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Liu X, Guo J, Jiang Z, Liu X, Chen H, Zhang Y, Wang J, Liu C, Gao Q, Chen H. Compressed cerebellar functional connectome hierarchy in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26624. [PMID: 38376240 PMCID: PMC10878347 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26624] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an inherited movement disorder characterized by a progressive decline in motor coordination. Despite the extensive functional connectivity (FC) alterations reported in previous SCA3 studies in the cerebellum and cerebellar-cerebral pathways, the influence of these FC disturbances on the hierarchical organization of cerebellar functional regions remains unclear. Here, we compared 35 SCA3 patients with 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using a combination of voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whether cerebellar hierarchical organization is altered in SCA3. Utilizing connectome gradients, we identified the gradient axis of cerebellar hierarchical organization, spanning sensorimotor to transmodal (task-unfocused) regions. Compared to healthy controls, SCA3 patients showed a compressed hierarchical organization in the cerebellum at both voxel-level (p < .05, TFCE corrected) and network-level (p < .05, FDR corrected). This pattern was observed in both intra-cerebellar and cerebellar-cerebral gradients. We observed that decreased intra-cerebellar gradient scores in bilateral Crus I/II both negatively correlated with SARA scores (left/right Crus I/II: r = -.48/-.50, p = .04/.04, FDR corrected), while increased cerebellar-cerebral gradients scores in the vermis showed a positive correlation with disease duration (r = .48, p = .04, FDR corrected). Control analyses of cerebellar gray matter atrophy revealed that gradient alterations were associated with cerebellar volume loss. Further FC analysis showed increased functional connectivity in both unimodal and transmodal areas, potentially supporting the disrupted cerebellar functional hierarchy uncovered by the gradients. Our findings provide novel evidence regarding alterations in the cerebellar functional hierarchy in SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Jing Guo
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Zhouyu Jiang
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Xingli Liu
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Qing Gao
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Huafu Chen
- Department of Radiology, Southwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
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Pérot JB, Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Brouillet E, Trottier Y, Flament J. Longitudinal MRI and 1H-MRS study of SCA7 mouse forebrain reveals progressive multiregional atrophy and early brain metabolite changes indicating early neuronal and glial dysfunction. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296790. [PMID: 38227598 PMCID: PMC10790999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
SpinoCerebellar Ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited disorder caused by CAG triplet repeats encoding polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN7 protein, which is part of the transcriptional coactivator complex SAGA. The mutation primarily causes neurodegeneration in the cerebellum and retina, as well as several forebrain structures. The SCA7140Q/5Q knock-in mouse model recapitulates key disease features, including loss of vision and motor performance. To characterize the temporal progression of brain degeneration of this model, we performed a longitudinal study spanning from early to late symptomatic stages using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in vivo 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Compared to wild-type mouse littermates, MRI analysis of SCA7 mice shows progressive atrophy of defined brain structures, with the striatum, thalamus and cortex being the first and most severely affected. The volume loss of these structures coincided with increased motor impairments in SCA7 mice, suggesting an alteration of the sensory-motor network, as observed in SCA7 patients. MRI also reveals atrophy of the hippocampus and anterior commissure at mid-symptomatic stage and the midbrain and brain stem at late stage. 1H-MRS of hippocampus, a brain region previously shown to be dysfunctional in patients, reveals early and progressive metabolic alterations in SCA7 mice. Interestingly, abnormal glutamine accumulation precedes the hippocampal atrophy and the reduction in myo-inositol and total N-acetyl-aspartate concentrations, two markers of glial and neuronal damage, respectively. Together, our results indicate that non-cerebellar alterations and glial and neuronal metabolic impairments may play a crucial role in the development of SCA7 mouse pathology, particularly at early stages of the disease. Degenerative features of forebrain structures in SCA7 mice correspond to current observations made in patients. Our study thus provides potential biomarkers that could be used for the evaluation of future therapeutic trials using the SCA7140Q/5Q model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Pérot
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 92260, France
- Institut du Cerveau–Paris Brain Institute–ICM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 92260, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, 67404, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67404, France
| | - Julien Flament
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 92260, France
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3
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Sarasamma S, Karim A, Orengo JP. Zebrafish Models of Rare Neurological Diseases like Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs): Advantages and Limitations. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1322. [PMID: 37887032 PMCID: PMC10604122 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a heterogeneous group of rare familial neurodegenerative disorders that share the key feature of cerebellar ataxia. Clinical heterogeneity, diverse gene mutations and complex neuropathology pose significant challenges for developing effective disease-modifying therapies in SCAs. Without a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved for each SCA, we cannot succeed in developing targeted therapies. Animal models are our best tool to address these issues and several have been generated to study the pathological conditions of SCAs. Among them, zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are emerging as a powerful tool for in vivo study of SCAs, as well as rapid drug screens. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in using zebrafish to study the pathology of SCAs. We will discuss recent advancements on how zebrafish models can further clarify underlying genetic, neuroanatomical, and behavioral pathogenic mechanisms of disease. We highlight their usefulness in rapid drug discovery and large screens. Finally, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of this in vivo model to develop tailored therapeutic strategies for SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeja Sarasamma
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Anwarul Karim
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James P. Orengo
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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4
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Marapin RS, van der Horn HJ, van der Stouwe AMM, Dalenberg JR, de Jong BM, Tijssen MAJ. Altered brain connectivity in hyperkinetic movement disorders: A review of resting-state fMRI. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103302. [PMID: 36669351 PMCID: PMC9868884 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperkinetic movement disorders (HMD) manifest as abnormal and uncontrollable movements. Despite reported involvement of several neural circuits, exact connectivity profiles remain elusive. OBJECTIVES Providing a comprehensive literature review of resting-state brain connectivity alterations using resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). We additionally discuss alterations from the perspective of brain networks, as well as correlations between connectivity and clinical measures. METHODS A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and searching PubMed until October 2022. Rs-fMRI studies addressing ataxia, chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, tics, tremor, and functional movement disorders (FMD) were included. The standardized mean difference was used to summarize findings per region in the Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas for each phenotype. Furthermore, the activation likelihood estimation meta-analytic method was used to analyze convergence of significant between-group differences per phenotype. Finally, we conducted hierarchical cluster analysis to provide additional insights into commonalities and differences across HMD phenotypes. RESULTS Most articles concerned tremor (51), followed by dystonia (46), tics (19), chorea (12), myoclonus (11), FMD (11), and ataxia (8). Altered resting-state connectivity was found in several brain regions: in ataxia mainly cerebellar areas; for chorea, the caudate nucleus; for dystonia, sensorimotor and basal ganglia regions; for myoclonus, the thalamus and cingulate cortex; in tics, the basal ganglia, cerebellum, insula, and frontal cortex; for tremor, the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit; finally, in FMD, frontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions. Both decreased and increased connectivity were found for all HMD. Significant spatial convergence was found for dystonia, FMD, myoclonus, and tremor. Correlations between clinical measures and resting-state connectivity were frequently described. CONCLUSION Key brain regions contributing to functional connectivity changes across HMD often overlap. Possible increases and decreases of functional connections of a specific region emphasize that HMD should be viewed as a network disorder. Despite the complex interplay of physiological and methodological factors, this review serves to gain insight in brain connectivity profiles across HMD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh S Marapin
