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Martinelli I, Mandrioli J, Ghezzi A, Zucchi E, Gianferrari G, Simonini C, Cavallieri F, Valzania F. Multifaceted superoxide dismutase 1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a rare occurrence? Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:130-138. [PMID: 38767482 PMCID: PMC11246149 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular condition resulting from the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. While the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons, human and animal studies over the years have highlighted the potential spread to other motor and non-motor regions, expanding the phenotype of ALS. Although superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations represent a minority of ALS cases, the SOD1 gene remains a milestone in ALS research as it represents the first genetic target for personalized therapies. Despite numerous single case reports or case series exhibiting extramotor symptoms in patients with ALS mutations in SOD1 (SOD1-ALS), no studies have comprehensively explored the full spectrum of extramotor neurological manifestations in this subpopulation. In this narrative review, we analyze and discuss the available literature on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during SOD1-ALS. The multifaceted expression of SOD1 could deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms, pointing towards a multidisciplinary approach for affected patients in light of new therapeutic strategies for SOD1-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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2
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [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] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Olney N, Weiss MD. Real world experience with sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol for ALS: Lessons learned from a failed drug. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:299-301. [PMID: 38984619 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Olney
- Providence Brain and Spine Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael D Weiss
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Meyer T, Schumann P, Weydt P, Petri S, Weishaupt JH, Weyen U, Koch JC, Günther R, Regensburger M, Boentert M, Wiesenfarth M, Koc Y, Kolzarek F, Kettemann D, Norden J, Bernsen S, Elmas Z, Conrad J, Valkadinov I, Vidovic M, Dorst J, Ludolph AC, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Spittel S, Münch C, Maier A, Körtvélyessy P. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes and neurofilament response during tofersen treatment in SOD1-related ALS-A multicenter observational study over 18 months. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:333-345. [PMID: 39031772 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28182] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by SOD1 mutations (SOD1-ALS), tofersen received accelerated approval in the United States and is available via expanded access programs (EAP) outside the United States. This multicenter study investigates clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) during tofersen treatment in an EAP in Germany. METHODS Sixteen SOD1-ALS patients receiving tofersen for at least 6 months were analyzed. The ALS progression rate (ALS-PR), as measured by the monthly change of the ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), slow vital capacity (SVC), and sNfL were investigated. PRO included the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP2), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9), and Net Promoter Score (NPS). RESULTS Mean tofersen treatment was 11 months (6-18 months). ALS-PR showed a mean change of -0.2 (range 0 to -1.1) and relative reduction by 25%. Seven patients demonstrated increased ALSFRS-R. SVC was stable (mean 88%, range -15% to +28%). sNfL decreased in all patients except one heterozygous D91A-SOD1 mutation carrier (mean change of sNfL -58%, range -91 to +27%, p < .01). MYMOP2 indicated improved symptom severity (n = 10) or yet perception of partial response (n = 6). TSQM-9 showed high global treatment satisfaction (mean 83, SD 16) although the convenience of drug administration was modest (mean 50, SD 27). NPS revealed a very high recommendation rate for tofersen (NPS +80). DISCUSSION Data from this EAP supported the clinical and sNfL response to tofersen in SOD1-ALS. PRO suggested a favorable patient perception of tofersen treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meyer
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peggy Schumann
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department for Neuromuscular Disorders, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
- DZNE, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ute Weyen
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- DZNE, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Boentert
- Department of Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Yasemin Koc
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Kolzarek
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kettemann
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Norden
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Bernsen
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zeynep Elmas
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julian Conrad
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ivan Valkadinov
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maximilian Vidovic
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- DZNE, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- DZNE, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasper Hesebeck-Brinckmann
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Münch
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Maier
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Verde F, Licaj S, Soranna D, Ticozzi N, Silani V, Zambon A. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood neurofilament light chain levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration: A meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16371. [PMID: 38937912 PMCID: PMC11295179 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16371] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neurofilament light chain (NFL) has been shown to be increased in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and, to a lesser extent, in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A meta-analysis of NFL in ALS and FTD was performed. METHODS Available studies comparing cerebrospinal fluid and blood NFL levels in ALS versus neurologically healthy controls (NHCs), other neurological diseases (ONDs) and ALS mimics, as well as in FTD and related entities (behavioural variant of FTD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes) versus NHCs, ONDs and other dementias were evaluated. RESULTS In ALS, both cerebrospinal fluid and blood levels of NFL were higher compared to other categories. In FTD, behavioural variant of FTD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes, NFL levels were consistently higher compared to NHCs; however, several comparisons with ONDs and other dementias did not demonstrate significant differences. DISCUSSION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by higher NFL levels compared to most other conditions. In contrast, NFL is not as good at discriminating FTD from other dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari CenterUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Sara Licaj
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative MethodsUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics UnitIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari CenterUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of NeuroscienceIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari CenterUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative MethodsUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- Biostatistics UnitIRCCS Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
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6
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Meyer T, Dreger M, Grehl T, Weyen U, Kettemann D, Weydt P, Günther R, Lingor P, Petri S, Koch JC, Großkreutz J, Rödiger A, Baum P, Hermann A, Prudlo J, Boentert M, Weishaupt JH, Löscher WN, Dorst J, Koc Y, Bernsen S, Cordts I, Vidovic M, Steinbach R, Metelmann M, Kleinveld VE, Norden J, Ludolph A, Walter B, Schumann P, Münch C, Körtvélyessy P, Maier A. Serum neurofilament light chain in distinct phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A longitudinal, multicenter study. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16379. [PMID: 38859579 PMCID: PMC11295170 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16379] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) in clinical phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS In 2949 ALS patients at 16 ALS centers in Germany and Austria, clinical characteristics and sNfL were assessed. Phenotypes were differentiated for two anatomical determinants: (1) upper and/or lower motor involvement (typical, typMN; upper/lower motor neuron predominant, UMNp/LMNp; primary lateral sclerosis, PLS) and (2) region of onset and propagation of motor neuron dysfunction (bulbar, limb, flail-arm, flail-leg, thoracic onset). Phenotypes were correlated to sNfL, progression, and survival. RESULTS Mean sNfL was - compared to typMN (75.7 pg/mL, n = 1791) - significantly lower in LMNp (45.1 pg/mL, n = 413), UMNp (58.7 pg/mL n = 206), and PLS (37.6 pg/mL, n = 84). Also, sNfL significantly differed in the bulbar (92.7 pg/mL, n = 669), limb (64.1 pg/mL, n = 1305), flail-arm (46.4 pg/mL, n = 283), flail-leg (53.6 pg/mL, n = 141), and thoracic (74.5 pg/mL, n = 96) phenotypes. Binary logistic regression analysis showed highest contribution to sNfL elevation for faster progression (odds ratio [OR] 3.24) and for the bulbar onset phenotype (OR 1.94). In contrast, PLS (OR 0.20), LMNp (OR 0.45), and thoracic onset (OR 0.43) showed reduced contributions to sNfL. Longitudinal sNfL (median 12 months, n = 2862) showed minor monthly changes (<0.2%) across all phenotypes. Correlation of sNfL with survival was confirmed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study underscored the correlation of ALS phenotypes - differentiated for motor neuron involvement and region of onset/propagation - with sNfL, progression, and survival. These phenotypes demonstrated a significant effect on sNfL and should be recognized as independent confounders of sNfL analyses in ALS trials and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbHBerlinGermany
| | - Marie Dreger
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of NeurologyCenter for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Alfried Krupp KrankenhausEssenGermany
| | - Ute Weyen
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersBerufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum BergmannsheilBochumGermany
| | - Dagmar Kettemann
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department for Neuromuscular DisordersBonn UniversityBonnGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | - René Günther
- Department of NeurologyTechnische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav CarusDresdenGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)DresdenGermany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of NeurologyTechnical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der IsarMunichGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)MunichGermany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of NeurologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | | | - Julian Großkreutz
- Department of NeurologyUniversitätsmedizin Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus LübeckLübeckGermany
| | - Annekathrin Rödiger
- Department of NeurologyJena University HospitalJenaGermany
- Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (ZSE)Jena University HospitalJenaGermany
| | - Petra Baum
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht‐Kossel”, Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rostock, University Medical CenterRostockGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)GreifswaldGermany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht‐Kossel”, Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rostock, University Medical CenterRostockGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)GreifswaldGermany
| | | | - Jochen H. Weishaupt
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurology Department, Mannheim Center for Translational MedicineUniversity Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg UniversityMannheimGermany
| | | | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of NeurologyUlm UniversityUlmGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)UlmGermany
| | - Yasemin Koc
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Sarah Bernsen
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Department for Neuromuscular DisordersBonn UniversityBonnGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Department of NeurologyTechnical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der IsarMunichGermany
| | - Maximilian Vidovic
- Department of NeurologyTechnische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav CarusDresdenGermany
| | | | - Moritz Metelmann
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | | | - Jenny Norden
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of NeurologyUlm UniversityUlmGermany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE)UlmGermany
| | - Bertram Walter
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Peggy Schumann
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbHBerlinGermany
| | - Christoph Münch
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbHBerlinGermany
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - André Maier
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron DisordersCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
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7
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Wiesenfarth M, Forouhideh-Wiesenfarth Y, Elmas Z, Parlak Ö, Weiland U, Herrmann C, Schuster J, Freischmidt A, Müller K, Siebert R, Günther K, Fröhlich E, Knehr A, Simak T, Bachhuber F, Regensburger M, Petri S, Klopstock T, Reilich P, Schöberl F, Schumann P, Körtvélyessy P, Meyer T, Ruf WP, Witzel S, Tumani H, Brenner D, Dorst J, Ludolph AC. Clinical characterization of common pathogenic variants of SOD1-ALS in Germany. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12564-1. [PMID: 39141064 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12564-1] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene can be detected in approximately 2% of sporadic and 11% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Europe. We analyzed the clinical phenotypes of 83 SOD1-ALS patients focusing on patients carrying the most frequent (likely) pathogenic variants (R116G, D91A, L145F) in Germany. Moreover, we describe the effect of tofersen treatment on ten patients carrying these variants. R116G patients showed the most aggressive course of disease with a median survival of 22.0 months compared to 198.0 months in D91A and 87.0 months in L145F patients (HR 7.71, 95% CI 2.89-20.58 vs. D91A; p < 0.001 and HR 4.25, 95% CI 1.55-11.67 vs. L145F; p = 0.02). Moreover, R116G patients had the fastest median ALSFRS-R progression rate with 0.12 (IQR 0.07-0.20) points lost per month. Median diagnostic delay was 10.0 months (IQR 5.5-11.5) and therefore shorter compared to 57.5 months (IQR 14.0-83.0) in D91A (p < 0.001) and 21.5 months (IQR 5.8-38.8) in L145F (p = 0.21) carriers. As opposed to D91A carriers (50.0%), 96.2% of R116G (p < 0.001) and 100.0% of L145F (p = 0.04) patients reported a positive family history. During tofersen treatment, all patients showed a reduction of neurofilament light chain (NfL) serum levels, independent of the SOD1 variant. Patients with SOD1-ALS carrying R116G, D91A, or L145F variants show commonalities, but also differences in their clinical phenotype, including a faster progression rate with shorter survival in R116G, and a comparatively benign disease course in D91A carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zeynep Elmas
