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Zaragoza Domingo S, Alonso J, Ferrer M, Acosta MT, Alphs L, Annas P, Balabanov P, Berger AK, Bishop KI, Butlen-Ducuing F, Dorffner G, Edgar C, de Gracia Blanco M, Harel B, Harrison J, Horan WP, Jaeger J, Kottner J, Pinkham A, Tinoco D, Vance M, Yavorsky C. Methods for Neuroscience Drug Development: Guidance on Standardization of the Process for Defining Clinical Outcome Strategies in Clinical Trials. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 83:32-42. [PMID: 38579661 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Neurosciences clinical trials continue to have notoriously high failure rates. Appropriate outcomes selection in early clinical trials is key to maximizing the likelihood of identifying new treatments in psychiatry and neurology. The field lacks good standards for designing outcome strategies, therefore The Outcomes Research Group was formed to develop and promote good practices in outcome selection. This article describes the first published guidance on the standardization of the process for clinical outcomes in neuroscience. A minimal step process is defined starting as early as possible, covering key activities for evidence generation in support of content validity, patient-centricity, validity requirements and considerations for regulatory acceptance. Feedback from expert members is provided, regarding the risks of shortening the process and examples supporting the recommended process are summarized. This methodology is now available to researchers in industry, academia or clinics aiming to implement consensus-based standard practices for clinical outcome selection, contributing to maximizing the efficiency of clinical research.
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D'Souza P, Farmer C, Johnston JM, Han ST, Adams D, Hartman AL, Zein W, Huryn LA, Solomon B, King K, Jordan CP, Myles J, Nicoli ER, Rothermel CE, Mojica Algarin Y, Huang R, Quimby R, Zainab M, Bowden S, Crowell A, Buckley A, Brewer C, Regier DS, Brooks BP, Acosta MT, Baker EH, Vézina G, Thurm A, Tifft CJ. GM1 gangliosidosis type II: Results of a 10-year prospective study. Genet Med 2024; 26:101144. [PMID: 38641994 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1) a lysosomal disorder caused by pathogenic variants in GLB1, is characterized by relentless neurodegeneration. There are no approved treatments. METHODS Forty-one individuals with type II (late-infantile and juvenile) GM1 participated in a single-site prospective observational study. RESULTS Classification of 37 distinct variants using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria resulted in the upgrade of 6 and the submission of 4 new variants. In contrast to type I infantile disease, children with type II had normal or near normal hearing and did not have cherry-red maculae or hepatosplenomegaly. Some older children with juvenile onset disease developed thickened aortic and/or mitral valves. Serial magnetic resonance images demonstrated progressive brain atrophy, more pronounced in late infantile patients. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed worsening elevation of myo-inositol and deficit of N-acetyl aspartate that were strongly correlated with scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, progressing more rapidly in late infantile compared with juvenile onset disease. CONCLUSION Serial phenotyping of type II GM1 patients expands the understanding of disease progression and clarifies common misconceptions about type II patients; these are pivotal steps toward more timely diagnosis and better supportive care. The data amassed through this 10-year effort will serve as a robust comparator for ongoing and future therapeutic trials.
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Pandina GJ, Busner J, Kempf L, Fallon J, Alphs LD, Acosta MT, Berger AK, Day S, Dunn J, Villalta-Gil V, Grabb MC, Horrigan JP, Jacobson W, Kando JC, Macek TA, Singh MK, Stanford AD, Domingo SZ. Ensuring Stakeholder Feedback in the Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials for Rare Diseases: ISCTM Position Paper of the Orphan Disease Working Group. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 21:52-60. [PMID: 38495603 PMCID: PMC10941866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The 1983 Orphan Drug Act in the United States (US) changed the landscape for development of therapeutics for rare or orphan diseases, which collectively affect approximately 300 million people worldwide, half of whom are children. The act has undoubtedly accelerated drug development for orphan diseases, with over 6,400 orphan drug applications submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1983 to 2023, including 350 drugs approved for over 420 indications. Drug development in this population is a global and collaborative endeavor. This position paper of the International Society for Central Nervous System Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) describes some potential best practices for the involvement of key stakeholder feedback in the drug development process. Stakeholders include advocacy groups, patients and caregivers with lived experience, public and private research institutions (including academia and pharmaceutical companies), treating clinicians, and funders (including the government and independent foundations). The authors articulate the challenges of drug development in orphan diseases and propose methods to address them. Challenges range from the poor understanding of disease history to development of endpoints, targets, and clinical trials designs, to finding solutions to competing research priorities by involved parties.
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Macnamara EF, Loydpierson A, Latour YL, D'Souza P, Murphy J, Wolfe L, Estwick T, Johnston JM, Yang J, Acosta MT, Lee PR, Pierson TM, Soldatos A, Toro C, Markello T, Adams DR, Gahl WA, Yousef M, Tifft CJ. Risks and benefits of anesthesia for combined pediatric procedures in the NIH undiagnosed diseases program. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107707. [PMID: 37883914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) aims to provide diagnoses to patients who have previously received exhaustive evaluations yet remain undiagnosed. Patients undergo procedural anesthesia for deep phenotyping for analysis with genomic testing. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the safety and benefit of procedural anesthesia in pediatric patients in the UDP. Adverse perioperative events were classified as anesthesia-related complications or peri-procedural complications. The contribution of procedures performed under anesthesia to arriving at a diagnosis was also determined. RESULTS From 2008 to 2020, 249 pediatric patients in the UDP underwent anesthesia for diagnostic procedures. The majority had a severe systemic disease (American Society for Anesthesiology status III, 79%) and/or a neurologic condition (91%). Perioperative events occurred in 45 patients; six of these were attributed to anesthesia. All patients recovered fully without sequelae. Nearly half of the 249 patients (49%) received a diagnosis, and almost all these diagnoses (88%) took advantage of information gleaned from procedures performed under anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of anesthesia involving multiple diagnostic procedures in a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary, research setting, such as in the pediatric UDP, outweigh the risks.
