451
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Glucocorticoids exacerbate cognitive deficits in TDP-25 transgenic mice via a glutathione-mediated mechanism: implications for aging, stress and TDP-43 proteinopathies. J Neurosci 2013; 33:906-13. [PMID: 23325230 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3314-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of TDP-43 (transactive response DNA-binding protein 43) and its 25 kDa C-terminal fragment (TDP-25) is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The majority of FTLD-TDP cases are due to loss of function mutations in the gene encoding progranulin, a secreted growth factor. In ALS, specific mutations in the gene encoding TDP-43 have been linked to the disease pathogenesis. In both cases, however, the penetrance of the mutations greatly increases during aging, suggesting that other genetic or environmental factors may facilitate the development of the disease. Using transgenic mice that overexpress the 25 kDa C-terminal fragment of TDP-43, here we show that glucocorticoids, stress hormones known to increase the brain susceptibility to neurotoxic insults, increase the levels of soluble TDP-25 and exacerbate cognitive deficits, without altering full-length TDP-43 levels. Additionally, we show that the mechanism underlying the glucocorticoid-mediated increase in TDP-25 levels is coupled to changes in the glutathione redox state. Glutathione is an antioxidant involved in protecting cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species; notably, alterations in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, which is the primary determinant of the cellular redox state, are associated with aging and neurodegeneration. We show that restoring the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione blocks the glucocorticoid effects on TDP-25. These data show that glucocorticoids potentiate the neurotoxic action of TDP-25 by increasing its levels and clearly indicate the role of cellular oxidative damage in this process.
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452
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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453
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Figley MD, Gitler AD. Yeast genetic screen reveals novel therapeutic strategy for ALS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 1:e24420. [PMID: 25002991 PMCID: PMC3933050 DOI: 10.4161/rdis.24420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a selective loss of motor neurons. There is no cure and few effective treatments. The RNA-binding protein TDP-43 contributes to the pathogenesis of ALS. TDP-43 is depleted from the nucleus and accumulates in cytoplasmic aggregates in the degenerating neurons and glia of most ALS patients. Furthermore, mutations in the TDP-43 gene cause rare familial and sporadic forms of the disease. Thus, therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 may be efficacious. We have used the yeast model system to identify the mechanisms by which TDP-43 aggregation contributes to ALS and to identify approaches to protect cells from the toxic effects of TDP-43 aggregation. Using an unbiased yeast genetic screen we discovered Dbr1 as a potent suppressor of TDP-43 toxicity. Yeast cells in which Dbr1 is deleted are resistant to TDP-43 toxicity. Dbr1 inhibition in mammalian cells is also sufficient to protect against TDP-43 cytotoxicity. Here, we review this recent discovery, highlighting future approaches aimed at extending these studies and pursuing Dbr1 as a novel therapeutic target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Figley
- Stanford Neuroscience Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA ; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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454
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Sabatelli M, Conte A, Zollino M. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Genet 2013; 83:408-16. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Zollino
- Istituto di Genetica Medica; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rome; Italy
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455
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Thomas M, Alegre-Abarrategui J, Wade-Martins R. RNA dysfunction and aggrephagy at the centre of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia disease continuum. Brain 2013; 136:1345-60. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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456
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Robberecht W, Philips T. The changing scene of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurosci 2013; 14:248-64. [PMID: 23463272 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 745] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several recent breakthroughs have provided notable insights into the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with some even shifting our thinking about this neurodegenerative disease and raising the question as to whether this disorder is a proteinopathy, a ribonucleopathy or both. In addition, these breakthroughs have revealed mechanistic links between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, as well as between ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as the cerebellar atrophies, myotonic dystrophy and inclusion body myositis. Here, we summarize the new findings in ALS research, discuss what they have taught us about this disease and examine issues that are still outstanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Robberecht
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB Vesalius Research Center, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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457
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Holmes BB, Diamond MI. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and organ donation: is there risk of disease transmission? Ann Neurol 2013; 72:832-6. [PMID: 23280834 DOI: 10.1002/ana.23684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A new protocol suggests that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are a viable source of tissue for organ transplantation. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that many neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, might progress due to transcellular propagation of protein aggregation among neurons. Transmission of the disease state from donor to host thus may be possible under the permissive circumstances of graft transplantation. We argue for careful patient selection and close longitudinal follow-up of recipients when harvesting organs from individuals with neurodegenerative disease, especially dominantly inherited forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon B Holmes
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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458
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Prediction of functional loss of human angiogenin mutants associated with ALS by molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1225. [PMID: 23393617 PMCID: PMC3566597 DOI: 10.1038/srep01225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several missense mutations in the coding region of angiogenin (ANG) gene have been identified in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. These mutations lead to loss of either ribonucleolytic activity or nuclear translocation activity or both of ANG (protein encoded by ANG gene) causing ALS. We present here a cohesive and comprehensive picture of the molecular origins of functional loss of all ALS associated ANG mutants, emerging via extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our method effectively predicts that conformational change of His114 results in loss of ribonucleolytic activity and that reduction of solvent accessible surface area of nuclear localization signal residues 31RRR33 results in loss of nuclear translocation activity. These predictions hold true, without exception, for all ANG mutants studied and can be employed to infer whether a new ANG mutation is causative of ALS or benign ahead of experimental findings.
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459
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Intricate interplay between astrocytes and motor neurons in ALS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E756-65. [PMID: 23388633 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1222361110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS results from the selective and progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Although the underlying disease mechanisms remain unknown, glial cells have been implicated in ALS disease progression. Here, we examine the effects of glial cell/motor neuron interactions on gene expression using the hSOD1(G93A) (the G93A allele of the human superoxide dismutase gene) mouse model of ALS. We detect striking cell autonomous and nonautonomous changes in gene expression in cocultured motor neurons and glia, revealing that the two cell types profoundly affect each other. In addition, we found a remarkable concordance between the cell culture data and expression profiles of whole spinal cords and acutely isolated spinal cord cells during disease progression in the G93A mouse model, providing validation of the cell culture approach. Bioinformatics analyses identified changes in the expression of specific genes and signaling pathways that may contribute to motor neuron degeneration in ALS, among which are TGF-β signaling pathways.
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460
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Qin H, Wang W, Song J. ALS-causing P56S mutation and splicing variation on the hVAPB MSP domain transform its β-sandwich fold into lipid-interacting helical conformations. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 431:398-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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461
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462
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Structural and molecular insights into the mechanism of action of human angiogenin-ALS variants in neurons. Nat Commun 2013; 3:1121. [PMID: 23047679 PMCID: PMC3493651 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in angiogenin (ANG), a member of the ribonuclease A superfamily, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; sporadic and familial) and Parkinson's disease. We have previously shown that ANG is expressed in neurons during neuro-ectodermal differentiation, and that it has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions. Here we report the atomic resolution structure of native ANG and 11 ANG-ALS variants. We correlate the structural changes to the effects on neuronal survival and the ability to induce stress granules in neuronal cell lines. ANG-ALS variants that affect the structure of the catalytic site and either decrease or increase the RNase activity affect neuronal survival. Neuronal cell lines expressing the ANG-ALS variants also lack the ability to form stress granules. Our structure–function studies on these ANG-ALS variants are the first to provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their role in ALS. Mutations in human angiogenin are implicated in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thiyagarajan and colleagues show that structural differences between angiogenin variants affect neuronal survival, and the ability to induce stress granules in neuronal cell lines.