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J van der Horn
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - A M Madelein van der Stouwe
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle R Dalenberg
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bauke M de Jong
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
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5
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Guo J, Jiang Z, Liu X, Li H, Biswal BB, Zhou B, Sheng W, Gao Q, Chen H, Fan Y, Zhu W, Wang J, Chen H, Liu C. Cerebello-cerebral resting-state functional connectivity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 44:927-936. [PMID: 36250694 PMCID: PMC9875927 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor and nonmotor deficits concomitant with degenerative pathophysiological changes within the cerebellum. The cerebellum is topographically organized into cerebello-cerebral circuits that create distinct functional networks regulating movement, cognition, and affect. SCA3-associated motor and nonmotor symptoms are possibly related not only to intracerebellar changes but also to disruption of the connectivity within these cerebello-cerebral circuits. However, to date, no comprehensive investigation of cerebello-cerebral connectivity in SCA3 has been conducted. The present study aimed to identify cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity alterations and associations with downstream clinical phenotypes and upstream topographic markers of cerebellar neurodegeneration in patients with SCA3. This study included 45 patients with SCA3 and 49 healthy controls. Voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to characterize the cerebellar atrophy and to examine the cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity patterns. Structural MRI confirmed widespread gray matter atrophy in the motor and cognitive cerebellum of patients with SCA3. We found reduced functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the cerebral cortical networks, including the somatomotor, frontoparietal, and default networks; however, increased connectivity was observed between the cerebellum and the dorsal attention network. These abnormal patterns correlated with the CAG repeat expansion and deficits in global cognition. Our results indicate the contribution of cerebello-cerebral networks to the motor and cognitive impairments in patients with SCA3 and reveal that such alterations occur in association with cerebellar atrophy. These findings add important insights into our understanding of the role of the cerebellum in SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- The Center of Psychosomatic MedicineSichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,Department of RadiologySouthwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Zhouyu Jiang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Haoru Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Bharat B. Biswal
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | - Bo Zhou
- The Center of Psychosomatic MedicineSichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Wei Sheng
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Qing Gao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of RadiologySouthwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Yunshuang Fan
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Wenyan Zhu
- Data Processing DepartmentYidu Cloud Technology, Inc.BeijingChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of RadiologySouthwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Huafu Chen
- The Center of Psychosomatic MedicineSichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science InstituteSchool of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina,Department of RadiologySouthwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of RadiologySouthwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
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6
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Ramos-Languren LE, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Magaña JJ, Canales-Ochoa N, González-Zaldivar Y, Velázquez-Pérez L, González-Piña R. Involvement of the Auditory Pathway in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. NEURODEGENER DIS 2021; 20:185-192. [PMID: 34247167 DOI: 10.1159/000517213] [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: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the ATXN7 gene. The involvement of the brainstem auditory pathway in pathogenesis of this disease has not been systematically assessed. AIM To determine involvement of the brainstem auditory pathway in SCA7 patients and its relationship to clinical features of the disease. METHODS In this case-control study, brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) were assessed in 12 SCA7 patients with clinical and molecular diagnosis, compared to 2 control groups of 16 SCA2 patients and 16 healthy controls. RESULTS SCA7 patients exhibited significant prolongation of I-wave and III-wave latencies, whereas SCA2 patients showed increased latencies for III and V waves and I-III interpeak interval. SCA7 patients with larger I-wave latencies exhibited larger CAG repeats, earlier onset age, and higher SARA scores, but in SCA2 cases, these were not observed. CONCLUSIONS BAEP tests revealed functional involvement of the auditory pathway in SCA7 (mainly at) peripheral portions, which gave new insights into the disease physiopathology different from SCA2 and may unravel distinct pathoanatomical effects of polyQ expansions in the central nervous system. SIGNIFICANCE These findings offer important insights into the distinctive disease mechanisms in SCA7 and SCA2, which could be useful for differential diagnosis and designing specific precision medicine approaches for both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Ramos-Languren
- Psychobiology and Neurosciences Department, Psychology's Faculty, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguin, Cuba.,Cuban Centre for Neurosciences, Havana, Cuba
| | - Jonathan J Magaña
- Genetics Department, Genomic Medicine Laboratory, National Rehabilitation Institute LGII, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguin, Cuba.,Cuban Academy of Sciences, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rigoberto González-Piña
- National Geriatrics Institute, Aging Biology Laboratory, Mexico City, Mexico.,America's University, Puebla 223 Col, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Doussau F, Perot JB, Roux MJ, Keime C, Hache A, Piguet F, Novati A, Weber C, Yalcin B, Meziane H, Champy MF, Grandgirard E, Karam A, Messaddeq N, Eisenmann A, Brouillet E, Nguyen HHP, Flament J, Isope P, Trottier Y. SCA7 Mouse Cerebellar Pathology Reveals Preferential Downregulation of Key Purkinje Cell-Identity Genes and Shared Disease Signature with SCA1 and SCA2. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4910-4936. [PMID: 33888607 PMCID: PMC8260160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1882-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by motor incoordination because of progressive cerebellar degeneration. SCA7 is caused by polyglutamine expansion in ATXN7, a subunit of the transcriptional coactivator SAGA, which harbors histone modification activities. Polyglutamine expansions in specific proteins are also responsible for SCA1-SCA3, SCA6, and SCA17; however, the converging and diverging pathomechanisms remain poorly understood. Using a new SCA7 knock-in mouse, SCA7140Q/5Q, we analyzed gene expression in the cerebellum and assigned gene deregulation to specific cell types using published datasets. Gene deregulation affects all cerebellar cell types, although at variable degree, and correlates with alterations of SAGA-dependent epigenetic marks. Purkinje cells (PCs) are by far the most affected neurons and show reduced expression of 83 cell-type identity genes, including these critical for their spontaneous firing activity and synaptic functions. PC gene downregulation precedes morphologic alterations, pacemaker dysfunction, and motor incoordination. Strikingly, most PC genes downregulated in SCA7 have also decreased expression in SCA1 and SCA2 mice, revealing converging pathomechanisms and a common disease signature involving cGMP-PKG and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways and LTD. Our study thus points out molecular targets for therapeutic development, which may prove beneficial for several SCAs. Furthermore, we show that SCA7140Q/5Q males and females exhibit the major disease features observed in patients, including cerebellar damage, cerebral atrophy, peripheral nerves pathology, and photoreceptor dystrophy, which account for progressive impairment of behavior, motor, and visual functions. SCA7140Q/5Q mice represent an accurate model for the investigation of different aspects of SCA7 pathogenesis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) is one of the several forms of inherited SCAs characterized by cerebellar degeneration because of polyglutamine expansion in specific proteins. The ATXN7 involved in SCA7 is a subunit of SAGA transcriptional coactivator complex. To understand the pathomechanisms of SCA7, we determined the cell type-specific gene deregulation in SCA7 mouse cerebellum. We found that the Purkinje cells are the most affected cerebellar cell type and show downregulation of a large subset of neuronal identity genes, critical for their spontaneous firing and synaptic functions. Strikingly, the same Purkinje cell genes are downregulated in mouse models of two other SCAs. Thus, our work reveals a disease signature shared among several SCAs and uncovers potential molecular targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Frédéric Doussau
