1
|
Scarabino D, Veneziano L, Fiore A, Nethisinghe S, Mantuano E, Garcia-Moreno H, Bellucci G, Solanky N, Morello M, Zanni G, Corbo RM, Giunti P. Leukocyte Telomere Length Variability as a Potential Biomarker in Patients with PolyQ Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081436. [PMID: 35892638 PMCID: PMC9332235 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3 are the most common forms of SCAs among the polyglutamine disorders, which include Huntington’s Disease (HD). We investigated the relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and the phenotype of SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3, comparing them with HD. The results showed that LTL was significantly reduced in SCA1 and SCA3 patients, while LTL was significantly longer in SCA2 patients. A significant negative relationship between LTL and age was observed in SCA1 but not in SCA2 subjects. LTL of SCA3 patients depend on both patient’s age and disease duration. The number of CAG repeats did not affect LTL in the three SCAs. Since LTL is considered an indirect marker of an inflammatory response and oxidative damage, our data suggest that in SCA1 inflammation is present already at an early stage of disease similar to in HD, while in SCA3 inflammation and impaired antioxidative processes are associated with disease progression. Interestingly, in SCA2, contrary to SCA1 and SCA3, the length of leukocyte telomeres does not reduce with age. We have observed that SCAs and HD show a differing behavior in LTL for each subtype, which could constitute relevant biomarkers if confirmed in larger cohorts and longitudinal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scarabino
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Liana Veneziano
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Alessia Fiore
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.C.)
| | - Suran Nethisinghe
- Ataxia Center, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (S.N.); (H.G.-M.); (N.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Elide Mantuano
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Center, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (S.N.); (H.G.-M.); (N.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Gianmarco Bellucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nita Solanky
- Ataxia Center, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (S.N.); (H.G.-M.); (N.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Maria Morello
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Corbo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.C.)
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Center, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (S.N.); (H.G.-M.); (N.S.); (P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moghaddam MH, Hatari S, Shahidi AMEJ, Nikpour F, Omran HS, Fathi M, Vakili K, Abdollahifar MA, Tizro M, Eskandari N, Raoofi A, Ebrahimi V, Aliaghaei A. Human olfactory epithelium-derived stem cells ameliorate histopathological deficits and improve behavioral functions in a rat model of cerebellar ataxia. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 120:102071. [PMID: 35051594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy (CRT) is one of the most effective approaches used to alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative syndromes such as cerebellar ataxia (CA). Human olfactory epithelium mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) have been recognized as a promising candidate for CRT, due to their distinctive features including immunomodulatory properties and ease of accessible compared to other types of MSCs. Hence, the main goal of our study was to explore the impacts of OE-MSCs transplantation on behavioral, structural, and histological deficiencies in a rat model of CA. After obtained an informed consent from volunteers, OE-MSCs were obtained from their nasal cavity. Then, OE-MSCs were characterized by the positive expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105 as MSCs as well as nestin and vimentin as primitive neuroectodermal stem cells markers. Then, the animals were randomized into three control, 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) treated, and 3-AP + cell groups. In both experimental groups, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of 3-AP (75 mg/kg), followed by the implantation of OE-MSCs into the cerebellum of 3-AP + cell group. The impact of engrafted OE-MSCs on motor coordination and performance along with biochemical, immunohistochemical, and stereological changes in the cerebellum of the rat models of CA were investigated. According to our findings, the administration of 3-AP decreased the cerebellar GSH concentration. The injection of 3-AP also altered the morphological characteristics of the cerebellar Golgi cells. On the other hand, OE-MSCs transplantation improved motor coordination in CA. Besides, the implantation of OE-MSCs reduced caspase-3 expression and microglia proliferation in the cerebellum upon 3-AP administration. Finally, the transplant of OE-MSCs protected Purkinje cells against 3-AP toxicity. In sum, the present study revealed considerable advantages of OE-MSCs in managing CA animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Hassani Moghaddam
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Hatari
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mahdi Emam Jome Shahidi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nikpour
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Salehi Omran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Tizro
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Eskandari
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Raoofi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Vahid Ebrahimi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luthra R, Roy A. Role of medicinal plants against neurodegenerative diseases. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:123-139. [PMID: 33573549 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210211123539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diseases with a significant loss of neurons, structurally and functionally are termed as neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the present therapeutic interventions and progressive nature of diseases, a variety of side effects have risen up, thus leading the patients to go for an alternative medication. The role of medicinal plants in such cases has been beneficial because of their exhibition via different cellular and molecular mechanisms. Alleviation in inflammatory responses, suppression of the functionary aspect of pro-inflammatory cytokines like a tumor, improvement in antioxidative properties is among few neuroprotective mechanisms of traditional plants. Variation in transcription and transduction pathways play a vital role in the preventive measures of plants in such diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are generally caused by depletion of proteins, oxidative and inflammatory stress, environmental changes and so on, with aging being the most important cause. Natural compounds can be used in order to treat neurodegenerative diseases Medicinal plants such as Ginseng, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, etc. are some of the medicinal plants for prevention of neurological symptoms. This review deals with the use of different medicinal plants for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Luthra
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi. India
| | - Arpita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida. India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jenkins CA, Kalmar L, Matiasek K, Mari L, Kyöstilä K, Lohi H, Schofield EC, Mellersh CS, De Risio L, Ricketts SL. Characterisation of canine KCNIP4: A novel gene for cerebellar ataxia identified by whole-genome sequencing two affected Norwegian Buhund dogs. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008527. [PMID: 31999692 PMCID: PMC7012447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A form of hereditary cerebellar ataxia has recently been described in the Norwegian Buhund dog breed. This study aimed to identify the genetic cause of the disease. Whole-genome sequencing of two Norwegian Buhund siblings diagnosed with progressive cerebellar ataxia was carried out, and sequences compared with 405 whole genome sequences of dogs of other breeds to filter benign common variants. Nine variants predicted to be deleterious segregated among the genomes in concordance with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, only one of which segregated within the breed when genotyped in additional Norwegian Buhunds. In total this variant was assessed in 802 whole genome sequences, and genotyped in an additional 505 unaffected dogs (including 146 Buhunds), and only four affected Norwegian Buhunds were homozygous for the variant. The variant identified, a T to C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (NC_006585.3:g.88890674T>C), is predicted to cause a tryptophan to arginine substitution in a highly conserved region of the potassium voltage-gated channel interacting protein KCNIP4. This gene has not been implicated previously in hereditary ataxia in any species. Evaluation of KCNIP4 protein expression through western blot and immunohistochemical analysis using cerebellum tissue of affected and control dogs demonstrated that the mutation causes a dramatic reduction of KCNIP4 protein expression. The expression of alternative KCNIP4 transcripts within the canine cerebellum, and regional differences in KCNIP4 protein expression, were characterised through RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. The voltage-gated potassium channel protein KCND3 has previously been implicated in spinocerebellar ataxia, and our findings suggest that the Kv4 channel complex KCNIP accessory subunits also have an essential role in voltage-gated potassium channel function in the cerebellum and should be investigated as potential candidate genes for cerebellar ataxia in future studies in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lajos Kalmar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, München, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Mari
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Kaisa Kyöstilä
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ellen C. Schofield
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Cathryn S. Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Luisa De Risio
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L. Ricketts