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463
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Tsuiji H, Iguchi Y, Furuya A, Kataoka A, Hatsuta H, Atsuta N, Tanaka F, Hashizume Y, Akatsu H, Murayama S, Sobue G, Yamanaka K. Spliceosome integrity is defective in the motor neuron diseases ALS and SMA. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:221-34. [PMID: 23255347 PMCID: PMC3569639 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201202303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two motor neuron diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), are caused by distinct genes involved in RNA metabolism, TDP-43 and FUS/TLS, and SMN, respectively. However, whether there is a shared defective mechanism in RNA metabolism common to these two diseases remains unclear. Here, we show that TDP-43 and FUS/TLS localize in nuclear Gems through an association with SMN, and that all three proteins function in spliceosome maintenance. We also show that in ALS, Gems are lost, U snRNA levels are up-regulated and spliceosomal U snRNPs abnormally and extensively accumulate in motor neuron nuclei, but not in the temporal lobe of FTLD with TDP-43 pathology. This aberrant accumulation of U snRNAs in ALS motor neurons is in direct contrast to SMA motor neurons, which show reduced amounts of U snRNAs, while both have defects in the spliceosome. These findings indicate that a profound loss of spliceosome integrity is a critical mechanism common to neurodegeneration in ALS and SMA, and may explain cell-type specific vulnerability of motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Tsuiji
- Laboratory for Motor Neuron Disease, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
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464
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Tokuda E, Okawa E, Watanabe S, Ono SI, Marklund SL. Dysregulation of intracellular copper homeostasis is common to transgenic mice expressing human mutant superoxide dismutase-1s regardless of their copper-binding abilities. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 54:308-19. [PMID: 23321002 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 170 mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The properties of SOD1 mutants differ considerably including copper-binding abilities. Nevertheless, they cause the same disease phenotype, suggesting a common neurotoxic pathway. We have previously reported that copper homeostasis is disturbed in spinal cords of SOD1(G93A) mice. However, it is unknown whether copper dyshomeostasis is induced by other SOD1 mutants. Using the additional mouse strains SOD1(G127insTGGG), SOD1(G85R), and SOD1(D90A), which express SOD1 mutants with different copper-binding abilities, we show that copper dyshomeostasis is common to SOD1 mutants. The SOD1 mutants shifted the copper trafficking systems toward copper accumulation in spinal cords of the mice. Copper contents bound to the SOD1 active site varied considerably between SOD1 mutants. Still, copper bound to other ligands in the spinal cord were markedly increased in all. Zinc was also increased, whereas there were no changes in magnesium, calcium, aluminum, manganese and iron. Further support for a role of copper dyshomeostasis in ALS was gained from results of pharmacological intervention. Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), a copper chelating agent, prolonged survival and slowed the disease progression of SOD1(G93A) mice, even when the treatment was started after the disease onset. TTM markedly attenuated pathology, including the loss of motor neurons and axons, and atrophy of skeletal muscles. Additionally, TTM decreased amounts of SOD1 aggregates. We propose that pharmacological agents that are capable of modulating copper dyshomeostasis, such as TTM, might be beneficial for the treatment of ALS caused by SOD1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Tokuda
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Building 6M, Umeå, SE 901 85, Sweden
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465
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Czell D, Andersen PM, Morita M, Neuwirth C, Perren F, Weber M. Phenotypes in Swiss patients with familial ALS carrying TARDBP mutations. NEURODEGENER DIS 2013; 12:150-5. [PMID: 23327806 DOI: 10.1159/000345835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, mutations in the TARDBP gene encoding the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been identified in some familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and sporadic ALS patients. The phenotype and frequency of TARDBP mutation carriers reportedly varies greatly among European populations. OBJECTIVE To define the phenotypic spectrum of TARDBP mutations and their frequency in a Swiss population. METHODS A total of 225 patients diagnosed with ALS (182 sporadic cases, 43 familial cases) were screened for TARDBP mutations. All patients were carefully examined and interviewed for a familial predisposition. Except for 1 patient who was followed at the University of Geneva, all patients were followed at the Kantonsspital St. Gallen. RESULTS 43 patients (19.5%) had a definite family history for ALS. A TARDBP mutation was identified in 4 of these (9.3%). Two female ALS patients carried the p.Asn352Ser mutation. Both had limb onset and a slowly progressive course of the disease. A novel mutation (p.Gly376Asp) was identified in a 44-year-old female patient. Survival amongst affected family members varied between 6 and 18 months. The patient and also the other siblings affected with ALS had an accessory nipple. A fourth male patient carried the p.Ala90Val mutation. None of the patients had overt cognitive impairment. TARDBP mutations were not found among patients with sporadic forms of ALS. CONCLUSION In this Swiss population, the frequency of familial ALS is higher than reported earlier in other populations. The novel p.Gly376Asp TARDBP mutation is associated with rapid disease progression and may be associated with an accessory nipple while the p.Asn352Ser mutation is associated with slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Czell
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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466
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Pfister T, Sekhon R, White M, Scott P, Munro S, Johnston M, Kalra S, Korngut L. Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Alberta, Canada. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:273-7. [PMID: 23286750 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2012.754044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systematic review data demonstrate that 5% of ALS cases are familial (FALS). Causative superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) mutations are identified in 10-20% of FALS. Few reports of FALS epidemiology exist in Canada. We completed a retrospective review of all FALS cases within the province of Alberta between 2002 and 2011. Descriptive summaries of genotypes identified and calculation of prevalences were performed. We reviewed 946 clinic database records and 49 subjects with FALS were identified (5.2%). Clinic charts for 47/49 were available and reviewed. Causative SOD1 mutations were observed in 17/47 (36%). The SOD1 I113T mutation was identified in 11/47 unrelated patients and was associated with a less variable survival than previously reported. The period and point prevalences of FALS in Alberta are approximately 2.05 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.51-2.73) and 4.68 per 1,000,000 (95% CI 2.42-8.18), respectively. In conclusion, we report 47 cases of FALS in Alberta over the past decade. The proportion of SOD1-positive FALS cases is higher than reported elsewhere. The high proportion of I113T mutations is comparable to that previously observed in the adjacent province of British Columbia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Pfister
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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467
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Qiu L, Qiao T, Beers M, Tan W, Wang H, Yang B, Xu Z. Widespread aggregation of mutant VAPB associated with ALS does not cause motor neuron degeneration or modulate mutant SOD1 aggregation and toxicity in mice. Mol Neurodegener 2013; 8:1. [PMID: 23281774 PMCID: PMC3538568 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-8-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proline-to-serine substitution at position-56 (P56S) of vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB) causes a form of dominantly inherited motor neuron disease (MND), including typical and atypical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a mild late-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). VAPB is an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein and has been implicated in various cellular processes, including ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) and Ca2+ homeostasis. However, it is unclear how the P56S mutation leads to neurodegeneration and muscle atrophy in patients. The formation of abnormal VAPB-positive inclusions by mutant VAPB suggests a possible toxic gain of function as an underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the amount of VAPB protein is reported to be reduced in sporadic ALS patients and mutant SOD1G93A mice, leading to the hypothesis that wild type VAPB plays a role in the pathogenesis of ALS without VAPB mutations. RESULTS To investigate the pathogenic mechanism in vivo, we generated human wild type (wtVAPB) and mutant VAPB (muVAPB) transgenic mice that expressed the transgenes broadly in the CNS. We observed robust VAPB-positive aggregates in the spinal cord of muVAPB transgenic mice. However, we failed to find an impairment of motor function and motor neuron degeneration. We also did not detect any change in the endogenous VAPB level or evidence for induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and coaggregation of VAPA with muVAPB. Furthermore, we crossed these VAPB transgenic mice with mice that express mutant SOD1G93A and develop motor neuron degeneration. Overexpression of neither wtVAPB nor muVAPB modulated the protein aggregation and disease progression in the SOD1G93A mice. CONCLUSION Overexpression of VAPBP56S mutant to approximately two-fold of the endogenous VAPB in mouse spinal cord produced abundant VAPB aggregates but was not sufficient to cause motor dysfunction or motor neuron degeneration. Furthermore, overexpression of either muVAPB or wtVAPB does not modulate the course of ALS in SOD1G93A mice. These results suggest that changes in wild type VAPB do not play a significant role in ALS cases that are not caused by VAPB mutations. Furthermore, these results suggest that muVAPB aggregates are innocuous and do not cause motor neuron degeneration by a gain-of-toxicity, and therefore, a loss of function may be the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghua Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01602, USA.