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UPR3212, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Perot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Michel J Roux
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Celine Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Antoine Hache
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Françoise Piguet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Ariana Novati
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Chantal Weber
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Hamid Meziane
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Celphedia, Phenomin, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Marie-France Champy
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Celphedia, Phenomin, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Erwan Grandgirard
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Alice Karam
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Aurélie Eisenmann
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Hoa Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Julien Flament
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Philippe Isope
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UPR3212, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch 67404, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7104, Illkirch 67404, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch 67404, U964, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
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8
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Rodríguez-Labrada R, Martins AC, Magaña JJ, Vazquez-Mojena Y, Medrano-Montero J, Fernandez-Ruíz J, Cisneros B, Teive H, McFarland KN, Saraiva-Pereira ML, Cerecedo-Zapata CM, Gomez CM, Ashizawa T, Velázquez-Pérez L, Jardim LB. Founder Effects of Spinocerebellar Ataxias in the American Continents and the Caribbean. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:446-458. [PMID: 32086717 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant disorders. The relative frequency of the different SCA subtypes varies broadly among different geographical and ethnic groups as result of genetic drifts. This review aims to provide an update regarding SCA founders in the American continents and the Caribbean as well as to discuss characteristics of these populations. Clusters of SCAs were detected in Eastern regions of Cuba for SCA2, in South Brazil for SCA3/MJD, and in Southeast regions of Mexico for SCA7. Prevalence rates were obtained and reached 154 (municipality of Báguano, Cuba), 166 (General Câmara, Brazil), and 423 (Tlaltetela, Mexico) patients/100,000 for SCA2, SCA3/MJD, and SCA7, respectively. In contrast, the scattered families with spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) reported all over North and South Americas have been associated to a common Native American ancestry that may have risen in East Asia and migrated to Americas 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. The comprehensive review showed that for each of these SCAs corresponded at least the development of one study group with a large production of scientific evidence often generalizable to all carriers of these conditions. Clusters of SCA populations in the American continents and the Caribbean provide unusual opportunity to gain insights into clinical and genetic characteristics of these disorders. Furthermore, the presence of large populations of patients living close to study centers can favor the development of meaningful clinical trials, which will impact on therapies and on quality of life of SCA carriers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Carolina Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-070, Brazil
| | - Jonathan J Magaña
- Department of Genetics, Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, National Rehabilitation Institute (INR-LGII), 14389, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yaimeé Vazquez-Mojena
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, 80100, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | - Juan Fernandez-Ruíz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Center of Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV-IPN), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Helio Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80240-440, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Luiza Saraiva-Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-070, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - César M Cerecedo-Zapata
- Department of Genetics, Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, National Rehabilitation Institute (INR-LGII), 14389, Mexico City, Mexico
- Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion Center of Veracruz (CRIS-DIF), Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Program of Neuroscience, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, 80100, Holguín, Cuba.
- Cuban Academy of Sciences, 10100, La Havana, Cuba.
| | - Laura Bannach Jardim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-070, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
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9
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Parker JA, Merchant SH, Attaripour-Isfahani S, Cho HJ, McGurrin P, Brooks BP, La Spada AR, Hallett M, Huryn LA, Horovitz SG. In vivo assessment of neurodegeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 7. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 29:102561. [PMID: 33516934 PMCID: PMC7848632 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
DTI study reveals brain-wide differences between SCA7 patients and controls. DTI dual-compartment model controls for increased CSF-like free water in patients. Tensor-based deformations show SCA7 tissue loss extends beyond cerebellum. Focal atrophy, but global microstructural abnormalities were observed in SCA7.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and retinal degeneration. Increasing loss of visual function complicates the use of clinical scales to track the progression of motor symptoms, hampering our ability to develop accurate biomarkers of disease progression, and thus test the efficacy of potential treatments. We aimed to identify imaging measures of neurodegeneration, which may more accurately reflect SCA7 severity and progression. While common structural MRI techniques have been previously used for this purpose, they can be biased by neurodegeneration-driven increases in extracellular CSF-like water. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data collected from a cohort of 13 SCA7 patients and 14 healthy volunteers using: 1) a diffusion tensor-based image registration technique, and 2) a dual-compartment DTI model to control for the potential increase in extracellular CSF-like water. These methodologies allowed us to assess both volumetric and microstructural abnormalities in both white and gray matter brain-wide in SCA7 patients for the first time. To measure tissue volume, we performed diffusion tensor-based morphometry (DTBM) using the tensor-based registration. To assess tissue microstructure, we computed the parenchymal mean diffusivity (pMD) and parenchymal fractional anisotropy (pFA) using the dual compartment model. This model also enabled us to estimate the parenchymal volume fraction (pVF), a measure of parenchymal tissue volume within a given voxel. While DTBM and pVF revealed tissue loss primarily in the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, and major motor white matter tracts in patients (p < 0.05, FWE corrected; Hedge’s g > 1), pMD and pFA detected microstructural abnormalities in virtually all tissues brain-wide (p < 0.05, FWE corrected; Hedge’s g > 1). The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia trended towards correlation with cerebellar pVF (r = −0.66, p = 0.104, FDR corrected) and global white matter pFA (r = −0.64, p = 0.104, FDR corrected). These results advance our understanding of neurodegeneration in living SCA7 patients by providing the first voxel-wise characterization of white matter volume loss and gray matter microstructural abnormalities. Moving forward, this comprehensive approach could be applied to characterize the full spatiotemporal pattern of neurodegeneration in SCA7, and potentially develop an accurate imaging biomarker of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Parker
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shabbir H Merchant
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sanaz Attaripour-Isfahani
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hyun Joo Cho
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick McGurrin
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; UCI Institute for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laryssa A Huryn
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Silvina G Horovitz
- Human Motor Control Section, Medical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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10