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gómez-Ruiz M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Luna-Piñel E, Hernández-Gálvez M, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid System in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type-3 and Other Autosomal-Dominant Cerebellar Ataxias: Potential Role in Pathogenesis and Expected Relevance as Neuroprotective Targets. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:94. [PMID: 31068788 PMCID: PMC6491810 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of hereditary and progressive neurological disorders characterized by a loss of balance and motor coordination typically associated with cerebellar atrophy. The most prevalent SCA types are all polyQ disorders like Huntington’s disease, sharing the most relevant events in pathogenesis with this basal ganglia disorder, but with most of the damage concentrated in cerebellar neurons, and in their afferent and efferent connections (e.g., brainstem nuclei). SCAs have no cure and effective symptom-alleviating and disease-modifying therapies are not currently available. However, based on results obtained in studies conducted in murine models and information derived from analyses in post-mortem tissue samples from patients, which show notably higher levels of CB1 receptors found in different cerebellar neuronal subpopulations, the blockade of these receptors has been proposed for acutely modulating motor incoordination in cerebellar ataxias, whereas their chronic activation has been proposed for preserving specific neuronal losses. Additional studies in post-mortem tissues from SCA patients have also demonstrated elevated levels of CB2 receptors in Purkinje neurons as well as in glial elements in the granular layer and in the cerebellar white matter, with a similar profile found for endocannabinoid hydrolyzing enzymes, then suggesting that activating CB2 receptors and/or inhibiting these enzymes may also serve to develop cannabinoid-based neuroprotective therapies. The present review will address both aspects. On one hand, the endocannabinoid system becomes dysregulated in the cerebellum and also in other CNS structures (e.g., brainstem, basal ganglia) in SCAs, which may contribute to the progression of pathogenic events in these diseases. On the other hand, these endocannabinoid alterations may be pharmacologically corrected or enhanced, and this may have therapeutic consequences, either alleviating specific symptoms or eliciting neuroprotective effects, an objective presently under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Luna-Piñel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández-Gálvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Buijsen RAM, Toonen LJA, Gardiner SL, van Roon-Mom WMC. Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Progress in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:263-286. [PMID: 30607747 PMCID: PMC6554265 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its connections. All ADCAs have progressive ataxia as their main clinical feature, frequently accompanied by dysarthria and oculomotor deficits. The most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are 6 polyglutamine (polyQ) SCAs. These diseases are all caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of a gene. Currently, no curative treatment is available for any of the polyQ SCAs, but increasing knowledge on the genetics and the pathological mechanisms of these polyQ SCAs has provided promising therapeutic targets to potentially slow disease progression. Potential treatments can be divided into pharmacological and gene therapies that target the toxic downstream effects, gene therapies that target the polyQ SCA genes, and stem cell replacement therapies. Here, we will provide a review on the genetics, mechanisms, and therapeutic progress in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seshagiri DV, Pal PK, Jain S, Yadav R. Optokinetic nystagmus in patients with SCA: A bedside test for oculomotor dysfunction grading. Neurology 2018; 91:e1255-e1261. [PMID: 30158163 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinical features in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 1, SCA2, and SCA3 and to evaluate the oculomotor dysfunction by using optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) testing, which may be a sensitive marker. METHODS In this prospective observational study, all patients underwent detailed neurologic examination with special emphasis on eye movements. OKN was evaluated with a tape. Disease severity was measured with the International Co-Operative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). RESULTS A total of 73 genetically confirmed patients were included, of whom 28, 30, and 15 patients were positive for SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3, respectively. Dystonia was more common in patients with SCA3 (46%), and absent ankle jerk was more common in those with SCA2 (21.4%). Brisk deep tendon reflexes were common in patients with SCA1 (46.6%), followed by patients with SCA3 (26.6%) and SCA2 (7.1%). Vertical OKN was impaired in all patients and absent in 86.6% of patients with SCA1, 96% of those with SCA2, and 80% of those with SCA3. Horizontal OKN was absent in 30% of patients with SCA1, 57% of patients with SCA2, and 33% of those with SCA3. Higher motor disability (posture and gait, kinetic functions [Motor Disability] subscore on the ICARS) was associated with higher oculomotor dysfunction measured by OKN-saccades impairment grading but not with the Ocular Disorder subscore of ICARS (ICARS-OD). CONCLUSION OKN-saccades are a better and sensitive bedside clinical tool to quantify oculomotor dysfunction in neurodegenerative ataxias. Its role needs to be tested further in presymptomatic carriers. The current ICARS-OD scale to grade oculomotor dysfunction in degenerative ataxias need to be modified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doniparthi V Seshagiri
- From the Department of Neurology (D.V.S., P.K.P., R.Y.), Department of Psychiatry (S.J.), and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (S.J.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Pal
- From the Department of Neurology (D.V.S., P.K.P., R.Y.), Department of Psychiatry (S.J.), and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (S.J.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- From the Department of Neurology (D.V.S., P.K.P., R.Y.), Department of Psychiatry (S.J.), and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (S.J.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ravi Yadav
- From the Department of Neurology (D.V.S., P.K.P., R.Y.), Department of Psychiatry (S.J.), and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (S.J.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Identification of IFRD1 variant in a Han Chinese family with autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia associated with peripheral neuropathy and ataxia. J Hum Genet 2018; 63:521-524. [DOI: 10.1038/s10038-017-0394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
9
|
de Oliveira LAS, Martins CP, Horsczaruk CHR, da Silva DCL, Vasconcellos LF, Lopes AJ, Meira Mainenti MR, Rodrigues EDC. Partial Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Rehabil Res Pract 2018; 2018:7172686. [PMID: 29535874 PMCID: PMC5817333 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7172686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The motor impairments related to gait and balance have a huge impact on the life of individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Here, the aim was to assess the possibility of retraining gait, improving cardiopulmonary capacity, and challenging balance during gait in SCA using a partial body weight support (BWS) and a treadmill. Also, the effects of this training over functionality and quality of life were investigated. METHODS Eight SCA patients were engaged in the first stage of the study that focused on gait training and cardiovascular conditioning. From those, five took part in a second stage of the study centered on dynamic balance training during gait. The first and second stages lasted 8 and 10 weeks, respectively, both comprising sessions of 50 min (2 times per week). RESULTS The results showed that gait training using partial BWS significantly increased gait performance, treadmill inclination, duration of exercise, and cardiopulmonary capacity in individuals with SCA. After the second stage, balance improvements were also found. CONCLUSION Combining gait training and challenging tasks to the postural control system in SCA individuals is viable, well tolerated by patients with SCA, and resulted in changes in capacity for walking and balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Alice Santos de Oliveira
- Post-Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- School of Physiotherapy, Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Camilla Polonini Martins
- Post-Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Débora Cristina Lima da Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Vasconcellos
- Institute of Neurology Deolindo Couto, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo José Lopes
- Post-Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Erika de Carvalho Rodrigues
