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Ma K, Zhang K, Chen D, Wang C, Abdalla M, Zhang H, Tian R, Liu Y, Song L, Zhang X, Liu F, Liu G, Wang D. Real-world evidence: Risdiplam in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy type I with a novel splicing mutation and one SMN2 copy. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1120-1130. [PMID: 38520738 PMCID: PMC11190614 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which results from the deletion or/and mutation in the SMN1 gene, is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder that leads to weakness and muscle atrophy. SMN2 is a paralogous gene of SMN1. SMN2 copy number affects the severity of SMA, but its role in patients treated with disease modifying therapies is unclear. The most appropriate individualized treatment for SMA has not yet been determined. Here, we reported a case of SMA type I with normal breathing and swallowing function. We genetically confirmed that this patient had a compound heterozygous variant: one deleted SMN1 allele and a novel splice mutation c.628-3T>G in the retained allele, with one SMN2 copy. Patient-derived sequencing of 4 SMN1 cDNA clones showed that this intronic single transversion mutation results in an alternative exon (e)5 3' splice site, which leads to an additional 2 nucleotides (AG) at the 5' end of e5, thereby explaining why the patient with only one copy of SMN2 had a mild clinical phenotype. Additionally, a minigene assay of wild type and mutant SMN1 in HEK293T cells also demonstrated that this transversion mutation induced e5 skipping. Considering treatment cost and goals of avoiding pain caused by injections and starting treatment as early as possible, risdiplam was prescribed for this patient. However, the patient showed remarkable clinical improvements after treatment with risdiplam for 7 months despite carrying only one copy of SMN2. This study is the first report on the treatment of risdiplam in a patient with one SMN2 copy in a real-world setting. These findings expand the mutation spectrum of SMA and provide accurate genetic counseling information, as well as clarify the molecular mechanism of careful genotype-phenotype correlation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ma
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
- Department of neurology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Defang Chen
- The Office of operation management committee, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jiefang road NO. 105, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Chuan Wang
- Science, Education and Foreign Affairs Section, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Haozheng Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Rujin Tian
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
- Ophthalmology department, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Li Song
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second People’s Hospital of Shandong Province, Duanxing west road NO. 4, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jiefang road NO. 105, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Guohua Liu
- Ophthalmology department, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
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Gandhi G, Kodiappan R, Abdullah S, Teoh HK, Tai L, Cheong SK, Yeo WWY. Revealing the potential role of hsa-miR-663a in modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway via miRNA microarray in spinal muscular atrophy patient fibroblast-derived iPSCs. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024:nlae065. [PMID: 38894621 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder due to deletion or mutation of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Although survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene is still present in SMA patients, the production of full-length survival motor neuron (SMN) protein is insufficient owing to missing or mutated SMN1. No current disease-modifying therapies can cure SMA. The aim of this study was to explore microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies that may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in delaying SMA progression or as treatment. The study screened for potentially dysregulated miRNAs in SMA fibroblast-derived iPSCs using miRNA microarray. Results from the miRNA microarray were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis using various databases was performed to predict the potential putative gene targeted by hsa-miR-663a. The findings showed differential expression of hsa-miR-663a in SMA patients in relation to a healthy control. Bioinformatics analysis identified GNG7, IGF2, and TNN genes that were targeted by hsa-miR-663a to be involved in the PI3K-AKT pathway, which may be associated with disease progression in SMA. Thus, this study suggests the potential role of hsa-miR-663a as therapeutic target for the treatment of SMA patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Radha Kodiappan
- Department of Research and Training, MAHSA Specialist Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hoon Koon Teoh
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lihui Tai
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- Cytopeutics Sdn. Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon Keng Cheong
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Nawn D, Hassan SS, Redwan EM, Bhattacharya T, Basu P, Lundstrom K, Uversky VN. Unveiling the genetic tapestry: Rare disease genomics of spinal muscular atrophy and phenylketonuria proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131960. [PMID: 38697430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Rare diseases, defined by their low prevalence, present significant challenges, including delayed detection, expensive treatments, and limited research. This study delves into the genetic basis of two noteworthy rare diseases in Saudi Arabia: Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). PKU, resulting from mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, exhibits geographical variability and impacts intellectual abilities. SMA, characterized by motor neuron loss, is linked to mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recognizing the importance of unveiling signature genomics in rare diseases, we conducted a quantitative study on PAH and SMN1 proteins of multiple organisms by employing various quantitative techniques to assess genetic variations. The derived signature-genomics contributes to a deeper understanding of these critical genes, paving the way for enhanced diagnostics for disorders associated with PAH and SMN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debaleena Nawn
- Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM), Unsani, Howrah 711302, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg EL-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Tanishta Bhattacharya
- Developmental Genetics (Dept III), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrabe 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Pallab Basu
- School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa; Adjunct Faculty, Woxsen School of Sciences, Woxsen University, Hyderabad 500 033, Telangana, India.
| | | | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Curry MA, Cruz RE, Belter LT, Schroth MK, Jarecki J. Assessment of Barriers to Referral and Appointment Wait Times for the Evaluation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Findings from a Web-Based Physician Survey. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:583-598. [PMID: 38430355 PMCID: PMC11136895 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Clinical trial data suggest early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurology appointment wait times for newborn screening identified infants, pediatric cases mirroring SMA symptomatology, and cases in which SMA is suspected by the referring physician. Approaches for triaging and expediting referrals in the US were also explored. METHODS Cure SMA surveyed healthcare professionals from two cohorts: (1) providers affiliated with SMA care centers and (2) other neurologists, pediatric neurologists, and neuromuscular specialists. Surveys were distributed directly and via Medscape Education, respectively, between July 9, 2020, and August 31, 2020. RESULTS Three hundred five total responses were obtained (9% from SMA care centers and 91% from the general recruitment sample). Diagnostic journeys were shorter for infants eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1 if they were referred to SMA care centers versus general sample practices. Appointment wait times for infants exhibiting "hypotonia and motor delays" were significantly shorter at SMA care centers compared to general recruitment practices (p = 0.004). Furthermore, infants with SMA identified through newborn screening were also more likely to be seen sooner if referred to a SMA care center versus a general recruitment site. Lastly, the majority of both cohorts triaged incoming referrals. The average wait time for infants presenting at SMA care centers with "hypotonia and motor delay" was significantly shorter when initial referrals were triaged using a set of "key emergency words" (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Infants directly referred to a SMA care center versus a general sample practice were more likely to experience shorter SMA diagnostic journeys and appointment wait times. Triage guidelines for referrals specific to "hypotonia and motor delay" including use of "key emergency words" may shorten wait times and support early diagnosis and treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | | | - Lisa T Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary K Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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Matera AG, Steiner RE, Mills CA, Herring LE, Garcia EL. Chaperoning the chaperones: Proteomic analysis of the SMN complex reveals conserved and etiologic connections to the proteostasis network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594402. [PMID: 38903116 PMCID: PMC11188114 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Molecular chaperones and co-chaperones are highly conserved cellular components that perform variety of duties related to the proper three-dimensional folding of the proteome. The web of factors that carries out this essential task is called the proteostasis network (PN). Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) represent an underexplored area in terms of the connections they make with the PN. The Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) complex is an RNP assembly chaperone and serves as a paradigm for studying how specific small nuclear (sn)RNAs are identified and paired with their client substrate proteins. SMN protein is the eponymous component of a large complex required for the biogenesis of uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U-snRNPs) and localizes to distinct membraneless organelles in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of animal cells. SMN forms the oligomeric core of this complex, and missense mutations in its YG box self-interaction domain are known to cause Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The basic framework for understanding how snRNAs are assembled into U-snRNPs is known, the pathways and mechanisms used by cells to regulate their biogenesis are poorly understood. Given the importance of these processes to normal development as well as neurodegenerative disease, we set out to identify and characterize novel SMN binding partners. Here, we carried out affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) of SMN using stable fly lines exclusively expressing either wildtype or SMA-causing missense alleles. Bioinformatic analyses of the pulldown data, along with comparisons to proximity labeling studies carried out in human cells, revealed conserved connections to at least two other major chaperone systems including heat shock folding chaperones (HSPs) and histone/nucleosome assembly chaperones. Notably, we found that heat shock cognate protein Hsc70-4 and other HspA family members preferentially interacted with SMA-causing alleles of SMN. Hsc70-4 is particularly interesting because its mRNA is aberrantly sequestered by a mutant form of TDP-43 in mouse and Drosophila ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) disease models. Most important, a missense allele of Hsc70-4 (HspA8 in mammals) was recently identified as a bypass suppressor of the SMA phenotype in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that chaperone-related dysfunction lies at the etiological root of both ALS and SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Departments of Biology and Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Rebecca E. Steiner
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC, USA
| | - C. Alison Mills
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Laura E. Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Eric L. Garcia
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
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Leow DMK, Ng YK, Wang LC, Koh HW, Zhao T, Khong ZJ, Tabaglio T, Narayanan G, Giadone RM, Sobota RM, Ng SY, Teo AK, Parson SH, Rubin LL, Ong WY, Darras BT, Yeo CJ. Hepatocyte-intrinsic SMN deficiency drives metabolic dysfunction and liver steatosis in spinal muscular atrophy. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173702. [PMID: 38722695 PMCID: PMC11178536 DOI: 10.1172/jci173702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is typically characterized as a motor neuron disease, but extra-neuronal phenotypes are present in almost every organ in severely affected patients and animal models. Extra-neuronal phenotypes were previously underappreciated as patients with severe SMA phenotypes usually died in infancy; however, with current treatments for motor neurons increasing patient lifespan, impaired function of peripheral organs may develop into significant future comorbidities and lead to new treatment-modified phenotypes. Fatty liver is seen in SMA animal models , but generalizability to patients and whether this is due to hepatocyte-intrinsic Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein deficiency and/or subsequent to skeletal muscle denervation is unknown. If liver pathology in SMA is SMN-dependent and hepatocyte-intrinsic, this suggests SMN repleting therapies must target extra-neuronal tissues and motor neurons for optimal patient outcome. Here we showed that fatty liver is present in SMA and that SMA patient-specific iHeps were susceptible to steatosis. Using proteomics, functional studies and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we confirmed that fatty liver in SMA is a primary SMN-dependent hepatocyte-intrinsic liver defect associated with mitochondrial and other hepatic metabolism implications. These pathologies require monitoring and indicate need for systematic clinical surveillance and additional and/or combinatorial therapies to ensure continued SMA patient health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Meng-Kiat Leow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Kai Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Loo Chien Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiromi Wl Koh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tianyun Zhao
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Jian Khong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tommaso Tabaglio