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Srivastava S, Shaked HM, Gable K, Gupta SD, Pan X, Somashekarappa N, Han G, Mohassel P, Gotkine M, Doney E, Goldenberg P, Tan QKG, Gong Y, Kleinstiver B, Wishart B, Cope H, Pires CB, Stutzman H, Spillmann RC, Sadjadi R, Elpeleg O, Lee CH, Bellen HJ, Edvardson S, Eichler F, Dunn TM, Dai H, Dhar SU, Emrick LT, Goldman AM, Hanchard NA, Jamal F, Karaviti L, Lalani SR, Lee BH, Lewis RA, Marom R, Moretti PM, Murdock DR, Nicholas SK, Orengo JP, Posey JE, Potocki L, Rosenfeld JA, Samson SL, Scott DA, Tran AA, Vogel TP, Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Eng CM, Liu P, Ward PA, Behrens E, Deardorff M, Falk M, Hassey K, Sullivan K, Vanderver A, Goldstein DB, Cope H, McConkie-Rosell A, Schoch K, Shashi V, Smith EC, Spillmann RC, Sullivan JA, Tan QKG, Walley NM, Agrawal PB, Beggs AH, Berry GT, Briere LC, Cobban LA, Coggins M, Cooper CM, Fieg EL, High F, Holm IA, Korrick S, Krier JB, Lincoln SA, Loscalzo J, Maas RL, MacRae CA, Pallais JC, Rao DA, Rodan LH, Silverman EK, Stoler JM, Sweetser DA, Walker M, Walsh CA, Esteves C, Kelley EG, Kohane IS, LeBlanc K, McCray AT, Nagy A, Dasari S, Lanpher BC, Lanza IR, Morava E, Oglesbee D, Bademci G, Barbouth D, Bivona S, Carrasquillo O, Chang TCP, Forghani I, Grajewski A, Isasi R, Lam B, Levitt R, Liu XZ, McCauley J, Sacco R, Saporta M, Schaechter J, Tekin M, Telischi F, Thorson W, Zuchner S, Colley HA, Dayal JG, Eckstein DJ, Findley LC, Krasnewich DM, Mamounas LA, Manolio TA, Mulvihill JJ, LaMoure GL, Goldrich MP, Urv TK, Doss AL, Acosta MT, Bonnenmann C, D’Souza P, Draper DD, Ferreira C, Godfrey RA, Groden CA, Macnamara EF, Maduro VV, Markello TC, Nath A, Novacic D, Pusey BN, Toro C, Wahl CE, Baker E, Burke EA, Adams DR, Gahl WA, Malicdan MCV, Tifft CJ, Wolfe LA, Yang J, Power B, Gochuico B, Huryn L, Latham L, Davis J, Mosbrook-Davis D, Rossignol F, Solomon B, MacDowall J, Thurm A, Zein W, Yousef M, Adam M, Amendola L, Bamshad M, Beck A, Bennett J, Berg-Rood B, Blue E, Boyd B, Byers P, Chanprasert S, Cunningham M, Dipple K, Doherty D, Earl D, Glass I, Golden-Grant K, Hahn S, Hing A, Hisama FM, Horike-Pyne M, Jarvik GP, Jarvik J, Jayadev S, Lam C, Maravilla K, Mefford H, Merritt JL, Mirzaa G, Nickerson D, Raskind W, Rosenwasser N, Scott CR, Sun A, Sybert V, Wallace S, Wener M, Wenger T, Ashley EA, Bejerano G, Bernstein JA, Bonner D, Coakley TR, Fernandez L, Fisher PG, Fresard L, Hom J, Huang Y, Kohler JN, Kravets E, Majcherska MM, Martin BA, Marwaha S, McCormack CE, Raja AN, Reuter CM, Ruzhnikov M, Sampson JB, Smith KS, Sutton S, Tabor HK, Tucker BM, Wheeler MT, Zastrow DB, Zhao C, Byrd WE, Crouse AB, Might M, Nakano-Okuno M, Whitlock J, Brown G, Butte MJ, Dell’Angelica EC, Dorrani N, Douine ED, Fogel BL, Gutierrez I, Huang A, Krakow D, Lee H, Loo SK, Mak BC, Martin MG, Martínez-Agosto JA, McGee E, Nelson SF, Nieves-Rodriguez S, Palmer CGS, Papp JC, Parker NH, Renteria G, Signer RH, Sinsheimer JS, Wan J, Wang LK, Perry KW, Woods JD, Alvey J, Andrews A, Bale J, Bohnsack J, Botto L, Carey J, Pace L, Longo N, Marth G, Moretti P, Quinlan A, Velinder M, Viskochi D, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Mao R, Westerfield M, Bican A, Brokamp E, Duncan L, Hamid R, Kennedy J, Kozuira M, Newman JH, PhillipsIII JA, Rives L, Robertson AK, Solem E, Cogan JD, Cole FS, Hayes N, Kiley D, Sisco K, Wambach J, Wegner D, Baldridge D, Pak S, Schedl T, Shin J, Solnica-Krezel L, Sadjadi R, Elpeleg O, Lee CH, Bellen HJ, Edvardson S, Eichler F, Dunn TM. SPTSSA variants alter sphingolipid synthesis and cause a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia. Brain 2023; 146:1420-1435. [PMID: 36718090 PMCID: PMC10319774 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a diverse family of lipids with critical structural and signalling functions in the mammalian nervous system, where they are abundant in myelin membranes. Serine palmitoyltransferase, the enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting reaction of sphingolipid synthesis, is composed of multiple subunits including an activating subunit, SPTSSA. Sphingolipids are both essential and cytotoxic and their synthesis must therefore be tightly regulated. Key to the homeostatic regulation are the ORMDL proteins that are bound to serine palmitoyltransferase and mediate feedback inhibition of enzymatic activity when sphingolipid levels become excessive. Exome sequencing identified potential disease-causing variants in SPTSSA in three children presenting with a complex form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. The effect of these variants on the catalytic activity and homeostatic regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase was investigated in human embryonic kidney cells, patient fibroblasts and Drosophila. Our results showed that two different pathogenic variants in SPTSSA caused a hereditary spastic paraplegia resulting in progressive motor disturbance with variable sensorineural hearing loss and language/cognitive dysfunction in three individuals. The variants in SPTSSA impaired the negative regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase by ORMDLs leading to excessive sphingolipid synthesis based on biochemical studies and in vivo studies in Drosophila. These findings support the pathogenicity of the SPTSSA variants and point to excessive sphingolipid synthesis due to impaired homeostatic regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase as responsible for defects in early brain development and function.
