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Nijs M, Van Damme P. The genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2024:00019052-990000000-00178. [PMID: 38967083 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a strong genetic basis, but the genetic landscape of ALS appears to be complex. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in the genetics of ALS. RECENT FINDINGS Large-scale genetic studies have uncovered more than 40 genes contributing to ALS susceptibility. Both rare variants with variable effect size and more common variants with small effect size have been identified. The most common ALS genes are C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS. Some of the causative genes of ALS are shared with frontotemporal dementia, confirming the molecular link between both diseases. Access to diagnostic gene testing for ALS has to improve, as effective gene silencing therapies for some genetic subtypes of ALS are emerging, but there is no consensus about which genes to test for. SUMMARY Our knowledge about the genetic basis of ALS has improved and the first effective gene silencing therapies for specific genetic subtypes of ALS are underway. These therapeutic advances underline the need for better access to gene testing for people with ALS. Further research is needed to further map the genetic heterogeneity of ALS and to establish the best strategy for gene testing in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Nijs
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Jiang Q, Lin J, Wei Q, Yang T, Hou Y, Zhang L, Ou R, Xiao Y, Wang S, Zheng X, Li C, Shang H. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with various gene mutations show diverse motor phenotypes and survival in China. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2024-109909. [PMID: 38886047 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-109909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Genetic factors have a substantial impact on ALS. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between genotype (SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, C9orf72) and phenotype in ALS. METHODS Genetic analysis was performed on 2038 patients with ALS, among which 1696 patients with sporadic ALS (SALS) as controls for genotype-phenotype analysis, and 1602 SALS as controls for survival analysis. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 172 patients with ALS with the gene mutations were included in the statistical analysis (SOD1, n=65; FUS, n=43; TARDBP, n=27; C9orf72, n=37). SOD1 mutations were more frequent in flail leg phenotype (OR 7.317, p=0.001) and less in bulbar phenotype (OR 0.222, p=0.038). C9orf72 expansions exhibited higher frequency in bulbar phenotype (OR 2.770, p=0.008). SOD1 and FUS mutations were significantly associated with earlier age of onset (HR 2.039, p<0.001; HR 1.762, p=0.001). The patients with SOD1 mutations, C9orf72 expansions and those carrying pathogenic FUS mutations had significantly increased death risk (HR 2.217, p<0.001; HR 1.694, p=0.008; HR 1.652, p=0.036). The increased risk of death in ALS with C9orf72 expansions was significant in females (HR 2.419, p=0.014) but not in males (HR 1.442, p=0.128). CONCLUSION Our study revealed distinct motor phenotypic tendencies in patients with ALS with different genotypes, indicating variations in the vulnerability of motor neurons during the disease's progression. Furthermore, we made novel discoveries regarding survival of different gene mutations, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianmi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanbing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shichan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ismail M, Großmann D, Hermann A. Increased Vulnerability to Ferroptosis in FUS-ALS. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 38666827 PMCID: PMC11048265 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxide accumulation, plays a pivotal role in various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. While reasonable evidence for ferroptosis exists, e.g., in Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease, there are only a few reports on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fast progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Interestingly, initial studies have suggested that ferroptosis might be significantly involved in ALS. Key features of ferroptosis include oxidative stress, glutathione depletion, and alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function, mediated by proteins such as GPX4, xCT, ACSL4 FSP1, Nrf2, and TfR1. Induction of ferroptosis involves small molecule compounds like erastin and RSL3, which disrupt system Xc- and GPX4 activity, respectively, resulting in lipid peroxidation and cellular demise. Mutations in fused in sarcoma (FUS) are associated with familial ALS. Pathophysiological hallmarks of FUS-ALS involve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage, implicating ferroptosis as a putative cell-death pathway in motor neuron demise. However, a mechanistic understanding of ferroptosis in ALS, particularly FUS-ALS, remains limited. Here, we investigated the vulnerability to ferroptosis in FUS-ALS cell models, revealing mitochondrial disturbances and increased susceptibility to ferroptosis in cells harboring ALS-causing FUS mutations. This was accompanied by an altered expression of ferroptosis-associated proteins, particularly by a reduction in xCT expression, leading to cellular imbalance in the redox system and increased lipid peroxidation. Iron chelation with deferoxamine, as well as inhibition of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), significantly alleviated ferroptotic cell death and lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest a link between ferroptosis and FUS-ALS, offering potential new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ismail
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel“, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Dajana Großmann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel“, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (M.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel“, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (M.I.); (D.G.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Domi T, Schito P, Sferruzza G, Russo T, Pozzi L, Agosta F, Carrera P, Riva N, Filippi M, Quattrini A, Falzone YM. Unveiling the SOD1-mediated ALS phenotype: insights from a comprehensive meta-analysis. J Neurol 2024; 271:1342-1354. [PMID: 37930481 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12074-6] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with mutations in SOD1 (SOD1-ALS) might be susceptible to specific treatment. The aim of the study is to outline the clinical features of SOD1-ALS patients by comparing them to patients without ALS major gene variants and patients with variants in other major ALS genes. Defining SOD1-ALS phenotype may assist clinicians in identifying patients who should be prioritized for genetic testing. METHODS We performed an extensive literature research including original studies which reported the clinical features of SOD1-ALS and at least one of the following patient groups: C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9-ALS), TARDBP (TARDBP-ALS), FUS (FUS-ALS) or patients without a positive test for a major-ALS gene (N-ALS). A random effects meta-analytic model was applied to clinical data extracted encompassing sex, site and age of onset. To reconstruct individual patient survival data, the published Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized. Data were measured as odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) as appropriate. Median survival was compared between groups. RESULTS Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 721 SOD1-ALS, 470 C9-ALS, 183 TARDBP-ALS, 113 FUS-ALS and 2824 N-ALS. SOD1-ALS showed a higher rate of spinal onset compared with N-ALS and C9-ALS (OR = 4.85, 95% CI = 3.04-7.76; OR = 10.47, 95% CI = 4.32-27.87) and an earlier onset compared with N-ALS (SMD = - 0.45, 95% CI = - 0.72 to - 0.18). SOD1-ALS had a similar survival compared with N-ALS (p = 0.14), a longer survival compared with C9-ALS (p < 0.01) and FUS-ALS (p = 0.019) and a shorter survival compared with TARDBP-ALS (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION This study indicates the presence of a specific SOD1-ALS phenotype. Insights in SOD1-ALS clinical features are important in genetic counseling, disease prognosis and support patients' stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sferruzza
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Xiao X, Li M, Ye Z, He X, Wei J, Zha Y. FUS gene mutation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a new case report and systematic review. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:1-15. [PMID: 37926865 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2272170] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with upper and lower motor neuron degeneration and necrosis, characterized by progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. The FUS mutation-associated ALS has been classified as ALS6. We reported a case of ALS6 with de novo mutation and investigated retrospectively the characteristics of cases with FUS mutation. METHODS We reported a male patient with a new heterozygous variant of the FUS gene and comprehensively reviewed 173 ALS cases with FUS mutation. The literature was reviewed from the PubMed MEDLINE electronic database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) using "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fus mutation" or "Fus mutation" as key words from 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2022. RESULTS We report a case of ALS6 with a new mutation point (c.1225-1227delGGA) and comprehensively review 173 ALS cases with FUS mutation. Though ALS6 is all with FUS mutation, it is still a highly heterogenous subtype. The average onset age of ALS6 is 35.2 ± 1.3 years, which is much lower than the average onset age of ALS (60 years old). Juvenile FUS mutations have an aggressive progression of disease, with an average time from onset to death or tracheostomy of 18.2 ± 0.5 months. FUS gene has the characteristics of early onset, faster progress, and shorter survival, especially in deletion mutation p.G504Wfs *12 and missense mutation of p.P525L. CONCLUSIONS ALS6 is a highly heterogenous subtype. Our study could allow clinicians to better understand the non-ALS typical symptoms, phenotypes, and pathophysiology of ALS6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
- Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Zhi Ye
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
| | - Yunhong Zha
- Department of Neurology, Yichang Central Hospital, Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China and
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6
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Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Bernard E, Cassereau J, Codron P, Fleury MC, Guy N, Mouzat K, Pradat PF, Soriani MH, Couratier P. French National Protocol for genetic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:1020-1029. [PMID: 37735015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.05.005] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Relationships between genes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been widely accepted since the first studies highlighting pathogenic mutations in the SOD1 gene 30years ago. Over the last three decades, scientific literature has clearly highlighted the central role played by genetic factors in the disease, in both clinics and pathophysiology, as well as in therapeutics. This implies that health professionals who care for patients with ALS are increasingly faced with patients and relatives eager to have answers to questions related to the role of genetic factors in the occurrence of the disease and the risk for their relatives to develop ALS. In order to address these public health issues, the French ALS network FILSLAN proposed to the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) the drafting of a French National Protocol (PNDS) on ALS genetics. This PNDS was developed according to the "method for developing a national diagnosis and care protocol for rare diseases" published by the HAS in 2012 (methodological guide for PNDS available on the HAS website: http://www.has-sante.fr/). This document aims to provide the most recent data on the role of genes in ALS and to detail the implications for diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corcia
- CRMR SLA, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France; UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France.
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France; Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | | | - P Codron
- CRMR SLA, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - M-C Fleury
- CRC SLA, CHU de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - N Guy
- CRC SLA, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - K Mouzat
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - P-F Pradat
- CRMR SLA, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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7
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Ali Z, Godoy-Corchuelo JM, Martins-Bach AB, Garcia-Toledo I, Fernández-Beltrán LC, Nair RR, Spring S, Nieman BJ, Jimenez-Coca I, Bains RS, Forrest H, Lerch JP, Miller KL, Fisher EMC, Cunningham TJ, Corrochano S. Mutation in the FUS nuclear localisation signal domain causes neurodevelopmental and systemic metabolic alterations. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050200. [PMID: 37772684 PMCID: PMC10642611 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA-binding protein FUS cause aggressive juvenile forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most FUS mutation studies have focused on motor neuron degeneration; little is known about wider systemic or developmental effects. We studied pleiotropic phenotypes in a physiological knock-in mouse model carrying the pathogenic FUSDelta14 mutation in homozygosity. RNA sequencing of multiple organs aimed to identify pathways altered by the mutant protein in the systemic transcriptome, including metabolic tissues, given the link between ALS-frontotemporal dementia and altered metabolism. Few genes were commonly altered across all tissues, and most genes and pathways affected were generally tissue specific. Phenotypic assessment of mice revealed systemic metabolic alterations related to the pathway changes identified. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and histological characterisation revealed that homozygous FUSDelta14 brains were smaller than heterozygous and wild-type brains and displayed significant morphological alterations, including a thinner cortex, reduced neuronal number and increased gliosis, which correlated with early cognitive impairment and fatal seizures. These findings show that the disease aetiology of FUS variants can include both neurodevelopmental and systemic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ali
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Juan M. Godoy-Corchuelo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Aurea B. Martins-Bach
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Irene Garcia-Toledo
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis C. Fernández-Beltrán
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Remya R. Nair
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Shoshana Spring
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M57 3H7, Canada
| | - Brian J. Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M57 3H7, Canada
| | - Irene Jimenez-Coca
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Rasneer S. Bains
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Hamish Forrest
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
| | - Jason P. Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Karla L. Miller
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9D, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. C. Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Thomas J. Cunningham
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Silvia Corrochano
- Neurological Disorders Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdiSSC), Madrid 28040, Spain
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 ORD, UK
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8
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Colombo E, Gentile F, Maranzano A, Doretti A, Verde F, Olivero M, Gagliardi D, Faré M, Meneri M, Poletti B, Maderna L, Corti S, Corbo M, Morelli C, Silani V, Ticozzi N. The impact of upper motor neuron involvement on clinical features, disease progression and prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1249429. [PMID: 37822527 PMCID: PMC10562695 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1249429] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesIn amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) both upper (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs) are involved in the process of neurodegeneration, accounting for the great disease heterogeneity. We evaluated the associations of the burden of UMN impairment, assessed through the Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS), with demographic and clinical features of ALS patients to define the independent role of UMN involvement in generating disease heterogeneity, predicting disease progression and prognosis.MethodsWe collected the following clinical parameters on a cohort of 875 ALS patients: age and site of onset, survival, MRC scale, lower motor neuron score (LMNS), PUMNS, ALSFRS-R, change in ALSFRS-R over time (DFS), MITOS and King’s staging systems (KSS). Transcranial magnetic stimulation was performed on a subgroup of patients and central motor conduction time (CMCT) and cortical silent period (CSP) were calculated.ResultsWe observed that patients with an earlier age at onset and bulbar onset had higher PUMNS values. Higher values were also associated to lower ALSFRS-R and to higher DFS scores, as well as to higher MITOS and KSS, indicating that a greater UMN burden correlates with disease severity. Conversely, we did not appreciate any association between UMN involvement and survival or markers of LMN impairment. Moreover, PUMNS values showed a positive association with CMCT and a negative one with CSP values.InterpretationOur results suggest that the burden of UMN pathology, assessed through PUMNS, has an important independent role in defining clinical characteristics, functional disability, disease progression and prognosis in ALS patients. We also support the role of TMS in defining severity of UMN involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Olivero
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Faré
- Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital ASST, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea (CCI), Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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9