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Naeije G, Wens V, Coquelet N, Sjøgård M, Goldman S, Pandolfo M, De Tiège XP. Age of onset determines intrinsic functional brain architecture in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:94-104. [PMID: 31854120 PMCID: PMC6952309 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the commonest hereditary ataxia in Caucasians. Most patients are homozygous for expanded GAA triplet repeats in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene, involved in mitochondrial iron metabolism. Here, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to characterize the main determinants of FRDA-related changes in intrinsic functional brain architecture. METHODS Five minutes of MEG signals were recorded at rest from 18 right-handed FRDA patients (mean age 27 years, 9 females; mean SARA score: 21.4) and matched healthy individuals. The MEG connectome was estimated as resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) matrices involving 37 nodes from six major resting state networks and the cerebellum. Source-level rsFC maps were computed using leakage-corrected broad-band (3-40 Hz) envelope correlations. Post hoc median-split was used to contrast rsFC in FRDA patients with different clinical characteristics. Nonparametric permutations and Spearman rank correlation test were used for statistics. RESULTS High rank correlation levels were found between rsFC and age of symptoms onset in FRDA mostly between the ventral attention, the default-mode, and the cerebellar networks; patients with higher rsFC developing symptoms at an older age. Increased rsFC was found in FRDA with later age of symptoms onset compared to healthy subjects. No correlations were found between rsFC and other clinical parameters. CONCLUSION Age of symptoms onset is a major determinant of FRDA patients' intrinsic functional brain architecture. Higher rsFC in FRDA patients with later age of symptoms onset supports compensatory mechanisms for FRDA-related neural network dysfunction and position neuromagnetic rsFC as potential marker of FRDA neural reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Nicolas Coquelet
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Martin Sjøgård
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Xavier P. De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
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11
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Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Trottier Y. Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Strategies in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1074-1096. [PMID: 31432449 PMCID: PMC6985300 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal loss in the cerebellum, brainstem, and retina, leading to cerebellar ataxia and blindness as major symptoms. SCA7 is due to the expansion of a CAG triplet repeat that is translated into a polyglutamine tract in ATXN7. Larger SCA7 expansions are associated with earlier onset of symptoms and more severe and rapid disease progression. Here, we summarize the pathological and genetic aspects of SCA7, compile the current knowledge about ATXN7 functions, and then focus on recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis and in developing biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. ATXN7 is a bona fide subunit of the multiprotein SAGA complex, a transcriptional coactivator harboring chromatin remodeling activities, and plays a role in the differentiation of photoreceptors and Purkinje neurons, two highly vulnerable neuronal cell types in SCA7. Polyglutamine expansion in ATXN7 causes its misfolding and intranuclear accumulation, leading to changes in interactions with native partners and/or partners sequestration in insoluble nuclear inclusions. Studies of cellular and animal models of SCA7 have been crucial to unveil pathomechanistic aspects of the disease, including gene deregulation, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions, cell and non-cell autonomous protein toxicity, loss of neuronal identity, and cell death mechanisms. However, a better understanding of the principal molecular mechanisms by which mutant ATXN7 elicits neurotoxicity, and how interconnected pathogenic cascades lead to neurodegeneration is needed for the development of effective therapies. At present, therapeutic strategies using nucleic acid-based molecules to silence mutant ATXN7 gene expression are under development for SCA7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institute of Genetic and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (U1258), University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institute of Genetic and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (U1258), University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
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12
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, King M, Diedrichsen J, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Unique degeneration signatures in the cerebellar cortex for spinocerebellar ataxias 2, 3, and 7. Neuroimage Clin 2018; 20:931-938. [PMID: 30308379 PMCID: PMC6178193 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases that selectively affect vulnerable neuronal populations in the cerebellum and other subcortical regions. While previous studies have reported subtype differences in the absolute amount of degeneration in specific regions of interest, they failed to account for two important factors. First, they did not control for overall differences in the severity of the degeneration pattern, and second, they did not fully characterize the spatial pattern of degeneration for each SCA subtype. Here, we provide a systematic characterization of the spatial degeneration patterns for three polyQ SCAs (55 patients, either SCA2, SCA3, or SCA7) while controlling for the severity of the degeneration pattern. After this correction, the cerebellar degeneration pattern can successfully classify between the three different SCA subtypes with high cross-validated accuracy. Specifically, degeneration in SCA3 disproportionally affects motor regions of the cerebellar cortex, which explains the relatively severe motor symptoms observed in this subtype. Our results demonstrate that each of the three studied SCA subtypes has a unique cerebellar degeneration signature, hinting at differences in the disease process. Clinically, these differentiable patterns of cerebellar degeneration can be used to reliably discern subtypes, even at relatively early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- CONACYT - Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico; Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Maedbh King
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jörn Diedrichsen
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Computer Science and Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Mexico
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13
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Chirino A, Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Contreras A, Diaz R, Beltran-Parrazal L, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Motor and cognitive impairments in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 and its correlations with cortical volumes. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:3199-3211. [PMID: 30255962 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat expansion. It is clinically characterized by ataxia and visual loss. To date, little is known about SCA7 cognitive impairments and its relationship with grey matter volume (GMV) changes. The aim of this study was to explore SCA7 patients' performance in specific components of auditory-verbal neuropsychological tests and to correlate their scores with genetic mutation, severity of ataxia and GMV. We assessed verbal memory and verbal fluency proficiencies in 31 genetically confirmed SCA7 patients, and compared their results with 32 healthy matched volunteers; we also correlated CAG repeats and severity of motor symptoms with performance in the auditory-verbal tests. SCA7 patients exhibited deficiencies in several components of these cognitive tasks, which were independent of motor impairments and showed no relation to CAG repeats. Based on Resonance Images performed in 27 patients we found association between ataxia severity and GMV in "sensoriomotor" cerebellum, as well as correlations of impaired verbal memory and semantic fluency scores with GMV in association cortices, including the right parahippocampal gyrus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of deficits in the organization of semantic information and in the evocation of verbal material, as well as greater susceptibility to proactive interference in SCA7 patients. These findings bring novel information about specific cognitive abilities in SCA7 patients, particularly verbal memory and fluency, and their relation with GMV variations in circumscribed brain regions, including association cortices known to have functional relationships with the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Chirino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Victor Galvez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias cognitivas y desarrollo, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Panamericana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Anabel Contreras
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, México
| | - Rosalinda Diaz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, México
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14