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Özlem Parlak
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiland
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Herrmann
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Joachim Schuster
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kathrin Müller
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kornelia Günther
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elke Fröhlich
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Antje Knehr
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tatiana Simak
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Bachhuber
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology with Friedrich-Baur-Institute, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Reilich
- Department of Neurology with Friedrich-Baur-Institute, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Schöberl
- Department of Neurology with Friedrich-Baur-Institute, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Peggy Schumann
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie GmbH, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Körtvélyessy
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang P Ruf
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Witzel
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hayrettin Tumani
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Site Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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8
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Wasielewska JM, Chaves JCS, Cabral-da-Silva MC, Pecoraro M, Viljoen SJ, Nguyen TH, Bella VL, Oikari LE, Ooi L, White AR. A patient-derived amyotrophic lateral sclerosis blood-brain barrier model for focused ultrasound-mediated anti-TDP-43 antibody delivery. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 39138578 PMCID: PMC11323367 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00565-1] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder with minimally effective treatment options. An important hurdle in ALS drug development is the non-invasive therapeutic access to the motor cortex currently limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Focused ultrasound and microbubble (FUS+ MB) treatment is an emerging technology that was successfully used in ALS patients to temporarily open the cortical BBB. However, FUS+ MB-mediated drug delivery across ALS patients' BBB has not yet been reported. Similarly, the effects of FUS+ MB on human ALS BBB cells remain unexplored. METHODS Here we established the first FUS+ MB-compatible, fully-human ALS patient-cell-derived BBB model based on induced brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) to study anti-TDP-43 antibody delivery and FUS+ MB bioeffects in vitro. RESULTS Generated ALS iBECs recapitulated disease-specific hallmarks of BBB pathology, including reduced BBB integrity and permeability, and TDP-43 proteinopathy. The results also identified differences between sporadic ALS and familial (C9orf72 expansion carrying) ALS iBECs reflecting patient heterogeneity associated with disease subgroups. Studies in these models revealed successful ALS iBEC monolayer opening in vitro with no adverse cellular effects of FUS+ MB as reflected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release viability assay and the lack of visible monolayer damage or morphology change in FUS+ MB treated cells. This was accompanied by the molecular bioeffects of FUS+ MB in ALS iBECs including changes in expression of tight and adherens junction markers, and drug transporter and inflammatory mediators, with sporadic and C9orf72 ALS iBECs generating transient specific responses. Additionally, we demonstrated an effective increase in the delivery of anti-TDP-43 antibody with FUS+ MB in C9orf72 (2.7-fold) and sporadic (1.9-fold) ALS iBECs providing the first proof-of-concept evidence that FUS+ MB can be used to enhance the permeability of large molecule therapeutics across the BBB in a human ALS in vitro model. CONCLUSIONS Together, this study describes the first characterisation of cellular and molecular responses of ALS iBECs to FUS+ MB and provides a fully-human platform for FUS+ MB-mediated drug delivery screening on an ALS BBB in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wasielewska
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Juliana C S Chaves
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mauricio Castro Cabral-da-Silva
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Martina Pecoraro
- ALS Clinical Research Centre and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stephani J Viljoen
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Tam Hong Nguyen
- Flow Cytometry and Imaging Facility, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Centre and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Brain and Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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9
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Hale OJ, Wells TR, Mead RJ, Cooper HJ. Mass spectrometry imaging of SOD1 protein-metal complexes in SOD1G93A transgenic mice implicates demetalation with pathology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6518. [PMID: 39117623 PMCID: PMC11310518 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50514-7] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Mutations in the metalloenzyme SOD1 are associated with inherited forms of ALS and cause a toxic gain of function thought to be mediated by dimer destabilization and misfolding. SOD1 binds two Cu and two Zn ions in its homodimeric form. We have applied native ambient mass spectrometry imaging to visualize the spatial distributions of intact metal-bound SOD1G93A complexes in SOD1G93A transgenic mouse spinal cord and brain sections and evaluated them against disease pathology. The molecular specificity of our approach reveals that metal-deficient SOD1G93A species are abundant in CNS structures correlating with ALS pathology whereas fully metalated SOD1G93A species are homogenously distributed. Monomer abundance did not correlate with pathology. We also show that the dimer-destabilizing post-translational modification, glutathionylation, has limited influence on the spatial distribution of SOD1 dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Hale
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tyler R Wells
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard J Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Helen J Cooper
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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10
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Luan T, Li Q, Huang Z, Feng Y, Xu D, Zhou Y, Hu Y, Wang T. Axonopathy Underlying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Unraveling Complex Pathways and Therapeutic Insights. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2. [PMID: 39097850 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive axonopathy, jointly leading to the dying back of the motor neuron, disrupting both nerve signaling and motor control. In this review, we highlight the roles of axonopathy in ALS progression, driven by the interplay of multiple factors including defective trafficking machinery, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dysfunctional intracellular transport, caused by disruptions in microtubules, molecular motors, and adaptors, has been identified as a key contributor to disease progression. Aberrant protein aggregation involving TDP-43, FUS, SOD1, and dipeptide repeat proteins further amplifies neuronal toxicity. Mitochondrial defects lead to ATP depletion, oxidative stress, and Ca2+ imbalance, which are regarded as key factors underlying the loss of neuromuscular junctions and axonopathy. Mitigating these defects through interventions including neurotrophic treatments offers therapeutic potential. Collaborative research efforts aim to unravel ALS complexities, opening avenues for holistic interventions that target diverse pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongshu Luan
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yu Feng
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Duo Xu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tong Wang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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11
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Chen KS, Koubek EJ, Sakowski SA, Feldman EL. Stem cell therapeutics and gene therapy for neurologic disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00427. [PMID: 39096590 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00427] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in biological knowledge and technological innovation have greatly advanced the fields of stem cell and gene therapies to combat a broad spectrum of neurologic disorders. Researchers are currently exploring a variety of stem cell types (e.g., embryonic, progenitor, induced pluripotent) and various transplantation strategies, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Similarly, various gene modification techniques (zinc finger, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9) are employed with various delivery vectors to modify underlying genetic contributors to neurologic disorders. While these two individual fields continue to blaze new trails, it is the combination of these technologies which enables genetically engineered stem cells and vastly increases investigational and therapeutic opportunities. The capability to culture and expand stem cells outside the body, along with their potential to correct genetic abnormalities in patient-derived cells or enhance cells with extra gene products, unleashes the full biological potential for innovative, multifaceted approaches to treat complex neurological disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of stem cell and gene therapies in the context of neurologic disorders, highlighting recent advances and current shortcomings, and discuss prospects for future therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily J Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stacey A Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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12
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Shephard VK, Brown ML, Thompson BA, Harpur A, McAlary L. Rapid classification of a novel ALS-causing I149S variant in superoxide dismutase-1. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:608-614. [PMID: 38742757 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2351177] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Variants of the oxygen free radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) are associated with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These variants occur in roughly 20% of familial ALS cases, and 1% of sporadic ALS cases. Here, we identified a novel SOD1 variant in a patient in their 50s who presented with movement deficiencies and neuropsychiatric features. The variant was heterozygous and resulted in the isoleucine at position 149 being substituted with a serine (I149S). In silico analysis predicted the variant to be destabilizing to the SOD1 protein structure. Expression of the SOD1I149S variant with a C-terminal EGFP tag in neuronal-like NSC-34 cells resulted in extensive inclusion formation and reduced cell viability. Immunoblotting revealed that the intramolecular disulphide between Cys57 and Cys146 was fully reduced for SOD1I149S. Furthermore, SOD1I149S was highly susceptible to proteolytic digestion, suggesting a large degree of instability to the protein fold. Finally, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and native-PAGE of cell lysates showed that SOD1I149S was monomeric in solution in comparison to the dimeric SOD1WT. This experimental data was obtained within 3 months and resulted in the rapid re-classification of the variant from a variant of unknown significance (VUS) to a clinically actionable likely pathogenic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria K Shephard
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Mikayla L Brown
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Bryony A Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, and
| | - Alisha Harpur
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Luke McAlary
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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13
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Wolff A, Demleitner AF, Feneberg E, Lingor P. [Smell the smoke before one sees the fire-The oligosymptomatic prodromal phase of neurodegenerative diseases]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:689-696. [PMID: 38630299 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing development of disease-modifying causative treatment, the importance of early diagnosis and detection of asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic early stages of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing. OBJECTIVE Presentation of early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, diagnostic procedures for the early detection and possible treatment consequences. MATERIAL AND METHODS Selective literature search, discussion of basic research and expert recommendations. RESULTS Many neurodegenerative diseases have a prodromal phase preceding the manifest disease that can be diagnosed with current criteria. In this prodromal phase, those affected are often oligosymptomatic but in some cases can already be identified using biomarkers. These developments are already taken into account in diagnostic criteria for some of these prodromal phases. The prodromal phase, in turn, is preceded by an asymptomatic phase which, however, already shows molecular changes and can be identified by biomarkers in some diseases. The early identification and stratification of patients is particularly important when planning studies for disease-modifying treatment, and biomarkers are already being used in clinical trials for this purpose. DISCUSSION Biomarker-based identification of individuals in the prodromal phase of neurodegenerative diseases is already possible for some entities. People who show the first signs of a neurodegenerative disease can be referred to centers for clinical trials and observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul Lingor
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, München, Deutschland.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), München, Deutschland.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), München, Deutschland.
