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Paucar M, Laffita-Mesa J, Niemelä V, Malmgren H, Nennesmo I, Lagerstedt-Robinson K, Nordenskjöld M, Svenningsson P. Genetic screening for Huntington disease phenocopies in Sweden: A tertiary center case series focused on short tandem repeat (STR) disorders. J Neurol Sci 2023; 451:120707. [PMID: 37379724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a screening for Huntington disease (HD) phenocopies in a Swedish cohort. METHODS Seventy-three DNA samples negative for HD were assessed at a tertiary center in Stockholm. The screening included analyses for C9orf72-frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9orf72-FTD/ALS), octapeptide repeat insertions (OPRIs) in PRNP associated with inherited prion diseases (IPD), Huntington's disease-like 2 (HDL2), spinocerebellar ataxia-2 (SCA2), spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) and spinocerebellar ataxia-17 (SCA17). Targeted genetic analysis was carried out in two cases based on the salient phenotypic features. RESULTS The screening identified two patients with SCA17, one patient with IPD associated with 5-OPRI but none with nucleotide expansions in C9orf72 or for HDL2, SCA2 or SCA3. Furthermore, SGCE-myoclonic-dystonia 11 (SGCE-M-D) and benign hereditary chorea (BHC) was diagnosed in two sporadic cases. WES identified VUS in STUB1 in two patients with predominant cerebellar ataxia. CONCLUSIONS Our results are in keeping with previous screenings and suggest that other genes yet to be discovered are involved in the etiology of HD phenocopies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Paucar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - José Laffita-Mesa
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Valter Niemelä
- Institute for Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Malmgren
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Inger Nennesmo
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Lagerstedt-Robinson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Nordenskjöld
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Salari M, Rezaei K, Mirdehghan A, Behzadi A, Etemadifar M. A review on approach to a twitchy tongue in neurology. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06771-3. [PMID: 37043038 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several etiologies are responsible for presentation of a twitching tongue in clinical practice. Some of these etiologies cause an isolated hyperkinetic tongue muscle, and some others cause it along with other signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVES The present paper aims to review the causes, pathology, and presentations reported with twitchy tongue. An anatomical basis of the etiologies responsible for presentation of a twitchy tongue and hyperkinetic movement disorders of this muscle is pursued. METHOD The reporting of this systematic review was guided by the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement. All of the research papers conducted with keywords described in the method section between 2000 and 2022 were used, and review articles and articles without any human subject and without any described hyperkinetic movement disorders of the tongue were excluded. RESULTS All of the etiologies responsible for hyperkinetic movement disorders of tongue were listed in the basis of their anatomical site of effect; cortical region, basal ganglia, cerebellum, brain stem, nucleus and nerve, and neuromuscular junction. One last remained part is the "not classified" section, which contains the etiologies with no particular anatomical origin. CONCLUSION There are a variety of responsible etiologies for presentation of a twitchy tongue, and in the matter of a complaint of hyperkinetic tongue presentation, physicians should consider anatomical, functional, and psychological etiologies and other signs and symptoms must be participated in the diagnosis process to achieve a proper medical decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Salari
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Rezaei
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alimohammad Mirdehghan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Behzadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Etemadifar
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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3
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Kartanou C, Kontogeorgiou Z, Rentzos M, Potagas C, Aristeidou S, Kapaki E, Paraskevas GP, Constantinides VC, Stefanis L, Papageorgiou SG, Houlden H, Panas M, Koutsis G, Karadima G. Expanding the spectrum of C9ORF72-related neurodegenerative disorders in the Greek population. J Neurol Sci 2022; 442:120450. [PMID: 36252286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion is an established cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and has also been associated with Huntington disease (HD)-like syndromes and rarely with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study we aimed to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic profile of C9ORF72-related disorders in Greece. For this reason, 957 patients (467 with ALS, 53 with HD-like syndromes, 247 with dementia, 175 with PD and 15 with hereditary spastic paraplegia, HSP) and 321 controls were tested for the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Forty-nine patients with ALS (10.5%), 2 with HD-like syndromes (3.8%), 13 with FTD (11.5%), 1 with AD (1.6%), and 2 with PD (1.1%) were expansion-positive. The expansion was not detected in the HSP or control groups. The results of this study provide an update on the spectrum of C9ORF72-related neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the importance of C9ORF72 genetic testing in Greek patients with familial and sporadic ALS and/or FTD and HD-like syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisoula Kartanou
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Zoi Kontogeorgiou
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Rentzos
- 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin Potagas
- Neuropsychology and Speech Pathology Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Aristeidou
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Kapaki
- Unit of Neurochemistry and Biological Markers, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Paraskevas
