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Gunduz A, Valls-Solé J, Serranová T, Coppola G, Kofler M, Jääskeläinen SK. The blink reflex and its modulation - Part 2: Pathophysiology and clinical utility. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 160:75-94. [PMID: 38412746 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.02.006] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The blink reflex (BR) is integrated at the brainstem; however, it is modulated by inputs from various structures such as the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and nucleus raphe magnus but also from afferent input from the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, it provides information about the pathophysiology of numerous peripheral and central nervous system disorders. The BR is a valuable tool for studying the integrity of the trigemino-facial system, the relevant brainstem nuclei, and circuits. At the same time, some neurophysiological techniques applying the BR may indicate abnormalities involving structures rostral to the brainstem that modulate or control the BR circuits. This is a state-of-the-art review of the clinical application of BR modulation; physiology is reviewed in part 1. In this review, we aim to present the role of the BR and techniques related to its modulation in understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of motor control and pain disorders, in which these techniques are diagnostically helpful. Furthermore, some BR techniques may have a predictive value or serve as a basis for follow-up evaluation. BR testing may benefit in the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm, dystonia, functional movement disorders, migraine, orofacial pain, and psychiatric disorders. Although the abnormalities in the integrity of the BR pathway itself may provide information about trigeminal or facial nerve disorders, alterations in BR excitability are found in several disease conditions. BR excitability studies are suitable for understanding the common pathophysiological mechanisms behind various clinical entities, elucidating alterations in top-down inhibitory systems, and allowing for follow-up and quantitation of many neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Gunduz
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurophysiology, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Josep Valls-Solé
- IDIBAPS. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel 170 08024, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Tereza Serranová
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Charles University, Prague 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Kateřinská 30, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino ICOT, via Franco Faggiana 1668 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, A-6170 Zirl, Austria.
| | - Satu K Jääskeläinen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Medical Imaging, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Postal Box 52, FIN 20521 Turku, Finland.
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Wu MC, Chang YY, Lan MY, Chen YF, Tai CH, Chen SJ, Lin CH. Blood neurofilament light chain as a surrogate marker for dystonia. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3098-3104. [PMID: 37422850 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15972] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dystonia is a heterogeneous movement disorder, and it remains unclear whether neurodegeneration is involved. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biosignature of neurodegeneration. We aimed to investigate whether plasma NfL levels were elevated and associated with disease severity in patients with dystonia. METHOD We enrolled 231 unrelated dystonia patients (isolated dystonia n = 203; combined dystonia n = 28) and 54 healthy controls from movement disorder clinics. Clinical severity was evaluated using the Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale, and the Global Dystonia Rating Scale. Blood NfL levels were measured by single-molecule array. RESULTS Plasma NfL levels were significantly higher in those with generalized dystonia compared to those with focal dystonia (20.1 ± 8.8 vs. 11.7 ± 7.2 pg/mL; p = 0.01) or controls (p < 0.01), while the level was comparable between the focal dystonia group and controls (p = 0.08). Furthermore, the dystonia combined with parkinsonism group had higher NfL levels than the isolated dystonia group (17.4 ± 6.2 vs. 13.5 ± 7.5 pg/mL; p = 0.04). Notably, whole-exome sequencing was performed in 79 patients and two patients were identified as having likely pathogenic variants: one had a heterozygous c.122G>A (p.R41H) variant in THAP1 (DYT6) and the other carried a c.1825G>A (p.D609N) substitution in ATP1A3 (DYT12). No significant correlation was found between plasma NfL levels and dystonia rating scores. CONCLUSION Plasma NfL levels are elevated in patients with generalized dystonia and dystonia combined with parkinsonism, suggesting that neurodegeneration is involved in the disease process of this subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Yee Chang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Parkinson's Disease, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yu Lan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Parkinson's Disease, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Fa Chen
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Parkinson's Disease, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hwei Tai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ju Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsien Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Fan Y, Si Z, Wang L, Zhang L. DYT- TOR1A dystonia: an update on pathogenesis and treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1216929. [PMID: 37638318 PMCID: PMC10448058 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1216929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT-TOR1A dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal movements. It is a severe genetic form of dystonia caused by mutations in the TOR1A gene. TorsinA is a member of the AAA + family of adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) involved in a variety of cellular functions, including protein folding, lipid metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and nucleocytoskeletal coupling. Almost all patients with TOR1A-related dystonia harbor the same mutation, an in-frame GAG deletion (ΔGAG) in the last of its 5 exons. This recurrent variant results in the deletion of one of two tandem glutamic acid residues (i.e., E302/303) in a protein named torsinA [torsinA(△E)]. Although the mutation is hereditary, not all carriers will develop DYT-TOR1A dystonia, indicating the involvement of other factors in the disease process. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of DYT-TOR1A dystonia involves multiple factors, including abnormal protein folding, signaling between neurons and glial cells, and dysfunction of the protein quality control system. As there are currently no curative treatments for DYT-TOR1A dystonia, progress in research provides insight into its pathogenesis, leading to potential therapeutic and preventative strategies. This review summarizes the latest research advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of DYT-TOR1A dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Fan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhibo Si
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Taiwo FT, Adebayo PB. Neuroimaging findings in DYT1 dystonia and the pathophysiological implication: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3023. [PMID: 37165749 PMCID: PMC10275528 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary generalized dystonia due to the DYT1 gene is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a GAG deletion on chromosome 9q34. It is a well-defined, genetically proven, isolated dystonia syndrome. However, its pathophysiology remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study was aimed at profiling the functional neuroimaging findings in DYT1 dystonia and harmonizing the pathophysiological implications for DYT1 dystonia from the standpoint of different neuroimaging techniques. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using identified studies published in English from Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), between 1985 and December 2019 (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018111211). RESULTS All DYT1 gene carriers irrespective of clinical penetrance have reduced striatal GABA, dopamine receptors and increased metabolic activity in the lentiform nucleus, supplementary motor area, and cerebellum in addition to an abnormal cerebellothalamocortical pathway. Nonmanifesting carriers on the other hand have a disruption of the distal (thalamocortical) segment and have larger putaminal volumes than manifesting carriers and healthy controls. Activation of the midbrain, thalamus, and sensorimotor cortex was only found in the manifesting carriers. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we propose that DYT1 dystonia is a cerebellostriatothalamocortical network disorder affecting either the structure or function of the different structures or nodes in the network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funmilola T. Taiwo
- Neurology Unit, Department of MedicineUniversity College HospitalIbadanNigeria
| | - Philip B. Adebayo
- Neurology Section, Department of Internal MedicineAga Khan UniversityDar es SalaamTanzania
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Su JH, Hu YW, Song YP, Yang Y, Li RY, Zhou KG, Hu L, Wan XH, Teng F, Jin LJ. Dystonia-like behaviors and impaired sensory-motor integration following neurotoxic lesion of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in mice. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1102837. [PMID: 37064180 PMCID: PMC10101329 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1102837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPTg) is a vital interface between the basal ganglia and cerebellum, participating in modulation of the locomotion and muscle tone. Pathological changes of the PPTg have been reported in patients and animal models of dystonia, while its effect and mechanism on the phenotyping of dystonia is still unknown. Methods In this study, a series of behavioral tests focusing on the specific deficits of dystonia were conducted for mice with bilateral and unilateral PPTg excitotoxic lesion, including the dystonia-like movements evaluation, different types of sensory-motor integrations, explorative behaviors and gait. In addition, neural dysfunctions including apoptosis, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and neural activation of PPTg-related motor areas in the basal ganglia, reticular formations and cerebellum were also explored. Results Both bilateral and unilateral lesion of the PPTg elicited dystonia-like behaviors featured by the hyperactivity of the hindlimb flexors. Moreover, proprioceptive and auditory sensory-motor integrations were impaired in bilaterally lesioned mice, while no overt alterations were found for the tactile sensory-motor integration, explorative behaviors and gait. Similar but milder behavioral deficits were found in the unilaterally lesioned mice, with an effective compensation was observed for the auditory sensory-motor integration. Histologically, no neural loss, apoptosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration were found in the substantia nigra pars compacta and caudate putamen (CPu) following PPTg lesion, while reduced neural activity was found in the dorsolateral part of the CPu and striatal indirect pathway-related structures including subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus internus and substantia nigra pars reticular. Moreover, the neural activity was decreased for the reticular formations such as pontine reticular nucleus, parvicellular reticular nucleus and gigantocellular reticular nucleus, while deep cerebellar nuclei were spared. Conclusion In conclusion, lesion of the PPTg could elicit dystonia-like behaviors through its effect on the balance of the striatal pathways and the reticular formations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui Su
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao-Wen Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Ping Song
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai-Ge Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Hua Wan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Teng
| | - Ling-Jing Jin
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Ling-Jing Jin
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Su JH, Hu YW, Yang Y, Li RY, Teng F, Li LX, Jin LJ. Dystonia and the pedunculopontine nucleus: Current evidences and potential mechanisms. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1065163. [PMID: 36504662 PMCID: PMC9727297 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1065163] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Being a major component of the midbrain locomotion region, the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is known to have various connections with the basal ganglia, the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and motor regions of the brainstem and spinal cord. Functionally, the PPN is associated with muscle tone control and locomotion modulation, including motor initiation, rhythm and speed. In addition to its motor functions, the PPN also contribute to level of arousal, attention, memory and learning. Recent studies have revealed neuropathologic deficits in the PPN in both patients and animal models of dystonia, and deep brain stimulation of the PPN also showed alleviation of axial dystonia in patients of Parkinson's disease. These findings indicate that the PPN might play an important role in the development of dystonia. Moreover, with increasing preclinical evidences showed presence of dystonia-like behaviors, muscle tone changes, impaired cognitive functions and sleep following lesion or neuromodulation of the PPN, it is assumed that the pathological changes of the PPN might contribute to both motor and non-motor manifestations of dystonia. In this review, we aim to summarize the involvement of the PPN in dystonia based on the current preclinical and clinical evidences. Moreover, potential mechanisms for its contributions to the manifestation of dystonia is also discussed base on the dystonia-related basal ganglia-cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit, providing fundamental insight into the targeting of the PPN for the treatment of dystonia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-hui Su
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao-wen Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-yu Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-xi Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-jing Jin
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Ling-jing Jin
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Burbaud P, Courtin E, Ribot B, Guehl D. Basal ganglia: From the bench to the bed. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:99-106. [PMID: 34953339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The basal ganglia (BG) encompass a set of archaic structures of the vertebrate brain that have evolved relatively little during the phylogenetic process. From an anatomic point of view, they are widely distributed throughout brain from the telencephalon to the mesencephalon. The fact that they have been preserved through evolution suggests that they may play a critical role in behavioral monitoring. Indeed, a line of evidence suggests that they are involved in the building of behavioral routines and habits that drive most of our activities in everyday life. In this article, we first examine the organization and physiology of the basal ganglia to explain their function in the control of behavior. Then, we show how disruption of the putamen, and to a lesser extent of the cerebellum, might lead to various dystonic syndromes that frequently arise during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Burbaud
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, France.