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Frost FG, Morimoto M, Sharma P, Ruaud L, Belnap N, Calame DG, Uchiyama Y, Matsumoto N, Oud MM, Ferreira EA, Narayanan V, Rangasamy S, Huentelman M, Emrick LT, Sato-Shirai I, Kumada S, Wolf NI, Steinbach PJ, Huang Y, Pusey BN, Passemard S, Levy J, Drunat S, Vincent M, Guet A, Agolini E, Novelli A, Digilio MC, Rosenfeld JA, Murphy JL, Lupski JR, Vezina G, Macnamara EF, Adams DR, Acosta MT, Tifft CJ, Gahl WA, Malicdan MCV. Bi-allelic SNAPC4 variants dysregulate global alternative splicing and lead to neuroregression and progressive spastic paraparesis. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:663-680. [PMID: 36965478 PMCID: PMC10119142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of human genes encode multiple isoforms through alternative splicing, and the temporal and spatial regulation of those isoforms is critical for organismal development and function. The spliceosome, which regulates and executes splicing reactions, is primarily composed of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that consist of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and protein subunits. snRNA gene transcription is initiated by the snRNA-activating protein complex (SNAPc). Here, we report ten individuals, from eight families, with bi-allelic, deleterious SNAPC4 variants. SNAPC4 encoded one of the five SNAPc subunits that is critical for DNA binding. Most affected individuals presented with delayed motor development and developmental regression after the first year of life, followed by progressive spasticity that led to gait alterations, paraparesis, and oromotor dysfunction. Most individuals had cerebral, cerebellar, or basal ganglia volume loss by brain MRI. In the available cells from affected individuals, SNAPC4 abundance was decreased compared to unaffected controls, suggesting that the bi-allelic variants affect SNAPC4 accumulation. The depletion of SNAPC4 levels in HeLa cell lines via genomic editing led to decreased snRNA expression and global dysregulation of alternative splicing. Analysis of available fibroblasts from affected individuals showed decreased snRNA expression and global dysregulation of alternative splicing compared to unaffected cells. Altogether, these data suggest that these bi-allelic SNAPC4 variants result in loss of function and underlie the neuroregression and progressive spasticity in these affected individuals.
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Morimoto M, Bhambhani V, Gazzaz N, Davids M, Sathiyaseelan P, Macnamara EF, Lange J, Lehman A, Zerfas PM, Murphy JL, Acosta MT, Wang C, Alderman E, Reichert S, Thurm A, Adams DR, Introne WJ, Gorski SM, Boerkoel CF, Gahl WA, Tifft CJ, Malicdan MCV, Baldridge D, Bale J, Bamshad M, Barbouth D, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Beck A, Beggs AH, Behrens E, Bejerano G, Bellen HJ, Bennett J, Berg-Rood B, Bernstein JA, Berry GT, Bican A, Bivona S, Blue E, Bohnsack J, Bonner D, Botto L, Boyd B, Briere LC, Brokamp E, Brown G, Burke EA, Burrage LC, Butte MJ, Byers P, Byrd WE, Carey J, Carrasquillo O, Cassini T, Chang TCP, Chanprasert S, Chao HT, Clark GD, Coakley TR, Cobban LA, Cogan JD, Coggins M, Cole FS, Colley HA, Cooper CM, Cope H, Craigen WJ, Crouse AB, Cunningham M, D’Souza P, Dai H, Dasari S, Davis J, Dayal JG, Dell’Angelica EC, Dipple K, Doherty D, Dorrani N, Doss AL, Douine ED, Duncan L, Earl D, Eckstein DJ, Emrick LT, Eng CM, Esteves C, Falk M, Fieg EL, Fisher PG, Fogel BL, Forghani I, Glass I, Gochuico B, Goddard PC, Godfrey RA, Golden-Grant K, Grajewski A, Gutierrez I, Hadley D, Hahn S, Halley MC, Hamid R, Hassey K, Hayes N, High F, Hing A, Hisama FM, Holm IA, Hom J, Horike-Pyne M, Huang A, Hutchison S, Introne WJ, Isasi R, Izumi K, Jamal F, Jarvik GP, Jarvik J, Jayadev S, Jean-Marie O, Jobanputra V, Karaviti L, Kennedy J, Ketkar S, Kiley D, Kilich G, Kobren SN, Kohane IS, Kohler JN, Korrick S, Kozuira M, Krakow D, Krasnewich DM, Kravets E, Lalani SR, Lam B, Lam C, Lanpher BC, Lanza IR, LeBlanc K, Lee BH, Levitt R, Lewis RA, Liu P, Liu XZ, Longo N, Loo SK, Loscalzo J, Maas RL, MacRae CA, Maduro VV, Mahoney R, Mak BC, Mamounas LA, Manolio TA, Mao R, Maravilla K, Marom R, Marth G, Martin BA, Martin MG, Martínez-Agosto JA, Marwaha S, McCauley J, McConkie-Rosell A, McCray AT, McGee E, Mefford H, Merritt JL, Might M, Mirzaa G, Morava E, Moretti P, Nakano-Okuno M, Nelson SF, Newman JH, Nicholas SK, Nickerson D, Nieves-Rodriguez S, Novacic D, Oglesbee D, Orengo JP, Pace L, Pak S, Pallais JC, Palmer CGS, Papp JC, Parker NH, Phillips JA, Posey JE, Potocki L, Pusey Swerdzewski BN, Quinlan A, Rao DA, Raper A, Raskind W, Renteria G, Reuter CM, Rives L, Robertson AK, Rodan LH, Rosenfeld JA, Rosenwasser N, Rossignol F, Ruzhnikov M, Sacco R, Sampson JB, Saporta M, Schaechter J, Schedl T, Schoch K, Scott DA, Scott CR, Shashi V, Shin J, Silverman EK, Sinsheimer JS, Sisco K, Smith EC, Smith KS, Solem E, Solnica-Krezel L, Solomon B, Spillmann RC, Stoler JM, Sullivan K, Sullivan JA, Sun A, Sutton S, Sweetser DA, Sybert V, Tabor HK, Tan QKG, Tan ALM, Tekin M, Telischi F, Thorson W, Toro C, Tran AA, Ungar RA, Urv TK, Vanderver A, Velinder M, Viskochil D, Vogel TP, Wahl CE, Walker M, Wallace S, Walley NM, Wambach J, Wan J, Wang LK, Wangler MF, Ward PA, Wegner D, Weisz Hubshman M, Wener M, Wenger T, Wesseling Perry K, Westerfield M, Wheeler MT, Whitlock J, Wolfe LA, Worley K, Xiao C, Yamamoto S, Yang J, Zhang Z, Zuchner S, Reichert S, Thurm A, Adams DR, Introne WJ, Gorski SM, Boerkoel CF, Gahl WA, Tifft CJ, Malicdan MCV. Bi-allelic ATG4D variants are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech and motor impairment. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:4. [PMID: 36765070 PMCID: PMC9918471 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00343-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy regulates the degradation of damaged organelles and protein aggregates, and is critical for neuronal development, homeostasis, and maintenance, yet few neurodevelopmental disorders have been associated with pathogenic variants in genes encoding autophagy-related proteins. We report three individuals from two unrelated families with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech and motor impairment, and similar facial characteristics. Rare, conserved, bi-allelic variants were identified in ATG4D, encoding one of four ATG4 cysteine proteases important for autophagosome biogenesis, a hallmark of autophagy. Autophagosome biogenesis and induction of autophagy were intact in cells from affected individuals. However, studies evaluating the predominant substrate of ATG4D, GABARAPL1, demonstrated that three of the four ATG4D patient variants functionally impair ATG4D activity. GABARAPL1 is cleaved or "primed" by ATG4D and an in vitro GABARAPL1 priming assay revealed decreased priming activity for three of the four ATG4D variants. Furthermore, a rescue experiment performed in an ATG4 tetra knockout cell line, in which all four ATG4 isoforms were knocked out by gene editing, showed decreased GABARAPL1 priming activity for the two ATG4D missense variants located in the cysteine protease domain required for priming, suggesting that these variants impair the function of ATG4D. The clinical, bioinformatic, and functional data suggest that bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in ATG4D contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Nicoli ER, Huebecker M, Han ST, Garcia K, Munasinghe J, Lizak M, Latour Y, Yoon R, Glase B, Tyrlik M, Peiravi M, Springer D, Baker EH, Priestman D, Sidhu R, Kell P, Jiang X, Kolstad J, Kuhn AL, Shazeeb MS, Acosta MT, Proia RL, Platt FM, Tifft CJ. Glb1 knockout mouse model shares natural history with type II GM1 gangliosidosis patients. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 138:107508. [PMID: 36709532 PMCID: PMC10617618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