- Unit of Neurochemistry and Biological Markers, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios C Constantinides
- Unit of Neurochemistry and Biological Markers, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis G Papageorgiou
- 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Henry Houlden
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Marios Panas
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Koutsis
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Karadima
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Nguyen QTR, Ortigoza Escobar JD, Burgunder JM, Mariotti C, Saft C, Hjermind LE, Youssov K, Landwehrmeyer GB, Bachoud-Lévi AC. Combining Literature Review With a Ground Truth Approach for Diagnosing Huntington's Disease Phenocopy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:817753. [PMID: 35222250 PMCID: PMC8866848 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.817753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One percent of patients with a Huntington's disease (HD) phenotype do not have the Huntington (HTT) gene mutation. These are known as HD phenocopies. Their diagnosis is still a challenge. Our objective is to provide a diagnostic approach to HD phenocopies based on medical expertise and a review of the literature. We employed two complementary approaches sequentially: a review of the literature and two surveys analyzing the daily clinical practice of physicians who are experts in movement disorders. The review of the literature was conducted from 1993 to 2020, by extracting articles about chorea or HD-like disorders from the database Pubmed, yielding 51 articles, and analyzing 20 articles in depth to establish the surveys. Twenty-eight physicians responded to the first survey exploring the red flags suggestive of specific disease entities. Thirty-three physicians completed the second survey which asked for the classification of paraclinical tests according to their diagnostic significance. The analysis of the results of the second survey used four different clustering algorithms and the density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN to classify the paraclinical tests into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-line recommendations. In addition, we included suggestions from members of the European Reference Network-Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND Chorea & Huntington disease group). Finally, we propose guidance that integrate the detection of clinical red flags with a classification of paraclinical testing options to improve the diagnosis of HD phenocopies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Tuan Rémy Nguyen
- AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Centre National de Référence Maladie de Huntington, Service de Neurologie, Créteil, France
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Laboratoire de Neuropsychologie Interventionnelle, Creteil, France
- Département d'Etudes Cognitives, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Quang Tuan Rémy Nguyen
| | - Juan Dario Ortigoza Escobar
- Movement Disorders Unit, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Burgunder
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Siloah and Department of Neurology, Department of Clinical Research, Swiss Huntington's Disease Centre, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Carsten Saft
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lena Elisabeth Hjermind
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Clinic of Neurogenetics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katia Youssov
- AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Centre National de Référence Maladie de Huntington, Service de Neurologie, Créteil, France
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Laboratoire de Neuropsychologie Interventionnelle, Creteil, France
| | - G. Bernhard Landwehrmeyer
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne-Catherine Bachoud-Lévi
- AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Centre National de Référence Maladie de Huntington, Service de Neurologie, Créteil, France
- Département d'Etudes Cognitives, École normale supérieure, PSL University, Paris, France
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Tübingen, Germany
- Anne-Catherine Bachoud-Lévi
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Chua JP, De Calbiac H, Kabashi E, Barmada SJ. Autophagy and ALS: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Autophagy 2021; 18:254-282. [PMID: 34057020 PMCID: PMC8942428 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1926656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of protein homeostasis are crucial for overseeing the clearance of misfolded and toxic proteins over the lifetime of an organism, thereby ensuring the health of neurons and other cells of the central nervous system. The highly conserved pathway of autophagy is particularly necessary for preventing and counteracting pathogenic insults that may lead to neurodegeneration. In line with this, mutations in genes that encode essential autophagy factors result in impaired autophagy and lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanistic details underlying the neuroprotective role of autophagy, neuronal resistance to autophagy induction, and the neuron-specific effects of autophagy-impairing mutations remain incompletely defined. Further, the manner and extent to which non-cell autonomous effects of autophagy dysfunction contribute to ALS pathogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the interplay between autophagy and ALS pathogenesis by providing an overview of critical steps in the autophagy pathway, with special focus on pivotal factors impaired by ALS-causing mutations, their physiologic effects on autophagy in disease models, and the cell type-specific mechanisms regulating autophagy in non-neuronal cells which, when impaired, can contribute to neurodegeneration. This review thereby provides a framework not only to guide further investigations of neuronal autophagy but also to refine therapeutic strategies for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Atg: autophagy-related; CHMP2B: charged multivesicular body protein 2B; DPR: dipeptide repeat; FTD: frontotemporal dementia; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cell; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RNP: ribonuclear protein; sALS: sporadic ALS; SPHK1: sphingosine kinase 1; TARDBP/TDP-43: TAR DNA binding protein; TBK1: TANK-binding kinase 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; VCP: valosin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Chua