| | - E Courtin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - B Ribot
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - D Guehl
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, CNRS, University of Bordeaux, France
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Ikezawa J, Yokochi F, Okiyama R, Kumada S, Tojima M, Kamiyama T, Hanakawa T, Matsuda H, Tanaka F, Nakata Y, Isozaki E. Is Generalized and Segmental Dystonia Accompanied by Impairments in the Dopaminergic System? Front Neurol 2021; 12:751434. [PMID: 34867735 PMCID: PMC8638468 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.751434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of dystonia is remarkably diverse. Some types of dystonia, such as DYT5 (DYT-GCH1) and tardive dystonia, are related to dysfunction of the dopaminergic system. Furthermore, on pathological examination, cell loss in the substantia nigra (SN) of patients with dystonia has been reported, suggesting that impaired dopamine production may be involved in DYT5 and in other types of dystonia. Objectives: To investigate functional dopaminergic impairments, we compared patients with dystonia and those with Parkinson's disease (PD) with normal controls using neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI) and dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography (DAT SPECT). Methods: A total of 18, 18, and 27 patients with generalized or segmental dystonia, patients with PD, and healthy controls, respectively, were examined using NM-MRI. The mean area corresponding to NM in the SN (NM-SN) was blindly quantified. DAT SPECT was performed on 17 and eight patients with dystonia and PD, respectively. The imaging data of DAT SPECT were harmonized with the Japanese database using striatum phantom calibration. These imaging data were compared between patients with dystonia or PD and controls from the Japanese database in 256 healthy volunteers using the calibrated specific binding ratio (cSBR). The symptoms of dystonia were evaluated using the Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (FMDRS), and the correlation between the results of imaging data and FMDRS was examined. Results: The mean areas corresponding to NM in the SN (NM-SN) were 31 ± 4.2, 28 ± 3.8, and 43 ± 3.8 pixels in patients with dystonia, PD, and in healthy controls, respectively. The mean cSBRs were 5 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.2, 9.2 (predictive) in patients with dystonia, PD, and in healthy controls, respectively. The NM-SN area (r = −0.49, p < 0.05) and the cSBR (r = −0.54, p < 0.05) were inversely correlated with the FMDRS. There was no significant difference between the dystonia and PD groups regarding NM-SN (p = 0.28). In contrast, the cSBR was lower in patients with PD than in those with dystonia (p < 0.5 × 10−6). Conclusions: Impairments of the dopaminergic system may be involved in developing generalized and segmental dystonia. SN abnormalities in patients with dystonia were supposed to be different from degeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ikezawa
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Fusako Yokochi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Okiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Kumada
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maya Tojima
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kamiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Hanakawa
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Integrated Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuda
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakata
- Department of Neuroradiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Isozaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Tassone A, Martella G, Meringolo M, Vanni V, Sciamanna G, Ponterio G, Imbriani P, Bonsi P, Pisani A. Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter Alters Cholinergic Tone and Synaptic Plasticity in DYT1 Dystonia. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2768-2779. [PMID: 34173686 PMCID: PMC9291835 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acetylcholine‐mediated transmission plays a central role in the impairment of corticostriatal synaptic activity and plasticity in multiple DYT1 mouse models. However, the nature of such alteration remains unclear. Objective The aim of the present work was to characterize the mechanistic basis of cholinergic dysfunction in DYT1 dystonia to identify potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Methods We utilized electrophysiology recordings, immunohistochemistry, enzymatic activity assays, and Western blotting techniques to analyze in detail the cholinergic machinery in the dorsal striatum of the Tor1a+/− mouse model of DYT1 dystonia. Results We found a significant increase in the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) protein level, the protein responsible for loading acetylcholine (ACh) from the cytosol into synaptic vesicles, which indicates an altered cholinergic tone. Accordingly, in Tor1a+/− mice we measured a robust elevation in basal ACh content coupled to a compensatory enhancement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity. Moreover, pharmacological activation of dopamine D2 receptors, which is expected to reduce ACh levels, caused an abnormal elevation in its content, as compared to controls. Patch‐clamp recordings revealed a reduced effect of AChE inhibitors on cholinergic interneuron excitability, whereas muscarinic autoreceptor function was preserved. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that blockade of VAChT could restore corticostriatal long‐term synaptic plasticity deficits. Vesamicol, a selective VAChT inhibitor, rescued a normal expression of synaptic plasticity. Conclusions Overall, our findings indicate that VAChT is a key player in the alterations of striatal plasticity and a novel target to normalize cholinergic dysfunction observed in DYT1 dystonia. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tassone
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ponterio
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Imbriani
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Manzo N, Tocco P, Ginatempo F, Bertolasi L, Rocchi L. Brainstem Reflexes in Idiopathic Cervical Dystonia: Does Medullary Dysfunction Play a Role? Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:377-384. [PMID: 33816666 PMCID: PMC8015899 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13149] [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: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurophysiological markers in dystonia have so far not been sistematically applied in clinical practice due to limited reproducibility of results and low correlations with clinical findings. Exceptions might be represented by the blink reflex (BR), including its recovery cycle (BRRC) and the trigemino‐cervical reflex (TCR) which, compared to other neurophysiological methods, have shown more consistent alterations in cervical dystonia (CD). However, a comparison between the two techniques, and their possible correlation with disease symptoms, have not been thoroughly investigated. Objectives To assess the role of BR, BRCC and TCR in the pathophysiology of idiopathic cervical dystonia. Methods Fourteen patients and 14 age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Neurophysiological outcome measures included latency of R1 and R2 components of the BR, R2 amplitude, BRRC, latency and amplitude of P19/N31 complex of TCR. Clinical and demographic features of patients were also collected, including age at disease onset, disease duration, presence of tremor, sensory trick and pain. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale was used to characterize dystonia. Results Compared to HC, CD patients showed increased latency of the BR R2 and decreased suppression of the BRRC. They also showed increased latency of the P19 and decreased amplitude of P19/N31 complex of TCR. The latency of P19 component of TCR was positively correlated with disease duration. Conclusions We propose that the increased latency of R2 and P19 observed here might be reflective of brainstem dysfunction, mediated either by local interneuronal excitability changes or by subtle structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierluigi Tocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences University of Verona Verona Italy
| | | | - Laura Bertolasi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Lorenzo Rocchi
- Department of Clinical and Movements Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology University College London London United Kingdom
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11
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van der Heijden ME, Kizek DJ, Perez R, Ruff EK, Ehrlich ME, Sillitoe RV. Abnormal cerebellar function and tremor in a mouse model for non-manifesting partially penetrant dystonia type 6. J Physiol 2021; 599:2037-2054. [PMID: 33369735 PMCID: PMC8559601 DOI: 10.1113/jp280978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Loss-of-function mutations in the Thap1 gene cause partially penetrant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). Some non-manifesting DYT6 mutation carriers have tremor and abnormal cerebello-thalamo-cortical signalling. We show that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor, a reduction in cerebellar neuron number, and abnormal electrophysiological signals in the remaining neurons. These results underscore the importance of Thap1 levels for cerebellar function. These results uncover how cerebellar abnormalities contribute to different dystonia-associated motor symptoms. ABSTRACT Loss-of-function mutations in the Thanatos-associated domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 (THAP1) gene cause partially penetrant autosomal dominant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). However, the neural abnormalities that promote the resultant motor dysfunctions remain elusive. Studies in humans show that some non-manifesting DYT6 carriers have altered cerebello-thalamo-cortical function with subtle but reproducible tremor. Here, we uncover that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor that rises above normal baseline values even though they do not exhibit overt dystonia-like twisting behaviour. At the neural circuit level, we show using in vivo recordings in awake Thap1+/- mice that Purkinje cells have abnormal firing patterns and that cerebellar nuclei neurons, which connect the cerebellum to the thalamus, fire at a lower frequency. Although the Thap1+/- mice have fewer Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei neurons, the number of long-range excitatory outflow projection neurons is unaltered. The preservation of interregional connectivity suggests that abnormal neural function rather than neuron loss instigates the network dysfunction and the tremor in Thap1+/- mice. Accordingly, we report an inverse correlation between the average firing rate of cerebellar nuclei neurons and tremor power. Our data show that cerebellar circuitry is vulnerable to Thap1 mutations and that cerebellar dysfunction may be a primary cause of tremor in non-manifesting DYT6 carriers and a trigger for the abnormal postures in manifesting patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dominic J. Kizek