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14
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Guo J, You L, Zhou Y, Hu J, Li J, Yang W, Tang X, Sun Y, Gu Y, Dong Y, Chen X, Sato C, Zinman L, Rogaeva E, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhang M. Spatial enrichment and genomic analyses reveal the link of NOMO1 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2024; 147:2826-2841. [PMID: 38643019 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae123] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe motor neuron disease with uncertain genetic predisposition in most sporadic cases. The spatial architecture of cell types and gene expression are the basis of cell-cell interactions, biological function and disease pathology, but are not well investigated in the human motor cortex, a key ALS-relevant brain region. Recent studies indicated single nucleus transcriptomic features of motor neuron vulnerability in ALS motor cortex. However, the brain regional vulnerability of ALS-associated genes and the genetic link between region-specific genes and ALS risk remain largely unclear. Here, we developed an entropy-weighted differential gene expression matrix-based tool (SpatialE) to identify the spatial enrichment of gene sets in spatial transcriptomics. We benchmarked SpatialE against another enrichment tool (multimodal intersection analysis) using spatial transcriptomics data from both human and mouse brain tissues. To investigate regional vulnerability, we analysed three human motor cortex and two dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tissues for spatial enrichment of ALS-associated genes. We also used Cell2location to estimate the abundance of cell types in ALS-related cortex layers. To dissect the link of regionally expressed genes and ALS risk, we performed burden analyses of rare loss-of-function variants detected by whole-genome sequencing in ALS patients and controls, then analysed differential gene expression in the TargetALS RNA-sequencing dataset. SpatialE showed more accurate and specific spatial enrichment of regional cell type markers than multimodal intersection analysis in both mouse brain and human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Spatial transcriptomic analyses of human motor cortex showed heterogeneous cell types and spatial gene expression profiles. We found that 260 manually curated ALS-associated genes are significantly enriched in layer 5 of the motor cortex, with abundant expression of upper motor neurons and layer 5 excitatory neurons. Burden analyses of rare loss-of-function variants in Layer 5-associated genes nominated NOMO1 as a novel ALS-associated gene in a combined sample set of 6814 ALS patients and 3324 controls (P = 0.029). Gene expression analyses in CNS tissues revealed downregulation of NOMO1 in ALS, which is consistent with a loss-of-function disease mechanism. In conclusion, our integrated spatial transcriptomics and genomic analyses identified regional brain vulnerability in ALS and the association of a layer 5 gene (NOMO1) with ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Guo
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Linya You
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiali Hu
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanli Yang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Tang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Yimin Sun
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Gu
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Christine Sato
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Rogaeva
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200090, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200120, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 200331, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
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15
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Shefner JM, Cudkowicz ME. Failures to Replicate: What Recent Negative Phase 3 Trials Have Taught Us about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Research. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:211-215. [PMID: 38888068 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
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16
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Cammack AJ, Balendra R, Isaacs AM. Failure of C9orf72 sense repeat-targeting antisense oligonucleotides: lessons learned and the path forward. Brain 2024; 147:2607-2609. [PMID: 38805751 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae168] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent failure of two independent clinical trials targeting C9orf72 sense repeat-containing RNAs with antisense oligonucleotides was a great disappointment for the field. Cammack et al. discuss the data from these trials, possible reasons for the failures, and the future of C9orf72 therapeutic targeting moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Cammack
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rubika Balendra
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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17
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Wang H, Zeng R. Aberrant protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4826-4851. [PMID: 38869826 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. As its pathological mechanisms are not well understood, there are no efficient therapeutics for it at present. While it is highly heterogenous both etiologically and clinically, it has a common salient hallmark, i.e., aberrant protein aggregation (APA). The upstream pathogenesis and the downstream effects of APA in ALS are sophisticated and the investigation of this pathology would be of consequence for understanding ALS. In this paper, the pathomechanism of APA in ALS and the candidate treatment strategies for it are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaixiu Wang
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
- Beijing Ai-Si-Kang Medical Technology Co. Ltd., No. 18 11th St Economical & Technological Development Zone, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
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18
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Leighton DJ, Ansari M, Newton J, Cleary E, Stephenson L, Beswick E, Carod Artal J, Davenport R, Duncan C, Gorrie GH, Morrison I, Swingler R, Deary IJ, Porteous M, Chandran S, Pal S. Genotypes and phenotypes of motor neuron disease: an update of the genetic landscape in Scotland. J Neurol 2024; 271:5256-5266. [PMID: 38852112 PMCID: PMC11319561 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12450-w] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation of Motor Neuron Disease (CARE-MND) database and the Scottish Regenerative Neurology Tissue Bank, we aimed to outline the genetic epidemiology and phenotypes of an incident cohort of people with MND (pwMND) to gain a realistic impression of the genetic landscape and genotype-phenotype associations. METHODS Phenotypic markers were identified from the CARE-MND platform. Sequence analysis of 48 genes was undertaken. Variants were classified using a structured evidence-based approach. Samples were also tested for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions using repeat-prime PCR methodology. RESULTS 339 pwMND donated a DNA sample: 44 (13.0%) fulfilled criteria for having a pathogenic variant/repeat expansion, 53.5% of those with a family history of MND and 9.3% of those without. The majority (30 (8.8%)) had a pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansion, including two with intermediate expansions. Having a C9orf72 expansion was associated with a significantly lower Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen ALS-Specific score (p = 0.0005). The known pathogenic SOD1 variant p.(Ile114Thr), frequently observed in the Scottish population, was detected in 9 (2.7%) of total cases but in 17.9% of familial cases. Rare variants were detected in FUS and NEK1. One individual carried both a C9orf72 expansion and SOD1 variant. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide an accurate summary of MND demographics and genetic epidemiology. We recommend early genetic testing of people with cognitive impairment to ensure that C9orf72 carriers are given the best opportunity for informed treatment planning. Scotland is enriched for the SOD1 p.(Ile114Thr) variant and this has significant implications with regards to future genetically-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Leighton
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
| | - Morad Ansari
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine Cleary
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Stephenson
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Beswick
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Richard Davenport
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Callum Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - George H Gorrie
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Ian Morrison
- Department of Neurology, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Swingler
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian J Deary
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary Porteous
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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19
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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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20
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Sabatelli M, Cerri F, Zuccarino R, Patanella AK, Bernardo D, Bisogni G, Tanel R, Sansone V, Filosto M, Lattante S, Martello F, Doronzio PN, Stano S, Zanfini BA, Coccia M, Costantini EM, Lizio A, Lucioli G, Padovani A, Merlini GP, Conte A. Long-term treatment of SOD1 ALS with tofersen: a multicentre experience in 17 patients. J Neurol 2024; 271:5177-5186. [PMID: 38829431 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12437-7] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients with SOD1 mutation the intrathecal administration of tofersen slowed down the progression of disease in a controlled clinical study, but results were not statistically significant. METHODS In this multicentre, observational study, we evaluated a cohort of 27 ALS-SOD1 patients who were treated with tofersen, focussing on 17 patients who were followed for at least 48 weeks (median period of 84 weeks, range 48-108). We compared the clinical slopes, as measured by ALSFRS-R, MRC scale and Forced Vital Capacity, during tofersen treatment with retrospective data at 1 year prior to therapy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum neurofilament light chains (NFL) were measured in all patients. RESULTS Cumulative evaluation of the ALSFRS-R and MRC progression rates showed a statistically significant change during treatment with respect to the period prior to therapy (p = 0.023 and p = 0.007, respectively). The analysis of individual patients showed that nine of the seventeen patients substantially stabilized or slightly improved. Four patients deteriorated during treatment, while in the remaining patients the very slow course did not allow to identify significant changes. CSF and serum NFL concentration markedly decreased in the near totality of patients. Increased levels of white blood cells and proteins in the CSF were found in 60% of patients. Such alterations were clinically asymptomatic in all but two patients who showed an acute pure motor radiculitis, which responded to steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS Clinical findings and NFL analysis strongly suggest that tofersen may have a disease-modifying effect in a subset of SOD1-ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sabatelli
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Cerri
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, The NeMo Clinical Center in Milan, University of Milan, ASST 5. Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Agata Katia Patanella
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Bernardo
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bisogni
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tanel
- NeMO Clinical Center Trento, Villa Rosa Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria Sansone
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, The NeMo Clinical Center in Milan, University of Milan, ASST 5. Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- NeMO- Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Lattante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Martello
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Genomic Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Niccolò Doronzio
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Genomic Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Stano
- NeMO Clinical Center Trento, Villa Rosa Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy
| | - Bruno Antonio Zanfini
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS., Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Coccia
- NeMO Clinical Center Ancona - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Lizio
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, The NeMo Clinical Center in Milan, University of Milan, ASST 5. Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lucioli
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Unit of Neurology, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Merlini
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center. Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- NeMO Clinical Center-Rome. Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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21
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Weishaupt JH, Körtvélyessy P, Schumann P, Valkadinov I, Weyen U, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Weishaupt K, Endres M, Andersen PM, Regensburger M, Dreger M, Koch JC, Conrad J, Meyer T. Tofersen decreases neurofilament levels supporting the pathogenesis of the SOD1 p.D91A variant in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:150. [PMID: 39054363 PMCID: PMC11272917 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the antisense oligonucleotide tofersen has recently become available for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by mutations in SOD1, determining the causality of the over 230 SOD1 variants has become even more important. The most common SOD1 variant worldwide is p.D91A (c.272A > C), whose causality for ALS is contested when in a heterozygous state. The reason is the high allele frequency of SOD1D91A in Europe, exceeding 1% in Finno-Scandinavia. METHODS We present the clinical disease course and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) results of treating 11 patients either homo- or heterozygous for the SOD1D91A allele for up to 16 months with tofersen. RESULTS Tofersen decreases serum neurofilament levels (sNFL), which are associated with the ALS progression rate, in the 6 ALS patients homozygous for SOD1D91A. We observe significantly lower sNfL levels in the 5 patients heterozygous for SOD1D91A. The results indicate that both mono- and bi-allelic SOD1D91A are causally relevant targets, with a possibly reduced effect size of SOD1D91Ahet. CONCLUSIONS The finding is relevant for decision making regarding tofersen treatment, patient counseling and inclusion of SOD1D91A patients in drug trials. As far as we are aware, the approach is conceptually new since it provides evidence for the causality of an ALS variant based on a biomarker response to gene-specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurological University Clinic Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Research Site Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peggy Schumann
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivan Valkadinov
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurological University Clinic Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ute Weyen
- Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jasper Hesebeck-Brinckmann
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurological University Clinic Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kanchi Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurological University Clinic Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie Dreger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Clinic for Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julian Conrad
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurological University Clinic Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berlin, Germany.