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Kandhavivorn W, Glaß H, Herrmannsdörfer T, Böckers TM, Uhlarz M, Gronemann J, Funk RHW, Pietzsch J, Pal A, Hermann A. Restoring Axonal Organelle Motility and Regeneration in Cultured FUS-ALS Motoneurons through Magnetic Field Stimulation Suggests an Alternative Therapeutic Approach. Cells 2023; 12:1502. [PMID: 37296623 PMCID: PMC10252208 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motoneuron disease characterized by sustained loss of neuromuscular junctions, degenerating corticospinal motoneurons and rapidly progressing muscle paralysis. Motoneurons have unique features, essentially a highly polarized, lengthy architecture of axons, posing a considerable challenge for maintaining long-range trafficking routes for organelles, cargo, mRNA and secretion with a high energy effort to serve crucial neuronal functions. Impaired intracellular pathways implicated in ALS pathology comprise RNA metabolism, cytoplasmic protein aggregation, cytoskeletal integrity for organelle trafficking and maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and function, cumulatively leading to neurodegeneration. Current drug treatments only have marginal effects on survival, thereby calling for alternative ALS therapies. Exposure to magnetic fields, e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulations (TMS) on the central nervous system (CNS), has been broadly explored over the past 20 years to investigate and improve physical and mental activities through stimulated excitability as well as neuronal plasticity. However, studies of magnetic treatments on the peripheral nervous system are still scarce. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic potential of low frequency alternating current magnetic fields on cultured spinal motoneurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of FUS-ALS patients and healthy persons. We report a remarkable restoration induced by magnetic stimulation on axonal trafficking of mitochondria and lysosomes and axonal regenerative sprouting after axotomy in FUS-ALS in vitro without obvious harmful effects on diseased and healthy neurons. These beneficial effects seem to derive from improved microtubule integrity. Thus, our study suggests the therapeutic potential of magnetic stimulations in ALS, which awaits further exploration and validation in future long-term in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonphorn Kandhavivorn
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
- Institute of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Herrmannsdörfer
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Tobias M. Böckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Ulm, D-89081 Ulm, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Ulm, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc Uhlarz
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Jonas Gronemann
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Richard H. W. Funk
- Institute of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
- Dresden International University, D-01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Arun Pal
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
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10
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Zimyanin VL, Pielka AM, Glaß H, Japtok J, Großmann D, Martin M, Deussen A, Szewczyk B, Deppmann C, Zunder E, Andersen PM, Boeckers TM, Sterneckert J, Redemann S, Storch A, Hermann A. Live Cell Imaging of ATP Levels Reveals Metabolic Compartmentalization within Motoneurons and Early Metabolic Changes in FUS ALS Motoneurons. Cells 2023; 12:1352. [PMID: 37408187 PMCID: PMC10216752 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101352] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons are one of the most energy-demanding cell types and a primary target in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disorder without currently available effective treatments. Disruption of mitochondrial ultrastructure, transport, and metabolism is a commonly reported phenotype in ALS models and can critically affect survival and the proper function of motor neurons. However, how changes in metabolic rates contribute to ALS progression is not fully understood yet. Here, we utilize hiPCS-derived motoneuron cultures and live imaging quantitative techniques to evaluate metabolic rates in fused in sarcoma (FUS)-ALS model cells. We show that differentiation and maturation of motoneurons are accompanied by an overall upregulation of mitochondrial components and a significant increase in metabolic rates that correspond to their high energy-demanding state. Detailed compartment-specific live measurements using a fluorescent ATP sensor and FLIM imaging show significantly lower levels of ATP in the somas of cells carrying FUS-ALS mutations. These changes lead to the increased vulnerability of diseased motoneurons to further metabolic challenges with mitochondrial inhibitors and could be due to the disruption of mitochondrial inner membrane integrity and an increase in its proton leakage. Furthermore, our measurements demonstrate heterogeneity between axonal and somatic compartments, with lower relative levels of ATP in axons. Our observations strongly support the hypothesis that mutated FUS impacts the metabolic states of motoneurons and makes them more susceptible to further neurodegenerative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly L Zimyanin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Pielka
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Japtok
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dajana Großmann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Melanie Martin
- Institute of Physiology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deussen
- Institute of Physiology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Szewczyk
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Chris Deppmann
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Eli Zunder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Centre for Regenerative Therapie, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Redemann
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
| | - Alexander Storch
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Centre, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Centre, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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11
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Szewczyk B, Günther R, Japtok J, Frech MJ, Naumann M, Lee HO, Hermann A. FUS ALS neurons activate major stress pathways and reduce translation as an early protective mechanism against neurodegeneration. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112025. [PMID: 36696267 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112025] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing progressive loss of motor neurons. Mutations in Fused in sarcoma (FUS) leading to its cytoplasmic mislocalization cause a subset of ALS. Under stress, mutant FUS localizes to stress granules (SGs)-cytoplasmic condensates composed of RNA and various proteins. Aberrant dynamics of SGs is linked to the pathology of ALS. Here, using motor neurons (MNs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we show that, in mutant FUS, MN dynamics of SGs is disturbed. Additionally, heat-shock response (HSR) and integrated stress response (ISR) involved in the regulation of SGs are upregulated in mutant MNs. HSR activation correlates with the amount of cytoplasmic FUS mislocalization. While inhibition of SG formation, translation, or ISR does not influence survival of FUS ALS neurons, proteotoxicity that cannot be compensated with the activation of stress pathways is the main driver of neurodegeneration in early FUS ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Szewczyk
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Japtok
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moritz J Frech
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hyun O Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany; Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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12
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Lant JT, Hasan F, Briggs J, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Genetic Interaction of tRNA-Dependent Mistranslation with Fused in Sarcoma Protein Aggregates. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:518. [PMID: 36833445 PMCID: PMC9956149 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
High-fidelity protein synthesis requires properly aminoacylated transfer RNAs (tRNAs), yet diverse cell types, from bacteria to humans, show a surprising ability to tolerate errors in translation resulting from mutations in tRNAs, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and other components of protein synthesis. Recently, we characterized a tRNASerAGA G35A mutant (tRNASerAAA) that occurs in 2% of the human population. The mutant tRNA decodes phenylalanine codons with serine, inhibits protein synthesis, and is defective in protein and aggregate degradation. Here, we used cell culture models to test our hypothesis that tRNA-dependent mistranslation will exacerbate toxicity caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated protein aggregation. Relative to wild-type tRNA, we found cells expressing tRNASerAAA showed slower but effective aggregation of the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein. Despite reduced levels in mistranslating cells, wild-type FUS aggregates showed similar toxicity in mistranslating cells and normal cells. The aggregation kinetics of the ALS-causative FUS R521C variant were distinct and more toxic in mistranslating cells, where rapid FUS aggregation caused cells to rupture. We observed synthetic toxicity in neuroblastoma cells co-expressing the mistranslating tRNA mutant and the ALS-causative FUS R521C variant. Our data demonstrate that a naturally occurring human tRNA variant enhances cellular toxicity associated with a known causative allele for neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T. Lant
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Farah Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Julia Briggs