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elena K. Ruff
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Grütz K, Klein C. Dystonia updates: definition, nomenclature, clinical classification, and etiology. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:395-404. [PMID: 33604773 PMCID: PMC8099848 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02314-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A plethora of heterogeneous movement disorders is grouped under the umbrella term dystonia. The clinical presentation ranges from isolated dystonia to multi-systemic disorders where dystonia is only a co-occurring sign. In the past, definitions, nomenclature, and classifications have been repeatedly refined, adapted, and extended to reflect novel findings and increasing knowledge about the clinical, etiologic, and scientific background of dystonia. Currently, dystonia is suggested to be classified according to two axes. The first axis offers precise categories for the clinical presentation grouped into age at onset, body distribution, temporal pattern and associated features. The second, etiologic, axis discriminates pathological findings, as well as inheritance patterns, mode of acquisition, or unknown causality. Furthermore, the recent recommendations regarding terminology and nomenclature of inherited forms of dystonia and related syndromes are illustrated in this article. Harmonized, specific, and internationally widely used classifications provide the basis for future systematic dystonia research, as well as for more personalized patient counseling and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Grütz
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
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13
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Saenz A, Grijalba M, Mengide JP, Argañaraz R, Ford F, Mantese B. Baclofen pump with pre-brainstem catheter tip placement: technical note and case series. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:203-210. [PMID: 32504173 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to describe a new baclofen pump implantation technique with pre-brainstem catheter placement and to demonstrate the benefits that this procedure has in treating spasticity and dystonia. METHODS We described a new technique to place a baclofen pump catheter anterior to the brainstem. To illustrate the technique, we presented five patients with both spasticity and dystonia in whom conventional treatment was not effective. They each received a baclofen pump with a pre-brainstem catheter. We evaluated the results using the Ashworth scale for spasticity, the Barry-Albright scale for dystonia, and the PedsQL for quality of life assessment. Each patient was evaluated before a surgery and after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences in all the physical examination evaluated areas using the Barry-Albright and modified Ashworth scales between the preoperative and the postoperative period. The same applies to the results of the PedsQL quality of life scale. CONCLUSION We presented an innovative baclofen pump implantation technique with pre-brainstem catheter placement that could be a therapeutic alternative in patients with dystonia and spastic quadriparesis for whom conventional therapy is not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Saenz
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, 1245, Buenos Aires, ZC, Argentina.
| | - Miguel Grijalba
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, 1245, Buenos Aires, ZC, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Mengide
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, 1245, Buenos Aires, ZC, Argentina
| | - Romina Argañaraz
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, 1245, Buenos Aires, ZC, Argentina
| | - Fernando Ford
- Division of Kinesiology, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Mantese
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, 1245, Buenos Aires, ZC, Argentina
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14
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Ribot B, Aupy J, Vidailhet M, Mazère J, Pisani A, Bezard E, Guehl D, Burbaud P. Dystonia and dopamine: From phenomenology to pathophysiology. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 182:101678. [PMID: 31404592 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A line of evidence suggests that the pathophysiology of dystonia involves the striatum, whose activity is modulated among other neurotransmitters, by the dopaminergic system. However, the link between dystonia and dopamine appears complex and remains unclear. Here, we propose a physiological approach to investigate the clinical and experimental data supporting a role of the dopaminergic system in the pathophysiology of dystonic syndromes. Because dystonia is a disorder of motor routines, we first focus on the role of dopamine and striatum in procedural learning. Second, we consider the phenomenology of dystonia from every angle in order to search for features giving food for thought regarding the pathophysiology of the disorder. Then, for each dystonic phenotype, we review, when available, the experimental and imaging data supporting a connection with the dopaminergic system. Finally, we propose a putative model in which the different phenotypes could be explained by changes in the balance between the direct and indirect striato-pallidal pathways, a process critically controlled by the level of dopamine within the striatum. Search strategy and selection criteria References for this article were identified through searches in PubMed with the search terms « dystonia », « dopamine", « striatum », « basal ganglia », « imaging data », « animal model », « procedural learning », « pathophysiology », and « plasticity » from 1998 until 2018. Articles were also identified through searches of the authors' own files. Only selected papers published in English were reviewed. The final reference list was generated on the basis of originality and relevance to the broad scope of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ribot
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérome Aupy
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMR S 1127, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Joachim Mazère
- Université de Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Service de médecine nucléaire, CHU de Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Neuroscience, University "Tor Vergata'', Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, Fondazione Santa Lucia I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Dominique Guehl
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Burbaud
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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15
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Sharma N. Neuropathology of Dystonia. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 9:569. [PMID: 30886764 PMCID: PMC6420908 DOI: 10.7916/d8-j6sx-b156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Dystonia is characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions resulting in abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures, or both. Neuropathologic research has been essential in understanding the etiology and disease progression of other movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and cerebellar ataxias. In the field of dystonia, however, research is stymied by the paucity of post-mortem tissue available and the phenotypic heterogeneity found in those with dystonia. Methods A PubMed search was conducted using the term “neuropathology of dystonia”. The resulting list of references was limited to English-language human neuropathology articles. A total of 20 publications were retrieved and reviewed. Results Historically, based on study of acquired forms of dystonia, lesions of the putamen and globus pallidus have been identified as causing dystonia. After the identification of genetic causes of dystonia and the study of limited tissue available from those cases, as well as findings from cases of isolated focal and segmental dystonia, there is evidence that brainstem cholinergic neurons and specific cell populations within the cerebellum also play a role in the pathophysiology of dystonia. Discussion Based on limited available brain tissue, there is evidence that the pathophysiology of dystonia may involve a combination of dysfunction within neurons of the brainstem, cerebellum, putamen, and globus pallidus. In order to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia, a prospective, quantitative study in well-phenotyped subjects with different types of genetic and isolated dystonia is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutan Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.,Yale University, USA
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16
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Iacono D, Geraci-Erck M, Peng H, Rabin ML, Kurlan R. Hypertrophy of nigral neurons in Torsin1A deletion (DYT1) carriers manifesting dystonia. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 58:63-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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17
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Abstract
Dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal involuntary movements or postures owing to sustained or intermittent muscle contractions. Dystonia can be the manifesting neurological sign of many disorders, either in isolation (isolated dystonia) or with additional signs (combined dystonia). The main focus of this Primer is forms of isolated dystonia of idiopathic or genetic aetiology. These disorders differ in manifestations and severity but can affect all age groups and lead to substantial disability and impaired quality of life. The discovery of genes underlying the mendelian forms of isolated or combined dystonia has led to a better understanding of its pathophysiology. In some of the most common genetic dystonias, such as those caused by TOR1A, THAP1, GCH1 and KMT2B mutations, and idiopathic dystonia, these mechanisms include abnormalities in transcriptional regulation, striatal dopaminergic signalling and synaptic plasticity and a loss of inhibition at neuronal circuits. The diagnosis of dystonia is largely based on clinical signs, and the diagnosis and aetiological definition of this disorder remain a challenge. Effective symptomatic treatments with pharmacological therapy (anticholinergics), intramuscular botulinum toxin injection and deep brain stimulation are available; however, future research will hopefully lead to reliable biomarkers, better treatments and cure of this disorder.