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Petri S. Targeting C9orf72 in people with ALS. Lancet Neurol 2024:S1474-4422(24)00284-9. [PMID: 39059406 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany.
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23
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Weinreich M, McDonough H, Yacovzada N, Magen I, Cohen Y, Harvey C, Gornall S, Boddy S, Alix J, Mohseni N, Kurz JM, Kenna KP, Zhang S, Iacoangeli A, Al-Khleifat A, Snyder MP, Hobson E, Al-Chalabi A, Hornstein E, Elhaik E, Shaw PJ, McDermott C, Cooper-Knock J. predicTTE: An accessible and optimal tool for time-to-event prediction in neurological diseases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.20.604416. [PMID: 39091819 PMCID: PMC11291041 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.20.604416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Time-to-event prediction is a key task for biological discovery, experimental medicine, and clinical care. This is particularly true for neurological diseases where development of reliable biomarkers is often limited by difficulty visualising and sampling relevant cell and molecular pathobiology. To date, much work has relied on Cox regression because of ease-of-use, despite evidence that this model includes incorrect assumptions. We have implemented a set of deep learning and spline models for time-to-event modelling within a fully customizable 'app' and accompanying online portal, both of which can be used for any time-to-event analysis in any disease by a non-expert user. Our online portal includes capacity for end-users including patients, Neurology clinicians, and researchers, to access and perform predictions using a trained model, and to contribute new data for model improvement, all within a data-secure environment. We demonstrate a pipeline for use of our app with three use-cases including imputation of missing data, hyperparameter tuning, model training and independent validation. We show that predictions are optimal for use in downstream applications such as genetic discovery, biomarker interpretation, and personalised choice of medication. We demonstrate the efficiency of an ensemble configuration, including focused training of a deep learning model. We have optimised a pipeline for imputation of missing data in combination with time-to-event prediction models. Overall, we provide a powerful and accessible tool to develop, access and share time-to-event prediction models; all software and tutorials are available at www.predictte.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Weinreich
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Medical Faculty of the Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harry McDonough
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Nancy Yacovzada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Iddo Magen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yahel Cohen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Calum Harvey
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah Gornall
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah Boddy
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - James Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | | | - Julian M Kurz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Kevin P Kenna
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sai Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Ahmad Al-Khleifat
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Esther Hobson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Eran Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Elhaik
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Christopher McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
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24
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van den Berg LH, Rothstein JD, Shaw PJ, Babu S, Benatar M, Bucelli RC, Genge A, Glass JD, Hardiman O, Libri V, Mobach T, Oskarsson B, Pattee GL, Ravits J, Shaw CE, Weber M, Zinman L, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Lin L, Ferguson TA, Gotter AL, Graham D, Monine M, Inra J, Sinks S, Eraly S, Garafalo S, Fradette S. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of antisense oligonucleotide BIIB078 in adults with C9orf72-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase 1, randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose study. Lancet Neurol 2024:S1474-4422(24)00216-3. [PMID: 39059407 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9orf72 is a common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). No C9orf72-targeted treatments are available. BIIB078 is an investigational antisense oligonucleotide targeting C9orf72 sense RNA. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of BIIB078 in participants with C9orf72-associated ALS. METHODS This phase 1, randomised controlled trial was done at 22 sites in six countries (Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, and USA). Adults with ALS and a pathogenic repeat expansion in C9orf72 were randomly assigned within six cohorts, via Interactive Response Technology in a 3:1 ratio per cohort, to receive BIIB078 (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 35 mg, 60 mg, or 90 mg in cohorts 1-6, respectively) or placebo, via an intrathecal bolus injection. The treatment period consisted of three loading doses of study treatment, administered approximately once every 2 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance doses during a treatment period of about 3 months for cohorts 1-3 and about 6 months for cohorts 4-6. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03626012) and is completed. FINDINGS Between Sept 10, 2018, and Nov 17, 2021, 124 patients were screened for inclusion in the study. 18 patients were excluded and 106 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive 5 mg (n=6), 10 mg (n=9), 20 mg (n=9), 35 mg (n=19), 60 mg (n=18), or 90 mg (n=18) of BIIB078, or placebo (n=27). 58 (55%) of 106 patients were female. All patients received at least one dose of study treatment and were included in all analyses. All participants had at least one adverse event; most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. The most common adverse events in BIIB078-treated participants were falls, procedural pain, headache, and post lumbar puncture syndrome. 14 (18%) of 79 patients who received any dose of BIIB078 reported serious adverse events, compared with nine (33%) of 27 patients who received placebo. Five participants who received BIIB078 and three participants who received placebo had fatal adverse events: respiratory failure in a participant who received 10 mg BIIB078, ALS worsening in two participants who received 35 mg BIIB078, traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage in one participant who received 35 mg BIIB078, pulmonary embolism in one participant who received 60 mg BIIB078, and respiratory failure in three participants who received placebo. All deaths were assessed as not related to the study treatment by the reporting investigator. INTERPRETATION On the basis of these phase 1 study results, including secondary and exploratory findings showing no reduction in neurofilament levels and no benefit on clinical outcomes relative to the placebo cohort, BIIB078 clinical development has been discontinued. However, these results will be informative in furthering our understanding of the complex pathobiology of C9orf72-associated ALS. FUNDING Biogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Suma Babu
- Sean M Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert C Bucelli
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Orla Hardiman
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vincenzo Libri
- University College London Institute of Neurology and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Theodore Mobach
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gary L Pattee
- Bryan Physicians Network, Lincoln, NE, USA; Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Markus Weber
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonsspital St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
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25
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Vinceti M, Urbano T, Filippini T, Bedin R, Simonini C, Sorarù G, Trojsi F, Michalke B, Mandrioli J. Changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of Selenium Species Induced by Tofersen Administration in Subjects with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Carrying SOD1 Gene Mutations. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04311-4. [PMID: 39017978 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04311-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain and spinal cord motor neurons. On 25 April 2023, the drug tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, received the US Food and Drug Administration approval for treating ALS in adults carrying mutations of the SOD1 gene. We aimed at assessing whether cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of selenium, an element of both toxicological and nutritional interest possibly involved in disease etiology and progression, are modified by tofersen administration. We determined concentrations of selenium species by anion exchange chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry and overall selenium by using inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry, at baseline and 6 months after active tofersen treatment in ten Italian ALS patients carrying the SOD1 gene mutation. Concentrations of total selenium and many selenium species substantially increased after the intervention, particularly of inorganic (tetravalent and hexavalent) selenium and of the organic species selenomethionine and a compound co-eluting with the selenocystine standard. Overall, these findings suggest that tofersen treatment markedly alters selenium status and probably the redox status within the central nervous system, possibly due to a direct effect on neurons and/or the blood-brain barrier. Further studies are required to investigate the biological and clinical relevance of these findings and how they might relate to the pharmacological effects of the drug and to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic, and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Teresa Urbano
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic, and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic, and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Roberta Bedin
- Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Luigi Vanvitelli Campania University, Naples, Italy
- First Division of Neurology, University Hospital, Luigi Vanvitelli Campania University, Naples, Italy
| | - Bernhard Michalke
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy
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Ashrafzadeh-Kian S, Figdore D, Larson B, Deters R, Abou-Diwan C, Bornhorst J, Algeciras-Schimnich A. Head-to-head comparison of four plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) immunoassays. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119817. [PMID: 38879065 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119817] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) is an emerging blood biomarker of neuro-axonal injury and neurodegeneration with the potential to be used in the clinical management of various neurological conditions. Various NfL immunoassays are in development on high-throughput automated systems, but little information is available related to the comparability between assays. In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of four NfL immunoassays using plasma samples from individuals with various neurological conditions. METHODS EDTA plasma samples in which NfL was ordered clinically were stratified according to diagnosis. NfL concentrations (pg/mL) in plasma were obtained using the Quanterix Simoa®, the Roche Elecsys, the Siemens Healthineers Atellica®IM, and the Fujirebio Lumipulse® NfL assays. Passing-Bablok regression analyses were performed to assess the correlation and bias between methods. Additionally, the distribution of NfL concentrations for each assay was assessed in three disease groups: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) upon initial diagnosis, ALS treated, and multiple sclerosis (MS). RESULTS The R2 between assays were all ≥ 0.95, however, significant proportional bias was observed between some assays. In particular, the Roche Elecsys assay NfL concentrations were significantly lower (∼85 %) when compared against the other three assays. The four assays were comparable with regards to the percentage of patients that were identified as having an elevated NfL result in the various clinical groups: ALS initial diagnoses (83-94 %), ALS untreated (93-100 %), and MS (8-18 %). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study describing a head-to-head comparison of four automated NfL immunoassays. We demonstrate that there is a strong correlation between assays but a lack of standardization which is evident by the bias observed between some of the evaluated methods. These analytical differences will be important to consider when using NfL as a biomarker of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Figdore
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bethany Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca Deters
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Joshua Bornhorst