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468
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Carman A, Kishinevsky S, Koren J, Lou W, Chiosis G. Chaperone-dependent Neurodegeneration: A Molecular Perspective on Therapeutic Intervention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 2013. [PMID: 25258700 PMCID: PMC4172285 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0460.s10-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of cellular homeostasis is regulated by the molecular chaperones. Under pathogenic conditions, aberrant proteins are triaged by the chaperone network. These aberrant proteins, known as "clients," have major roles in the pathogenesis of numerous neurological disorders, including tau in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein and LRRK2 in Parkinson's disease, SOD-1, TDP-43 and FUS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and polyQ-expanded proteins such as huntingtin in Huntington's disease. Recent work has demonstrated that the use of chemical compounds which inhibit the activity of molecular chaperones subsequently alter the fate of aberrant clients. Inhibition of Hsp90 and Hsc70, two major molecular chaperones, has led to a greater understanding of how chaperone triage decisions are made and how perturbing the chaperone system can promote clearance of these pathogenic clients. Described here are major pathways and components of several prominent neurological disorders. Also discussed is how treatment with chaperone inhibitors, predominately Hsp90 inhibitors which are selective for a diseased state, can relieve the burden of aberrant client signaling in these neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Carman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Kishinevsky
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Koren
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenjie Lou
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
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469
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Winkler EA, Sengillo JD, Sullivan JS, Henkel JS, Appel SH, Zlokovic BV. Blood-spinal cord barrier breakdown and pericyte reductions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 125:111-20. [PMID: 22941226 PMCID: PMC3535352 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) limit the entry of plasma components and erythrocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). Pericytes play a key role in maintaining blood-CNS barriers. The BSCB is damaged in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, transgenic ALS rodents and pericyte-deficient mice develop BSCB disruption with erythrocyte extravasation preceding motor neuron dysfunction. Here, we studied whether BSCB disruption with erythrocyte extravasation and pericyte loss are present in human ALS. We show that 11 of 11 cervical cords from ALS patients, but 0 of 5 non-neurodegenerative disorders controls, possess perivascular deposits of erythrocyte-derived hemoglobin and hemosiderin typically 10-50 μm in diameter suggestive of erythrocyte extravasation. Immunostaining for CD235a, a specific marker for erythrocytes, confirmed sporadic erythrocyte extravasation in ALS, but not controls. Quantitative analysis revealed a 3.1-fold increase in perivascular hemoglobin deposits in ALS compared to controls showing hemoglobin confined within the vascular lumen, which correlated with 2.5-fold increase in hemosiderin deposits (r = 0.82, p < 0.01). Spinal cord parenchymal accumulation of plasma-derived immunoglobulin G, fibrin and thrombin was demonstrated in ALS, but not controls. Immunostaining for platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, a specific marker for CNS pericytes, indicated a 54 % (p < 0.01) reduction in pericyte number in ALS patients compared to controls. Pericyte reduction correlated negatively with the magnitude of BSCB damage as determined by hemoglobin abundance (r = -0.75, p < 0.01). Thus, the BSCB disruption with erythrocyte extravasation and pericyte reductions is present in ALS. Whether similar findings occur in motor cortex and affected brainstem motor nuclei remain to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A. Winkler
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Room: 101, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Jesse D. Sengillo
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Room: 101, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - John S. Sullivan
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Room: 101, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Jenny S. Henkel
- Department of Neurology, Methodist Neurological Institute, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Stanley H. Appel
- Department of Neurology, Methodist Neurological Institute, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Room: 101, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
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470
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Chiu CT, Wang Z, Hunsberger JG, Chuang DM. Therapeutic potential of mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid: beyond bipolar disorder. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:105-42. [PMID: 23300133 PMCID: PMC3565922 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid (VPA) are traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder (BD), a severe mental illness arising from complex interactions between genes and environment that drive deficits in cellular plasticity and resiliency. The therapeutic potential of these drugs in other central nervous system diseases is also gaining support. This article reviews the various mechanisms of action of lithium and VPA gleaned from cellular and animal models of neurologic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical evidence is included when available to provide a comprehensive perspective of the field and to acknowledge some of the limitations of these treatments. First, the review describes how action at these drugs' primary targets--glycogen synthase kinase-3 for lithium and histone deacetylases for VPA--induces the transcription and expression of neurotrophic, angiogenic, and neuroprotective proteins. Cell survival signaling cascades, oxidative stress pathways, and protein quality control mechanisms may further underlie lithium and VPA's beneficial actions. The ability of cotreatment to augment neuroprotection and enhance stem cell homing and migration is also discussed, as are microRNAs as new therapeutic targets. Finally, preclinical findings have shown that the neuroprotective benefits of these agents facilitate anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and disease-specific neuroprotection. These mechanisms can be compared with dysregulated disease mechanisms to suggest core cellular and molecular disturbances identifiable by specific risk biomarkers. Future clinical endeavors are warranted to determine the therapeutic potential of lithium and VPA across the spectrum of central nervous system diseases, with particular emphasis on a personalized medicine approach toward treating these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Tso Chiu
- Molecular Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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471
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Molecular imaging of microglial activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52941. [PMID: 23300829 PMCID: PMC3534121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence of activated microglia and inflammatory processes in the cerebral cortex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Activated microglia is characterized by increased expression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in the brain and may be a useful biomarker of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated neuroinflammation in ALS patients using a radioligand of TSPO, 18F-DPA-714. Ten patients with probable or definite ALS (all right-handed, without dementia, and untreated by riluzole or other medication that might bias the binding on the TSPO), were enrolled prospectively and eight healthy controls matched for age underwent a PET study. Comparison of the distribution volume ratios between both groups were performed using a Mann-Whitney’s test. Significant increase of distribution of volume ratios values corresponding to microglial activation was found in the ALS sample in primary motor, supplementary motor and temporal cortex (p = 0.009, p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). These results suggested that the cortical uptake of 18F-DPA-714 was increased in ALS patients during the “time of diagnosis” phase of the disease. This finding might improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS and might be a surrogate marker of efficacy of treatment on microglial activation.