GM1 gangliosidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder affecting multiple organ systems, primarily the central nervous system, and is caused by functional deficiency of β-galactosidase (GLB1). Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated a mouse model to evaluate characteristics of the disease in comparison to GM1 gangliosidosis patients. Our Glb1-/- mice contain small deletions in exons 2 and 6, producing a null allele. Longevity is approximately 50 weeks and studies demonstrated that female Glb1-/- mice die six weeks earlier than male Glb1-/- mice. Gait analyses showed progressive abnormalities including abnormal foot placement, decreased stride length and increased stance width, comparable with what is observed in type II GM1 gangliosidosis patients. Furthermore, Glb1-/- mice show loss of motor skills by 20 weeks assessed by adhesive dot, hanging wire, and inverted grid tests, and deterioration of motor coordination by 32 weeks of age when evaluated by rotarod testing. Brain MRI showed progressive cerebellar atrophy in Glb1-/- mice as seen in some patients. In addition, Glb1-/- mice also show significantly increased levels of a novel pentasaccharide biomarker in urine and plasma which we also observed in GM1 gangliosidosis patients. Glb1-/- mice also exhibit accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the brain with increases in GM1 and GA1 beginning by 8 weeks. Surprisingly, despite being a null variant, this Glb1-/- mouse most closely models the less severe type II disease and will guide the development of new therapies for patients with the disorder.
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Hardy KK, Berger C, Griffin D, Walsh KS, Sharkey CM, Weisman H, Gioia A, Packer RJ, Acosta MT. Computerized Working Memory Training for Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1): A Pilot Study. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:1078-1085. [PMID: 34472416 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211038083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of CogmedRM, a computerized, home-based working memory (WM) training program, in children with NF1. METHOD A pre-post design was used to evaluate changes in performance-based measures of attention and WM, and parent-completed ratings of executive functioning. Children meeting eligibility criteria completed CogmedRM over 9 weeks. Primary outcomes included compliance statistics and change in attention and WM scores. RESULTS Thirty-one children (52% male; M age = 10.97 ± 2.51), aged 8-15, were screened for participation; 27 children (87%) evidenced WM difficulties and participated in CogmedRM training. On average, participants completed 19.7 out of 25 prescribed sessions, with an adherence rate of 69%. Participants demonstrated improvements in short-term memory, attention, and executive functioning (all Ps < .05). CONCLUSION Results suggest that computerized, home-based WM training programs may be both feasible and efficacious for children with NF1 and cognitive deficits.
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Busner J, Pandina G, Domingo S, Berger AK, Acosta MT, Fisseha N, Horrigan J, Ivkovic J, Jacobson W, Revicki D, Villalta-Gil V. Clinician- and Patient-reported Endpoints in CNS Orphan Drug Clinical Trials: ISCTM Position Paper on Best Practices for Endpoint Selection, Validation, Training, and Standardization. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 18:15-22. [PMID: 35096477 PMCID: PMC8794479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The International Society of CNS Clinical Trials Methodology (ISCTM) Working Group on Rare Disease/Orphan Drug Development is dedicated to improving and streamlining trials to best develop new treatments for rare diseases. The rarity of these disorders requires a drug development strategy that differs from those of nonrare conditions. Rare disease drug development programs are challenged with small sample sizes, heterogeneous clinical presentations, and few, if any, off-the-shelf endpoints. When disease-specific clinical endpoints exist, they might not be validated and are typically not well known or broadly used in clinical practice. This paper aims to provide an overview of the special issues surrounding endpoints in rare disease drug development, with guidance, practical applications, and discussion. DISCUSSION The paper covers regulatory considerations in endpoint selection; identification of relevant measurement domains; methods of quantifying clinical meaningfulness; incorporation of patient- and clinician-reported outcomes; considerations for global clinician- and patient-rated clinical assessments; cognition assessment challenges in rare diseases; translation considerations; training, standardization, and calibration of assessors; and endpoint quality assurance. Additionally, it provides guidance and resources for those involved in drug development for rare diseases. CONCLUSION In keeping with the mission of ISCTM and the rare disease/orphan drug development working group, this article is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration and provide insight and guidance to promote and further efforts in in central nervous system (CNS) rare disease drug development efforts.
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Payne JM, Haebich KM, MacKenzie R, Walsh KS, Hearps SJC, Coghill D, Barton B, Pride NA, Ullrich NJ, Tonsgard JH, Viskochil D, Schorry EK, Klesse L, Fisher MJ, Gutmann DH, Rosser T, Packer RJ, Korf B, Acosta MT, Bellgrove MA, North KN. Cognition, ADHD Symptoms, and Functional Impairment in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Atten Disord 2021; 25:1177-1186. [PMID: 31838937 DOI: 10.1177/1087054719894384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: We examined the contribution of attention and executive cognitive processes to ADHD symptomatology in NF1, as well as the relationships between cognition and ADHD symptoms with functional outcomes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 141 children and adolescents with NF1. Children were administered neuropsychological tests that assessed attention and executive function, from which latent cognitive variables were derived. ADHD symptomatology, adaptive skills, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using parent-rated questionnaires. Path analyses were conducted to test relationships among cognitive functioning, ADHD symptomatology, and functional outcomes. Results: Significant deficits were observed on all outcome variables. Cognitive variables did not predict ADHD symptomatology. Neither did they predict functional outcomes. However, elevated ADHD symptomatology significantly predicted functional outcomes. Conclusion: Irrespective of cognitive deficits, elevated ADHD symptoms in children with NF1 negatively impact daily functioning and emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at minimizing ADHD symptoms in NF1.