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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13
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Wang P, Wei Q, Li H, Wu ZY. Clinical feature difference between juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with SPTLC1 and FUS mutations. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:176-183. [PMID: 36801857 PMCID: PMC10106144 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS) is an uncommon form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis whose age at onset (AAO) is defined as prior to 25 years. FUS mutations are the most common cause of JALS. SPTLC1 was recently identified as a disease-causative gene for JALS, which has rarely been reported in Asian populations. Little is known regarding the difference in clinical features between JALS patients carrying FUS and SPTLC1 mutations. This study aimed to screen mutations in JALS patients and to compare the clinical features between JALS patients with FUS and SPTLC1 mutations. METHODS Sixteen JALS patients were enrolled, including three newly recruited patients between July 2015 and August 2018 from the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Mutations were screened by whole-exome sequencing. In addition, clinical features such as AAO, onset site and disease duration were extracted and compared between JALS patients carrying FUS and SPTLC1 mutations through a literature review. RESULTS A novel and de novo SPTLC1 mutation (c.58G>A, p.A20T) was identified in a sporadic patient. Among 16 JALS patients, 7/16 carried FUS mutations and 5/16 carried respective SPTLC1 , SETX , NEFH , DCTN1 , and TARDBP mutations. Compared with FUS mutation patients, those with SPTLC1 mutations had an earlier AAO (7.9 ± 4.6 years vs. 18.1 ± 3.9 years, P < 0.01), much longer disease duration (512.0 [416.7-607.3] months vs. 33.4 [21.6-45.1] months, P < 0.01), and no onset of bulbar. CONCLUSION Our findings expand the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of JALS and help to better understand the genotype-phenotype correlation of JALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Qiao Wei
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Hongfu Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
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14
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Grassano M, Brodini G, De Marco G, Casale F, Fuda G, Salamone P, Brunetti M, Sbaiz L, Gallone S, Cugnasco P, Bombaci A, Vasta R, Manera U, Canosa A, Moglia C, Calvo A, Traynor BJ, Chio A. Phenotype Analysis of Fused in Sarcoma Mutations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e200011. [PMID: 36105853 PMCID: PMC9469212 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Pathogenic variations in fused in sarcoma (FUS) are among the most common genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) worldwide. They are supposedly characterized by a homogeneous pure motor phenotype with early-onset and short disease duration. However, a few FUS-mutated cases with a very late disease onset and slow progression have been reported. To analyze genotype-phenotype correlations and identify the prognostic factors in FUS-ALS cases. Methods We identified and cross-sectionally analyzed 22 FUS-ALS patient histories from a single-center cohort of 2,615 genetically tested patients and reviewed 289 previously published FUS-ALS cases. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves, followed by the log-rank test and multivariate Cox analysis. Results Survival of FUS-ALS is age-dependent: In our cohort, early-onset cases had a rapid disease progression and short survival (p = 0.000003) while the outcome of FUS-mutated patients with mid-to-late onset did not differ from non–FUS-ALS patients (p = 0.437). Meta-analysis of literature data confirmed this trend (p = 0.00003). This survival pattern is not observed in other ALS-related genes in our series. We clustered FUS-ALS patients in 3 phenotypes: (1) axial ALS, with upper cervical and dropped-head onset in mid-to-late adulthood; (2) benign ALS, usually with a late-onset and slow disease progression; and (3) juvenile ALS, often with bulbar onset and preceded by learning disability or mild mental retardation. Those phenotypes arise from different mutations. Discussion We observed specific genotype-phenotype correlations of FUS-ALS and identified age at onset as the most critical prognostic factor. Our results demonstrated that FUS mutations underlie a specific subtype of ALS and enable a careful stratification of newly diagnosed FUS-ALS cases for clinical course and potential therapeutic windows. This will be crucial in the light of incoming gene-specific therapy.
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15
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Fast Versus Slow Disease Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Clinical and Genetic Factors at the Edges of the Survival Spectrum. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 119:117-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Su WM, Gu XJ, Duan QQ, Jiang Z, Gao X, Shang HF, Chen YP. Genetic factors for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an integrated approach combining a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis. BMC Med 2022; 20:209. [PMID: 35754054 PMCID: PMC9235235 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02411-3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The time of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) varies greatly, and the genetic factors that contribute to the survival of ALS are not well studied. There is a lack of a comprehensive study to elucidate the role of genetic factors in the survival of ALS. METHODS The published studies were systematically searched and obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library without any language restrictions from inception to Oct 27, 2021. A network meta-analysis for ALS causative/risk genes and a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for other genetic modifiers were conducted. The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022311646. RESULTS A total of 29,764 potentially relevant references were identified, and 71 papers were eligible for analysis based on pre-decided criteria, including 35 articles in network meta-analysis for 9 ALS causative/risk genes, 17 articles in pairwise meta-analysis for four genetic modifiers, and 19 articles described in the systematic review. Variants in three genes, including ATXN2 (HR: 3.6), C9orf72 (HR: 1.6), and FUS (HR:1.8), were associated with short survival of ALS, but such association was not identified in SOD1, TARDBP, TBK1, NEK1, UBQLN2, and CCNF. In addition, UNC13A rs12608932 CC genotype and ZNF521B rs2275294 C allele also caused a shorter survival of ALS; however, APOE ε4 allele and KIFAP3 rs1541160 did not be found to have any effect on the survival of ALS. CONCLUSIONS Our study summarized and contrasted evidence for prognostic genetic factors in ALS and would help to understand ALS pathogenesis and guide clinical trials and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Su
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Gu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Duan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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17
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Ilaria M, Elisabetta Z, Viviana P, Cinzia G, Bryan J T, Giulia G, Adriano C, Jessica M. G507D mutation in FUS gene causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with a specific genotype-phenotype correlation. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 118:124-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Lu T, Yang J, Luo L, Wei D. FUS mutations in Asian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a case report and literature review of genotype-phenotype correlations. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 23:580-584. [PMID: 35232295 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.2023189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive weakness and muscular atrophy in the upper or lower limbs, ultimately leading to paralysis and death. Genetic studies have demonstrated that mutation in the gene encoding fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an uncommon cause of ALS. Here, we report a case of a 31-year-old Asian man with ALS with rare onset of dropped-head syndrome. Symptoms, including asymmetric proximal weakness of the upper limbs, hoarseness, dysphagia, and nocturnal dyspnea, emerged over a period of 5 months. After genetic testing, the patient was confirmed to harbor a novel pathogenic heterozygous mutation, c.1558C > T (p.R520C). We summarize the genotype-clinical phenotype relationships in 42 Asian patients with ALS-FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, PR China.,The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, PR China
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19