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hortense De Calbiac
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Clinical Update on C9orf72: Frontotemporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Beyond. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:67-76. [PMID: 33433869 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The identification of C9orf72 gene has led to important scientific progresses and has considerably changed our clinical practice. However, a decade after C9orf72 discovery, some important clinical questions remain unsolved. The reliable cutoff for the pathogenic repeat number and the implication of intermediate alleles in frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or in other diseases are still uncertain. The occurrence of an anticipation phenomenon - at the clinical and molecular levels - in C9orf72 kindreds is still debated as well, and the factors driving age at onset and phenotype variability are largely unknown. All these questions have a significant impact not only in clinical practice for diagnosis and genetic counseling but also in a research context for the initiation of therapeutic trials. In this chapter, we will address all those issues and summarize the recent updates about clinical aspects of C9orf72 disease, focusing on both the common and the less typical phenotypes.
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Alva-Diaz C, Alarcon-Ruiz CA, Pacheco-Barrios K, Mori N, Pacheco-Mendoza J, Traynor BJ, Rivera-Valdivia A, Lertwilaiwittaya P, Bird TD, Cornejo-Olivas M. C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat in Huntington-Like Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Genet 2020; 11:551780. [PMID: 33240313 PMCID: PMC7667021 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.551780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with Huntington-Like disorders (HLD) comprise a variety of allelic disorders sharing a Huntington phenotype. The hexanucleotide repeat expansion of the C9orf72 gene could explain part of the HLD etiology. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis looking for the frequency of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion of the C9orf72 gene in HLD patients. Methods: The protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42018105465). The search was carried out in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase in April 2018, and updated in July 2020. Observational studies reporting patients with HLD carrying the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene were selected and reviewed; this process was duplicated. The cutoff threshold for considering the hexanucleotide expansion as a pathogenic variant was equal to or >30 G4C2 repeats. Cases with intermediate alleles with 20-29 repeat are also analyzed. Pooled frequency and 95% CI were calculated using random-effects models. Results: Nine out of 219 studies were selected, reporting 1,123 affected individuals with HLD. Among them, 18 individuals carried C9orf72 expansion, representing 1% (95% CI: 0-2%, I 2 = 0%) of the pooled frequency. Seven selected studies came from European centers, one was reported at a US center, and one came from a South-African center. We identified five individuals carrying intermediate alleles representing 3% (95% CI: 0-14%, I 2 = 78.5%). Conclusions: The frequency of C9orf72 unstable hexanucleotide repeat expansion in HLD patients is very low. Further studies with more accurate clinical data and from different ethnic backgrounds are needed to confirm this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alva-Diaz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Christoper A. Alarcon-Ruiz
- Unidad de Investigación Para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Nicanor Mori
- Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Callao, Peru
| | - Josmel Pacheco-Mendoza
- Unidad de Investigación en Bibliometria, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Bryan J. Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute of Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Andrea Rivera-Valdivia
- Neurogenetics Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
- Fogarty Northern Pacific Global Health Fellows Program, Seattle, WA, United States
- Fogarty Interdisciplinary Cerebrovascular Diseases Training Program in South America, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Thomas D. Bird
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mario Cornejo-Olivas
- Neurogenetics Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Screening for the C9ORF72 expansion in Greek Huntington Disease phenocopies and controls and meta-analysis of current data. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2020; 10:5. [PMID: 32775019 PMCID: PMC7394208 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several European studies examined the role of C9orf72 repeat expansion in patients with Huntington-disease like phenotypes (HD-L). The scope of our study is to investigate the expansion frequency in a Greek HD-L cohort and the meta-analysis of all published cases. This will be of use in genetic counseling of these cases. Methods: A cohort of 74 patients with HD-L and 67 healthy controls were screened for the C9orf72 expansion status. Case-controls comparison was assessed with the Pearson’s chi-square statistic for a 2 × 2 table. A systematic database search was conducted and seven studies, including the current study, were considered eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis considering a total of 812 patients with HD phenocopies. Pooled mutation frequency was calculated using a Random Effects model or the Mantel-Haezsel fixed effects model, depending on the observed heterogeneity. Results: In our cohort, one patient was found to have a pathologic expansion of C9orf72, and none from the control group (chi-square: 0.91, p-value: 0.34). Pooled mutation frequency was found at 2% (CI: 1–3%) with low heterogeneity (I2:15%). Discussion: Based on this meta-analysis the recommendation for genetic testing for C9orf72 expansions is further solidified.
