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van der Veen S, Eggink H, Elting JWJ, Sival D, Verschuuren-Bemelmans CC, de Koning TJ, Tijssen MAJ. The natural history of progressive myoclonus ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106555. [PMID: 38844245 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive myoclonus ataxia (PMA) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by the presence of progressive myoclonus and ataxia, and can be accompanied by mild cognitive impairment and infrequent epileptic seizures. This is the first study to describe the natural history of PMA and identify clinical, electrophysiological, and genetic features explaining the variability in disease progression. A Dutch cohort of consecutive patients meeting the criteria of the refined definition of PMA was included. The current phenotype was assessed during in-person consultation by movement disorders experts, and retrospective data was collected to describe disease presentation and progression, including brain imaging and therapy efficacy. Extensive genetic and electrophysiological tests were performed. The presence of cortical hyperexcitability was determined, by either the identification of a cortical correlate of myoclonic jerks with simultaneous electromyography-electroencephalography or a giant somatosensory evoked potential. We included 34 patients with PMA with a median disease duration of 15 years and a clear progressive course in most patients (76%). A molecular etiology was identified in 82% patients: ATM, CAMTA1, DHDDS, EBF3, GOSR2, ITPR1, KCNC3, NUS1, POLR1A, PRKCG, SEMA6B, SPTBN2, TPP1, ZMYND11, and a 12p13.32 deletion. The natural history is a rather homogenous onset of ataxia in the first two years of life followed by myoclonus in the first 5 years of life. Main accompanying neurological dysfunctions included cognitive impairment (62%), epilepsy (38%), autism spectrum disorder (27%), and behavioral problems (18%). Disease progression showed large variability ranging from an epilepsy free PMA phenotype (62%) to evolution towards a progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) phenotype (18%): the existence of a PMA-PME spectrum. Cortical hyperexcitability could be tested in 17 patients, and was present in 11 patients and supported cortical myoclonus. Interestingly, post-hoc analysis showed that an absence of cortical hyperexcitability, suggesting non-cortical myoclonus, was associated with the PMA-end of the spectrum with no epilepsy and milder myoclonus, independent of disease duration. An association between the underlying genetic defects and progression on the PMA-PME spectrum was observed. By describing the natural history of the largest cohort of published patients with PMA so far, we see a homogeneous onset with variable disease progression, in which phenotypic evolution to PME occurs in the minority. Genetic and electrophysiological features may be of prognostic value, especially the determination of cortical hyperexcitability. Furthermore, the identification of cortical and non-cortical myoclonus in PMA helps us gain insight in the underlying pathophysiology of myoclonus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterre van der Veen
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hendriekje Eggink
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem J Elting
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah Sival
- Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Corien C Verschuuren-Bemelmans
- Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom J de Koning
- Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Pediatrics, department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Zech M, Winkelmann J. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics in rare movement disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:114-126. [PMID: 38172289 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00909-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The ability to sequence entire exomes and genomes has revolutionized molecular testing in rare movement disorders, and genomic sequencing is becoming an integral part of routine diagnostic workflows for these heterogeneous conditions. However, interpretation of the extensive genomic variant information that is being generated presents substantial challenges. In this Perspective, we outline multidimensional strategies for genetic diagnosis in patients with rare movement disorders. We examine bioinformatics tools and computational metrics that have been developed to facilitate accurate prioritization of disease-causing variants. Additionally, we highlight community-driven data-sharing and case-matchmaking platforms, which are designed to foster the discovery of new genotype-phenotype relationships. Finally, we consider how multiomic data integration might optimize diagnostic success by combining genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and/or proteomic profiling to enable a more holistic evaluation of variant effects. Together, the approaches that we discuss offer pathways to the improved understanding of the genetic basis of rare movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zech
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, SyNergy, Munich, Germany.