- Post-Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Atadzhanov M, Smith DC, Mwaba MH, Siddiqi OK, Bryer A, Greenberg LJ. Clinical and genetic analysis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) in Zambian families. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2017; 4:17. [PMID: 29214039 PMCID: PMC5706398 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-017-0075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, 43 types of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) have been identified. A subset of the SCAs are caused by the pathogenic expansion of a CAG repeat tract within the corresponding gene. Ethnic and geographic differences are evident in the prevalence of the autosomal dominant SCAs. Few descriptions of the clinical phenotype and molecular genetics of the SCAs are available from the African continent. Established studies mostly concern the South African populations, where there is a high frequency of SCA1, SCA2 and SCA7. The SCA7 mutation in South Africa (SA) has been found almost exclusively in families of indigenous Black African ethnic origin. OBJECTIVE To present the results of the first clinical description of seven Zambian families presenting with autosomal dominant SCA, as well as the downstream molecular genetic analysis of a subset of these families. METHODS The study was undertaken at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Ataxia was quantified with the Brief Ataxia Rating Scale derived from the modified international ataxia rating scale. Molecular genetic testing for 5 types of SCA (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 and SCA7) was performed at the National Health Laboratory Service at Groote Schuur Hospital and the Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, SA. The clinical and radiological features were evaluated in seven families with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia. Molecular genetic analysis was completed on individuals representing three of the seven families. RESULTS All affected families were ethnic Zambians from various tribes, originating from three different regions of the country (Eastern, Western and Central province). Thirty-four individuals from four families had phenotypic features of SCA7. SCA7 was confirmed by molecular testing in 10 individuals from 3 of these families. The age of onset of the disease varied from 12 to 59 years. The most prominent phenotypic features in these families were gait and limb ataxia, dysarthria, visual loss, ptosis, ophthalmoparesis/ophthalmoplegia, pyramidal tract signs, and dementia. Affected members of the SCA7 families had progressive macular degeneration and cerebellar atrophy. All families displayed marked anticipation of age at onset and rate of symptom progression. The pathogenic SCA7 CAG repeat ranges varied from 47 to 56 repeats. Three additional families were found to have clinical phenotypes associated with autosomal dominant SCA, however, DNA was not available for molecular confirmation. The age of onset of the disease in these families varied from 19 to 53 years. The most common clinical picture in these families included a combination of cerebellar symptoms with slow saccadic eye movements, peripheral neuropathy, dementia and tremor. CONCLUSION SCA is prevalent in ethnic Zambian families. The SCA7 families in this report had similar clinical presentations to families described in other African countries. In all families, the disease had an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance across multiple generations. All families displayed anticipation of both age of onset and the rate of disease progression. Further clinical and molecular investigations of the inherited ataxias in a larger cohort of patients is important to understand the natural history and origin of SCAs in the Zambian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masharip Atadzhanov
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Danielle C. Smith
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mwila H. Mwaba
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Omar K. Siddiqi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Global Neurology Program, Division of Neuro-Immunology, Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Department of Neurology, Beth Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Alan Bryer
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L. Jacquie Greenberg
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morriss GR, Cooper TA. Protein sequestration as a normal function of long noncoding RNAs and a pathogenic mechanism of RNAs containing nucleotide repeat expansions. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1247-1263. [PMID: 28484853 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1807-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An emerging class of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as decoy molecules that bind and sequester proteins thereby inhibiting their normal functions. Titration of proteins by lncRNAs has wide-ranging effects affecting nearly all steps in gene expression. While decoy lncRNAs play a role in normal physiology, RNAs expressed from alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions can be pathogenic due to protein sequestration resulting in disruption of normal functions. This review focuses on commonalities between decoy lncRNAs that regulate gene expression by competitive inhibition of protein function through sequestration and specific examples of nucleotide repeat expansion disorders mediated by toxic RNA that sequesters RNA-binding proteins and impedes their normal functions. Understanding how noncoding RNAs compete with various RNA and DNA molecules for binding of regulatory proteins will provide insight into how similar mechanisms contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginny R Morriss
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Thomas A Cooper
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Matilla-Dueñas A, Corral-Juan M, Rodríguez-Palmero Seuma A, Vilas D, Ispierto L, Morais S, Sequeiros J, Alonso I, Volpini V, Serrano-Munuera C, Pintos-Morell G, Álvarez R, Sánchez I. Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases: Clinical and Genetic Update. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1031:443-496. [PMID: 29214587 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-67144-4_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than 600 human disorders afflict the nervous system. Of these, neurodegenerative diseases are usually characterised by onset in late adulthood, progressive clinical course, and neuronal loss with regional specificity in the central nervous system. They include Alzheimer's disease and other less frequent dementias, brain cancer, degenerative nerve diseases, encephalitis, epilepsy, genetic brain disorders, head and brain malformations, hydrocephalus, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), Huntington's disease, and Prion diseases, among others. Neurodegeneration usually affects, but is not limited to, the cerebral cortex, intracranial white matter, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum. Although the majority of neurodegenerative diseases are sporadic, Mendelian inheritance is well documented. Intriguingly, the clinical presentations and neuropathological findings in inherited neurodegenerative forms are often indistinguishable from those of sporadic cases, suggesting that converging genomic signatures and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlie both hereditary and sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. Unfortunately, effective therapies for these diseases are scarce to non-existent. In this chapter, we highlight the clinical and genetic features associated with the rare inherited forms of neurodegenerative diseases, including ataxias, multiple system atrophy, spastic paraplegias, Parkinson's disease, dementias, motor neuron diseases, and rare metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Matilla-Dueñas
- Functional and Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias-IGTP, Can Ruti Campus, Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Corral-Juan
- Functional and Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias-IGTP, Can Ruti Campus, Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustí Rodríguez-Palmero Seuma
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP) and Health Sciences Research Institute, Can Ruti Campus, Ctra. de Canyet s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolores Vilas
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Neurology Service and Neurosciences Department, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP), Ctra. de Canyet s/n, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Ispierto
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Neurology Service and Neurosciences Department, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP), Ctra. de Canyet s/n, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Morais
- IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Sequeiros
- IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Alonso
- IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Víctor Volpini
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Serrano-Munuera
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital St. Joan de Déu, Martorell, Spain.,Manresa University, Martorell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pintos-Morell
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP) and Health Sciences Research Institute, Can Ruti Campus, Ctra. de Canyet s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramiro Álvarez
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Neurology Service and Neurosciences Department, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP), Ctra. de Canyet s/n, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivelisse Sánchez
- Functional Biology and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Functional and Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias-IGTP, Can Ruti Campus, Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rodríguez-Cueto C, Hernández-Gálvez M, Hillard CJ, Maciel P, García-García L, Valdeolivas S, Pozo MA, Ramos JA, Gómez-Ruiz M, Fernández-Ruiz J. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the cerebellum and brainstem in a transgenic mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type-3. Neuroscience 2016; 339:191-209. [PMID: 27717809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type-3 (SCA-3) is a rare disease but it is the most frequent type within the autosomal dominant inherited ataxias. The disease lacks an effective treatment to alleviate major symptoms and to modify disease progression. Our recent findings that endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes are significantly altered in the post-mortem cerebellum of patients affected by autosomal-dominant hereditary ataxias suggest that targeting the endocannabinoid signaling system may be a promising therapeutic option. Our goal was to investigate the status of the endocannabinoid signaling system in a transgenic mouse model of SCA-3, in the two CNS structures most affected in this disease - cerebellum and brainstem. These animals exhibited progressive motor incoordination, imbalance, abnormal gait, muscle weakness, and dystonia, in parallel to reduced in vivo brain glucose metabolism, deterioration of specific neuron subsets located in the dentate nucleus and pontine nuclei, small changes in microglial morphology, and reduction in glial glutamate transporters. Concerning the endocannabinoid signaling, our data indicated no changes in CB2 receptors. By contrast, CB1 receptors increased in the Purkinje cell layer, in particular in terminals of basket cells, but they were reduced in the dentate nucleus. We also measured the levels of endocannabinoid lipids and found reductions in anandamide and oleoylethanolamide in the brainstem. These changes correlated with an increase in the FAAH enzyme in the brainstem, which also occurred in some cerebellar areas, whereas other endocannabinoid-related enzymes were not altered. Collectively, our results in SCA-3 mutant mice confirm a possible dysregulation in the endocannabinoid system in the most important brain structures affected in this type of ataxia, suggesting that a pharmacological manipulation addressed to correct these changes could be a promising option in SCA-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández-Gálvez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Patricia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Luis García-García