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Kerk SY, Bai Y, Smith J, Lalgudi P, Hunt C, Kuno J, Nuara J, Yang T, Lanza K, Chan N, Coppola A, Tang Q, Espert J, Jones H, Fannell C, Zambrowicz B, Chiao E. Homozygous ALS-linked FUS P525L mutations cell- autonomously perturb transcriptome profile and chemoreceptor signaling in human iPSC microglia. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:678-692. [PMID: 35120624 PMCID: PMC9039753 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal disease pathologically typified by motor and cortical neurodegeneration as well as microgliosis. The FUS P525L mutation is highly penetrant and causes ALS cases with earlier disease onset and more aggressive progression. To date, how P525L mutations may affect microglia during ALS pathogenesis had not been explored. In this study, we engineered isogenic control and P525L mutant FUS in independent human iPSC lines and differentiated them into microglia-like cells. We report that the P525L mutation causes FUS protein to mislocalize from the nucleus to cytoplasm. Homozygous P525L mutations perturb the transcriptome profile in which many differentially expressed genes are associated with microglial functions. Specifically, the dysregulation of several chemoreceptor genes leads to altered chemoreceptor-activated calcium signaling. However, other microglial functions such as phagocytosis and cytokine release are not significantly affected. Our study underscores the cell-autonomous effects of the ALS-linked FUS P525L mutation in a human microglia model. FUS P525L mutation causes FUS protein mislocalization in human microglia-like cells Homozygous P525L mutations perturb transcriptome profile of microglia-like cells Dysregulated chemoreceptor genes lead to altered chemoreceptor calcium signaling Effects of homozygous P525L occur cell-autonomously in this human microglia model
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yen Kerk
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
| | - Yu Bai
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Janell Smith
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | | | - Junko Kuno
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - John Nuara
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Newton Chan
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Qian Tang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Chiao
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
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20
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Lotti F, Przedborski S. Motoneuron Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:323-352. [PMID: 36066831 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_13] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases (MNDs) represent a heterogeneous group of progressive paralytic disorders, mainly characterized by the loss of upper (corticospinal) motoneurons, lower (spinal) motoneurons or, often both. MNDs can occur from birth to adulthood and have a highly variable clinical presentation, even within gene-positive forms, suggesting the existence of environmental and genetic modifiers. A combination of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms contributes to motoneuron degeneration in MNDs, suggesting multifactorial pathogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lotti
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121935. [PMID: 34946884 PMCID: PMC8701111 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS) is a rare group of motor neuron disorders with gene association in 40% of cases. JALS is defined as onset before age 25. We conducted a literature review of JALS and gene mutations associated with JALS. Results of the literature review show that the most common gene mutations associated with JALS are FUS, SETX, and ALS2. In familial cases, the gene mutations are mostly inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and mutations in SETX are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Disease prognosis varies from rapidly progressive to an indolent course. Distinct clinical features may emerge with specific gene mutations in addition to the clinical finding of combined upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. In conclusion, patients presenting with combined upper and lower motor neuron disorders before age 25 should be carefully examined for genetic mutations. Hereditary patterns and coexisting features may be useful in determining prognosis.
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22
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Bonet LFS, Loureiro JP, Pereira GRC, Da Silva ANR, De Mesquita JF. Molecular dynamics and protein frustration analysis of human fused in Sarcoma protein variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis type 6: An In Silico approach. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258061. [PMID: 34587215 PMCID: PMC8480726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent adult-onset motor neuron disorder. The disease is characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to death usually within five years after the onset of symptoms. While most cases are sporadic, 5%-10% of cases can be associated with familial inheritance, including ALS type 6, which is associated with mutations in the Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) gene. This work aimed to evaluate how the most frequent ALS-related mutations in FUS, R521C, R521H, and P525L affect the protein structure and function. We used prediction algorithms to analyze the effects of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and performed evolutionary conservation analysis, protein frustration analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations. Most of the prediction algorithms classified the three mutations as deleterious. All three mutations were predicted to reduce protein stability, especially the mutation R521C, which was also predicted to increase chaperone binding tendency. The protein frustration analysis showed an increase in frustration in the interactions involving the mutated residue 521C. Evolutionary conservation analysis showed that residues 521 and 525 of human FUS are highly conserved sites. The molecular dynamics results indicate that protein stability could be compromised in all three mutations. They also affected the exposed surface area and protein compactness. The analyzed mutations also displayed high flexibility in most residues in all variants, most notably in the interaction site with the nuclear import protein of FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. F. S. Bonet
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J. P. Loureiro
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G. R. C. Pereira
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A. N. R. Da Silva
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J. F. De Mesquita
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Brenner D, Müller K, Lattante S, Yilmaz R, Knehr A, Freischmidt A, Ludolph AC, Andersen PM, Weishaupt JH. FUS mutations dominate TBK1 mutations in FUS/TBK1 double-mutant ALS/FTD pedigrees. Neurogenetics 2021; 23:59-65. [PMID: 34518945 PMCID: PMC8782814 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-021-00671-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in FUS and TBK1 often cause aggressive early-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a late-onset ALS and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) phenotype, respectively. Co-occurrence of mutations in two or more Mendelian ALS/FTD genes has been repeatedly reported. However, little is known how two pathogenic ALS/FTD mutations in the same patient interact to shape the final phenotype. We screened 28 ALS patients with a known FUS mutation by whole-exome sequencing and targeted evaluation for mutations in other known ALS genes followed by genotype-phenotype correlation analysis of FUS/TBK1 double-mutant patients. We report on new and summarize previously published FUS and TBK1 double-mutant ALS/FTD patients and their families. We found that, within a family, mutations in FUS cause ALS while TBK1 single mutations are observed in FTD patients. FUS/TBK1 double mutations manifested as ALS and without a manifest difference regarding age at onset and disease duration when compared to FUS single-mutant individuals. In conclusion, TBK1 and FUS variants do not seem to interact in a simple additive way. Rather, the phenotype of FUS/TBK1 double-mutant patients appears to be dominated by the FUS mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brenner
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kathrin Müller
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Serena Lattante
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rüstem Yilmaz
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antje Knehr
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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24
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Jin M, Akgün K, Ziemssen T, Kipp M, Günther R, Hermann A. Interleukin-17 and Th17 Lymphocytes Directly Impair Motoneuron Survival of Wildtype and FUS-ALS Mutant Human iPSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158042. [PMID: 34360808 PMCID: PMC8348495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease leading to the degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of ALS; however, interactions of specific immune cell types and MNs are not well studied. We recently found a shift toward T helper (Th)1/Th17 cell-mediated, pro-inflammatory immune responses in the peripheral immune system of ALS patients, which positively correlated with disease severity and progression. Whether Th17 cells or their central mediator, Interleukin-17 (IL-17), directly affects human motor neuron survival is currently unknown. Here, we evaluated the contribution of Th17 cells and IL-17 on MN degeneration using the co-culture of iPSC-derived MNs of fused in sarcoma (FUS)-ALS patients and isogenic controls with Th17 lymphocytes derived from ALS patients, healthy controls, and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (positive control). Only Th17 cells from MS patients induced severe MN degeneration in FUS-ALS as well as in wildtype MNs. Their main effector, IL-17A, yielded in a dose-dependent decline of the viability and neurite length of MNs. Surprisingly, IL-17F did not influence MNs. Importantly, neutralizing IL-17A and anti-IL-17 receptor A treatment reverted all effects of IL-17A. Our results offer compelling evidence that Th17 cells and IL-17A do directly contribute to MN degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.J.); (K.A.); (T.Z.); (R.G.)