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Morris SM, Acosta MT, Garg S, Green J, Legius E, North K, Payne JM, Weiss LA, Constantino JN, Gutmann DH. Autism in neurofibromatosis type 1: misuse of covariance to dismiss autistic trait burden. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:233-234. [PMID: 32815557 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Henriquez-Henriquez M, Acosta MT, Martinez AF, Vélez JI, Lopera F, Pineda D, Palacio JD, Quiroga T, Worgall TS, Deckelbaum RJ, Mastronardi C, Molina BSG, Arcos-Burgos M, Muenke M. Mutations in sphingolipid metabolism genes are associated with ADHD. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:231. [PMID: 32661301 PMCID: PMC7359313 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, with genetic factors accounting for 75-80% of the phenotypic variance. Recent studies have suggested that ADHD patients might present with atypical central myelination that can persist into adulthood. Given the essential role of sphingolipids in myelin formation and maintenance, we explored genetic variation in sphingolipid metabolism genes for association with ADHD risk. Whole-exome genotyping was performed in three independent cohorts from disparate regions of the world, for a total of 1520 genotyped subjects. Cohort 1 (MTA (Multimodal Treatment study of children with ADHD) sample, 371 subjects) was analyzed as the discovery cohort, while cohorts 2 (Paisa sample, 298 subjects) and 3 (US sample, 851 subjects) were used for replication. A set of 58 genes was manually curated based on their roles in sphingolipid metabolism. A targeted exploration for association between ADHD and 137 markers encoding for common and rare potentially functional allelic variants in this set of genes was performed in the screening cohort. Single- and multi-locus additive, dominant and recessive linear mixed-effect models were used. During discovery, we found statistically significant associations between ADHD and variants in eight genes (GALC, CERS6, SMPD1, SMPDL3B, CERS2, FADS3, ELOVL5, and CERK). Successful local replication for associations with variants in GALC, SMPD1, and CERS6 was demonstrated in both replication cohorts. Variants rs35785620, rs143078230, rs398607, and rs1805078, associated with ADHD in the discovery or replication cohorts, correspond to missense mutations with predicted deleterious effects. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed an association between rs398607 and increased GALC expression in the cerebellum.
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Mao D, Reuter CM, Ruzhnikov MR, Beck AE, Farrow EG, Emrick LT, Rosenfeld JA, Mackenzie KM, Robak L, Wheeler MT, Burrage LC, Jain M, Liu P, Calame D, Küry S, Sillesen M, Schmitz-Abe K, Tonduti D, Spaccini L, Iascone M, Genetti CA, Koenig MK, Graf M, Tran A, Alejandro M, Lee BH, Thiffault I, Agrawal PB, Bernstein JA, Bellen HJ, Chao HT, Acosta MT, Adam M, Adams DR, Agrawal PB, Alejandro ME, Allard P, Alvey J, Amendola L, Andrews A, Ashley EA, Azamian MS, Bacino CA, Bademci G, Baker E, Balasubramanyam A, Baldridge D, Bale J, Bamshad M, Barbouth D, Batzli GF, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Beck A, Beggs AH, Bejerano G, Bellen HJ, Bennet J, Berg-Rood B, Bernier R, Bernstein JA, Berry GT, Bican A, Bivona S, Blue E, Bohnsack J, Bonnenmann C, Bonner D, Botto L, Briere LC, Brokamp E, Burke EA, Burrage LC, Butte MJ, Byers P, Carey J, Carrasquillo O, Chang TCP, Chanprasert S, Chao HT, Clark GD, Coakley TR, Cobban LA, Cogan JD, Cole FS, Colley HA, Cooper CM, Cope H, Craigen WJ, Cunningham M, D’Souza P, Dai H, Dasari S, Davids M, Dayal JG, Dell’Angelica EC, Dhar SU, Dipple K, Doherty D, Dorrani N, Douine ED, Draper DD, Duncan L, Earl D, Eckstein DJ, Emrick LT, Eng CM, Esteves C, Estwick T, Fernandez L, Ferreira C, Fieg EL, Fisher PG, Fogel BL, Forghani I, Fresard L, Gahl WA, Glass I, Godfrey RA, Golden-Grant K, Goldman AM, Goldstein DB, Grajewski A, Groden CA, Gropman AL, Hahn S, Hamid R, Hanchard NA, Hayes N, High F, Hing A, Hisama FM, Holm IA, Hom J, Horike-Pyne M, Huang A, Huang Y, Isasi R, Jamal F, Jarvik GP, Jarvik J, Jayadev S, Jiang YH, Johnston JM, Karaviti L, Kelley EG, Kiley D, Kohane IS, Kohler JN, Krakow D, Krasnewich DM, Korrick S, Koziura M, Krier JB, Lalani SR, Lam B, Lam C, Lanpher BC, Lanza IR, Lau CC, LeBlanc K, Lee BH, Lee H, Levitt R, Lewis RA, Lincoln SA, Liu P, Liu XZ, Longo N, Loo SK, Loscalzo J, Maas RL, Macnamara EF, MacRae CA, Maduro VV, Majcherska MM, Malicdan MCV, Mamounas LA, Manolio TA, Mao R, Maravilla K, Markello TC, Marom R, Marth G, Martin BA, Martin MG, Martínez-Agosto JA, Marwaha S, McCauley J, McConkie-Rosell A, McCormack CE, McCray AT, Mefford H, Merritt JL, Might M, Mirzaa G, Morava-Kozicz E, Moretti PM, Morimoto M, Mulvihill JJ, Murdock DR, Nath A, Nelson SF, Newman JH, Nicholas SK, Nickerson D, Novacic D, Oglesbee D, Orengo JP, Pace L, Pak S, Pallais JC, Palmer CG, Papp JC, Parker NH, Phillips JA, Posey JE, Postlethwait JH, Potocki L, Pusey BN, Quinlan A, Raskind W, Raja AN, Renteria G, Reuter CM, Rives L, Robertson AK, Rodan LH, Rosenfeld JA, Rowley RK, Ruzhnikov M, Sacco R, Sampson JB, Samson SL, Saporta M, Scott CR, Schaechter J, Schedl T, Schoch K, Scott DA, Shakachite L, Sharma P, Shashi V, Shin J, Signer R, Sillari CH, Silverman EK, Sinsheimer JS, Sisco K, Smith KS, Solnica-Krezel L, Spillmann RC, Stoler JM, Stong N, Sullivan JA, Sun A, Sutton S, Sweetser DA, Sybert V, Tabor HK, Tamburro CP, Tan QKG, Tekin M, Telischi F, Thorson W, Tifft CJ, Toro C, Tran AA, Urv TK, Velinder M, Viskochil D, Vogel TP, Wahl CE, Wallace S, Walley NM, Walsh CA, Walker M, Wambach J, Wan J, Wang LK, Wangler MF, Ward PA, Wegner D, Wener M, Westerfield M, Wheeler MT, Wise AL, Wolfe LA, Woods JD, Yamamoto S, Yang J, Yoon AJ, Yu G, Zastrow DB, Zhao C, Zuchner S. De novo EIF2AK1 and EIF2AK2 Variants Are Associated with Developmental Delay, Leukoencephalopathy, and Neurologic Decompensation. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 106:570-583. [PMID: 32197074 PMCID: PMC7118694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
EIF2AK1 and EIF2AK2 encode members of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase (EIF2AK) family that inhibits protein synthesis in response to physiologic stress conditions. EIF2AK2 is also involved in innate immune response and the regulation of signal transduction, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Despite these findings, human disorders associated with deleterious variants in EIF2AK1 and EIF2AK2 have not been reported. Here, we describe the identification of nine unrelated individuals with heterozygous de novo missense variants in EIF2AK1 (1/9) or EIF2AK2 (8/9). Features seen in these nine individuals include white matter alterations (9/9), developmental delay (9/9), impaired language (9/9), cognitive impairment (8/9), ataxia (6/9), dysarthria in probands with verbal ability (6/9), hypotonia (7/9), hypertonia (6/9), and involuntary movements (3/9). Individuals with EIF2AK2 variants also exhibit neurological regression in the setting of febrile illness or infection. We use mammalian cell lines and proband-derived fibroblasts to further confirm the pathogenicity of variants in these genes and found reduced kinase activity. EIF2AKs phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 1 (EIF2S1, also known as EIF2α), which then inhibits EIF2B activity. Deleterious variants in genes encoding EIF2B proteins cause childhood ataxia with central nervous system hypomyelination/vanishing white matter (CACH/VWM), a leukodystrophy characterized by neurologic regression in the setting of febrile illness and other stressors. Our findings indicate that EIF2AK2 missense variants cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome that may share phenotypic and pathogenic mechanisms with CACH/VWM.