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Reynolds SJ, Chhetri SK. Specialist referrals and diagnostic delays in motor neurone disease: Mapping patients' journey through hoops and hurdles in healthcare. Clin Med (Lond) 2024; 24:100228. [PMID: 39002949 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2024.100228] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) is an uncommon but invariably fatal condition, with a median survival of 24-48 months from symptom onset. Although there is no cure at the moment, early diagnosis is crucial to enable timely access to multidisciplinary care, and enrolment in clinical trials utilising investigational therapies. Unfortunately, diagnostic delays remain common, and the average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis is 12 months. Large numbers of specialist referrals have been suggested as a key contributor to diagnostic delays. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients diagnosed with MND in Lancashire and South Cumbria, to investigate whether large numbers of specialty referrals are a common occurrence in MND. Our review identified that 35% of patients with MND were seen by two or more specialties before being referred to neurology. This rose to 49% when patients with bulbar onset disease were considered. 9% of cases saw three or more specialists. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of specialist referrals and delays in neurology referral. We hope our findings will increase awareness of the importance of early neurology referral in the diagnosis of MND and promote the use of the MND Red Flag tool as a means of identifying patients in need of prompt neurological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel James Reynolds
- Department of Neurology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, PR2 9HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Suresh Kumar Chhetri
- Department of Neurology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, PR2 9HT, United Kingdom; University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
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Min JH, Sarlus H, Harris RA. Copper toxicity and deficiency: the vicious cycle at the core of protein aggregation in ALS. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1408159. [PMID: 39050823 PMCID: PMC11267976 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1408159] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of ALS involves many signs of a disruption in copper homeostasis, with both excess free levels and functional deficiency likely occurring simultaneously. This is crucial, as many important physiological functions are performed by cuproenzymes. While it is unsurprising that many ALS symptoms are related to signs of copper deficiency, resulting in vascular, antioxidant system and mitochondrial oxidative respiration deficiencies, there are also signs of copper toxicity such as ROS generation and enhanced protein aggregation. We discuss how copper also plays a key role in proteostasis and interacts either directly or indirectly with many of the key aggregate-prone proteins implicated in ALS, such as TDP-43, C9ORF72, SOD1 and FUS as well as the effect of their aggregation on copper homeostasis. We suggest that loss of cuproprotein function is at the core of ALS pathology, a condition that is driven by a combination of unbound copper and ROS that can either initiate and/or accelerate protein aggregation. This could trigger a positive feedback cycle whereby protein aggregates trigger the aggregation of other proteins in a chain reaction that eventually captures elements of the proteostatic mechanisms in place to counteract them. The end result is an abundance of aggregated non-functional cuproproteins and chaperones alongside depleted intracellular copper stores, resulting in a general lack of cuproenzyme function. We then discuss the possible aetiology of ALS and illustrate how strong risk factors including environmental toxins such as BMAA and heavy metals can functionally behave to promote protein aggregation and disturb copper metabolism that likely drives this vicious cycle in sporadic ALS. From this synthesis, we propose restoration of copper balance using copper delivery agents in combination with chaperones/chaperone mimetics, perhaps in conjunction with the neuroprotective amino acid serine, as a promising strategy in the treatment of this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Min
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Nijs M, Van Damme P. The genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2024:00019052-990000000-00178. [PMID: 38967083 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a strong genetic basis, but the genetic landscape of ALS appears to be complex. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in the genetics of ALS. RECENT FINDINGS Large-scale genetic studies have uncovered more than 40 genes contributing to ALS susceptibility. Both rare variants with variable effect size and more common variants with small effect size have been identified. The most common ALS genes are C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS. Some of the causative genes of ALS are shared with frontotemporal dementia, confirming the molecular link between both diseases. Access to diagnostic gene testing for ALS has to improve, as effective gene silencing therapies for some genetic subtypes of ALS are emerging, but there is no consensus about which genes to test for. SUMMARY Our knowledge about the genetic basis of ALS has improved and the first effective gene silencing therapies for specific genetic subtypes of ALS are underway. These therapeutic advances underline the need for better access to gene testing for people with ALS. Further research is needed to further map the genetic heterogeneity of ALS and to establish the best strategy for gene testing in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Nijs
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Torres-Rico M, García-Calvo V, Gironda-Martínez A, Pascual-Guerra J, García AG, Maneu V. Targeting calciumopathy for neuroprotection: focus on calcium channels Cav1, Orai1 and P2X7. Cell Calcium 2024; 123:102928. [PMID: 39003871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102928] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
As the uncontrolled entry of calcium ions (Ca2+) through plasmalemmal calcium channels is a cell death trigger, the conjecture is here raised that mitigating such an excess of Ca2+ entry should rescue from death the vulnerable neurons in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). However, this supposition has failed in some clinical trials (CTs). Thus, a recent CT tested whether isradipine, a blocker of the Cav1 subtype of voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs), exerted a benefit in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, outcomes were negative. This is one more of the hundreds of CTs done under the principle of one-drug-one-target, that have failed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other NDDs during the last three decades. As there are myriad calcium channels to let Ca2+ ions gain the cell cytosol, it seems reasonable to predict that blockade of Ca2+ entry through a single channel may not be capable of preventing the Ca2+ flood of cells by the uncontrolled Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, as Ca2+ signaling is involved in the regulation of myriad functions in different cell types, it seems also reasonable to guess that a therapy should be more efficient by targeting different cells with various drugs. Here, we propose to mitigate Ca2+ entry by the simultaneous partial blockade of three quite different subtypes of plasmalemmal calcium channels that is, the Cav1 subtype of VOCCs, the Orai1 store-operated calcium channel (SOCC), and the purinergic P2X7 calcium channel. All three channels are expressed in both microglia and neurons. Thus, by targeting the three channels with a combination of three drug blockers we expect favorable changes in some of the pathogenic features of NDDs, namely (i) to mitigate Ca2+ entry into microglia; (ii) to decrease the Ca2+-dependent microglia activation; (iii) to decrease the sustained neuroinflammation; (iv) to decrease the uncontrolled Ca2+ entry into neurons; (v) to rescue vulnerable neurons from death; and (vi) to delay disease progression. In this review we discuss the arguments underlying our triad hypothesis in the sense that the combination of three repositioned medicines targeting Cav1, Orai1, and P2X7 calcium channels could boost neuroprotection and delay the progression of AD and other NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adrián Gironda-Martínez
- Instituto Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio G García
- Instituto Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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31
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Sun S, Shen Y, Zhang X, Ding N, Xu Z, Zhang Q, Li L. The MuSK agonist antibody protects the neuromuscular junction and extends the lifespan in C9orf72-ALS mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2176-2189. [PMID: 38734896 PMCID: PMC11286808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.016] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The disassembly of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an early event in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ultimately leading to motor dysfunction and lethal respiratory paralysis. The hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic mutation, and the dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins have been shown to cause neurodegeneration. While no drugs can treat ALS patients efficiently, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Here, we report that a MuSK agonist antibody alleviates poly-PR-induced NMJ deficits in C9orf72-ALS mice. The HB9-PRF/F mice, which express poly-PR proteins in motor neurons, exhibited impaired motor behavior and NMJ deficits. Mechanistically, poly-PR proteins interacted with Agrin to disrupt the interaction between Agrin and Lrp4, leading to attenuated activation of MuSK. Treatment with a MuSK agonist antibody rescued NMJ deficits, and extended the lifespan of C9orf72-ALS mice. Moreover, impaired NMJ transmission was observed in C9orf72-ALS patients. These findings identify the mechanism by which poly-PR proteins attenuate MuSK activation and NMJ transmission, highlighting the potential of promoting MuSK activation with an agonist antibody as a therapeutic strategy to protect NMJ function and prolong the lifespan of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yihui Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qijie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Institute of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | - Lei Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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32
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McManus RM, Latz E. NLRP3 inflammasome signalling in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2024; 252:109941. [PMID: 38565393 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109941] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Every year, 10 million people develop dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, there is no way to prevent cognitive decline and therapies are limited. This review provides a neuroimmunological perspective on the progression of AD, and discusses the immune-targeted therapies that are in preclinical and clinical trials that may impact the development of this disease. Specifically, we look to the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, its triggers in the brain and how its activation can contribute to the progression of dementia. We summarise the range of inhibitors targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream pathways that are under investigation, and discuss future therapeutic perspectives for this devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róisín M McManus
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany; Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Eicke Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA; Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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33
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Calvo A, Moglia C, Canosa A, Manera U, Vasta R, Grassano M, Daviddi M, De Mattei F, Matteoni E, Gallone S, Brunetti M, Sbaiz L, Cabras S, Peotta L, Palumbo F, Iazzolino B, Mora G, Chiò A. High Frequency of Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients with SOD1 Pathogenic Variants. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:150-158. [PMID: 38568044 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26928] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the cognitive-behavioral characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients carrying C9orf72 pathological repeat expansion have been extensively studied, our understanding of those carrying SOD1 variants is mostly based on case reports. The aim of this paper is to extensively explore the cognitive-behavioral characteristics of a cohort of ALS patients carrying pathogenetic variants of SOD1 gene, comparing them to patients without pathogenetic variants of 46 ALS-related genes (wild-type [WT]-ALS) and healthy controls. METHODS All ALS patients seen at the Turin ALS expert center in the 2009-2021 period who underwent both cognitive/behavioral and extensive genetic testing were eligible to be included in the study. Only patients with SOD1 pathogenetic variants (n = 28) (SOD1-ALS) and WT-ALS (n = 829) were enrolled in the study. A series of 129 controls was also included. RESULTS Among the 28 SOD1-ALS patients, 16 (57.1%) had normal cognitive function, 5 (17.9%) isolated cognitive impairment (ALSci) (17.9%), 6 (21.4%) isolated behavioral impairment (ALSbi), 1 (3.6%) cognitive and behavioral impairment (ALScbi), and no one ALS-FTD. SOD1-ALS performed worse than controls in all explored domains, in particular Social Cognition and Language domains. SOD1-ALS patients had similar scores in all tests compared to WT-ALS, except the Story-based Empathy Task (SET), where they performed worse. INTERPRETATION Cognitive-behavioral impairment is much more common in SOD1 patients than previously assumed. SOD1-ALS are characterized by a more frequent impairment of Social Cognition and, less markedly, of Language domains. These findings have relevant implication both in the clinical and in the research setting, also considering recently approved treatment for SOD1-ALS. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:150-158.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calvo
