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Beaudin M, Dupre N, Manto M. The importance of synthetic pharmacotherapy for recessive cerebellar ataxias. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:897-912. [PMID: 38980086 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2376840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The last decade has witnessed major breakthroughs in identifying novel genetic causes of hereditary ataxias, deepening our understanding of disease mechanisms, and developing therapies for these debilitating disorders. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the currently approved and most promising candidate pharmacotherapies in relation to the known disease mechanisms of the most prevalent autosomal recessive ataxias. Omaveloxolone is an Nrf2 activator that increases antioxidant defense and was recently approved for treatment of Friedreich ataxia. Its therapeutic effect is modest, and further research is needed to find synergistic treatments that would halt or reverse disease progression. Promising approaches include upregulation of frataxin expression by epigenetic mechanisms, direct protein replacement, and gene replacement therapy. For ataxia-telangiectasia, promising approaches include splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial function. Rare recessive ataxias for which disease-modifying therapies exist are also reviewed, emphasizing recently approved therapies. Evidence supporting the use of riluzole and acetyl-leucine in recessive ataxias is discussed. EXPERT OPINION Advances in genetic therapies for other neurogenetic conditions have paved the way to implement feasible approaches with potential dramatic benefits. Particularly, as we develop effective treatments for these conditions, we may need to combine therapies, consider newborn testing for pre-symptomatic treatment, and optimize non-pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Beaudin
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Dupre
- Neuroscience axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgique
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgique
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Grander M, Haschka D, Indelicato E, Kremser C, Amprosi M, Nachbauer W, Henninger B, Stefani A, Högl B, Fischer C, Seifert M, Kiechl S, Weiss G, Boesch S. Genetic Determined Iron Starvation Signature in Friedreich's Ataxia. Mov Disord 2024; 39:1088-1098. [PMID: 38686449 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early studies in cellular models suggested an iron accumulation in Friedreich's ataxia (FA), yet findings from patients are lacking. OBJECTIVES The objective is to characterize systemic iron metabolism, body iron storages, and intracellular iron regulation in FA patients. METHODS In FA patients and matched healthy controls, we assessed serum iron parameters, regulatory hormones as well as the expression of regulatory proteins and iron distribution in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We applied magnetic resonance imaging with R2*-relaxometry to quantify iron storages in the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Across all evaluations, we assessed the influence of the genetic severity as expressed by the length of the shorter GAA-expansion (GAA1). RESULTS We recruited 40 FA patients (19 women). Compared to controls, FA patients displayed lower serum iron and transferrin saturation. Serum ferritin, hepcidin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume in FA inversely correlated with the GAA1-repeat length, indicating iron deficiency and restricted availability for erythropoiesis with increasing genetic severity. R2*-relaxometry revealed a reduction of splenic and hepatic iron stores in FA. Liver and spleen R2* values inversely correlated with the GAA1-repeat length. FA PBMCs displayed downregulation of ferritin and upregulation of transferrin receptor and divalent metal transporter-1 mRNA, particularly in patients with >500 GAA1-repeats. In FA PBMCs, intracellular iron was not increased, but shifted toward mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence for a previously unrecognized iron starvation signature at systemic and cellular levels in FA patients, which is related to the underlying genetic severity. These findings challenge the use of systemic iron lowering therapies in FA. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Haschka
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabetta Indelicato
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Kremser
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Amprosi
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Nachbauer
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benjamin Henninger
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Högl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christine Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Seifert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- VASCage, Centre on Clinical Stroke Research, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Dong YN, Mercado-Ayón E, Coulman J, Flatley L, Ngaba LV, Adeshina MW, Lynch DR. The Regulation of the Disease-Causing Gene FXN. Cells 2024; 13:1040. [PMID: 38920668 PMCID: PMC11202134 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused in almost all patients by expanded guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide repeats within intron 1 of the FXN gene. This results in a relative deficiency of frataxin, a small nucleus-encoded mitochondrial protein crucial for iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Currently, there is only one medication, omaveloxolone, available for FRDA patients, and it is limited to patients 16 years of age and older. This necessitates the development of new medications. Frataxin restoration is one of the main strategies in potential treatment options as it addresses the root cause of the disease. Comprehending the control of frataxin at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational stages could offer potential therapeutic approaches for addressing the illness. This review aims to provide a general overview of the regulation of frataxin and its implications for a possible therapeutic treatment of FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Na Dong
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Coulman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Liam Flatley
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lucie Vanessa Ngaba
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Miniat W. Adeshina
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R. Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Gavriilaki M, Chatzikyriakou E, Moschou M, Arnaoutoglou M, Sakellari I, Kimiskidis VK. Therapeutic Biomarkers in Friedreich's Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1184-1203. [PMID: 37889470 PMCID: PMC11102393 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01621-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Although a large array of biomarkers have been investigated in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) trials, the optimal biomarker for assessing disease progression or therapeutic benefit has yet to be identified. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases up to June 2023 for any original study (with ≥ 5 participants and ≥ 2 months' follow-up) reporting the effect of therapeutic interventions on any clinical, cardiac, biochemical, patient-reported outcome measures, imaging, or neurophysiologic biomarker. We also explored the biomarkers' ability to detect subtle disease progression in untreated patients. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. The study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022319196). In total, 43 studies with 1409 FRDA patients were included in the qualitative synthesis. A statistically significant improvement was observed in Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale scores [combining Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and modified FARS (mFARS): SMD = - 0.32 (- 0.62 to - 0.02)] following drugs that augment mitochondrial function in a sensitivity analysis. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was improved significantly [SMD = - 0.34 (- 0.5 to - 0.18)] after 28.5 months of treatment with drugs that augment mitochondrial function. However, LVMI remained stable [SMD = 0.05 (- 0.3 to 0.41)] in untreated patients after 6-month follow-up. None of the remaining biomarkers changed significantly following any treatment intervention nor during the natural disease progression. Nevertheless, clinical implications of these results should be interpreted with caution because of low to very low quality of evidence. Further randomized controlled trials of at least 24 months' duration using a biomarker toolbox rather than a single biomarker are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gavriilaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Chatzikyriakou
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Moschou
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marianthi Arnaoutoglou
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Sakellari
- Hematology Department, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios K Kimiskidis
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Gunther K, Lynch DR. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Friedreich Ataxia: a review of the available data. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:529-539. [PMID: 38622054 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2343782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, marked by loss of coordination as well as impaired neurological, endocrine, orthopedic, and cardiac function. There are many symptomatic medications for FRDA, and many clinical trials have been performed, but only one FDA-approved medication exists. AREAS COVERED The relative absence of the frataxin protein (FXN) in FRDA causes mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in clinical manifestations. Currently, the only approved treatment for FRDA is an Nrf2 activator called omaveloxolone (Skyclarys). Patients with FRDA also rely on various symptomatic medications for treatment. Because there is only one approved medication for FRDA, clinical trials continue to advance in FRDA. Although some trials have not met their endpoints, many current and upcoming clinical trials provide exciting possibilities for the treatment of FRDA. EXPERT OPINION The approval of omaveloxolone provides a major advance in FRDA therapeutics. Although well tolerated, it is not curative. Reversal of deficient frataxin levels with gene therapy, protein replacement, or epigenetic approaches provides the most likely prospect for enduring, disease-modifying therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gunther
- Friedreich Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Friedreich Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Subramony SH, Lynch DL. A Milestone in the Treatment of Ataxias: Approval of Omaveloxolone for Friedreich Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:775-777. [PMID: 37219716 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The exciting news about the US FDA approval of omaveloxolone as the first-ever drug to be approved for an inherited ataxia is welcome news for patients and families that deal with this devastating disease as well as for health care providers and investigators with an interest in this and other rare diseases. This event is the culmination of long and fruitful collaboration between patients, their families, clinicians, laboratory researchers, patient advocacy organizations, industry, and regulatory agencies. The process has generated intense discussion about outcome measures, biomarkers, trial design, and the nature of approval process for such diseases. It also has brought hope and enthusiasm for increasingly better therapies for genetic diseases in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Subramony
- Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| | - D L Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lynch DR, Perlman S, Schadt K. Omaveloxolone for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia: clinical trial results and practical considerations. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:251-258. [PMID: 38269532 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2310617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Omavaloxolone, an NRF2 activator, recently became the first drug approved specifically for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). This landmark achievement provides a background for a review of the detailed data leading to the approval. AREAS COVERED The authors review the data from the 4 major articles on FRDA in the context of the authors' considerable (>1000 patients) experience in treating individuals with FRDA. The data is presented in the context not only of its scientific meaning but also in the practical context of therapy in FRDA. EXPERT OPINION Omaveloxolone provides a significant advance in the treatment of FRDA that is likely to be beneficial in a majority of the FRDA population. The data suggesting a benefit is consistent, and adverse issues are relatively modest. The major remaining questions are the subgroups that are most responsive and how long the beneficial effects will remain significant in FRDA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Lynch
- Friedrech Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Friedreich Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Edzeamey FJ, Ramchunder Z, Pourzand C, Anjomani Virmouni S. Emerging antioxidant therapies in Friedreich's ataxia. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359618. [PMID: 38379897 PMCID: PMC10876797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a rare childhood neurologic disorder, affecting 1 in 50,000 Caucasians. The disease is caused by the abnormal expansion of the GAA repeat sequence in intron 1 of the FXN gene, leading to the reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. The disease is characterised by progressive neurodegeneration, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal deformities. The reduced expression of frataxin has been suggested to result in the downregulation of endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms and mitochondrial bioenergetics, and the increase in mitochondrial iron accumulation thereby leading to oxidative stress. The confirmation of oxidative stress as one of the pathological signatures of FRDA led to the search for antioxidants which can be used as therapeutic modality. Based on this observation, antioxidants with different mechanisms of action have been explored for FRDA therapy since the last two decades. In this review, we bring forth all antioxidants which have been investigated for FRDA therapy and have been signed off for clinical trials. We summarise their various target points in FRDA disease pathway, their performances during clinical trials and possible factors which might have accounted for their failure or otherwise during clinical trials. We also discuss the limitation of the studies completed and propose possible strategies for combinatorial therapy of antioxidants to generate synergistic effect in FRDA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Jonathan Edzeamey
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zenouska Ramchunder
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charareh Pourzand
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Anjomani Virmouni
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
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Pilotto F, Chellapandi DM, Puccio H. Omaveloxolone: a groundbreaking milestone as the first FDA-approved drug for Friedreich ataxia. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:117-125. [PMID: 38272714 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FA) is an inherited autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease (NDD) characterized primarily by progressive sensory and spinocerebellar ataxia associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. FA is due to an intronic GAA repeat expansion within the frataxin gene (FXN) leading to reduced levels of frataxin (FXN) which causes mitochondrial dysfunction, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and altered iron metabolism. To date there is no resolutive cure for FA; however, the FDA has recently approved omaveloxolone - a potent activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) - as the first treatment for FA. We discuss herein the urgency to find a resolutive cure for NDDs that will most probably be achieved via combinatorial therapy targeting multiple disease pathways, and how omavaloxolone serves as an example for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Unité Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 CNRS UMR 5261, Inserm U1315, Lyon, France
| | - Deepika M Chellapandi
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Unité Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 CNRS UMR 5261, Inserm U1315, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Unité Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 CNRS UMR 5261, Inserm U1315, Lyon, France.
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Saini AK, Anil N, Vijay AN, Mangla B, Javed S, Kumar P, Ahsan W. Recent Advances in the Treatment Strategies of Friedreich's Ataxia: A Review of Potential Drug Candidates and their Underlying Mechanisms. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1472-1489. [PMID: 38638052 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288707240404051856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. The disease is caused by a deficiency of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein involved in iron-sulfur cluster synthesis and iron metabolism. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize recent advances in the development of treatment strategies for FRDA, with a focus on potential drug candidates and their mechanisms of action. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various authentic scientific databases to identify studies published in the last decade that investigated potential treatment strategies for FRDA. The search terms used included "Friedreich's ataxia", "treatment", "drug candidates", and "mechanisms of action". RESULTS To date, only one drug got approval from US-FDA in the year 2023; however, significant developments were achieved in FRDA-related research focusing on diverse therapeutic interventions that could potentially alleviate the symptoms of this disease. Several promising drug candidates have been identified for the treatment of FRDA, which target various aspects of frataxin deficiency and aim to restore frataxin levels, reduce oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function. Clinical trials have shown varying degrees of success, with some drugs demonstrating significant improvements in neurological function and quality of life in FRDA patients. CONCLUSION While there has been significant progress in the development of treatment strategies for FRDA, further research is needed to optimize these approaches and identify the most effective and safe treatment options for patients. The integration of multiple therapeutic strategies may be necessary to achieve the best outcomes in FRDA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Neha Anil
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Ardra N Vijay
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Bharti Mangla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Shamama Javed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, P. Box No. 114, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Waquar Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, P. Box No. 114, Saudi Arabia
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Wang L, Xu R, Huang C, Yi G, Li Z, Zhang H, Ye R, Qi S, Huang G, Qu S. Targeting the ferroptosis crosstalk: novel alternative strategies for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e101072. [PMID: 37901286 PMCID: PMC10603325 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major contributor to poor global health and disability, with a recently increasing incidence. Although drug therapy is commonly used to treat depression, conventional antidepressant drugs have several disadvantages, including slow onset, low response rates and severe adverse effects. Therefore, developing effective therapies for depression remains challenging. Although various aetiological theories of depression exist, the underlying mechanisms of depression are complex, and further research is crucial. Moreover, oxidative stress (OS)-induced lipid peroxidation has been demonstrated to trigger ferroptosis. Both OS and ferroptosis are pivotal mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and investigation of the mediators involved in these processes has emerged as a prominent and active research direction. One previous study revealed that regulatory proteins involved in ferroptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of depression, and antidepressant drugs could reverse depressive symptoms by inhibiting ferroptosis in vivo, suggesting an important role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of depression. Hence, our current comprehensive review offers an up-to-date perspective on the intricate mechanisms involved, specifically concerning ferroptosis and OS in the context of depression, along with promising prospects for using molecular mediators to target ferroptosis. We delineate the key targets of molecular mediators involved in OS and ferroptosis implicated in depression, most notably reactive oxygen species and iron overload. Considering the pivotal role of OS-induced ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, delving deeper into the underlying subsequent mechanisms will contribute significantly to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongyang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengying Huang
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guozhong Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huayang Zhang
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongxu Ye
