Optineurin (OPTN) mutations are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), but a relevant animal model is lacking, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration are unknown. We find that OPTN C-terminus truncation (OPTN∆C) causes late-onset neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve (ON), and spinal cord motor neurons, preceded by a decrease of axonal mitochondria in mice. We discover that OPTN directly interacts with both microtubules and the mitochondrial transport complex TRAK1/KIF5B, stabilizing them for proper anterograde axonal mitochondrial transport, in a C-terminus dependent manner. Furthermore, overexpressing OPTN/TRAK1/KIF5B prevents not only OPTN truncation-induced, but also ocular hypertension-induced neurodegeneration, and promotes robust ON regeneration. Therefore, in addition to generating animal models for NTG and ALS, our results establish OPTN as a facilitator of the microtubule-dependent mitochondrial transport necessary for adequate axonal mitochondria delivery, and its loss as the likely molecular mechanism of neurodegeneration.

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza genetika   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• axonální transport MeSH
• axony * metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránové transportní proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• mikrotubuly metabolismus   MeSH
• mitochondrie * metabolismus   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• motorické neurony metabolismus   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nervus opticus metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• neuroprotekce * MeSH
• normotenzní glaukom genetika   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• proteiny buněčného cyklu MeSH
• regenerace nervu * fyziologie   MeSH
• retinální gangliové buňky metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• transkripční faktor TFIIIA * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• membránové transportní proteiny MeSH
• OPTN protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• Optn protein, mouse MeSH Prohlížeč
• proteiny buněčného cyklu MeSH
• transkripční faktor TFIIIA * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and constitute a link to its association with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Gene-targeted therapies for some forms of ALS (C9orf72, SOD1) have recently gained momentum. Genetic architecture in Czech ALS patients has not been comprehensively assessed so far. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to deliver pilot data on the genetic landscape of ALS in our country. METHODS: A cohort of patients with ALS (n = 88), recruited from two Czech Neuromuscular Centers, was assessed for hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9orf72 and also for genetic variations in other 36 ALS-linked genes via next-generation sequencing (NGS). Nine patients (10.1%) had a familial ALS. Further, we analyzed two subgroups of sporadic patients - with concomitant FTD (n = 7) and with young-onset of the disease (n = 22). RESULTS: We detected the pathogenic HRE in C9orf72 in 12 patients (13.5%) and three other pathogenic variants in FUS, TARDBP and TBK1, each in one patient. Additional 7 novel and 9 rare known variants with uncertain causal significance have been detected in 15 patients. Three sporadic patients with FTD (42.9%) were harbouring a pathogenic variant (all HRE in C9orf72). Surprisingly, none of the young-onset sporadic patients harboured a pathogenic variant and we detected no pathogenic SOD1 variant in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Our findings resemble those from other European populations, with the highest prevalence of HRE in the C9orf72 gene. Further, our findings suggest a possibility of a missing genetic variability among young-onset patients.

• Klíčová slova
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, C9orf72 repeat expansion, gene variants, mutation screening, neurogenetics, next-generation sequencing,
• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * genetika   MeSH
• DNA vazebné proteiny genetika   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• expanze repetic DNA * MeSH
• frontotemporální demence * genetika   MeSH
• genetická predispozice k nemoci MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• protein C9orf72 * genetika   MeSH
• protein FUS vázající RNA genetika   MeSH
• protein-serin-threoninkinasy genetika   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• věk při počátku nemoci MeSH
• vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• C9orf72 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• DNA vazebné proteiny MeSH
• FUS protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• protein C9orf72 * MeSH
• protein FUS vázající RNA MeSH
• protein-serin-threoninkinasy MeSH
• TARDBP protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• TBK1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč

ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label treatments for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). Here we review insulin, which has at least one plausible mechanism for slowing ALS progression. However, pre-clinical studies are limited and there have been no trials in PALS yet. Insulin use in patients without a metabolic need may cause very serious and potentially lethal side effects. While further studies to evaluate potential benefits may be warranted, at this time we cannot endorse insulin treatment to slow ALS progression.