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Han Q, Yang J, Xiong H, Shang H. Voxel-based meta-analysis of gray and white matter volume abnormalities in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01099. [PMID: 30125476 PMCID: PMC6160648 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the consistent findings from the whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies on spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). METHODS The whole-brain VBM studies comparing SCA2 patients and healthy controls (HCs) were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase databases from January 2000 to June 2017. The coordinates with significant differences in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) between SCA2 patients and HCs were extracted separately from each cluster. A meta-analysis was performed using anisotropic effect size-based signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) software. RESULTS A total of five studies with 65 SCA2 patients and 124 HCs were included in the GM meta-analysis. Four of the five studies with 50 SCA2 patients and 109 HCs were included in the WM meta-analysis. Significant and consistent GM volume reductions were detected in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, cerebellar vermis, the right fusiform gyrus, the right parahippocampal gyrus, and the right lingual gyrus. The WM volume reductions were observed in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, cerebellar vermis, middle cerebellar peduncles, pons, and bilateral cortico-spinal projections. The findings of the study remained largely unchanged in jackknife sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS The consistent findings from our meta-analysis showed that GM volume reductions in SCA2 patients were not limited in cerebellum while significant WM volume reductions widely existed in cerebellum and pyramidal system. The findings provide morphological basis for further studies on SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Han
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai Xiong
- Department of Geriatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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15
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Diedrichsen J, Aguilar-Castañeda E, Iglesias M. Decoupling between the hand territory and the default mode network after bilateral arm transplantation: four-year follow-up case study. Brain Imaging Behav 2018; 12:296-302. [PMID: 28185062 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-017-9683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested both a local and network reorganization of the sensorimotor system following amputation. Transplantation of a new limb results in a new shifting of cortical activity in the local territory of the transplanted limb. However, there is a lack of information about the reversibility of the abnormalities at the network level. The objective of this study was to characterize the functional connectivity changes between the cortical territory of the new hand and two intrinsic network of interest: the sensorimotor network (SMN) and the default mode network (DMN) of one patient whom received bilateral forearm transplants. Using resting-state fMRI these two networks were identified across four different time points, starting four months after the transplantation surgery and during three consecutive years while the patient underwent physical rehabilitation. The topology of the SMN was disrupted at the first acquisition and over the years returned to its canonical pattern. Analysis of the DMN showed the normal topology with no significant changes across acquisitions. Functional connectivity between the missing hand's cortical territory and the SMN increased over time. Accordingly, functional connectivity between the missing hand's cortical territory and the DMN became anticorrelated over time. Our results suggest that after transplantation a new reorganization occurs at the network level, supporting the idea that extreme behavioral changes can affect not only the local rewiring but also the intrinsic network organization in neurologically healthy subjects. Overall this study provides new insight on the complex dynamics of brain organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- CONACYT - Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Cartelazo Ayala s/n, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. .,The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Canada.
| | - Jörn Diedrichsen
- The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Erika Aguilar-Castañeda
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suarez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Martin Iglesias
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Hohenfeld C, Werner CJ, Reetz K. Resting-state connectivity in neurodegenerative disorders: Is there potential for an imaging biomarker? Neuroimage Clin 2018; 18:849-870. [PMID: 29876270 PMCID: PMC5988031 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers in whichever modality are tremendously important in diagnosing of disease, tracking disease progression and clinical trials. This applies in particular for disorders with a long disease course including pre-symptomatic stages, in which only subtle signs of clinical progression can be observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers hold particular promise due to their relative ease of use, cost-effectiveness and non-invasivity. Studies measuring resting-state functional MR connectivity have become increasingly common during recent years and are well established in neuroscience and related fields. Its increasing application does of course also include clinical settings and therein neurodegenerative diseases. In the present review, we critically summarise the state of the literature on resting-state functional connectivity as measured with functional MRI in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to an overview of the results, we briefly outline the methods applied to the concept of resting-state functional connectivity. While there are many different neurodegenerative disorders cumulatively affecting a substantial number of patients, for most of them studies on resting-state fMRI are lacking. Plentiful amounts of papers are available for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but only few works being available for the less common neurodegenerative diseases. This allows some conclusions on the potential of resting-state fMRI acting as a biomarker for the aforementioned two diseases, but only tentative statements for the others. For AD, the literature contains a relatively strong consensus regarding an impairment of the connectivity of the default mode network compared to healthy individuals. However, for AD there is no considerable documentation on how that alteration develops longitudinally with the progression of the disease. For PD, the available research points towards alterations of connectivity mainly in limbic and motor related regions and networks, but drawing conclusions for PD has to be done with caution due to a relative heterogeneity of the disease. For rare neurodegenerative diseases, no clear conclusions can be drawn due to the few published results. Nevertheless, summarising available data points towards characteristic connectivity alterations in Huntington's disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple systems atrophy and the spinocerebellar ataxias. Overall at this point in time, the data on AD are most promising towards the eventual use of resting-state fMRI as an imaging biomarker, although there remain issues such as reproducibility of results and a lack of data demonstrating longitudinal changes. Improved methods providing more precise classifications as well as resting-state network changes that are sensitive to disease progression or therapeutic intervention are highly desirable, before routine clinical use could eventually become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hohenfeld
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cornelius J Werner
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany; RWTH Aachen University, Section Interdisciplinary Geriatrics, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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Ortiz JJ, Portillo W, Paredes RG, Young LJ, Alcauter S. Resting state brain networks in the prairie vole. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1231. [PMID: 29352154 PMCID: PMC5775431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has shown the hierarchical organization of the human brain into large-scale complex networks, referred as resting state networks. This technique has turned into a promising translational research tool after the finding of similar resting state networks in non-human primates, rodents and other animal models of great value for neuroscience. Here, we demonstrate and characterize the presence of resting states networks in Microtus ochrogaster, the prairie vole, an extraordinary animal model to study complex human-like social behavior, with potential implications for the research of normal social development, addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders. Independent component analysis of rsfMRI data from isoflurane-anestethized prairie voles resulted in cortical and subcortical networks, including primary motor and sensory networks, but also included putative salience and default mode networks. We further discuss how future research could help to close the gap between the properties of the large scale functional organization and the underlying neurobiology of several aspects of social cognition. These results contribute to the evidence of preserved resting state brain networks across species and provide the foundations to explore the use of rsfMRI in the prairie vole for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Ortiz
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Raul G Paredes
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sarael Alcauter
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico.