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Richard M Giadone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States of America
| | - Radoslaw M Sobota
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kk Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon H Parson
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, School of Medici, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States of America
| | - Wei-Yi Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States of America
| | - Crystal Jj Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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Brkušanin M, Kosać A, Branković-Srećković V, Jovanović K, Perić S, Karanović J, Matijašević Joković S, Garai N, Pešović J, Nikolić D, Stević Z, Brajušković G, Milić-Rašić V, Savić-Pavićević D. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma as a Nusinersen treatment response marker in childhood-onset SMA individuals from Serbia. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1394001. [PMID: 38756215 PMCID: PMC11097956 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1394001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biomarkers capable of reflecting disease onset and short- and long-term therapeutic effects in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are still an unmet need and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) holds significant promise. Methods We conducted a longitudinal prospective study to evaluate pNF-H levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of 29 individuals with childhood-onset SMA treated with Nuinersen (SMA type 1: n = 6, 2: n = 17, 3: n = 6). pNF-H levels before and during treatment were compared with the levels of controls (n = 22), patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 17), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (n = 11), untreated SMA individuals with chronic type 3 disease (n = 8), and children with presymptomatic SMA (n = 3). Results SMA type 1 showed the highest mean CSF pNF-H levels before treatment initiation. All Nusinersen-treated individuals (types 1, 2, and 3) showed significantly elevated mean baseline CSF pNF-H compared to controls, which inversely correlated with age at disease onset, age at first dose, disease duration and the initial CHOP INTEND result (SMA type 1 and 2). During 22 months of treatment, CSF pNF-H levels declined during loading doses, stabilizing at reduced levels from the initial maintenance dose in all individuals. Baseline plasma pNF-H levels in type 1 and 2 SMA were significantly increased compared to other cohorts and decreased notably in type 1 after 2 months of treatment and type 2 after 14 months. Conversely, SMA type 3, characterized by lower baseline pNF-H levels, did not show significant fluctuations in plasma pNF-H levels after 14 months of treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that CSF pNF-H levels in untreated SMA individuals are significantly higher than in controls and that monitoring of CSF pNF-H levels may serve as an indicator of rapid short-term treatment response in childhood-onset SMA individuals, irrespective of the subtype of the disease, while also suggesting its potential for assessing long-term suppression of neurodegeneration. Plasma pNF-H may serve as an appropriate outcome measure for disease progression and/or response to treatment in types 1 and 2 but not in type 3. Presymptomatic infants with SMA may show elevated pNF-H levels, confirming early neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Brkušanin
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Kosać
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Kristina Jovanović
- University Children's Hospital Tirsova, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stojan Perić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Karanović
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nemanja Garai
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Pešović
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dimitrije Nikolić
- University Children's Hospital Tirsova, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stević
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Brajušković
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vedrana Milić-Rašić
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušanka Savić-Pavićević
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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8
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Shekhawat DS, Didel S, Dixit SG, Singh P, Singh K. Carrier Screening and Diagnosis for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Droplet Digital PCR Versus MLPA: Analytical Validation and Early Test Outcome. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2024; 28:207-212. [PMID: 38533877 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular life-threatening disorder. Owing to high carrier frequency, population-wide SMA screening to quantify the copy number of SMN gene is recommended by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. An accurate, reliable, short runaround time and cost-effective method may be helpful in mass population screening for SMA. Methods: Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a gold standard to estimate the copy number variation (CNV) for SMN1 and SMN2 genes. In this study, we validated droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the determination of CNV for both SMN1 and SMN2 exon 7 for a diagnostic purpose. In total, 66 clinical samples were tested using ddPCR, and results were compared with the MLPA as a reference test. Results: For all samples, CNV for SMN1 and SMN2 exon 7 was consentaneous between ddPCR and MLPA test results (κ = 1.000, p < 0.0001). In addition, ddPCR also showed a significant acceptable degree of test repeatability, coefficient of variation < 4%. Conclusion: ddPCR is expected to be utilitarian for CNV detection for carrier screening and diagnosis of SMA. ddPCR test results for CNV detection for SMN1/SMN2 exon 7 are concordant with the gold standard. ddPCR is a more cost-effective and time-saving diagnostic test for SMA than MLPA. Furthermore, it can be used for population-wide carrier screening for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolat Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Medical Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Siyaram Didel
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shilpi Gupta Dixit
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pratibha Singh
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Medical Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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9
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Garcia EL, Steiner RE, Raimer AC, Herring LE, Matera AG, Spring AM. Dysregulation of innate immune signaling in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy. BMC Biol 2024; 22:94. [PMID: 38664795 PMCID: PMC11044505 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01888-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by hypomorphic loss of function in the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMA presents across a broad spectrum of disease severity. Unfortunately, genetic models of intermediate SMA have been difficult to generate in vertebrates and are thus unable to address key aspects of disease etiology. To address these issues, we developed a Drosophila model system that recapitulates the full range of SMA severity, allowing studies of pre-onset biology as well as late-stage disease processes. RESULTS Here, we carried out transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of mild and intermediate Drosophila models of SMA to elucidate molecules and pathways that contribute to the disease. Using this approach, we elaborated a role for the SMN complex in the regulation of innate immune signaling. We find that mutation or tissue-specific depletion of SMN induces hyperactivation of the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways, leading to overexpression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ectopic formation of melanotic masses in the absence of an external challenge. Furthermore, the knockdown of downstream targets of these signaling pathways reduced melanotic mass formation caused by SMN loss. Importantly, we identify SMN as a negative regulator of a ubiquitylation complex that includes Traf6, Bendless, and Diap2 and plays a pivotal role in several signaling networks. CONCLUSIONS In alignment with recent research on other neurodegenerative diseases, these findings suggest that hyperactivation of innate immunity contributes to SMA pathology. This work not only provides compelling evidence that hyperactive innate immune signaling is a primary effect of SMN depletion, but it also suggests that the SMN complex plays a regulatory role in this process in vivo. In summary, immune dysfunction in SMA is a consequence of reduced SMN levels and is driven by cellular and molecular mechanisms that are conserved between insects and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Garcia
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Rebecca E Steiner
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Present Address: Lake, Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
| | - Amanda C Raimer
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
- Present Address, Radford University, Radford, VA, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - A Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
- RNA Discovery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
| | - Ashlyn M Spring
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA.
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10
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White DS, Dunyak BM, Vaillancourt FH, Hoskins AA. A Sequential Binding Mechanism for 5' Splice Site Recognition and Modulation for the Human U1 snRNP. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.18.590139. [PMID: 38659798 PMCID: PMC11042371 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.18.590139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Splice site recognition is essential for defining the transcriptome. Drugs like risdiplam and branaplam change how U1 snRNP recognizes particular 5' splice sites (5'SS) and promote U1 snRNP binding and splicing at these locations. Despite the therapeutic potential of 5'SS modulators, the complexity of their interactions and snRNP substrates have precluded defining a mechanism for 5'SS modulation. We have determined a sequential binding mechanism for modulation of -1A bulged 5'SS by branaplam using a combination of ensemble kinetic measurements and colocalization single molecule spectroscopy (CoSMoS). Our mechanism establishes that U1-C protein binds reversibly to U1 snRNP, and branaplam binds to the U1 snRNP/U1-C complex only after it has engaged a -1A bulged 5'SS. Obligate orders of binding and unbinding explain how reversible branaplam interactions cause formation of long-lived U1 snRNP/5'SS complexes. Branaplam is a ribonucleoprotein, not RNA duplex alone, targeting drug whose action depends on fundamental properties of 5'SS recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. White
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Present Address: Element Biosciences, San Diego, CA
| | | | | | - Aaron A. Hoskins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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11
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Li L, Menezes MP, Smith M, Forbes R, Züchner S, Burgess A, Woodcock IR, Delatycki MB, Yiu EM. Rare homozygous disease-associated sequence variants in children with spinal muscular atrophy: a phenotypic description and review of the literature. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 37:29-35. [PMID: 38520993 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common autosomal recessive neurological disease. Depletion in functional SMN protein leads to dysfunction and irreversible degeneration of the motor neurons. Over 95 % of individuals with SMA have homozygous exon 7 deletions in the SMN1 gene. Most of the remaining 4-5 % are compound heterozygous for deletion and a disease-associated sequence variant in the non-deleted allele. Individuals with SMA due to bi-allelic SMN1 sequence variants have rarely been reported. Data regarding their clinical phenotype, disease progression, outcome and treatment response are sparse. This study describes six individuals from three families, all with homozygous sequence variants in SMN1, and four of whom received treatment with disease-modifying therapies. We also describe the challenges faced during the diagnostic process and intrafamilial phenotypic variability observed between siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Division of Paediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Manoj P Menezes
- T.Y. Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Smith
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin Forbes
- Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephan Züchner
- Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Amber Burgess
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian R Woodcock
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
| | - Eppie M Yiu
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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12
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Gülşen M, Ceylan AC, Bahsi T, Çubukçu HC, Dursun OB. Validation of SMA screening kits with SMN1 gene analysis in a Turkish cohort. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 555:117793. [PMID: 38309554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is crucial to start early treatment in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) with available drugs to stop the progression of the disease, therefore making SMA screening preferable. This study assessed Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) compared to Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) for detecting Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) through SMN1 gene copy number analysis in a Turkish cohort. METHODS We analyzed 249 DNA samples, previously tested for SMN1 and SMN2 gene deletion via MLPA, using qRT-PCR kits from three different companies. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of qRT-PCR in identifying deletions of SMN1 copy number variations. RESULTS High accuracy (96.2-98.7%) achieved with qRT-PCR for detecting homozygous deletions, heterozygous deletions, and copy number variations in the SMN1 gene. Minor discrepancies between qRT-PCR and MLPA were observed, possibly due to single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting primer binding. CONCLUSIONS The qRT-PCR method proved to be a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate technique, aligning well with the demands of routine SMA screening, suggesting its general suitability for application in SMA screening programs. This research highlights the importance of improving molecular methodologies and the value of collaborations between government and relevant sectors to overcome rare diseases, particularly through the enhancement of screening initiatives which is the first and most effective strategy to protect the public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gülşen
- Autism, Mental Special Needs and Rare Diseases Department, General Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Türkiye.