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472
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Rayaprolu S, Fujioka S, Traynor S, Soto-Ortolaza AI, Petrucelli L, Dickson DW, Rademakers R, Boylan KB, Graff-Radford NR, Uitti RJ, Wszolek ZK, Ross OA. TARDBP mutations in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012; 19:312-5. [PMID: 23231971 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations of the TARDBP gene encoding TDP-43 protein have been shown to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and have been reported to present with clinical heterogeneity including parkinsonism. In addition, TDP-43 pathology has been observed across a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Herein we report the presence of a TDP-43 mutation in a patient with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The TDP-43 p.N267S substitution has been previously implicated in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Our findings widen the phenotypic presentation for the TDP-43 p.N267S substitution and support a possible role for rare TDP-43 mutations presenting with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruti Rayaprolu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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473
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Waibel S, Neumann M, Rosenbohm A, Birve A, Volk AE, Weishaupt JH, Meyer T, Müller U, Andersen PM, Ludolph AC. Truncating mutations in FUS/TLS give rise to a more aggressive ALS-phenotype than missense mutations: a clinico-genetic study in Germany. Eur J Neurol 2012; 20:540-546. [PMID: 23217123 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mutations in the FUS/TLS have been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a few percent of patients. METHODS We screened 184 familial (FALS) and 200 sporadic German patients with ALS for FUS/TLS mutations by sequence analysis of exons 5, 6 and 13-15. We compared the phenotypes of patients with different FUS/TLS mutations. RESULTS We identified three missense mutations p.K510R, p.R514G, p.R521H, and the two truncating mutations p.R495X and p.G478LfsX23 in samples from eight pedigrees. Both truncating mutations were associated with young onset and very aggressive disease courses, whereas the p.R521H, p.R514G and in particular the p.K510R mutation showed a milder phenotype with disease durations ranging from 3 years to more than 26 years, the longest reported for a patient with a FUS/TLS mutation. Also, in a pair of monozygous twins with the p.K510R mutation, a remarkable similar disease course was observed. CONCLUSIONS Mutations in FUS/TLS account for 8.7% (16 of 184) of FALS in Germany. This is a higher prevalence than reported from other countries. Truncating FUS/TLS mutations result in a more severe phenotype than most missense mutations. The wide phenotypic differences have implications for genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Waibel
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - M Neumann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Rosenbohm
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Birve
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - A E Volk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - J H Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - T Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Müller
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - P M Andersen
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - A C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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474
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Aoki M, Warita H, Suzuki N, Kato M. [Clinical genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Japan: an update]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2012. [PMID: 23196439 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.52.844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. In familial ALS kinders with mutations in the SOD1 gene, the age of onset of weakness varies greatly but the duration of illness appears to be characteristic to each mutation. Mutations in the fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) gene have been discovered to be associated with familial ALS. In a Japanese family with familial ALS, we found the R521C FUS mutation, which has been reported to be found in various ethnic backgrounds. The family history revealed 23 patients with ALS among 46 family members, suggesting a 100% penetrance rate. They developed muscle weakness at an average age of 35.3 years, and the average age of death was 37.2 years. Neuropathological examination revealed remarkable atrophy of the brainstem tegmentum characterized by cytoplasmic basophilic inclusion bodies in the neurons of the brainstem. The frequency of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 with familial ALS has been estimated as approximately 5% in Japan, although the one Japanese patient was identified as a carrier of the C9ORF72 expansion carried the Finnish risk haplotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital ALS Center
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475
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Braun RJ. Mitochondrion-mediated cell death: dissecting yeast apoptosis for a better understanding of neurodegeneration. Front Oncol 2012; 2:182. [PMID: 23226681 PMCID: PMC3508457 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction are common hallmarks for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington diseases, and the motor neuron disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Damaged mitochondria pivotally contribute to neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death in these disorders, e.g., due to their inability to provide the high energy requirements for neurons, their generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and their induction of mitochondrion-mediated cell death pathways. Therefore, in-depth analyses of the underlying molecular pathways, including cellular mechanisms controlling the maintenance of mitochondrial function, is a prerequisite for a better understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an established model for deciphering mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and the distinct mitochondrial roles during apoptosis and programmed cell death. Cell death upon expression of various human neurotoxic proteins has been characterized in yeast, revealing neurotoxic protein-specific differences. This review summarizes how mitochondria are affected in these neurotoxic yeast models, and how they are involved in the execution and prevention of cell death. I will discuss to which extent this mimics the situation in other neurotoxic model systems, and how this may contribute to a better understanding of the mitochondrial roles in the human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf J Braun
- Institut für Zellbiologie, Universität Bayreuth Bayreuth, Germany
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476
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van Blitterswijk M, Vlam L, van Es MA, van der Pol WL, Hennekam EAM, Dooijes D, Schelhaas HJ, van der Kooi AJ, de Visser M, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Genetic overlap between apparently sporadic motor neuron diseases. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48983. [PMID: 23155438 PMCID: PMC3498376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are devastating motor neuron diseases (MNDs), which result in muscle weakness and/or spasticity. We compared mutation frequencies in genes known to be associated with MNDs between patients with apparently sporadic PMA and ALS. A total of 261 patients with adult-onset sporadic PMA, patients with sporadic ALS, and control subjects of Dutch descent were obtained at national referral centers for neuromuscular diseases in The Netherlands. Sanger sequencing was used to screen these subjects for mutations in the coding regions of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), angiogenin (ANG), fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B). In our cohort of PMA patients we identified two SOD1 mutations (p.D90A, p.I113T), one ANG mutation (p.K17I), one FUS/TLS mutation (p.R521H), one TARDBP mutation (p.N352S), and one novel CHMP2B mutation (p.R69Q). The mutation frequency of these genes was similar in sporadic PMA (2.7%) and ALS (2.0%) patients, and therefore, our findings demonstrate a genetic overlap between apparently sporadic PMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Lotte Vlam
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A. van Es
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W-Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A. M. Hennekam
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Dooijes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helenius J. Schelhaas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke J. van der Kooi
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne de Visser
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H. Veldink
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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477
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Tolino M, Köhrmann M, Kiebler MA. RNA-binding proteins involved in RNA localization and their implications in neuronal diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 35:1818-36. [PMID: 22708593 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Very often, developmental abnormalities or subtle disturbances of neuronal function may yield brain diseases even if they become obvious only late in life. It is therefore our intention to highlight fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell biology with a special emphasis on dendritic mRNA localization including local protein synthesis at the activated synapse. Furthermore, we would like to point out possible links to neuronal or synaptic dysfunction. In particular, we will focus on a series of well-known RNA-binding proteins that are involved in these processes and outline how their dysfunction might yield neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disorders. We are convinced that increasing our understanding of RNA biology in general and the mechanisms underlying mRNA transport and subsequent translation at the synapse will ultimately generate important novel RNA-based tools in the near future that will allow us to hopefully treat some of these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tolino