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Songtao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanglong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanqiang Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Caddye E, Pineau J, Reyniers J, Ronen I, Colasanti A. Lactate: A Theranostic Biomarker for Metabolic Psychiatry? Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1656. [PMID: 37759960 PMCID: PMC10526106 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in neurometabolism and mitochondria are implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders and schizophrenia. Thus, developing objective biomarkers related to brain mitochondrial function is crucial for the development of interventions, such as central nervous system penetrating agents that target brain health. Lactate, a major circulatory fuel source that can be produced and utilized by the brain and body, is presented as a theranostic biomarker for neurometabolic dysfunction in psychiatric conditions. This concept is based on three key properties of lactate that make it an intriguing metabolic intermediate with implications for this field: Firstly, the lactate response to various stimuli, including physiological or psychological stress, represents a quantifiable and dynamic marker that reflects metabolic and mitochondrial health. Second, lactate concentration in the brain is tightly regulated according to the sleep-wake cycle, the dysregulation of which is implicated in both metabolic and mood disorders. Third, lactate universally integrates arousal behaviours, pH, cellular metabolism, redox states, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and can signal and encode this information via intra- and extracellular pathways in the brain. In this review, we expand on the above properties of lactate and discuss the methodological developments and rationale for the use of functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy for in vivo monitoring of brain lactate. We conclude that accurate and dynamic assessment of brain lactate responses might contribute to the development of novel and personalized therapies that improve mitochondrial health in psychiatric disorders and other conditions associated with neurometabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Caddye
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
| | - Julien Pineau
- Independent Researcher, Florianópolis 88062-300, Brazil
| | - Joshua Reyniers
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
| | - Itamar Ronen
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
| | - Alessandro Colasanti
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9RR, UK
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13
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LeVine SM. The Azalea Hypothesis of Alzheimer Disease: A Functional Iron Deficiency Promotes Neurodegeneration. Neuroscientist 2023:10738584231191743. [PMID: 37599439 PMCID: PMC10876915 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231191743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Chlorosis in azaleas is characterized by an interveinal yellowing of leaves that is typically caused by a deficiency of iron. This condition is usually due to the inability of cells to properly acquire iron as a consequence of unfavorable conditions, such as an elevated pH, rather than insufficient iron levels. The causes and effects of chlorosis were found to have similarities with those pertaining to a recently presented hypothesis that describes a pathogenic process in Alzheimer disease. This hypothesis states that iron becomes sequestered (e.g., by amyloid β and tau), causing a functional deficiency of iron that disrupts biochemical processes leading to neurodegeneration. Additional mechanisms that contribute to iron becoming unavailable include iron-containing structures not undergoing proper recycling (e.g., disrupted mitophagy and altered ferritinophagy) and failure to successfully translocate iron from one compartment to another (e.g., due to impaired lysosomal acidification). Other contributors to a functional deficiency of iron in patients with Alzheimer disease include altered metabolism of heme or altered production of iron-containing proteins and their partners (e.g., subunits, upstream proteins). A review of the evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented. Also, parallels between the mechanisms underlying a functional iron-deficient state in Alzheimer disease and those occurring for chlorosis in plants are discussed. Finally, a model describing the generation of a functional iron deficiency in Alzheimer disease is put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. LeVine
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, US
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14
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Boesch S, Indelicato E. Experimental drugs for Friedrich's ataxia: progress and setbacks in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:967-969. [PMID: 37886821 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2276758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabetta Indelicato
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Costa I, Barbosa DJ, Benfeito S, Silva V, Chavarria D, Borges F, Remião F, Silva R. Molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and their involvement in brain diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108373. [PMID: 36894028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by intracellular accumulation of iron and reactive oxygen species, inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Since its discovery and characterization in 2012, many efforts have been made to reveal the underlying mechanisms, modulating compounds, and its involvement in disease pathways. Ferroptosis inducers include erastin, sorafenib, sulfasalazine and glutamate, which, by inhibiting system Xc-, prevent the import of cysteine into the cells. RSL3, statins, Ml162 and Ml210 induce ferroptosis by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which is responsible for preventing the formation of lipid peroxides, and FIN56 and withaferin trigger GPX4 degradation. On the other side, ferroptosis inhibitors include ferrostatin-1, liproxstatin-1, α-tocopherol, zileuton, FSP1, CoQ10 and BH4, which interrupt the lipid peroxidation cascade. Additionally, deferoxamine, deferiprone and N-acetylcysteine, by targeting other cellular pathways, have also been classified as ferroptosis inhibitors. Increased evidence has established the involvement of ferroptosis in distinct brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Friedreich's ataxia. Thus, a deep understanding of how ferroptosis contributes to these diseases, and how it can be modulated, can open a new window of opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies and targets. Other studies have shown a sensitivity of cancer cells with mutated RAS to ferroptosis induction and that chemotherapeutic agents and ferroptosis inducers synergize in tumor treatment. Thus, it is tempting to consider that ferroptosis may arise as a target mechanistic pathway for the treatment of brain tumors. Therefore, this work provides an up-to-date review on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ferroptosis and their involvement in brain diseases. In addition, information on the main ferroptosis inducers and inhibitors and their molecular targets is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Costa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Benfeito
- CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Chavarria
- CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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16
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Gu Y, Li Y, Wang J, Zhang L, Zhang J, Wang Y. Targeting ferroptosis: Paving new roads for drug design and discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115015. [PMID: 36543035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, first proposed in 2012, is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by excessive polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation. In the past decade, researchers have revealed the formation and mechanisms of ferroptosis. Cancer drug resistance can be reversed by ferroptosis induction, and inhibiting ferroptosis has been shown to block certain disease processes. As a result, several ferroptosis-targeting drugs have been developed. However, the first-generation ferroptosis-targeting agents remain hampered from clinical use, mainly due to poor selectivity and pharmacokinetics. The discoveries of FSP1, GCH1, and other potential ferroptosis-regulating pathways independent of Xc--GSH-GPX4 provide novel targets for drug design. Recently, protein-targeted degradation and antibody-drug conjugate strategy show promise in future drug design. With novel targets, further optimizations, and new technologies, the next-generation ferroptosis-targeting agents show a promising future with improved selectivity and efficacy. In this review, we summarize mechanisms, target types, drug design, and novel technologies of ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future drug design and discovery in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Gu
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yizhe Li
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Lele Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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17
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Keita M, McIntyre K, Rodden LN, Schadt K, Lynch DR. Friedreich ataxia: clinical features and new developments. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:267-283. [PMID: 35766110 PMCID: PMC9517959 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by ataxia and other neurological features, affects 1 in 50,000-100,000 individuals in the USA. However, FRDA also includes cardiac, orthopedic and endocrine dysfunction, giving rise to many secondary disease characteristics. The multifaceted approach for clinical care has necessitated the development of disease-specific clinical care guidelines. New developments in FRDA include the advancement of clinical drug trials targeting the NRF2 pathway and frataxin restoration. Additionally, a novel understanding of gene silencing in FRDA, reflecting a variegated silencing pattern, will have applications to current and future therapeutic interventions. Finally, new perspectives on the neuroanatomy of FRDA and its developmental features will refine the time course and anatomical targeting of novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medina Keita
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Layne N Rodden
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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18
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An open-label pilot study of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in Friedreich's ataxia. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4655. [PMID: 35945193 PMCID: PMC9363409 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no proven disease-modifying treatment. Here we perform an open-label, pilot study of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration in seven people with FA (EudraCT: 2017-003084-34); each participant receiving a single course of G-CSF (Lenograstim; 1.28 million units per kg per day for 5 days). The primary outcome is peripheral blood mononuclear cell frataxin levels over a 19-day period. The secondary outcomes include safety, haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilisation, antioxidant levels and mitochondrial enzyme activity. The trial meets pre-specified endpoints. We show that administration of G-CSF to people with FA is safe. Mobilisation of HSCs in response to G-CSF is comparable to that of healthy individuals. Notably, sustained increases in cellular frataxin concentrations and raised PGC-1α and Nrf2 expression are detected. Our findings show potential for G-CSF therapy to have a clinical impact in people with FA.