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Corcia P, Lumbroso S, Cazeneuve C, Mouzat K, Camu W, Vourc'h P. Pre-symptomatic diagnosis in ALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:166-169. [PMID: 31932031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains partially understood even though it is accepted worldwide that motor neuron death results from a pluri-factorial process with a variable role of genetic factors. Although not distinguishable from a clinical point of view, familial forms of ALS (fALS, 10% of cases) and sporadic forms (sALS, 90% of cases) can be described. Since the identification of superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) mutations, more than 30 genes have been linked to fALS. Among these genes, five (C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, TBK1) seem predominant with mutation frequencies of 40%, 20%, 5%, <5%, <5% in fALS and 6%, 3%, and <1% for the last three in sALS, respectively. The situation that classically leads to request genetic screening is the presence of a familial history of motor neuron disorders (MND) or fronto-temporal lobar dementia (FTLD). However, this dichotomy between fALS and sALS based on familial history can lead to mistakes since illegitimacy, ignorance of MND, FTD or psychiatric disorders within the family due to a familial censorship or lack of familial relationship, or a recessive autosomal inheritance could wrongly lead to failing to recognize a familial form. The significant development of genetic research and easier access to genetic tests in fALS increase the number of situations for which gene mutations are identified. The consequence is an increase in genetic requests from relatives of ALS patients who are eager to know their own genetic status and their own individual risk to develop ALS. Pre-symptomatic testing is thus becoming a daily issue in ALS Centers. This led us to propose a framework for such pre-symptomatic genetic testing for people at risk for developing ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corcia
- Centre Constitutif SLA, CHU Bretonneau, Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
| | - S Lumbroso
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - C Cazeneuve
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Neurogénétique Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - K Mouzat
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - W Camu
- Centre Consitutif SLA, Hopital Guy de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France; Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHRU Tours, France
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Morales-Briceño H, Mohammad SS, Post B, Fois AF, Dale RC, Tchan M, Fung VSC. Clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes of genetic parkinsonism from infancy to adolescence. Brain 2019; 143:751-770. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGenetic early-onset parkinsonism presenting from infancy to adolescence (≤21 years old) is a clinically diverse syndrome often combined with other hyperkinetic movement disorders, neurological and imaging abnormalities. The syndrome is genetically heterogeneous, with many causative genes already known. With the increased use of next-generation sequencing in clinical practice, there have been novel and unexpected insights into phenotype-genotype correlations and the discovery of new disease-causing genes. It is now recognized that mutations in a single gene can give rise to a broad phenotypic spectrum and that, conversely different genetic disorders can manifest with a similar phenotype. Accurate phenotypic characterization remains an essential step in interpreting genetic findings in undiagnosed patients. However, in the past decade, there has been a marked expansion in knowledge about the number of both disease-causing genes and phenotypic spectrum of early-onset cases. Detailed knowledge of genetic disorders and their clinical expression is required for rational planning of genetic and molecular testing, as well as correct interpretation of next-generation sequencing results. In this review we examine the relevant literature of genetic parkinsonism with ≤21 years onset, extracting data on associated movement disorders as well as other neurological and imaging features, to delineate syndromic patterns associated with early-onset parkinsonism. Excluding PRKN (parkin) mutations, >90% of the presenting phenotypes have a complex or atypical presentation, with dystonia, abnormal cognition, pyramidal signs, neuropsychiatric disorders, abnormal imaging and abnormal eye movements being the most common features. Furthermore, several imaging features and extraneurological manifestations are relatively specific for certain disorders and are important diagnostic clues. From the currently available literature, the most commonly implicated causes of early-onset parkinsonism have been elucidated but diagnosis is still challenging in many cases. Mutations in ∼70 different genes have been associated with early-onset parkinsonism or may feature parkinsonism as part of their phenotypic spectrum. Most of the cases are caused by recessively inherited mutations, followed by dominant and X-linked mutations, and rarely by mitochondrially inherited mutations. In infantile-onset parkinsonism, the phenotype of hypokinetic-rigid syndrome is most commonly caused by disorders of monoamine synthesis. In childhood and juvenile-onset cases, common genotypes include PRKN, HTT, ATP13A2, ATP1A3, FBX07, PINK1 and PLA2G6 mutations. Moreover, Wilson’s disease and mutations in the manganese transporter are potentially treatable conditions and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in any patient with early-onset parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Morales-Briceño