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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478
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Collins M, Riascos D, Kovalik T, An J, Krupa K, Krupa K, Hood BL, Conrads TP, Renton AE, Traynor BJ, Bowser R. The RNA-binding motif 45 (RBM45) protein accumulates in inclusion bodies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP) patients. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:717-32. [PMID: 22993125 PMCID: PMC3472056 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding protein pathology now represents one of the best characterized pathologic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients with TDP-43 or FUS pathology (FTLD-TDP and FTLD-FUS). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we identified altered levels of the RNA-binding motif 45 (RBM45) protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients. This protein contains sequence similarities to TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) that are contained in cytoplasmic inclusions of ALS and FTLD-TDP or FTLD-FUS patients. To further characterize RBM45, we first verified the presence of RBM45 in CSF and spinal cord tissue extracts of ALS patients by immunoblot. We next used immunohistochemistry to examine the subcellular distribution of RBM45 and observed in a punctate staining pattern within nuclei of neurons and glia in the brain and spinal cord. We also detected RBM45 cytoplasmic inclusions in 91 % of ALS, 100 % of FTLD-TDP and 75 % of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases. The most extensive RBM45 pathology was observed in patients that harbor the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. These RBM45 inclusions were observed in spinal cord motor neurons, glia and neurons of the dentate gyrus. By confocal microscopy, RBM45 co-localizes with ubiquitin and TDP-43 in inclusion bodies. In neurons containing RBM45 cytoplasmic inclusions we often detected the protein in a punctate pattern within the nucleus that lacked either TDP-43 or ubiquitin. We identified RBM45 using a proteomic screen of CSF from ALS and control subjects for candidate biomarkers, and link this RNA-binding protein to inclusion pathology in ALS, FTLD-TDP and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlon Collins
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - David Riascos
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Tina Kovalik
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Jiyan An
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | - Kelly Krupa
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Kristin Krupa
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Brian L. Hood
- Women’s Health Integrated Research Center at Inova Health System, Annandale, VA USA
| | - Thomas P. Conrads
- Women’s Health Integrated Research Center at Inova Health System, Annandale, VA USA
| | - Alan E. Renton
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Bryan J. Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Departments of Neurobiology and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, NRC 4th Floor, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
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479
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Chiò A, Calvo A, Mazzini L, Cantello R, Mora G, Moglia C, Corrado L, D'Alfonso S, Majounie E, Renton A, Pisano F, Ossola I, Brunetti M, Traynor BJ, Restagno G. Extensive genetics of ALS: a population-based study in Italy. Neurology 2012; 79:1983-9. [PMID: 23100398 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182735d36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with mutations of major amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) genes in a prospectively ascertained, population-based epidemiologic series of cases. METHODS The study population includes all ALS cases diagnosed in Piemonte, Italy, from January 2007 to June 2011. Mutations of SOD1, TARDBP, ANG, FUS, OPTN, and C9ORF72 have been assessed. RESULTS Out of the 475 patients included in the study, 51 (10.7%) carried a mutation of an ALS-related gene (C9ORF72, 32; SOD1, 10; TARDBP, 7; FUS, 1; OPTN, 1; ANG, none). A positive family history for ALS or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was found in 46 (9.7%) patients. Thirty-one (67.4%) of the 46 familial cases and 20 (4.7%) of the 429 sporadic cases had a genetic mutation. According to logistic regression modeling, besides a positive family history for ALS or FTD, the chance to carry a genetic mutation was related to the presence of comorbid FTD (odds ratio 3.5; p = 0.001), and age at onset ≤54 years (odds ratio 1.79; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS We have found that ∼11% of patients with ALS carry a genetic mutation, with C9ORF72 being the commonest genetic alteration. Comorbid FTD or a young age at onset are strong indicators of a possible genetic origin of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of Torino and AOU San Giovanni Battista of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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480
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Zetterström P, Graffmo KS, Andersen PM, Brännström T, Marklund SL. Composition of soluble misfolded superoxide dismutase-1 in murine models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuromolecular Med 2012; 15:147-58. [PMID: 23076707 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-012-8204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is mutations in superoxide dismutase-1, which provoke the disease by an unknown mechanism. We have previously found that soluble hydrophobic misfolded mutant human superoxide dismutase-1 species are enriched in the vulnerable spinal cords of transgenic model mice. The levels were broadly inversely correlated with life spans, suggesting involvement in the pathogenesis. Here, we used methods based on antihuman superoxide dismutase-1 peptide antibodies specific for misfolded species to explore the composition and amounts of soluble misfolded human superoxide dismutase-1 in tissue extracts. Mice expressing 5 different human superoxide dismutase-1 variants with widely variable structural characteristics were examined. The levels were generally higher in spinal cords than in other tissues. The major portion of misfolded superoxide dismutase-1 was shown to be monomers lacking the C57-C146 disulfide bond with large hydrodynamic volume, indicating a severely disordered structure. The remainder of the misfolded protein appeared to be non-covalently associated in 130- and 250-kDa complexes. The malleable monomers should be prone to aggregate and associate with other cellular components, and should be easily translocated between compartments. They may be the primary cause of toxicity in superoxide dismutase-1-induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Zetterström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden
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481
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Alavi A, Nafissi S, Rohani M, Zamani B, Sedighi B, Shamshiri H, Fan JB, Ronaghi M, Elahi E. Genetic analysis and SOD1 mutation screening in Iranian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:1516.e1-8. [PMID: 23062701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease, and the most common in European populations. Results of genetic analysis and mutation screening of SOD1 in a cohort of 60 Iranian ALS patients are here reported. Initially, linkage analysis in 4 families identified a disease-linked locus that included the known ALS gene, SOD1. Screening of SOD1 identified homozygous p.Asp90Ala causing mutations in all the linked families. Haplotype analysis suggests that the p.Asp90Ala alleles in the Iranian patients might share a common founder with the renowned Scandinavian recessive p.Asp90Ala allele. Subsequent screening in all the patients resulted in identification of 3 other mutations in SOD1, including p.Leu84Phe in the homozygous state. Phenotypic features of the mutation-bearing patients are presented. SOD1 mutations were found in 11.7% of the cohort, 38.5% of the familial ALS probands, and 4.25% of the sporadic ALS cases. SOD1 mutations contribute significantly to ALS among Iranians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afagh Alavi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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482
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Zou ZY, Cui LY, Sun Q, Li XG, Liu MS, Xu Y, Zhou Y, Yang XZ. De novo FUS gene mutations are associated with juvenile-onset sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in China. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:1312.e1-8. [PMID: 23046859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare form of motor neuron disease and occurs before 25 years of age. Only very few sporadic cases of juvenile-onset ALS have been reported. Rare SOD1 mutations and several FUS mutations have been identified in juvenile-onset ALS patients. To define the genetics of juvenile-onset sporadic ALS (SALS) of Chinese origin, we sequenced all 5 exons of SOD1, exons 3-6 and 12-15 of FUS in 11 juvenile-onset SALS patients, 105 adult-onset ALS patients (including 6 familial ALS [FALS] pedigrees), and 245 healthy controls. For the 11 juvenile-onset SALS and 6 FALS cases, the other 7 exons of FUS were also screened. A heterozygous de novo missense mutation c.1574C>T (p.P525L), a heterozygous de novo 2-base pair deletion c.1509_1510delAG (p.G504Wfs*12), and a nonsense mutation c.1483C>T (p.R495X) was each identified in 1 juvenile SALS patient. A heterozygous missense mutation c.1561C>G (p.R521G) was identified in a FALS proband. In the Chinese population, the frequency of FUS mutation in FALS is 11.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9%-22.0%), higher than the Japanese (10%; 95% CI, 0.7%-19.3%), and Caucasians (4.9%; 95% CI, 3.9%-6.0%). The frequency of FUS mutation in SALS patients is 1.5% (95% CI, 0.2%-2.9%), which is similar to Koreans (1.6%; 95% CI, 0%-3.2%), but higher than in Caucasians (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%). Our findings suggest that de novo FUS mutations are associated with juvenile-onset SALS of Chinese origin and that this gene should be screened in ALS patients with a young age of onset, aggressive progression, and sporadic occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Yu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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483