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19
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O'Connell TM, Logsdon DL, Payne RM. Metabolomics analysis reveals dysregulation in one carbon metabolism in Friedreich Ataxia. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 136:306-314. [PMID: 35798654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich Ataxia (FA) is a rare and often fatal autosomal recessive disease in which a mitochondrial protein, frataxin (FXN), is severely reduced in all tissues. With loss of FXN, mitochondrial metabolism is severely disrupted. Multiple therapeutic approaches are in development, but a key limitation is the lack of biomarkers reflecting the activity of FXN in a timely fashion. We predicted this dysregulated metabolism would present a unique metabolite profile in blood of FA patients versus Controls (Con). Plasma from 10 FA and 11 age and sex matched Con subjects was analyzed by targeted mass spectrometry and untargeted NMR. This combined approach yielded quantitative measurements for 540 metabolites and found 59 unique metabolites (55 from MS and 4 from NMR) that were significantly different between cohorts. Correlation-based network analysis revealed several clusters of pathway related metabolites including a cluster associated with one‑carbon (1C) metabolism composed of formate, sarcosine, hypoxanthine, and homocysteine. Receiver operator characteristics analyses demonstrated an excellent ability to discriminate between Con and FA with AUC values >0.95. These results are the first reported metabolomic analyses of human patients with FA. The metabolic perturbations, especially those related to 1C metabolism, may serve as a valuable biomarker panel of disease progression and response to therapy. The identification of dysregulated 1C metabolism may also inform the search for new therapeutic targets related to this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M O'Connell
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America.
| | - David L Logsdon
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - R Mark Payne
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
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20
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Hackett PT, Jia X, Li L, Ward DM. Posttranslational regulation of mitochondrial frataxin and identification of compounds that increase frataxin levels in Friedreich's ataxia. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101982. [PMID: 35472330 PMCID: PMC9127368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a degenerative disease caused by a decrease in the mitochondrial protein frataxin (Fxn), which is involved in iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) synthesis. Diminutions in Fxn result in decreased ISC synthesis, increased mitochondrial iron accumulation, and impaired mitochondrial function. Here, we show that conditions that result in increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in yeast or mammalian cell culture give rise to increased turnover of Fxn but not of other ISC synthesis proteins. We demonstrate that the mitochondrial Lon protease is involved in Fxn degradation and that iron export through the mitochondrial metal transporter Mmt1 protects yeast Fxn from degradation. We also determined that when FRDA fibroblasts were grown in media containing elevated iron, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species increased and Fxn decreased compared to WT fibroblasts. Furthermore, we screened a library of FDA-approved compounds and identified 38 compounds that increased yeast Fxn levels, including the azole bifonazole, antiparasitic fipronil, antitumor compound dibenzoylmethane, antihypertensive 4-hydroxychalcone, and a nonspecific anion channel inhibitor 4,4-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-sulfonic acid. We show that top hits 4-hydroxychalcone and dibenzoylmethane increased mRNA levels of transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in FRDA patient-derived fibroblasts, as well as downstream antioxidant targets thioredoxin, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase 2. Taken together, these findings reveal that FRDA progression may be in part due to oxidant-mediated decreases in Fxn and that some approved compounds may be effective in increasing mitochondrial Fxn in FRDA, delaying disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Hackett
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Xuan Jia
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Liangtao Li
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Diane M Ward
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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21
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Recessive cerebellar and afferent ataxias - clinical challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:257-272. [PMID: 35332317 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar and afferent ataxias present with a characteristic gait disorder that reflects cerebellar motor dysfunction and sensory loss. These disorders are a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the large number of acquired and inherited diseases that cause cerebellar and sensory neuron damage. Among such conditions that are recessively inherited, Friedreich ataxia and RFC1-associated cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) include the characteristic clinical, neuropathological and imaging features of ganglionopathies, a distinctive non-length-dependent type of sensory involvement. In this Review, we discuss the typical and atypical phenotypes of Friedreich ataxia and CANVAS, along with the features of other recessive ataxias that present with a ganglionopathy or polyneuropathy, with an emphasis on recently described clinical features, natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations. We review the main developments in understanding the complex pathology that affects the sensory neurons and cerebellum, which seem to be most vulnerable to disorders that affect mitochondrial function and DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss disease-modifying therapeutic advances in Friedreich ataxia, highlighting the most promising candidate molecules and lessons learned from previous clinical trials.
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22
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Xu L, Sun Z, Xing Z, Liu Y, Zhao H, Tang Z, Luo Y, Hao S, Li K. Cur@SF NPs alleviate Friedreich's ataxia in a mouse model through synergistic iron chelation and antioxidation. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:118. [PMID: 35264205 PMCID: PMC8905737 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal iron metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and the derived oxidative damage are the main pathogeneses of Friedrich's ataxia (FRDA), a single-gene inherited recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cerebellar and sensory ataxia. This disease is caused by frataxin (FXN) mutation, which reduces FXN expression and impairs iron sulfur cluster biogenesis. To date, there is no effective therapy to treat this condition. Curcumin is proposed harboring excellent ability to resist oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation and its newly found ability to chelate iron. However, its limitation is its poor water solubility and permeability. Here, we synthesized slow-release nanoparticles (NPs) by loading curcumin (Cur) into silk fibroin (SF) to form NPs with an average size of 150 nm (Cur@SF NPs), which exhibited satisfactory therapeutic effects on the improvement of FRDA manifestation in lymphoblasts (1 μM) derived from FRDA patients and in YG8R mice (150 mg/kg/5 days). Cur@SF NPs not only removed iron from the heart and diminished oxidative stress in general but also potentiate iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, which compensates FXN deficiency to improve the morphology and function of mitochondria. Cur@SF NPs showed a significant advantage in neuron and myocardial function, thereby improving FRDA mouse behavior scores. These data encourage us to propose that Cur@SF NPs are a promising therapeutic compound in the application of FRDA disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zichen Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhiyao Xing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hongting Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhongmin Tang
- Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center for Pharmaceutical Intelligent Equipment, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular Noncoding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shuangying Hao
- School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454003, Henan, China.
| | - Kuanyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Iron Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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23
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Monfort B, Want K, Gervason S, D’Autréaux B. Recent Advances in the Elucidation of Frataxin Biochemical Function Open Novel Perspectives for the Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:838335. [PMID: 35310092 PMCID: PMC8924461 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.838335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is the most prevalent autosomic recessive ataxia and is associated with a severe cardiac hypertrophy and less frequently diabetes. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding frataxin (FXN), a small mitochondrial protein. The primary consequence is a defective expression of FXN, with basal protein levels decreased by 70–98%, which foremost affects the cerebellum, dorsal root ganglia, heart and liver. FXN is a mitochondrial protein involved in iron metabolism but its exact function has remained elusive and highly debated since its discovery. At the cellular level, FRDA is characterized by a general deficit in the biosynthesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters and heme, iron accumulation and deposition in mitochondria, and sensitivity to oxidative stress. Based on these phenotypes and the proposed ability of FXN to bind iron, a role as an iron storage protein providing iron for Fe-S cluster and heme biosynthesis was initially proposed. However, this model was challenged by several other studies and it is now widely accepted that FXN functions primarily in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, with iron accumulation, heme deficiency and oxidative stress sensitivity appearing later on as secondary defects. Nonetheless, the biochemical function of FXN in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis is still debated. Several roles have been proposed for FXN: iron chaperone, gate-keeper of detrimental Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, sulfide production stimulator and sulfur transfer accelerator. A picture is now emerging which points toward a unique function of FXN as an accelerator of a key step of sulfur transfer between two components of the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic complex. These findings should foster the development of new strategies for the treatment of FRDA. We will review here the latest discoveries on the biochemical function of frataxin and the implication for a potential therapeutic treatment of FRDA.