- Unidad de Cartografía Cerebral, Instituto Pluridisciplinar, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Valdeolivas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Pozo
- Unidad de Cartografía Cerebral, Instituto Pluridisciplinar, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Robertson EE, Hall DA, McAsey AR, O'Keefe JA. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: phenotypic comparisons with other movement disorders. Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 30:849-900. [PMID: 27414076 PMCID: PMC7336900 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2016.1202239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to review the typical cognitive and motor impairments seen in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), essential tremor (ET), Parkinson disease (PD), spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in order to enhance diagnosis of FXTAS patients. METHODS We compared the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with each of these other movement disorders. Relevant neuropathological and neuroimaging findings are also reviewed. Finally, we describe the differences in age of onset, disease severity, progression rates, and average lifespan in FXTAS compared to ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP. We conclude with a flow chart algorithm to guide the clinician in the differential diagnosis of FXTAS. RESULTS By comparing the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with the phenotypes of ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP we have clarified potential symptom overlap while elucidating factors that make these disorders unique from one another. In summary, the clinician should consider a FXTAS diagnosis and testing for the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene premutation if a patient over the age of 50 (1) presents with cerebellar ataxia and/or intention tremor with mild parkinsonism, (2) has the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) sign, global cerebellar and cerebral atrophy, and/or subcortical white matter lesions on MRI, or (3) has a family history of fragile X related disorders, intellectual disability, autism, premature ovarian failure and has neurological signs consistent with FXTAS. Peripheral neuropathy, executive function deficits, anxiety, or depression are supportive of the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Distinct profiles in the cognitive and motor domains between these movement disorders may guide practitioners in the differential diagnosis process and ultimately lead to better medical management of FXTAS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Deborah A Hall
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Andrew R McAsey
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kawarai T, Tajima A, Kuroda Y, Saji N, Orlacchio A, Terasawa H, Shimizu H, Kita Y, Izumi Y, Mitsui T, Imoto I, Kaji R. A homozygous mutation of VWA3B causes cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:656-62. [PMID: 26157035 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary cerebellar ataxia constitutes a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders, occasionally accompanied by other neurological features. Genetic defects remain to be elucidated in approximately 40% of hereditary cerebellar ataxia cases in Japan. We attempted to identify the gene responsible for autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with intellectual disability. METHODS The present study involved three patients in a consanguineous Japanese family. Neurological examination and gene analyses were performed in all family members. We performed genome-wide linkage analysis including single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, copy-number variation analysis and whole exome sequencing. To clarify the functional alteration resulting from the identified mutation, we performed cell viability assay of cultured cells expressing mutant protein. RESULTS One homozygous region shared among the three patients on chromosomes 2p16.1-2q12.3 was identified. Using whole exome sequencing, six homozygous variants in genes in the region were detected. Only one variant, VWA3B c.A1865C, results in a change of a highly conserved amino acid (p.K622T) and was not present in control samples. VWA3B encodes a von Willebrand Factor A Domain-Containing Protein 3B with ubiquitous expression, including the cerebellum. The viability of cultured cells expressing the specific K622T mutation was proved to decrease through the activation of apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSIONS Mutated VWA3B was found to be likely associated with cerebellar degeneration with intellectual disability. Although a rare cause of cerebellar degeneration, these findings indicate a critical role for VWA3B in the apoptosis pathway in neuronal tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshitaka Kawarai
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kuroda
- Department of Clinical Research, Tokushima National Hospital, National Hospital Organization, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Naoki Saji
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Antonio Orlacchio
- Laboratorio di Neurogenetica, CERC-IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Hideo Terasawa
- Department of Neurology, Hyogo Brain and Heart Centre, Himeji City, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, Hyogo Brain and Heart Centre, Himeji City, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kita
- Department of Neurology, Hyogo Brain and Heart Centre, Himeji City, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takao Mitsui
- Department of Clinical Research, Tokushima National Hospital, National Hospital Organization, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Issei Imoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kaji
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wen J, Scoles DR, Facelli JC. Effects of the enlargement of polyglutamine segments on the structure and folding of ataxin-2 and ataxin-3 proteins. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:504-519. [PMID: 26861241 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1152199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and type 3 (SCA3) are two common autosomal-dominant inherited ataxia syndromes, both of which are related to the unstable expansion of trinucleotide CAG repeats in the coding region of the related ATXN2 and ATXN3 genes, respectively. The poly-glutamine (poly-Q) tract encoded by the CAG repeats has long been recognized as an important factor in disease pathogenesis and progress. In this study, using the I-TASSER method for 3D structure prediction, we investigated the effect of poly-Q tract enlargement on the structure and folding of ataxin-2 and ataxin-3 proteins. Our results show good agreement with the known experimental structures of the Josephin and UIM domains providing credence to the simulation results presented here, which show that the enlargement of the poly-Q region not only affects the local structure of these regions but also affects the structures of functional domains as well as the whole protein. The changes observed in the predicted models of the UIM domains in ataxin-3 when the poly-Q track is enlarged provide new insights on possible pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingran Wen
- a Department of Biomedical Informatics , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Daniel R Scoles
- b Department of Neurology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Julio C Facelli
- a Department of Biomedical Informatics , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neurogenetics in Argentina: diagnostic yield in a personalized research based clinic. Genet Res (Camb) 2016; 97:e10. [PMID: 25989649 DOI: 10.1017/s0016672315000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a whole neurogenetic diseases are a common group of neurological disorders. However, the recognitionand molecular diagnosis of these disorders is not always straightforward. Besides, there is a paucity of informationregarding the diagnostic yield that specialized neurogenetic clinics could obtain. We performed a prospective,observational, analytical study of the patients seen in a neurogenetic clinic at a tertiary medicalcentre to assess the diagnostic yield of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that included a personalizedclinical assessment along with traditional and next-generation sequencing diagnostic tests. We included a cohortof 387 patients from May 2008 to June 2014. For sub-group analysis we selected a sample of patientswhose main complaint was the presence of progressive ataxia, to whom we applied a systematic moleculardiagnostic algorithm. Overall, a diagnostic mutation was identified in 27·4% of our cohort. However, if weonly considered those patients where a molecular test could be performed, the success rate rises to 45%. Weobtained diagnostic yields of 23·5 and 57·5% in the global group of ataxic patients and in the subset of ataxicpatients with a positive family history, respectively. Thus, about a third of patients evaluated in a neurogeneticclinic could be successfully diagnosed.
Collapse
|
18
|
Watson LM, Wong MMK, Becker EBE. Induced pluripotent stem cell technology for modelling and therapy of cerebellar ataxia. Open Biol 2016; 5:150056. [PMID: 26136256 PMCID: PMC4632502 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.150056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has emerged as an important tool in understanding, and potentially reversing, disease pathology. This is particularly true in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, in which the affected cell types are not readily accessible for study. Since the first descriptions of iPSC-based disease modelling, considerable advances have been made in understanding the aetiology and progression of a diverse array of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. To date, however, relatively few studies have succeeded in using iPSCs to model the neurodegeneration observed in cerebellar ataxia. Given the distinct neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with certain types of ataxia, iPSC-based models are likely to provide significant insights, not only into disease progression, but also to the development of early-intervention therapies. In this review, we describe the existing iPSC-based disease models of this heterogeneous group of conditions and explore the challenges associated with generating cerebellar neurons from iPSCs, which have thus far hindered the expansion of this research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Watson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maggie M K Wong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Esther B E Becker