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Sarro L, Nanetti L, Castaldo A, Mariotti C. Monitoring disease progression in spinocerebellar ataxias: implications for treatment and clinical research. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:919-931. [PMID: 28805093 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1364628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are autosomal dominant diseases characterized by progressive gait and limb incoordination, disequilibrium, dysarthria, and eye movement disturbances. Approximately 40 genetic subtypes of SCAs are known and classified according to the causative disease gene/locus. With the possibility of the specific genetic diagnosis in patients and at-risk family members, several clinical scales and functional tests have been validated and used in ataxic patients with the purposes of measuring the entity of disease progression in natural history studies and the possible slowing of neurological impairment in therapeutic trials. Areas covered: This paper reviews the most widely used clinical scales and quantitative tests that contributed in monitoring disease progression of the most common forms of SCAs. Expert commentary: The currently available and validated clinical scales and quantitative performance scores are adequate to measure disease severity, but may require a considerable number of subjects and a long period of treatment to allow the recognition of beneficial effect of interventional therapies. Advanced MRI techniques are a consistent biomarker and maybe useful to track disease progression from the preclinical to the manifest ataxic phase in association with appropriate clinical or paraclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Sarro
- a Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nanetti
- a Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Anna Castaldo
- a Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- a Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
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Ophthalmic features of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. Eye (Lond) 2017; 32:120-127. [PMID: 28799562 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2017.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PurposeTo analyze the relation between ophthalmologic and motor changes in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7).Patients and methodsThis was a case series study. Sixteen SCA7 patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including ocular extrinsic motility testing, color vision test, and optical coherence tomography of the optic nerve and macula. Changes in the corneal endothelium, electroretinographic patterns, and a complete neurologic evaluation using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) were evaluated. Correlations of endothelial cell density (ECD) with number of CAG repetitions and the SARA scores were estimated.ResultsAll patients showed various degrees of visual impairment mainly due to macular deterioration. Notably, they also presented decreased ECD. Pairwise correlations of ECD with number of CAG repeats and severity of motor symptoms quantified with the SARA scores were inverse (r=-0.46, P=0.083 and r=-0.64, P=0.009, respectively). Further analyses indicated an average ECD decrease of 48 cells/mm2 (P=0.006) per unit of change on the number of CAG repeats, and of 75 cells/mm2 (P=0.001) per unit of change on the SARA scores.ConclusionsThe results agree with previous ophthalmological findings regarding the widespread effect of SCA7 mutation on the patient's visual system. However, the results also show a significant negative correlation of decreased ECD with both CAG repetitions and SARA scores. This suggests that motor systems could degenerate in parallel with visual systems, although more research is needed to determine whether the degeneration is caused by the same mechanisms.
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Pereira L, Airan RD, Fishman A, Pillai JJ, Kansal K, Onyike CU, Prince JL, Ying SH, Sair HI. Resting-state functional connectivity and cognitive dysfunction correlations in spinocerebelellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:3001-3010. [PMID: 28295805 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) activity and motor and cognitive impairment in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). METHODS Twelve patients with genetically confirmed SCA6 and 14 age matched healthy controls were imaged with RS-fMRI. Whole brain gray matter was automatically parcellated into 1000 regions of interest (ROIs). For each ROI, the first eigenvariate of voxel time courses was extracted. For each patient, Pearson correlation coefficients between each pair of ROI time courses were calculated across the 1000 ROIs. The set of average control correlation coefficients were fed as an undirected weighted adjacency matrix into the Rubinov and Sporns (2010) modularity algorithm. The intranetwork global efficiency of the thresholded adjacency sub-matrix was calculated and correlated with ataxia scores and cognitive performance. RESULTS SCA6 patients showed mild cognitive impairments in executive function and visual-motor processing compared to control subjects. These neuropsychological impairments were correlated with decreased RS functional connectivity (FC) in the attention network. CONCLUSIONS Mild cognitive executive functions and visual-motor coordination impairments seen in SCA6 patients correlate with decreased resting-state connectivity in the attention network, suggesting a possible metric for the study of cognitive dysfunction in cerebellar disease. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3001-3010, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Pereira
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Raag D Airan
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Ann Fishman
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Jay J Pillai
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Kalyani Kansal
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Chiadi U Onyike
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Jerry L Prince
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Sarah H Ying
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
| | - Haris I Sair
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287
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Specific cerebellar and cortical degeneration correlates with ataxia severity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. Brain Imaging Behav 2016; 10:252-7. [PMID: 25917872 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-015-9389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is accompanied by loss of motor control and macular degeneration. Previous studies have shown cerebellar and pons atrophy as well as functional connectivity changes across the whole brain. Although different MRI modalities have been used to study the degenerative process, little is known about the relationship between the motor symptoms and cerebral atrophy. Twenty-four patients with molecular diagnosis of SCA7 where invited to participate in this study. Ataxia severity was evaluated using the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain images were used to obtain the grey matter volume of each participant. As expected, we found a significant negative correlation between the SARA score and the grey matter volume in distinct regions of the cerebellum in the patient group. Additionally, we found significant correlations between the ataxia degree and the degeneration of specific cortical areas in these patients. These findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between gray matter atrophy and ataxia related symptoms that result from the SCA7 mutation.