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18
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Pappas SS, Li J, LeWitt TM, Kim JK, Monani UR, Dauer WT. A cell autonomous torsinA requirement for cholinergic neuron survival and motor control. eLife 2018; 7:36691. [PMID: 30117805 PMCID: PMC6115190 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic dysfunction is strongly implicated in dystonia pathophysiology. Previously (Pappas et al., 2015;4:e08352), we reported that Dlx5/6-Cre mediated forebrain deletion of the DYT1 dystonia protein torsinA (Dlx-CKO) causes abnormal twisting and selective degeneration of dorsal striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChI) (Pappas et al., 2015). A central question raised by that work is whether the ChI loss is cell autonomous or requires torsinA loss from neurons synaptically connected to ChIs. Here, we addressed this question by using ChAT-Cre mice to conditionally delete torsinA from cholinergic neurons ('ChAT-CKO'). ChAT-CKO mice phenocopy the Dlx-CKO phenotype of selective dorsal striatal ChI loss and identify an essential requirement for torsinA in brainstem and spinal cholinergic neurons. ChAT-CKO mice are tremulous, weak, and exhibit trunk twisting and postural abnormalities. These findings are the first to demonstrate a cell autonomous requirement for torsinA in specific populations of cholinergic neurons, strengthening the connection between torsinA, cholinergic dysfunction and dystonia pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Pappas
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jay Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Tessa M LeWitt
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Umrao R Monani
- Department of Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - William T Dauer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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19
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Abstract
Dystonia can be seen in a number of different phenotypes that may arise from different etiologies. The pathophysiological substrate of dystonia is related to three lines of research. The first postulate a loss of inhibition which may account for the excess of movement and for the overflow phenomena. A second abnormality is sensory dysfunction which is related to the mild sensory complaints in patients with focal dystonias and may be responsible for some of the motor dysfunction. Finally, there are strong pieces of evidence from animal and human studies suggesting that alterations of synaptic plasticity characterized by a disruption of homeostatic plasticity, with a prevailing facilitation of synaptic potentiation may play a pivotal role in primary dystonia. These working hypotheses have been generalized in all form of dystonia. On the other hand, several pieces of evidence now suggest that the pathophysiology may be slightly different in the different types of dystonia. Therefore, in the present review, we would like to discuss the neural mechanisms underlying the different forms of dystonia to disentangle the different weight and role of environmental and predisposing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Quartarone
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Diane Ruge
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
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20
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Fong PY, Edwards MJ, Lu CS, Chen RS, Rothwell JC, Bhatia KP, Huang YZ. Abnormal blink reflex recovery cycle in manifesting and nonmanifesting carriers of the DYT1 gene mutation. Neuroreport 2018; 27:1046-9. [PMID: 27508977 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the brainstem function in DYT1 carriers manifesting clinical dystonia (MDYT1) and those without clinical symptoms (NMDYT1). Motor cortical inhibition and plasticity were found to be abnormal in MDYT1, whereas these were less abnormal in NMDYT1. However, the spinal reciprocal inhibition was abnormal in MDYT1, but normal in NMDYT1. Moreover, protein accumulation and perinuclear inclusion bodies were found in the brainstem, but not in other brain areas, in DYT1 patients. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the brainstem physiology using the blink reflex (BR) recovery cycle test in MDYT1 and NMDYT1. We recruited eight MDYT1, five NMDYT1, and nine age-matched healthy controls. The BR recovery cycle was assessed with paired stimuli that induced the BR in a random order at interstimulus intervals of 250, 500, and 1000 ms. A two-way analysis of variance showed a significant difference between MDYT1, NMDYT1, and the healthy control (P=0.004). Post-hoc analysis showed that this was because of a significantly lower inhibition of R2 in MDYT1 and NMDYT1 compared with the controls (two-way analysis of variance: P=0.003 and 0.021, respectively). There was no difference between MDYT1 and NMDYT1 (P=0.224). The tested brainstem circuits were equally involved in MDYT1 and NMDYT1. The finding is in agreement with the pathological findings in DYT1 carriers. Together with previous findings in the motor cortex and the spinal cord, the brainstem may lie closer to the pathogenesis of dystonia than the motor cortex in DYT1 gene carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yu Fong
- aDepartment of Neurology, Movement Disorder Division bNeuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou cSchool of Medicine, Chang Gung University dInstitute of Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Health Science and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan eDepartment of Cell Sciences, St George's University of London fSobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Abstract
Dystonia is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, twisting movements, and abnormal postures in various body regions. It is widely accepted that the basal ganglia are involved in the pathogenesis of dystonia. A growing body of evidence, however, is challenging the traditional view and suggest that the cerebellum may also play a role in dystonia. Studies on animals indicate that experimental manipulations of the cerebellum lead to dystonic-like movements. Several clinical observations, including those from secondary dystonia cases as well as neurophysiologic and neuroimaging studies in human patients, provide further evidence in humans of a possible relationship between cerebellar abnormalities and dystonia. Claryfing the role of the cerebellum in dystonia is an important step towards providing alternative treatments based on noninvasive brain stimulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bologna
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Neuromed Institute IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Neuromed Institute IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy.
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22
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Fremont R, Tewari A, Angueyra C, Khodakhah K. A role for cerebellum in the hereditary dystonia DYT1. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28198698 PMCID: PMC5340526 DOI: 10.7554/elife.22775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT1 is a debilitating movement disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in torsinA. How these mutations cause dystonia remains unknown. Mouse models which have embryonically targeted torsinA have failed to recapitulate the dystonia seen in patients, possibly due to differential developmental compensation between rodents and humans. To address this issue, torsinA was acutely knocked down in select brain regions of adult mice using shRNAs. TorsinA knockdown in the cerebellum, but not in the basal ganglia, was sufficient to induce dystonia. In agreement with a potential developmental compensation for loss of torsinA in rodents, torsinA knockdown in the immature cerebellum failed to produce dystonia. Abnormal motor symptoms in knockdown animals were associated with irregular cerebellar output caused by changes in the intrinsic activity of both Purkinje cells and neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei. These data identify the cerebellum as the main site of dysfunction in DYT1, and offer new therapeutic targets. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22775.001 Dystonia is the third most common type of movement disorder after Parkinson’s disease and tremor. Patients with dystonia experience prolonged involuntary contractions of their muscles, often causing uncontrollable postures or repetitive movements. Almost thirty years ago, genetic studies revealed that a mutation in the gene that encodes a protein called torsinA causes the most common type of dystonia, called DYT1. Exactly how mutations that affect the torsinA protein give rise to DYT1 remains unclear, and there are still no effective treatments for the disorder. Part of the problem is that we do not fully understand how torsinA works, or which of its many proposed functions is relevant to dystonia. Moreover, attempts to study DYT1 using genetically modified mice have proved largely unsuccessful. This is because mice that simply express the same genetic mutations that cause dystonia in humans do not show the overt symptoms of dystonia. Fremont, Tewari et al. have now generated a mouse ‘model’ that does show symptoms of dystonia, and used these model mice to investigate the role of torsinA in the disorder. Acutely reducing the amount of torsinA protein in a region of the brain called the cerebellum induced the symptoms of dystonia in the mice. Conversely, reducing the amount of torsinA in a different brain area known as the basal ganglia had no such effect, even though both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia contribute to movement. Furthermore, neither manipulation had any effect in juvenile mice, which suggests that, in contrast to humans, young mice can compensate for the loss of torsinA. Fremont, Tewari et al. also found that the loss of torsinA causes the cerebellum to generate incorrect output signals, which in turn trigger the abnormal movements seen in dystonia. In the future, further studies of the model mice could identify the exact changes that occur in neurons following the loss of torsinA from the cerebellum. Understanding these changes could potentially pave the way for developing effective treatments for DYT1 and other dystonias. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22775.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Fremont
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Ambika Tewari
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Chantal Angueyra
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
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Pratt D, Mente K, Rahimpour S, Edwards NA, Tinaz S, Berman BD, Hallett M, Ray-Chaudhury A. Diminishing evidence for torsinA-positive neuronal inclusions in DYT1 dystonia. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:85. [PMID: 27531128 PMCID: PMC4988029 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Rowe J, Khan A, Romanowski C, Isaac C, Khan S, Mair R, Aziz T, Yianni J. Clinical Experience with Pedunculopontine Nucleus Stimulation in Conditions with Nigrostriatal Disconnection. World Neurosurg 2015; 89:9-18. [PMID: 26704205 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a part of the mesencephalic locomotor region and, in recent years, it has been considered a new surgical target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders including atypical parkinsonian syndromes such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy. Involvement of the PPN may play an important role in gait impairment in these disorders and the development of PPN DBS could potentially provide treatment for this disabling problem. However, the role of the PPN and the specific pathways involved in gait control and other motor functions are poorly understood. METHODS We present a chronological account of our group's experience in the use of PPN DBS. This entails the treatment of four patients with disabling movement disorders who all exhibited either marked damage or disconnection of the nigro-striatal pathway. RESULTS Within our series, the results were variable in that 2 of the 4 patients benefited greatly from DBS but the other 2 did not. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that in carefully selected patients, PPN DBS can potentially alleviate symptoms due to dopaminergic striatal inactivity; symptoms that are typically resistant to stimulation of other subcortical targets used for parkinsonian syndromes and movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Rowe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Aijaz Khan
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Claire Isaac
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sadequate Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Mair
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tipu Aziz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford Radcliffe NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - John Yianni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK.