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Payne JM, Hearps SJC, Walsh KS, Paltin I, Barton B, Ullrich NJ, Haebich KM, Coghill D, Gioia GA, Cantor A, Cutter G, Tonsgard JH, Viskochil D, Rey-Casserly C, Schorry EK, Ackerson JD, Klesse L, Fisher MJ, Gutmann DH, Rosser T, Packer RJ, Korf B, Acosta MT, North KN. Reproducibility of cognitive endpoints in clinical trials: lessons from neurofibromatosis type 1. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:2555-2565. [PMID: 31797581 PMCID: PMC6917317 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Rapid developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders have increased expectations for targeted, mechanism‐based treatments. However, translation from preclinical models to human clinical trials has proven challenging. Poor reproducibility of cognitive endpoints may provide one explanation for this finding. We examined the suitability of cognitive outcomes for clinical trials in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by examining test‐retest reliability of the measures and the application of data reduction techniques to improve reproducibility. Methods Data were analyzed from the STARS clinical trial (n = 146), a multi‐center double‐blind placebo‐controlled phase II trial of lovastatin, conducted by the NF Clinical Trials Consortium. Intra‐class correlation coefficients were generated between pre‐ and post‐performances (16‐week interval) on neuropsychological endpoints in the placebo group to determine test‐retest reliabilities. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to reduce data into cognitive domains and account for measurement error. Results Test‐retest reliabilities were highly variable, with most endpoints demonstrating unacceptably low reproducibility. Data reduction confirmed four distinct neuropsychological domains: executive functioning/attention, visuospatial ability, memory, and behavior. Test‐retest reliabilities of latent factors improved to acceptable levels for clinical trials. Applicability and utility of our model was demonstrated by homogeneous effect sizes in the reanalyzed efficacy data. Interpretation These data demonstrate that single observed endpoints are not appropriate to determine efficacy, partly accounting for the poor test‐retest reliability of cognitive outcomes in clinical trials in neurodevelopmental disorders. Recommendations to improve reproducibility are outlined to guide future trial design.
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Kruszka P, Buscetta A, Acosta MT, Banks N, Addissie YA, Toro C, Luby M, Latour L, Vezina G, Page DC, Muenke M. Circle of Willis anomalies in Turner syndrome: Absent A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1584-1588. [PMID: 31626395 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder in women and is associated with a higher than expected death rate secondary to cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. This study evaluates the cerebral vascular anatomy of individuals with TS. METHODS Twenty-one women with TS had brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). These MRAs were evaluated in a blinded manner with a control group of 25 men and 25 women who had MRA imaging for multiple indications including migraine headaches, psychiatric disorders, and seizures. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of women with TS were missing an A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) compared to 0% in the control group (p < .001). There were no other significant differences in the circle of Willis (COW) in women with TS compared with the control group. A complete COW was found in 3 of 21 (14%) of women with TS and 12 of 47 (26%) controls (p = .36). CONCLUSION Women with TS have a significantly different intracranial vascular anatomy, specifically the absence of the A1 segment of the ACA when compared to male and female controls. More research in brain imaging in women with TS and stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases is needed to determine the clinical significance of this anomaly.
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Shofty B, Bergmann E, Zur G, Asleh J, Bosak N, Kavushansky A, Castellanos FX, Ben-Sira L, Packer RJ, Vezina GL, Constantini S, Acosta MT, Kahn I. Autism-associated Nf1 deficiency disrupts corticocortical and corticostriatal functional connectivity in human and mouse. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104479. [PMID: 31128207 PMCID: PMC6689441 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with the autosomal dominant single gene disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), display multiple structural and functional changes in the central nervous system, resulting in neuropsychological cognitive abnormalities. Here we assessed the pathological functional organization that may underlie the behavioral impairments in NF1 using resting-state functional connectivity MRI. Coherent spontaneous fluctuations in the fMRI signal across the entire brain were used to interrogate the pattern of functional organization of corticocortical and corticostriatal networks in both NF1 pediatric patients and mice with a heterozygous mutation in the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/-). Children with NF1 demonstrated abnormal organization of cortical association networks and altered posterior-anterior functional connectivity in the default network. Examining the contribution of the striatum revealed that corticostriatal functional connectivity was altered. NF1 children demonstrated reduced functional connectivity between striatum and the frontoparietal network and increased striatal functional connectivity with the limbic network. Awake passive mouse functional connectivity MRI in Nf1+/- mice similarly revealed reduced posterior-anterior connectivity along the cingulate cortex as well as disrupted corticostriatal connectivity. The striatum of Nf1+/- mice showed increased functional connectivity to somatomotor and frontal cortices and decreased functional connectivity to the auditory cortex. Collectively, these results demonstrate similar alterations across species, suggesting that NF1 pathogenesis is linked to striatal dysfunction and disrupted corticocortical connectivity in the default network.