• Klíčová slova
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), insulin, metabolism, off-label treatment,
• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• inzulin škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• inzulin MeSH

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * etiologie   komplikace   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• parkinsonské poruchy * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• dopisy MeSH
• komentáře MeSH

Human cellular models of neurodegeneration require reproducibility and longevity, which is necessary for simulating age-dependent diseases. Such systems are particularly needed for TDP-43 proteinopathies1, which involve human-specific mechanisms2-5 that cannot be directly studied in animal models. Here, to explore the emergence and consequences of TDP-43 pathologies, we generated induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, colony morphology neural stem cells (iCoMoNSCs) via manual selection of neural precursors6. Single-cell transcriptomics and comparison to independent neural stem cells7 showed that iCoMoNSCs are uniquely homogenous and self-renewing. Differentiated iCoMoNSCs formed a self-organized multicellular system consisting of synaptically connected and electrophysiologically active neurons, which matured into long-lived functional networks (which we designate iNets). Neuronal and glial maturation in iNets was similar to that of cortical organoids8. Overexpression of wild-type TDP-43 in a minority of neurons within iNets led to progressive fragmentation and aggregation of the protein, resulting in a partial loss of function and neurotoxicity. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed a novel set of misregulated RNA targets in TDP-43-overexpressing neurons and in patients with TDP-43 proteinopathies exhibiting a loss of nuclear TDP-43. The strongest misregulated target encoded the synaptic protein NPTX2, the levels of which are controlled by TDP-43 binding on its 3' untranslated region. When NPTX2 was overexpressed in iNets, it exhibited neurotoxicity, whereas correcting NPTX2 misregulation partially rescued neurons from TDP-43-induced neurodegeneration. Notably, NPTX2 was consistently misaccumulated in neurons from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology. Our work directly links TDP-43 misregulation and NPTX2 accumulation, thereby revealing a TDP-43-dependent pathway of neurotoxicity.

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• C-reaktivní protein * metabolismus   MeSH
• DNA vazebné proteiny * nedostatek   metabolismus   MeSH
• frontotemporální lobární degenerace * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nervová síť * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• nervové kmenové buňky cytologie   MeSH
• neuroglie cytologie   MeSH
• neurony * cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně * metabolismus   MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• C-reaktivní protein * MeSH
• DNA vazebné proteiny * MeSH
• neuronal pentraxin MeSH Prohlížeč
• proteiny nervové tkáně * MeSH
• TARDBP protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons. A definitive diagnostic test or biomarker for ALS is currently unavailable, leading to a diagnostic delay following the onset of initial symptoms. Our study focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of clusterin, tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, and beta-amyloid1-42 in ALS patients and a control group. METHODS: Our study involved 54 ALS patients and 58 control subjects. Among the ALS patients, 14 presented with bulbar-onset ALS, and 40 with limb-onset ALS. We quantified biomarker levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared the results using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Significant elevations in neurodegenerative markers, including tau protein (p < 0.0001), phosphorylated tau protein (p < 0.0001), and clusterin (p = 0.038), were observed in ALS patients compared to controls. Elevated levels of tau protein and phosphorylated tau protein were also noted in both bulbar and limb-onset ALS patients. However, no significant difference was observed for beta-amyloid1-42. ROC analysis identified tau protein (AUC = 0.767) and p-tau protein (AUC = 0.719) as statistically significant predictors for ALS. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that neurodegenerative marker levels indicate an ongoing neurodegenerative process in ALS. Nonetheless, the progression of ALS cannot be predicted solely based on these markers. The discovery of a specific biomarker could potentially complement existing diagnostic criteria for ALS.

• Klíčová slova
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Biomarkers, Cerebrospinal fluid,
• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * diagnóza   MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• klusterin MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• opožděná diagnóza MeSH
• proteiny tau MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• biologické markery MeSH
• klusterin MeSH
• proteiny tau MeSH

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterised by a progressive loss of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle activity. The disease manifests through a variety of motor dysfunctions related to the extent of damage and loss of neurons at different anatomical locations. Despite extensive research, it remains unclear why some motor neurons are especially susceptible to the disease, while others are affected less or even spared. In this article, we review the neurobiological mechanisms, neurochemical profiles, and morpho-functional characteristics of various motor neuron groups and types of motor units implicated in their differential exposure to degeneration. We discuss specific cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and extrinsic factors influencing the vulnerability gradient of motor units and motor neuron types to ALS, with their impact on disease manifestation, course, and prognosis, as revealed in preclinical and clinical studies. We consider the outstanding challenges and emerging opportunities for interpreting the phenotypic and mechanistic variability of the disease to identify targets for clinical interventions.

