Mir126-5p downregulation facilitates axon degeneration and nmj disruption via a non–cell-autonomous mechanism in ALS

Roy Maimon, Ariel Ionescu, Avichai Bonnie, Sahar Sweetat, Shane Wald-Altman, Shani Inbar, Tal Gradus, Davide Trotti, Miguel Weil, Oded Behar, Eran Perlson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Axon degeneration and disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are key events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Although the disease’s etiology is not fully understood, it is thought to involve a non–cell-autonomous mechanism and alterations in RNA metabolism. Here, we identified reduced levels of miR126-5p in presymptomatic ALS male mice models, and an increase in its targets: axon destabilizing Type 3 Semaphorins and their coreceptor Neuropilins. Using compartmentalized in vitro cocultures, we demonstrated that myocytes expressing diverse ALS-causing mutations promote axon degeneration and NMJ dysfunction, which were inhibited by applying Neuropilin1 blocking antibody. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue axon degeneration and NMJ disruption both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying ALS pathology, in which alterations in miR126-5p facilitate a non–cell-autonomous mechanism of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5478-5494
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume38
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - 13 Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 the authors.

Keywords

  • ALS
  • Axon degeneration
  • MiRNA
  • Microfluidic chambers
  • NMJ
  • Sema3A

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mir126-5p downregulation facilitates axon degeneration and nmj disruption via a non–cell-autonomous mechanism in ALS'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this