| | - Ahmet Cevdet Ceylan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Türkiye; Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Medical Genetics Department, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Taha Bahsi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Türkiye
| | - Hikmet Can Çubukçu
- Autism, Mental Special Needs and Rare Diseases Department, General Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Türkiye
| | - Onur Burak Dursun
- Autism, Mental Special Needs and Rare Diseases Department, General Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Türkiye
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13
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Cattinari MG, de Lemus M, Tizzano E. RegistrAME: the Spanish self-reported patient registry of spinal muscular atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:76. [PMID: 38373977 PMCID: PMC10877841 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons and muscle weakness resulting in premature death or severe motor disability. Over the last decade, SMA has dramatically changed thanks to new advances in care and the emergence of disease-specific treatments. RegistrAME is a self-reported specific disease registry with an accurate curation system. It has collected data on SMA patients in Spain since 2015, gathering demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome data, all of which are patient-relevant. RegistrAME is part of the TREAT NMD network. This study aims to describe the advantages and disadvantages of a self-reported SMA registry, as well as the different variables of interest in the health status of RegistrAME patients. RESULTS In total, 295 living patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SMA-5q were included (aged 1 to 77 years; mean 20.28). Half of the patients (50.2%) were ≥ 16 years old; 22.03% were type 1, 48.47% were type 2, 28.82% were type 3, and 0.7% were type 4. All functional statuses (non-sitter, sitter, and walkers) could be observed in each SMA type. Adult patients harbored the least aggressive SMA types, however, they presented the greatest level of disability. Patients with SMA type 1 had scoliosis surgery about five years earlier than patients with SMA type 2. None of the type 1 patients who achieved ambulation were wheelchair-free outdoors. This was also evident in 62.5% of type 2 walker patients and 44% of type 3 walker patients. Of the SMA type 1 patients, 40% had a gastrostomy (of which 84% had two SMN2 copies). One in five children with SMA type 1 (one to seven years of age) were ventilation-free. CONCLUSIONS The information provided by RegistrAME in a "real-world" setting allows better management of family expectations, an adequate approach to the disease and patients' needs, as well as a better understanding of the impact of the disease. It also helps monitor the evolution of care, which will result in the need for updated guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mencía de Lemus
- Fundación Atrofia Muscular Espinal España (FundAME), Madrid, Spain
- SMA Europe, Freiburg, Germany
- Committee of Advanced Therapies at the European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Diseases Unit and Medicine Genetics Group, VHIR, Hospital Valle Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Gonzalez D, Vásquez-Doorman C, Luna A, Allende ML. Modeling Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Zebrafish: Current Advances and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1962. [PMID: 38396640 PMCID: PMC10888324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons (LMNs), causing muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. SMA is caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and can be classified into four subgroups, depending on its severity. Even though the genetic component of SMA is well known, the precise mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology remain elusive. Thus far, there are three FDA-approved drugs for treating SMA. While these treatments have shown promising results, their costs are extremely high and unaffordable for most patients. Thus, more efforts are needed in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) stands out as an ideal animal model for investigating neurodegenerative diseases like SMA. Its well-defined motor neuron circuits and straightforward neuromuscular structure offer distinct advantages. The zebrafish's suitability arises from its low-cost genetic manipulation and optical transparency exhibited during larval stages, which facilitates in vivo microscopy. This review explores advancements in SMA research over the past two decades, beginning with the creation of the first zebrafish model. Our review focuses on the findings using different SMA zebrafish models generated to date, including potential therapeutic targets such as U snRNPs, Etv5b, PLS3, CORO1C, Pgrn, Cpg15, Uba1, Necdin, and Pgk1, among others. Lastly, we conclude our review by emphasizing the future perspectives in the field, namely exploiting zebrafish capacity for high-throughput screening. Zebrafish, with its unique attributes, proves to be an ideal model for studying motor neuron diseases and unraveling the complexity of neuromuscular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Constanza Vásquez-Doorman
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Adolfo Luna
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Miguel L Allende
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
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15
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Sharma P, Lohiya S, Vagha K, Vagha JD, Raj H, Prasad R. Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Severe Hyperlordosis: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e53898. [PMID: 38465139 PMCID: PMC10924650 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) indicates a set of inherited autosomal recessive genetic disorders, where, specifically, the anterior horn cell motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord are affected, leading to a severe form of hypotonia and muscle weakness. The incidence is exceptionally rare, commonly manifesting as slowly progressive muscular weakness and atrophy of lower limbs. As per our existing knowledge, this is the first case of SMA associated with hyperlordosis in a patient. Hyperlordosis is a deformity in spinal curvature characterized by an excessive forward spinal curve in the region of the lower back, forming the characteristic C-shape curvature in the lumbar region, just above the buttocks. Parents brought an 11-year-old male child with complaints of inability to get up from a sitting position along with difficulty in walking for the past six months. Upon physical examination, deep tendon reflexes were absent; there was severe hyperlordosis, proximal limb weakness, and notable hypotonia. In our study, we aim to understand the clinical presentation, impact, and association of hyperlordosis in a child diagnosed with SMA. This case report describes the complaints and successful diagnosis of a patient of survivor motor neuron (SMN) gene-related SMA along with severe hyperlordosis backed by evidences of electrophysiology and neuropathology. However, a complete cure and normal lifestyle are not possible due to the lack of affordable and easily accessible therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Sharma
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sham Lohiya
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Keta Vagha
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Jayant D Vagha
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Himanshu Raj
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roshan Prasad
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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16
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Yeo CJJ, Tizzano EF, Darras BT. Challenges and opportunities in spinal muscular atrophy therapeutics. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:205-218. [PMID: 38267192 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy was the most common inherited cause of infant death until 2016, when three therapies became available: the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen, gene replacement therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec, and the small-molecule splicing modifier risdiplam. These drugs compensate for deficient survival motor neuron protein and have improved lifespan and quality of life in infants and children with spinal muscular atrophy. Given the lifelong implications of these innovative therapies, ways to detect and manage treatment-modified disease characteristics are needed. All three drugs are more effective when given before development of symptoms, or as early as possible in individuals who have already developed symptoms. Early subtle symptoms might be missed, and disease onset might occur in utero in severe spinal muscular atrophy subtypes; in some countries, newborn screening is allowing diagnosis soon after birth and early treatment. Adults with spinal muscular atrophy report stabilisation of disease and less fatigue with treatment. These subjective benefits need to be weighed against the high costs of the drugs to patients and health-care systems. Clinical consensus is required on therapeutic windows and on outcome measures and biomarkers that can be used to monitor drug benefit, toxicity, and treatment-modified disease characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal J J Yeo
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Genetics Medicine, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Kiselev A, Maretina M, Shtykalova S, Al-Hilal H, Maslyanyuk N, Plokhih M, Serebryakova E, Frolova M, Shved N, Krylova N, Il’ina A, Freund S, Osinovskaya N, Sultanov I, Egorova A, Lobenskaya A, Koroteev A, Sosnina I, Gorelik Y, Bespalova O, Baranov V, Kogan I, Glotov A. Establishment of a Pilot Newborn Screening Program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Saint Petersburg. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38390973 PMCID: PMC10885106 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy 5q (SMA) is one of the most common neuromuscular inherited diseases and is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA is associated with homozygous deletion of exon 7 in the SMN1 gene. Recently developed drugs can improve the motor functions of infants with SMA when they are treated in the pre-symptomatic stage. With aim of providing an early diagnosis, newborn screening (NBS) for SMA using a real-time PCR assay with dried blood spots (DBS) was performed from January 2022 through November 2022 in Saint Petersburg, which is a representative Russian megapolis. Here, 36,140 newborns were screened by the GenomeX real-time PCR-based screening test, and three genotypes were identified: homozygous deletion carriers (4 newborns), heterozygous carriers (772 newborns), and wild-type individuals (35,364 newborns). The disease status of all four newborns that screened positive for the homozygous SMN1 deletion was confirmed by alternate methods. Two of the newborns had two copies of SMN2, and two of the newborns had three copies. We determined the incidence of spinal muscular atrophy in Saint Petersburg to be 1 in 9035 and the SMA carrier frequency to be 1 in 47. In conclusion, providing timely information regarding SMN1, confirmation of disease status, and SMN2 copy number as part of the SMA newborn-screening algorithm can significantly improve clinical follow-up, testing of family members, and treatment of patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kiselev
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Marianna Maretina
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Sofia Shtykalova
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Haya Al-Hilal
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Natalia Maslyanyuk
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Mariya Plokhih
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena Serebryakova
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
- Saint Petersburg State Medical Diagnostic Center (Genetic Medical Center), Tobolskaya Street 5, 353912 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.F.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Marina Frolova
- Saint Petersburg State Medical Diagnostic Center (Genetic Medical Center), Tobolskaya Street 5, 353912 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.F.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Natalia Shved
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Nadezhda Krylova
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Arina Il’ina
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Svetlana Freund
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Natalia Osinovskaya
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Iskender Sultanov
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Egorova
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Anastasia Lobenskaya
- Saint Petersburg State Medical Diagnostic Center (Genetic Medical Center), Tobolskaya Street 5, 353912 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.F.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexander Koroteev
- Saint Petersburg State Medical Diagnostic Center (Genetic Medical Center), Tobolskaya Street 5, 353912 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.F.); (A.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Irina Sosnina
- Saint Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution “Consulting and Diagnostic Center for Children”, Aleksa Dundić Street 36/2, 192289 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Yulia Gorelik
- Children’s City Multidisciplinary Clinical Specialized Center of High Medical Technologies, Avangardnaya Street 14, 198205 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Olesya Bespalova
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Vladislav Baranov
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Igor Kogan
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrey Glotov
- Department of Genomic Medicine Named after V.S. Baranov, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.M.); (S.S.); (H.A.-H.); (N.M.); (M.P.); (E.S.); (N.S.); (N.K.); (A.I.); (S.F.); (I.S.); (A.E.); (O.B.); (I.K.); (A.G.)
