Nusinersen ameliorates motor function and prevents motoneuron Cajal body disassembly and abnormal poly(A) RNA distribution in a SMA mouse model

Artículo Materias > Biomedicina Universidad Europea del Atlántico > Investigación > Artículos y libros Abierto Inglés Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord alpha motor neurons (αMNs). SMA is caused by the homozygous deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in reduced expression of SMN protein, which leads to αMN degeneration and muscle atrophy. The majority of transcripts of a second gene (SMN2) generate an alternative spliced isoform that lacks exon 7 and produces a truncated nonfunctional form of SMN. A major function of SMN is the biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs, which are essential components of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery, the spliceosome. In recent years, new potential therapies have been developed to increase SMN levels, including treatment with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The ASO-nusinersen (Spinraza) promotes the inclusion of exon 7 in SMN2 transcripts and notably enhances the production of full-length SMN in mouse models of SMA. In this work, we used the intracerebroventricular injection of nusinersen in the SMN∆7 mouse model of SMA to evaluate the effects of this ASO on the behavior of Cajal bodies (CBs), nuclear structures involved in spliceosomal snRNP biogenesis, and the cellular distribution of polyadenylated mRNAs in αMNs. The administration of nusinersen at postnatal day (P) 1 normalized SMN expression in the spinal cord but not in skeletal muscle, rescued the growth curve and improved motor behavior at P12 (late symptomatic stage). Importantly, this ASO recovered the number of canonical CBs in MNs, significantly reduced the abnormal accumulation of polyadenylated RNAs in nuclear granules, and normalized the expression of the pre-mRNAs encoding chondrolectin and choline acetyltransferase, two key factors for αMN homeostasis. We propose that the splicing modulatory function of nusinersen in SMA αMN is mediated by the rescue of CB biogenesis, resulting in enhanced polyadenylated pre-mRNA transcription and splicing and nuclear export of mature mRNAs for translation. Our results support that the selective restoration of SMN expression in the spinal cord has a beneficial impact not only on αMNs but also on skeletal myofibers. However, the rescue of SMN expression in muscle appears to be necessary for the complete recovery of motor function. metadata Berciano, María T.; Puente-Bedia, Alba; Medina-Samamé, Almudena; Rodríguez-Rey, José C.; Calderó, Jordi; Lafarga, Miguel y Tapia Martínez, Olga mail SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, olga.tapia@uneatlantico.es (2020) Nusinersen ameliorates motor function and prevents motoneuron Cajal body disassembly and abnormal poly(A) RNA distribution in a SMA mouse model. Scientific Reports, 10 (1). ISSN 2045-2322

Texto completo no disponible.

Resumen

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord alpha motor neurons (αMNs). SMA is caused by the homozygous deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in reduced expression of SMN protein, which leads to αMN degeneration and muscle atrophy. The majority of transcripts of a second gene (SMN2) generate an alternative spliced isoform that lacks exon 7 and produces a truncated nonfunctional form of SMN. A major function of SMN is the biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs, which are essential components of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery, the spliceosome. In recent years, new potential therapies have been developed to increase SMN levels, including treatment with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The ASO-nusinersen (Spinraza) promotes the inclusion of exon 7 in SMN2 transcripts and notably enhances the production of full-length SMN in mouse models of SMA. In this work, we used the intracerebroventricular injection of nusinersen in the SMN∆7 mouse model of SMA to evaluate the effects of this ASO on the behavior of Cajal bodies (CBs), nuclear structures involved in spliceosomal snRNP biogenesis, and the cellular distribution of polyadenylated mRNAs in αMNs. The administration of nusinersen at postnatal day (P) 1 normalized SMN expression in the spinal cord but not in skeletal muscle, rescued the growth curve and improved motor behavior at P12 (late symptomatic stage). Importantly, this ASO recovered the number of canonical CBs in MNs, significantly reduced the abnormal accumulation of polyadenylated RNAs in nuclear granules, and normalized the expression of the pre-mRNAs encoding chondrolectin and choline acetyltransferase, two key factors for αMN homeostasis. We propose that the splicing modulatory function of nusinersen in SMA αMN is mediated by the rescue of CB biogenesis, resulting in enhanced polyadenylated pre-mRNA transcription and splicing and nuclear export of mature mRNAs for translation. Our results support that the selective restoration of SMN expression in the spinal cord has a beneficial impact not only on αMNs but also on skeletal myofibers. However, the rescue of SMN expression in muscle appears to be necessary for the complete recovery of motor function.