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Paudel R, Li A, Hardy J, Bhatia KP, Houlden H, Holton J. DYT6 Dystonia: A Neuropathological Study. NEURODEGENER DIS 2015; 16:273-8. [PMID: 26610312 DOI: 10.1159/000440863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the thanatos-associated protein domain containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 gene (THAP1) are responsible for adult-onset isolated dystonia (DYT6). However, no neuropathological studies of genetically proven DYT6 cases have been previously reported. OBJECTIVE We report the first detailed neuropathological investigation carried out on two DYT6 brains. METHODS Genetic screening for THAP1 gene mutations using standard Sanger polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified 2 cases, 1 with a known pathogenic mutation and the other with a novel mutation. A detailed neuropathological assessment of the cases was performed. RESULTS Both DYT6 cases showed no significant neurodegeneration and no specific disease-related pathology. CONCLUSIONS No neuropathological features that could be defined as hallmark features of DYT6 dystonia were identified. Our study supports the notion that in isolated dystonia, there is no significant neurodegeneration or morphological lesions that can be identified using routine methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema Paudel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Løkkegaard A, Herz DM, Haagensen BN, Lorentzen AK, Eickhoff SB, Siebner HR. Altered sensorimotor activation patterns in idiopathic dystonia-an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of functional brain imaging studies. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 37:547-57. [PMID: 26549606 PMCID: PMC4738472 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements or postures. Functional neuroimaging studies have yielded abnormal task‐related sensorimotor activation in dystonia, but the results appear to be rather variable across studies. Further, study size was usually small including different types of dystonia. Here we performed an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis of functional neuroimaging studies in patients with primary dystonia to test for convergence of dystonia‐related alterations in task‐related activity across studies. Activation likelihood estimates were based on previously reported regional maxima of task‐related increases or decreases in dystonia patients compared to healthy controls. The meta‐analyses encompassed data from 179 patients with dystonia reported in 18 functional neuroimaging studies using a range of sensorimotor tasks. Patients with dystonia showed bilateral increases in task‐related activation in the parietal operculum and ventral postcentral gyrus as well as right middle temporal gyrus. Decreases in task‐related activation converged in left supplementary motor area and left postcentral gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus and dorsal midbrain. Apart from the midbrain cluster, all between‐group differences in task‐related activity were retrieved in a sub‐analysis including only the 14 studies on patients with focal dystonia. For focal dystonia, an additional cluster of increased sensorimotor activation emerged in the caudal cingulate motor zone. The results show that dystonia is consistently associated with abnormal somatosensory processing in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex along with abnormal sensorimotor activation of mesial premotor and right lateral temporal cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 37:547–557, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemette Løkkegaard
- Department of NeurologyCopenhagen University Hospital BispebjergCopenhagenDenmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Damian M. Herz
- Department of NeurologyCopenhagen University Hospital BispebjergCopenhagenDenmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Brian N. Haagensen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Anne K. Lorentzen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Simon B. Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐1), Research Center JülichGermany
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich‐Heine University DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Hartwig R. Siebner
- Department of NeurologyCopenhagen University Hospital BispebjergCopenhagenDenmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
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Weisheit CE, Dauer WT. A novel conditional knock-in approach defines molecular and circuit effects of the DYT1 dystonia mutation. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6459-72. [PMID: 26370418 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia, the most common inherited form of primary dystonia, is a neurodevelopmental disease caused by a dominant mutation in TOR1A. This mutation ('ΔE') removes a single glutamic acid from the encoded protein, torsinA. The effects of this mutation, at the molecular and circuit levels, and the reasons for its neurodevelopmental onset, remain incompletely understood. To uniquely address key questions of disease pathogenesis, we generated a conditional Tor1a knock-in allele that is converted from wild-type to DYT1 mutant ('induced' ΔE: Tor1a(i-ΔE)), following Cre recombination. We used this model to perform a gene dosage study exploring the effects of the ΔE mutation at the molecular, neuropathological and organismal levels. These analyses demonstrated that ΔE-torsinA is a hypomorphic allele and showed no evidence for any gain-of-function toxic properties. The unique capabilities of this model also enabled us to test a circuit-level hypothesis of DYT1 dystonia, which predicts that expression of the DYT1 genotype (Tor1a(ΔE/+)) selectively within hindbrain structures will produce an overtly dystonic animal. In contrast to this prediction, we find no effect of this anatomic-specific expression of the DYT1 genotype, a finding that has important implications for the interpretation of the human and mouse diffusion tensor-imaging studies upon which it is based. These studies advance understanding of the molecular effects of the ΔE mutation, challenge current concepts of the circuit dysfunction that characterize the disease and establish a powerful tool that will be valuable for future studies of disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William T Dauer
- Department of Neurology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Kiziltan ME, Gunduz A, Apaydın H, Ertan S, Kiziltan G. Auditory startle reflex and startle reflex to somatosensory inputs in generalized dystonia. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:1740-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pappas SS, Darr K, Holley SM, Cepeda C, Mabrouk OS, Wong JMT, LeWitt TM, Paudel R, Houlden H, Kennedy RT, Levine MS, Dauer WT. Forebrain deletion of the dystonia protein torsinA causes dystonic-like movements and loss of striatal cholinergic neurons. eLife 2015; 4:e08352. [PMID: 26052670 PMCID: PMC4473728 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Striatal dysfunction plays an important role in dystonia, but the striatal cell types that contribute to abnormal movements are poorly defined. We demonstrate that conditional deletion of the DYT1 dystonia protein torsinA in embryonic progenitors of forebrain cholinergic and GABAergic neurons causes dystonic-like twisting movements that emerge during juvenile CNS maturation. The onset of these movements coincides with selective degeneration of dorsal striatal large cholinergic interneurons (LCI), and surviving LCI exhibit morphological, electrophysiological, and connectivity abnormalities. Consistent with the importance of this LCI pathology, murine dystonic-like movements are reduced significantly with an antimuscarinic agent used clinically, and we identify cholinergic abnormalities in postmortem striatal tissue from DYT1 dystonia patients. These findings demonstrate that dorsal LCI have a unique requirement for torsinA function during striatal maturation, and link abnormalities of these cells to dystonic-like movements in an overtly symptomatic animal model. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08352.001 Dystonia is disorder of the nervous system that causes people to suffer from abnormal and involuntary twisting movements. These movements are triggered, in part, by irregularities in a part of the brain called the striatum. The most common view among researchers is that dystonia is caused by abnormal activity in an otherwise structurally normal nervous system. But, recent findings indicate that the degeneration of small populations of nerve cells in the brain may be important. The striatum is made up of several different types of nerve cells, but it is poorly understood which of these are affected in dystonia. One type of dystonia, which most often occurs in children, is caused by a defect in a protein called torsinA. Pappas et al. have now discovered that deleting the gene for torsinA from particular populations of nerve cells in the brains of mice (including a population in the striatum) causes abnormal twisting movements. Like people with dystonia, these mice developed the abnormal movements as juveniles, and the movements were suppressed with ‘anti-cholinergic’ medications. Pappas et al. then analyzed brain tissue from these mice and revealed that the twisting movements began at the same time that a single type of cell in the striatum—called ‘cholinergic interneurons’—degenerated. Postmortem studies of brain tissue from dystonia patients also revealed abnormalities of these neurons. Together these findings challenge the notion that dystonia occurs in a structurally normal nervous system and reveal that cholinergic interneurons in the striatum specifically require torsinA to survive. Following on from this work, the next challenges are to identify what causes the selective loss of cholinergic interneurons, and to investigate how this cell loss affects the activity within the striatum. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08352.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Pappas
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Katherine Darr
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Sandra M Holley
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Brain Research Institute, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Brain Research Institute, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Omar S Mabrouk
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jenny-Marie T Wong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Tessa M LeWitt
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Reema Paudel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert T Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Brain Research Institute, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - William T Dauer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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Abstract
Dystonia is a neurologic disorder characterized by sustained involuntary muscle contractions. Lesions responsible for unilateral secondary dystonia are confined to the putamen, caudate, globus pallidus, and thalamus. Dysfunction of these structures is suspected to play a role in both primary and secondary dystonia. Recent evidence has suggested that the cerebellum may play a role in the pathophysiology of dystonia. The role of the cerebellum in ataxia, a disorder of motor incoordination is well established. How may the cerebellum contribute to two apparently very different movement disorders? This review will discuss the idea of whether in some cases, ataxia and dystonia lie in the same clinical spectrum and whether graded perturbations in cerebellar function may explain a similar causative role for the cerebellum in these two different motor disorders. The review also proposes a model for cerebellar dystonia based on the available animal models of this disorder.
