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Baer S, Schalk A, Miguet M, Schaefer É, El Chehadeh S, Ginglinger E, de Saint Martin A, Abi Wardé MT, Laugel V, de Feraudy Y, Gauer L, Hirsch E, Boulay C, Bansept C, Bolocan A, Kitadinis I, Gouronc A, Gérard B, Piton A, Scheidecker S. Copy Number Variation and Epilepsy: State of the Art in the Era of High-Throughput Sequencing-A Multicenter Cohort Study. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 159:16-25. [PMID: 39094250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.07.007] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic epilepsy diagnosis is increasing due to technological advancements. Although the use of molecular diagnosis is increasing, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) remains an important diagnostic tool for many patients. We aim to explore the role and indications of CMA in epilepsy, given the current genomic advances. METHODS We obtained data from 378 epileptic described patients, who underwent CMA between 2015 and 2021. Different types of syndromic or nonsyndromic epilepsy were represented. RESULTS After excluding patients who were undertreated or had missing data, we included 250 patients with treated epilepsy and relevant clinical information. These patients mostly had focal epilepsy or developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, with a median start age of 2 years. Ninety percent of the patients had intellectual disability, more than two thirds had normal head size, and 60% had an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging. We also included 10 patients with epilepsy without comorbidities. In our cohort, we identified 35 pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) explaining epilepsy with nine recurrent CNVs enriched in patients with epilepsy, 12 CNVs related to neurodevelopmental disorder phenotype with possible epilepsy, five CNVs including a gene already known in epilepsy, and nine CNVs based on size combined with de novo occurrence. The diagnosis rate in our study reached 14% (35 of 250) with first-line CMA, as previously reported. Although targeted gene panel sequencing could potentially diagnose some of the reported epilepsy CNVs (34% [12 of 35]). CONCLUSIONS CMA remains a viable option as the first-line genetic test in cases where other genetic tests are not available and as a second-line diagnostic technique if gene panel or exome sequencing yields negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institute for Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), University of Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Illkirch, France.
| | - Audrey Schalk
- Laboratories of Genetic Diagnosis, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg University Hospitals Strasbourg France, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Élise Schaefer
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg, France
| | - Salima El Chehadeh
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Anne de Saint Martin
- Department of Neuropediatrics, ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Abi Wardé
- Department of Neuropediatrics, ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Laugel
- Department of Neuropediatrics, ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yvan de Feraudy
- Department of Neuropediatrics, ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Gauer
- Epilepsy Unit "Francis Rohmer," ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Neurology Department, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Epilepsy Unit "Francis Rohmer," ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Neurology Department, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Clotilde Boulay
- Epilepsy Unit "Francis Rohmer," ERN EpiCare, French Centre de référence des Épilepsies Rares (CréER), Neurology Department, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Department of Pediatrics, Émile Muller Hospital, Mulhouse, France
| | - Claire Bansept
- Department of Pediatrics, Émile Muller Hospital, Mulhouse, France
| | - Anamaria Bolocan
- Department of Pediatrics, Émile Muller Hospital, Mulhouse, France
| | - Ismini Kitadinis
- Department of Pediatrics, Émile Muller Hospital, Mulhouse, France
| | - Aurélie Gouronc
- Laboratories of Genetic Diagnosis, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg University Hospitals Strasbourg France, Strasbourg, France
| | - Bénédicte Gérard
- Laboratories of Genetic Diagnosis, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg University Hospitals Strasbourg France, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amélie Piton
- Institute for Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), University of Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Illkirch, France; Laboratories of Genetic Diagnosis, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg University Hospitals Strasbourg France, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Scheidecker
- Laboratories of Genetic Diagnosis, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Strasbourg University Hospitals Strasbourg France, Strasbourg, France
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Lee S, Kang M, So KH, Jang R, Shin YW, Jang SS, Yoon JG, Kim S, Kim M, Chu K, Lee SK, Kim KJ, Baek ST, Lim BC, Moon J. Broadening the scope of multigene panel analysis for adult epilepsy patients. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1538-1549. [PMID: 38946282 PMCID: PMC11296137 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a suitable target for gene panel sequencing because a considerable portion of epilepsy is now explained by genetic components, especially in syndromic cases. However, previous gene panel studies on epilepsy have mostly focused on pediatric patients. METHODS We enrolled adult epilepsy patients meeting any of the following criteria: family history of epilepsy, seizure onset age ≤ 19 years, neuronal migration disorder, and seizure freedom not achieved by dual anti-seizure medications. We sequenced the exonic regions of 211 epilepsy genes in these patients. To confirm the pathogenicity of a novel MTOR truncating variant, we electroporated vectors with different MTOR variants into developing mouse brains. RESULTS A total of 92 probands and 4 affected relatives were tested, and the proportion of intellectual disability (ID) and/or developmental disability (DD) was 21.7%. As a result, twelve probands (13.0%) had pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the following genes or regions: DEPDC5, 15q12-q13 duplication (n = 2), SLC6A1, SYNGAP1, EEF1A2, LGI1, MTOR, KCNQ2, MEF2C, and TSC1 (n = 1). We confirmed the functional impact of a novel truncating mutation in the MTOR gene (c.7570C > T, p.Gln2524Ter) that disrupted neuronal migration in a mouse model. The diagnostic yield was higher in patients with ID/DD or childhood-onset seizures. We also identified additional candidate variants in 20 patients that could be reassessed by further studies. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings underscore the clinical utility of gene panel sequencing in adult epilepsy patients suspected of having genetic etiology, especially those with ID/DD or early-onset seizures. Gene panel sequencing could not only lead to genetic diagnosis in a substantial portion of adult epilepsy patients but also inform more precise therapeutic decisions based on their genetic background. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study demonstrated the effectiveness of gene panel sequencing in adults with epilepsy, revealing pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 13.0% of patients. Higher diagnostic yields were observed in those with neurodevelopmental disorders or childhood-onset seizures. Additionally, we have shown that expanding genetic studies into adult patients would uncover new types of pathogenic variants for epilepsy, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine for individuals with epilepsy. In conclusion, our results highlight the practical value of employing gene panel sequencing in adult epilepsy patients, particularly when genetic etiology is clinically suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbok Lee
- Department of Genomic MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
- Department of PediatricsSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children's HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Mi‐Kyoung Kang
- Department of NeurologySeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Ki Hurn So
- Department of Life SciencesPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)PohangKorea
| | - Riyul Jang
- Department of Life SciencesPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)PohangKorea
| | - Yong Woo Shin
- Department of NeurologySeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Se Song Jang
- Department of PediatricsSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children's HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Jihoon G. Yoon
- Department of Genomic MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Sheehyun Kim
- Department of Genomic MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Manjin Kim
- Department of Genomic MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
- Department of Laboratory MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of NeurologySeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of NeurologySeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Ki Joong Kim
- Department of PediatricsSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children's HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Seung Tae Baek
- Department of Life SciencesPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)PohangKorea
| | - Byung Chan Lim
- Department of PediatricsSeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Children's HospitalSeoulKorea
| | - Jangsup Moon
- Department of Genomic MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
- Department of NeurologySeoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University HospitalSeoulKorea
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Chengyan L, Chupeng X, You W, Yinhui C, Binglong H, Dang A, Ling L, Chuan T. Identification of genetic causes in children with unexplained epilepsy based on trio-whole exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2024; 106:140-149. [PMID: 38468460 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Genotype and clinical phenotype analyses of 128 children were performed based on whole exome sequencing (WES), providing a reference for the provision of genetic counseling and the precise diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. A total of 128 children with unexplained epilepsy were included in this study, and all their clinical data were analyzed. The children's treatments, epilepsy control, and neurodevelopmental levels were regularly followed up every 3 months. The genetic diagnostic yield of the 128 children with epilepsy is 50.8%, with an SNV diagnostic yield of 39.8% and a CNV diagnostic yield of 12.5%. Among the 128 children with epilepsy, 57.0% had onset of epilepsy in infancy, 25.8% have more than two clinical seizure forms, 62.5% require two or more anti-epileptic drug treatments, and 72.7% of the children have varying degrees of psychomotor development retardation. There are significant differences between ages of onset, neurodevelopmental levels and the presence of drug resistance in the genetic diagnostic yield (all p < 0.05). The 52 pathogenic/likely pathogenic SNVs involve 31 genes, with genes encoding ion channels having the largest number of mutations (30.8%). There were 16 cases of pathogenic/possibly pathogenic CNVs, among which the main proportions of CNVs were located in chromosome 15 and chromosome 16. Trio-WES is an essential tool for the genetic diagnosis of unexplained epilepsy, with a genetic diagnostic yield of up to 50.8%. Early genetic testing can provide an initiate appropriate therapies and accurate molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chengyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chupeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang You
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Yinhui
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Binglong
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ao Dang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Ling
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Chuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
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Gadhia A, Barker E, Morgan A, Barclay JW. Functional analysis of epilepsy-associated GABA A receptor mutations using Caenorhabditis elegans. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1458-1466. [PMID: 38813985 PMCID: PMC11296113 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GABAA receptor subunit mutations pose a significant risk for genetic generalized epilepsy; however, there are over 150 identified variants, many with unknown or unvalidated pathogenicity. We aimed to develop in vivo models for testing GABAA receptor variants using the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to create a complete deletion of unc-49, a C. elegans GABAA receptor, and to create homozygous epilepsy-associated mutations in the endogenous unc-49 gene. The unc-49 deletion strain was rescued with transgenes for either the C. elegans unc-49B subunit or the α1, β3, and γ2 subunits for the human GABAA receptor. All newly created strains were analyzed for phenotype and compared against existing unc-49 mutations. RESULTS Nematodes with a full genetic deletion of the entire unc-49 locus were compared with existing unc-49 mutations in three separate phenotypic assays-coordinated locomotion, shrinker frequency and seizure-like convulsions. The full unc-49 deletion exhibited reduced locomotion and increased shrinker frequency and PTZ-induced convulsions, but were not found to be phenotypically stronger than existing unc-49 mutations. Rescue with the unc-49B subunit or creation of humanized worms for the GABAA receptor both showed partial phenotypic rescue for all three phenotypes investigated. Finally, two epilepsy-associated variants were analyzed and deemed to be loss of function, thus validating their pathogenicity. SIGNIFICANCE These findings establish C. elegans as a genetic model to investigate GABAA receptor mutations and delineate a platform for validating associated variants in any epilepsy-associated gene. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Epilepsy is a complex human disease that can be caused by mutations in specific genes. Many possible mutations have been identified, but it is unknown for most of them whether they cause the disease. We tested the role of mutations in one specific gene using a small microscopic worm as an animal model. Our results establish this worm as a model for epilepsy and confirm that the two unknown mutations are likely to cause the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Gadhia