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Henderson ML, Zieba JK, Li X, Campbell DB, Williams MR, Vogt DL, Bupp CP, Edgerly YM, Rajasekaran S, Hartog NL, Prokop JW, Krueger JM. Gene Therapy for Genetic Syndromes: Understanding the Current State to Guide Future Care. BIOTECH 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38247731 PMCID: PMC10801589 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise as a life-changing option for individuals with genetic variants that give rise to disease. FDA-approved gene therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, β-Thalassemia, hemophilia A/B, retinal dystrophy, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have generated buzz around the ability to change the course of genetic syndromes. However, this excitement risks over-expansion into areas of genetic disease that may not fit the current state of gene therapy. While in situ (targeted to an area) and ex vivo (removal of cells, delivery, and administration of cells) approaches show promise, they have a limited target ability. Broader in vivo gene therapy trials have shown various continued challenges, including immune response, use of immune suppressants correlating to secondary infections, unknown outcomes of overexpression, and challenges in driving tissue-specific corrections. Viral delivery systems can be associated with adverse outcomes such as hepatotoxicity and lethality if uncontrolled. In some cases, these risks are far outweighed by the potentially lethal syndromes for which these systems are being developed. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the field of genetic diseases to perform cost-benefit analyses for gene therapy. In this work, we present the current state while setting forth tools and resources to guide informed directions to avoid foreseeable issues in gene therapy that could prevent the field from continued success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian L. Henderson
- The Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Jacob K. Zieba
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel B. Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Michael R. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel L. Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Caleb P. Bupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Medical Genetics, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Surender Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas L. Hartog
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Allergy & Immunology, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
| | - Jena M. Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Aponte Ribero V, Martí Y, Batson S, Mitchell S, Gorni K, Gusset N, Oskoui M, Servais L, Sutherland CS. Systematic Literature Review of the Natural History of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Motor Function, Scoliosis, and Contractures. Neurology 2023; 101:e2103-e2113. [PMID: 37813581 PMCID: PMC10663020 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder associated with continuous motor function loss and complications, such as scoliosis and contractures. Understanding the natural history of SMA is key to demonstrating the long-term outcomes of SMA treatments. This study reviews the natural history of motor function, scoliosis, and contractures in patients with SMA. METHODS Electronic databases were searched from inception to June 27, 2022 (Embase, MEDLINE, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews). Observational studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and case series reporting on motor function (i.e., sitting, standing, and walking ability), scoliosis, and contracture outcomes in patients with types 1-3 SMA were included. Data on study design, baseline characteristics, and treatment outcomes were extracted. Data sets were generated from studies that reported Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and pooled to generate overall KM curves. RESULTS Ninety-three publications were included, of which 68 reported on motor function. Of these, 10 reported KM curves (3 on the probability of sitting in patients with types 2 and 3 SMA and 8 on the probability of walking/ambulation in patients with type 3 SMA). The median time to loss of sitting (95% CI) was 14.5 years (14.1-31.5) for the type 2 SMA sitter population (their maximum ability was independent sitting). The median time to loss of ambulation (95% CI) was 13.4 years (12.5-14.5) for type 3a SMA (disease onset at age younger than 3 years) and 44.2 years (43.0-49.4) for type 3b SMA (disease onset at age 3 years or older). Studies including scoliosis and contracture outcomes mostly reported non-time-to-event data. DISCUSSION The results demonstrate that a high degree of motor function loss is inevitable, affecting patients of all ages. In addition, data suggest that untreated patients with types 2 and 3 SMA remain at risk of losing motor milestones during late adulthood, and patients with types 3a and 3b SMA are at risk of loss of ambulation over time. These findings support the importance of stabilization of motor function development even at older ages. Natural history data are key for the evaluation of SMA treatments as they contextualize the assessment of long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Aponte Ribero
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Yasmina Martí
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Sarah Batson
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Stephen Mitchell
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Ksenija Gorni
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicole Gusset
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - C Simone Sutherland
- From F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (V.A.R., Y.M., K.G., C.S.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Mtech Access Limited (S.B., S.M.), Bicester, United Kingdom; SMA Europe (N.G.), Freiburg, Germany; SMA Schweiz (N.G.), Heimberg, Switzerland; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery (M.O.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (L.S.), Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and Division of Child Neurology (L.S.), Centre de Rèfèrences des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Belgium.
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Yurube T, Han I, Sakai D. Concepts of Regeneration for Spinal Diseases in 2023. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16335. [PMID: 38003526 PMCID: PMC10671128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is our pleasure to announce the publication of the Special Issue "Regeneration for Spinal Diseases 3.0" in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yurube
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA University School of Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si 13496, Republic of Korea;
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara 259-1193, Japan;
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21
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Giorgia Q, Gomez Garcia de la Banda M, Smeriglio P. Role of circulating biomarkers in spinal muscular atrophy: insights from a new treatment era. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1226969. [PMID: 38020652 PMCID: PMC10679720 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1226969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lower motor neuron disease due to biallelic mutations in the SMN1 gene on chromosome 5. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness of limbs, bulbar and respiratory muscles. The disease is usually classified in four different phenotypes (1-4) according to age at symptoms onset and maximal motor milestones achieved. Recently, three disease modifying treatments have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), while several other innovative drugs are under study. New therapies have been game changing, improving survival and life quality for SMA patients. However, they have also intensified the need for accurate biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. While clinical and neurophysiological biomarkers are well established and helpful in describing disease progression, there is a great need to develop more robust and sensitive circulating biomarkers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and other small molecules. Used alone or in combination with clinical biomarkers, they will play a critical role in enhancing patients' stratification for clinical trials and access to approved treatments, as well as in tracking response to therapy, paving the way to the development of individualized therapeutic approaches. In this comprehensive review, we describe the foremost circulating biomarkers of current significance, analyzing existing literature on non-treated and treated patients with a special focus on neurofilaments and circulating miRNA, aiming to identify and examine their role in the follow-up of patients treated with innovative treatments, including gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Querin Giorgia
- APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- European Reference Center Network (Euro-NMD ERN), Paris, France
| | - Marta Gomez Garcia de la Banda
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology Department, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology and ICU Department, Université Paris Saclay, DMU Santé de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
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Zhou F, Quan J, Ruan D, Qiu Y, Ding R, Xu C, Ye Y, Cai G, Liu L, Zhang Z, Yang J, Wu Z, Zheng E. Identification of Candidate Genes for Economically Important Carcass Cutting in Commercial Pigs through GWAS. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3243. [PMID: 37893967 PMCID: PMC10603759 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the process of pork production, the carcasses of pigs are divided and sold, which provides better economic benefits and market competitiveness for pork production than selling the carcass as a whole. Due to the significant cost of post-slaughter phenotypic measurement, the genetic architecture of tenderloin weight (TLNW) and rib weight (RIBW)-important components of pig carcass economic value-remain unknown. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for TLNW and RIBW traits in a population of 431 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs. In our study, the most significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with TLNW was identified as ASGA0085853 (3.28 Mb) on Sus scrofa chromosome 12 (SSC12), while for RIBW, it was Affx-1115046258 (172.45 Mb) on SSC13. Through haplotype block analysis, we discovered a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with TLNW, spanning a 5 kb region on SSC12, and a novel RIBW-associated QTL spanning 1.42 Mb on SSC13. Furthermore, we hypothesized that three candidate genes, TIMP2 and EML1, and SMN1, are associated with TLNW and RIBW, respectively. Our research not only addresses the knowledge gap regarding TLNW, but also serves as a valuable reference for studying RIBW. The identified SNP loci strongly associated with TLNW and RIBW may prove useful for marker-assisted selection in pig breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuchen Zhou
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jianping Quan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Donglin Ruan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yibin Qiu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Rongrong Ding
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Cineng Xu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yong Ye
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Zhongxin Breeding Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Langqing Liu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zebin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Zhongxin Breeding Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510642, China
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu 527400, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (F.Z.); (J.Q.); (D.R.); (Y.Q.); (R.D.); (C.X.); (Y.Y.); (G.C.); (L.L.); (Z.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Eskandari S, Rezayof A, Asghari SM, Hashemizadeh S. Neurobiochemical characteristics of arginine-rich peptides explain their potential therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102356. [PMID: 37390744 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer̕ s disease (AD), Parkinson̕ s disease (PD), Huntington̕ s disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) require special attention to find new potential treatment methods. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between the biochemical properties of arginine-rich peptides (ARPs) and their neuroprotective effects to deal with the harmful effects of risk factors. It seems that ARPs have portrayed a promising and fantastic landscape for treating neurodegeneration-associated disorders. With multimodal mechanisms of action, ARPs play various unprecedented roles, including as the novel delivery platforms for entering the central nervous system (CNS), the potent antagonists for calcium influx, the invader molecules for targeting mitochondria, and the protein stabilizers. Interestingly, these peptides inhibit the proteolytic enzymes and block protein aggregation to induce pro-survival signaling pathways. ARPs also serve as the scavengers of toxic molecules and the reducers of oxidative stress agents. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, by providing an efficient nucleic acid delivery system, ARPs can play an essential role in developing various fields, including gene vaccines, gene therapy, gene editing, and imaging. ARP agents and ARP/cargo therapeutics can be raised as an emergent class of neurotherapeutics for neurodegeneration. Part of the aim of this review is to present recent advances in treating neurodegenerative diseases using ARPs as an emerging and powerful therapeutic tool. The applications and progress of ARPs-based nucleic acid delivery systems have also been discussed to highlight their usefulness as a broad-acting class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Eskandari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shiva Hashemizadeh
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, IPM, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Curry M, Peterson I, Belter L, Sarr F, Whitmire S, Schroth M, Jarecki J. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on SMA Screening and Care: Physician and Community Insights. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1631-1647. [PMID: 37347432 PMCID: PMC10444727 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As part of efforts to reduce diagnostic delays and enhance clinical trials, Cure SMA evaluated the effects of COVID-19 on SMA care and clinical trial conduct. INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive, potentially debilitating muscle weakness and atrophy. Uninterrupted access to early diagnosis, disease-modifying treatment, and care for SMA is vital to avoiding irreversible motor neuron death and achieving optimal patient outcomes. METHODS Two surveys were conducted: a provider survey and a community survey. The Provider Impact Survey, distributed from November 24, 2020, through March 8, 2021, assessed COVID-19's effects on referrals for evaluation of suspected SMA, cancellations and delays of SMA-related care, and clinical trials. The Community Impact Survey was fielded in three waves between April 7, 2020 and July 19, 2021, in tandem with Cure SMA COVID-19 support programs. RESULTS A total of 48 completed provider surveys (22 from care sites, 26 from care-and-trial sites) reflected decreases in referrals for suspected SMA, increases in appointment cancellations and delays, and patient reluctance to attend in-person visits due to COVID-19. One-third of care-and-trial sites reported trial recruitment delays, and one-quarter reported pausing trial enrollment. Results of the Community Impact Survey, completed by 2047 individuals, showed similar disruptions, with 55% reporting changes or limitations in accessing essential SMA-related services. CONCLUSIONS This research evaluates the pandemic's interruption of SMA care and research. These insights can help mitigate and increase preparedness for future disruptive events. Expanded use of virtual tools including telehealth and remote monitoring may enhance continuity and access. However, additional research is required to evaluate their effectiveness. While this research was specific to SMA, its findings may have relevance for other patient communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | - Ilse Peterson
- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Lisa Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Fatou Sarr
- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Sarah Whitmire
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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25