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Das K, Nag C, Ghosh M. Familial, environmental, and occupational risk factors in development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2012; 4:350-5. [PMID: 22912943 PMCID: PMC3421913 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.99517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Definite etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still a matter of debate. Aims: The study was designed to evaluate the role of environmental, occupational, and familial risk factors in development of ALS. Materials and Methods: This was a case control study of 110 cases of definite ALS with 240 age and sex matched controls. Investigations were done on the following aspects- family history, occupation, living place, source of drinking water, exposure to industrial, chemical, agricultural toxins and heavy metals, physical and electrical injury, working under magnetic field for more than 10 years in both the groups. Clinical examinations, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging studies were done in every patient. Chi square test, logistic regression analysis, and calculation of odds ratio were used to analyze the data. Results: Rural livings (odds ratio = 1.99), smoking (odds ratio = 1.88), insecticides, and pesticides exposures (odds ratio = 1.61), electrical injury (odds ratio = 6.2) were detected as the associated factors in development amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Conclusions: The study expressed the need of extensive research globally in molecular and genetic levels to detect the associated factors in etiopathogenesis of ALS for better understanding the etiology and for remedial aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalesh Das
- Department of Neurology, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital,Burdwan, West Bengal, India
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484
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Graffmo KS, Forsberg K, Bergh J, Birve A, Zetterström P, Andersen PM, Marklund SL, Brännström T. Expression of wild-type human superoxide dismutase-1 in mice causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 22:51-60. [PMID: 23026746 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is mutations in the gene encoding superoxide dismutase-1. There is evolving circumstantial evidence that the wild-type protein can also be neurotoxic and that it may more generally be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. To test this proposition more directly, we generated mice that express wild-type human superoxide dismutase-1 at a rate close to that of mutant superoxide dismutase-1 in the commonly studied G93A transgenic model. These mice developed an ALS-like syndrome and became terminally ill after around 370 days. The loss of spinal ventral neurons was similar to that in the G93A and other mutant superoxide dismutase-1 models, and large amounts of aggregated superoxide dismutase-1 were found in spinal cords, but also in the brain. The findings show that wild-type human superoxide dismutase-1 has the ability to cause ALS in mice, and they support the hypothesis of a more general involvement of the protein in the disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin S Graffmo
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
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485
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Lange DJ, Andersen PM, Remanan R, Marklund S, Benjamin D. Pyrimethamine decreases levels of SOD1 in leukocytes and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients: a phase I pilot study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2012; 14:199-204. [PMID: 22985433 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.724074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The mutated SOD1 protein appears to have a gene dose-dependent effect on the severity and progression of ALS. Lowering of SOD1 protein levels might reduce severity and progression of the disease. The antimalarial drug pyrimethamine (PYR) was identified to cause a dose-dependent reduction in SOD1 protein levels in human cells in vitro. To determine if there was a similar effect in humans, we performed a phase I pilot study in 16 ALS patients with SOD1 mutations, 18 weeks in duration. Blood samples were obtained during all visits. The actin normalized leukocyte SOD1 levels were analyzed using Western blot. SOD1 content in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was determined by ELISA and the SOD1 enzymic activity by spectrophotometric analysis using KO2. Clinical assessment of disease severity was assessed using Appel ALS scale and ALSFRS-R. The leukocyte SOD1 levels showed a significant reduction (p > 0.0001) by the third study visit and this reduction was sustained throughout the remainder of the study. CSF also showed a decrease in SOD1 protein content and enzymic activity in the two patients so tested. Thus, PYR use may be associated with a reduction in SOD1 in ALS patients. The significance is uncertain and further detailed study is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale J Lange
- Department of Neurology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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486
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Akimoto C, Forsgren L, Linder J, Birve A, Backlund I, Andersson J, Nilsson AC, Alstermark H, Andersen PM. No GGGGCC-hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 in parkinsonism patients in Sweden. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2012; 14:26-9. [PMID: 22985429 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.725415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
An intronic GGGGCC-hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 was recently identified as a major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Some amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients have signs of parkinsonism, and many parkinsonism patients develop dementia. In this study we examined if the hexanucleotide repeat expansion was present in parkinsonism patients, to clarify if there could be a relationship between the repeat expansion and disease. We studied the size of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a well defined population-based cohort of 135 Parkinson's disease patients and 39 patients with atypical parkinsonism and compared with 645 Swedish control subjects. We found no correlation between Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism and the size of the GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9ORF72. In conclusion, this GGGGCC-repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is not a cause of parkinsonism in the Swedish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chizuru Akimoto
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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487
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Tsai CP, Soong BW, Tu PH, Lin KP, Fuh JL, Tsai PC, Lu YC, Lee IH, Lee YC. A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes familial and sporadic ALS in Taiwan. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2232.e11-2232.e18. [PMID: 22673113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Paio Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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488
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Zou ZY, Peng Y, Wang XN, Liu MS, Li XG, Cui LY. Screening of the TARDBP gene in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients of Chinese origin. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2229.e11-2229.e18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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489
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The genetics and neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:339-52. [PMID: 22903397 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons leading to death from respiratory failure within about 3 years of symptom onset. A family history of ALS is obtained in about 5 % but the distinction between familial and apparently sporadic ALS is artificial and genetic factors play a role in all types. For several years, only one gene was known to have a role in ALS pathogenesis, SOD1. In the last few years there has been a rapid advance in our genetic knowledge of the causes of ALS, and the relationship of the genetic subtypes with pathological subtypes and clinical phenotype. Mutations in the gene for TDP-43 protein, TARDBP, highlight this, with pathology mimicking closely that found in other types of ALS, and a phenotypic spectrum that includes frontotemporal dementia. Mutations in the FUS gene, closely related to TDP-43, lead to a similar clinical phenotype but distinct pathology, so that the three pathological groups represented by SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS are distinct. In this review, we explore the genetic architecture of ALS, highlight some of the genes implicated in pathogenesis, and describe their phenotypic range and overlap with other diseases.