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Huang SR, Wu YT, Jao CW, Soong BW, Lirng JF, Wu HM, Wang PS. CAG repeat length does not associate with the rate of cerebellar degeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Neuroimage Clin 2016; 13:97-105. [PMID: 27942452 PMCID: PMC5133648 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigated the correlation between the CAG repeat length and the degeneration of cerebellum in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) patients based on neuroimaging approaches. Forty SCA3 patients were recruited and classified into two subgroups according to their CAG repeat lengths (≥ 74 and < 74). We measured each patient's Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score, N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratios based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and 3-dimensional fractal dimension (3D-FD) values derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. Furthermore, the 3D-FD values were used to construct structural covariance networks based on graph theoretical analysis. The results revealed that SCA3 patients with a longer CAG repeat length demonstrated earlier disease onset. However, the CAG repeat length did not significantly correlate with their SARA scores, cerebellar NAA/Cr ratios or cerebellar 3D-FD values. Network dissociation between cerebellar regions and parietal-occipital regions was found in SCA3 patients with CAG ≥ 74, but not in those with CAG < 74. In conclusion, the CAG repeat length is uncorrelated with the change of SARA score, cerebellar function and cerebellar structure in SCA3. Nevertheless, a longer CAG repeat length may indicate early structural covariance network dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Ran Huang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Te Wu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chii-Wen Jao
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Wen Soong
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiing-Feng Lirng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Mei Wu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shan Wang
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, No.12, Ln. 225, Zhixing Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Vaca-Palomares I, Barrios F, Martinez L, Boll MC, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Ataxia Severity Correlates with White Matter Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:2050-2054. [PMID: 27516240 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is a scarcity of information on the effect of white matter degeneration in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. Therefore, we investigated the WM integrity in a large group of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 by using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-three patients with a molecular diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 and their age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated in this study. The patients' ataxia severity was evaluated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. Voxelwise analyses of diffusion metrics, including fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, were performed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. The correlation between WM abnormalities and ataxia severity was then calculated. RESULTS Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis revealed WM abnormalities in the cerebellum and the cerebellar peduncles, as well as in other major cortical and subcortical pathways. Further analysis between the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score and WM mean diffusivity showed significant associations only in key areas related to motor control and visuospatial processing, including the cerebellar WM, the middle occipital WM, the superior cerebellar peduncle, and bilateral anterior thalamic radiation. No significant associations between fractional anisotropy and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia were found. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a significant contribution of local cerebellar and cerebellar-midbrain connections to ataxic impairment in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. The results also suggest an involvement of cortical WM abnormalities including tracts within the occipital and frontal cortices. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive view of the clinical impact of the white matter degeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Hernandez-Castillo
- From the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia-Instituto de Neuroetologia (C.R.H.-C.), Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - I Vaca-Palomares
- Departamento de Fisiologia (I.V.-P., J.F.-R.), Facultad de Medicina
| | - F Barrios
- Instituto de Neurobiologia (F.B.), Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - L Martinez
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biologıa Molecular (L.M.)
| | - M-C Boll
- Laboratorio de Investigacion Clinica (M.-C.B.), Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, "Manuel Velasco Suárez," Mexico City, México
| | - J Fernandez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiologia (I.V.-P., J.F.-R.), Facultad de Medicina
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Interhemispheric Connectivity Characterizes Cortical Reorganization in Motor-Related Networks After Cerebellar Lesions. THE CEREBELLUM 2016; 16:358-375. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Mercadillo R, Diaz R, Campos-Romo A, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Extensive White Matter Alterations and Its Correlations with Ataxia Severity in SCA 2 Patients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135449. [PMID: 26263162 PMCID: PMC4532454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of SCA2 have revealed significant degeneration of white matter tracts in cerebellar and cerebral regions. The motor deficit in these patients may be attributable to the degradation of projection fibers associated with the underlying neurodegenerative process. However, this relationship remains unclear. Statistical analysis of diffusion tensor imaging enables an unbiased whole-brain quantitative comparison of the diffusion proprieties of white matter tracts in vivo. METHODS Fourteen genetically confirmed SCA2 patients and aged-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Tract-based spatial statistics were performed to analyze structural white matter damage using two different measurements: fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Significant diffusion differences were correlated with the patient's ataxia impairment. RESULTS Our analysis revealed decreased FA mainly in the inferior/middle/superior cerebellar peduncles, the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule and the bilateral superior corona radiata. Increases in MD were found mainly in cerebellar white matter, medial lemniscus, and middle cerebellar peduncle, among other regions. Clinical impairment measured with the SARA score correlated with FA in superior parietal white matter and bilateral anterior corona radiata. Correlations with MD were found in cerebellar white matter and the middle cerebellar peduncle. CONCLUSION Our findings show significant correlations between diffusion measurements in key areas affected in SCA2 and measures of motor impairment, suggesting a disruption of information flow between motor and sensory-integration areas. These findings result in a more comprehensive view of the clinical impact of the white matter degeneration in SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R. Hernandez-Castillo
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología—Cátedras—Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Victor Galvez
- Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Roberto Mercadillo
- Cátedras Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Área de Neurociencias, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Rosalinda Diaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Aurelio Campos-Romo
- Unidad Periferica de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico/Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico DF, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Mercadillo RE, Díaz R, Yescas P, Martinez L, Ochoa A, Velazquez-Perez L, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Functional connectivity changes related to cognitive and motor performance in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1391-9. [PMID: 26256273 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several neuropathological studies in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) have revealed significant atrophy of the cerebellum, brainstem, sensorimotor cortex, and several regions in the frontal lobe. However, the impact of the neurodegeneration on the functional integration of the remaining tissue is unknown. To analyze the clinical impact of these functional changes, we correlated the abnormal functional connectivity found in SCA2 patients with their scores in clinical scales. To obtain the functional connectivity changes, we followed two approaches. In one we used areas with significant cerebellar gray matter atrophy as anchor seeds, and in the other we performed a whole-brain data-driven analysis. METHODS Fourteen genetically confirmed SCA2 patients and aged-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were done to analyze structural and functional brain changes. Independent component analysis and dual regression were used for intrinsic network comparison. Significant functional connectivity differences were correlated with the behavioral scores. RESULTS Seed-based analysis found reduced functional connectivity within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and frontal/parietal cortices. Cerebellar functional connectivity increases were found with parietal, frontal, and temporal areas. Intrinsic network analysis found a functional decrease in the cerebellar network, and increase in the default-mode and fronto-parietal networks. Further analysis showed significant correlations between clinical scores and the abnormal functional connectivity strength. CONCLUSION Our findings show significant correlations between functional connectivity changes in key areas affected in SCA2 and these patients' motor and neuropsychological impairments, adding an important insight to our understanding of the pathophysiology of SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Cátedras-Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, México