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Aragon-Gawinska K, Mouraux C, Dangouloff T, Servais L. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in Patients Identified by Newborn Screening-A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1377. [PMID: 37510282 PMCID: PMC10379202 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spinal muscular atrophy, clinical trial results indicated that disease-modifying treatments are highly effective when given prior to symptom onset, which has prompted newborn screening programs in growing number of countries. However, prognosis of those patients cannot be inferred from clinical trials conducted in presymptomatic individuals, as in some cases disease presents very early. METHODS we conducted a systematic review of articles published up to January 2023. RESULTS Among 35 patients with three SMN2 copies treated before 42 days of age and followed-up for at least 18 months, all but one achieved autonomous ambulation. Of 41 patients with two SMN2 copies, who were non-symptomatic at treatment initiation, all achieved a sitting position independently and 31 were able to walk. Of 16 patients with two SMN2 copies followed-up for at least 18 months who presented with symptoms at treatment onset, 3 achieved the walking milestone and all but one were able to sit without support. CONCLUSIONS evaluation of data from 18 publications indicates that the results of early treatment depend on the number of SMN2 copies and the initial neurological status of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Mouraux
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 0ER, UK
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26
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Kruse T, Shamai S, Leflerovà D, Wirth B, Heller R, Schloss N, Lehmann HC, Brakemeier S, Hagenacker T, Braumann B, Wunderlich G. Objective measurement of oral function in adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:103. [PMID: 37138365 PMCID: PMC10155305 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of bulbar function in adult individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) usually is not assessed by established motor scores. Measurements of oral function including quantitative muscle and endurance tests are able to detect subtle changes. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the measurement of maximum bite force and endurance, maximum tongue pressure and endurance, as well as maximum mouth opening in adult individuals with SMA types 2 and 3. METHODS Data from oral function tests in 43 individuals were analyzed. Differences in oral function between individuals with different SMA types and numbers of SMN2 copies were tested. Spearman´s rho correlations among oral function measures themselves as well as with established clinical outcome scales were analyzed. RESULTS The absolute maximum measures of oral function (maximum bite force, maximum tongue pressure, maximum mouth opening) were able to discriminate between individuals with different SMA types, individuals with a different number of SMN2 copies and with different walking abilities. The pairwise correlations of the absolute maximum measures of oral function were fair to moderate in size; the same was true for their correlations with the established motor scores. All correlations assessing endurance measures of oral function were weaker and statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Among the oral function tests maximum tongue pressure and maximum mouth opening are particulary promising as clinical and sensitive outcome measures for clinical trials. Oral function tests may supplement existing motor scores, in particular concerning specific questions about bulbar function or in severely affected non-ambulatory individuals where mild (treatment-related) changes would otherwise remain undetected. Trial registration DRKS, DRKS00015842. Registered 30 July 2019, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00015842.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kruse
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - S Shamai
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Leflerovà
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - B Wirth
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Heller
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Genetic Health Service NZ-Northern Hub, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland City Hospital, 90-102 Grafton Rd, Grafton, NZ-Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - N Schloss
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - H C Lehmann
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - T Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - B Braumann
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Wunderlich
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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Papadopoulou E, Pepe G, Konitsiotis S, Chondrogiorgi M, Grigoriadis N, Kimiskidis VK, Tsivgoulis G, Mitsikostas DD, Chroni E, Domouzoglou E, Tsaousis G, Nasioulas G. The evolution of comprehensive genetic analysis in neurology: Implications for precision medicine. J Neurol Sci 2023; 447:120609. [PMID: 36905813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Technological advancements have facilitated the availability of reliable and thorough genetic analysis in many medical fields, including neurology. In this review, we focus on the importance of selecting the appropriate genetic test to aid in the accurate identification of disease utilizing currently employed technologies for analyzing monogenic neurological disorders. Moreover, the applicability of comprehensive analysis via NGS for various genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders is reviewed, revealing its efficiency in clarifying a frequently cloudy diagnostic picture and delivering a conclusive and solid diagnosis that is essential for the proper management of the patient. The feasibility and effectiveness of medical genetics in neurology require interdisciplinary cooperation among several medical specialties and geneticists, to select and perform the most relevant test according to each patient's medical history, using the most appropriate technological tools. The prerequisites for a comprehensive genetic analysis are discussed, highlighting the utility of appropriate gene selection, variant annotation, and classification. Moreover, genetic counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration could improve diagnostic yield further. Additionally, a sub-analysis is conducted on the 1,502,769 variation records with submitted interpretations in the Clinical Variation (ClinVar) database, with a focus on neurology-related genes, to clarify the value of suitable variant categorization. Finally, we review the current applications of genetic analysis in the diagnosis and personalized management of neurological patients and the advances in the research and scientific knowledge of hereditary neurological disorders that are evolving the utility of genetic analysis towards the individualization of the treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Pepe
- GeneKor Medical SA, Spaton 52, Gerakas 15344, Greece
| | - Spiridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Maria Chondrogiorgi
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Second Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Vasilios K Kimiskidis
- First Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimos D Mitsikostas
- First Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Domouzoglou
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
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28
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Nusinersen for adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06698-9. [PMID: 36854931 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06698-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nusinersen was effective in improving motor function and survival in infantile and childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and the value of real-world experiences in adult SMA patients increase gradually. Here, we present our clinical experience in adult SMA patients treated with nusinersen according to CHERISH study. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two SMA patients treated with nusinersen were included in the study. RESULTS Median age at nusinersen initiation was 33.5 (20.0-60.0) years and 23 of SMA patients were male. Six (18.8%) patients had SMA type 2, and 26 (81.2%) had SMA type 3. Median follow-up period of patients under nusinersen treatment was 17 months (9-21). Twenty-three patients improved by at least 3 Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) points after loading doses. There was significant HFMSE score increase in type 3 patients at each time point, whereas type 2 patients seem to benefit from nusinersen loading doses, subsequently stayed stable. Motor improvement was positively correlated with baseline HFMSE scores in patients whose baseline HFMSE scores were ≤47. There was a correlation between the changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) score and HFMSE scores. Ambulatory patients who could not show clinically meaningful increase in HFMSE scores improved at least 30 m by 6-min walk test (6MWT). CONCLUSION Overall, 78% of patients have responded to treatment according to HFMSE or 6MWT. ALSFRS-R and 6MWT may be alternative tools to monitor nusinersen effect.
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Bai J, Qu Y, OuYang S, Jiao H, Wang Y, Li J, Huang W, Zhao Y, Peng X, Wang D, Jin Y, Wang H, Song F. Novel Alu-mediated deletions of the SMN1 gene were identified by ultra-long read sequencing technology in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:382-390. [PMID: 37023488 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by biallelic variants of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. In this study, our aim was to make a molecular diagnosis in two patients with SMA carrying only one SMN1 copy number. Using ultra-long read sequencing (Ultra-LRS), 1415 bp deletion and 3348 bp deletion of the SMN1 gene were identified in patient 1 and the father of patient 2, respectively. Ultra-LRS revealed two novel deletions, starting from the SMN1 promoter to intron 1. It also accurately provided the location of the deletion breakpoints in the SMN1 gene: chr5 g.70,924,798-70,926,212 for a 1415 bp deletion; chr5 g.70,922,695-70,926,042 for a 3348 bp deletion. By analyzing the breakpoint junctions, we identified that these genomic sequences were composed of Alu sequences, including AluJb, AluYm1, AluSq, and AluYm1, indicating that Alu-mediated rearrangements are a mechanism of SMN1 deletion events. In addition, full-length SMN1 transcripts and SMN protein in patient 1 were significantly decreased (p < 0.01), suggesting that a 1415 bp deletion that included the transcription and translation initiation sites of the SMN1 gene had severe consequences for SMN expression. Ultra-LRS can easily distinguish highly homozygous genes compared to other detection technologies, which is useful for detecting SMN1 intragenic mutations, to quickly discover structural rearrangements and to precisely present the breakpoint positions.
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30
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Zhu X, Li H, Hu C, Wu M, Zhou S, Wang Y, Li W. Spinal muscular atrophy with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum: a case report. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:77. [PMID: 36803361 PMCID: PMC9938556 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder due to a defect in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is underdevelopment or thinness of the corpus callosum. SMA and callosal hypoplasia are relatively rare, and there is limited information sharing the diagnosis and treatment for SMA patients with callosal hypoplasia. CASE DESCRIPTION A boy with callosal hypoplasia, small penis, and small testes had been perceived with motor regression at 5 months. He was referred to the rehabilitation department and neurology department at 7 months. Physical examination showed absent deep tendon reflexes, proximal weakness and significant hypotonia. He was recommended to perform trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for his complicated conditions. The subsequent nerve conduction study revealed some characteristics of motor neuron diseases. We identified a homozygous deletion in exon 7 of the SMN1 gene by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and failed to find further pathogenic variations responsible for multiple malformations by trio WES and aCGH. He was diagnosed as SMA. Despite some concerns, he received the therapy of nusinersen for nearly 2 years. He gained the milestone of sitting without support, which he had never accomplished, after the seventh injection, and he continued to improve. During follow-up, there were no adverse events reported and no signs of hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS Some extra features which could not belong to neuromuscular manifestation made the diagnosis and treatment of SMA more complicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zhu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Hui Li
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Rehabilitation, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoping Hu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Min Wu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Yi Wang
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102 China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Neurology, Children`s hospital of Fudan University, National Children`s Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Chen X, Harting J, Farrow E, Thiffault I, Kasperaviciute D, Hoischen A, Gilissen C, Pastinen T, Eberle MA. Comprehensive SMN1 and SMN2 profiling for spinal muscular atrophy analysis using long-read PacBio HiFi sequencing. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:240-250. [PMID: 36669496 PMCID: PMC9943720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy, a leading cause of early infant death, is caused by bi-allelic mutations of SMN1. Sequence analysis of SMN1 is challenging due to high sequence similarity with its paralog SMN2. Both genes have variable copy numbers across populations. Furthermore, without pedigree information, it is currently not possible to identify silent carriers (2+0) with two copies of SMN1 on one chromosome and zero copies on the other. We developed Paraphase, an informatics method that identifies full-length SMN1 and SMN2 haplotypes, determines the gene copy numbers, and calls phased variants using long-read PacBio HiFi data. The SMN1 and SMN2 copy-number calls by Paraphase are highly concordant with orthogonal methods (99.2% for SMN1 and 100% for SMN2). We applied Paraphase to 438 samples across 5 ethnic populations to conduct a population-wide haplotype analysis of these highly homologous genes. We identified major SMN1 and SMN2 haplogroups and characterized their co-segregation through pedigree-based analyses. We identified two SMN1 haplotypes that form a common two-copy SMN1 allele in African populations. Testing positive for these two haplotypes in an individual with two copies of SMN1 gives a silent carrier risk of 88.5%, which is significantly higher than the currently used marker (1.7%-3.0%). Extending beyond simple copy-number testing, Paraphase can detect pathogenic variants and enable potential haplotype-based screening of silent carriers through statistical phasing of haplotypes into alleles. Future analysis of larger population data will allow identification of more diverse haplotypes and genetic markers for silent carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Farrow
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboud Expertise Center for Immunodeficiency and Autoinflammation and Radboud Center for Infectious Disease (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA,UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Seeing Neurodegeneration in a New Light Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors and iPSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021766. [PMID: 36675282 PMCID: PMC9861453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases present a progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, leading to cell death and irrecoverable brain atrophy. Most have disease-modifying therapies, in part because the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are yet to be defined, preventing the development of targeted therapies. To overcome this, there is a need for tools that enable a quantitative assessment of how cellular mechanisms and diverse environmental conditions contribute to disease. One such tool is genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs), engineered constructs encoding proteins with novel functions capable of sensing spatiotemporal changes in specific pathways, enzyme functions, or metabolite levels. GEFB technology therefore presents a plethora of unique sensing capabilities that, when coupled with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), present a powerful tool for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss different GEFBs relevant to neurodegenerative disease and how they can be used with iPSCs to illuminate unresolved questions about causes and risks for neurodegenerative disease.