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shadrina MI, Shulskaya MV, Klyushnikov SA, Nikopensius T, Nelis M, Kivistik PA, Komar AA, Limborska SA, Illarioshkin SN, Slominsky PA. ITPR1 gene p.Val1553Met mutation in Russian family with mild Spinocerebellar ataxia. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2016; 3:2. [PMID: 26770814 PMCID: PMC4712497 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-016-0040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Spinocerebellar ataxias (SСAs) are a highly heterogeneous group of inherited neurological disorders. The symptoms of ataxia vary in individual patients and even within the same SCA subtype. A study of a four-generation family with autosomal dominant (AD) non-progressive SCA with mild symptoms was conducted. The genotyping of this family revealed no frequent pathogenic mutations. So the objective of this study was to identify the genetic causes of the disease in this family with the technology of whole-exome sequencing (WES). Methods and results WES, candidate variant analysis with further Sanger sequencing, mRNA secondary structure prediction, and RSCU analysis were performed; a heterozygous missense mutation in ITPR1 was identified. Conclusion Our study confirms the fact that ITPR1 gene plays a certain role in the pathogenesis of SCAs, and, therefore, we suggest that c.4657G>A p.Val1553Met) is a disease-causing mutation in the family studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M I Shadrina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - S A Klyushnikov
- Department of Neurogenetics, Research Center of Neurology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - T Nikopensius
- Estonian Genome Centre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Nelis
- Estonian Genome Centre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - P A Kivistik
- Estonian Genome Centre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - A A Komar
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115 USA
| | | | - S N Illarioshkin
- Department of Neurogenetics, Research Center of Neurology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Olszewska DA, Walsh R, Lynch T. SCA 6 with Writer's Cramp: The Phenotype Expanded. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2015; 3:83-86. [PMID: 30713900 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) presents typically with a pure cerebellar syndrome. Only 1 SCA 6 patient with writer's cramp has been reported on and a family history of ataxia and writer's cramp has never been reported on. Two other SCA6 patients with a shoulder girdle/hand dystonia and unspecified upper-limb dystonia with a family history of ataxia have been reported on. We report on the largest family with SCA6 and writer's cramp. The proband developed dysarthria, ataxia, and writer's cramp by age 37. His father presented with ataxia at 55, followed by writer's cramp and dysarthria. The proband's brother developed ataxia at 41, followed by dysarthria and writer's cramp. A paternal uncle (deceased; not examined) and 58-yr-old brother both developed pure ataxia (genetic testing is pending). This large family with complex movement disorder demonstrates that it is important to consider SCA6 in a patient presenting with an ataxia and writer's cramp and supports cerebellum involvement in dystonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Angelika Olszewska
- Department of Neurology at the Dublin Neurological Institute Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin Ireland
| | - Richard Walsh
- Department of Neurology at the Dublin at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin National Children's Hospital Tallaght, Dublin Ireland
| | - Tim Lynch
- Department of Neurology at the Dublin Neurological Institute Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen JW, Zhao L, Zhang F, Li L, Gu YH, Zhou JY, Zhang H, Meng M, Zhang KH, Le WD, Dong CB. Clinical Characteristics, Radiological Features and Gene Mutation in 10 Chinese Families with Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:1714-23. [PMID: 26112709 PMCID: PMC4733707 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.159340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that primarily cause the degeneration in the cerebellum, spinal cord, and brainstem. We study the clinical characteristics, radiological features and gene mutation in Chinese families with SCAs. Methods: In this study, we investigated 10 SCAs Chinese families with SCA1, SCA3/Machado–Joseph disease (MJD), SCA7, SCA8. There were 27 people who were genetically diagnosed as SCA, of which 21 people showed clinical symptoms, and 6 people had no clinical phenotype that we called them presymptomatic patients. In addition, 3 people with cerebellar ataxia and cataracts were diagnosed according to the Harding diagnostic criteria but failed to be recognized as SCAs on genetic testing. Clinical characteristic analyses of each type of SCAs and radiological examinations were performed. Results: We found that SCA3/MJD was the most common subtype in Han population in China, and the ratio of the pontine tegmentum and the posterior fossa area was negatively correlated with the number of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats; the disease duration was positively correlated with the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale score; and the CAG repeats number of abnormal alleles was negatively correlated with the age of onset. Conclusions: Collectively our study is a systematic research on SCAs in China, which may help for the clinical diagnosis and prenatal screening of this disease, and it may also aid toward better understanding of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chun-Bo Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wright FA, Lu JP, Sliter DA, Dupré N, Rouleau GA, Wojcikiewicz RJH. A Point Mutation in the Ubiquitin Ligase RNF170 That Causes Autosomal Dominant Sensory Ataxia Destabilizes the Protein and Impairs Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor-mediated Ca2+ Signaling. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:13948-57. [PMID: 25882839 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.655043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF170 is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane ubiquitin ligase that contributes to the ubiquitination of activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors, and also, when point mutated (arginine to cysteine at position 199), causes autosomal dominant sensory ataxia (ADSA), a disease characterized by neurodegeneration in the posterior columns of the spinal cord. Here we demonstrate that this point mutation inhibits RNF170 expression and signaling via IP3 receptors. Inhibited expression of mutant RNF170 was seen in cells expressing exogenous RNF170 constructs and in ADSA lymphoblasts, and appears to result from enhanced RNF170 autoubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. The basis for these effects was probed via additional point mutations, revealing that ionic interactions between charged residues in the transmembrane domains of RNF170 are required for protein stability. In ADSA lymphoblasts, platelet-activating factor-induced Ca(2+) mobilization was significantly impaired, whereas neither Ca(2+) store content, IP3 receptor levels, nor IP3 production were altered, indicative of a functional defect at the IP3 receptor locus, which may be the cause of neurodegeneration. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic deletion of RNF170 showed that RNF170 mediates the addition of all of the ubiquitin conjugates known to become attached to activated IP3 receptors (monoubiquitin and Lys(48)- and Lys(63)-linked ubiquitin chains), and that wild-type and mutant RNF170 have apparently identical ubiquitin ligase activities toward IP3 receptors. Thus, the Ca(2+) mobilization defect seen in ADSA lymphoblasts is apparently not due to aberrant IP3 receptor ubiquitination. Rather, the defect likely reflects abnormal ubiquitination of other substrates, or adaptation to the chronic reduction in RNF170 levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forrest A Wright
- From the Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Justine P Lu
- From the Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | | | - Nicolas Dupré
- the Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disease Clinic, CHU de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1J 1Z4, Canada, and
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Salas-Vargas J, Mancera-Gervacio J, Velázquez-Pérez L, Rodrígez-Labrada R, Martínez-Cruz E, Magaña JJ, Durand-Rivera A, Hernández-Hernández O, Cisneros B, Gonzalez-Piña R. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7: a neurodegenerative disorder with peripheral neuropathy. Eur Neurol 2015; 73:173-8. [PMID: 25614072 DOI: 10.1159/000370239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that typically show peripheral neuropathy. SCA7 is one of the rarest forms of SCA (<1/100,000 individuals). However, the disease shows a prevalence of ∼800/100,000 inhabitants in certain regions of Mexico. This low global prevalence may explain, at least in part, the isolated anecdotal and limited clinical data regarding peripheral neuropathy in SCA7 patients. AIM To assess sensory and motor peripheral nerve action potentials in an SCA7 patients group and in healthy volunteers, and subsequently correlate the electrophysiological findings with clinical and genetic features. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled in our study, 13 symptomatic SCA7 patients with a confirmed molecular and clinical diagnosis, and 19 healthy volunteers as the control group. Nerve conduction studies were carried out using standard electromyography recording methods. The sensory and motor latency, amplitude and conduction velocity were recorded in both experimental groups and analyzed using the Student's t-test. RESULTS SCA7 patients showed a significant prolongation of sensory nerve conduction latencies, as well as a decrease in sensory amplitudes. Decreases in motor amplitudes and peroneal conduction velocity were also observed. Finally, we found an association between CAG repeats and the severity of cerebellar and non-cerebellar symptoms with electrophysiological signs of demyelinization. DISCUSSION Our results reveal the existence of a critical sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy in SCA7 patients. Moreover, we show that using sensitive electrophysiological tools to evaluate nerve conduction can improve the diagnosis and design of therapeutic options based on pharmacological and rehabilitative strategies. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that SCA7 is a disease that globally affects the peripheral nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Salas-Vargas
