NF1+/ex42del miniswine model the cellular disruptions and behavioral presentations of NF1-associated cognitive and motor impairment.

Cognitive or motor impairment is common among individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant tumor-predisposition disorder. As many as 70% of children with NF1 report difficulties with spatial/working memory, attention, executive function, and fine motor movements. In contrast to the utilization of various Nf1 mouse models, here we employ an NF1+/ex42del miniswine model to evaluate the mechanisms and characteristics of these presentations, taking advantage of a large animal species more like human anatomy and physiology. The prefrontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and hippocampus from NF1+/ex42del and wild-type miniswine were examined longitudinally, revealing abnormalities in mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and microglial activation over time. Imbalances in GABA: Glutamate ratios and GAD67 expression were observed in the hippocampus and motor cortex, supporting the role of disruption in inhibitory neurotransmission in NF1 cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. Moreover, NF1+/ex42del miniswine demonstrated slower and shorter steps, indicative of a balance-preserving response commonly observed in NF1 patients, and progressive memory and learning impairments. Collectively, our findings affirm the effectiveness of NF1+/ex42del miniswine as a valuable resource for assessing cognitive and motor impairments associated with NF1, investigating the involvement of specific neural circuits and glia in these processes, and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.

Human adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction: characterization, safety and therapeutic potential in an experimental mouse model of articular injury.

Due to their capacity to self-renew, proliferate and generate multi-lineage cells, adult-derived stem cells offer great potential in regenerative therapies to treat maladies such as diabetes, cardiac disease, neurological disorders and orthopedic injuries. Commonly derived from adipose tissue, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a heterogeneous cell population enriched with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has garnered interest as a cellular therapy due to ease of accessibility as an autologous, point-of-care application. However, the heterogeneous cell population within SVF is not historically taken into consideration when injecting into patients. Here, we characterized SVF, determined its safety and verify its therapeutic effects in a NOD/scid mouse model of articular injury. SVF were isolated from lipoaspirates utilizing a commercially available system (InGeneron Inc.), while MSCs were isolated from SVF via cell culture. Flow cytometry showed that neither age nor BMI affects the frequency of progenitor cells-like (CD31+CD34+), immune cells-like (CD4+) T cells, (CD14+) monocytes and total number of cells obtained. However, there was a negative correlation between donor BMI and MSC frequency within the SVF. ELISAs showed that following LPS activation in SVF, there were low levels of TNF-α and high levels of IL-10 secreted. However, T cell activation with anti-CD3 or anti-CD3+ anti-CD28, while leading to expected high levels of IFN-γ, did not lead to significant levels of TGF-ß. PCR analysis showed no significant numbers of cells outside the joint 1-hour post injection, moreover, no engraftment or abnormal growth in other organs 60-days post injection. Finally, both cell populations were able to ameliorate disease progression, as confirmed by the increase in movement of treated groups compared to injured groups. Noteworthy, the histological analysis indicated that there was no cartilage growth, suggesting an alternative therapeutic mechanism to cartilage regeneration.

Assessment of nociception and related quality-of-life measures in a porcine model of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder resulting from germline mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes neurofibromin. Patients experience a variety of symptoms, but pain in the context of NF1 remains largely underrecognized. Here, we characterize nociceptive signaling and pain behaviors in a miniswine harboring a disruptive NF1 mutation (exon 42 deletion). We present the first characterization of pain-related behaviors in a pig model of NF1, identifying unchanged agitation scores, lower tactile thresholds (allodynia), and decreased response latencies to thermal laser stimulation (hyperalgesia) in NF1 (females only) pigs. Male NF1 pigs with tumors showed reduced sleep quality and increased resting, 2 health-related quality-of-life symptoms found to be comorbid in people with NF1 pain. We explore these phenotypes in relationship to suppression of the increased activity of the N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channel by pharmacological antagonism of phosphorylation of a regulatory protein-the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a known interactor of neurofibromin, and by targeting the interface between the α subunit of CaV2.2 and the accessory ß-subunits with small molecules. Our data support the use of NF1 pigs as a large animal model for studying NF1-associated pain and for understanding the pathophysiology of NF1. Our findings demonstrate the translational potential of 2 small molecules in reversing ion channel remodeling seen in NF1. Interfering with CaV2.2, a clinically validated target for pain management, might also be a promising therapeutic strategy for NF1-related pain management.