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Shah S, Dooms MM, Amaral-Garcia S, Igoillo-Esteve M. Current Drug Repurposing Strategies for Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:768023. [PMID: 34992533 PMCID: PMC8724568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are life-threatening or chronically debilitating low-prevalent disorders caused by pathogenic mutations or particular environmental insults. Due to their high complexity and low frequency, important gaps still exist in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since new drug discovery is a very costly and time-consuming process, leading pharmaceutical companies show relatively low interest in orphan drug research and development due to the high cost of investments compared to the low market return of the product. Drug repurposing–based approaches appear then as cost- and time-saving strategies for the development of therapeutic opportunities for rare diseases. In this article, we discuss the scientific, regulatory, and economic aspects of the development of repurposed drugs for the treatment of rare neurodegenerative disorders with a particular focus on Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Wolfram syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The role of academia, pharmaceutical companies, patient associations, and foundations in the identification of candidate compounds and their preclinical and clinical evaluation will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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25
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Jain P, Badgujar L, Spoorendonk J, Buesch K. Clinical evidence of interventions assessed in Friedreich ataxia: a systematic review. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2022; 3:26330040221139872. [PMID: 37180421 PMCID: PMC10032438 DOI: 10.1177/26330040221139872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The rare inherited autosomal recessive disease Friedreich ataxia (FA) causes progressive neurodegenerative changes and disability in patients. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to understand and summarize the published efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions in this disease. Methods Database searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane by two independent reviewers. In addition, trial registries and conference proceedings were hand-searched. Results Thirty-two publications were deemed eligible according to PICOS criteria. Twenty-four publications detail randomized controlled trials. The most frequently identified therapeutic intervention was idebenone (n = 11), followed by recombinant erythropoietin (n = 6), omaveloxolone (n = 3), and amantadine hydrochloride (n = 2). Other therapeutic interventions were investigated in one publication: A0001, CoQ10, creatine, deferiprone, interferon-γ-1b, the L-carnitine levorotatory form of 5-hydroxytryptophan, luvadaxistat, resveratrol, RT001, and vatiquinone (EPI-743). These studies included patients from 8 to 73 years old, and disease duration varied from 4.7 to 19 years. Disease severity as per the mean GAA1 and GAA2 allele repeat length ranged from 350 to 930 and 620 to 987 nucleotides, respectively. Most frequently reported efficacy outcomes were the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS, n = 10), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (modified FARS and FARS-neuro, n = 12), the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA, n = 7), and the Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL, n = 8). Each of these assesses the severity of disability in FA patients. In many studies, patients with FA deteriorated according to these severity scales regardless of treatment, or inconclusive results were found. Generally, these therapeutic interventions were well-tolerated and safe. Serious adverse events were atrial fibrillation (n = 1), craniocerebral injury (n = 1), and ventricular tachycardia (n = 1). Conclusion Identified literature showed a considerable unmet need for therapeutic interventions that halt or slow the deteriorating nature of FA. Novel efficacious drugs should be investigated that aim to improve symptoms or slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paridhi Jain
- OPEN Health Group, Zenia Building, Hiranandani
Circle, Hiranandani Business Park, Thane, Mumbai 400607, Maharashtra,
India
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Monda E, Lioncino M, Rubino M, Passantino S, Verrillo F, Caiazza M, Cirillo A, Fusco A, Di Fraia F, Fimiani F, Amodio F, Borrelli N, Mauriello A, Natale F, Scarano G, Girolami F, Favilli S, Limongelli G. Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Involvement in Friedreich Ataxia. Heart Fail Clin 2021; 18:31-37. [PMID: 34776081 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a homozygous GAA triplet repeat expansion in the frataxin gene. Cardiac involvement, usually manifesting as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can range from asymptomatic cases to severe cardiomyopathy with progressive deterioration of the left ventricular ejection fraction and chronic heart failure. The management of cardiac involvement is directed to prevent disease progression and cardiovascular complications. However, direct-disease therapies are not currently available for FRDA. The present review aims to describe the current state of knowledge regarding cardiovascular involvement of FRDA, focusing on clinical-instrumental features and management of cardiac manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Monda
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Lioncino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Rubino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Passantino
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Verrillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annapaola Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Adelaide Fusco
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Fraia
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Fimiani
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Amodio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Borrelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Mauriello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Natale
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Scarano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Girolami
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Favilli
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University College of London and St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Grower Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK.
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27
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Yang W, Thompson B, Kwa FAA. Molecular approaches for the treatment and prevention of Friedreich's ataxia. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:866-880. [PMID: 34763067 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is caused by an intronic guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide expansion in the gene encoding the frataxin protein (FXN). This triggers the transcriptional silencing of the fratxin gene (FXN) and subsequent FXN deficiency in affected cells, which accounts for the multisystemic symptoms of this condition. Current management strategies aim for symptomatic relief and no treatments can prevent disease onset or progression. Thus, research efforts have focused on targeting the molecular pathways that silence FXN and downstream pathological processes. However, progression of potential therapies into clinical use has been hindered by inconclusive clinical trials because of the small patient sample size associated with the low prevalence of this condition. Here, we discuss various molecular approaches and explore their therapeutic potential to alter the course of this progressive condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyao Yang
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Bruce Thompson
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Faith A A Kwa
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia.
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28
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Jakaria M, Belaidi AA, Bush AI, Ayton S. Ferroptosis as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2021; 159:804-825. [PMID: 34553778 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, with complex pathophysiology that is not fully understood. While β-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles define the pathology of the disease, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is uncertain. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated programmed cell death mechanism characterised by phospholipid peroxidation that has been observed in clinical AD samples. This review will outline the growing molecular and clinical evidence implicating ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, with implications for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jakaria
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdel Ali Belaidi
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Bailey DK, Clark W, Kosman DJ. The iron chelator, PBT434, modulates transcellular iron trafficking in brain microvascular endothelial cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254794. [PMID: 34310628 PMCID: PMC8312958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron and other transition metals, such as copper and manganese, are essential for supporting brain function, yet over-accumulation is cytotoxic. This over-accumulation of metals, particularly iron, is common to several neurological disorders; these include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Friedrich’s ataxia and other disorders presenting with neurodegeneration and associated brain iron accumulation. The management of iron flux by the blood-brain barrier provides the first line of defense against the over-accumulation of iron in normal physiology and in these pathological conditions. In this study, we determined that the iron chelator PBT434, which is currently being developed for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy, modulates the uptake of iron by human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMVEC) by chelation of extracellular Fe2+. Treatment of hBMVEC with PBT434 results in an increase in the abundance of the transcripts for transferrin receptor (TfR) and ceruloplasmin (Cp). Western blot and ELISA analyses reveal a corresponding increase in the proteins as well. Within the cell, PBT434 increases the detectable level of chelatable, labile Fe2+; data indicate that this Fe2+ is released from ferritin. In addition, PBT434 potentiates iron efflux likely due to the increase in cytosolic ferrous iron, the substrate for the iron exporter, ferroportin. PBT434 equilibrates rapidly and bi-directionally across an hBMVEC blood-brain barrier. These results indicate that the PBT434-iron complex is not substrate for hBMVEC uptake and thus support a model in which PBT434 would chelate interstitial iron and inhibit re-uptake of iron by endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier, as well as inhibit its uptake by the other cells of the neurovascular unit. Overall, this presents a novel and promising mechanism for therapeutic iron chelation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle K. Bailey