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Shekeeb S Mohammad
- Neurology Department, Children’s Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Bart Post
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Neurology, Parkinson Centre Nijmegen (ParC) Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro F Fois
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Neurology Department, Children’s Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Michel Tchan
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Victor S C Fung
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Bourinaris T, Houlden H. C9orf72 and its Relevance in Parkinsonism and Movement Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2018; 5:575-585. [PMID: 30637277 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion is one of the latest discovered repeat expansion disorders related to neurodegeneration. Its association with the FTD/ALS spectrum disorders is well established, and it is considered to be one of the leading related genes. It has also been reported as a possible cause of several other phenotypes, including parkinsonism and other movement disorders. Its significance, though outside the FTD/ALS spectrum, is not well defined. Methods A comprehensive search of the literature was performed. All relevant papers, including reviews and case series/reports on movement disorder phenotypes reported with the C9orf72 repeat expansion, were reviewed. Data on frequency, natural history, phenotype, genetics, and possible underlying mechanisms were assessed. Results and Discussion In a number of studies, C9orf72 accounts for a small fraction of typical PD. Atypical parkinsonian syndromes, including CBS, PSP, and MSA have also been reported. Features that increase the probability of positive testing include early cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms, positive family history of ALS or FTD, and the presence of UMN and LMN signs. Furthermore, several studies conclude that C9orf72 is the most common cause of HD-phenocopies. Interestingly, many cases with the parkinsonian phenotype that bear an intermediate range of repeats are also reported, questioning the direct causal role of C9orf72 and suggesting the possibility of being a susceptibility factor, while the presence of the expansion in normal controls questions its clinical significance. Finally, studies on pathology reveal a distinctive broad range of C9orf72-related neurodegeneration that could explain the wide phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bourinaris
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Institute of Neurology, University College London London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Institute of Neurology, University College London London, WC1N 3BG UK
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12
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Fazio P, Paucar M, Svenningsson P, Varrone A. Novel Imaging Biomarkers for Huntington's Disease and Other Hereditary Choreas. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2018; 18:85. [PMID: 30291526 PMCID: PMC6182636 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-018-0890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Imaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders are primarily developed with the goal to aid diagnosis, to monitor disease progression, and to assess the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies in support to clinical outcomes that may either show limited sensitivity or need extended time for their evaluation. This article will review the most recent concepts and findings in the field of neuroimaging applied to Huntington's disease and Huntington-like syndromes. Emphasis will be given to the discussion of potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers for clinical trials in Huntington's disease (HD) and of neuroimaging tools that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in HD-like syndromes. RECENT FINDINGS Several magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging tools have been identified as potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers and others are in the pipeline after preclinical validation. MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET can be considered useful supportive diagnostic tools for the differentiation of other HD-like syndromes. New trials in HD have the primary goal to lower mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein levels in the brain in order to reduce or alter the progression of the disease. MR and PET molecular imaging markers have been developed as tools to monitor disease progression and to evaluate treatment outcomes of disease-modifying trials in HD. These markers could be used alone or in combination for detecting structural and pharmacodynamic changes potentially associated with the lowering of mHTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Fazio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, R5:02 Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Paucar