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Arcos-Burgos M, Vélez JI, Martinez AF, Ribasés M, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Sánchez-Mora C, Richarte V, Roncero C, Cormand B, Fernández-Castillo N, Casas M, Lopera F, Pineda DA, Palacio JD, Acosta-López JE, Cervantes-Henriquez ML, Sánchez-Rojas MG, Puentes-Rozo PJ, Molina BSG, Boden MT, Wallis D, Lidbury B, Newman S, Easteal S, Swanson J, Patel H, Volkow N, Acosta MT, Castellanos FX, de Leon J, Mastronardi CA, Muenke M. ADGRL3 (LPHN3) variants predict substance use disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:42. [PMID: 30696812 PMCID: PMC6351584 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors are strongly implicated in the susceptibility to develop externalizing syndromes such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder (SUD). Variants in the ADGRL3 (LPHN3) gene predispose to ADHD and predict ADHD severity, disruptive behaviors comorbidity, long-term outcome, and response to treatment. In this study, we investigated whether variants within ADGRL3 are associated with SUD, a disorder that is frequently co-morbid with ADHD. Using family-based, case-control, and longitudinal samples from disparate regions of the world (n = 2698), recruited either for clinical, genetic epidemiological or pharmacogenomic studies of ADHD, we assembled recursive-partitioning frameworks (classification tree analyses) with clinical, demographic, and ADGRL3 genetic information to predict SUD susceptibility. Our results indicate that SUD can be efficiently and robustly predicted in ADHD participants. The genetic models used remained highly efficient in predicting SUD in a large sample of individuals with severe SUD from a psychiatric institution that were not ascertained on the basis of ADHD diagnosis, thus identifying ADGRL3 as a risk gene for SUD. Recursive-partitioning analyses revealed that rs4860437 was the predominant predictive variant. This new methodological approach offers novel insights into higher order predictive interactions and offers a unique opportunity for translational application in the clinical assessment of patients at high risk for SUD.
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Wang X, Kallionpää RA, Gonzales PR, Chitale DA, Tousignant RN, Crowley JP, Chen Z, Yoder SJ, Blakeley JO, Acosta MT, Korf BR, Messiaen LM, Tainsky MA. Germline and Somatic NF1 Alterations Are Linked to Increased HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2018; 11:655-664. [PMID: 30104415 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-18-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NF1 germline mutation predisposes to breast cancer. NF1 mutations have also been proposed as oncogenic drivers in sporadic breast cancers. To understand the genomic and histologic characteristics of these breast cancers, we analyzed the tumors with NF1 germline mutations and also examined the genomic and proteomic profiles of unselected tumors. Among 14 breast cancer specimens from 13 women affected with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), 9 samples (NF + BrCa) underwent genomic copy number (CN) and targeted sequencing analysis. Mutations of NF1 were identified in two samples and TP53 were in three. No mutation was detected in ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, RAD50, and STK11 HER2 (ErbB2) overexpression was detected by IHC in 69.2% (9/13) of the tumors. CN gain/amplification of ERBB2 was detected in 4 of 9 with DNA analysis. By evaluating HER2 expression and NF1 alterations in unselected invasive breast cancers in TCGA datasets, we discovered that among samples with ERBB2 CN gain/amplification, the HER2 mRNA and protein expression were much more pronounced in NF1-mutated/deleted samples in comparison with NF1-unaltered samples. This finding suggests a synergistic interplay between these two genes, potentially driving the development of breast cancer harboring NF1 mutation and ERBB2 CN gain/amplification. NF1 gene loss of heterozygosity was observed in 4 of 9 NF + BrCa samples. CDK4 appeared to have more CN gain in NF + BrCa and exhibited increased mRNA expression in TCGA NF1--altered samples. Cancer Prev Res; 11(10); 655-64. ©2018 AACR.
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Wang X, Teer JK, Tousignant RN, Levin AM, Boulware D, Chitale DA, Shaw BM, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Blakeley JO, Acosta MT, Messiaen LM, Korf BR, Tainsky MA. Breast cancer risk and germline genomic profiling of women with neurofibromatosis type 1 who developed breast cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2017; 57:19-27. [PMID: 28891274 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
NF1 mutations predispose to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and women with NF1 have a moderately elevated risk for breast cancer, especially under age 50. Germline genomic analysis may better define the risk so screening and prevention can be applied to the individuals who benefit the most. Survey conducted in several neurofibromatosis clinics in the United States has demonstrated a 17.2% lifetime risk of breast cancer in women affected with NF1. Cumulated risk to age 50 is estimated to be 9.27%. For genomic profiling, fourteen women with NF1 and a history of breast cancer were recruited and underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), targeted genomic DNA based and RNA-based analysis of the NF1 gene. Deleterious NF1 pathogenic variants were identified in each woman. Frameshift mutations because of deletion/duplication/complex rearrangement were found in 50% (7/14) of the cases, nonsense mutations in 21% (3/14), in-frame splice mutations in 21% (3/14), and one case of missense mutation (7%, 1/14). No deleterious mutation was found in the following high/moderate-penetrance breast cancer genes: ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, BARD1, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, FANCC, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, PTEN, RAD50, RAD51C, TP53, and STK11. Twenty-five rare or common variants in cancer related genes were discovered and may have contributed to the breast cancers in these individuals. Breast cancer predisposition modifiers in women with NF1 may involve a great variety of molecular and cellular functions.
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Yoncheva YN, Hardy KK, Lurie DJ, Somandepalli K, Yang L, Vezina G, Kadom N, Packer RJ, Milham MP, Castellanos FX, Acosta MT. Computerized cognitive training for children with neurofibromatosis type 1: A pilot resting-state fMRI study. Psychiatry Res 2017; 266:53-58. [PMID: 28605662 PMCID: PMC5582983 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we examined training effects of a computerized working memory program on resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We contrasted pre- with post-training resting state fMRI and cognitive measures from 16 participants (nine males; 11.1 ± 2.3 years) with NF1 and documented working memory difficulties. Using non-parametric permutation test inference, we found significant regionally specific differences (family-wise error corrected) in two of four voxel-wise resting state measures: fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (indexing peak-to-trough intensity of spontaneous oscillations) and regional homogeneity (indexing local intrinsic synchrony). Some cognitive task improvement was observed as well. These preliminary findings suggest that regionally specific changes in resting state fMRI indices may be associated with treatment-related cognitive amelioration in NF1. Nevertheless, current results must be interpreted with caution pending independent controlled replication.