• Klíčová slova
• Bulbar and spinal ALS, Excitotoxicity, Motor neuron disease, Motor units, SOD1 mutation, Skeletal and visceral muscles, TDP43,
• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• motorické neurony MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) stands as the most prevalent and severe form of motor neuron disease, affecting an estimated 2 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cortical, brainstem, and spinal motor neurons, ultimately resulting in muscle weakness and death. Although the etiology of ALS remains poorly understood in most cases, the remodelling of ion channels and alteration in neuronal excitability represent a hallmark of the disease, manifesting not only during the symptomatic period but also in the early pre-symptomatic stages. In this review, we delve into these alterations observed in ALS patients and preclinical disease models, and explore their consequences on neuronal activities. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of ion channels as therapeutic targets in the context of ALS.

• Klíčová slova
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Ion channels, Motor neurons, Neurodegeneration, Neuronal excitability,
• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * MeSH
• iontové kanály MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• motorické neurony MeSH
• svalová slabost MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• iontové kanály MeSH

OBJECTIVE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology that lacks biomarkers predicting disease progression. The objective of this study was to use longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to identify biomarkers that distinguish fast progression (FP) from slow progression (SP) and assess their temporal response. METHODS: We utilized mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to identify candidate biomarkers using longitudinal CSF from a discovery cohort of SP and FP ALS patients. Immunoassays were used to quantify and validate levels of the top biomarkers. A state-transition mathematical model was created using the longitudinal MS data that also predicted FP versus SP. RESULTS: We identified a total of 1148 proteins in the CSF of all ALS patients. Pathway analysis determined enrichment of pathways related to complement and coagulation cascades in FPs and synaptogenesis and glucose metabolism in SPs. Longitudinal analysis revealed a panel of 59 candidate markers that could segregate FP and SP ALS. Based on multivariate analysis, we identified three biomarkers (F12, RBP4, and SERPINA4) as top candidates that segregate ALS based on rate of disease progression. These proteins were validated in the discovery and a separate validation cohort. Our state-transition model determined that the overall variance of the proteome over time was predictive of the disease progression rate. INTERPRETATION: We identified pathways and protein biomarkers that distinguish rate of ALS disease progression. A mathematical model of the CSF proteome determined that the change in entropy of the proteome over time was predictive of FP versus SP.

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * MeSH
• biologické markery mozkomíšní mok   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plazmatické proteiny vázající retinol MeSH
• progrese nemoci MeSH
• proteom metabolismus   MeSH
• proteomika metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• biologické markery MeSH
• plazmatické proteiny vázající retinol MeSH
• proteom MeSH
• RBP4 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč

The role of glia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is undeniable. Their disease-related activity has been extensively studied in the spinal cord, but only partly in the brain. We present herein a comprehensive study of glia in the cortex of SOD1(G93A) mice-a widely used model of ALS. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry, we inspected astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, in four stages of the disease, respecting the factor of sex. We report minimal changes of glia throughout the disease progression and regardless of sex. Pseudobulk and single-cell analyses revealed subtle disease-related transcriptional alterations at the end-stage in microglia and oligodendrocytes, which were supported by immunohistochemistry. Therefore, our data support the hypothesis that the SOD1(G93A) mouse cortex does not recapitulate the disease in patients, and we recommend the use of a different model for future studies of the cortical ALS pathology.

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza * genetika   patologie   MeSH
• mícha patologie   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• motorické neurony patologie   MeSH
• myši transgenní MeSH
• myši MeSH
• neuroglie * patologie   MeSH
• superoxiddismutasa 1 * genetika   MeSH
• superoxiddismutasa genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• superoxiddismutasa 1 * MeSH
• superoxiddismutasa MeSH