- Centro de Rehabilitación e Inclusión Social de Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nagayach A, Patro N, Patro I. Experimentally induced diabetes causes glial activation, glutamate toxicity and cellular damage leading to changes in motor function. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:355. [PMID: 25400546 PMCID: PMC4215794 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral impairments are the most empirical consequence of diabetes mellitus documented in both humans and animal models, but the underlying causes are still poorly understood. As the cerebellum plays a major role in coordination and execution of the motor functions, we investigated the possible involvement of glial activation, cellular degeneration and glutamate transportation in the cerebellum of rats, rendered diabetic by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg/kg body weight; intraperitoneally). Motor function alterations were studied using Rotarod test (motor coordination) and grip strength (muscle activity) at 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th week post-diabetic confirmation. Scenario of glial (astroglia and microglia) activation, cell death and glutamate transportation was gaged using immunohistochemistry, histological study and image analysis. Cellular degeneration was clearly demarcated in the diabetic cerebellum. Glial cells were showing sequential and marked activation following diabetes in terms of both morphology and cell number. Bergmann glial cells were hypertrophied and distorted. Active caspase-3 positive apoptotic cells were profoundly present in all three cerebellar layers. Reduced co-labeling of GLT-1 and GFAP revealed the altered glutamate transportation in cerebellum following diabetes. These results, exclusively derived from histology, immunohistochemistry and cellular quantification, provide first insight over the associative reciprocity between the glial activation, cellular degeneration and reduced glutamate transportation, which presumably lead to the behavioral alterations following STZ-induced diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Nagayach
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji UniversityGwalior, India
| | - Nisha Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji UniversityGwalior, India
| | - Ishan Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji UniversityGwalior, India
- School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji UniversityGwalior, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zeigelboim BS, Teive HAG, Carvalho HASD, Abdulmassih EMDS, Jurkiewicz AL, Faryniuk JH. Ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 6: relato de caso. REVISTA CEFAC 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216201412513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as alterações vestibulococleares observadas em um caso de ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 6. O caso foi encaminhado do Hospital de Clínicas para o Laboratório de Otoneurologia de uma Instituição de Ensino e foi submetido aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese, inspeção otológica, avaliações audiológica e vestibular. O caso retrata uma paciente com diagnóstico genético de ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 6, do sexo feminino, com 57 anos de idade, que referiu desequilíbrio à marcha com tendência a queda para a esquerda, disartria e disfonia. Na avaliação audiológica apresentou configuração audiométrica descendente a partir da frequência de 4kHz e curva timpanométrica do tipo "A" com presença dos reflexos estapedianos bilateralmente. No exame vestibular observou-se na pesquisa da vertigem posicional presença de nistagmo vertical inferior e oblíquo, espontâneo e semiespontâneo múltiplo com características centrais (ausência de latência, paroxismo, fatigabilidade e vertigem), nistagmooptocinético abolido e hiporreflexia à prova calórica. Constataram-se alterações labirínticas que indicaram afecção do sistema vestibular central evidenciando-se a importância dessa avaliação. A existência da possível relação entre os achados com os sintomas vestibulares apresentados pela paciente apontou a relevância do exame labiríntico neste tipo de ataxia uma vez que a presença do nistagmo vertical inferior demonstrou ser frequente neste tipo de patologia.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent advances in next generation sequencing techniques (NGS) are increasing the number of novel genes associated with cerebellar and vestibular disorders. We have summarized clinical and molecular genetics findings in neuro-otolology during the last 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Whole-exome and targeted sequencing have defined the genetic basis of dizziness including new genes causing ataxia: GBA2, TGM6, ANO10 and SYT14. Novel mutations in KCNA1 and CACNA1A genes are associated with episodic ataxia type 1 and type 2, respectively. Moreover, new variants in genes such as COCH, MYO7A and POU4F3 are associated with nonsyndromic deafness and vestibular dysfunction. Several susceptibility loci have been linked to familial vestibular migraine, suggesting genetic heterogeneity, but no specific gene has been identified. Finally, loci for complex and heterogeneous diseases such as bilateral vestibular hypofunction or familial Ménière disease have not been identified yet, despite their strong familial aggregation. SUMMARY Cerebellar and vestibular disorders leading to dizziness or episodic vertigo may show overlapping clinical features. A deep phenotyping including a complete familial history is a key step in performing a reliable molecular genetic diagnosis using NGS. Personalized molecular medicine will be essential to understand disease mechanisms as well as to improve their diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
|
27
|
Wen J, Scoles DR, Facelli JC. Structure prediction of polyglutamine disease proteins: comparison of methods. BMC Bioinformatics 2014; 15 Suppl 7:S11. [PMID: 25080018 PMCID: PMC4110737 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-15-s7-s11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The expansion of polyglutamine (poly-Q) repeats in several unrelated proteins is associated with at least ten neurodegenerative diseases. The length of the poly-Q regions plays an important role in the progression of the diseases. The number of glutamines (Q) is inversely related to the onset age of these polyglutamine diseases, and the expansion of poly-Q repeats has been associated with protein misfolding. However, very little is known about the structural changes induced by the expansion of the repeats. Computational methods can provide an alternative to determine the structure of these poly-Q proteins, but it is important to evaluate their performance before large scale prediction work is done. Results In this paper, two popular protein structure prediction programs, I-TASSER and Rosetta, have been used to predict the structure of the N-terminal fragment of a protein associated with Huntington's disease with 17 glutamines. Results show that both programs have the ability to find the native structures, but I-TASSER performs better for the overall task. Conclusions Both I-TASSER and Rosetta can be used for structure prediction of proteins with poly-Q repeats. Knowledge of poly-Q structure may significantly contribute to development of therapeutic strategies for poly-Q diseases.
Collapse
|
28
|
Delplanque J, Devos D, Huin V, Genet A, Sand O, Moreau C, Goizet C, Charles P, Anheim M, Monin ML, Buée L, Destée A, Grolez G, Delmaire C, Dujardin K, Dellacherie D, Brice A, Stevanin G, Strubi-Vuillaume I, Dürr A, Sablonnière B. TMEM240 mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia 21 with mental retardation and severe cognitive impairment. Brain 2014; 137:2657-63. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
29
|
DNA repair abnormalities leading to ataxia: shared neurological phenotypes and risk factors. Neurogenetics 2014; 15:217-28. [PMID: 25038946 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-014-0415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since identification of mutations in the ATM gene leading to ataxia-telangiectasia, enormous efforts have been devoted to discovering the roles this protein plays in DNA repair as well as other cellular functions. Even before the identification of ATM mutations, it was clear that other diseases with different genomic loci had very similar neurological symptoms. There has been significant progress in understanding why cancer and immunodeficiency occur in ataxia-telangiectasia even though many details remain to be determined, but the field is no closer to determining why the nervous system requires ATM and other DNA repair genes. Even though rodent disease models have similar DNA repair abnormalities as the human diseases, they have no consistent, robust neuropathological phenotype making it difficult to understand the neurological underpinnings of disease. Therefore, it may be useful to reassess the neurological and neuropathological characteristics of ataxia-telangiectasia in human patients to look for potential commonalities in DNA repair diseases that result in ataxia. In doing so, it is clear that ataxia-telangiectasia and similar diseases share neurological features other than merely ataxia, such as length-dependent motor and sensory neuropathies, and that the neuroanatomical localization for these symptoms is understood. Cells affected in ataxia-telangiectasia and similar diseases are some of the largest single nucleated cells in the body. In addition, a subset of these diseases also has extrapyramidal movements and oculomotor apraxia. These neurological and neuropathological similarities may indicate a common DNA repair related pathogenesis with very large cell size as a critical risk factor.