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Varrone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, R5:02 Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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C9orf72-associated neurodegeneration in ALS-FTD: breaking new ground in ribosomal RNA and nucleolar dysfunction. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 373:351-360. [PMID: 29450726 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases with distinct clinical appearance. However, both share as major genetic risk factor a C9orf72 locus intronic hexanucleotide expansion. The pathogenic pathways associated with the expansion-dependent neuronal toxicity are still poorly understood. Recent efforts to identify common threads of neuronal dysfunction have pointed towards deficits of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) biogenesis and loss of nucleolar integrity, a condition known as nucleolar stress that is an emerging shared feature among neurodegenerative diseases. Intriguingly, the C9orf72 mutation in ALS-FTD interferes with the function of the nucleolus by transcripts and dipeptide repeats (DPRs) produced by the hexanucleotide expansion. Experimental discrepancies have given rise to different hypotheses with regard to the connection of C9orf72 and nucleolar activity. In this review, we present and discuss emerging concepts concerning the impact of C9orf72 expansion on nucleolar biology. Moreover, we discuss the "nucleolar stress hypothesis," according to which nucleolar malfunction accompanies, exacerbates, or potentially triggers a degenerative phenotype. Upcoming awareness of the involvement of nucleolar stress in C9orf72 ALS-FTD could shed light into its pathogenesis, enabling potential treatment options aimed at shielding an "Achilles' heel" of neurons.
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14
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Martins J, Damásio J, Mendes A, Vila-Chã N, Alves JE, Ramos C, Cavaco S, Silva J, Alonso I, Magalhães M. Clinical spectrum of C9orf72 expansion in a cohort of Huntington's disease phenocopies. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:741-744. [PMID: 29441485 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The expansion in the C9orf72 gene has been recently reported as a genetic cause of Huntington's disease (HD) phenocopies. We aim to assess the frequency of the C9orf72 gene expansion in a Portuguese HD phenocopies cohort. Twenty HD phenotype-like patients without diagnosis were identified in our institutional database. C9orf72 gene expansion was detected using repeat-primed PCR. Clinical files were reviewed to characterize the phenotype of expansion-positive cases. One patient (5%) was positive for the C9orf72 expansion. A second patient presented 27 repeats-within the intermediate size interval. Both had familial neuropsychiatric disease characterized by diverse movement disorders, dementia, and psychiatric dysfunction that was distinct in severity and clinical expression. C9orf72 disease is clinically heterogeneous and without evident imaging markers. The definition of the role of intermediate alleles and of the pathological threshold for C9orf72 repeat expansions may have diagnostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Martins
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana Damásio
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Mendes
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vila-Chã
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - José E Alves
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ramos
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Cavaco
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Silva
- i3S - Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP (Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics), IBMC (Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Alonso
- i3S - Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP (Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics), IBMC (Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- UnIGENe (Unit for Genetic and Epidemiological Research in Neurological Diseases), IBMC (Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Magalhães
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Langseth AJ, Kim J, Ugolino JE, Shah Y, Hwang HY, Wang J, Bergles DE, Brown SP. Cell-type specific differences in promoter activity of the ALS-linked C9orf72 mouse ortholog. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5685. [PMID: 28720882 PMCID: PMC5515847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05864-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of inherited forms of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this disease, but the pathogenic pathways are not fully understood. To better understand the involvement of different cell types in the pathogenesis of ALS, we systematically analyzed the distribution of promoter activity of the mouse ortholog of C9orf72 in the central nervous system. We demonstrate that C9orf72 promoter activity is widespread in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. In contrast, few microglia and astrocytes exhibit detectable C9orf72 promoter activity. Although at a gross level, the distribution of C9orf72 promoter activity largely follows overall cellular density, we found that it is selectively enriched in subsets of neurons and glial cells that degenerate in ALS. Specifically, we show that C9orf72 promoter activity is enriched in corticospinal and spinal motor neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes in brain regions that are affected in ALS. These results suggest that cell autonomous changes in both neurons and glia may contribute to C9orf72-mediated disease, as has been shown for mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham J Langseth
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Janet E Ugolino
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Yajas Shah
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Ho-Yon Hwang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
| | - Solange P Brown
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
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16