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIBUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Eleanor Barker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIBUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIBUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Jeff W. Barclay
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, ISMIBUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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Ellis CA, Tu D, Oliver KL, Mefford HC, Hauser WA, Buchhalter J, Epstein MP, Cao Q, Berkovic SF, Ottman R. Familial aggregation of seizure outcomes in four familial epilepsy cohorts. Epilepsia 2024; 65:2030-2040. [PMID: 38738647 PMCID: PMC11251848 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the possible effects of genetics on seizure outcome by estimating the familial aggregation of three outcome measures: seizure remission, history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures, and seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medication. METHODS We analyzed families containing multiple persons with epilepsy in four previously collected retrospective cohorts. Seizure remission was defined as being 5 and 10 years seizure-free at last observation. Total number of tonic-clonic seizures was dichotomized at <4 and ≥4 seizures. Seizure control in patients taking antiseizure medication was defined as no seizures for 1, 2, and 3 years. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) to estimate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the family-specific random effect, controlling for epilepsy type, age at epilepsy onset, and age at last data collection as fixed effects. We analyzed each cohort separately and performed meta-analysis using GLMMs. RESULTS The combined cohorts included 3644 individuals with epilepsy from 1463 families. A history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures showed strong familial aggregation in three separate cohorts and meta-analysis (ICC .28, 95% confidence interval [CI] .21-.35, Bayes factor 8 × 1016). Meta-analyses did not reveal significant familial aggregation of seizure remission (ICC .08, 95% CI .01-.17, Bayes factor 1.46) or seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medication (ICC .13, 95% CI 0-.35, Bayes factor 0.94), with heterogeneity among cohorts. SIGNIFICANCE A history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures aggregated strongly in families, suggesting a genetic influence, whereas seizure remission and seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medications did not aggregate consistently in families. Different seizure outcomes may have different underlying biology and risk factors. These findings should inform the future molecular genetic studies of seizure outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A. Ellis
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Danni Tu
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Karen L. Oliver
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Population Health and Immunity Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Heather C. Mefford
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN USA
| | - W. Allen Hauser
- Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, and the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY USA
| | | | - Michael P. Epstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Quy Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
| | | | | | - Samuel F. Berkovic
- Department of Medicine, Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville VIC, Australia
| | - Ruth Ottman
- Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, and the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY USA
- Division of Translational Epidemiology and Mental Health Equity, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York NY USA
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Silva L, Pacheco T, Araújo E, Duarte RJ, Ribeiro-Vaz I, Ferreira-da-Silva R. Unveiling the future: precision pharmacovigilance in the era of personalized medicine. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:755-760. [PMID: 38416349 PMCID: PMC11133017 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01709-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
In the era of personalized medicine, pharmacovigilance faces new challenges and opportunities, demanding a shift from traditional approaches. This article delves into the evolving landscape of drug safety monitoring in the context of personalized treatments. We aim to provide a succinct reflection on the intersection of tailored therapeutic strategies and vigilant pharmacovigilance practices. We discuss the integration of pharmacogenetics in enhancing drug safety, illustrating how genetic profiling aids in predicting drug responses and adverse reactions. Emphasizing the importance of phase IV-post-marketing surveillance, we explore the limitations of pre-marketing trials and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to drug safety. The article discusses the pivotal role of pharmacogenetics in pre-exposure risk management and the redefinition of pharmacoepidemiological methods for post-exposure surveillance. We highlight the significance of integrating patient-specific genetic profiles in creating personalized medication leaflets and the use of advanced computational methods in data analysis. Additionally, we examine the ethical, privacy, and data security challenges inherent in precision medicine, emphasizing their implications for patient consent and data management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lurdes Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pacheco
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Araújo
- Palliative Care Service, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Associate Laboratory RISE - Health Research Network (CINTESIS@RISE), Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Inês Ribeiro-Vaz
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Associate Laboratory RISE - Health Research Network (CINTESIS@RISE), Porto, Portugal
- Porto Pharmacovigilance Centre, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Renato Ferreira-da-Silva
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Associate Laboratory RISE - Health Research Network (CINTESIS@RISE), Porto, Portugal.
- Porto Pharmacovigilance Centre, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Luiza Benevides M, de Moraes HT, Granados DMM, Bonadia LC, Sauma L, Augusta Montenegro M, Guerreiro MM, Lopes-Cendes Í, Carolina Coan A. Predictors of genetic diagnosis in individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 155:109762. [PMID: 38636144 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109762] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical predictors of positive genetic investigation in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, beyond the influence of Dravet Syndrome. METHODS The study included 98 patients diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. The patients underwent Sanger sequencing of SCN1A, Chromosomal Microarray Analysis, and Whole Exome Sequencing. The association of clinical variables with a positive genetic test was investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Genetic diagnosis was identified in 47 (48 %) patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Beyond Dravet Syndrome influence, first seizure in the context of fever (p < 0.01), seizures precipitated by temperature (p = 0.04), cognitive regression (p = 0.04), hypotonia (p < 0.01), and focal seizures (p = 0.03) increased the chances of a positive genetic investigation. In contrast, atonic seizures (p = 0.01) and generalized discharges on electroencephalogram (p = 0.02) decreased the chances. Dravet Syndrome was positively associated with a genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies etiology (p < 0.01), whereas epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (p = 0.01), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies with spike-wave activation in sleep (p = 0.04), and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (p = 0.03) were negatively associated. In multivariate analysis, the first seizure in the context of fever (p < 0.01) and hypotonia (p = 0.02) were positively, and atonic seizures (p = 0.01) were negatively and independently associated with a genetic etiology. CONCLUSION The predictive variables of genetic investigation in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are first seizure in the context of fever and hypotonia, whereas atonic seizures decrease the chances of finding a genetic cause for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Regarding epileptic syndromes, Dravet Syndrome is highly associated with a positive genetic test, whereas epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies with spike-wave activation in sleep, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are rarely associated with a positive genetic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Benevides
- Child Neurology Service, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
| | | | | | - Luciana C Bonadia
- Department of Translational Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas - SP, Brazil.
| | - Letícia Sauma
- Child Neurology Service, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
| | | | - Marilisa M Guerreiro
- Child Neurology Service, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas - São Paulo (SP), Brazil; Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, BRAINN, at UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Íscia Lopes-Cendes
- Department of Translational Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas - SP, Brazil; Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, BRAINN, at UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina Coan
- Child Neurology Service, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas - São Paulo (SP), Brazil; Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, BRAINN, at UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Neuroimaging Laboratory, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Yasin M, Licchetta L, Khan N, Ullah I, Jan Z, Dawood M, Ahmed AN, Azeem A, Minardi R, Carelli V, Saleha S. Genetic heterogeneity in epilepsy and comorbidities: insights from Pakistani families. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:172. [PMID: 38783254 PMCID: PMC11112905 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy, a challenging neurological condition, is often present with comorbidities that significantly impact diagnosis and management. In the Pakistani population, where financial limitations and geographical challenges hinder access to advanced diagnostic methods, understanding the genetic underpinnings of epilepsy and its associated conditions becomes crucial. METHODS This study investigated four distinct Pakistani families, each presenting with epilepsy and a spectrum of comorbidities, using a combination of whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. The epileptic patients were prescribed multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs), yet their seizures persist, indicating the challenging nature of ASM-resistant epilepsy. RESULTS Identified genetic variants contributed to a diverse range of clinical phenotypes. In the family 1, which presented with epilepsy, developmental delay (DD), sleep disturbance, and aggressive behavior, a homozygous splice site variant, c.1339-6 C > T, in the COL18A1 gene was detected. The family 2 exhibited epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), DD, and anxiety phenotypes, a homozygous missense variant, c.344T > A (p. Val115Glu), in the UFSP2 gene was identified. In family 3, which displayed epilepsy, ataxia, ID, DD, and speech impediment, a novel homozygous frameshift variant, c.1926_1941del (p. Tyr643MetfsX2), in the ZFYVE26 gene was found. Lastly, family 4 was presented with epilepsy, ID, DD, deafness, drooling, speech impediment, hypotonia, and a weak cry. A homozygous missense variant, c.1208 C > A (p. Ala403Glu), in the ATP13A2 gene was identified. CONCLUSION This study highlights the genetic heterogeneity in ASM-resistant epilepsy and comorbidities among Pakistani families, emphasizing the importance of genotype-phenotype correlation and the necessity for expanded genetic testing in complex clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yasin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Laura Licchetta
- RCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Niamat Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Neurology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25000, Pakistan
| | - Zakir Jan
- Department of Neurology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Science, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Dawood
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Asif Naveed Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Arfa Azeem
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Raffaella Minardi
- RCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- RCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Shamim Saleha
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan.