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Grassano
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Daviddi
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo De Mattei
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Matteoni
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gallone
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Maura Brunetti
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Sbaiz
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Cabras
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Peotta
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Palumbo
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Iazzolino
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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Riva N, Domi T, Pozzi L, Lunetta C, Schito P, Spinelli EG, Cabras S, Matteoni E, Consonni M, Bella ED, Agosta F, Filippi M, Calvo A, Quattrini A. Update on recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4693-4723. [PMID: 38802624 PMCID: PMC11233360 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12435-9] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In the last few years, our understanding of disease molecular mechanisms underpinning ALS has advanced greatly, allowing the first steps in translating into clinical practice novel research findings, including gene therapy approaches. Similarly, the recent advent of assistive technologies has greatly improved the possibility of a more personalized approach to supportive and symptomatic care, in the context of an increasingly complex multidisciplinary line of actions, which remains the cornerstone of ALS management. Against this rapidly growing background, here we provide an comprehensive update on the most recent studies that have contributed towards our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the latest results from clinical trials as well as the future directions for improving the clinical management of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Cabras
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Matteoni
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Consonni
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Benatar M, Hansen T, Rom D, Geist MA, Blaettler T, Camu W, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, van den Berg LH, Morales RJ, Chio A, Andersen PM, Pradat PF, Lange D, Van Damme P, Mora G, Grudniak M, Elliott M, Petri S, Olney N, Ladha S, Goyal NA, Meyer T, Hanna MG, Quinn C, Genge A, Zinman L, Jabari D, Shoesmith C, Ludolph AC, Neuwirth C, Nations S, Shefner JM, Turner MR, Wuu J, Bennett R, Dang H, Sundgreen C. Safety and efficacy of arimoclomol in patients with early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ORARIALS-01): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:687-699. [PMID: 38782015 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to muscle weakness and respiratory failure. Arimoclomol, a heat-shock protein-70 (HSP70) co-inducer, is neuroprotective in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with multiple mechanisms of action, including clearance of protein aggregates, a pathological hallmark of sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of arimoclomol in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS ORARIALS-01 was a multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial done at 29 centres in 12 countries in Europe and North America. Patients were eligible if they were aged 18 years or older and met El Escorial criteria for clinically possible, probable, probable laboratory-supported, definite, or familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; had an ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised score of 35 or more; and had slow vital capacity at 70% or more of the value predicted on the basis of the participant's age, height, and sex. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) in blocks of 6, stratified by use of a stable dose of riluzole or no riluzole use, to receive oral arimoclomol citrate 1200 mg/day (400 mg three times per day) or placebo. The Randomisation sequence was computer generated centrally. Investigators, study personnel, and study participants were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS) rank score over 76 weeks of treatment. The primary outcome and safety were analysed in the modified intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03491462, and is completed. FINDINGS Between July 31, 2018, and July 17, 2019, 287 patients were screened, 245 of whom were enrolled in the trial and randomly assigned. The modified intention-to-treat population comprised 239 patients (160 in the arimoclomol group and 79 in the placebo group): 151 (63%) were male and 88 (37%) were female; mean age was 57·6 years (SD 10·9). CAFS score over 76 weeks did not differ between groups (mean 0·51 [SD 0·29] in the arimoclomol group vs 0·49 [0·28] in the placebo group; p=0·62). Cliff's delta comparing the two groups was 0·039 (95% CI -0·116 to 0·194). Proportions of participants who died were similar between the treatment groups: 29 (18%) of 160 patients in the arimoclomol group and 18 (23%) of 79 patients in the placebo group. Most deaths were due to disease progression. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal. Adverse events were more often deemed treatment-related in the arimoclomol group (104 [65%]) than in the placebo group (41 [52%]) and more often led to treatment discontinuation in the arimoclomol group (26 [16%]) than in the placebo group (four [5%]). INTERPRETATION Arimoclomol did not improve efficacy outcomes compared with placebo. Although available biomarker data are insufficient to preclude future strategies that target the HSP response, safety data suggest that a higher dose of arimoclomol would not have been tolerated. FUNDING Orphazyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | | - Dror Rom
- Prosoft Clinical, Chesterbrook, PA, USA
| | | | | | - William Camu
- Department of Neurology University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, INM INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Raul Juntas Morales
- Department of Neurology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriano Chio
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Dale Lange
- Department of Neurology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariusz Grudniak
- Research and Development Department, Polish Stem Cell Bank, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Matthew Elliott
- University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicholas Olney
- Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Brain and Spine Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shafeeq Ladha
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Namita A Goyal
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael G Hanna
- University College London, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Colin Quinn
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Department of Neurology, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Duaa Jabari
- Department of Neurology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Christen Shoesmith
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Christoph Neuwirth
- Neuromuscular Disease Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeremy M Shefner
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanne Wuu
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Barel D, Marom D, Ponger P, Kurolap A, Bar-Shira A, Kaplan-Ber I, Mory A, Abramovich B, Yaron Y, Drory V, Baris Feldman H. Genetic diagnosis and detection rates using C9orf72 repeat expansion and a multi-gene panel in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4258-4266. [PMID: 38625400 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12368-3] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is mostly sporadic, with the C9orf72 repeat expansion being the most common genetic cause. While the prevalence of C9orf72-ALS in patients from different populations has been studied, data regarding the yield of C9orf72 compared to an ALS gene panel testing is limited.We aimed to explore the application of C9orf72 versus a gene panel in the general Israeli population. A total of 140 ALS patients attended our Neurogenetics Clinic throughout 2018-2023. Disease onset was between ages 60 and 69 years for most patients (34%); however, a quarter had an early-onset disease (< 50 years). Overall, 119 patients (85%) were genetically evaluated: 116 (97%) were tested for the C9orf72 repeat expansion and 64 (54%) underwent gene panel testing. The C9orf72 repeat expansion had a prevalence of 21% among Ashkenazi Jewish patients compared to 5.7% in non-Ashkenazi patients, while the gene panel had a higher yield in non-Ashkenazi patients with 14% disease-causing variants compared to 5.7% in Ashkenazi Jews. Among early-onset ALS patients, panel testing was positive in 12% compared to 2.9% for C9orf72.We suggest a testing strategy for the Israeli ALS patients: C9orf72 should be the first-tier test in Ashkenazi Jewish patients, while a gene panel should be considered as the first step in non-Ashkenazi and early-onset patients. Tiered testing has important implications for patient management, including prognosis, ongoing clinical trials, and prevention in future generations. Similar studies should be implemented worldwide to uncover the diverse ALS genetic architecture and facilitate tailored care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Barel
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Daphna Marom
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Penina Ponger
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alina Kurolap
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Bar-Shira
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idit Kaplan-Ber
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Mory
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Yaron
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vivian Drory
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hagit Baris Feldman
- The Genetics Institute and Genomics Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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37
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Hardiman O. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a lesson in translation. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:651-653. [PMID: 38782014 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Orla Hardiman
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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38
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Ketabforoush A, Faghihi F, Azedi F, Ariaei A, Habibi MA, Khalili M, Ashtiani BH, Joghataei MT, Arnold WD. Sodium Phenylbutyrate and Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid: A Story of Hope Turned to Disappointment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment. Clin Drug Investig 2024; 44:495-512. [PMID: 38909349 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-024-01371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The absence of a definitive cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) emphasizes the crucial need to explore new and improved treatment approaches for this fatal, progressive, and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. As at the end of 2023, five treatments - riluzole, edaravone, dextromethorphan hydrobromide + quinidine sulfate (DHQ), tofersen, and sodium phenylbutyrate-tauroursodeoxycholic acid (PB-TUDCA) - were FDA approved for the treatment of patients with ALS. Among them PB-TUDCA has been shown to impact DNA processing impairments, mitochondria dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and pathologic folded protein agglomeration defects, which have been associated with ALS pathophysiology. The Phase 2 CENTAUR trial demonstrated significant impact of PB-TUDCA on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) risk of death, hospitalization, and the need for tracheostomy or permanent assisted ventilation in patients with ALS based on post hoc analyses. More recently, contrasting with the CENTAUR trial results, results from the Phase 3 PHOENIX trial (NCT05021536) showed no change in ALSFRS-R total score at 48 weeks. Consequently, the sponsor company initiated the process with the US FDA and Health Canada to voluntarily withdraw the marketing authorizations for PB-TUDCA. In the present article, we review ALS pathophysiology, with a focus on PB-TUDCA's proposed mechanisms of action and recent clinical trial results and discuss the implications of conflicting trial data for ALS and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsh Ketabforoush
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, 1030 Hitt St., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Faezeh Faghihi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Azedi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Ariaei