Tipo de Documento: Artículo
Palabras Clave: Mechanisms of disease; Neurological disorders
Clasificación temática: Materias > Biomedicina
Divisiones: Universidad Europea del Atlántico > Investigación > Artículos y libros
Depositado: 06 Sep 2023 23:30
Ultima Modificación: 07 May 2024 20:07
URI: https://repositorio.uneatlantico.es/id/eprint/8684

Acciones (logins necesarios)

Ver Objeto Ver Objeto

<a class="ep_document_link" href="/10290/1/Influence%20of%20E-learning%20training%20on%20the%20acquisition%20of%20competences%20in%20basketball%20coaches%20in%20Cantabria.pdf"><img class="ep_doc_icon" alt="[img]" src="/10290/1.hassmallThumbnailVersion/Influence%20of%20E-learning%20training%20on%20the%20acquisition%20of%20competences%20in%20basketball%20coaches%20in%20Cantabria.pdf" border="0"/></a>

en

open

Influence of E-learning training on the acquisition of competences in basketball coaches in Cantabria

The main aim of this study was to analyse the influence of e-learning training on the acquisition of competences in basketball coaches in Cantabria. The current landscape of basketball coach training shows an increasing demand for innovative training models and emerging pedagogies, including e-learning-based methodologies. The study sample consisted of fifty students from these courses, all above 16 years of age (36 males, 14 females). Among them, 16% resided outside the autonomous community of Cantabria, 10% resided more than 50 km from the city of Santander, 36% between 10 and 50 km, 14% less than 10 km, and 24% resided within Santander city. Data were collected through a Google Forms survey distributed by the Cantabrian Basketball Federation to training course students. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The survey, consisting of 56 questions, was validated by two sports and health doctors and two senior basketball coaches. The collected data were processed and analysed using Microsoft® Excel version 16.74, and the results were expressed in percentages. The analysis revealed that 24.60% of the students trained through the e-learning methodology considered themselves fully qualified as basketball coaches, contrasting with 10.98% of those trained via traditional face-to-face methodology. The results of the study provide insights into important characteristics that can be adjusted and improved within the investigated educational process. Moreover, the study concludes that e-learning training effectively qualifies basketball coaches in Cantabria.

Artículos y libros

Josep Alemany Iturriaga mail josep.alemany@uneatlantico.es, Álvaro Velarde-Sotres mail alvaro.velarde@uneatlantico.es, Javier Jorge mail , Kamil Giglio mail ,

Alemany Iturriaga

en

close

Do ICT firms manage R&D differently? Firm-level and macroeconomic effects on corporate R&D investment: Empirical evidence from a multi-countries context

Technological firms invest in R&D looking for innovative solutions but assuming high costs and great (technological) uncertainty regarding final results and returns. Additionally, they face other problems related to R&D management. This empirical study tries to determine which of the factors favour or constrain the decision of these firms to engage in R&D. The analysis uses financial data of 14,619 ICT listed companies of 22 countries from 2003 to 2018. Additionally, macroeconomic data specific for the countries and the sector were used. For the analysis of dynamic panel data, a System-GMM method is used. Among the findings, we highlight that cash flow, contrary to the known theoretical models and empirical evidences, negatively impacts on R&D investment. Debt is neither the right source for R&D funding, as the effect is also negative. This suggests that ICT companies are forced to manage their R&D activities differently, relying more on other funding sources, taking advantage of growth opportunities and benefiting from a favourable macroeconomic environment in terms of growth and increased business sector spending on R&D. These results are similar in both sub-sectors and in all countries, both bank- and market based. The exception is firms with few growth opportunities and little debt.

Artículos y libros

Inna Alexeeva-Alexeev mail inna.alexeeva@uneatlantico.es, Cristina Mazas Pérez-Oleag mail cristina.mazas@uneatlantico.es,

Alexeeva-Alexeev

en

close

The mediation effect of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between stress and aggression on the road

Introduction Aggressive behaviour on the road is still one of the most studied constructs within human factor due to its strong relationship with crash-related events. Objective The aim of the current research was to analyse the relationship among vital stress, emotion dysregulation, and aggressive behaviour in this specific context. Method A sample composed of 410 Spanish drivers (62.8% female, Mage = 36.12, SDage = 12.99) taken from the general population was tested. Results The results showed positive and significant bivariate correlations among almost all of the variables. The multiple mediation model showed a partial mediation effect of emotion dysregulation, with a significant effect on the whole model, and more specifically, on both the lack of control and life interference. Conclusion The relevance of developing clinical interventions to improve emotion regulation abilities in aggressive drivers is discussed.