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9
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Klementieva NV, Lunev EA, Shmidt AA, Loseva EM, Savchenko IM, Svetlova EA, Galkin II, Polikarpova AV, Usachev EV, Vassilieva SG, Marina VI, Dzhenkova MA, Romanova AD, Agutin AV, Timakova AA, Reshetov DA, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. RNA Interference Effectors Selectively Silence the Pathogenic Variant GNAO1 c.607 G > A In Vitro. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:90-99. [PMID: 38215303 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics hold the potential for dominant genetic disorders, enabling sequence-specific inhibition of pathogenic gene products. We aimed to direct RNAi for the selective suppression of the heterozygous GNAO1 c.607 G > A variant causing GNAO1 encephalopathy. By screening short interfering RNA (siRNA), we showed that GNAO1 c.607G>A is a druggable target for RNAi. The si1488 candidate achieved at least twofold allelic discrimination and downregulated mutant protein to 35%. We created vectorized RNAi by incorporating the si1488 sequence into the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The shRNA stem and loop were modified to improve the transcription, processing, and guide strand selection. All tested shRNA constructs demonstrated selectivity toward mutant GNAO1, while tweaking hairpin structure only marginally affected the silencing efficiency. The selectivity of shRNA-mediated silencing was confirmed in the context of AAV vector transduction. To conclude, RNAi effectors ranging from siRNA to AAV-RNAi achieve suppression of the pathogenic GNAO1 c.607G>A and discriminate alleles by the single-nucleotide substitution. For gene therapy development, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefit of these RNAi effectors in patient-specific neurons and animal models of the GNAO1 encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Klementieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgenii A Lunev
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Irina M Savchenko
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Svetlova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan I Galkin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Usachev
- Laboratory of Translational Biomedicine, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana G Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | | | - Marina A Dzhenkova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Anna D Romanova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton V Agutin
- State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of Moscow Region "Balashikha Hospital," Balashikha, Russia
| | - Anna A Timakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
| | - Maryana V Bardina
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Sochi, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Costa B, Vale N. Virus-Induced Epilepsy vs. Epilepsy Patients Acquiring Viral Infection: Unravelling the Complex Relationship for Precision Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3730. [PMID: 38612542 PMCID: PMC11011490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate relationship between viruses and epilepsy involves a bidirectional interaction. Certain viruses can induce epilepsy by infecting the brain, leading to inflammation, damage, or abnormal electrical activity. Conversely, epilepsy patients may be more susceptible to viral infections due to factors, such as compromised immune systems, anticonvulsant drugs, or surgical interventions. Neuroinflammation, a common factor in both scenarios, exhibits onset, duration, intensity, and consequence variations. It can modulate epileptogenesis, increase seizure susceptibility, and impact anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics, immune system function, and brain physiology. Viral infections significantly impact the clinical management of epilepsy patients, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach encompassing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both conditions. We delved into the dual dynamics of viruses inducing epilepsy and epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, examining the unique features of each case. For virus-induced epilepsy, we specify virus types, elucidate mechanisms of epilepsy induction, emphasize neuroinflammation's impact, and analyze its effects on anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Conversely, in epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, we detail the acquired virus, its interaction with existing epilepsy, neuroinflammation effects, and changes in anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Understanding this interplay advances precision therapies for epilepsy during viral infections, providing mechanistic insights, identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and supporting optimized dosing regimens. However, further studies are crucial to validate tools, discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and evaluate targeted therapy safety and efficacy in diverse epilepsy and viral infection scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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11
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Fasaludeen A, McTague A, Jose M, Banerjee M, Sundaram S, Madhusoodanan UK, Radhakrishnan A, Menon RN. Genetic variant interpretation for the neurologist - A pragmatic approach in the next-generation sequencing era in childhood epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2024; 201:107341. [PMID: 38447235 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Genetic advances over the past decade have enhanced our understanding of the genetic landscape of childhood epilepsy. However a major challenge for clinicians ha been understanding the rationale and systematic approach towards interpretation of the clinical significance of variant(s) detected in their patients. As the clinical paradigm evolves from gene panels to whole exome or whole genome testing including rapid genome sequencing, the number of patients tested and variants identified per patient will only increase. Each step in the process of variant interpretation has limitations and there is no single criterion which enables the clinician to draw reliable conclusions on a causal relationship between the variant and disease without robust clinical phenotyping. Although many automated online analysis software tools are available, these carry a risk of misinterpretation. This guideline provides a pragmatic, real-world approach to variant interpretation for the child neurologist. The focus will be on ascertaining aspects such as variant frequency, subtype, inheritance pattern, structural and functional consequence with regard to genotype-phenotype correlations, while refraining from mere interpretation of the classification provided in a genetic test report. It will not replace the expert advice of colleagues in clinical genetics, however as genomic investigations become a first-line test for epilepsy, it is vital that neurologists and epileptologists are equipped to navigate this landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiya Fasaludeen
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manna Jose
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Soumya Sundaram
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - U K Madhusoodanan
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Ashalatha Radhakrishnan
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Ramshekhar N Menon
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
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12
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Dratch L, Azage M, Baldwin A, Johnson K, Paul RA, Bardakjian TM, Michon SC, Amado DA, Baer M, Deik AF, Elman LB, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Guo MH, Hamedani AG, Irwin DJ, Lasker A, Orthmann-Murphy J, Quinn C, Tropea TF, Scherer SS, Ellis CA. Genetic testing in adults with neurologic disorders: indications, approach, and clinical impacts. J Neurol 2024; 271:733-747. [PMID: 37891417 PMCID: PMC11095966 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The role of genetic testing in neurologic clinical practice has increased dramatically in recent years, driven by research on genetic causes of neurologic disease and increased availability of genetic sequencing technology. Genetic testing is now indicated for adults with a wide range of common neurologic conditions. The potential clinical impacts of a genetic diagnosis are also rapidly expanding, with a growing list of gene-specific treatments and clinical trials, in addition to important implications for prognosis, surveillance, family planning, and diagnostic closure. The goals of this review are to provide practical guidance for clinicians about the role of genetics in their practice and to provide the neuroscience research community with a broad survey of current progress in this field. We aim to answer three questions for the neurologist in practice: Which of my patients need genetic testing? What testing should I order? And how will genetic testing help my patient? We focus on common neurologic disorders and presentations to the neurology clinic. For each condition, we review the most current guidelines and evidence regarding indications for genetic testing, expected diagnostic yield, and recommended testing approach. We also focus on clinical impacts of genetic diagnoses, highlighting a number of gene-specific therapies recently approved for clinical use, and a rapidly expanding landscape of gene-specific clinical trials, many using novel nucleotide-based therapeutic modalities like antisense oligonucleotides and gene transfer. We anticipate that more widespread use of genetic testing will help advance therapeutic development and improve the care, and outcomes, of patients with neurologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laynie Dratch
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Meron Azage
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Aaron Baldwin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rachel A Paul
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tanya M Bardakjian
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sara-Claude Michon
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Defne A Amado
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael Baer
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andres F Deik
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lauren B Elman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Spark Therapeutics Inc, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael H Guo
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ali G Hamedani
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David J Irwin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Aaron Lasker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Orthmann-Murphy
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Colin Quinn
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas F Tropea
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Steven S Scherer
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Colin A Ellis
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 3 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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13
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Jhaveri DJ, McGonigal A, Becker C, Benoliel JJ, Nandam LS, Soncin L, Kotwas I, Bernard C, Bartolomei F. Stress and Epilepsy: Towards Understanding of Neurobiological Mechanisms for Better Management. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0200-23.2023. [PMID: 37923391 PMCID: PMC10626502 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0200-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress has been identified as a major contributor to human disease and is postulated to play a substantial role in epileptogenesis. In a significant proportion of individuals with epilepsy, sensitivity to stressful events contributes to dynamic symptomatic burden, notably seizure occurrence and frequency, and presence and severity of psychiatric comorbidities [anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)]. Here, we review this complex relationship between stress and epilepsy using clinical data and highlight key neurobiological mechanisms including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, altered neuroplasticity within limbic system structures, and alterations in neurochemical pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) linking epilepsy and stress. We discuss current clinical management approaches of stress that help optimize seizure control and prevention, as well as psychiatric comorbidities associated with epilepsy. We propose that various shared mechanisms of stress and epilepsy present multiple avenues for the development of new symptomatic and preventative treatments, including disease modifying therapies aimed at reducing epileptogenesis. This would require close collaborations between clinicians and basic scientists to integrate data across multiple scales, from genetics to systems biology, from clinical observations to fundamental mechanistic insights. In future, advances in machine learning approaches and neuromodulation strategies will enable personalized and targeted interventions to manage and ultimately treat stress-related epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanisha J Jhaveri
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
- Mater Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Christel Becker
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, 75006, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Benoliel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, 75006, France
- Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Biochimie Endocrinienne et Oncologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, 75651, France
| | - L Sanjay Nandam
- Turner Inst for Brain & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Australia
| | - Lisa Soncin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, 06300, France
| | - Iliana Kotwas
- Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Christophe Bernard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13005, France
- Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Timone Hospital, Marseille, 13005, France
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14
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Dugger SA, Dhindsa RS, Sampaio GDA, Ressler AK, Rafikian EE, Petri S, Letts VA, Teoh J, Ye J, Colombo S, Peng Y, Yang M, Boland MJ, Frankel WN, Goldstein DB. Neurodevelopmental deficits and cell-type-specific transcriptomic perturbations in a mouse model of HNRNPU haploinsufficiency. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010952. [PMID: 37782669 PMCID: PMC10569524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous de novo loss-of-function mutations in the gene expression regulator HNRNPU cause an early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. To gain insight into pathological mechanisms and lay the potential groundwork for developing targeted therapies, we characterized the neurophysiologic and cell-type-specific transcriptomic consequences of a mouse model of HNRNPU haploinsufficiency. Heterozygous mutants demonstrated global developmental delay, impaired ultrasonic vocalizations, cognitive dysfunction and increased seizure susceptibility, thus modeling aspects of the human disease. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of hippocampal and neocortical cells revealed widespread, yet modest, dysregulation of gene expression across mutant neuronal subtypes. We observed an increased burden of differentially-expressed genes in mutant excitatory neurons of the subiculum-a region of the hippocampus implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy. Evaluation of transcriptomic signature reversal as a therapeutic strategy highlights the potential importance of generating cell-type-specific signatures. Overall, this work provides insight into HNRNPU-mediated disease mechanisms and provides a framework for using single-cell RNA-sequencing to study transcriptional regulators implicated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Dugger
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ryan S. Dhindsa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriela De Almeida Sampaio
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew K. Ressler
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Rafikian
- Mouse Neurobehavioral Core Facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Petri
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Verity A. Letts
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - JiaJie Teoh
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Junqiang Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sophie Colombo
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yueqing Peng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mu Yang
- Mouse Neurobehavioral Core Facility, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Boland
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wayne N. Frankel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David B. Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
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15
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Miguel Sanz C, Martinez Navarro M, Caballero Diaz D, Sanchez-Elexpuru G, Di Donato V. Toward the use of novel alternative methods in epilepsy modeling and drug discovery. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1213969. [PMID: 37719765 PMCID: PMC10501616 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1213969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease and, considering the amount of people affected of all ages worldwide, one of the most common neurological disorders. Over 20 novel antiseizure medications (ASMs) have been released since 1993, yet despite substantial advancements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind epileptogenesis, over one-third of patients continue to be resistant to available therapies. This is partially explained by the fact that the majority of existing medicines only address seizure suppression rather than underlying processes. Understanding the origin of this neurological illness requires conducting human neurological and genetic studies. However, the limitation of sample sizes, ethical concerns, and the requirement for appropriate controls (many patients have already had anti-epileptic medication exposure) in human clinical trials underscore the requirement for supplemental models. So far, mammalian models of epilepsy have helped to shed light on the underlying causes of the condition, but the high costs related to breeding of the animals, low throughput, and regulatory restrictions on their research limit their usefulness in drug screening. Here, we present an overview of the state of art in epilepsy modeling describing gold standard animal models used up to date and review the possible alternatives for this research field. Our focus will be mainly on ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo larval zebrafish models contributing to the 3R in epilepsy modeling and drug screening. We provide a description of pharmacological and genetic methods currently available but also on the possibilities offered by the continued development in gene editing methodologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9-based, for high-throughput disease modeling and anti-epileptic drugs testing.
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16
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王 晓, 田 亚, 陈 晨, 彭 镜. [Autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations: a report of 8 cases and literature review]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:489-496. [PMID: 37272175 PMCID: PMC10247193 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2301054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of children with autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 8 children with autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. RESULTS The mean age of onset was 9 months for the 8 children. All children had moderate-to-severe developmental delay (especially delayed language development), among whom 7 children also had seizures. Among these 8 children, 7 had novel heterozygous mutations (3 with frameshift mutations, 2 with nonsense mutations, and 2 with missense mutations) and 1 had 6p21.3 microdeletion. According to the literature review, there were 48 Chinese children with mental retardation caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations (including the children in this study), among whom 40 had seizures, and the mean age of onset of seizures was 31.4 months. Frameshift mutations (15/48, 31%) and nonsense mutations (19/48, 40%) were relatively common in these children. In terms of treatment, among the 33 children with a history of epileptic medication, 28 (28/33, 85%) showed response to valproic acid antiepileptic treatment and 16 (16/33, 48%) achieved complete seizure control after valproic acid monotherapy or combined therapy. CONCLUSIONS Children with autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations tend to have an early age of onset, and most of them are accompanied by seizures. These children mainly have frameshift and nonsense mutations. Valproic acid is effective for the treatment of seizures in most children.