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490
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Corcia P, Gordon PH. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the clinical potential of dexpramipexole. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2012; 8:359-66. [PMID: 22956874 PMCID: PMC3431958 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s21981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive weakness from loss of motor neurons and death on average in less than 3 years after symptom onset. No clear causes have been found and just one medication, riluzole, extends survival. Researchers have identified some of the cellular processes that occur after disease onset, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial disease may be a primary event in neurodegeneration or occur secondary to other cellular processes, and may itself contribute to oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis. Clinical trials currently aim to slow disease progression by testing drugs that impact one or more of these pathways. While every agent tested in the 18 years after the approval of riluzole has been ineffective, basic and clinical research methods in ALS have become dramatically more sophisticated. Dexpramipexole (RPPX), the R(+) enantiomer of pramiprexole, which is approved for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson disease, carries perhaps the currently largest body of pre-and early clinical data that support testing in ALS. The neuroprotective properties of RPPX in various models of neurodegeneration, including the ALS murine model, may be produced through protective actions on mitochondria. Early phase trials in human ALS suggest that the drug can be taken safely by patients in doses that provide neuroprotection in preclinical models. A Phase III trial to test the efficacy of RPPX in ALS is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Corcia
- Centre SLA, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; UMR INSERM U930, Université François Rabelais de Tours (PC), Tours, France
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491
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Lysogorskaia EV, Abramycheva NY, Illarioshkin SN, Zakharova MN. The role of RNA metabolism in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NEUROCHEM J+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712412030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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492
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Ishiura H, Sako W, Yoshida M, Kawarai T, Tanabe O, Goto J, Takahashi Y, Date H, Mitsui J, Ahsan B, Ichikawa Y, Iwata A, Yoshino H, Izumi Y, Fujita K, Maeda K, Goto S, Koizumi H, Morigaki R, Ikemura M, Yamauchi N, Murayama S, Nicholson GA, Ito H, Sobue G, Nakagawa M, Kaji R, Tsuji S. The TRK-fused gene is mutated in hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 91:320-9. [PMID: 22883144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 05/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement (HMSN-P) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by widespread fasciculations, proximal-predominant muscle weakness, and atrophy followed by distal sensory involvement. To date, large families affected by HMSN-P have been reported from two different regions in Japan. Linkage and haplotype analyses of two previously reported families and two new families with the use of high-density SNP arrays further defined the minimum candidate region of 3.3 Mb in chromosomal region 3q12. Exome sequencing showed an identical c.854C>T (p.Pro285Leu) mutation in the TRK-fused gene (TFG) in the four families. Detailed haplotype analysis suggested two independent origins of the mutation. Pathological studies of an autopsied patient revealed TFG- and ubiquitin-immunopositive cytoplasmic inclusions in the spinal and cortical motor neurons. Fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, a frequent finding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, was also observed in the motor neurons with inclusion bodies. Moreover, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43)-positive cytoplasmic inclusions were also demonstrated. In cultured cells expressing mutant TFG, cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43 was demonstrated. These findings indicate that formation of TFG-containing cytoplasmic inclusions and concomitant mislocalization of TDP-43 underlie motor neuron degeneration in HMSN-P. Pathological overlap of proteinopathies involving TFG and TDP-43 highlights a new pathway leading to motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ishiura
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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493
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Sabatelli M, Lattante S, Conte A, Marangi G, Luigetti M, Del Grande A, Chiò A, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Calvo A, Restagno G, Lunetta C, Penco S, Battistini S, Zeppilli P, Bizzarro A, Capoluongo E, Neri G, Rossini PM, Zollino M. Replication of association of CHRNA4 rare variants with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the Italian multicentre study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:580-4. [PMID: 22873564 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.704926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the mammalian brain, including bulbar and spinal motor neurons. They are involved in neuroprotection and in control of release of many neurotransmitters, including glutamate. Previous data raised the hypothesis that rare variants in the region coding the intracellular loop subunits of nAChRs might represent one of several genetic risk factors for SALS. The aim of present study was to replicate the study in an independent cohort of ALS patients. We analysed 718 sporadic ALS patients from five Italian ALS centres and 1300 ethnically matched controls. We focused primarily on CHRNA4, encoding α4 subunit, since most mutations were previously detected in this gene. We observed a significant association between CHRNA4 mutations and ALS (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4080-6.0453; p = 0.0056). Most mutations detected in patients were not present in the dbSNP134 and in 3500 ethnically matched control chromosomes and affected evolutionary conserved amino acid residues. In conclusion, the present data confirm that CHRNA4 variants are overrepresented in SALS strengthening the hypothesis can they act as predisposing genetic factors for SALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sabatelli
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
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494
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Blasco H, Guennoc AM, Veyrat-Durebex C, Gordon PH, Andres CR, Camu W, Corcia P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A hormonal condition? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:585-8. [DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.706303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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495
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Al-Chalabi A, Hardiman O. Ask the Experts: Translating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics to the clinic: implications for the patient. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt.12.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ammar Al-Chalabi is Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at King’s College London (London, UK) and Director of the King’s Motor Neuron Disease Care and Research Centre. Al-Chalabi received his medical degree from Leicester University (Leicester, UK) graduating with distinctions and prizes. He won a prestigious Medical Research Council Clinical Training Fellowship, allowing him to combine clinical and scientific training, culminating in a PhD on genetic risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), awarded by the University of London (London, UK). He was awarded the MNDA Charcot Young Investigator Award, an international competitive prize, for this work. He completed his specialist training in neurology at various London hospitals, including the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square (London, UK). He won a high-status Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Fellowship, allowing him to begin his independent research career at King’s College London, working with Nigel Leigh and Chris Shaw. He spent a year at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (MA, USA) in the laboratory of Robert H Brown Jr, and became a course leader and Instructor in Complex Disease Genetics at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (NY, USA). He was subsequently elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians. For the last 18 years, Al-Chalabi’s