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NeuroLINCS Proteomics: Defining human-derived iPSC proteomes and protein signatures of pluripotency. Sci Data 2023; 10:24. [PMID: 36631473 PMCID: PMC9834231 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The National Institute of Health (NIH) Library of integrated network-based cellular signatures (LINCS) program is premised on the generation of a publicly available data resource of cell-based biochemical responses or "signatures" to genetic or environmental perturbations. NeuroLINCS uses human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), derived from patients and healthy controls, and differentiated into motor neuron cell cultures. This multi-laboratory effort strives to establish i) robust multi-omic workflows for hiPSC and differentiated neuronal cultures, ii) public annotated data sets and iii) relevant and targetable biological pathways of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we focus on the proteomics and the quality of the developed workflow of hiPSC lines from 6 individuals, though epigenomics and transcriptomics data are also publicly available. Known and commonly used markers representing 73 proteins were reproducibly quantified with consistent expression levels across all hiPSC lines. Data quality assessments, data levels and metadata of all 6 genetically diverse human iPSCs analysed by DIA-MS are parsable and available as a high-quality resource to the public.
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Kleinle S, Scholz V, Benet-Pagés A, Wohlfrom T, Gehling S, Scharf F, Rost S, Prott EC, Grinzinger S, Hotter A, Haug V, Niemeier S, Wiethoff-Ubrig L, Hagenacker T, Goldhahn K, von Moers A, Walter MC, Reilich P, Eggermann K, Kraft F, Kurth I, Erdmann H, Holinski-Feder E, Neuhann T, Abicht A. Closing the Gap - Detection of 5q-Spinal Muscular Atrophy by Short-Read Next-Generation Sequencing and Unexpected Results in a Diagnostic Patient Cohort. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:835-846. [PMID: 37424474 PMCID: PMC10578226 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of early diagnosis of 5q-Spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) has heightened as early intervention can significantly improve clinical outcomes. In 96% of cases, 5q-SMA is caused by a homozygous deletion of SMN1. Around 4 % of patients carry a SMN1 deletion and a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) on the other allele. Traditionally, diagnosis is based on multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) to detect homozygous or heterozygous exon 7 deletions in SMN1. Due to high homologies within the SMN1/SMN2 locus, sequence analysis to identify SNVs of the SMN1 gene is unreliable by standard Sanger or short-read next-generation sequencing (srNGS) methods. OBJECTIVE The objective was to overcome the limitations in high-throughput srNGS with the aim of providing SMA patients with a fast and reliable diagnosis to enable their timely therapy. METHODS A bioinformatics workflow to detect homozygous SMN1 deletions and SMN1 SNVs on srNGS analysis was applied to diagnostic whole exome and panel testing for suggested neuromuscular disorders (1684 patients) and to fetal samples in prenatal diagnostics (260 patients). SNVs were detected by aligning sequencing reads from SMN1 and SMN2 to an SMN1 reference sequence. Homozygous SMN1 deletions were identified by filtering sequence reads for the ,, gene-determining variant" (GDV). RESULTS 10 patients were diagnosed with 5q-SMA based on (i) SMN1 deletion and hemizygous SNV (2 patients), (ii) homozygous SMN1 deletion (6 patients), and (iii) compound heterozygous SNVs in SMN1 (2 patients). CONCLUSIONS Applying our workflow in srNGS-based panel and whole exome sequencing (WES) is crucial in a clinical laboratory, as otherwise patients with an atypical clinical presentation initially not suspected to suffer from SMA remain undiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Benet-Pagés
- Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Susanne Grinzinger
- Christian Doppler Clinic, Neurology, University Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna Hotter
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Haug
- Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lucia Wiethoff-Ubrig
- Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Neuropediatrics, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus Goldhahn
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuropediatrics, DRK Clinics Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arpad von Moers
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuropediatrics, DRK Clinics Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maggie C. Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Reilich
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Eggermann
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Kraft
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ingo Kurth
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hannes Erdmann
- Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Holinski-Feder
- Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Angela Abicht
- Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Sagerer E, Wirner C, Schoser B, Wenninger S. Nociceptive pain in adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy type 3: a cross-sectional clinical study. J Neurol 2023; 270:250-261. [PMID: 36036285 PMCID: PMC9813071 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the SMN gene, leading to progressive muscular weakness, atrophy and so far neglected musculoskeletal pain. This study is the first to characterize nociceptive pain in patients living with SMA type 3 by assessing whether muscle pain is associated with alterations in muscle strength, function, stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional pilot study on 20 SMA3 patients. We evaluated motor function and muscle strength (dynamometry, quick motor function test and 6-min-walk test), nociceptive pain (pressure algometer evaluating muscular pressure pain threshold (PPT)) and non-invasive measurement of muscle stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep (myotonometry with the MyotonPro®). For statistical analysis, we used t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and linear regression. RESULTS Significantly more women than men reported musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.003). A lower score in dynamometry was associated with lower scores in PPT in all extremities reflecting a higher sensitivity of these muscles to pressure. We did not find significant correlations between the PPT values and the MyotonPro values in the corresponding muscles. Assessments of PPT before and after the 6-min walk test did not show clinical meaningful changes. Besides nociceptive pain, fatigue was prevalent in 50% and pain in 55% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Muscle pain in SMA3 is associated with muscular weakness in the arms and legs, but not with changes in muscular stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep. This shows that muscle pain in SMA3 is mainly caused by changes in the dysbalanced musculoskeletal system due to muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sagerer
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Corinna Wirner
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Wenninger
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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Younger DS. Neonatal and infantile hypotonia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:401-423. [PMID: 37562880 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying etiology of neonatal and infantile hypotonia can be divided into primary peripheral and central nervous system and acquired or genetic disorders. The approach to identifying the likeliest cause of hypotonia begins with a bedside assessment followed by a careful review of the birth history and early development and family pedigree and obtaining available genetic studies and age- and disease-appropriate laboratory investigations. Until about a decade ago, the main goal was to identify the clinical signs and a battery of basic investigations including electrophysiology to confirm or exclude a given neuromuscular disorder, however the availability of whole-exome sequencing and next generation sequencing and transcriptome sequencing has simplified the identification of specific underlying genetic defect and improved the accuracy of diagnosis in many related Mendelian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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Hu C, Li X, Shi Y, Zhu X, Zhao L, Li W, Zhou S, Wang Y. Comprehensive profile and natural history of pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy: A large retrospective study from China. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1038012. [PMID: 36605788 PMCID: PMC9810274 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1038012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a large population of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in China, and new disease-modifying therapies have become available recently. However, comprehensive data on the management and profile of treatment-naive SMA patients in China are still lacking. Methods As a retrospective study, a large cohort of treatment-naive patients with clinical and genetic diagnoses of 5q SMA were enrolled, ranging from neonatal to 18 years old, from the Neurology Department of Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 2013 and December 2020. The data regarding their clinical presentations, genetic defects, motor function assessment results, and follow ups were reviewed. Results We enrolled 392 SMA patients (male: female = 189: 203): 1a = 46, 1b = 44, 1c = 31, 2a = 119, 2b = 56, 3a = 52, 3b = 14, from 27 of the 34 administrative districts in China, and 389 patients harbored homozygous deletion of exon 7 in the SMN1 gene (99.2%). The median age of onset was 0.08 (range: 0-0.30), 0.25 (0.06-0.60), 0.42 (0.08-1.50), 0.67 (0.07-5.08), 1.0 (0.40-1.83), 1.5 (1.00-3.00), and 4.04 (1.80-12.00) years old for SMA 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b patients, while the median age of first assessment was 0.25 (0.08-2.60), 0.42 (0.17-1.90), 0.80 (0.17-4.5), 2.50 (0.5-15.83), 2.92 (1.08-13.42), 4.25 (1.58-17.33), and 7.34 (3.67-14.00) years old, respectively. Patients were followed up with for up to 15.8 years. The median event-free survival time was 7 months, 15 months, and indeterminate in SMA 1a, 1b, and 1c patients (p < 0.0001), with a better survival situation for higher SMN2 copies (p = 0.0171). The median age of sitting loss was 5.75 years and 13.5 years in SMA 2a and 2b (p = 0.0214) and that of ambulation loss was 9.0 years and undefined in SMA 3a and 3b (p = 0.0072). Cox regression analysis showed that higher SMN2 copies indicated better remaining ambulation in SMA 3. The median time to develop orthopedic deformities was 4.5, 5.2, and 10.1 years in SMAs 1c, 2, and 3, respectively (p < 0.0001), with a possible trend of better preservation of joint function for patients under regular rehabilitation (p = 0.8668). Conclusion Our study elucidated insight into the comprehensive management and profile of different types of SMA patients in China, providing a clinical basis for assessing the efficacy of new therapies.