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Sun S, Wang H. Clocking Epilepsies: A Chronomodulated Strategy-Based Therapy for Rhythmic Seizures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4223. [PMID: 36835631 PMCID: PMC9962262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by hypersynchronous recurrent neuronal activities and seizures, as well as loss of muscular control and sometimes awareness. Clinically, seizures have been reported to display daily variations. Conversely, circadian misalignment and circadian clock gene variants contribute to epileptic pathogenesis. Elucidation of the genetic bases of epilepsy is of great importance because the genetic variability of the patients affects the efficacies of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). For this narrative review, we compiled 661 epilepsy-related genes from the PHGKB and OMIM databases and classified them into 3 groups: driver genes, passenger genes, and undetermined genes. We discuss the potential roles of some epilepsy driver genes based on GO and KEGG analyses, the circadian rhythmicity of human and animal epilepsies, and the mutual effects between epilepsy and sleep. We review the advantages and challenges of rodents and zebrafish as animal models for epileptic studies. Finally, we posit chronomodulated strategy-based chronotherapy for rhythmic epilepsies, integrating several lines of investigation for unraveling circadian mechanisms underpinning epileptogenesis, chronopharmacokinetic and chronopharmacodynamic examinations of AEDs, as well as mathematical/computational modeling to help develop time-of-day-specific AED dosing schedules for rhythmic epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sun
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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18
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The regulatory function of lncRNA and constructed network in epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1543-1554. [PMID: 36781564 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06648-5] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by neural network dysfunction. Although most reports indicate that the pathological process of epilepsy is related to inflammation, synaptic plasticity, cell apoptosis, and ion channel dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms of epilepsy are not fully understood. METHODS This review summarizes the latest literature on the roles and characteristics of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. RESULTS lncRNAs are a class of long transcripts without protein-coding functions that perform important regulatory functions in various biological processes. lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the pathological process of epilepsy and are abnormally expressed in both patients and animal models. This review provides an overview of research progress in epilepsy, the multifunctional features of lncRNAs, the lncRNA expression pattern related to epileptogenesis and status epilepticus, and the potential mechanisms for the two interactions contributing to epileptogenesis and progression. CONCLUSION lncRNAs can serve as new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for epilepsy in the future.
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Knowles JK, Helbig I, Metcalf CS, Lubbers LS, Isom LL, Demarest S, Goldberg EM, George AL, Lerche H, Weckhuysen S, Whittemore V, Berkovic SF, Lowenstein DH. Precision medicine for genetic epilepsy on the horizon: Recent advances, present challenges, and suggestions for continued progress. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2461-2475. [PMID: 35716052 PMCID: PMC9561034 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The genetic basis of many epilepsies is increasingly understood, giving rise to the possibility of precision treatments tailored to specific genetic etiologies. Despite this, current medical therapy for most epilepsies remains imprecise, aimed primarily at empirical seizure reduction rather than targeting specific disease processes. Intellectual and technological leaps in diagnosis over the past 10 years have not yet translated to routine changes in clinical practice. However, the epilepsy community is poised to make impressive gains in precision therapy, with continued innovation in gene discovery, diagnostic ability, and bioinformatics; increased access to genetic testing and counseling; fuller understanding of natural histories; agility and rigor in preclinical research, including strategic use of emerging model systems; and engagement of an evolving group of stakeholders (including patient advocates, governmental resources, and clinicians and scientists in academia and industry). In each of these areas, we highlight notable examples of recent progress, new or persistent challenges, and future directions. The future of precision medicine for genetic epilepsy looks bright if key opportunities on the horizon can be pursued with strategic and coordinated effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet K. Knowles
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laura S. Lubbers
- Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lori L. Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott Demarest
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ethan M. Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Division of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel F. Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel H. Lowenstein
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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20
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Louis S, Busch RM, Lal D, Hockings J, Hogue O, Morita-Sherman M, Vegh D, Najm I, Ghosh C, Bazeley P, Eng C, Jehi L, Rotroff DM. Genetic and molecular features of seizure-freedom following surgical resections for focal epilepsy: A pilot study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:942643. [PMID: 36188379 PMCID: PMC9524264 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.942643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Seizure outcomes after brain surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) are very heterogeneous and difficult to predict with models utilizing the current clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological variables. In this pilot study, we investigated whether genetic and molecular biomarkers (e.g., genomic, transcriptomic) can provide additional insight into differential response to surgery. Methods Post-operative seizure-outcomes were collected at last follow-up (>6 months) for 201 adult patients with DRE who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2020. Resected tissue was sent for miRNA sequencing (n = 132) and mRNA sequencing (n = 135). Following the selection of 10 genes (SCN1A, NBEA, PTEN, GABRA1, LGL1, DEPDC5, IL1A, ABCB1, C3, CALHM1), we investigated SNPs in those 10 genes from previously acquired exome sequencing data (n = 106). Logistic regression was performed to test for associations between individual features (mRNAs, miRNAs, and SNPs) and post-operative seizure-outcome with an exploratory FDR P < 0.25 as the threshold for significance. Post-operative time-to-seizure analyses were performed for each SNP using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results The majority of patients (83%) had temporal lobe epilepsy. Mean age at surgery was 38.3 years, and 56% were female. Three SNPs (rs10276036, rs11975994, rs1128503) in multi-drug resistance gene, ABCB1, were associated with post-operative seizure outcomes. Patients with alternate alleles in ABCB1 were more likely to be seizure-free at last follow-up (52–56% reduction in seizure recurrence; FDR P = 0.24). All three SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium and highly correlated with each other. Median post-operative time-to-seizure was 63 months for patients with 2 alternate alleles, 24–33 months with 1 alternate allele, and 10–11 months with 0 alternate alleles. These SNPs improved outcome prediction beyond MRI and sex alone. No independent miRNAs or mRNAs were significantly associated with seizure-outcome (P > 0.05). However, pathway analysis identified “cancer drug resistance by drug efflux” (mir-154 and mir-379) as enriched (P = 0.02), supporting the role of drug response genes in post-operative seizure recurrence. Significance ABCB1 may have a role in epileptogenesis and surgery outcomes independent of its drug efflux activity necessitating further investigation. SNPs in ABCB1 may serve as independent predictors of post-operative outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Louis
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Robyn M. Busch
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Dennis Lal
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jennifer Hockings
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Community Care and Population Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Olivia Hogue
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Marcia Morita-Sherman
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Deborah Vegh
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Imad Najm
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Chaitali Ghosh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Peter Bazeley
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Charis Eng
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Community Care and Population Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Lara Jehi
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Lara Jehi
| | - Daniel M. Rotroff
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniel M. Rotroff
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21
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Gallagher MJ. Oh, What a Tangled Web Epilepsy Genes May Weave. Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:309-311. [PMID: 36285202 PMCID: PMC9549235 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221112799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Neuronal Connectivity in the Cortex Drives Generation of Seizures in
Rat Absence Epilepsy Studer F, Jarre G, Pouyatos B, et al. Brain 2022;145(6):1978-1991.
doi:10.1093/brain/awab438. Absence epilepsy belongs to genetic epilepsies and is characterized by recurrent
generalized seizures that are concomitant with alterations of consciousness and
associated with cognitive comorbidities. Little is known about the mechanisms leading
to occurrence of epileptic seizures (i.e., epileptogenesis) and, in particular, it
remains an open question whether neuronal hypersynchronization, a key feature in
seizure initiation, could result from aberrant structural connectivity within neuronal
networks endowing them with epileptic properties. In the present study, we addressed
this question using a genetic model of absence epilepsy in the rat where seizures
initiate in the whisker primary somatosensory cortex. We hypothesized that alterations
in structural connectivity of neuronal networks within wS1 contribute to pathological
neuronal synchronization responsible for seizures. First, we used rabies
virus-mediated retrograde synaptic tracing and evidenced that cortical neurons located
in both upper- and deep-layers of whisker primary somatosensory cortex displayed
aberrant and significantly increased connectivity the genetic model of absence
epilepsy, as highlighted by a higher number of presynaptic partners. Next, we showed
at the functional level that disrupting these aberrant whisker primary somatosensory
cortex neuronal networks with synchrotron X-ray-mediated cortical microtransections
drastically decreased both whisker primary somatosensory cortex neuron synchronization
and seizure power, as revealed by in vivo local field potential recordings with
multichannel probes. Taken together, our data provide for the first time strong
evidence that increased structural connectivity patterns of cortical neurons represent
critical pathological substrates for increased neuronal synchronization and generation
of absence seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J. Gallagher
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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22
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Cohen SR, Helbig I, Kaufman MC, Schust Myers L, Conway L, Helbig KL. Caregiver assessment of quality of life in individuals with genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Dev Med Child Neurol 2022; 64:957-964. [PMID: 35229292 PMCID: PMC10305579 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To summarize quality of life (QoL) and its determinants, including disease severity, in individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) through a tailored questionnaire. METHOD A questionnaire containing 89 items addressing demographic characteristics, genetic diagnosis, clinical features, and QoL was distributed to primary caregivers of individuals with DEEs through patient advocacy organizations. Composite scores were generated from the mean values of QoL items, grouped into domain scores. RESULTS Out of 176 received responses, the most common genetic diagnoses reported were SCN2A (n=42/173, 24%), SLC6A1 (n=28/173, 16%), SCN1A (n=22/173, 13%), and KCNQ2 (n=21/173, 12%). Composite QoL scores centered around a mean score of 61.67 of 100 (SD 17.10). QoL scores were strongly associated with the number of days minimally disrupted by seizures, medication side effects, genetic diagnosis, and community type. The mean QoL scores for individuals with DEEs was significantly lower than for individuals with Rett syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome. INTERPRETATION QoL in DEEs can be assessed through a standardized instrument. QoL only partially overlaps with objective measurements of disease severity and may represent an independent outcome measure in precision medicine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey R Cohen
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael C Kaufman
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Laura Conway
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine L Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Connectome Analysis in an Individual with SETD1B -Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Epilepsy. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2022; 43:e419-e422. [PMID: 35385430 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Causative variants in SETD1B , encoding a lysine-specific methyltransferase, have recently been associated with a neurodevelopmental phenotype encompassing intellectual disability, autistic features, pronounced language delay, and epilepsy. It has been noted that long-term and deep phenotype data are needed to further delineate this rare condition. METHODS In this study, we provide an in-depth clinical characterization with long-term follow-up and trio exome sequencing findings to describe one additional individual affected by SETD1B -related disorder. The diagnostic workup was complemented by a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. RESULTS We report a 24-year-old male individual with an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy due to the de novo missense variant c.5699A>G, p.(Tyr1900Cys) in SETD1B (NM_015048.1). He exhibited delayed speech development, autism spectrum disorder, and early-onset epilepsy with absence and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Despite profoundly impaired communication skills, ongoing improvements regarding language production have been noted in adulthood. fMRI findings demonstrate abnormal language activation and resting-state connectivity structure. CONCLUSION Our report expands the previously delineated phenotype of SETD1B -related disorder and provides novel insights into underlying disease mechanisms.