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Martinez AF, Abe Y, Hong S, Molyneux K, Yarnell D, Löhr H, Driever W, Acosta MT, Arcos-Burgos M, Muenke M. An Ultraconserved Brain-Specific Enhancer Within ADGRL3 (LPHN3) Underpins Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Susceptibility. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:943-954. [PMID: 27692237 PMCID: PMC5108697 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic factors predispose individuals to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have reported linkage and association to ADHD of gene variants within ADGRL3. In this study, we functionally analyzed noncoding variants in this gene as likely pathological contributors. METHODS In silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches were used to identify and characterize evolutionary conserved elements within the ADGRL3 linkage region (~207 Kb). Family-based genetic analyses of 838 individuals (372 affected and 466 unaffected patients) identified ADHD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms harbored in some of these conserved elements. Luciferase assays and zebrafish green fluorescent protein transgenesis tested conserved elements for transcriptional enhancer activity. Electromobility shift assays were used to verify transcription factor-binding disruption by ADHD risk alleles. RESULTS An ultraconserved element was discovered (evolutionary conserved region 47) that functions as a transcriptional enhancer. A three-variant ADHD risk haplotype in evolutionary conserved region 47, formed by rs17226398, rs56038622, and rs2271338, reduced enhancer activity by 40% in neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cells (pBonferroni < .0001). This enhancer also drove green fluorescent protein expression in the zebrafish brain in a tissue-specific manner, sharing aspects of endogenous ADGRL3 expression. The rs2271338 risk allele disrupts binding of YY1 transcription factor, an important factor in the development and function of the central nervous system. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis of postmortem human brain tissues revealed an association between rs2271338 and reduced ADGRL3 expression in the thalamus. CONCLUSIONS These results uncover the first functional evidence of common noncoding variants with potential implications for the pathology of ADHD.
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Payne JM, Barton B, Ullrich NJ, Cantor A, Hearps SJC, Cutter G, Rosser T, Walsh KS, Gioia GA, Wolters PL, Tonsgard J, Schorry E, Viskochil D, Klesse L, Fisher M, Gutmann DH, Silva AJ, Hunter SJ, Rey-Casserly C, Cantor NL, Byars AW, Stavinoha PL, Ackerson JD, Armstrong CL, Isenberg J, O'Neil SH, Packer RJ, Korf B, Acosta MT, North KN. Randomized placebo-controlled study of lovastatin in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Neurology 2016; 87:2575-2584. [PMID: 27956565 PMCID: PMC5207004 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of lovastatin on visuospatial learning and attention for treating cognitive and behavioral deficits in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). METHODS A multicenter, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between July 2009 and May 2014 as part of the NF Clinical Trials Consortium. Children with NF1 aged 8-15 years were screened for visuospatial learning or attention deficits (n = 272); 146 children demonstrated deficits at baseline and were randomly assigned to lovastatin (n = 74; 40 mg/d) or placebo (n = 70). Treatment was administered once daily for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes were total errors on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Paired Associate Learning task (visuospatial learning) and the Score subtest from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (sustained attention). Secondary outcomes measured executive function, attention, visuospatial skills, behavior, and quality of life. Primary analyses were performed on the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS Lovastatin had no significant effect on primary outcomes after 16 weeks of treatment: visuospatial learning (Cohen d = -0.15, 95% confidence interval -0.47 to 0.18) or sustained attention (Cohen d = 0.19, 95% confidence interval -0.14 to 0.53). Lovastatin was well tolerated, with no increase in reported adverse events compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Lovastatin administered once daily for 16 weeks did not improve visuospatial learning or attention in children with NF1 and is not recommended for amelioration of cognitive deficits in this population. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00853580) and Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12607000560493). CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that for children with NF1, lovastatin does not improve visuospatial learning or attention deficits.
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Das D, Vélez JI, Acosta MT, Muenke M, Arcos-Burgos M, Easteal S. Retrospective assessment of childhood ADHD symptoms for diagnosis in adults: validity of a short 8-item version of the Wender-Utah Rating Scale. ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS 2016; 8:215-223. [PMID: 27510231 DOI: 10.1007/s12402-016-0202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) is a widely used self-report instrument for retrospective assessment of childhood ADHD. However, many WURS items are not specific to ADHD. Here, we investigated the effect of excluding these items on the performance of the WURS in predicting adult ADHD based on previous diagnosis and current clinically significant symptoms. The study was conducted on a sample of adults (n = 1014; 48 % male) participating in a family-based investigation of ADHD. Participants completed the 61-item WURS questionnaire and the 66-item Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the performance of the eight-item WURS (WURS-8) and the longer WURS-25 in predicting previous ADHD diagnosis and current clinically significant ADHD symptoms. WURS-8 and WURS-25 have approximately the same power to predict adult ADHD, based on either previous diagnosis or current symptoms (area under the ROC curves >0.8). WURS-8 performs at least as well as the longer WURS-25 in predicting adult ADHD. This 8-item questionnaire is thus a valid instrument and is especially useful for screening for ADHD in large epidemiological samples.
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Morris SM, Acosta MT, Garg S, Green J, Huson S, Legius E, North KN, Payne JM, Plasschaert E, Frazier TW, Weiss LA, Zhang Y, Gutmann DH, Constantino JN. Disease Burden and Symptom Structure of Autism in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Study of the International NF1-ASD Consortium Team (INFACT). JAMA Psychiatry 2016; 73:1276-1284. [PMID: 27760236 PMCID: PMC5298203 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Recent reports have demonstrated a higher incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and substantially elevated autistic trait burden in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). However, important discrepancies regarding the distribution of autistic traits, sex predominance, and association between ASD symptoms and attentional problems have emerged, and critical features of the ASD phenotype within NF1 have never been adequately explored. Establishing NF1 as a monogenic cause for ASD has important implications for affected patients and for future research focused on establishing convergent pathogenic mechanisms relevant to the potential treatment targets for ASD. OBJECTIVE To characterize the quantitative autistic trait (QAT) burden in a pooled NF1 data set. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Anonymized, individual-level primary data were accumulated from 6 tertiary referral centers in the United States, Belgium, United Kingdom, and Australia. A total of 531 individuals recruited from NF1 clinical centers were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Distribution of ASD traits (Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition [SRS-2], with T scores of ≥75 associated with a categorical ASD diagnosis); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits (4 versions of Conners Rating Scale, with T scores of ≥65 indicating clinically significant ADHD symptoms); ASD symptom structure, latent structure, base rate derived from mixture modeling; and familiality. RESULTS Of the 531 patients included in the analysis, 247 were male (46.5%); median age was 11 years (range, 2.5-83.9 years). QAT scores were continuously distributed and pathologically shifted; 13.2% (95% CI, 10.3%-16.1%) of individuals scored within the most severe range (ie, above the first percentile of the general population distribution) in which the male to female ratio was markedly attenuated (1.6:1) relative to idiopathic ASD. Autistic symptoms in this NF1 cohort demonstrated a robust unitary factor structure, with the first principal component explaining 30.9% of the variance in SRS-2 scores, and a strong association with ADHD symptoms (r = 0.61). Within-family correlation for QAT burden (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.73 in NF1-affected first-degree relatives) exceeded that observed in the general population and ASD family samples. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study provides confirmation that the diversity of mutations that give rise to NF1 function as quantitative trait loci for ASD. Moreover, the within-family correlation implicates a high degree of mutational specificity for this associated phenotype. Clinicians should be alerted to the increased frequency of this disabling comorbidity, and the scientific community should be aware of the potential for this monogenic disorder to help elucidate the biological features of idiopathic autism.
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