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Whitney Clark
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Kosman
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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30
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Lynch DR, Schadt K, Kichula E, McCormack S, Lin KY. Friedreich Ataxia: Multidisciplinary Clinical Care. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1645-1658. [PMID: 34234452 PMCID: PMC8253929 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s292945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a multisystem disorder affecting 1 in 50,000-100,000 person in the United States. Traditionally viewed as a neurodegenerative disease, FRDA patients also develop cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, diabetes and other manifestation. Although it usually presents in childhood, it continues throughout life, thus requiring expertise from both pediatric and adult subspecialist in order to provide optimal management. The phenotype of FRDA is unique, giving rise to specific loss of neuronal pathways, a unique form of cardiomyopathy with early hypertrophy and later fibrosis, and diabetes incorporating components of both type I and type II disease. Vision loss, hearing loss, urinary dysfunction and depression also occur in FRDA. Many agents are reaching Phase III trials; if successful, these will provide a variety of new treatments for FRDA that will require many specialists who are not familiar with FRDA to provide clinical therapy. This review provides a summary of the diverse manifestation of FRDA, existing symptomatic therapies, and approaches for integrative care for future therapy in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kichula
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shana McCormack
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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31
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Lallemant-Dudek P, Darios F, Durr A. Recent advances in understanding hereditary spastic paraplegias and emerging therapies. Fac Rev 2021; 10:27. [PMID: 33817696 PMCID: PMC8009193 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of rare, inherited, neurological diseases characterized by broad clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Lower-limb spasticity with first motoneuron involvement is the core symptom of all HSPs. As spasticity is a syndrome and not a disease, it develops on top of other neurological signs (ataxia, dystonia, and parkinsonism). Indeed, the definition of genes responsible for HSPs goes beyond the 79 identified SPG genes. In order to avoid making a catalog of the different genes involved in HSP in any way, we have chosen to focus on the HSP with cerebellar ataxias since this is a frequent association described for several genes. This overlap leads to an intermediary group of spastic ataxias which is actively genetically and clinically studied. The most striking example is SPG7, which is responsible for HSP or cerebellar ataxia or both. There are no specific therapies against HSPs, and there is a dearth of randomized trials in patients with HSP, especially on spasticity when it likely results from other mechanisms. Thus far, no gene-specific therapy has been developed for HSP, but emerging therapies in animal models and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells are potential treatments for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lallemant-Dudek
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Darios
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Genetic Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
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32
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Pallardó FV, Pagano G, Rodríguez LR, Gonzalez-Cabo P, Lyakhovich A, Trifuoggi M. Friedreich Ataxia: current state-of-the-art, and future prospects for mitochondrial-focused therapies. Transl Res 2021; 229:135-141. [PMID: 32841735 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's Ataxia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease causing the defective gene product, frataxin. A body of literature has been focused on the attempts to counteract frataxin deficiency and the consequent iron imbalance, in order to mitigate the disease-associated pro-oxidant state and clinical course. The present mini review is aimed at evaluating the basic and clinical reports on the roles and the use of a set of iron chelators, antioxidants and some cofactors involved in the key mitochondrial functions. Extensive literature has focused on the protective roles of iron chelators, coenzyme Q10 and analogs, and vitamin E, altogether with varying outcomes in clinical studies. Other studies have suggested mitoprotective roles for other mitochondrial cofactors, involved in Krebs cycle, such as alpha-lipoic acid and carnitine, involved in acyl transport across the mitochondrial membrane. A body of evidence points to the strong antioxidant properties of these cofactors, and to their potential contribution in mitoprotective strategies in Friedreich's Ataxia clinical evolution. Thus, we suggest the rationale for planning combination strategies based on the 3 mitochondrial cofactors and of some antioxidants and iron binders as mitoprotective cocktails in Friedreich Ataxia patients, calling attention to clinical practitioners of the importance to implement clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico V Pallardó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Giovanni Pagano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Federico II Naples University, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura R Rodríguez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Gonzalez-Cabo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alex Lyakhovich
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics of the "Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine", Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Federico II Naples University, Naples, Italy
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33
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Gleason A, Bush AI. Iron and Ferroptosis as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:252-264. [PMID: 33111259 PMCID: PMC8116360 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, has a devastating personal, familial, and societal impact. In spite of profound investment and effort, numerous clinical trials targeting amyloid-β, which is thought to have a causative role in the disease, have not yielded any clinically meaningful success to date. Iron is an essential cofactor in many physiological processes in the brain. An extensive body of work links iron dyshomeostasis with multiple aspects of the pathophysiology of AD. In particular, regional iron load appears to be a risk factor for more rapid cognitive decline. Existing iron-chelating agents have been in use for decades for other indications, and there are preliminary data that some of these could be effective in AD. Many novel iron-chelating compounds are under development, some with in vivo data showing potential Alzheimer's disease-modifying properties. This heretofore underexplored therapeutic class has considerable promise and could yield much-needed agents that slow neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gleason
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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34
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Choi JH, Shin C, Kim HJ, Jeon B. Placebo response in degenerative cerebellar ataxias: a descriptive review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. J Neurol 2020; 269:62-71. [PMID: 33219422 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Placebo response in degenerative cerebellar ataxias (CAs) has never been studied despite the large number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have been conducted. In this descriptive review, we aimed to examine the placebo response in patients with CAs. We performed a literature search on PubMed for RCTs on CAs that were published from 1977 to January 2020 and collected data on the changes from the baseline to the endpoint on various objective ataxia-associated clinical rating scales. We reviewed 56 clinical trials, finally including 35 parallel-group studies and excluding 21 cross-over studies. The included studies were categorized as follows: (1) studies showing significant improvements in one or more ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 3); (2) studies reporting individual placebo responders with improvements in one or more ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 5)-the overall proportion of placebo responders was 31.9%; (3) studies showing mean changes in the direction of improvement in at least one ataxia scale in the placebo groups, though not statistically significant (n = 19); (4) studies showing no placebo response in any of the ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 4); (5) studies where data on the placebo groups were unavailable (n = 9). This review demonstrated the placebo response in patients with CAs on various objective ataxia scales. Our study emphasizes that the placebo response should be considered when designing, analyzing, and interpreting clinical trials and in clinical practice in CA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Choi
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.,Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Chaewon Shin
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong-si, South Korea.,Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Han-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| | - Beomseok Jeon
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
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35
