Current Methods In ALS Research

ARTICLES DISCUSSED:
Asakawa, K., Handa, H., Kawakami, K. Optogenetic phase transition of TDP-43 in spinal motor neurons of zebrafish larvae. Journal of ...

KU Leuven - University of Leuven

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)

Peripheral neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by a progressive, ascending loss of nerve function arising from the peripheral regions of the limbs. The phenotypic overlap between different types of hereditary and acquired peripheral neuropathies indicates that similar pathophysiological processes are at play. Many downstream pathways in peripheral neurons, such as axonal transport, protein degradation, and interactions with Schwann cells, organelle damage, channelopathies, and neuroinflammatory signaling, have been proposed and each affects peripheral nerves in a negative way. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays an important role at the intersection of these converging pathogenic pathways. The enzymatic deacetylase activity of HDAC6 is upregulated in neurodegenerative disorders and typically results in downstream neuronal stress. Areas covered: The role of HDAC6 in the common pathogenic mechanisms of peripheral neuropathies. In addition, we discuss the current preclinical and clinical HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i), their chemical structure, development, and limitations. Expert opinion: The development and testing of non-hydroxamic acid-based, should be the focus of the future research. Moreover, HDAC6i should be further investigated as a preventative measure and therapeutic strategy for inherited and acquired peripheral neuropathies.

HDAC6 as a potential therapeutic target for peripheral nerve disorders.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. ALS patients suffer from a progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to respiratory failure within 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. Available therapies only slow down the disease progression moderately or extend the lifespan by a few months. Epigenetic hallmarks have been linked to the disease, creating an avenue for potential therapeutic approaches. Interference with one class of epigenetic enzymes, histone deacetylases, has been shown to affect neurodegeneration in many preclinical models. Consequently, it is crucial to improve our understanding about histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in (pre)clinical models of ALS. We conclude that selective inhibitors with high tolerability and safety and sufficient blood-brain barrier permeability will be needed to interfere with both epigenetic and non-epigenetic targets of these enzymes. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.

Opportunities for histone deacetylase inhibition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy, with currently no effective treatment or cure. CMT1A is caused by a duplication of the PMP22 gene, which leads to Schwann cell differentiation defects and dysmyelination of the peripheral nerves. The epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has been shown to negatively regulate myelination as well as its associated signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT and MAPK-ERK. We showed that these signaling pathways are indeed downregulated in the C3-PMP22 mouse model, similar to what has been shown in the CMT1A rat model. We confirmed that early postnatal defects are present in the peripheral nerves of the C3-PMP22 mouse model, which led to a progressive reduction in axon caliber size and myelination. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pharmacological HDAC3 inhibition could be a valuable therapeutic approach for this CMT1A mouse model. We demonstrated that early treatment of CMT1A mice with the selective HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966 increased myelination and myelin g-ratios, which was associated with improved electrophysiological recordings. However, a high dose of RGFP966 caused a decline in rotarod performance and a decline in overall grip strength. Additionally, macrophage presence in peripheral nerves was increased in RGFP966 treated CMT1A mice. We conclude that HDAC3 does not only play a role in regulating myelination but is also important in the neuroimmune modulation. Overall, our results indicate that correct dosing of HDAC3 inhibitors is of crucial importance if translated to a clinical setting for demyelinating forms of CMT or other neurological disorders.

Yvonne E. Klingl

Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI),
Department of Neurosciences

KU Leuven - University of Leuven

Current Methods In ALS Research

Yvonne E. Klingl

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KU Leuven - University of Leuven

Current Methods In ALS Research

Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI),
Department of Neurosciences