Targeting TDP-43 Proteinopathy in hiPSC-Derived Mutated hNPCs with Mitoxantrone Drugs and miRNAs

Background/Objectives: TDP-43 mutation-driven Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) motor neuron disease is one of the most prominent forms (approximately 97%) in cases of sporadic ALS. Dysfunctional autophagy and lysosomal function are the prime mechanisms behind ALS. Mitoxantrone (Mito), a synthetic doxorubicin analog, is an inhibitor of DNA and RNA synthesis/repair via intercalating with nitrogenous bases and inhibiting topoisomerase II. The therapeutic potential of miRNAs associated with disease conditions has also been reported. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Mito along with miRNAs against mutated TDP-43 protein-induced proteinopathy in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs). Methods: HiPSCs mutated for TDP-43 were differentiated into hNPCs and used to explore the therapeutic potential of Mito at a concentration of 1 μM for 24 h (the identified non-cytotoxic dose). The therapeutic effects of Mito on miRNA expression and various cellular parameters such as mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and stress granules were assessed using the high-throughput Open Array technique, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and mitochondrial bioenergetic assay. Results: Mutated TDP-43 protein accumulation causes stress granule formation (G3BP1), mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction, SOD1 accumulation, hyperactivated autophagy, and ER stress in hNPCs. The mutated hNPCs also show dysregulation in six miRNAs (miR-543, miR-34a, miR-200c, miR-22, miR-29b, and miR-29c) in mutated hNPCs. A significant restoration of TDP-43 mutation-induced alterations could be witnessed upon the exposure of mutated hNPCs to Mito. Conclusions: Our study indicates that miR-543, miR-29b, miR-22, miR-200c, and miR-34a have antisense therapeutic potential alone and in combination with Mitoxantrone.