- Center for Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Akgün
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.J.); (K.A.); (T.Z.); (R.G.)
- Center for Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.J.); (K.A.); (T.Z.); (R.G.)
- Center for Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center Rostock, Gertrudenstrasse 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rene Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.J.); (K.A.); (T.Z.); (R.G.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.J.); (K.A.); (T.Z.); (R.G.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section, “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)381-494-9541
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25
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Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE, Sobolev AM, Deykin AV. Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms. Eye Brain 2021; 13:131-146. [PMID: 34012311 PMCID: PMC8128130 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s299423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many “vulnerable points” of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Department of General and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Andrey E Belykh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Andrey M Sobolev
- Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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26
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Seifert A, Drechsler H, Japtok J, Korten T, Diez S, Hermann A. The ALS-Associated FUS (P525L) Variant Does Not Directly Interfere with Microtubule-Dependent Kinesin-1 Motility. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2422. [PMID: 33670886 PMCID: PMC7957795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficient intracellular transport is a common pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in the fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) gene are one of the most common genetic causes for familial ALS. Motor neurons carrying a mutation in the nuclear localization sequence of FUS (P525L) show impaired axonal transport of several organelles, suggesting that mislocalized cytoplasmic FUS might directly interfere with the transport machinery. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effect of FUS on kinesin-1 motility in vitro. Using a modified microtubule gliding motility assay on surfaces coated with kinesin-1 motor proteins, we showed that neither recombinant wildtype and P525L FUS variants nor lysates from isogenic ALS-patient-specific iPSC-derived spinal motor neurons expressing those FUS variants significantly affected gliding velocities. We hence conclude that during ALS pathogenesis the initial negative effect of FUS (P525L) on axonal transport is an indirect nature and requires additional factors or mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Seifert
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.S.); (J.J.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- B CUBE—Center for Molecular Bioengineering and Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (H.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Hauke Drechsler
- B CUBE—Center for Molecular Bioengineering and Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (H.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Julia Japtok
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Till Korten
- B CUBE—Center for Molecular Bioengineering and Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (H.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Stefan Diez
- B CUBE—Center for Molecular Bioengineering and Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (H.D.); (T.K.)
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.S.); (J.J.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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27
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Szewczyk B, Günther R, Sterneckert J, Petri S, Wegner F, Hermann A. FUS Is Not Mislocalized in Spinal Motor Neurons Derived From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Main Non-FUS ALS Subtypes. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:720-722. [PMID: 33448295 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Szewczyk
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Deptartment of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany.,Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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28
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Buratti E. Trends in Understanding the Pathological Roles of TDP-43 and FUS Proteins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:243-267. [PMID: 33433879 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Following the discovery of TDP-43 and FUS involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD), the major challenge in the field has been to understand their physiological functions, both in normal and disease conditions. The hope is that this knowledge will improve our understanding of disease and lead to the development of effective therapeutic options. Initially, the focus has been directed at characterizing the role of these proteins in the control of RNA metabolism, because the main function of TDP-43 and FUS is to bind coding and noncoding RNAs to regulate their life cycle within cells. As a result, we now have an in-depth picture of the alterations that occur in RNA metabolism following their aggregation in various ALS/FTLD models and, to a somewhat lesser extent, in patients' brains. In parallel, progress has been made with regard to understanding how aggregation of these proteins occurs in neurons, how it can spread in different brain regions, and how these changes affect various metabolic cellular pathways to result in neuronal death. The aim of this chapter will be to provide a general overview of the trending topics in TDP-43 and FUS investigations and to highlight what might represent the most promising avenues of research in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.
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29
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Naumann M, Laubenthal J, Hermann A. Fused in sarcoma-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a novel member of DNA single strand break diseases with pure neurological phenotypes. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:110-112. [PMID: 32788458 PMCID: PMC7818870 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.286963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julian Laubenthal
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald; Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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30
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Chen L, Wang Y, Xie J. A Human iPSC Line Carrying a de novo Pathogenic FUS Mutation Identified in a Patient With Juvenile ALS Differentiated Into Motor Neurons With Pathological Characteristics. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:273. [PMID: 33093822 PMCID: PMC7507938 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are used to establish patient-specific cell lines and are ideal models to mirror the pathological features of diseases and investigate their underlying mechanisms in vitro, especially for rare genic diseases. Here, a de novo mutation c.1509dupA (p.R503fs) in fused in sarcoma (FUS) was detected in a patient with sporadic juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS). JALS is a rare and severe form of ALS with unclear pathogenesis and no effective cure. An induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line carrying the de novo mutation was established, and it represents a good tool to study JALS pathogenesis and gene therapy strategies for the treatment of this condition. The established human iPSC line carrying the de novoFUS mutation strongly expressed pluripotency markers and could be differentiated into three embryonic germ layers with no gross chromosomal aberrations. Furthermore, the iPSCs could be successfully differentiated into motor neurons exhibiting the pathological characteristics of ALS. Our results indicate that this line may be useful for uncovering the pathogenesis of sporadic JALS and screen for drugs to treat this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Help Stem Cell Innovations, Nanjing Life Science and Technology Innovation Park, Nanjing, China
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31
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Cirak S, Daimagüler HS, Moawia A, Koy A, Yis U. On the differential diagnosis of neuropathy in neurogenetic disorders. MED GENET-BERLIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2020-2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Neuropathy might be the presenting or accompanying sign in many neurogenetic and metabolic disorders apart from the classical-peripheral neuropathies or motor-neuron diseases. This causes a diagnostic challenge which is of particular relevance since a number of the underlying diseases could be treated. Thus, we attempt to give a clinical overview on the most common genetic diseases with clinically manifesting neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebahattin Cirak
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Hülya-Sevcan Daimagüler
- Division of Pediatrics Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Abubakar Moawia
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Anne Koy
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne , University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Uluc Yis
- Division of Pediatrics Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
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32
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Chen L. FUS mutation is probably the most common pathogenic gene for JALS, especially sporadic JALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 177:333-340. [PMID: 33036763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS) is a rare and severe form of ALS. The development of gene sequencing methods has resulted in increased reports of JALS cases in recent years, and additional gene mutations in FUS have been identified. Fused in sarcoma (FUS) mutations, appeared rarely in classical ALS but indeed were the most frequent pathogenic mutations in JALS, especially in sporadic JALS. After studied the reports in the last 10 years about JALS cases, the case characteristics caused by FUS mutations and the commonality of the mutation sites were summarized in this review. FUS mutation associated with more than half of JALS and the very majority of sporadic JALS. It's worth noting that almost all of the mutations occur in nuclear localization signal (NLS) of FUS in sporadic JALS. This discovery emphasized a new perspective focus on NLS for the diagnosis and etiology of sporadic JALS as well as for further study about new treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Janshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450000 Henan Province, China.