clinical and laboratory research has focused on understanding genetic and other risk factors for ALS, investigating why and how the disease manifests and running clinical trials. He was directly involved in the first two studies to discover that chromosome 9 held the location of a new ALS gene in some families, and led an international effort to successfully narrow down the location of the gene, which was the most crucial step in its discovery. It is now regarded as the most important ALS gene and known as C9ORF72. His clinical practice is based at King’s College Hospital Motor Nerve Clinic (London, UK), a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in adult motor neuron diseases, accredited by both the Motor Neurone Disease Association (UK) and ALS Worldwide (USA). Orla Hardiman is a HRB Clinician Scientist, Clinical Professor of Neurology at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland) and Consultant Neurologist at the National Centre for Neuroscience (Dublin, Ireland) where she leads the ALS programme. She is the recipient of the AAN Sheila Essey Award for her contribution to ALS research and the International Alliance of ALS/MND Forbes Norris Award for her contribution as a clinician and researcher. She is Editor-in-Chief of the ALS Journal, which is the official publication of the World Federation of Neurology Subgroup on ALS/MND, and is author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications. The primary research interests of Hardiman’s group include the epidemiology and pathogenesis of ALS, with particular reference to the identification of genetic and environmental susceptibility factors. A recent focus of the group has been on the clinical and genetic overlap between ALS and frontotemporal dementia and the use of deep phenotyping to identify clinically relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Chalabi
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Room 5.41, 5th Floor, Biomedical Science Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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496
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Dysregulation of the autophagy-endolysosomal system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and related motor neuron diseases. Neurol Res Int 2012; 2012:498428. [PMID: 22852081 PMCID: PMC3407648 DOI: 10.1155/2012/498428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous group of incurable motor neuron diseases (MNDs) characterized by a selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Most cases of ALS are sporadic, while approximately 5–10% cases are familial. More than 16 causative genes for ALS/MNDs have been identified and their underlying pathogenesis, including oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, neural inflammation, protein misfolding and accumulation, dysfunctional intracellular trafficking, abnormal RNA processing, and noncell-autonomous damage, has begun to emerge. It is currently believed that a complex interplay of multiple toxicity pathways is implicated in disease onset and progression. Among such mechanisms, ones that are associated with disturbances of protein homeostasis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, have recently been highlighted. Although it remains to be determined whether disease-associated protein aggregates have a toxic or protective role in the pathogenesis, the formation of them results from the imbalance between generation and degradation of misfolded proteins within neuronal cells. In this paper, we focus on the autophagy-lysosomal and endocytic degradation systems and implication of their dysfunction to the pathogenesis of ALS/MNDs. The autophagy-endolysosomal pathway could be a major target for the development of therapeutic agents for ALS/MNDs.
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497
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Ratti A, Corrado L, Castellotti B, Del Bo R, Fogh I, Cereda C, Tiloca C, D'Ascenzo C, Bagarotti A, Pensato V, Ranieri M, Gagliardi S, Calini D, Mazzini L, Taroni F, Corti S, Ceroni M, Oggioni GD, Lin K, Powell JF, Sorarù G, Ticozzi N, Comi GP, D'Alfonso S, Gellera C, Silani V. C9ORF72 repeat expansion in a large Italian ALS cohort: evidence of a founder effect. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2528.e7-14. [PMID: 22766072 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (RE) in C9ORF72 gene was recently reported as the main cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cases with frontotemporal dementia. We screened C9ORF72 in a large cohort of 259 familial ALS, 1275 sporadic ALS, and 862 control individuals of Italian descent. We found RE in 23.9% familial ALS, 5.1% sporadic ALS, and 0.2% controls. Two cases carried the RE together with mutations in other ALS-associated genes. The phenotype of RE carriers was characterized by bulbar-onset, shorter survival, and association with cognitive and behavioral impairment. Extrapyramidal and cerebellar signs were also observed in few patients. Genotype data revealed that 95% of RE carriers shared a restricted 10-single nucleotide polymorphism haplotype within the previously reported 20-single nucleotide polymorphism risk haplotype, detectable in only 27% of nonexpanded ALS cases and in 28% of controls, suggesting a common founder with cohorts of North European ancestry. Although C9ORF72 RE segregates with disease, the identification of RE both in controls and in patients carrying additional pathogenic mutations suggests that penetrance and phenotypic expression of C9ORF72 RE may depend on additional genetic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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498
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Luigetti M, Quaranta D, Conte A, Piccininni C, Lattante S, Romano A, Silvestri G, Zollino M, Sabatelli M. Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinsonism and lower motor neuron involvement in a patient with C9ORF72 expansion. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2012; 14:66-9. [DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.692383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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499
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Katz JS, Katzberg HD, Woolley SC, Marklund SL, Andersen PM. Combined fulminant frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with an I113T SOD1 mutation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:567-9. [PMID: 22670877 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.678365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for superoxide dismutase type 1 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but are not thought to be associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A lack of detailed case reports is one reason, among others, for this skepticism. This case report comments on a patient with familial ALS caused by I113T mutation in the SOD1 gene presenting with progressive cognitive and behavioral decline two years before developing progressive motor degeneration. In conclusion, this case provides evidence that SOD1 mutations can be associated with FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Katz
- Forbes Norris ALS/MND Research Center, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA.
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500
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Turner MR, Barnwell J, Al-Chalabi A, Eisen A. Young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: historical and other observations. Brain 2012; 135:2883-91. [PMID: 22661746 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a wide range of age at initial symptom onset in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis despite a mean age of 65 years in population-based studies. 'Young-onset' amyotrophic lateral sclerosis typically refers to patients younger than ∼45 years and accounts for about 10% of cases in contemporary series. A review of published cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from 1850 to 1950 revealed a far higher proportion of cases with young onset (>50%), with a steady decline to the contemporary figure. It is possible that this is not solely explained by increases in life expectancy. While there is still a rich variation in phenotypes among cases of young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, bulbar onset was found to be significantly under-represented in analysis of a large patient database, with implications for age-related vulnerabilities pertaining to focality of symptom onset. The timing of initiating pathological processes in relation to the emergence of symptoms is discussed, including the potential role of very early development and the interaction of epigenetic and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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