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A Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach to Genomic Testing for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Patients—The GENIE Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144238. [PMID: 35888005 PMCID: PMC9319736 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The genomic era has led to enormous progress in clinical care and a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach is imperative for integration of genomics into epilepsy patient care. Methods. The MDT approach involved patient selection, genomic testing choice, variant discussions and return of results. Genomics analysis included cytogenomic testing and whole exome sequencing (WES). Neurologist surveys were undertaken at baseline and after genomic testing to determine if genomic diagnoses would alter their management, and if there was a change in confidence in genomic testing and neurologist perceptions of the MDT approach. Results. The total diagnostic yield from all genomic testing was 17% (11/66), with four diagnoses from cytogenomic analyses. All chromosomal microarray (CMA) diagnoses were in patients seen by adult neurologists. Diagnostic yield for WES was 11% (7/62). The most common gene with pathogenic variants was DCX, reported in three patients, of which two were mosaic. The genomic diagnosis impacted management in 82% (9/11). There was increased confidence with integrating genomics into clinical care (Pearson chi square = 83, p = 0.004) and qualitative comments were highly supportive of the MDT approach. Conclusions. We demonstrated diagnostic yield from genomic testing, and the impact on management in a cohort with drug-resistant epilepsy. The MDT approach increased confidence in genomic testing and neurologists valued the input from this approach. The utility of CMA was demonstrated in epilepsy patients seen by adult neurologists as was the importance of considering mosaicism for previously undiagnosed patients.
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disease in both humans and domestic dogs, making dogs an ideal translational model of epilepsy. In both species, epilepsy is a complex brain disease characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate spontaneous recurrent epileptic seizures. Furthermore, as in humans, status epilepticus is one of the more common neurological emergencies in dogs with epilepsy. In both species, epilepsy is not a single disease but a group of disorders characterized by a broad array of clinical signs, age of onset, and underlying causes. Brain imaging suggests that the limbic system, including the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus, is often affected in canine epilepsy, which could explain the high incidence of comorbid behavioral problems such as anxiety and cognitive alterations. Resistance to antiseizure medications is a significant problem in both canine and human epilepsy, so dogs can be used to study mechanisms of drug resistance and develop novel therapeutic strategies to benefit both species. Importantly, dogs are large enough to accommodate intracranial EEG and responsive neurostimulation devices designed for humans. Studies in epileptic dogs with such devices have reported ictal and interictal events that are remarkably similar to those occurring in human epilepsy. Continuous (24/7) EEG recordings in a select group of epileptic dogs for >1 year have provided a rich dataset of unprecedented length for studying seizure periodicities and developing new methods for seizure forecasting. The data presented in this review substantiate that canine epilepsy is an excellent translational model for several facets of epilepsy research. Furthermore, several techniques of inducing seizures in laboratory dogs are discussed as related to therapeutic advances. Importantly, the development of vagus nerve stimulation as a novel therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy in people was based on a series of studies in dogs with induced seizures. Dogs with naturally occurring or induced seizures provide excellent large-animal models to bridge the translational gap between rodents and humans in the development of novel therapies. Furthermore, because the dog is not only a preclinical species for human medicine but also a potential patient and pet, research on this species serves both veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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26
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Duan R, Li HM, Hu WB, Hong CG, Chen ML, Cao J, Wang ZX, Chen CY, Yin F, Hu ZH, Li JD, Xie H, Liu ZZ. Recurrent de novo single point variant on the gene encoding Na +/K + pump results in epilepsy. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102310. [PMID: 35724808 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102310] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of epilepsy remains undefined in two-thirds of patients. Here, we identified a de novo variant of ATP1A2 (c.2426 T > G, p.Leu809Arg), which encodes the α2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, from a family with idiopathic epilepsy. This variant caused epilepsy with hemiplegic migraine in the study patients. We generated the point variant mouse model Atp1a2L809R, which recapitulated the epilepsy observed in the study patients. In Atp1a2L809R/WT mice, convulsions were observed and cognitive and memory function was impaired. This variant affected the potassium binding function of the protein, disabling its ion transport ability, thereby increasing the frequency of nerve impulses. Valproate (VPA) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) have limited therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating the epileptic syndromes of Atp1a2L809R/WT mice. Our work revealed that ATP1A2L809R variants cause a predisposition to epilepsy. Moreover, we provide a point variant mouse model for epilepsy research and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hong-Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Wen-Bao Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Gu Hong
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Meng-Lu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Wang
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Yuan Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia-Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Bone Joint Degeneration and Injury, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Zheng-Zhao Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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Lunev E, Karan A, Egorova T, Bardina M. Adeno-Associated Viruses for Modeling Neurological Diseases in Animals: Achievements and Prospects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051140. [PMID: 35625877 PMCID: PMC9139062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have become an attractive tool for efficient gene transfer into animal tissues. Extensively studied as the vehicles for therapeutic constructs in gene therapy, AAVs are also applied for creating animal models of human genetic disorders. Neurological disorders are challenging to model in laboratory animals by transgenesis or genome editing, at least partially due to the embryonic lethality and the timing of the disease onset. Therefore, gene transfer with AAV vectors provides a more flexible option for simulating genetic neurological disorders. Indeed, the design of the AAV expression construct allows the reproduction of various disease-causing mutations, and also drives neuron-specific expression. The natural and newly created AAV serotypes combined with various delivery routes enable differentially targeting neuronal cell types and brain areas in vivo. Moreover, the same viral vector can be used to reproduce the main features of the disorder in mice, rats, and large laboratory animals such as non-human primates. The current review demonstrates the general principles for the development and use of AAVs in modeling neurological diseases. The latest achievements in AAV-mediated modeling of the common (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ataxias, etc.) and ultra-rare disorders affecting the central nervous system are described. The use of AAVs to create multiple animal models of neurological disorders opens opportunities for studying their mechanisms, understanding the main pathological features, and testing therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Lunev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Anna Karan
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Tatiana Egorova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
| | - Maryana Bardina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (A.K.); (T.E.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (E.L.); (M.B.)
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Yang Y, Zeng Q, Cheng M, Niu X, Xiangwei W, Gong P, Li W, Ma J, Zhang X, Yang X, Yang Z, Sun D, Zhou S, Liao J, Jiang Y, Zhang Y. GABRB3-related epilepsy: novel variants, clinical features and therapeutic implications. J Neurol 2022; 269:2649-2665. [PMID: 34698933 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10834-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to comprehensively examine the genetic and phenotypic aspects of GABRB3-related epilepsy and to explore the potential prospects of personalized medicine. METHODS Genetic testing was conducted in all epilepsy patients without acquired factors for epilepsy. Through the collaboration of multicenter in China, we analyzed the genotype-phenotype correlation and antiepileptic therapy of 26 patients with GABRB3-related epilepsy. RESULTS Thirteen GABRB3 variants were novel, and 25 were de novo. The seizure onset age ranged from 1 to 21 months (median age 3.75 months). Seizure types predominated including focal seizures (92.3%), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (23.1%), and epileptic spasms (15.4%). Clinical features included cluster seizures (80.8%), fever sensitivity (53.8%), and developmental delay (96.2%). Neuroimaging was abnormal in 10 patients, including dysplasia of the cerebral cortex, dysplasia of the frontal and temporal cortex, delayed myelination, and corpus callosum dysplasia. Eleven patients were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), four with West syndrome, three with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), one with epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS), one with Dravet syndrome, and one with febrile seizures plus (FS+). Seizures were controlled in 57.7% of patients by valproate, levetiracetam, or perampanel in the majority. CONCLUSIONS The clinical features of GABRB3-related epilepsy included seizure onset in early infancy, cluster seizures and fever sensitivity. Most patients manifest severe epilepsy phenotypes. Valproate, levetiracetam and perampanel seem to have positive effects on seizure control for patients with GABRB3 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Miaomiao Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xueyang Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Wenshu Xiangwei
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jiehui Ma
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430015, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430015, China
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jianxiang Liao
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Cornejo-Sanchez DM, Acharya A, Bharadwaj T, Marin-Gomez L, Pereira-Gomez P, Nouel-Saied LM, Nickerson DA, Bamshad MJ, Mefford HC, Schrauwen I, Carrizosa-Moog J, Cornejo-Ochoa W, Pineda-Trujillo N, Leal SM. SCN1A Variants as the Underlying Cause of Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus in Two Multi-Generational Colombian Families. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:754. [PMID: 35627139 PMCID: PMC9140479 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is an autosomal dominant disorder with febrile or afebrile seizures that exhibits phenotypic variability. Only a few variants in SCN1A have been previously characterized for GEFS+, in Latin American populations where studies on the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of GEFS+ are scarce. We evaluated members in two multi-generational Colombian Paisa families whose affected members present with classic GEFS+. Exome and Sanger sequencing were used to detect the causal variants in these families. In each of these families, we identified variants in SCN1A causing GEFS+ with incomplete penetrance. In Family 047, we identified a heterozygous variant (c.3530C > G; p.(Pro1177Arg)) that segregates with GEFS+ in 15 affected individuals. In Family 167, we identified a previously unreported variant (c.725A > G; p.(Gln242Arg)) that segregates with the disease in a family with four affected members. Both variants are located in a cytoplasmic loop region in SCN1A and based on our findings the variants are classified as pathogenic and likely pathogenic, respectively. Our results expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum associated with SCN1A variants and will aid in improving molecular diagnostics and counseling in Latin American and other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Cornejo-Sanchez
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
- Gene Mapping Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia; (L.M.-G.); (P.P.-G.); (J.C.-M.)
| | - Anushree Acharya
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
| | - Thashi Bharadwaj
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
| | - Lizeth Marin-Gomez
- Gene Mapping Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia; (L.M.-G.); (P.P.-G.); (J.C.-M.)
| | - Pilar Pereira-Gomez
- Gene Mapping Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia; (L.M.-G.); (P.P.-G.); (J.C.-M.)
| | - Liz M. Nouel-Saied
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
| | | | - Deborah A. Nickerson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (UWCMG); (M.J.B.); (H.C.M.)
| | - Michael J. Bamshad
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (UWCMG); (M.J.B.); (H.C.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Heather C. Mefford
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (UWCMG); (M.J.B.); (H.C.M.)
| | - Isabelle Schrauwen
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
| | - Jaime Carrizosa-Moog
- Gene Mapping Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia; (L.M.-G.); (P.P.-G.); (J.C.-M.)
| | - William Cornejo-Ochoa
- Pediatrics Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia;
| | - Nicolas Pineda-Trujillo
- Gene Mapping Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010470, Colombia; (L.M.-G.); (P.P.-G.); (J.C.-M.)
| | - Suzanne M. Leal
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (D.M.C.-S.); (A.A.); (T.B.); (L.M.N.-S.); (I.S.)