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33
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Moglia C, Calvo A, Brunetti M, Chiò A, Grassano M. Broadening the clinical spectrum of FUS mutations: a case with monomelic amyotrophy with a late progression to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:1207-1209. [PMID: 33001405 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04751-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Moglia
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. .,Struttura Complessa Neurologia IU, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Andrea Calvo
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Struttura Complessa Neurologia IU, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Maura Brunetti
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Struttura Complessa Neurologia IU, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Struttura Complessa Neurologia IU, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Grassano
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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34
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Lattante S, Marangi G, Doronzio PN, Conte A, Bisogni G, Zollino M, Sabatelli M. High-Throughput Genetic Testing in ALS: The Challenging Path of Variant Classification Considering the ACMG Guidelines. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101123. [PMID: 32987860 PMCID: PMC7600768 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and screening of big patient cohorts with familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) led to the identification of a significant number of genetic variants, which are sometimes difficult to interpret. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) provided guidelines to help molecular geneticists and pathologists to interpret variants found in laboratory testing. We assessed the application of the ACMG criteria to ALS-related variants, combining data from literature with our experience. We analyzed a cohort of 498 ALS patients using massive parallel sequencing of ALS-associated genes and identified 280 variants with a minor allele frequency < 1%. Examining all variants using the ACMG criteria, thus considering the type of variant, inheritance, familial segregation, and possible functional studies, we classified 20 variants as “pathogenic”. In conclusion, ALS’s genetic complexity, such as oligogenic inheritance, presence of genes acting as risk factors, and reduced penetrance, needs to be considered when interpreting variants. The goal of this work is to provide helpful suggestions to geneticists and clinicians dealing with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lattante
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154606
| | - Paolo Niccolò Doronzio
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Giulia Bisogni
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Marcella Zollino
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy
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35
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Dash BP, Naumann M, Sterneckert J, Hermann A. Genome Wide Analysis Points towards Subtype-Specific Diseases in Different Genetic Forms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6938. [PMID: 32967368 PMCID: PMC7555318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethally progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease marked by apparent death of motor neurons present in the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. While more and more gene mutants being established for genetic ALS, the vast majority suffer from sporadic ALS (>90%). It has been challenging, thus, to model sporadic ALS which is one reason why the underlying pathophysiology remains elusive and has stalled the development of therapeutic strategies of this progressive motor neuron disease. To further unravel these pathological signaling pathways, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs)-derived motor neurons (MNs) from FUS- and SOD1 ALS patients and healthy controls were systematically compared to independent published datasets. Here through this study we created a gene profile of ALS by analyzing the DEGs, the Kyoto encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, the interactome and the transcription factor profiles (TF) that would identify altered molecular/functional signatures and their interactions at both transcriptional (mRNAs) and translational levels (hub proteins and TFs). Our findings suggest that FUS and SOD1 may develop from dysregulation in several unique pathways and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection was among the topmost predominant cellular pathways connected to FUS and not to SOD1. In contrast, SOD1 is mainly characterized by alterations in the metabolic pathways and alterations in the neuroactive-ligand-receptor interactions. This suggests that different genetic ALS forms are singular diseases rather than part of a common spectrum. This is important for patient stratification clearly pointing towards the need for individualized medicine approaches in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banaja P. Dash
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (B.P.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (B.P.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany; (B.P.D.); (M.N.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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36
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Zou ZY, Che CH, Feng SY, Fang XY, Huang HP, Liu CY. Novel FUS mutation Y526F causing rapidly progressive familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:73-79. [PMID: 32720527 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1797815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
FUS gene is one of the most common mutated genes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We sequenced for FUS mutations in a cohort of 15 familial ALS and 275 sporadic ALS of Chinese origin. All 15 exons of the FUS gene were sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing in a cohort of 15 familial ALS indexes and 275 sporadic ALS patients of Chinese origin. One novel p.Y526F mutation in FUS was detected in one familial ALS proband. Another novel FUS p.Q140R variant and two known FUS mutations (p.R495Efs*33 and p.R521C) were identified in four sporadic ALS cases. The frequency of FUS mutation in our cohort is 6.7% in familial ALS and 1.5% in sporadic ALS. The familial ALS proband carrying the FUS p.Y526F mutation presented with juvenile-onset lower limbs weakness and demonstrated an aggressive course, with respiratory muscles involvement 6 months after onset. The other patients in the family all had limbs weakness and died 1-2 years after disease onset. Our results strengthen that FUS mutations are the most frequent genetic causes of young-onset aggressive ALS. Genetic testing of the FUS gene should be performed in early-onset ALS patients especially those with a rapid progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Yu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hui Che
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shu-Yan Feng
- Department of Neurophysiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Fang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hua-Pin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chang-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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37
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Proteomics analysis of FUS mutant human motoneurons reveals altered regulation of cytoskeleton and other ALS-linked proteins via 3'UTR binding. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11827. [PMID: 32678235 PMCID: PMC7366621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) mutated RNA binding proteins acquire aberrant functions, leading to altered RNA metabolism with significant impact on encoded protein levels. Here, by taking advantage of a human induced pluripotent stem cell-based model, we aimed to gain insights on the impact of ALS mutant FUS on the motoneuron proteome. Label-free proteomics analysis by mass-spectrometry revealed upregulation of proteins involved in catabolic processes and oxidation–reduction, and downregulation of cytoskeletal proteins and factors directing neuron projection. Mechanistically, proteome alteration does not correlate with transcriptome changes. Rather, we observed a strong correlation with selective binding of mutant FUS to target mRNAs in their 3′UTR. Novel validated targets, selectively bound by mutant FUS, include genes previously involved in familial or sporadic ALS, such as VCP, and regulators of membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton remodeling, such as ASAP1. These findings unveil a novel mechanism by which mutant FUS might intersect other pathogenic pathways in ALS patients’ motoneurons.
