jorgensen ND, Andresen JM, Lagalwar S, Armstrong B, Stevens S, Byam CE, Duvick LA, Lai S, Jafar-Nejad P, Zoghbi HY, Clark HB, Orr HT. Phosphorylation of ATXN1 at Ser776 in the cerebellum. J Neurochem 2009; 110:675-86. [PMID: 19500214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of nine inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by a mutant protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. Phosphorylation of ataxin-1 (ATXN1) at serine 776 is implicated in SCA1 pathogenesis. Previous studies, utilizing transfected cell lines and a Drosophila photoreceptor model of SCA1, suggest that phosphorylating ATXN1 at S776 renders it less susceptible to degradation. This work also indicated that oncogene from AKR mouse thymoma (Akt) promotes the phosphorylation of ATXN1 at S776 and severity of neurodegeneration. Here, we examined the phosphorylation of ATXN1 at S776 in cerebellar Purkinje cells, a prominent site of pathology in SCA1. We found that while phosphorylation of S776 is associated with a stabilization of ATXN1 in Purkinje cells, inhibition of Akt either in vivo or in a cerebellar extract-based phosphorylation assay did not decrease the phosphorylation of ATXN1-S776. In contrast, immunodepletion and inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase decreased phosphorylation of ATXN1-S776. These results argue against Akt as the in vivo kinase that phosphorylates S776 of ATXN1 and suggest that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is the active ATXN1-S776 kinase in the cerebellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Jorgensen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bowman AB, Lam YC, Jafar-Nejad P, Chen HK, Richman R, Samaco RC, Fryer JD, Kahle JJ, Orr HT, Zoghbi HY. Duplication of Atxn1l suppresses SCA1 neuropathology by decreasing incorporation of polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-1 into native complexes. Nat Genet 2007; 39:373-9. [PMID: 17322884 DOI: 10.1038/ng1977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 01/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a glutamine tract in ataxin-1 (ATXN1). SCA1 pathogenesis studies support a model in which the expanded glutamine tract causes toxicity by modulating the normal activities of ATXN1. To explore native interactions that modify the toxicity of ATXN1, we generated a targeted duplication of the mouse ataxin-1-like (Atxn1l, also known as Boat) locus, a highly conserved paralog of SCA1, and tested the role of this protein in SCA1 pathology. Using a knock-in mouse model of SCA1 that recapitulates the selective neurodegeneration seen in affected individuals, we found that elevated Atxn1l levels suppress neuropathology by displacing mutant Atxn1 from its native complex with Capicua (CIC). Our results provide genetic evidence that the selective neuropathology of SCA1 arises from modulation of a core functional activity of ATXN1, and they underscore the importance of studying the paralogs of genes mutated in neurodegenerative diseases to gain insight into mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Bowman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lam YC, Bowman AB, Jafar-Nejad P, Lim J, Richman R, Fryer JD, Hyun ED, Duvick LA, Orr HT, Botas J, Zoghbi HY. ATAXIN-1 Interacts with the Repressor Capicua in Its Native Complex to Cause SCA1 Neuropathology. Cell 2006; 127:1335-47. [PMID: 17190598 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [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: 02/21/2006] [Revised: 08/15/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of several neurodegenerative diseases caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the disease protein, in this case, ATAXIN-1 (ATXN1). A key question in the field is whether neurotoxicity is mediated by aberrant, novel interactions with the expanded protein or whether its wild-type functions are augmented to a deleterious degree. We examined soluble protein complexes from mouse cerebellum and found that the majority of wild-type and expanded ATXN1 assembles into large stable complexes containing the transcriptional repressor Capicua. ATXN1 directly binds Capicua and modulates Capicua repressor activity in Drosophila and mammalian cells, and its loss decreases the steady-state level of Capicua. Interestingly, the S776A mutation, which abrogates the neurotoxicity of expanded ATXN1, substantially reduces the association of mutant ATXN1 with Capicua in vivo. These data provide insight into the function of ATXN1 and suggest that SCA1 neuropathology depends on native, not novel, protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung C Lam
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dehpour A, Jafar-Nejad P, Mani A, Gharib B, Daryani N. Chlorpromazine-induced Erythrocyte Shape Change in Ratswith Obstructive Cholestasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1211/146080899128734235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|