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Matteson J, Wu CH, Mathur D, Tang H, Sciortino S, Feuchtbaum L, Bishop T, Sharma SC, Neogi P, Fitzgibbon I, Olney RS. California’s experience with SMA newborn screening: A successful path to early intervention. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:777-785. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background: Universal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) newborn screening was implemented in California on June 24, 2020. Objective: We describe California’s experience with the first 18 months of SMA newborn screening, including our assay methodology, timeliness of screening and follow-up milestones, and clinical and epidemiological outcomes observed. Methods: Dried blood spots are screened for SMA using multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect deletions of exon 7 in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Short-term follow-up data is collected from clinical staff via an online data collection tool. Results: In the first 18 months, 628,791 newborns from California’s diverse population were tested for SMA. Thirty-four screened positive and were confirmed to have the disorder. Infants were referred, diagnosed, and treated at a median of 8, 12, and 33 days of life, respectively. Nearly all infants received the desired treatment modality, and 62% received treatment while still asymptomatic. Conclusions: SMA newborn screening is a highly sensitive and specific test which identifies infants with SMA early when treatment is most effective. Even with newborn screening’s success in facilitating early intervention, there is still work to be done to expedite treatment, especially for infants with the most severe form of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Matteson
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Cindy H. Wu
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Deepika Mathur
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Hao Tang
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Stanley Sciortino
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Feuchtbaum
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Tracey Bishop
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Sudhir C. Sharma
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Partha Neogi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Ina Fitzgibbon
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Richard S. Olney
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
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Milligan JN, Blasco-Pérez L, Costa-Roger M, Codina-Solà M, Tizzano EF. Recommendations for Interpreting and Reporting Silent Carrier and Disease-Modifying Variants in SMA Testing Workflows. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1657. [PMID: 36140824 PMCID: PMC9498682 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic testing for SMA diagnosis, newborn screening, and carrier screening has become a significant public health interest worldwide, driven largely by the development of novel and effective molecular therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the corresponding updates to testing guidelines. Concurrently, understanding of the underlying genetics of SMA and their correlation with a broad range of phenotypes and risk factors has also advanced, particularly with respect to variants that modulate disease severity or impact residual carrier risks. While testing guidelines are beginning to emphasize the importance of these variants, there are no clear guidelines on how to utilize them in a real-world setting. Given the need for clarity in practice, this review summarizes several clinically relevant variants in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, including how they inform outcomes for spinal muscular atrophy carrier risk and disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Blasco-Pérez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo F. Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Detering NT, Schüning T, Hensel N, Claus P. The phospho-landscape of the survival of motoneuron protein (SMN) protein: relevance for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:497. [PMID: 36006469 PMCID: PMC11071818 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04522-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by low levels of the survival of motoneuron (SMN) Protein leading to preferential degeneration of lower motoneurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and brain stem. However, the SMN protein is ubiquitously expressed and there is growing evidence of a multisystem phenotype in SMA. Since a loss of SMN function is critical, it is important to decipher the regulatory mechanisms of SMN function starting on the level of the SMN protein itself. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins regulate multiple functions and processes, including activity, cellular trafficking, and stability. Several PTM sites have been identified within the SMN sequence. Here, we map the identified SMN PTMs highlighting phosphorylation as a key regulator affecting localization, stability and functions of SMN. Furthermore, we propose SMN phosphorylation as a crucial factor for intracellular interaction and cellular distribution of SMN. We outline the relevance of phosphorylation of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) gene product SMN with regard to basic housekeeping functions of SMN impaired in this neurodegenerative disease. Finally, we compare SMA patient mutations with putative and verified phosphorylation sites. Thus, we emphasize the importance of phosphorylation as a cellular modulator in a clinical perspective as a potential additional target for combinatorial SMA treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Tula Detering
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Schüning
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Niko Hensel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), Ottawa, Canada
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Hannover, Germany.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.
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Xu Y, Song T, Wang X, Zheng J, Li Y, Guo F, Li Y, Guo Z, Dou Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Yang H. Copy number assessment of SMN1 based on real-time PCR with high-resolution melting: fast and highly reliable testing. Brain Dev 2022; 44:462-468. [PMID: 35414447 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease mainly caused by the absence of both copies of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Multiple regions recommended population-wide SMA screening to quantify the copy number of SMN1. SMN1 diagnostic assays for the simplified procedure, high sensitivity, and throughput continue to be needed. METHODS Real-time PCR with high-resolution melting for the quantifying of the SMN1 gene exon 7 copies and exon 8 copies were established and confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The diagnosis of 2563 individuals, including SMA patients, suspected cases, and the general population, was tested by real-time PCR. The results were compared with the gold standard test MLPA. RESULTS In this study, the homozygous and heterozygous deletions were detected by real-time PCR with a high-resolution melting method with an incidence of 10.18% and 2.26%, respectively. In addition, the R-value distribution (P > 0.05) among 8 replicates and the coefficient of variation (CV < 0.003) suggested that the real-time PCR screening test had high reproducibility. High concordance was obtained between real-time PCR with high-resolution melting and MLPA. CONCLUSIONS The real-time PCR based on high-resolution melting provides a sensitive and high-throughput approach to large-scale SMA carrier screening with low cost and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Tingting Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Xiaozhou Wang
- Xi'an Tianlong Science and Technology CO., Ltd, China
| | - Jiao Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Fenfen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Yuanfeng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China
| | - Zijian Guo
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yaling Dou
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Xi'an Tianlong Science and Technology CO., Ltd, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Xi'an Tianlong Science and Technology CO., Ltd, China.
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shannxi 710032, China.
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Elkins K, Wittenauer A, Hagar AF, Logan R, Sekul E, Xiang Y, Verma S, Wilcox WR. Georgia state spinal muscular atrophy newborn screening experience: Screening assay performance and early clinical outcomes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:187-196. [PMID: 36164257 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide the results of the newborn screening (NBS) program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in the state of Georgia to determine disease incidence, time to diagnosis and treatment, and early outcomes. NBS for SMA was performed using real time PCR assays from February 2019 through February 2020 in a pilot phase of screening. This method continued as part of our official state panel, and here we describe the pilot period as well as the first year of standard screening through February 2021. Medical records of infants with a positive NBS were reviewed for time to confirmation and neurologic evaluation, SMN2 copy number, clinical information, and treatment. Descriptive statistics were applied. Of the 301,418 samples screened, there were 15 true positive (eight males) and 24 false positive cases. One patient was missed due to human error early in the pilot phase and presented after symptom onset. The incidence of SMA in Georgia is approximately 1 in 18,840 births per year. After the pilot phase, the false positive rate was found to be so low that all patients who test positive were immediately referred to neurology for further care. Four patients died prior to intervention. Ten patients received intervention. Gene therapy was the preferred treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up; another was clinically followed. In conclusion, trends for treated patients show improved or stable motor function. Long-term follow-up will help determine the durability of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Elkins
- Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angela Wittenauer
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Arthur F Hagar
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Logan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sekul
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yijin Xiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sumit Verma
- Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William R Wilcox
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Rad N, Cai H, Weiss MD. Management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Adult Population. Muscle Nerve 2022; 65:498-507. [PMID: 35218574 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders resulting from the loss of spinal motor neurons. 95% of patients share a pathogenic mechanism of loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 protein expression due to homozygous deletions or other mutations of the SMN1 gene, with the different phenotypes influenced by variable copy numbers of the SMN2 gene. Advances in supportive care, disease modifying treatment and novel gene therapies have led to an increase in the prevalence of SMA, with a third of SMA patients now represented by adults. Despite the growing number of adult patients, consensus on the management of SMA has focused primarily on the pediatric population. As the disease burden is vastly different in adult SMA, an approach to treatment must be tailored to their unique needs. This review will focus on the management of the adult SMA patient as they age and will discuss proper transition of care from a pediatric to adult center, including the need for continued monitoring for osteoporosis, scoliosis, malnutrition, and declining mobility and functioning. As in the pediatric population, multidisciplinary care remains the best approach to the management of adult SMA. Novel and emerging therapies such as nusinersen and risdiplam provide hope for these patients, though these medications are of uncertain efficacy in this population and require additional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Rad
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Haibi Cai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Paracha N, Hudson P, Mitchell S, Sutherland CS. Systematic Literature Review to Assess the Cost and Resource Use Associated with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Management. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:11-38. [PMID: 34761360 PMCID: PMC8994738 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01105-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disease that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner with an estimated incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births. The traditional classification of SMA includes five types (Types 0-4 SMA) based on patient age at disease onset and the highest motor milestone achieved. Spinal muscular atrophy leads to progressive muscle denervation, skeletal muscle atrophy and loss of motor function and ambulation, though phenotypes vary along a disease continuum. Regardless of disease severity, or access to treatment, a multidisciplinary approach to care is required to ease the burden of disease. To date, limited global data exist regarding the cost and resource use associated with SMA management. OBJECTIVE We planned to perform a systematic literature review to identify studies on cost and healthcare resource use associated with SMA. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in 2019 using several electronic databases in addition to supplementary sources and updated in 2021 in order to capture recently published studies. Electronic searches performed in Embase, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews and EconLit via the Ovid platform were supplemented by searches of the grey literature (reference lists, conference proceedings, global Health Technology Assessment body websites and other relevant sources). Study eligibility criteria were based on the population, interventions, comparators and outcomes (PICO) framework. Quality assessment of full-text publications was evaluated with reference to a published checklist. To accommodate heterogeneity across studies including countries, currencies, populations, time units and methods of reporting used, costs were reported in Euros in 2019. RESULTS A total of 51 publications, comprising 49 unique studies of patients with SMA that met all eligibility criteria were included in the final selection. The publications comprised data from 14 countries and seven additional studies that reported multi-national data. Because of the heterogeneity between the different types of SMA, data were frequently reported separately for individuals with Type 1 or early-onset SMA and for Types 2, 3, and 4 SMA or later-onset SMA. Generally, direct medical costs and resource use were reported to be highest for patients with Type 1 SMA, decreasing incrementally for patients with Type 2 and Type 3 disease. Where cost categories were similar, direct costs were much lower in Europe than in the USA. Indirect costs were primarily associated with informal care, which was a substantial burden on patients and families in terms of both cost and time. Cost drivers were generally found to be dependent on SMA type. CONCLUSIONS Long-term robust studies are required to fully elucidate the economic burden of SMA. Considering that motor function can vary broadly, especially in Type 2 SMA, it would be beneficial to understand how costs and resource use are affected by different degrees of ambulation. Reporting data in terms of achieved motor function could also mitigate the challenges of comparing global data studies of small populations. Global, regional, and/or local data collection platforms and disease registry networks could play an important role in helping to address current data gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noman Paracha
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - C Simone Sutherland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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Paracha N, Hudson P, Mitchell S, Sutherland CS. Systematic Literature Review to Assess Economic Evaluations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:69-89. [PMID: 34658008 PMCID: PMC8994739 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disease that affects individuals with a broad age range. SMA is typically characterised by symmetrical muscle weakness but is also associated with cardiac defects, life-limiting impairments in respiratory function and bulbar function defects that affect swallowing and speech. Despite the advent of three innovative disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for SMA, the cost of DMTs in addition to the costs of standard of care can be a barrier to treatment access for patients. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) decision makers evaluate the cost effectiveness of a new treatment before making a reimbursement decision. OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify the modelling approaches used in economic evaluations that assess current approved treatments in SMA, with a secondary objective to widen the scope and identify economic evaluations assessing other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders. METHODS An SLR was performed to identify available economic evaluations associated with any type of SMA (Type 1, 2, 3 and/or 4). Economic evaluations associated with other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders were identified but not further analysed. Electronic searches were conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews and EconLit via the Ovid platform in August 2019, and were supplemented by searches of the grey literature (reference lists, conference proceedings, global HTA body websites and other relevant sources). Eligibility criteria were based on the population, interventions, comparators and outcomes (PICO) framework. Quality assessment of full publications was conducted with reference to a published checklist. RESULTS Nine publications covering eight unique studies met all eligibility criteria for inclusion in the SLR, including four conference abstracts, two peer-reviewed original research articles and three HTA submissions (conducted in Canada, the US and the UK). Evaluations considered patients with early infantile-onset (most likely to develop Type 1 or Type 2 SMA), later-onset SMA and both infantile- and later-onset SMA. Data for the identified economic models were collected from literature reviews and relatively short-term clinical trials. Several intent-to-treat clinical trial populations were used in the studies, which resulted in variation in cycle length and different outcome measures to determine clinical efficacy. The results of the quality assessment on the five full-text, peer-reviewed publications found that they generally provided clear descriptions of objectives, modelling methods and results. However, key decisions, such as choice of economic evaluation, model type and choice of variables for sensitivity analysis, were often not adequately justified. CONCLUSIONS This SLR highlights the need for economic evaluations in SMA to better align in modelling approaches with respect to (i) consistency in model structure and use of motor function milestones as health states; (ii) consensus on measuring quality of life to estimate utilities; (iii) consistency in data collection by registries; and (iv) consensus on SMA-type classification and endpoints that determine intervention efficacy. Future economic evaluations should also incorporate the review group critiques of previous HTA submissions relating to data inputs and approaches to modelling and should include patient data reflective of the SMA population being modelled. Economic evaluations would also be improved with inclusion of long-term efficacy and safety data from clinical trials and valid patient and caregiver utility data.