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Iacono D, Geraci-Erck M, Peng H, Rabin ML, Kurlan R. Reduced Number of Pigmented Neurons in the Substantia Nigra of Dystonia Patients? Findings from Extensive Neuropathologic, Immunohistochemistry, and Quantitative Analyses. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 5. [PMID: 26069855 PMCID: PMC4458735 DOI: 10.7916/d8t72g9g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Dystonias (Dys) represent the third most common movement disorder after essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD). While some pathogenetic mechanisms and genetic causes of Dys have been identified, little is known about their neuropathologic features. Previous neuropathologic studies have reported generically defined neuronal loss in various cerebral regions of Dys brains, mostly in the basal ganglia (BG), and specifically in the substantia nigra (SN). Enlarged pigmented neurons in the SN of Dys patients with and without specific genetic mutations (e.g., GAG deletions in DYT1 dystonia) have also been described. Whether or not Dys brains are associated with decreased numbers or other morphometric changes of specific neuronal types is unknown and has never been addressed with quantitative methodologies. Methods Quantitative immunohistochemistry protocols were used to estimate neuronal counts and volumes of nigral pigmented neurons in 13 SN of Dys patients and 13 SN of age-matched control subjects (C). Results We observed a significant reduction (∼20%) of pigmented neurons in the SN of Dys compared to C (p<0.01). Neither significant volumetric changes nor evident neurodegenerative signs were observed in the remaining pool of nigral pigmented neurons in Dys brains. These novel quantitative findings were confirmed after exclusion of possible co-occurring SN pathologies including Lewy pathology, tau-neurofibrillary tangles, β-amyloid deposits, ubiquitin (ubiq), and phosphorylated-TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (pTDP43)-positive inclusions. Discussion A reduced number of nigral pigmented neurons in the absence of evident neurodegenerative signs in Dys brains could indicate previously unconsidered pathogenetic mechanisms of Dys such as neurodevelopmental defects in the SN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Iacono
- Neuropathology Research, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, BRInj, Cedar Knolls, NJ, USA ; Movement Disorders Program, Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ, USA ; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Maria Geraci-Erck
- Neuropathology Research, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, BRInj, Cedar Knolls, NJ, USA
| | - Hui Peng
- Neuropathology Research, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, BRInj, Cedar Knolls, NJ, USA
| | - Marcie L Rabin
- Movement Disorders Program, Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ, USA
| | - Roger Kurlan
- Movement Disorders Program, Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ, USA ; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY, USA
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Kim AY, Seo JB, Kim WT, Choi HJ, Kim SY, Morrow G, Tanguay RM, Steller H, Koh YH. The pathogenic human Torsin A in Drosophila activates the unfolded protein response and increases susceptibility to oxidative stress. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:338. [PMID: 25903460 PMCID: PMC4415242 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dystonia1 (DYT1) dystonia is caused by a glutamic acid deletion (ΔE) mutation in the gene encoding Torsin A in humans (HTorA). To investigate the unknown molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying DYT1 dystonia, we performed an unbiased proteomic analysis. Results We found that the amount of proteins and transcripts of an Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident chaperone Heat shock protein cognate 3 (HSC3) and a mitochondria chaperone Heat Shock Protein 22 (HSP22) were significantly increased in the HTorAΔE– expressing brains compared to the normal HTorA (HTorAWT) expressing brains. The physiological consequences included an increased susceptibility to oxidative and ER stress compared to normal HTorAWT flies. The alteration of transcripts of Inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1)-dependent spliced X box binding protein 1(Xbp1), several ER chaperones, a nucleotide exchange factor, Autophagy related protein 8b (ATG8b) and components of the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway and increased expression of the Xbp1-enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein (eGFP) in HTorAΔE brains strongly indicated the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). In addition, perturbed expression of the UPR sensors and inducers in the HTorAΔEDrosophila brains resulted in a significantly reduced life span of the flies. Furthermore, the types and quantities of proteins present in the anti-HSC3 positive microsomes in the HTorAΔE brains were different from those of the HTorAWT brains. Conclusion Taken together, these data show that HTorAΔE in Drosophila brains may activate the UPR and increase the expression of HSP22 to compensate for the toxic effects caused by HTorAΔE in the brains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1518-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Young Kim
- ILSONG Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, 1605-4 Gwanyangdong, Dongan-gu, Anyang, Gyeonggido, 431-060, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Bok Seo
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Tae Kim
- National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-707, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee Jeong Choi
- ILSONG Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, 1605-4 Gwanyangdong, Dongan-gu, Anyang, Gyeonggido, 431-060, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soo-Young Kim
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea.
| | - Genevieve Morrow
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry & Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Robert M Tanguay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry & Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Hermann Steller
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Young Ho Koh
- ILSONG Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, 1605-4 Gwanyangdong, Dongan-gu, Anyang, Gyeonggido, 431-060, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-702, Republic of Korea.
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Paudel R, Kiely A, Li A, Lashley T, Bandopadhyay R, Hardy J, Jinnah HA, Bhatia K, Houlden H, Holton JL. Neuropathological features of genetically confirmed DYT1 dystonia: investigating disease-specific inclusions. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:159. [PMID: 25403864 PMCID: PMC4247124 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early onset isolated dystonia (DYT1) is linked to a three base pair deletion (ΔGAG) mutation in the TOR1A gene. Clinical manifestation includes intermittent muscle contraction leading to twisting movements or abnormal postures. Neuropathological studies on DYT1 cases are limited, most showing no significant abnormalities. In one study, brainstem intraneuronal inclusions immunoreactive for ubiquitin, torsinA and lamin A/C were described. Using the largest series reported to date comprising 7 DYT1 cases, we aimed to identify consistent neuropathological features in the disease and determine whether we would find the same intraneuronal inclusions as previously reported. Result The pathological changes of brainstem inclusions reported in DYT1 dystonia were not replicated in our case series. Other anatomical regions implicated in dystonia showed no disease-specific pathological intracellular inclusions or evidence of more than mild neuronal loss. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the intracellular inclusions described previously in DYT1 dystonia may not be a hallmark feature of the disorder. In isolated dystonia, DYT1 in particular, biochemical changes may be more relevant than the morphological changes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40478-014-0159-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Harata NC. Current Gaps in the Understanding of the Subcellular Distribution of Exogenous and Endogenous Protein TorsinA. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 4:260. [PMID: 25279252 PMCID: PMC4175402 DOI: 10.7916/d8js9nr2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background An in-frame deletion leading to the loss of a single glutamic acid residue in the protein torsinA (ΔE-torsinA) results in an inherited movement disorder, DYT1 dystonia. This autosomal dominant disease affects the function of the brain without causing neurodegeneration, by a mechanism that remains unknown. Methods We evaluated the literature regarding the subcellular localization of torsinA. Results Efforts to elucidate the pathophysiological basis of DYT1 dystonia have relied partly on examining the subcellular distribution of the wild-type and mutated proteins. A typical approach is to introduce the human torsinA gene (TOR1A) into host cells and overexpress the protein therein. In both neurons and non-neuronal cells, exogenous wild-type torsinA introduced in this manner has been found to localize mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas exogenous ΔE-torsinA is predominantly in the nuclear envelope or cytoplasmic inclusions. Although these outcomes are relatively consistent, findings for the localization of endogenous torsinA have been variable, leaving its physiological distribution a matter of debate. Discussion As patients’ cells do not overexpress torsinA proteins, it is important to understand why the reported distributions of the endogenous proteins are inconsistent. We propose that careful optimization of experimental methods will be critical in addressing the causes of the differences among the distributions of endogenous (non-overexpressed) vs. exogenously introduced (overexpressed) proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Charles Harata
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Genetic animal models of dystonia: common features and diversities. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 121:91-113. [PMID: 25034123 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are pivotal for studies of pathogenesis and treatment of disorders of the central nervous system which in its complexity cannot yet be modeled in vitro or using computer simulations. The choice of a specific model to test novel therapeutic strategies for a human disease should be based on validity of the model for the approach: does the model reflect symptoms, pathogenesis and treatment response present in human patients? In the movement disorder dystonia, prior to the availability of genetically engineered mice, spontaneous mutants were chosen based on expression of dystonic features, including abnormal muscle contraction, movements and postures. Recent discovery of a number of genes and gene products involved in dystonia initiated research on pathogenesis of the disorder, and the creation of novel models based on gene mutations. Here we present a review of current models of dystonia, with a focus on genetic rodent models, which will likely be first choice in the future either for pathophysiological or for preclinical drug testing or both. In order to help selection of a model depending on expression of a specific feature of dystonia, this review is organized by symptoms and current knowledge of pathogenesis of dystonia. We conclude that albeit there is increasing need for research on pathogenesis of the disease and development of improved models, current models do replicate features of dystonia and are useful tools to develop urgently demanded treatment for this debilitating disorder.