- Taub Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Zhu XR, Zhu ZR, Wang LX, Zhao T, Han X. Prevalence and risk factors for depression and anxiety in adult patients with epilepsy: Caregivers' anxiety and place of residence do mater. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108628. [PMID: 35245762 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and the possible contributions of the caregiver's anxiety and depression, disease status, and socio-demographic characteristics to psychopathological comorbidities among adult patients with epilepsy. METHODS A total of 262 participants (131 adult patient-caregiver pairs) were enrolled in this study. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were applied to evaluate the depression and anxiety status among adult patients with epilepsy and their caregivers, respectively. We collected caregivers' anxiety and depression, patients' sociodemographic characteristic data, and disease status as independent variables using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis that were correlated to the degree of anxiety and depression among these adult patients with epilepsy. RESULTS Among adult patients with epilepsy, 46 (35.11%) subjects showed anxiety symptoms (HAM-A scores > 6), and 48 (36.64%) had depression symptoms (HAM-D scores > 6). Caregivers' anxiety levels and place of residence were significant independent predictors of both anxiety and depression levels among adult patients with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Adult patients with epilepsy are at a high risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. Caregivers' anxiety and place of residence are definite independent predictors for anxiety and depression severity among adult patients with epilepsy. Therefore, clinicians should be careful in closely monitoring the psychological status of adult patients with epilepsy and their caregivers. Furthermore, the government and medical institutions should increase educational awareness about epilepsy and its cure, especially among adult patients with epilepsy who live in rural areas and consider offering a multidisciplinary management program to improve these patients' psychological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Rui Zhu
- Department of Neuroelectrophysiology, Zhengzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450003, China; Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Zhi-Rui Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhengzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Li-Xia Wang
- Department of Neuroelectrophysiology, Zhengzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xiong Han
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
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Triplet EM, Nickels K, Wong-Kisiel L, Fine A, Wirrell EC. A tale of two cohorts: Differing outcomes in infantile-onset focal epilepsy. Epilepsia 2022; 63:950-960. [PMID: 35146752 PMCID: PMC9007856 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infants with focal-onset epilepsy are an understudied population, requiring additional evaluation for clinical assessment and prognostication. Our goal was to characterize the etiology and natural history of infantile-onset focal epilepsy. METHODS We retrospectively identified all infants (0-24 months) with onset of focal epilepsy while resident in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1980 and 2018, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project Database. We assessed the impact of etiology on both seizure and neurodevelopmental outcome, and mortality. RESULTS Of 686 children with epilepsy onset <18 years, 125 (18.2%) presented with focal-onset seizures in infancy. Median follow-up for this group was 10.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6.2, 19.3). Etiology was identified in 65.6% (structural N = 62, genetic N = 13, both structural and genetic N = 3, metabolic N = 4). Of 107 patients followed >2 years, 38 (35.5%) developed drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). DRE was more likely with younger age at onset, known etiology, and presence of epileptic spasms. Sixty-eight (63.0% of those with follow-up) were developmentally delayed at last follow-up, and known etiology, DRE, and presence of epileptic spasms were significantly associated with delay (p < .001 for all). Fifteen patients (12.0%) died at a median age of 7.1 years (IQR 1.7, 21.7), but only one death was seizure related (suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy [SUDEP]). Of 20 infants with normal development at onset and no known etiology with >2 years follow-up, none developed DRE, all were seizure-free at last follow-up (95% off antiseizure medications [ASMs]), and all remained developmentally normal. SIGNIFICANCE Infantile-onset focal epilepsy accounts for 18% of all epilepsy in childhood, is frequently due to known etiologies, and has a high rate of DRE. However, developmentally normal infants without a known cause appear to have a very favorable course.
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The Genetic Diagnosis of Ultrarare DEEs: An Ongoing Challenge. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030500. [PMID: 35328054 PMCID: PMC8953579 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of severe early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In recent years, next-generation equencing (NGS) technologies enabled the discovery of numerous genes involved in these conditions. However, more than 50% of patients remained undiagnosed. A major obstacle lies in the high degree of genetic heterogeneity and the wide phenotypic variability that has characterized these disorders. Interpreting a large amount of NGS data is also a crucial challenge. This study describes a dynamic diagnostic procedure used to investigate 17 patients with DEE or EE with previous negative or inconclusive genetic testing by whole-exome sequencing (WES), leading to a definite diagnosis in about 59% of participants. Biallelic mutations caused most of the diagnosed cases (50%), and a pathogenic somatic mutation resulted in 10% of the subjects. The high diagnostic yield reached highlights the relevance of the scientific approach, the importance of the reverse phenotyping strategy, and the involvement of a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The study emphasizes the role of recessive and somatic variants, new genetic mechanisms, and the complexity of genotype–phenotype associations. In older patients, WES results could end invasive diagnostic procedures and allow a more accurate transition. Finally, an early pursued diagnosis is essential for comprehensive care of patients, precision approach, knowledge of prognosis, patient and family planning, and quality of life.
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Beltrán-Corbellini Á, Aledo-Serrano Á, Møller RS, Pérez-Palma E, García-Morales I, Toledano R, Gil-Nagel A. Epilepsy Genetics and Precision Medicine in Adults: A New Landscape for Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:777115. [PMID: 35250806 PMCID: PMC8891166 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.777115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide an updated perspective of epilepsy genetics and precision medicine in adult patients, with special focus on developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), covering relevant and controversial issues, such as defining candidates for genetic testing, which genetic tests to request and how to interpret them. A literature review was conducted, including findings in the discussion and recommendations. DEEs are wide and phenotypically heterogeneous electroclinical syndromes. They generally have a pediatric presentation, but patients frequently reach adulthood still undiagnosed. Identifying the etiology is essential, because there lies the key for precision medicine. Phenotypes modify according to age, and although deep phenotyping has allowed to outline certain entities, genotype-phenotype correlations are still poor, commonly leading to long-lasting diagnostic odysseys and ineffective therapies. Recent adult series show that the target patients to be identified for genetic testing are those with epilepsy and different risk factors. The clinician should take active part in the assessment of the pathogenicity of the variants detected, especially concerning variants of uncertain significance. An accurate diagnosis implies precision medicine, meaning genetic counseling, prognosis, possible future therapies, and a reduction of iatrogeny. Up to date, there are a few tens of gene mutations with additional concrete treatments, including those with restrictive/substitutive therapies, those with therapies modifying signaling pathways, and channelopathies, that are worth to be assessed in adults. Further research is needed regarding phenotyping of adult syndromes, early diagnosis, and the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsy Program, Neurology Department, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ángel Aledo-Serrano
| | - Rikke S. Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, The Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Palma
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irene García-Morales
- Epilepsy Program, Neurology Department, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, Clínico San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Toledano
- Epilepsy Program, Neurology Department, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
- Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Epilepsy Program, Neurology Department, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
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Zug R. Developmental disorders caused by haploinsufficiency of transcriptional regulators: a perspective based on cell fate determination. Biol Open 2022; 11:bio058896. [PMID: 35089335 PMCID: PMC8801891 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many human birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders are caused by loss-of-function mutations in a single copy of transcription factor (TF) and chromatin regulator genes. Although this dosage sensitivity has long been known, how and why haploinsufficiency (HI) of transcriptional regulators leads to developmental disorders (DDs) is unclear. Here I propose the hypothesis that such DDs result from defects in cell fate determination that are based on disrupted bistability in the underlying gene regulatory network (GRN). Bistability, a crucial systems biology concept to model binary choices such as cell fate decisions, requires both positive feedback and ultrasensitivity, the latter often achieved through TF cooperativity. The hypothesis explains why dosage sensitivity of transcriptional regulators is an inherent property of fate decisions, and why disruption of either positive feedback or cooperativity in the underlying GRN is sufficient to cause disease. I present empirical and theoretical evidence in support of this hypothesis and discuss several issues for which it increases our understanding of disease, such as incomplete penetrance. The proposed framework provides a mechanistic, systems-level explanation of HI of transcriptional regulators, thus unifying existing theories, and offers new insights into outstanding issues of human disease. This article has an associated Future Leader to Watch interview with the author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Zug
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
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Chen S, Xiong J, Chen B, Zhang C, Deng X, He F, Yang L, Chen C, Peng J, Yin F. Autism spectrum disorder and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD-NDDs): Clinical and genetic profile of a pediatric cohort. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 524:179-186. [PMID: 34800434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is featured by impaired social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. ASD and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD-NDDs), especially epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID)/global developmental delay (GDD) are frequently presented in genetic disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and genetic profile of ASD in combination with epilepsy or ID/GDD. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, and genetic spectrum of pediatric patients presenting ASD-NDDs with proven genetic etiology. The pathogenicity of variants was conducted by molecular geneticists and clinicians complied with the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). RESULTS Among 154 patients with ASD-NDDs, 79 (51.3%) patients gained a genetic diagnosis. Most patients (78/79, 98.7%) had comorbid ID or GDD, and 49 (49/79, 62.0%) had comorbid epilepsy. The clinical characteristics of those 79 patients were varied. 87 genetic variants were found among the 79 pedigrees. Most of the involved genes have roles in gene expression regulation (GER) and neuronal communication (NC). Most genes have been proven to be ASD-related genes, and some of them were not reported to contribute to ASD previously. CONCLUSION We summarized the genetic and clinical profile of 79 ASD-NDDs patients with proven genetic etiology. The genetic spectrum of ASD was expanded, and we highlighted a novel possible ASD candidate gene PRTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Ciliu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolu Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China.