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46
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Sutherland CS, Hudson P, Mitchell S, Paracha N. Systematic Literature Review to Identify Utility Values in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Their Caregivers. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:39-67. [PMID: 34907515 PMCID: PMC8994729 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life for patients with SMA and their caregivers. Utility values ('utilities') are used in health economic analyses to incorporate individual or societal perspectives regarding the desirability of health outcomes such as a certain health state or change in health states over time. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to identify published utilities associated with patients with SMA and their caregivers and to determine the extent to which Health Technology Assessment (HTA) requirements of methods used to generate utilities are met. A secondary objective was to broaden the scope to identify utilities associated with other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders. METHODS A comprehensive search to capture published utilities associated with patients with SMA and their caregivers was performed in 2019 and updated in 2021 using several electronic databases in addition to supplementary sources. As we anticipated that few published utilities associated with SMA would be identified, the search also captured utilities for other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders that may serve as useful surrogate values for studies of SMA and other rare diseases. Electronic searches were performed in Embase, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, and EconLit via the Ovid platform and were supplemented by searches of the grey literature (reference lists, conference proceedings, global HTA body websites, and other relevant sources). Study eligibility criteria were based on the population, interventions, comparators, and outcomes (PICO) framework. The quality of the full-text publications was assessed using a checklist based on UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence technical support documents. RESULTS In total, 14 publications that reported SMA-related patient or caregiver utilities or disutilities met the eligibility criteria to be included in the SLR; the included studies demonstrate the substantial health-related quality-of-life burden of SMA on both patients with SMA and their caregivers. A variety of preference-based measures were used to derive utilities for patients with SMA and their caregivers. Different methods for collecting utility data included patient and proxy assessment of health states using questionnaires, vignette methodologies, structured forms of expert elicitation, and mapped data from results of clinical trials. A range of utilities was reported from both patient- and proxy-reported data, which reflects the degree of disability associated with early- and later-onset SMA. Methods for deriving utilities were assessed with respect to three reference cases from HTA bodies in the UK, the USA, and Canada. None of the 14 publications met the requirements of all three HTA bodies because of differing tariff requirements between countries; one study met the requirements of HTA bodies in Canada and the UK. Also, six studies did not report the method of valuation, which precluded analysis with respect to the HTA reference cases. CONCLUSIONS This SLR provides a comprehensive repository of the currently available utilities relevant to patients with SMA and their caregivers. This SLR provides recommendations for establishing consensus on the approach to generating utility values for the SMA patient population and their caregivers for health economic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simone Sutherland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Noman Paracha
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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Özer PZ, Koyunoğlu D, Son ÇD, Yurter HE, Bora G. SMN loss dysregulates microtubule-associated proteins in spinal muscular atrophy model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Suthar R, Patil AN. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Therapeutics in India: Parental Hopes and Despair! Ann Neurosci 2022; 28:112-113. [PMID: 35341234 PMCID: PMC8948328 DOI: 10.1177/09727531211046365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renu Suthar
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amol N Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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49
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Niba ETE, Nishio H, Wijaya YOS, Ar Rochmah M, Takarada T, Takeuchi A, Kimizu T, Okamoto K, Saito T, Awano H, Takeshima Y, Shinohara M. Stability and Oligomerization of Mutated SMN Protein Determine Clinical Severity of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020205. [PMID: 35205250 PMCID: PMC8872419 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by defects of lower motor neurons. Approximately 95% of SMA patients are homozygous for survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene deletion, while ~5% carry an intragenic SMN1 mutation. Here, we investigated the stability and oligomerization ability of mutated SMN1 proteins. Plasmids containing wild- and mutant-type SMN1 cDNA were constructed and transfected into HeLa cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) demonstrated similar abundances of transcripts from the plasmids containing SMN cDNA, but Western blotting showed different expression levels of mutated SMN1 proteins, reflecting the degree of their instability. A mutated SMN1 protein with T274YfsX32 exhibited a much lower expression level than other mutated SMN1 proteins with E134K, Y276H, or Y277C. In immunoprecipitation analysis, the mutated SMN1 protein with T274YfsX32 did not bind to endogenous SMN1 protein in HeLa cells, suggesting that this mutation completely blocks the oligomerization with full-length SMN2 protein in the patient. The patient with T274YfsX32 showed a much more severe phenotype than the other patients with different mutations. In conclusion, the stability and oligomerization ability of mutated SMN1 protein may determine the protein stability and may be associated with the clinical severity of SMA caused by intragenic SMN1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tabe Eko Niba
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan; (E.T.E.N.); (Y.O.S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan; (E.T.E.N.); (Y.O.S.W.); (M.S.)
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Hyogo, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-789-745-073
| | - Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan; (E.T.E.N.); (Y.O.S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Mawaddah Ar Rochmah
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Farmako, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Toru Takarada
- Laboratory of Functional Molecular Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakitamachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-8558, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Atsuko Takeuchi
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakitamachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-8558, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Tomokazu Kimizu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi 594-1101, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime Prefectural Imabari Hospital, 4-5-5 Ishii-cho, Imabari 794-0006, Ehime, Japan;
| | - Toshio Saito
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, 5-1-1 Toneyama, Toyonaka 560-8552, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Masakazu Shinohara
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan; (E.T.E.N.); (Y.O.S.W.); (M.S.)
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50
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Sarv S, Kahre T, Vaidla E, Pajusalu S, Muru K, Põder H, Gross-Paju K, Ütt S, Žordania R, Talvik I, Õiglane-Shlik E, Muhu K, Õunap K. The Birth Prevalence of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Population Specific Approach in Estonia. Front Genet 2022; 12:796862. [PMID: 35003227 PMCID: PMC8729775 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.796862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rare diseases are an important population health issue and many promising therapies have been developed in recent years. In light of novel genetic treatments expected to significantly improve spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients' quality of life and the urgent need for SMA newborn screening (NBS), new epidemiological data were needed to implement SMA NBS in Estonia. Objective: We aimed to describe the birth prevalence of SMA in the years 1996-2020 and to compare the results with previously published data. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data of SMA patients referred to the Department of Clinical Genetics of Tartu University Hospital and its branch in Tallinn. Results: Fifty-seven patients were molecularly diagnosed with SMA. SMA birth prevalence was 1 per 8,286 (95% CI 1 per 6,130-11,494) in Estonia. Patients were classified as SMA type 0 (1.8%), SMA I (43.9%), SMA II (22.8%), SMA III (29.8%), and SMA IV (1.8%). Two patients were compound heterozygotes with an SMN1 deletion in trans with a novel single nucleotide variant NM_000344.3:c.410dup, p.(Asn137Lysfs*11). SMN2 copy number was assessed in 51 patients. Conclusion: In Estonia, the birth prevalence of SMA is similar to the median birth prevalence in Europe. This study gathered valuable information on the current epidemiology of SMA, which can guide the implementation of spinal muscular atrophy to the newborn screening program in Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siiri Sarv
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tiina Kahre
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eve Vaidla
- Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sander Pajusalu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Muru
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Haide Põder
- Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Katrin Gross-Paju
- Centre for Neurological Diseases, West-Tallinn Central Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Health Technologies, eMed Lab, TalTech, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sandra Ütt
- Centre for Neurological Diseases, West-Tallinn Central Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Riina Žordania
- Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Inga Talvik
- Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eve Õiglane-Shlik
- Children's Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Children's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Muhu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katrin Õunap
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
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