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Chiang S, Huang MLH, Park KC, Richardson DR. Antioxidant defense mechanisms and its dysfunctional regulation in the mitochondrial disease, Friedreich's ataxia. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 159:177-188. [PMID: 32739593 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Redox stress is associated with the pathogenesis of a wide variety of disease states. This can be amplified potentially through redox active iron deposits in oxidatively active organelles such as the mitochondrion. There are a number of disease states, including Friedreich's ataxia (FA) and sideroblastic anemia, where iron metabolism is dysregulated and leads to mitochondrial iron accumulation. Considering FA, which is due to the decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein, frataxin, this iron accumulation does not occur within protective storage proteins such as mitochondrial ferritin. Instead, it forms unbound biomineral aggregates composed of high spin iron(III), phosphorous and sulfur, which probably contributes to the observed redox stress. There is also a dysregulated response to the ensuing redox assault, as the master regulator of oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), demonstrates marked down-regulation. The dysfunctional response of Nrf2 in FA is due to multiple mechanisms including: (1) up-regulation of Keap1 that is involved in Nrf2 degradation; (2) activation of the nuclear Nrf2 export/degradation machinery via glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Gsk3β) signaling; and (3) inhibited nuclear translocation of Nrf2. More recently, increased microRNA (miRNA) 144 expression has been demonstrated to down-regulate Nrf2 in several disease states, including an animal model of FA. Other miRNAs have also demonstrated to be dysregulated upon frataxin depletion in vivo in humans and animal models of FA. Collectively, frataxin depletion results in multiple, complex responses that lead to detrimental redox effects that could contribute to the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chiang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - M L H Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - K C Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - D R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
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Yetkİn MF, GÜltekİn M. Efficacy and Tolerability of Interferon Gamma in Treatment of Friedreich's Ataxia: Retrospective Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 57:270-273. [PMID: 33354116 DOI: 10.29399/npa.25047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is the most common form of autosomal recessive ataxia. The disease primarily results from a GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion within the FXN gene in up to 97% of patients. The clinical presentation begins approximately between the ages of 5 and 15. The major clinical findings of FRDA are progressive extremity and gait ataxia. Although it is known that the disease is caused by low levels of functional protein in the target tissues, there is no effective treatment available for this pathology. However, significant improvements have been achieved in the research into pharmacological treatments for FRDA in recent years. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) has been shown to induce frataxin production in many cell types. In this study, the clinical features, tolerability, and the prognosis of individuals with FRDA to whom IFN-γ was administered in a university hospital were evaluated retrospectively and the results were discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in our country to evaluate the effect of IFN gamma on this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Yetkİn
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Murat GÜltekİn
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Rummey C, Zesiewicz TA, Perez-Lloret S, Farmer JM, Pandolfo M, Lynch DR. Test-retest reliability of the Friedreich's ataxia rating scale. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1708-1712. [PMID: 32779859 PMCID: PMC7480910 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) is a disease specific, exam-based neurological rating scale commonly used as a outcome measure in clinical trials. While extensive clinimetric testing indicates it's validity in measuring disease progression, formal test-retest reliability was lacking. To fill this gap, we acquired results from screening and baseline visits of several large clinical trials and calculated intraclass correlation coefficients, coefficients of variance, standard error, and the minimally detectable changes. This study demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability of the mFARS, and it's upright stability subscore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Santiago Perez-Lloret
- Institute of Cardiological Research, University of Buenos Aires, National Research Council (ININCA-UBA-CONICET), Marcelo T. de Alvear 2270, Buenos Aires, C1122, Argentina.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David R Lynch
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Salami CO, Jackson K, Jose C, Alyass L, Cisse GI, De BP, Stiles KM, Chiuchiolo MJ, Sondhi D, Crystal RG, Kaminsky SM. Stress-Induced Mouse Model of the Cardiac Manifestations of Friedreich's Ataxia Corrected by AAV-mediated Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:819-827. [PMID: 32646255 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in the expression of frataxin (FXN), is characterized by progressive ataxia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Although cardiac dysfunction is the most common cause of mortality in FA, the cardiac disease remains subclinical for most of the clinical course because the neurologic disease limits muscle oxygen demands. Previous FXN knockout mouse models exhibit fatal cardiomyopathy similar to human FA, but in contrast to the human condition, untreated mice become moribund by 2 months of age, unlike humans where the cardiac disease often does not manifest until the third decade. The study was designed to create a mouse model for early FA disease relevant to the time for which a gene therapy would likely be most effective. To generate a cardiac-specific mouse model of FA cardiomyopathy similar to the human disease, we used a cardiac promoter (αMyhc) driving CRE recombinase cardiac-specific excision of FXN exon 4 to generate a mild, cardiac-specific FA model that is normal at rest, but exhibits the cardiac phenotype with stress. The hearts of αMyhc mice had decreased levels of FXN and activity of the mitochondrial complex II/complex IV respiratory chain. At rest, αMyhc mice exhibited normal cardiac function as assessed by echocardiographic assessment of ejection fraction and fractional shortening, but when the heart was stressed chemically with dobutamine, αMyhc mice compared with littermate control mice had a 62% reduction in the stress ejection fraction (p < 2 × 10-4) and 71% reduction in stress-related fractional shortening (p < 10-5). When assessing functional cardiac performance using running on an inclined treadmill, αMyhc mice stayed above the midline threefold less than littermate controls (p < 0.02). A one-time intravenous administration of 1011 genome copies of AAVrh.10hFXN, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype rh10 gene transfer vector expressing human FXN, corrected the stress-induced ejection fraction and fractional shortening phenotypes. Treated αMyhc mice exhibited exercise performance on a treadmill indistinguishable from littermate controls (p > 0.07). These αMyhc mice provide an ideal model to study long-term cardiac complications due to FA and AAV-mediated gene therapy correction of stress-induced cardiac phenotypes typical of human FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana O Salami
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katie Jackson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Clarisse Jose
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laith Alyass
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Georges-Ibrahim Cisse
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bishnu P De
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katie M Stiles
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria J Chiuchiolo
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Rodríguez LR, Lapeña T, Calap-Quintana P, Moltó MD, Gonzalez-Cabo P, Navarro Langa JA. Antioxidant Therapies and Oxidative Stress in Friedreich´s Ataxia: The Right Path or Just a Diversion? Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E664. [PMID: 32722309 PMCID: PMC7465446 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich´s ataxia is the commonest autosomal recessive ataxia among population of European descent. Despite the huge advances performed in the last decades, a cure still remains elusive. One of the most studied hallmarks of the disease is the increased production of oxidative stress markers in patients and models. This feature has been the motivation to develop treatments that aim to counteract such boost of free radicals and to enhance the production of antioxidant defenses. In this work, we present and critically review those "antioxidant" drugs that went beyond the disease´s models and were approved for its application in clinical trials. The evaluation of these trials highlights some crucial aspects of the FRDA research. On the one hand, the analysis contributes to elucidate whether oxidative stress plays a central role or whether it is only an epiphenomenon. On the other hand, it comments on some limitations in the current trials that complicate the analysis and interpretation of their outcome. We also include some suggestions that will be interesting to implement in future studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Rodríguez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.R.); (T.L.); (P.C.-Q.)
- Associated Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Tamara Lapeña
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.R.); (T.L.); (P.C.-Q.)
- Associated Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Calap-Quintana
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.R.); (T.L.); (P.C.-Q.)
- Associated Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Dolores Moltó
- Department of Genetics, Universitat de València-INCLIVA, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Gonzalez-Cabo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.R.); (T.L.); (P.C.-Q.)
- Associated Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Shahandeh A, Bui BV, Finkelstein DI, Nguyen CTO. Therapeutic applications of chelating drugs in iron metabolic disorders of the brain and retina. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1889-1904. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shahandeh
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Bang V. Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | | | - Christine T. O. Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
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Chiabrando D, Bertino F, Tolosano E. Hereditary Ataxia: A Focus on Heme Metabolism and Fe-S Cluster Biogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113760. [PMID: 32466579 PMCID: PMC7312568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme and Fe-S clusters regulate a plethora of essential biological processes ranging from cellular respiration and cell metabolism to the maintenance of genome integrity. Mutations in genes involved in heme metabolism and Fe-S cluster biogenesis cause different forms of ataxia, like posterior column ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and X-linked sideroblastic anemia with ataxia (XLSA/A). Despite great efforts in the elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders several important questions still remain to be addressed. Starting with an overview of the biology of heme metabolism and Fe-S cluster biogenesis, the review discusses recent progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PCARP, FRDA and XLSA/A, and highlights future line of research in the field. A better comprehension of the mechanisms leading to the degeneration of neural circuity responsible for balance and coordinated movement will be crucial for the therapeutic management of these patients.