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Boßelmann CM, Antonio-Arce VS, Schulze-Bonhage A, Fauser S, Zacher P, Mayer T, Aparicio J, Albers K, Cloppenborg T, Kunz W, Surges R, Syrbe S, Weber Y, Wolking S. Genetic testing before epilepsy surgery - An exploratory survey and case collection from German epilepsy centers. Seizure 2021; 95:4-10. [PMID: 34953286 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic testing in people with epilepsy may support presurgical decision-making. It is currently unclear to what extent epilepsy centres use genetic testing in presurgical evaluation. METHODS We performed an exploratory survey among members of the German Society for Epileptology to study the current practice of genetic testing in presurgical evaluation at the respective sites. Survey participants contributed educational case reports. RESULTS The majority of participants consider genetic testing to be useful in individuals with familial syndromes or phenotypic features suggesting a genetic etiology. We report 25 cases of individuals with a confirmed genetic diagnosis that have previously undergone epilepsy surgery. Our cases demonstrate that a genetic diagnosis has an impact on both the decision-making process during presurgical evaluation, as well as the postoperative outcome. CONCLUSION Genetic testing as part of the presurgical work-up is becoming increasingly established in epilepsy centres across Germany. mTORopathies and genetic hypothalamic hamartomas seem to be associated with a generally favourable surgical outcome. Synaptopathies and channelopathies may be associated with a worse outcome and should be considered on a case-by-case level. Prospective studies are needed to examine the impact of an established genetic diagnosis on postsurgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Malte Boßelmann
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Victoria San Antonio-Arce
- Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Fauser
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pia Zacher
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Radeberg, Germany
| | | | - Javier Aparicio
- Epilepsy Surgery Unit, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children's, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina Albers
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Cloppenborg
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wolfram Kunz
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Paediatric Epileptology, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wolking
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Crouzier L, Richard EM, Sourbron J, Lagae L, Maurice T, Delprat B. Use of Zebrafish Models to Boost Research in Rare Genetic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13356. [PMID: 34948153 PMCID: PMC8706563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases are a group of pathologies with often unmet clinical needs. Even if rare by a single genetic disease (from 1/2000 to 1/more than 1,000,000), the total number of patients concerned account for approximatively 400 million peoples worldwide. Finding treatments remains challenging due to the complexity of these diseases, the small number of patients and the challenge in conducting clinical trials. Therefore, innovative preclinical research strategies are required. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful animal model for investigating rare diseases. Zebrafish combines conserved vertebrate characteristics with high rate of breeding, limited housing requirements and low costs. More than 84% of human genes responsible for diseases present an orthologue, suggesting that the majority of genetic diseases could be modelized in zebrafish. In this review, we emphasize the unique advantages of zebrafish models over other in vivo models, particularly underlining the high throughput phenotypic capacity for therapeutic screening. We briefly introduce how the generation of zebrafish transgenic lines by gene-modulating technologies can be used to model rare genetic diseases. Then, we describe how zebrafish could be phenotyped using state-of-the-art technologies. Two prototypic examples of rare diseases illustrate how zebrafish models could play a critical role in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases and their use to identify innovative therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Elodie M. Richard
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Benjamin Delprat
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
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Hu K, Liang P. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Higher Levels of Mobile Element-Associated Abnormal Gene Transcripts in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients. Front Genet 2021; 12:767341. [PMID: 34868252 PMCID: PMC8640520 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.767341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of epilepsy, and temporal lobe epilepsy patients with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) show worse drug treatment effects and prognosis. TLE has been shown to have a genetic component, but its genetic research has been mostly limited to coding sequences of genes with known association to epilepsy. Representing a major component of the genome, mobile elements (MEs) are believed to contribute to the genetic etiology of epilepsy despite limited research. We analyzed publicly available human RNA-seq-based transcriptome data to determine the role of mobile elements in epilepsy by performing de novo transcriptome assembly, followed by identification of spliced gene transcripts containing mobile element (ME) sequences (ME-transcripts), to compare their frequency across different sample groups. Significantly higher levels of ME-transcripts in hippocampal tissues of epileptic patients, particularly in TLE-HS, were observed. Among ME classes, short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) were shown to be the most frequent contributor to ME-transcripts, followed by long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and DNA transposons. These ME sequences almost in all cases represent older MEs normally located in the intron sequences. For protein coding genes, ME sequences were mostly found in the 3'-UTR regions, with a significant portion also in the coding sequences (CDSs), leading to reading frame disruption. Genes associated with ME-transcripts showed enrichment for the mRNA splicing process and an apparent bias in epileptic transcriptomes toward neural- and epilepsy-associated genes. The findings of this study suggest that abnormal splicing involving MEs, leading to loss of functions in critical genes, plays a role in epilepsy, particularly in TLE-HS, thus providing a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Moloney PB, Cavalleri GL, Delanty N. Epilepsy in the mTORopathies: opportunities for precision medicine. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab222. [PMID: 34632383 PMCID: PMC8495134 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway serves as a ubiquitous regulator of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation and survival. The main cellular activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin cascade funnels through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, which is inhibited by rapamycin, a macrolide compound produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding upstream regulators of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 cause epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem disorder caused by mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin regulators TSC1 or TSC2, with prominent neurological manifestations including epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia and neuropsychiatric disorders. Focal cortical dysplasia type II results from somatic brain mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activators MTOR, AKT3, PIK3CA and RHEB and is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3 code for subunits of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity towards Rags 1 complex (GATOR1), the principal amino acid-sensing regulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Germline pathogenic variants in GATOR1 genes cause non-lesional focal epilepsies and epilepsies associated with malformations of cortical development. Collectively, the mTORopathies are characterized by excessive mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation and drug-resistant epilepsy. In the first large-scale precision medicine trial in a genetically mediated epilepsy, everolimus (a synthetic analogue of rapamycin) was effective at reducing seizure frequency in people with tuberous sclerosis complex. Rapamycin reduced seizures in rodent models of DEPDC5-related epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia type II. This review outlines a personalized medicine approach to the management of epilepsies in the mTORopathies. We advocate for early diagnostic sequencing of mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway genes in drug-resistant epilepsy, as identification of a pathogenic variant may point to an occult dysplasia in apparently non-lesional epilepsy or may uncover important prognostic information including, an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in the GATORopathies or favourable epilepsy surgery outcomes in focal cortical dysplasia type II due to somatic brain mutations. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic application of mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors for drug-resistant seizures in GATOR1-related epilepsies and focal cortical dysplasia type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Moloney
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Gianpiero L Cavalleri
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
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Oates S, Absoud M, Goyal S, Bayley S, Baulcomb J, Sims A, Riddett A, Allis K, Brasch-Andersen C, Balasubramanian M, Bai R, Callewaert B, Hüffmeier U, Le Duc D, Radtke M, Korff C, Kennedy J, Low K, Møller RS, Nielsen JEK, Popp B, Quteineh L, Rønde G, Schönewolf-Greulich B, Shillington A, Taylor MR, Todd E, Torring PM, Tümer Z, Vasileiou G, Yates TM, Zweier C, Rosch R, Basson MA, Pal DK. ZMYND11 variants are a novel cause of centrotemporal and generalised epilepsies with neurodevelopmental disorder. Clin Genet 2021; 100:412-429. [PMID: 34216016 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ZMYND11 is the critical gene in chromosome 10p15.3 microdeletion syndrome, a syndromic cause of intellectual disability. The phenotype of ZMYND11 variants has recently been extended to autism and seizures. We expand on the epilepsy phenotype of 20 individuals with pathogenic variants in ZMYND11. We obtained clinical descriptions of 16 new and nine published individuals, plus detailed case history of two children. New individuals were identified through GeneMatcher, ClinVar and the European Network for Therapies in Rare Epilepsy (NETRE). Genetic evaluation was performed using gene panels or exome sequencing; variants were classified using American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria. Individuals with ZMYND11 associated epilepsy fell into three groups: (i) atypical benign partial epilepsy or idiopathic focal epilepsy (n = 8); (ii) generalised epilepsies/infantile epileptic encephalopathy (n = 4); (iii) unclassified (n = 8). Seizure prognosis ranged from spontaneous remission to drug resistant. Neurodevelopmental deficits were invariable. Dysmorphic features were variable. Variants were distributed across the gene and mostly de novo with no precise genotype-phenotype correlation. ZMYND11 is one of a small group of chromatin reader genes associated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, and specifically ABPE. More detailed epilepsy descriptions of larger cohorts and functional studies might reveal genotype-phenotype correlation. The epileptogenic mechanism may be linked to interaction with histone H3.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Oates
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Absoud
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sushma Goyal
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sophie Bayley
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Baulcomb
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Annemarie Sims
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Amy Riddett
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Katrina Allis
- Genetic Counselor, Mitochondrial and Metabolic Genetics, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Charlotte Brasch-Andersen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Renkui Bai
- Genetic Counselor, Mitochondrial and Metabolic Genetics, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ulrike Hüffmeier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander Universitat of Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Le Duc
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maximilian Radtke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Korff
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Kennedy
- Department of Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Karen Low
- Department of Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, The Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Erik Klint Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernt Popp
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander Universitat of Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lina Quteineh
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Service of Genetic Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gitte Rønde
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Matthew Rg Taylor
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Adult Medical Genetics Program, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Todd
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Adult Medical Genetics Program, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Pernille M Torring
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zeynep Tümer
- Department of Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgia Vasileiou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander Universitat of Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - T Michael Yates
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard Rosch
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Albert Basson
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deb K Pal
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
- Newcomen Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Balestrini S, Chiarello D, Gogou M, Silvennoinen K, Puvirajasinghe C, Jones WD, Reif P, Klein KM, Rosenow F, Weber YG, Lerche H, Schubert-Bast S, Borggraefe I, Coppola A, Troisi S, Møller RS, Riva A, Striano P, Zara F, Hemingway C, Marini C, Rosati A, Mei D, Montomoli M, Guerrini R, Cross JH, Sisodiya SM. Real-life survey of pitfalls and successes of precision medicine in genetic epilepsies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:1044-1052. [PMID: 33903184 PMCID: PMC8458055 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The term 'precision medicine' describes a rational treatment strategy tailored to one person that reverses or modifies the disease pathophysiology. In epilepsy, single case and small cohort reports document nascent precision medicine strategies in specific genetic epilepsies. The aim of this multicentre observational study was to investigate the deeper complexity of precision medicine in epilepsy. METHODS A systematic survey of patients with epilepsy with a molecular genetic diagnosis was conducted in six tertiary epilepsy centres including children and adults. A standardised questionnaire was used for data collection, including genetic findings and impact on clinical and therapeutic management. RESULTS We included 293 patients with genetic epilepsies, 137 children and 156 adults, 162 females and 131 males. Treatment changes were undertaken because of the genetic findings in 94 patients (32%), including rational precision medicine treatment and/or a treatment change prompted by the genetic diagnosis, but not directly related to known pathophysiological mechanisms. There was a rational precision medicine treatment for 56 patients (19%), and this was tried in 33/56 (59%) and was successful (ie, >50% seizure reduction) in 10/33 (30%) patients. In 73/293 (25%) patients there was a treatment change prompted by the genetic diagnosis, but not directly related to known pathophysiological mechanisms, and this was successful in 24/73 (33%). SIGNIFICANCE Our survey of clinical practice in specialised epilepsy centres shows high variability of clinical outcomes following the identification of a genetic cause for an epilepsy. Meaningful change in the treatment paradigm after genetic testing is not yet possible for many people with epilepsy. This systematic survey provides an overview of the current application of precision medicine in the epilepsies, and suggests the adoption of a more considered approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Balestrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Gerrard Cross, UK
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Chiarello
- Institute of Child Health, University College of London (UCL) Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Maria Gogou
- Institute of Child Health, University College of London (UCL) Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Katri Silvennoinen
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Gerrard Cross, UK
| | | | - Wendy D Jones
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Gerrard Cross, UK
- Institute of Child Health, University College of London (UCL) Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Philipp Reif
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main University of Frankfurt, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Rhine Main, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER) Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karl Martin Klein
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main University of Frankfurt, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Rhine Main, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER) Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Medical Genetics and Community Health Sciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main University of Frankfurt, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Rhine Main, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER) Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Lerche