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Amin Habibi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Maryam Khalili
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Haghi Ashtiani
- Department of Neurology, Firouzgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - W David Arnold
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, 1030 Hitt St., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Gale J, Aizenman E. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of copper in the nervous system. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3505-3543. [PMID: 38747014 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16370] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a critical trace element in biological systems due the vast number of essential enzymes that require the metal as a cofactor, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase. Due its key role in oxidative metabolism, antioxidant defence and neurotransmitter synthesis, copper is particularly important for neuronal development and proper neuronal function. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that copper also serves important functions in synaptic and network activity, the regulation of circadian rhythms, and arousal. However, it is important to note that because of copper's ability to redox cycle and generate reactive species, cellular levels of the metal must be tightly regulated to meet cellular needs while avoiding copper-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential that the intricate system of copper transporters, exporters, copper chaperones and copper trafficking proteins function properly and in coordinate fashion. Indeed, disorders of copper metabolism such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease, as well as diseases linked to dysfunction of copper-requiring enzymes, such as SOD1-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, demonstrate the dramatic neurological consequences of altered copper homeostasis. In this review, we explore the physiological importance of copper in the nervous system as well as pathologies related to improper copper handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Gale
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elias Aizenman
- Department of Neurobiology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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40
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Dharmadasa T, Pavey N, Tu S, Menon P, Huynh W, Mahoney CJ, Timmins HC, Higashihara M, van den Bos M, Shibuya K, Kuwabara S, Grosskreutz J, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Novel approaches to assessing upper motor neuron dysfunction in motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 163:68-89. [PMID: 38705104 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.04.010] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Identifying upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction is fundamental to the diagnosis and understanding of disease pathogenesis in motor neuron disease (MND). The clinical assessment of UMN dysfunction may be difficult, particularly in the setting of severe muscle weakness. From a physiological perspective, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques provide objective biomarkers of UMN dysfunction in MND and may also be useful to interrogate cortical and network function. Single, paired- and triple pulse TMS techniques have yielded novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MND, and have provided important pathogenic insights, particularly pertaining to site of disease onset. Cortical hyperexcitability, as heralded by reduced short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and increased short interval intracortical facilitation, has been associated with the onset of lower motor neuron degeneration, along with patterns of disease spread, development of specific clinical features such as the split hand phenomenon, and may provide an indication about the rate of disease progression. Additionally, reduction of SICI has emerged as a potential diagnostic aid in MND. The triple stimulation technique (TST) was shown to enhance the diagnostic utility of conventional TMS measures in detecting UMN dysfunction in MND. Separately, sophisticated brain imaging techniques have uncovered novel biomarkers of neurodegeneration that have bene associated with progression. The present review will discuss the utility of TMS and brain neuroimaging derived biomarkers of UMN dysfunction in MND, focusing on recently developed TMS techniques and advanced neuroimaging modalities that interrogate structural and functional integrity of the corticomotoneuronal system, with an emphasis on pathogenic, diagnostic, and prognostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanuja Dharmadasa
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital City Campus, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nathan Pavey
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sicong Tu
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Parvathi Menon
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Huynh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Colin J Mahoney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Hannah C Timmins
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Mana Higashihara
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mehdi van den Bos
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kazumoto Shibuya
- Neurology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Neurology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Precision Neurology, Excellence Cluster Precision Medicine in Inflammation, University of Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Bjelica B, Bartels MB, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Petri S. Non-motor symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current state and future directions. J Neurol 2024; 271:3953-3977. [PMID: 38805053 PMCID: PMC11233299 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12455-5] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. A defining histopathological feature in approximately 97% of all ALS cases is the accumulation of phosphorylated trans-activation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 protein (pTDP-43) aggregates in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system. Traditionally, it was believed that the accumulation of TDP-43 aggregates and subsequent neurodegeneration primarily occurs in motor neurons. However, contemporary evidence suggests that as the disease progresses, other systems and brain regions are also affected. Despite this, there has been a limited number of clinical studies assessing the non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. These studies often employ various outcome measures, resulting in a wide range of reported frequencies of non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. The importance of assessing the non-motor symptoms reflects in a fact that they have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, yet they frequently go underdiagnosed and unreported during clinical evaluations. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge concerning non-motor symptoms in ALS. Furthermore, we address their diagnosis and treatment in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Bjelica
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Maj-Britt Bartels
- Precision Neurology of Neuromuscular and Motoneuron Diseases, University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jasper Hesebeck-Brinckmann
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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42
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Ludolph AC, Corcia P, Desnuelle C, Heiman-Patterson T, Mora JS, Mansfield CD, Couratier P. Categorization of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population via the clinical determinant of post-onset ΔFS for study design and medical practice. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:36-41. [PMID: 38712849 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28101] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) has become the most widely utilized measure of disease severity in patients with ALS, with change in ALSFRS-R from baseline being a trusted primary outcome measure in ALS clinical trials. This is despite the scale having several established limitations, and although alternative scales have been proposed, it is unlikely that these will displace ALSFRS-R in the foreseeable future. Here, we discuss the merits of delta FS (ΔFS), the slope or rate of ALSFRS-R decline over time, as a relevant tool for innovative ALS study design, with an as yet untapped potential for optimization of drug effectiveness and patient management. In our view, categorization of the ALS population via the clinical determinant of post-onset ΔFS is an important study design consideration. It serves not only as a critical stratification factor and basis for patient enrichment but also as a tool to explore differences in treatment response across the overall population; thereby, facilitating identification of responder subgroups. Moreover, because post-onset ΔFS is derived from information routinely collected as part of standard patient care and monitoring, it provides a suitable patient selection tool for treating physicians. Overall, post-onset ΔFS is a very attractive enrichment tool that is, can and should be regularly incorporated into ALS trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Le Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares SLA, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France
| | - Claude Desnuelle
- Centre de Référence Maladies Neuromusculaires/SLA, Neurosciences Department, CHU Nice-University Nice-Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Terry Heiman-Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Philippe Couratier
- Centre de Référence SLA et Autres Maladies du Motoneurone, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France
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De La Cruz E, Esselin F, Polge A, Mouzat K, Guissart C. Most SOD1 mutations are pathogenic, and their identification can lead to early access to treatment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024:jnnp-2024-333939. [PMID: 38925911 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa De La Cruz
- University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Esselin
- University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Polge
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, Nimes, France
| | - Kévin Mouzat
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, Nimes, France
| | - Claire Guissart
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nimes, Nimes, France
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44
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Wilton-Clark H, Yan E, Yokota T. Preparing for Patient-Customized N-of-1 Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy to Treat Rare Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:821. [PMID: 39062600 PMCID: PMC11275492 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070821] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of developing therapies to treat rare diseases is fraught with financial, regulatory, and logistical challenges that have limited our ability to build effective treatments. Recently, a novel type of therapy called antisense therapy has shown immense potential for the treatment of rare diseases, particularly through single-patient N-of-1 trials. Several N-of-1 antisense therapies have been developed recently for rare diseases, including the landmark study of milasen. In response to the success of N-of-1 antisense therapy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed unique guidelines specifically for the development of antisense therapy to treat N-of-1 rare diseases. This policy change establishes a strong foundation for future therapy development and addresses some of the major limitations that previously hindered the development of therapies for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Wilton-Clark
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Eric Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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45
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Jiang Q, Lin J, Wei Q, Yang T, Hou Y, Zhang L, Ou R, Xiao Y, Wang S, Zheng X, Li C, Shang H. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with various gene mutations show diverse motor phenotypes and survival in China. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2024-109909. [PMID: 38886047 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-109909] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Genetic factors have a substantial impact on ALS. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between genotype (SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, C9orf72) and phenotype in ALS. METHODS Genetic analysis was performed on 2038 patients with ALS, among which 1696 patients with sporadic ALS (SALS) as controls for genotype-phenotype analysis, and 1602 SALS as controls for survival analysis. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 172 patients with ALS with the gene mutations were included in the statistical analysis (SOD1, n=65; FUS, n=43; TARDBP, n=27; C9orf72, n=37). SOD1 mutations were more frequent in flail leg phenotype (OR 7.317, p=0.001) and less in bulbar phenotype (OR 0.222, p=0.038). C9orf72 expansions exhibited higher frequency in bulbar phenotype (OR 2.770, p=0.008). SOD1 and FUS mutations were significantly associated with earlier age of onset (HR 2.039, p<0.001; HR 1.762, p=0.001). The patients with SOD1 mutations, C9orf72 expansions and those carrying pathogenic FUS mutations had significantly increased death risk (HR 2.217, p<0.001; HR 1.694, p=0.008; HR 1.652, p=0.036). The increased risk of death in ALS with C9orf72 expansions was significant in females (HR 2.419, p=0.014) but not in males (HR 1.442, p=0.128). CONCLUSION Our study revealed distinct motor phenotypic tendencies in patients with ALS with different genotypes, indicating variations in the vulnerability of motor neurons during the disease's progression. Furthermore, we made novel discoveries regarding survival of different gene mutations, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianmi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanbing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shichan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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46