Collapse
|
30
|
Ji J, Hassler ML, Shimobayashi E, Paka N, Streit R, Kapfhammer JP. Increased protein kinase C gamma activity induces Purkinje cell pathology in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia 14. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 70:1-11. [PMID: 24937631 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are hereditary diseases leading to Purkinje cell degeneration and cerebellar dysfunction. Most forms of SCA are caused by expansion of CAG repeats similar to other polyglutamine disorders such as Huntington's disease. In contrast, in the autosomal dominant SCA-14 the disease is caused by mutations in the protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ) gene which is a well characterized signaling molecule in cerebellar Purkinje cells. The study of SCA-14, therefore, offers the unique opportunity to reveal the molecular and pathological mechanism eventually leading to Purkinje cell dysfunction and degeneration. We have created a mouse model of SCA-14 in which PKCγ protein with a mutation found in SCA-14 is specifically expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. We find that in mice expressing the mutated PKCγ protein the morphology of Purkinje cells in cerebellar slice cultures is drastically altered and mimics closely the morphology seen after pharmacological PKC activation. Similar morphological abnormalities were seen in localized areas of the cerebellum of juvenile transgenic mice in vivo. In adult transgenic mice there is evidence for some localized loss of Purkinje cells but there is no overall cerebellar atrophy. Transgenic mice show a mild cerebellar ataxia revealed by testing on the rotarod and on the walking beam. Our findings provide evidence for both an increased PKCγ activity in Purkinje cells in vivo and for pathological changes typical for cerebellar disease thus linking the increased and dysregulated activity of PKCγ tightly to the development of cerebellar disease in SCA-14 and possibly also in other forms of SCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Ji
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie L Hassler
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Etsuko Shimobayashi
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nagendher Paka
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Streit
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josef P Kapfhammer
- Anatomical Institute, Department of Biomedicine Basel, University of Basel, Pestalozzistr, 20, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rodríguez-Cueto C, Benito C, Romero J, Hernández-Gálvez M, Gómez-Ruiz M, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes in the post-mortem cerebellum of humans affected by hereditary autosomal dominant ataxias. Pathobiology 2014; 81:149-59. [PMID: 24642775 DOI: 10.1159/000358127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are characterized by a loss of balance and motor coordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. We recently found important changes in cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of patients affected by different SCAs. METHODS We wanted to further explore this issue by analysing the two major endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), in the post-mortem cerebellum of SCA patients and control subjects. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for the FAAH and MAGL enzymes was found in the granular layer, in Purkinje cells, in neurons of the dentate nucleus and in areas of white matter in the cerebellum of patients at levels frequently notably higher than those in control subjects. Using double-labelling procedures, we found co-localization of FAAH and MAGL with calbindin, supporting the presence of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons. CONCLUSIONS Degradative endocannabinoid enzymes are significantly increased in the cerebellum of SCA patients, which would presumably lead to reduced endocannabinoid levels. The identification of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons suggests a relationship with the pathogenesis of SCAs and suggests that the endocannabinoid system could provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of disease progression in SCAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rodríguez-Cueto C, Benito C, Fernández-Ruiz J, Romero J, Hernández-Gálvez M, Gómez-Ruiz M. Changes in CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of humans affected by spinocerebellar ataxias. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1472-89. [PMID: 23808969 PMCID: PMC3954486 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a family of chronic progressive neurodegenerative diseases, clinically and genetically heterogeneous, characterized by loss of balance and motor coordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. Unlike other motor disorders, the possible role of changes in the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of SCAs has not been investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The status of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 ) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2 ) receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of SCA patients and controls was investigated using immunohistochemical procedures. KEY RESULTS Immunoreactivity for the CB1 receptor, and also for the CB2 receptor, was found in the granular layer, Purkinje cells, neurons of the dentate nucleus and areas of white matter in the cerebellum of SCA patients at levels notably higher than controls. Double-labelling procedures demonstrated co-localization of CB1 and, in particular, CB2 receptors with calbindin, supporting the presence of these receptors in Purkinje neurons. Both receptors also co-localized with Iba-1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the granular layer and white matter areas, indicating that they are present in microglia and astrocytes respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB1 and CB2 receptor levels are significantly altered in the cerebellum of SCA patients. Their identification in Purkinje neurons, which are the main cells affected in SCAs, as well as the changes they experienced, suggest that alterations in endocannabinoid receptors may be related to the pathogenesis of SCAs. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system could provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of SCAs and its progression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Benito
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Fundación Hospital AlcorcónMadrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Fundación Hospital AlcorcónMadrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández-Gálvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sepulveda-Falla D, Barrera-Ocampo A, Hagel C, Korwitz A, Vinueza-Veloz MF, Zhou K, Schonewille M, Zhou H, Velazquez-Perez L, Rodriguez-Labrada R, Villegas A, Ferrer I, Lopera F, Langer T, De Zeeuw CI, Glatzel M. Familial Alzheimer's disease-associated presenilin-1 alters cerebellar activity and calcium homeostasis. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:1552-67. [PMID: 24569455 DOI: 10.1172/jci66407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is characterized by autosomal dominant heritability and early disease onset. Mutations in the gene encoding presenilin-1 (PS1) are found in approximately 80% of cases of FAD, with some of these patients presenting cerebellar damage with amyloid plaques and ataxia with unclear pathophysiology. A Colombian kindred carrying the PS1-E280A mutation is the largest known cohort of PS1-FAD patients. Here, we investigated PS1-E280A-associated cerebellar dysfunction and found that it occurs early in PS1-E208A carriers, while cerebellar signs are highly prevalent in patients with dementia. Postmortem analysis of cerebella of PS1-E280A carrier revealed greater Purkinje cell (PC) loss and more abnormal mitochondria compared with controls. In PS1-E280A tissue, ER/mitochondria tethering was impaired, Ca2+ channels IP3Rs and CACNA1A were downregulated, and Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial transport proteins MIRO1 and KIF5C were reduced. Accordingly, expression of PS1-E280A in a neuronal cell line altered ER/mitochondria tethering and transport compared with that in cells expressing wild-type PS1. In a murine model of PS1-FAD, animals exhibited mild ataxia and reduced PC simple spike activity prior to cerebellar β-amyloid deposition. Our data suggest that impaired calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in PS1-FAD PCs reduces their activity and contributes to motor coordination deficits prior to Aβ aggregation and dementia. We propose that PS1-E280A affects both Ca2+ homeostasis and Aβ precursor processing, leading to FAD and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
34
|
Aqueous extract of Gardenia jasminoides targeting oxidative stress to reduce polyQ aggregation in cell models of spinocerebellar ataxia 3. Neuropharmacology 2014; 81:166-75. [PMID: 24486383 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), caused by expanded CAG repeats encoding a long polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the respective proteins, are characterized by the accumulation of intranuclear and cytoplasmic misfolded polyQ aggregation that leads to cell death. Suppression of aggregate formation can inhibit a wide range of downstream pathogenic events and is expected to be a therapeutic strategy for SCAs. Here we show the anti-aggregation potential of Gardenia jasminoides (G. jasminoides) and its components/metabolite geniposide, crocin, and genipin, in ATXN3/Q75-GFP 293 cells, a putative SCA3 cell model. We found the aggregation can be significantly prohibited by G. jasminoides, genipin, geniposide and crocin. Meanwhile, G. jasminoides, genipin, geniposide, and crocin up-regulated anti-oxidative markers NFE2L2, NQO1, GCLC and GSTP1, and reduced the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the same cell models. All of them further inhibited the aggregation in neurally differentiated SH-SY5Y ATXN3/Q75-GFP cells. Our results demonstrate that G. jasminoides, genipin, geniposide and crocin work on polyQ-aggregation reduction by suppressing ROS. These findings indicate the therapeutic applications of G. jasminoides in treating SCAs. Furthermore, oxidative stress inhibition could be a good target for drug development of anti-polyQ aggregation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Goodwin M, Swanson MS. RNA-binding protein misregulation in microsatellite expansion disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 825:353-88. [PMID: 25201111 PMCID: PMC4483269 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1221-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play pivotal roles in multiple cellular pathways from transcription to RNA turnover by interacting with RNA sequence and/or structural elements to form distinct RNA-protein complexes. Since these complexes are required for the normal regulation of gene expression, mutations that alter RBP functions may result in a cascade of deleterious events that lead to severe disease. Here, we focus on a group of hereditary disorders, the microsatellite expansion diseases, which alter RBP activities and result in abnormal neurological and neuromuscular phenotypes. While many of these diseases are classified as adult-onset disorders, mounting evidence indicates that disruption of normal RNA-protein interaction networks during embryogenesis modifies developmental pathways, which ultimately leads to disease manifestations later in life. Efforts