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38
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Targeted next-generation sequencing study in familial ALS-FTD Portuguese patients negative for C9orf72 HRE. J Neurol 2020; 267:3578-3592. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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39
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Picher-Martel V, Brunet F, Dupré N, Chrestian N. The Occurrence of FUS Mutations in Pediatric Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Child Neurol 2020; 35:556-562. [PMID: 32281455 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820915099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons and leading to progressive paralysis. Most cases are sporadic, and the symptoms generally begin in the sixth or seventh decade. Juvenile ALS appears in a rare subgroup of patients with onset before the age of 25 years old. Contrary to the classical adult phenotype where 90% of cases are sporadic, most cases of juvenile ALS are caused by a genetic mutation in either SOD1 (superoxide dismutase one), SETX (senataxin), or FUS (fused in sarcoma). In the pediatric population, ALS is more infrequent and rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. There are few reports of ALS in children. Here, we describe a 14-year-old boy with a very fast progressing classical ALS phenotype and tremor caused by a c.1554_1557delACAG mutation in FUS. Our review of the literature advocates that pediatric ALS is highly suggestive of FUS mutations and that gene should be tested in children presenting with symptoms of ALS. The children with FUS-related ALS may have no family history and present initially with learning disabilities, tremor, and mild motor developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Picher-Martel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Canada.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Francis Brunet
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chrestian
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Neuromuscular Disorder, Centre Mère Enfant Soleil, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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40
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A Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation across Cohorts Having Causal Mutations of Different Genes in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030058. [PMID: 32610599 PMCID: PMC7564886 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons that eventually culminates in severe muscle atrophy, respiratory failure and death. There is a concerning lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms that lead to the onset of ALS and as a result there are no reliable biomarkers that aid in the early detection of the disease nor is there an effective treatment. This review first considers the clinical phenotypes associated with ALS, and discusses the broad categorisation of ALS and ALS-mimic diseases into upper and lower motor neuron diseases, before focusing on the genetic aetiology of ALS and considering the potential relationship of mutations of different genes to variations in phenotype. For this purpose, a systematic review is conducted collating data from 107 original published clinical studies on monogenic forms of the disease, surveying the age and site of onset, disease duration and motor neuron involvement. The collected data highlight the complexity of the disease's genotype-phenotype relationship, and thus the need for a nuanced approach to the development of clinical assays and therapeutics.
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41
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McCombe PA, Garton FC, Katz M, Wray NR, Henderson RD. What do we know about the variability in survival of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:921-941. [PMID: 32569484 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1785873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. However, patients show variability in the length of survival after symptom onset. Understanding the mechanisms of long survival could lead to possible avenues for therapy. AREAS COVERED This review surveys the reported length of survival in ALS, the clinical features that predict survival in individual patients, and possible factors, particularly genetic factors, that could cause short or long survival. The authors also speculate on possible mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION a small number of known factors can explain some variability in ALS survival. However, other disease-modifying factors likely exist. Factors that alter motor neurone vulnerability and immune, metabolic, and muscle function could affect survival by modulating the disease process. Knowing these factors could lead to interventions to change the course of the disease. The authors suggest a broad approach is needed to quantify the proportion of variation survival attributable to genetic and non-genetic factors and to identify and estimate the effect size of specific factors. Studies of this nature could not only identify novel avenues for therapeutic research but also play an important role in clinical trial design and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fleur C Garton
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew Katz
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
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42
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Zhou B, Wang H, Cai Y, Wen H, Wang L, Zhu M, Chen Y, Yu Y, Lu X, Zhou M, Fang P, Li X, Hong D. FUS P525L mutation causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and movement disorders. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01625. [PMID: 32307925 PMCID: PMC7303404 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene have been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and essential tremor. Among the FUS mutations, p.P525L as a hot spot variant has been reported in more than 20 patients with ALS. Apart from the typical ALS phenotype, patients with p.P525L mutation exhibit some atypical symptoms. However, movement disorders related to p.P525L mutation have not been emphasized currently. METHODS Two unrelated patients with ALS were evaluated through a set of clinical and laboratory tests. The genetic screening was performed through next-generation sequencing. Muscle biopsies were performed on the 2 patients. Muscle samples were stained according to standard histological and immunohistochemical procedures. RESULTS The first patient presented with juvenile-onset neurogenic weakness and wasting and simultaneously had dropped head, ophthalmoplegia, tremor, involuntary movements, and cognitive impairments. The second patient showed a typical ALS phenotype and prominent adventitious movements. Genetic screening disclosed de novo p.P525L FUS mutation in the 2 patients by family cosegregation analysis. Muscle biopsy showed neurogenic patterns and numerous lipid droplets aggregating in the fibers. CONCLUSION Apart from the typical ALS phenotype, patients with p.P525L mutation in the FUS gene can present with great clinical heterogeneity including multiple movement disorders. Numerous lipid droplets in muscle fibers indicate that skeletal muscle is likely an important therapeutic target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Diagnostic Center, Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Han Wen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunqing Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xi Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meihong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Pu Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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43
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Liscic RM, Alberici A, Cairns NJ, Romano M, Buratti E. From basic research to the clinic: innovative therapies for ALS and FTD in the pipeline. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:31. [PMID: 32487123 PMCID: PMC7268618 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) are neurodegenerative disorders, related by deterioration of motor and cognitive functions and short survival. Aside from cases with an inherited pathogenic mutation, the causes of the disorders are still largely unknown and no effective treatment currently exists. It has been shown that FTD may coexist with ALS and this overlap occurs at clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. In this work, we review the main pathological aspects of these complex diseases and discuss how the integration of the novel pathogenic molecular insights and the analysis of molecular interaction networks among all the genetic players represents a critical step to shed light on discovering novel therapeutic strategies and possibly tailoring personalized medicine approaches to specific ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajka Maria Liscic
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
- School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili-University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nigel John Cairns
- College of Medicine and Health and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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