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Mielke JK, Klingeborn M, Schultz EP, Markham EL, Reese ED, Alam P, Mackenzie IR, Ly CV, Caughey B, Cashman NR, Leavens MJ. Seeding activity of human superoxide dismutase 1 aggregates in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis postmortem neural tissues by real-time quaking-induced conversion. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:100. [PMID: 38884646 PMCID: PMC11182821 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02752-8] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with average lifespan of 2-5 years after diagnosis. The identification of novel prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers are needed to facilitate therapeutic development. Metalloprotein human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is known to accumulate and form aggregates in patient neural tissue with familial ALS linked to mutations in their SOD1 gene. Aggregates of SOD1 have also been detected in other forms of ALS, including the sporadic form and the most common familial form linked to abnormal hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene. Here, we report the development of a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) seed amplification assay using a recombinant human SOD1 substrate to measure SOD1 seeding activity in postmortem spinal cord and motor cortex tissue from persons with different ALS etiologies. Our SOD1 RT-QuIC assay detected SOD1 seeds in motor cortex and spinal cord dilutions down to 10-5. Importantly, we detected SOD1 seeding activity in specimens from both sporadic and familial ALS cases, with the latter having mutations in either their SOD1 or C9ORF72 genes. Analyses of RT-QuIC parameters indicated similar lag phases in spinal cords of sporadic and familial ALS patients, but higher ThT fluorescence maxima by SOD1 familial ALS specimens and sporadic ALS thoracic cord specimens. For a subset of sporadic ALS patients, motor cortex and spinal cords were examined, with seeding activity in both anatomical regions. Our results suggest SOD1 seeds are in ALS patient neural tissues not linked to SOD1 mutation, suggesting that SOD1 seeding activity may be a promising biomarker, particularly in sporadic ALS cases for whom genetic testing is uninformative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Mielke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, USA
| | - Mikael Klingeborn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, USA
| | - Eric P Schultz
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive ISB #106, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Erin L Markham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, USA
| | - Emily D Reese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, USA
| | - Parvez Alam
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Ian R Mackenzie
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Cindy V Ly
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Moses J Leavens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, USA.
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47
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Bowser R, An J, Mehta L, Chen J, Timmons J, Cudkowicz M, Paganoni S. Effect of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol on plasma concentrations of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: results from the CENTAUR trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:605-608. [PMID: 38050066 PMCID: PMC11187356 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332106] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An oral sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol combination (PB and TURSO) significantly reduced functional decline in people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the CENTAUR trial. Biomarkers linking clinical therapeutic effect with biological changes are of high interest in ALS. We performed analyses of neuroinflammatory biomarkers associated with ALS in the literature, including YKL-40 (also known as chitinase-3-like protein 1), chitinase 1 (CHIT1) and C reactive protein (CRP), in plasma samples collected in CENTAUR. METHODS Log10-transformed plasma biomarker measurements were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. Correlation between paired biomarker concentrations and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) total scores was assessed via Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS By week 24, geometric least squares mean YKL-40 plasma concentration decreased by approximately 20% (p=0.008) and CRP by 30% (p=0.048) in the PB and TURSO versus placebo group. YKL-40 (r of -0.21; p<0.0001) and CRP (r of -0.19; p=0.0002) concentration correlated with ALSFRS-R total score. CHIT1 levels were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS YKL-40 and CRP plasma levels were significantly reduced in participants with ALS receiving PB and TURSO in CENTAUR and correlated with disease progression. These findings suggest YKL-40 and CRP could be treatment-sensitive biomarkers in ALS, pending further confirmatory studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03127514.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Bowser
- Departments of Neurology and Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- nVector, Inc, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jiyan An
- Departments of Neurology and Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- nVector, Inc, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Lahar Mehta
- Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junliang Chen
- Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jamie Timmons
- Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Merit Cudkowicz
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS & the Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS & the Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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48
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Thulasidharan A, Garg L, Tendulkar S, Ratnaparkhi GS. Age-dependent dynamics of neuronal VAPB ALS inclusions in the adult brain. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106517. [PMID: 38679111 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106517] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord in the ageing human. The dying neurons contain cytoplasmic inclusions linked to the onset and progression of the disease. Here, we use a Drosophila model of ALS8 (VAPP58S) to understand the modulation of these inclusions in the ageing adult brain. The adult VAPP58S fly shows progressive deterioration in motor function till its demise 25 days post-eclosion. The density of VAPP58S-positive brain inclusions is stable for 5-15 days of age. In contrast, adding a single copy of VAPWT to the VAPP58S animal leads to a large decrease in inclusion density with concomitant rescue of motor function and lifespan. ER stress, a contributing factor in disease, shows reduction with ageing for the disease model. Autophagy, rather than the Ubiquitin Proteasome system, is the dominant mechanism for aggregate clearance. We explored the ability of Drosophila Valosin-containing protein (VCP/TER94), the ALS14 locus, which is involved in cellular protein clearance, to regulate age-dependent aggregation. Contrary to expectation, TER94 overexpression increased VAPP58S punctae density, while its knockdown led to enhanced clearance. Expression of a dominant positive allele, TER94R152H, further stabilised VAPP58S puncta, cementing roles for an ALS8-ALS14 axis. Our results are explained by a mechanism where autophagy is modulated by TER94 knockdown. Our study sheds light on the complex regulatory events involved in the neuronal maintenance of ALS8 aggregates, suggesting a context-dependent switch between proteasomal and autophagy-based mechanisms as the larvae develop into an adult. A deeper understanding of the nucleation and clearance of the inclusions, which affect cellular stress and function, is essential for understanding the initiation and progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Thulasidharan
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Lovleen Garg
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Shweta Tendulkar
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Girish S Ratnaparkhi
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India.
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49
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Oh HSH, Le Guen Y, Rappoport N, Urey DY, Rutledge J, Brunet A, Greicius MD, Wyss-Coray T. Plasma proteomics in the UK Biobank reveals youthful brains and immune systems promote healthspan and longevity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597771. [PMID: 38915561 PMCID: PMC11195058 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Organ-derived plasma protein signatures derived from aptamer protein arrays track organ-specific aging, disease, and mortality in humans, but the robustness and clinical utility of these models and their biological underpinnings remain unknown. Here, we estimate biological age of 11 organs from 44,526 individuals in the UK Biobank using an antibody-based proteomics platform to model disease and mortality risk. Organ age estimates are associated with future onset of heart failure (heart age HR=1.83), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung age HR=1.39), type II diabetes (kidney age HR=1.58), and Alzheimer's disease (brain age HR=1.81) and sensitive to lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise, hormone replacement therapy, or supplements. Remarkably, the accrual of aged organs progressively increases mortality risk while a youthful brain and immune system are uniquely associated with disease-free longevity. These findings support the use of plasma proteins for monitoring organ health and the efficacy of drugs targeting organ aging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamilton Se-Hwee Oh
- Graduate Program in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yann Le Guen
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Deniz Yagmur Urey
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jarod Rutledge
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael D. Greicius
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tony Wyss-Coray
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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50
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Matsubayashi T, Yoshioka K, Lei Mon SS, Katsuyama M, Jia C, Yamaguchi T, Hara RI, Nagata T, Nakagawa O, Obika S, Yokota T. Favorable efficacy and reduced acute neurotoxicity by antisense oligonucleotides with 2',4'-BNA/LNA with 9-(aminoethoxy)phenoxazine. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102161. [PMID: 38978695 PMCID: PMC11229412 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
An increasing number of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have been approved for clinical use. However, improvements of both efficacy and safety in the central nervous system (CNS) are crucial for the treatment with CNS diseases. We aimed to overcome the crucial issues by our development of various gapmer ASOs with a novel nucleoside derivative including a 2',4'-BNA/LNA with 9-(aminoethoxy)phenoxazine (BNAP-AEO). The various gapmer ASOs with BNAP-AEO were evaluated for thermal stability, in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and acute CNS toxicity. Thermal stability analysis of the duplexes with their complementary RNAs showed that ASOs with BNAP-AEO had a higher binding affinity than those without BNAP-AEO. In vitro assays, when transfected into neuroblastoma cell lines, demonstrated that ASOs with BNAP-AEO, had a more efficient gene silencing effect than those without BNAP-AEO. In vivo assays, involving intracerebroventricular injections into mice, revealed ASOs with BNAP-AEO potently suppressed gene expression in the brain. Surprisingly, the acute CNS toxicity in mice, as assessed through open field tests and scoring systems, was significantly lower for ASOs with BNAP-AEO than for those without BNAP-AEO. This study underscores the efficient gene-silencing effect and low acute CNS toxicity of ASOs incorporating BNAP-AEO, indicating the potential for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Matsubayashi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshioka
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Su Su Lei Mon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Maho Katsuyama
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Chunyan Jia
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takao Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Rintaro Iwata Hara
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, 180 Nishihamahoji, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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