Artículos y libros

David Herrero-Fernández mail david.herrero@uneatlantico.es, Pamela Parada-Fernández mail pamela.parada@uneatlantico.es, Irene Rodríguez-Arcos mail , Julién Brito Ballester mail julien.brito@uneatlantico.es, Carmen Lilí Rodríguez Velasco mail carmen.rodriguez@uneatlantico.es,

Herrero-Fernández

<a class="ep_document_link" href="/12706/1/remotesensing-16-02099.pdf"><img class="ep_doc_icon" alt="[img]" src="/12706/1.hassmallThumbnailVersion/remotesensing-16-02099.pdf" border="0"/></a>

en

open

Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring Analysis of Pigment Migrations in Cave of Altamira’s Prehistoric Paintings

The conservation of Cultural Heritage in cave environments, especially those hosting cave art, requires comprehensive conservation strategies to mitigate degradation risks derived from climatic influences and human activities. This study, focused on the Polychrome Hall of the Cave of Altamira, highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing methodologies to carry out effective conservation actions. By coupling a georeferenced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with a 1.6 GHz central-frequency antenna along with photogrammetry, we conducted non-invasive and high-resolution 3D studies to map preferential moisture pathways from the surface of the ceiling to the first 50 cm internally of the limestone structure. In parallel, we monitored the dynamics of surface water on the Ceiling and its correlation with pigment and other substance migrations. By standardizing our methodology, we aim to increase knowledge about the dynamics of infiltration water, which will enhance our understanding of the deterioration processes affecting cave paintings related to infiltration water. This will enable us to improve conservation strategies, suggesting possible indirect measures to reverse active deterioration processes. Integrating remote sensing techniques with geospatial analysis will aid in the validation and calibration of collected data, allowing for stronger interpretations of subsurface structures and conditions. All of this puts us in a position to contribute to the development of effective conservation methodologies, reduce alteration risks, and promote sustainable development practices, thus emphasizing the importance of remote sensing in safeguarding Cultural Heritage.

Artículos y libros

Vicente Bayarri Cayón mail vicente.bayarri@uneatlantico.es, Alfredo Prada mail , Francisco García mail , Carmen De Las Heras mail , Pilar Fatás mail ,

Bayarri Cayón

<a class="ep_document_link" href="/12747/1/sensors-24-03754%20%281%29.pdf"><img class="ep_doc_icon" alt="[img]" src="/12747/1.hassmallThumbnailVersion/sensors-24-03754%20%281%29.pdf" border="0"/></a>

en

open

Ultra-Wide Band Radar Empowered Driver Drowsiness Detection with Convolutional Spatial Feature Engineering and Artificial Intelligence

Driving while drowsy poses significant risks, including reduced cognitive function and the potential for accidents, which can lead to severe consequences such as trauma, economic losses, injuries, or death. The use of artificial intelligence can enable effective detection of driver drowsiness, helping to prevent accidents and enhance driver performance. This research aims to address the crucial need for real-time and accurate drowsiness detection to mitigate the impact of fatigue-related accidents. Leveraging ultra-wideband radar data collected over five minutes, the dataset was segmented into one-minute chunks and transformed into grayscale images. Spatial features are retrieved from the images using a two-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network. Following that, these features were used to train and test multiple machine learning classifiers. The ensemble classifier RF-XGB-SVM, which combines Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine using a hard voting criterion, performed admirably with an accuracy of 96.6%. Additionally, the proposed approach was validated with a robust k-fold score of 97% and a standard deviation of 0.018, demonstrating significant results. The dataset is augmented using Generative Adversarial Networks, resulting in improved accuracies for all models. Among them, the RF-XGB-SVM model outperformed the rest with an accuracy score of 99.58%.

Artículos y libros

Hafeez Ur Rehman Siddiqui mail , Ambreen Akmal mail , Muhammad Iqbal mail , Adil Ali Saleem mail , Muhammad Amjad Raza mail , Kainat Zafar mail , Aqsa Zaib mail , Sandra Dudley mail , Jon Arambarri mail jon.arambarri@uneatlantico.es, Ángel Gabriel Kuc Castilla mail , Furqan Rustam mail ,

Siddiqui