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main University of Frankfurt, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Rhine Main, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main University of Frankfurt, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Rhine Main, Germany
| | - Ingo Borggraefe
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr von Haunerschen Kinderspital, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonietta Coppola
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Epilepsy Centre, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Troisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Epilepsy Centre, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rikke S Møller
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre Filadelfia, Dianalund, and Institute for Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Carla Marini
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Salesi Children's Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Rosati
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Martino Montomoli
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neurology Unit and Neurogenetics Laboratories, Meyer Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - J Helen Cross
- Institute of Child Health, University College of London (UCL) Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Gerrard Cross, UK
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Fang XQ, Zhang RR, Liu XW. Heterozygous missense mutation of the RELN gene is one of the causes of epilepsy. Neurol Res 2021; 44:262-267. [PMID: 34569441 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1979748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genetic factors play an important role in the onset of epilepsy, and the involvement of the RELN gene was recently discovered. This paper reports a family with a history of epilepsy caused by a heterozygous missense mutation in the RELN gene. METHODS After a clear diagnosis was made in the proband with a family history of epilepsy, gene sequencing was performed on the proband and his family members. RESULTS The proband was a 19-year-old male who presented with general convulsions during sleep lasting for about 1 min and was relieved spontaneously. His father and grandmother also experienced seizures. The gene sequencing results of the proband, his mother, and his grandmother showed that both the proband and his grandmother carried the same heterozygous missense mutation in the RELN gene (c.7909 C > T), unlike the proband's mother. DISCUSSION Mutations in the RELN gene can lead to the occurrence of benign epilepsy, though the specific type of seizures that it can cause is still unclear, and may increase the susceptibility to epilepsy. In addition, it may have potential anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Qin Fang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cheeloo College of Medicine, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ran-Ran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cheeloo College of Medicine, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue-Wu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cheeloo College of Medicine, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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de la Jara J, Vásquez-Hernández C, Ramírez-Rojo E, Moya-Vilches J. Uncommon epileptic syndromes in children: a review. Seizure 2021; 90:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Abstract
Genetic testing has yielded major advances in our understanding of the causes of epilepsy. Seizures remain resistant to treatment in a significant proportion of cases, particularly in severe, childhood-onset epilepsy, the patient population in which an underlying causative genetic variant is most likely to be identified. A genetic diagnosis can be explanatory as to etiology, and, in some cases, might suggest a therapeutic approach; yet, a clear path from genetic diagnosis to treatment remains unclear in most cases. Here, we discuss theoretical considerations behind the attempted use of small molecules for the treatment of genetic epilepsies, which is but one among various approaches currently under development. We explore a few salient examples and consider the future of the small molecule approach for genetic epilepsies. We conclude that significant additional work is required to understand how genetic variation leads to dysfunction of epilepsy-associated protein targets, and how this impacts the function of diverse subtypes of neurons embedded within distributed brain circuits to yield epilepsy and epilepsy-associated comorbidities. A syndrome- or even variant-specific approach may be required to achieve progress. Advances in the field will require improved methods for large-scale target validation, compound identification and optimization, and the development of accurate model systems that reflect the core features of human epilepsy syndromes, as well as novel approaches towards clinical trials of such compounds in small rare disease cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Abramson Research Center, The Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Abramson Research Center Room 502A, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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46
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Khoshkhoo S, Lal D, Walsh CA. Application of single cell genomics to focal epilepsies: A call to action. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12958. [PMID: 34196990 PMCID: PMC8412079 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal epilepsies are the largest epilepsy subtype and associated with significant morbidity. Somatic variation is a newly recognized genetic mechanism underlying a subset of focal epilepsies, but little is known about the processes through which somatic mosaicism causes seizures, the cell types carrying the pathogenic variants, or their developmental origin. Meanwhile, the inception of single cell biology has completely revolutionized the study of neurological diseases and has the potential to answer some of these key questions. Focusing on single cell genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics in focal epilepsy research, circumvents the averaging artifact associated with studying bulk brain tissue and offers the kind of granularity that is needed for investigating the consequences of somatic mosaicism. Here we have provided a brief overview of some of the most developed single cell techniques and the major considerations around applying them to focal epilepsy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Khoshkhoo
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Lal
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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47
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Sub-genic intolerance, ClinVar, and the epilepsies: A whole-exome sequencing study of 29,165 individuals. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:965-982. [PMID: 33932343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Both mild and severe epilepsies are influenced by variants in the same genes, yet an explanation for the resulting phenotypic variation is unknown. As part of the ongoing Epi25 Collaboration, we performed a whole-exome sequencing analysis of 13,487 epilepsy-affected individuals and 15,678 control individuals. While prior Epi25 studies focused on gene-based collapsing analyses, we asked how the pattern of variation within genes differs by epilepsy type. Specifically, we compared the genetic architectures of severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) and two generally less severe epilepsies, genetic generalized epilepsy and non-acquired focal epilepsy (NAFE). Our gene-based rare variant collapsing analysis used geographic ancestry-based clustering that included broader ancestries than previously possible and revealed novel associations. Using the missense intolerance ratio (MTR), we found that variants in DEE-affected individuals are in significantly more intolerant genic sub-regions than those in NAFE-affected individuals. Only previously reported pathogenic variants absent in available genomic datasets showed a significant burden in epilepsy-affected individuals compared with control individuals, and the ultra-rare pathogenic variants associated with DEE were located in more intolerant genic sub-regions than variants associated with non-DEE epilepsies. MTR filtering improved the yield of ultra-rare pathogenic variants in affected individuals compared with control individuals. Finally, analysis of variants in genes without a disease association revealed a significant burden of loss-of-function variants in the genes most intolerant to such variation, indicating additional epilepsy-risk genes yet to be discovered. Taken together, our study suggests that genic and sub-genic intolerance are critical characteristics for interpreting the effects of variation in genes that influence epilepsy.
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48
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Loring KE, Mattiske T, Lee K, Zysk A, Jackson MR, Noebels JL, Shoubridge C. Early 17β-estradiol treatment reduces seizures but not abnormal behaviour in mice with expanded polyalanine tracts in the Aristaless related homeobox gene (ARX). Neurobiol Dis 2021; 153:105329. [PMID: 33711494 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with severe intellectual disability have an increased prevalence of refractory seizures. Steroid treatment may improve seizure outcomes, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that short term, daily delivery of an exogenous steroid 17β-estradiol (40 ng/g) in early postnatal life significantly reduced the number and severity of seizures, but did not improve behavioural deficits, in mice modelling mutations in the Aristaless-related homeobox gene (ARX), expanding the first (PA1) or second (PA2) polyalanine tract. Frequency of observed seizures on handling (n = 14/treatment/genotype) were significantly reduced in PA1 (32% reduction) and more modestly reduced in PA2 mice (14% reduction) with steroid treatment compared to vehicle. Spontaneous seizures were assessed (n = 7/treatment/genotype) at 7 weeks of age coinciding with a peak of seizure activity in untreated mice. PA1 mice treated with steroids no longer present with the most severe category of prolonged myoclonic seizures. Treated PA2 mice had an earlier onset of seizures coupled with a subsequent reduction in seizures later in postnatal life, with a complete absence of any seizures during the analysis at 7 weeks of age. Despite the reduction in seizures, 17β-estradiol treated mice showed no improvement in behavioural or cognitive outcomes in adulthood. For the first time we show that these deficits due to mutations in Arx are already present before seizure onset and do not worsen with seizures. ARX is a transcription factor and Arx PA mutant mice have deregulated transcriptome profiles in the developing embryonic brain. At postnatal day 10, treatment completion, RNAseq identified 129 genes significantly deregulated (Log2FC > ± 0.5, P-value<0.05) in the frontal cortex of mutant compared to wild-type mice. This list reflects genes deregulated in disease and was particularly enriched for known genes in neurodevelopmental disorders and those involved in signalling and developmental pathways. 17β-estradiol treatment of mutant mice significantly deregulated 295 genes, with only 23 deregulated genes overlapping between vehicle and steroid treated mutant mice. We conclude that 17β-estradiol treatment recruits processes and pathways to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in the Arx PA mutant mice but does not precisely correct the deregulated transcriptome nor improve mortality or behavioural and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karagh E Loring
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tessa Mattiske
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kristie Lee
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Aneta Zysk
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matilda R Jackson
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Cheryl Shoubridge
- Intellectual Disability Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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49
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Xiaozhen S, Fan Y, Fang Y, Xiaoping L, Jia J, Wuhen X, Xiaojun T, Jun S, Yucai C, Hong Z, Guang H, Shengnan W. Novel Truncating and Missense Variants in SEMA6B in Patients With Early-Onset Epilepsy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633819. [PMID: 34017830 PMCID: PMC8129541 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, characterized by myoclonic seizures and tonic clonic seizures, with genetical and phenotypical heterogeneity. The semaphorin 6B (SEMA6B) gene has been recently reported a causal gene of PME. Independent studies are warranted to further support these findings. Here we report that one nonsense variant in NM_032108.3 exon17 c.2056C > T (p.Gln686∗) and one missense variant in exon14 c.1483G > T (p.Gly495Trp) of SEMA6B, both occurring de novo, underlie early-onset epilepsy with variable severity and different response to treatment in two patients. In vitro analyses have demonstrated that the nonsense variant, p.Gln686∗, results in a truncated protein with remarkably increased expression compared to that of the wild type. The truncated protein presented more homogeneous and failed to locate in the plasma membrane. The missense variant p.Gly495Trp affects evolutionarily conserved amino acid and is located in the sema domain, a key functional domain of SEMA6B. It was predicted to perturb the SEMA6B function by altering the tertiary structure of mutant protein, although neither change of protein length and expression nor difference of cellular distribution was observed. Co-immunoprecipitation studies have demonstrated that both variants influence protein binding of SEMA6B and PlxnA2 with varying degrees. Our results provide further evidence to support the initial findings of SEMA6B being causal to epilepsy and indicate that mediating Semaphorin/Plexin signaling is the potential mechanism of the SEMA6B-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xiaozhen
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Bio-X Institute, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Institute of Mental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Xiaoping
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Jia
- Fuxiang Gene Engineering Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wuhen
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tang Xiaojun
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Jun
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chen Yucai
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Hong
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Guang
- Bio-X Institute, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Institute of Mental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu Shengnan
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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50
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Vlaskamp DRM, Rump P, Callenbach PMC, Brilstra EH, Velthuizen ME, Brouwer OF, Ranchor AV, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CMA. Changes in empowerment and anxiety of patients and parents during genetic counselling for epilepsy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 32:128-135. [PMID: 33971557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic testing and counselling are increasingly important in epilepsy care, aiming at finding a diagnosis, understanding aetiology and improving treatment and outcome. The psychological impact of genetic counselling from patients' or parents' perspectives is, however, unknown. We studied the counselee-reported outcome of genetic counselling before and after genetic testing for epilepsy by evaluating empowerment - a key outcome goal of counselling reflecting cognitive, decisional and behavioural control, emotional regulation and hope - and anxiety. We asked patients or their parents (for those <16 years or intellectually disabled) referred for genetic testing for epilepsy in two university hospitals between June 2014 and 2017 to complete the same two questionnaires at three timepoints: before and after pre-test counselling and after post-test counselling. Empowerment was measured with the Genetic Counselling Outcome Scale (GCOS-18); anxiety with the short State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6). A total of 63 participants (55 parents with the age of 29-66 years; 8 patients with the age of 21-42 years) were included in our study. Empowerment significantly increased during the genetic counselling trajectory with a medium effect size (p < 0.001, d = 0.57). A small but significant increase in empowerment was already seen after pre-test counselling (p = 0.038, d = 0.29). Anxiety did not change significantly during the counselling trajectory (p = 0.223, d = -0.24). Our study highlights that patients with epilepsy or their parents show a clinically relevant increase in empowerment after genetic counselling. Empowerment was already increased after pre-test counselling, suggesting the importance of counselling before initiating genetic testing for epilepsy. However, individual differences in changes in empowerment and anxiety were seen, suggesting that counselling could be further improved, based on individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique R M Vlaskamp
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Rump
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Petra M C Callenbach
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eva H Brilstra
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Genetics, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mary E Velthuizen
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Genetics, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Oebele F Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Adelita V Ranchor
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Health Psychology, the Netherlands
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