- DZPG, Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Gorcenco S, Kafantari E, Wallenius J, Karremo C, Alinder E, Dobloug S, Landqvist Waldö M, Englund E, Ehrencrona H, Wictorin K, Karrman K, Puschmann A. Clinical and genetic analyses of a Swedish patient series diagnosed with ataxia. J Neurol 2024; 271:526-542. [PMID: 37787810 PMCID: PMC10770240 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11990-x] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary ataxia is a heterogeneous group of complex neurological disorders. Next-generation sequencing methods have become a great help in clinical diagnostics, but it may remain challenging to determine if a genetic variant is the cause of the patient's disease. We compiled a consecutive single-center series of 87 patients from 76 families with progressive ataxia of known or unknown etiology. We investigated them clinically and genetically using whole exome or whole genome sequencing. Test methods were selected depending on family history, clinical phenotype, and availability. Genetic results were interpreted based on the American College of Medical Genetics criteria. For high-suspicion variants of uncertain significance, renewed bioinformatical and clinical evaluation was performed to assess the level of pathogenicity. Thirty (39.5%) of the 76 families had received a genetic diagnosis at the end of our study. We present the predominant etiologies of hereditary ataxia in a Swedish patient series. In two families, we established a clinical diagnosis, although the genetic variant was classified as "of uncertain significance" only, and in an additional three families, results are pending. We found a pathogenic variant in one family, but we suspect that it does not explain the complete clinical picture. We conclude that correctly interpreting genetic variants in complex neurogenetic diseases requires genetics and clinical expertise. The neurologist's careful phenotyping remains essential to confirm or reject a diagnosis, also by reassessing clinical findings after a candidate genetic variant is suggested. Collaboration between neurology and clinical genetics and combining clinical and research approaches optimizes diagnostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorina Gorcenco
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Efthymia Kafantari
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joel Wallenius
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christin Karremo
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Alinder
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sigurd Dobloug
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Landqvist Waldö
- Division of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hans Ehrencrona
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Office for Medical Services, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Klas Wictorin
- Division of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Karrman
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Office for Medical Services, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Puschmann
- Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- SciLifeLab National Research Infrastructure, Solna, Sweden
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Riboldi GM, Di Fonzo AB, Stephen CD. Editorial: Genetic advances and translational applications in movement disorders. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1280958. [PMID: 37799287 PMCID: PMC10548374 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1280958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta M. Riboldi
- Department of Neurology, The Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alessio B. Di Fonzo
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Christopher D. Stephen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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5
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Balint B. Relevance of Antibody Testing in Movement Disorders. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:S32-S35. [PMID: 37637987 PMCID: PMC10448132 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Balint
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Burgunder JM. Mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation in neurogenetic disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2023:10.1038/s41582-023-00811-4. [PMID: 37202496 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases associated with pathogenic variants in a specific gene, or even with a specific pathogenic variant, can show profound phenotypic variation with regard to symptom presentation, age at onset and disease course. Highlighting examples from a range of neurogenetic disorders, this Review explores emerging mechanisms that are involved in this variability, including environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors that influence the expressivity and penetrance of pathogenic variants. Environmental factors, some of which can potentially be modified to prevent disease, include trauma, stress and metabolic changes. Dynamic patterns of pathogenic variants might explain some of the phenotypic variations, for example, in the case of disorders caused by DNA repeat expansions such as Huntington disease (HD). An important role for modifier genes has also been identified in some neurogenetic disorders, including HD, spinocerebellar ataxia and X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism. In other disorders, such as spastic paraplegia, the basis for most of the phenotypic variability remains unclear. Epigenetic factors have been implicated in disorders such as SGCE-related myoclonus-dystonia and HD. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation is already starting to influence management strategies and clinical trials for neurogenetic disorders.