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Pandolfo M. Neurologic outcomes in Friedreich ataxia: Study of a single-site cohort. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 6:e415. [PMID: 32337342 PMCID: PMC7164967 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the pattern of progression of neurologic impairment in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and identify patients with fast disease progression as detected by clinical rating scales. Methods Clinical, demographic, and genetic data were analyzed from 54 patients with FRDA included at the Brussels site of the European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies, with an average prospective follow-up of 4 years. Results Afferent ataxia predated other features of FRDA, followed by cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal weakness. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) best detected progression in ambulatory patients and in the first 20 years of disease duration but did not effectively capture progression in advanced disease. Dysarthria, sitting, and upper limb coordination items kept worsening after loss of ambulation. Eighty percent of patients needing support to walk lost ambulation within 2 years. Age at onset had a strong influence on progression of neurologic and functional deficits, which was maximal in patients with symptom onset before age 8 years. All these patients became unable to walk by 15 years after onset, significantly earlier than patients with later onset. Progression in the previous 1 or 2 years was not predictive of progression in the subsequent year. Conclusions The SARA is a sensitive outcome measure in ambulatory patients with FRDA and has an excellent correlation with functional capabilities. Ambulatory patients with onset before age 8 years showed the fastest measurable worsening. Loss of ambulation in high-risk patients is a disease milestone that should be considered as an end point in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pandolfo
- Service of Neurology, Hôpital Erasme, and Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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García Ron A, Rodriguez Mesa M. Compassionate use of human recombinant insulin-like growth factor-1 therapy in Friedreich's ataxia. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Utilidad del tratamiento como uso compasivo de mecasermina (factor de crecimiento insulínico recombinante humano tipo 1) en ataxia de Friedreich. Neurologia 2020; 35:140-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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The neurological update: therapies for cerebellar ataxias in 2020. J Neurol 2020; 267:1211-1220. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Arcuria G, Marcotulli C, Amuso R, Dattilo G, Galasso C, Pierelli F, Casali C. Developing an objective evaluating system to quantify the degree of upper limb movement impairment in patients with severe Friedreich's ataxia. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1577-1587. [PMID: 31993871 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04249-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of standardized tools and objective measurements is essential to test the effectiveness of new drugs or rehabilitative protocols. Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients with severe disease are often unable to perform the quantitative measurement tests currently used. AIM The purpose of our study was to develop an easy-to-use application, for touchscreen devices, able to quantify the degree of upper limb movement impairment in patients with severe Friedreich's ataxia. The APP, which we named "Twelve-Red-Squares App-Coo-Test" (12-RSACT), assesses the upper limb ataxia by measuring the test execution time. METHODS All patients were clinically evaluated using the Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity (CCFS) and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We recruited 92 healthy subjects and 36 FRDA patients with a SARA mean value of 28.8.1 ± 8.2. All participants in our study underwent upper limb movement assessment using the new 12-RSACT, the Click Test, and a well-established system, i.e., the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). RESULTS We observed a strong linear correlation between the measurements obtained with the 12-RSACT and those obtained with 9HPT, Click Test, CCFS, and SARA. The 12-RSACT was characterized by excellent internal consistency and intra-rater and test-retest reliability. The minimal detectable change (MDC%) was excellent too. Additionally, the 12-RSACT turned out to be faster and easier to perform compared with the 9HPT. CONCLUSION The 12-RSACT is an inexpensive test and is easy to use, which can be administered quickly. Therefore, 12-RSACT is a promising tool to assess the upper limb ataxia in FRDA patients and even those with severe diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Arcuria
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza - University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Via Faggiana 34, 40100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Christian Marcotulli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza - University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Via Faggiana 34, 40100, Latina, Italy
| | - Raffaele Amuso
- Department of Science and Information Technology, I.I.S. Ettore Majorana, Piazza Sen. Marescalchi 2, Piazza Armerina, EN, Italy
| | - Giuliano Dattilo
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Galasso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza - University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Via Faggiana 34, 40100, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza - University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Via Faggiana 34, 40100, Latina, Italy
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Delatycki MB, Bidichandani SI. Friedreich ataxia- pathogenesis and implications for therapies. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104606. [PMID: 31494282 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is the most common of the hereditary ataxias. It is due to homozygous/compound heterozygous mutations in FXN. This gene encodes frataxin, a protein largely localized to mitochondria. In about 96% of affected individuals there is homozygosity for a GAA repeat expansion in intron 1 of the FXN gene. Studies of people with Friedreich ataxia and of animal and cell models, have provided much insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder. The expanded GAA repeat leads to transcriptional deficiency of the FXN gene. The consequent deficiency of frataxin protein leads to reduced iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis and mitochondrial ATP production, elevated mitochondrial iron, and oxidative stress. More recently, a role for inflammation has emerged as being important in the pathogenesis of Friedreich ataxia. These findings have led to a number of potential therapies that have been subjected to clinical trials or are being developed toward human studies. Therapies that have been proposed include pharmaceuticals that increase frataxin levels, protein and gene replacement therapies, antioxidants, iron chelators and modulators of inflammation. Whilst no therapies have yet been approved for Friedreich ataxia, there is much optimism that the advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder since the discovery its genetic basis, will result in approved disease modifying therapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sanjay I Bidichandani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Synofzik M, Puccio H, Mochel F, Schöls L. Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias: Paving the Way toward Targeted Molecular Therapies. Neuron 2019; 101:560-583. [PMID: 30790538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare degenerative and metabolic genetic diseases that share the hallmark of progressive damage of the cerebellum and its associated tracts. This Review focuses on recent translational research in ARCAs and illustrates the steps from genetic characterization to preclinical and clinical trials. The emerging common pathways underlying ARCAs include three main clusters: mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and complex lipid homeostasis. Novel ARCA treatments might target common hubs in pathogenesis by modulation of gene expression, stem cell transplantation, viral gene transfer, or interventions in faulty pathways. All these translational steps are addressed in current ARCA research, leading to the expectation that novel treatments for ARCAs will be reached in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch, France; INSERM, U1258, 67404 Illkirch, France; CNRS, UMR7104, 67404 Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Fanny Mochel
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC-Paris 6, UMR S 1127 and Inserm U 1127, and CNRS UMR 7225, and Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, 75013 Paris, France; Department of Genetics and Reference Centre for Adult Neurometabolic Diseases, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtriere University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
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Ferreira GC, Oberstaller J, Fonseca R, Keller TE, Adapa SR, Gibbons J, Wang C, Liu X, Li C, Pham M, Dayhoff Ii GW, Duong LM, Reyes LT, Laratelli LE, Franz D, Fatumo S, Bari AG, Freischel A, Fiedler L, Dokur O, Sharma K, Cragun D, Busby B, Jiang RHY. Iron Hack - A symposium/hackathon focused on porphyrias, Friedreich's ataxia, and other rare iron-related diseases. F1000Res 2019; 8:1135. [PMID: 31824661 PMCID: PMC6894363 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.19140.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Basic and clinical scientific research at the University of South Florida (USF) have intersected to support a multi-faceted approach around a common focus on rare iron-related diseases. We proposed a modified version of the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) Hackathon-model to take full advantage of local expertise in building “Iron Hack”, a rare disease-focused hackathon. As the collaborative, problem-solving nature of hackathons tends to attract participants of highly-diverse backgrounds, organizers facilitated a symposium on rare iron-related diseases, specifically porphyrias and Friedreich’s ataxia, pitched at general audiences. Methods: The hackathon was structured to begin each day with presentations by expert clinicians, genetic counselors, researchers focused on molecular and cellular biology, public health/global health, genetics/genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, biomolecular science, bioengineering, and computer science, as well as guest speakers from the American Porphyria Foundation (APF) and Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) to inform participants as to the human impact of these diseases. Results: As a result of this hackathon, we developed resources that are relevant not only to these specific disease-models, but also to other rare diseases and general bioinformatics problems. Within two and a half days, “Iron Hack” participants successfully built collaborative projects to visualize data, build databases, improve rare disease diagnosis, and study rare-disease inheritance. Conclusions: The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate the utility of a hackathon model to generate prototypes of generalizable tools for a given disease and train clinicians and data scientists to interact more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria C Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, MDC 7, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Renée Fonseca
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Thomas E Keller
- University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Swamy Rakesh Adapa
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Justin Gibbons
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Chengqi Wang
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Chang Li
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Minh Pham
- Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT100, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Guy W Dayhoff Ii
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620-5250, USA
| | - Linh M Duong
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.,Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Luis Tañón Reyes
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, ISA 2015 Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Luciano Enrique Laratelli
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620-5250, USA
| | - Douglas Franz
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620-5250, USA
| | - Segun Fatumo
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM (Uganda Research Unit), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Atm Golam Bari
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Lindsey Fiedler
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Omkar Dokur
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Deborah Cragun
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Ben Busby
- National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20894-6075, USA
| | - Rays H Y Jiang
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, USF Genomics Program, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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Clay A, Hearle P, Schadt K, Lynch DR. New developments in pharmacotherapy for Friedreich ataxia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1855-1867. [PMID: 31311349 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1639671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), a rare disease caused by the deficiency of the mitochondrial matrix protein frataxin, affects roughly 1 in 50,000 individuals worldwide. Current and emerging therapies focus on reversing the deleterious effects of such deficiency including mitochondrial augmentation and increasing frataxin levels, providing the possibility of treatment options for this physiologically complex, multisystem disorder. Areas covered: In this review article, the authors discuss the current and prior in vivo and in vitro research studies related to the treatment of FRDA, with a particular interest in future implications of each therapy. Expert opinion: Since the discovery of FXN in 1996, multiple clinical trials have occurred or are currently occurring; at a rapid pace for a rare disease. These trials have been directed at the augmentation of mitochondrial function and/or alleviation of symptoms and are not regarded as potential cures in FRDA. Either a combination of therapies or a drug that replaces or increases the pathologically low levels of frataxin better represent potential cures in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Clay
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Patrick Hearle
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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