| | - Víctor Galvez
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, México
| | - Roberto E Mercadillo
- Cátedras CONACYT, Área de Neurociencias, Depto. de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Iztapalapa, México
| | - Rosalinda Díaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Petra Yescas
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | - Leticia Martinez
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | - Adriana Ochoa
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | | | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, México.,Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana, México
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Cocozza S, Saccà F, Cervo A, Marsili A, Russo CV, Giorgio SMDA, De Michele G, Filla A, Brunetti A, Quarantelli M. Modifications of resting state networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1382-90. [PMID: 26094751 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the integrity of the Resting State Networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and the correlations between the modification of these networks and clinical variables. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) data from 19 SCA2 patients and 29 healthy controls were analyzed using an independent component analysis and dual regression, controlling at voxel level for the effect of atrophy by co-varying for gray matter volume. Correlations between the resting state networks alterations and disease duration, age at onset, number of triplets, and clinical score were assessed by Spearman's coefficient, for each cluster which was significantly different in SCA2 patients compared with healthy controls. RESULTS In SCA2 patients, disruption of the cerebellar components of all major resting state networks was present, with supratentorial involvement only for the default mode network. When controlling at voxel level for gray matter volume, the reduction in functional connectivity in supratentorial regions of the default mode network, and in cerebellar regions within the default mode, executive and right fronto-parietal networks, was still significant. No correlations with clinical variables were found for any of the investigated resting state networks. CONCLUSIONS The SCA2 patients show significant alterations of the resting state networks, only partly explained by the atrophy. The default mode network is the only resting state network that shows also supratentorial changes, which appear unrelated to the cortical gray matter volume. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Amedeo Cervo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Marsili
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Valeria Russo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Quarantelli
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Our goal was to improve spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) cognitive profile characterization by testing the hypothesis that strategy, planning and rule acquisition capacities are affected in SCA2. Forty one patients with SCA2 were evaluated with the Spatial Working Memory (SWM), the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and the Intra-Extra Dimensional Shift (IED) tests of the Executive module of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB). Paired Associates Learning (PAL) and Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) from the CANTAB memory module were also assessed to corroborate previous findings. Motor deterioration was measured using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We found significant SCA2 related deficits in strategy, planning, and rule acquisition. Our results also corroborated significant memory deficits in these patients with SCA2. Further analysis also showed that patients with large motor deterioration had poorer associative learning and spatial planning scores. Patients with SCA2 show strategy, planning, and rule acquisition deficits as revealed with the CANTAB battery. These deficits should be noted when planning an effective therapy for these patients.
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Mercadillo RE, Galvez V, Díaz R, Paredes L, Velázquez-Moctezuma J, Hernandez-Castillo CR, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Social and Cultural Elements Associated with Neurocognitive Dysfunctions in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:90. [PMID: 26113822 PMCID: PMC4462049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SCA2) is a rare genetic disorder producing cerebellar degeneration and affecting motor abilities. Neuroimaging studies also show neurodegeneration in subcortical and cortical regions related to emotional and social processes. From social neuroscience, it is suggested that motor and social abilities can be influenced by particular cultural dynamics so, culture is fundamental to understand the effect of brain-related alterations. Here, we present the first analysis about the cultural elements related to the SCA2 disorder in 15 patients previously evaluated with neuroimaging and psychometric instruments, and their nuclear relationships distributed in six geographical and cultural regions in Mexico. Ethnographic records and photographic and video archives about the quotidian participant's routine were obtained from the patients, their relatives and their caregivers. The information was categorized and interpreted taking into consideration cultural issues and patients' medical files. Our analyses suggest that most of the participants do not understand the nature of the disease and this misunderstanding favors magic and non-medical explanations. Patients' testimonies suggest a decrease in pain perception as well as motor alterations that may be related to interoceptive dysfunctions. Relatives' testimonies indicate patients' lack of social and emotional interests that may be related to frontal, temporal, and cerebellar degeneration. In general, participants use their religious beliefs to deal with the disease and only a few of them trust the health system. Patients and their families are either openly rejected and ignored, tolerated or even helped by their community accordingly to different regional traits. We propose that ethnography can provide social representations to understand the patients' alterations, to formulate neurobiological hypotheses, to develop neurocognitive interventions, and to improve the medical approach to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Emmanuele Mercadillo
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico ; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Cátedras , Mexico City , Mexico ; Área de Neurociencias, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Víctor Galvez
- Posgrado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana , Xalapa , Mexico
| | - Rosalinda Díaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Lorena Paredes
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Javier Velázquez-Moctezuma
- Área de Neurociencias, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Cátedras , Mexico City , Mexico ; Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana , Xalapa , Mexico
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico ; Posgrado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana , Xalapa , Mexico ; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana , Xalapa , Mexico
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31
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Mercadillo RE, Galvez V, Díaz R, Hernández-Castillo CR, Campos-Romo A, Boll MC, Pasaye EH, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Parahippocampal gray matter alterations in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 identified by voxel based morphometry. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:50-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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A comprehensive clinical and genetic study of a large Mexican population with spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. Neurogenetics 2014; 16:11-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10048-014-0424-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Morgado-Valle C, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Whole-brain connectivity analysis and classification of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 by functional MRI. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2014; 1:2. [PMID: 26331026 PMCID: PMC4549137 DOI: 10.1186/2053-8871-1-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a genetic disorder characterized by degeneration of the motor and visual systems. Besides neural deterioration, these patients also show functional connectivity changes linked to the degenerated brain areas. However, it is not known if there are functional connectivity changes in regions not necessarily linked to the areas undergoing structural deterioration. Therefore, in this study we have explored the whole-brain functional connectivity of SCA7 patients in order to find the overall abnormal functional pattern of this disease. Twenty-six patients and age-and-gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. Whole-brain functional connectivity analysis was performed in both groups. A classification algorithm was used to find the discriminative power of the abnormal connections by classifying patients and healthy subjects. Results Nineteen abnormal functional connections involving cerebellar and cerebral regions were selected for the classification stage. Support vector machine classification reached 92.3% accuracy with 95% sensitivity and 89.6% specificity using a 10-fold cross-validation. Most of the selected regions were well known degenerated brain regions including cerebellar and visual cortices, but at the same time, our whole-brain connectivity analysis revealed new regions not previously reported involving temporal and prefrontal cortices. Conclusion Our whole-brain connectivity approach provided information that seed-based analysis missed due to its region-specific searching method. The high classification accuracy suggests that using resting state functional connectivity may be a useful biomarker in SCA 7. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2053-8871-1-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Distrito Federal C P., 04510 Mexico
| | - Víctor Galvez
- Posgrado en Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Distrito Federal C P., 04510 Mexico ; Facultad de Psicologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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