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Zacchi LF, Wu HC, Bell SL, Millen L, Paton AW, Paton JC, Thomas PJ, Zolkiewski M, Brodsky JL. The BiP molecular chaperone plays multiple roles during the biogenesis of torsinA, an AAA+ ATPase associated with the neurological disease early-onset torsion dystonia. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:12727-47. [PMID: 24627482 PMCID: PMC4007462 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.529123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-onset torsion dystonia (EOTD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and sustained muscle contractions that can lead to paralysis and abnormal posture. EOTD is associated with the deletion of a glutamate (ΔE) in torsinA, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident AAA(+) ATPase. To date, the effect of ΔE on torsinA and the reason that this mutation results in EOTD are unclear. Moreover, there are no specific therapeutic options to treat EOTD. To define the underlying biochemical defects associated with torsinAΔE and to uncover factors that might be targeted to offset defects associated with torsinAΔE, we developed a yeast torsinA expression system and tested the roles of ER chaperones in mediating the folding and stability of torsinA and torsinAΔE. We discovered that the ER lumenal Hsp70, BiP, an associated Hsp40, Scj1, and a nucleotide exchange factor, Lhs1, stabilize torsinA and torsinAΔE. BiP also maintained torsinA and torsinAΔE solubility. Mutations predicted to compromise specific torsinA functional motifs showed a synthetic interaction with the ΔE mutation and destabilized torsinAΔE, suggesting that the ΔE mutation predisposes torsinA to defects in the presence of secondary insults. In this case, BiP was required for torsinAΔE degradation, consistent with data that specific chaperones exhibit either pro-degradative or pro-folding activities. Finally, using two independent approaches, we established that BiP stabilizes torsinA and torsinAΔE in mammalian cells. Together, these data define BiP as the first identified torsinA chaperone, and treatments that modulate BiP might improve symptoms associated with EOTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía F. Zacchi
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Hui-Chuan Wu
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Samantha L. Bell
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Linda Millen
- the Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390, and
| | - Adrienne W. Paton
- the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - James C. Paton
- the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Philip J. Thomas
- the Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390, and
| | - Michal Zolkiewski
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Jeffrey L. Brodsky
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on neurodevelopmental diseases that are tightly linked to abnormal function of the striatum and connected structures. We begin with an overview of three representative diseases in which striatal dysfunction plays a key role--Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Rett's syndrome, and primary dystonia. These diseases highlight distinct etiologies that disrupt striatal integrity and function during development, and showcase the varied clinical manifestations of striatal dysfunction. We then review striatal organization and function, including evidence for striatal roles in online motor control/action selection, reinforcement learning, habit formation, and action sequencing. A key barrier to progress has been the relative lack of animal models of these diseases, though recently there has been considerable progress. We review these efforts, including their relative merits providing insight into disease pathogenesis, disease symptomatology, and basal ganglia function.
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Iwabuchi S, Koh JY, Wang K, Ho KWD, Harata NC. Minimal Change in the cytoplasmic calcium dynamics in striatal GABAergic neurons of a DYT1 dystonia knock-in mouse model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80793. [PMID: 24260480 PMCID: PMC3834333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia is the most common hereditary form of primary torsion dystonia. This autosomal-dominant disorder is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause sustained twisting and repetitive movements. It is caused by an in-frame deletion in the TOR1A gene, leading to the deletion of a glutamic acid residue in the torsinA protein. Heterozygous knock-in mice, which reproduce the genetic mutation in human patients, have abnormalities in synaptic transmission at the principal GABAergic neurons in the striatum, a brain structure that is involved in the execution and modulation of motor activity. However, whether this mutation affects the excitability of striatal GABAergic neurons has not been investigated in this animal model. Here, we examined the excitability of cultured striatal neurons obtained from heterozygous knock-in mice, using calcium imaging as indirect readout. Immunofluorescence revealed that more than 97% of these neurons are positive for a marker of GABAergic neurons, and that more than 92% are also positive for a marker of medium spiny neurons, indicating that these are mixed cultures of mostly medium spiny neurons and a few (~5%) GABAergic interneurons. When these neurons were depolarized by field stimulation, the calcium concentration in the dendrites increased rapidly and then decayed slowly. The amplitudes of calcium transients were larger in heterozygous neurons than in wild-type neurons, resulting in ~15% increase in cumulative calcium transients during a train of stimuli. However, there was no change in other parameters of calcium dynamics. Given that calcium dynamics reflect neuronal excitability, these results suggest that the mutation only slightly increases the excitability of striatal GABAergic neurons in DYT1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadahiro Iwabuchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jin-Young Koh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - K. W. David Ho
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - N. Charles Harata
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Subtle microstructural changes of the cerebellum in a knock-in mouse model of DYT1 dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 62:372-80. [PMID: 24121114 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The dystonias are a group of disorders characterized by involuntary twisting and repetitive movements. DYT1 dystonia is an inherited form of dystonia caused by a mutation in the TOR1A gene, which encodes torsinA. TorsinA is expressed in many regions of the nervous system, and the regions responsible for causing dystonic movements remain uncertain. Most prior studies have focused on the basal ganglia, although there is emerging evidence for abnormalities in the cerebellum too. In the current studies, we examined the cerebellum for structural abnormalities in a knock-in mouse model of DYT1 dystonia. The gross appearance of the cerebellum appeared normal in the mutant mice, but stereological measures revealed the cerebellum to be 5% larger in mutant compared to control mice. There were no changes in the numbers of Purkinje cells, granule cells, or neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei. However, Golgi histochemical studies revealed Purkinje cells to have thinner dendrites, and fewer and less complex dendritic spines. There also was a higher frequency of heterotopic Purkinje cells displaced into the molecular layer. These results reveal subtle structural changes of the cerebellum that are similar to those reported for the basal ganglia in the DYT1 knock-in mouse model.