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Kalia LV, Nimmo GAM, Mestre TA. Genetic Testing in Clinical Movement Disorders: A Case-Based Review. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:147-155. [PMID: 36854393 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetics are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of neurological disease, including movement disorders. Genetic testing in clinical practice has changed dramatically over the last few decades. While the likelihood of establishing an etiological diagnosis is greater now with increased access to testing and more advanced technologies, clinicians face challenges when deciding whether to test, then selecting the appropriate test, and ultimately interpreting and sharing the results with patients and families. In this review, we use a case-based approach to cover core aspects of genetic testing for the neurologist, namely, genetic testing in Parkinson's disease, interpretation of inconclusive genetic test reports, and genetic testing for repeat expansion disorders using Huntington disease as a prototype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine V Kalia
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graeme A M Nimmo
- Fred A. Litwin Family Centre for Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
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Garofalo M, Vansenne F, Verbeek DS, Sival DA. The pathogenetic basis for a disease continuum in early- and late-onset ataxia-dystonia supports a unified genetic diagnostic approach. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 43:44-51. [PMID: 36905829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetically inherited ataxic disorders are classified by their age of disease presentation into early- and late-onset ataxia (EOA and LOA, presenting before or after the 25th year-of-life). In both disease groups, comorbid dystonia co-occurs frequently. Despite overlapping genes and pathogenetic features, EOA, LOA and dystonia are considered as different genetic entities with a separate diagnostic approach. This often leads to diagnostic delay. So far, the possibility of a disease continuum between EOA, LOA and mixed ataxia-dystonia has not been explored in silico. In the present study, we analyzed the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying EOA, LOA and mixed ataxia-dystonia. METHODS We analyzed the association of 267 ataxia genes with comorbid dystonia and anatomical MRI lesions in literature. We compared anatomical damage, biological pathways, and temporal cerebellar gene expression between EOA, LOA and mixed ataxia-dystonia. RESULTS The majority (≈65%) of ataxia genes were associated with comorbid dystonia in literature. Both EOA and LOA gene groups with comorbid dystonia were significantly associated with lesions in the cortico-basal-ganglia-pontocerebellar network. EOA, LOA and mixed ataxia-dystonia gene groups were enriched for biological pathways related to nervous system development, neural signaling and cellular processes. All genes revealed similar cerebellar gene expression levels before and after 25 years of age and during cerebellar development. CONCLUSION In EOA, LOA and mixed ataxia-dystonia gene groups, our findings show similar anatomical damage, underlying biological pathways and temporal cerebellar gene expression patterns. These findings may suggest the existence of a disease continuum, supporting the diagnostic use of a unified genetic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - F Vansenne
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - D S Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - D A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Updated Stroke Gene Panels: Rapid evolution of knowledge on monogenic causes of stroke. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:239-242. [PMID: 36253534 PMCID: PMC9905069 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This article updates our previous Stroke Gene Panels (SGP) from 2017. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and PubMed were searched. We divided detected genes into two SGP groups, SGP1: genes reported in at least one person with stroke and associated with one or more clinical subgroups: large artery atherosclerotic, large artery non-atherosclerotic (tortuosity, dolichoectasia, aneurysm, non-atherosclerotic dissection or occlusion), cerebral small vessel diseases, cardio-embolic (arrhythmia, heart defect, cardiomyopathy), coagulation dysfunctions (venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, bleeding tendency), intracerebral hemorrhage, vascular malformations (cavernoma, arteriovenous malformations) and metabolism disorders; and SGP2: genes related to diseases that may predispose to stroke. We identified 168 SGP1 genes, 70 of these were validated for clinical practice. We also detected 72 SGP2 genes. Nine genes were removed because of conflicting evidence. The number of genes increased from 168 to 240 during 4.5-years, reflecting a dynamic evolution and the need for regular updates for research and clinical use.
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Mascalchi M, Santorelli FM. The Strange Case of the Multiple MRI Phenotypes of RFC1 Mutation. THE CEREBELLUM 2022; 22:478-481. [PMID: 35359253 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50130, Florence, Italy.
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11
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Pollini L, Tijssen MAJ. A diagnosis of progressive myoclonic ataxia guided by blood biomarkers: Expert commentary. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 94:127-128. [PMID: 34896024 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Pollini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M A J Tijssen
- Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Danek A. "Huntington disease-like phenotype in a patient with ANO3 mutation" Expert commentary. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 90:123-124. [PMID: 34281767 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Danek
- University Hospital, LMU Munich, Department of Neurology, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Germany.
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