to understand the molecular basis of these disorders has already uncovered novel pathogenic mechanisms, including RNA toxicity and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation, and current studies suggest that additional surprising insights into cellular regulatory pathways will emerge in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Goodwin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Cancer Genetics Research Complex, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32610-3610, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Paulsen JS, Nance M, Kim JI, Carlozzi NE, Panegyres PK, Erwin C, Goh A, McCusker E, Williams JK. A review of quality of life after predictive testing for and earlier identification of neurodegenerative diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 110:2-28. [PMID: 24036231 PMCID: PMC3833259 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed an explosion of evidence suggesting that many neurodegenerative diseases can be detected years, if not decades, earlier than previously thought. To date, these scientific advances have not provoked any parallel translational or clinical improvements. There is an urgency to capitalize on this momentum so earlier detection of disease can be more readily translated into improved health-related quality of life for families at risk for, or suffering with, neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement in neurodegenerative diseases and the importance of these "patient reported outcomes" for all clinical research. Next, we address HRQOL following early identification or predictive genetic testing in some neurodegenerative diseases: Huntington disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, prion diseases, hereditary ataxias, Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and Wilson's disease. After a brief report of available direct-to-consumer genetic tests, we address the juxtaposition of earlier disease identification with assumed reluctance toward predictive genetic testing. Forty-one studies examining health-related outcomes following predictive genetic testing for neurodegenerative disease suggested that (a) extreme or catastrophic outcomes are rare; (b) consequences commonly include transiently increased anxiety and/or depression; (c) most participants report no regret; (d) many persons report extensive benefits to receiving genetic information; and (e) stigmatization and discrimination for genetic diseases are poorly understood and policy and laws are needed. Caution is appropriate for earlier identification of neurodegenerative diseases but findings suggest further progress is safe, feasible and likely to advance clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Paulsen
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cops EJ, Sashindranath M, Daglas M, Short KM, da Fonseca Pereira C, Pang TY, Lijnen RH, Smyth IM, Hannan AJ, Samson AL, Medcalf RL. Tissue-type plasminogen activator is an extracellular mediator of Purkinje cell damage and altered gait. Exp Neurol 2013; 249:8-19. [PMID: 23939410 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purkinje neurons are a sensitive and specialised cell type important for fine motor movement and coordination. Purkinje cell damage manifests as motor incoordination and ataxia - a prominent feature of many human disorders including spinocerebellar ataxia and Huntington's disease. A correlation between Purkinje degeneration and excess cerebellar levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been observed in multiple genetically-distinct models of ataxia. Here we show that Purkinje loss in a mouse model of Huntington's disease also correlates with a 200% increase in cerebellar tPA activity. That elevated tPA levels arise in a variety of ataxia models suggests that tPA is a common mediator of Purkinje damage. To address the specific contribution of tPA to cerebellar dysfunction we studied the T4 mice line that overexpresses murine tPA in postnatal neurons through the Thy1.2 gene promoter, which directs preferential expression to Purkinje cells within the cerebellum. Here we show that T4 mice develop signs of cerebellar damage within 10 weeks of birth including atrophy of Purkinje cell soma and dendrites, astrogliosis, reduced molecular layer volume and altered gait. In contrast, T4 mice displayed no evidence of microgliosis, nor any changes in interneuron density, nor alteration in the cerebellar granular neuron layer. Thus, excess tPA levels may be sufficient to cause targeted Purkinje cell degeneration and ataxia. We propose that elevated cerebellar tPA levels exert a common pathway of Purkinje cell damage. Therapeutically lowering cerebellar tPA levels may represent a novel means of preserving Purkinje cell integrity and motor coordination across a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa J Cops
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, AMREP, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Magaña J, Tapia-Guerrero Y, Velázquez-Pérez L, Cerecedo-Zapata C, Maldonado-Rodríguez M, Jano-Ito J, Leyva-García N, González-Piña R, Martínez-Cruz E, Hernández-Hernández O, Cisneros B. Analysis of CAG repeats in five SCA loci in Mexican population: epidemiological evidence of a SCA7 founder effect. Clin Genet 2013; 85:159-65. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.J. Magaña
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Y.S. Tapia-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
- Superior Medicine School; National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); Mexico City Mexico
| | - L. Velázquez-Pérez
- General Direction, Center for Research and Rehabilitation of the Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH); Holguín Cuba
| | - C.M. Cerecedo-Zapata
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
| | - M. Maldonado-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
- Faculty of Chemistry; National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM); Mexico City Mexico
| | - J.S. Jano-Ito
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
| | - N. Leyva-García
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
| | | | - E. Martínez-Cruz
- Rehabilitation Sub Direction, Rehabilitation and Special Education Center of Veracruz (CREEVER-DIF); Xalapa Veracruz Mexico
| | - O. Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute (INR); Mexico City Mexico
| | - B. Cisneros
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology; Center of Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV)-IPN; Mexico City Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Aqueous Extract of Paeonia lactiflora and Paeoniflorin as Aggregation Reducers Targeting Chaperones in Cell Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:471659. [PMID: 23533486 PMCID: PMC3596917 DOI: 10.1155/2013/471659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17 as well as Huntington's disease are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by expanded CAG repeats encoding a long polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the respective proteins. Evidence has shown that the accumulation of intranuclear and cytoplasmic misfolded polyQ proteins leads to apoptosis and cell death. Thus suppression of aggregate formation is expected to inhibit a wide range of downstream pathogenic events in polyQ diseases. In this study, we established a high-throughput aggregation screening system using 293 ATXN3/Q75-GFP cells and applied this system to test the aqueous extract of Paeonia lactiflora (P. lactiflora) and its constituents. We found that the aggregation can be significantly prohibited by P. lactiflora and its active compound paeoniflorin. Meanwhile, P. lactiflora and paeoniflorin upregulated HSF1 and HSP70 chaperones in the same cell models. Both of them further reduced the aggregation in neuronal differentiated SH-SY5Y ATXN3/Q75-GFP cells. Our results demonstrate how P. lactiflora and paeoniflorin are likely to work on polyQ-aggregation reduction and provide insight into the possible working mechanism of P. lactiflora in SCA3. We anticipate our paper to be a starting point for screening more potential herbs for the treatment of SCA3 and other polyQ diseases.
Collapse
|
40
|
Hekman KE, Yu GY, Brown CD, Zhu H, Du X, Gervin K, Undlien DE, Peterson A, Stevanin G, Clark HB, Pulst SM, Bird TD, White KP, Gomez CM. A conserved eEF2 coding variant in SCA26 leads to loss of translational fidelity and increased susceptibility to proteostatic insult. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:5472-83. [PMID: 23001565 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders exhibiting cerebellar atrophy and Purkinje cell degeneration whose subtypes arise from 31 distinct genetic loci. Our group previously published the locus for SCA26 on chromosome 19p13.3. In this study, we performed targeted deep sequencing of the critical interval in order to identify candidate causative variants in individuals from the SCA26 family. We identified a single variant that co-segregates with the disease phenotype that produces a single amino acid substitution in eukaryotic elongation factor 2. This substitution, P596H, sits in a domain critical for maintaining reading frame during translation. The yeast equivalent, P580H EF2, demonstrated impaired translocation, detected as an increased rate of -1 programmed ribosomal frameshift read-through in a dual-luciferase assay for observing translational recoding. This substitution also results in a greater susceptibility to proteostatic disruption, as evidenced by a more robust activation of a reporter gene driven by unfolded protein response activation upon challenge with dithiothreitol or heat shock in our yeast model system. Our results present a compelling candidate mutation and mechanism for the pathogenesis of SCA26 and further support the role of proteostatic disruption in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Hekman
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Klivényi P, Nemeth D, Sefcsik T, Janacsek K, Hoffmann I, Haden GP, Londe Z, Vecsei L. Cognitive functions in ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2. Front Neurol 2012; 3:125. [PMID: 23015802 PMCID: PMC3449493 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2012.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is characterized by cerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia, and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. The disease is caused by a recessive mutation in the senataxin gene. Since it is a very rare cerebellar disorder, no detailed examination of cognitive functions in AOA2 has been published to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuropsychological profile of a 54-year-old patient with AOA2. Methods: A broad range of neuropsychological examination protocol was administered including the following domains: short-term, working- and episodic-memories, executive functions, implicit sequence learning, and the temporal parameters of speech. Results: The performance on the Listening Span, Letter Fluency, Serial Reaction Time Task, and pause ratio in speech was 2 or more standard deviations (SD) lower compared to controls, and 1 SD lower on Backward Digit Span, Semantic Fluency, articulation rate, and speech tempo. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the pathogenesis of the cerebrocerebellar circuit in AOA2 is responsible for the weaker coordination of complex cognitive functions such as working memory, executive functions, speech, and sequence learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Klivényi
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|