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41
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Bressman SB, Saunders-Pullman R. Primary dystonia: moribund or viable. Mov Disord 2013; 28:906-13. [PMID: 23893447 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With increasing understanding of dystonia genetic etiologies and pathophysiology there has been renewed scrutiny and reappraisal of dystonia classification schemes and nomenclature. One important category that includes both clinical and etiologic criteria is primary dystonia. This editorialized review discusses the impact of recent findings on primary dystonia criteria and argues that it remains useful in clinical and research practice. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan B Bressman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Song CH, Bernhard D, Bolarinwa C, Hess EJ, Smith Y, Jinnah HA. Subtle microstructural changes of the striatum in a DYT1 knock-in mouse model of dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 54:362-71. [PMID: 23336980 PMCID: PMC3628999 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dystonias are comprised of a group of disorders that share common neurological abnormalities of involuntary twisting or repetitive movements and postures. The most common inherited primary dystonia is DYT1 dystonia, which is due to loss of a GAG codon in the TOR1A gene that encodes torsinA. Autopsy studies of brains from patients with DYT1 dystonia have revealed few abnormalities, although recent neuroimaging studies have implied the existence of microstructural defects that might not be detectable with traditional histopathological methods. The current studies took advantage of a knock-in mouse model for DYT1 dystonia to search for subtle anatomical abnormalities in the striatum, a region often implicated in studies of dystonia. Multiple abnormalities were identified using a combination of quantitative stereological measures of immunohistochemical stains for specific neuronal populations, morphometric studies of Golgi-stained neurons, and immuno-electron microscopy of synaptic connectivity. In keeping with other studies, there was no obvious loss of striatal neurons in the DYT1 mutant mice. However, interneurons immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase or parvalbumin were larger in the mutants than in control mice. In contrast, interneurons immunoreactive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase were smaller in the mutants than in controls. Golgi histochemical studies of medium spiny projection neurons in the mutant mice revealed slightly fewer and thinner dendrites, and a corresponding loss of dendritic spines. Electron microscopic studies showed a reduction in the ratio of axo-spinous to axo-dendritic synaptic inputs from glutamatergic and dopaminergic sources in mutant mice compared with controls. These results suggest specific anatomical substrates for altered signaling in the striatum and potential correlates of the abnormalities implied by human imaging studies of DYT1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyun Song
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30322
| | | | - Caroline Bolarinwa
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30329
| | - Ellen J. Hess
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30322
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30322
| | - Yoland Smith
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta GA, 30329
| | - H. A. Jinnah
- Departments of Neurology, Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta GA 30322
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Albanese A, Bhatia K, Bressman SB, Delong MR, Fahn S, Fung VSC, Hallett M, Jankovic J, Jinnah HA, Klein C, Lang AE, Mink JW, Teller JK. Phenomenology and classification of dystonia: a consensus update. Mov Disord 2013; 28:863-73. [PMID: 23649720 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1432] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the consensus outcome of an international panel consisting of investigators with years of experience in this field that reviewed the definition and classification of dystonia. Agreement was obtained based on a consensus development methodology during 3 in-person meetings and manuscript review by mail. Dystonia is defined as a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures, or both. Dystonic movements are typically patterned and twisting, and may be tremulous. Dystonia is often initiated or worsened by voluntary action and associated with overflow muscle activation. Dystonia is classified along 2 axes: clinical characteristics, including age at onset, body distribution, temporal pattern and associated features (additional movement disorders or neurological features); and etiology, which includes nervous system pathology and inheritance. The clinical characteristics fall into several specific dystonia syndromes that help to guide diagnosis and treatment. We provide here a new general definition of dystonia and propose a new classification. We encourage clinicians and researchers to use these innovative definition and classification and test them in the clinical setting on a variety of patients with dystonia. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Zoons E, Tijssen MAJ. Pathologic changes in the brain in cervical dystonia pre- and post-mortem - a commentary with a special focus on the cerebellum. Exp Neurol 2013; 247:130-3. [PMID: 23597638 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In a recent issue of Experimental Neurology, Prudente et al. (2012) investigated the neuropathology of cervical dystonia in six patients. Their most important finding was a patchy loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. In this article we discuss their findings in the context of a review including primary and secondary cervical dystonia. An update is given of the current knowledge on structural and functional brain abnormalities in idiopathic cervical dystonia with a special focus on the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zoons
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Prudente C, Pardo C, Xiao J, Hanfelt J, Hess E, LeDoux M, Jinnah H. Neuropathology of cervical dystonia. Exp Neurol 2013; 241:95-104. [PMID: 23195594 PMCID: PMC3570661 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to search for neuropathological changes in postmortem brain tissue of individuals with cervical dystonia (CD). Multiple regions of formalin-preserved brains were collected from patients with CD and controls and examined with an extensive battery of histopathological stains in a two-stage study design. In stage one, 4 CD brains underwent a broad screening neuropathological examination. In stage two, these 4 CD brains were combined with 2 additional CD brains, and the subjective findings were quantified and compared to 16 age-matched controls. The initial subjective neuropathological assessment revealed only two regions with relatively consistent changes. The substantia nigra had frequent ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions known as Marinesco bodies. Additionally, the cerebellum showed patchy loss of Purkinje cells, areas of focal gliosis and torpedo bodies. Other brain regions showed minor or inconsistent changes. In the second stage of the analysis, quantitative studies failed to reveal significant differences in the numbers of Marinesco bodies in CD versus controls, but confirmed a significantly lower Purkinje cell density in CD. Molecular investigations revealed 4 of the CD cases and 2 controls to harbor sequence variants in non-coding regions of THAP1, and these cases had lower Purkinje cell densities regardless of whether they had CD. The findings suggest that subtle neuropathological changes such as lower Purkinje cell density may be found in primary CD when relevant brain regions are investigated with appropriate methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C.A. Pardo
- Dept. of Neurology & Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD -
| | - J. Xiao
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis TN -
| | - J. Hanfelt
- Dept. of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta GA -
| | - E.J. Hess
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta GA -
| | - M.S. LeDoux
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis TN -
| | - H.A. Jinnah
- Dept. of Neurology, Human Genetics & Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta GA
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den Dunnen WFA. Neuropathological diagnostic considerations in hyperkinetic movement disorders. Front Neurol 2013; 4:7. [PMID: 23420606 PMCID: PMC3572425 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathology of hyperkinetic movement disorders can be very challenging. This paper starts with basic functional anatomy of the basal ganglia in order to appreciate that focal lesions like for instance tumor or infarction can cause hyperkinetic movement disorders like (hemi)ballism. The neuropathology of different causes of chorea (amongst others Huntington’s disease, neuroacanthosis, and HLD-2) and dystonia (DYT1, PD, and Dopa-Responsive Dystonia) are described. Besides the functional anatomy of the basal ganglia a wider anatomical network view is provided. This forms the basis for the overview of the neuropathology of different forms of tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred F A den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
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Grundmann K, Hübener J, Häbig K, Reischmann B, Poths S, Hauser TK, Magg J, Riess O, Bonin M, Nguyen HP. Gene expression changes in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing human wildtype and mutant torsinA. Proteomics Clin Appl 2012; 2:720-36. [PMID: 21136869 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200780053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary torsion dystonia is an autosomal-dominantly inherited, neurodevelopmental movement disorder caused by a GAG deletion (ΔGAG) in the DYT1 gene, encoding torsinA. This mutation is responsible for approximately 70% of cases of early-onset primary torsion dystonia. The function of wildtype torsinA is still unknown, and it is unsolved how the deletion in the DYT1 gene contributes to the development of the disease. To better understand the molecular processes involved in torsinA pathology, we used genome-wide oligonucleotide microarrays to characterize gene expression patterns in the striatum of mouse models overexpressing the human wildtype and mutant torsinA. By this approach we were able to detect gene expression changes that seem to be specific for torsinA pathology. We found an impact of torsinA, independent from genotype, on vesicle trafficking, exocytosis, and neurotransmitter release in our mouse model. In addition, we were able to identify several new pathways and processes involved in the development of the nervous system that are affected by wildtype and mutant torsinA. Furthermore, we have striking evidence from our gene expression data that glutamate receptor mediated synaptic plasticity in the striatum is the affected underlying cellular process for impaired motor learning in human ΔGAG torsinA transgenic mice.
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48
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Paudel R, Hardy J, Revesz T, Holton JL, Houlden H. Review: Genetics and neuropathology of primary pure dystonia. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2012; 38:520-34. [PMID: 22897341 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2012.01298.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Paudel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Queen Square Brain Bank and UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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49
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Untethering the nuclear envelope and cytoskeleton: biologically distinct dystonias arising from a common cellular dysfunction. Int J Cell Biol 2012; 2012:634214. [PMID: 22611399 PMCID: PMC3352338 DOI: 10.1155/2012/634214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of early onset DYT1 dystonia in humans are caused by a GAG deletion in the TOR1A gene leading to loss of a glutamic acid (ΔE) in the torsinA protein, which underlies a movement disorder associated with neuronal dysfunction without apparent neurodegeneration. Mutation/deletion of the gene (Dst) encoding dystonin in mice results in a dystonic movement disorder termed dystonia musculorum, which resembles aspects of dystonia in humans. While torsinA and dystonin proteins do not share modular domain architecture, they participate in a similar function by modulating a structural link between the nuclear envelope and the cytoskeleton in neuronal cells. We suggest that through a shared interaction with the nuclear envelope protein nesprin-3α, torsinA and the neuronal dystonin-a2 isoform comprise a bridge complex between the outer nuclear membrane and the cytoskeleton, which is critical for some aspects of neuronal development and function. Elucidation of the overlapping roles of torsinA and dystonin-a2 in nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum dynamics should provide insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the dystonic phenotype.
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50
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Blood AJ, Kuster JK, Woodman SC, Kirlic N, Makhlouf ML, Multhaupt-Buell TJ, Makris N, Parent M, Sudarsky LR, Sjalander G, Breiter H, Breiter HC, Sharma N. Evidence for altered basal ganglia-brainstem connections in cervical dystonia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31654. [PMID: 22384048 PMCID: PMC3285161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been increasing interest in the interaction of the basal ganglia with the cerebellum and the brainstem in motor control and movement disorders. In addition, it has been suggested that these subcortical connections with the basal ganglia may help to coordinate a network of regions involved in mediating posture and stabilization. While studies in animal models support a role for this circuitry in the pathophysiology of the movement disorder dystonia, thus far, there is only indirect evidence for this in humans with dystonia. Methodology/Principal Findings In the current study we investigated probabilistic diffusion tractography in DYT1-negative patients with cervical dystonia and matched healthy control subjects, with the goal of showing that patients exhibit altered microstructure in the connectivity between the pallidum and brainstem. The brainstem regions investigated included nuclei that are known to exhibit strong connections with the cerebellum. We observed large clusters of tractography differences in patients relative to healthy controls, between the pallidum and the brainstem. Tractography was decreased in the left hemisphere and increased in the right hemisphere in patients, suggesting a potential basis for the left/right white matter asymmetry we previously observed in focal dystonia patients. Conclusions/Significance These findings support the hypothesis that connections between the basal ganglia and brainstem play a role in the pathophysiology of dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Blood
- Mood and Motor Control Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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