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Zhao M, Cheah FSH, Chen M, Lee CG, Law HY, Chong SS. Improved high sensitivity screen for Huntington disease using a one-step triplet-primed PCR and melting curve assay. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180984. [PMID: 28700716 PMCID: PMC5507316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnosis of Huntington disease (HD) is currently performed by fluorescent repeat-flanking or triplet-primed PCR (TP-PCR) with capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, CE requires multiple post-PCR steps and may result in high cost in high-throughput settings. We previously described a cost-effective single-step molecular screening strategy employing the use of melting curve analysis (MCA). However, because it relies on repeat-flanking PCR, its efficiency in detecting expansion mutations decreases with increasing size of the repeat, which could lead to false-negative results. To address this pitfall, we have developed an improved screening assay coupling TP-PCR, which has been shown in CE-based assays to detect all expanded alleles regardless of size, with MCA in a rapid one-step assay. A companion protocol for rapid size confirmation of expansion-positive samples is also described. The assay was optimized on 30 genotype-known DNAs, and two plasmids pHTT(CAG)26 and pHTT(CAG)33 were used to establish the threshold temperatures (TTs) distinguishing normal from expansion-positive samples. In contrast to repeat-flanking PCR MCA, TP-PCR MCA displayed much higher sensitivity for detecting large expansions. All 30 DNAs generated distinct melt peak Tms which correlated well with each sample's larger allele. Normal samples were clearly distinguished from affected samples. The companion sizing protocol accurately sized even the largest expanded allele of ~180 CAGs. Blinded analysis of 69 clinical samples enriched for HD demonstrated 100% assay sensitivity and specificity in sample segregation. The assay targets the HTT CAG repeat specifically, tolerates a wide range of input DNA, and works well using DNA from saliva and buccal swab in addition to blood. Therefore, rapid, accurate, reliable, and high-throughput detection/exclusion of HD can be achieved using this one-step screening assay, at less than half the cost of fluorescent PCR with CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjue Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Felicia S. H. Cheah
- Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caroline G. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Center, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hai-Yang Law
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samuel S. Chong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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17
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Ishiura H, Tsuji S. Epidemiology and molecular mechanism of frontotemporal lobar degeneration/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with repeat expansion mutation in C9orf72. J Neurogenet 2016; 29:85-94. [PMID: 26540641 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2015.1085980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 were identified in 2011 as the genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to chromosome 9. Since then, a number of studies have been conducted to delineate the molecular epidemiology of the repeat expansions and the molecular pathophysiology of the disease. The frequency of the repeat expansions considerably varied among countries. The frequency of the repeat expansions was high in European populations and populations of European descent and a substantial proportion of sporadic FTLD or ALS patients also have the mutations in these populations. On the other hand, the frequency was extremely low in Asia or Oceania except for limited regions including Kii Peninsula of Japan. A founder effect seems to strongly influence the regional differences in the frequency, but there is no definitive evidence that supports the notion that the repeat expansions arose in a single founder or multiple founders. As a disease-causing mechanism, several molecular mechanisms have been proposed, including conformational changes of DNA (G-quadruplex formation and hypermethylation) or RNA (G-quadruplex formation) molecules, altered transcriptional levels of C9orf72, sequestration of RNA-binding proteins, bidirectional transcription, formation of RNA foci, and neurotoxicity of dipeptide repeat proteins generated by repeat-associated non-ATG-initiated translation. Further investigations on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration are expected to lead to the development of therapeutic interventions for this disease as well as for other diseases associated with non-coding repeat expansions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ishiura
- a Department of Neurology , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- a Department of Neurology , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chorea presenting in childhood and adulthood encompasses several neurological disorders, both degenerative and nonprogressive, often with a genetic basis. In this review, we discuss how modern genomic technologies are expanding our knowledge of monogenic choreic syndromes and advancing our insight into the molecular mechanisms responsible for chorea. RECENT FINDINGS A genome-wide association study in Huntington's disease identified genetic disease modifiers involved in controlling DNA repair mechanisms and stability of the HTT trinucleotide repeat expansion. Chorea is the cardinal feature of newly recognized genetic entities, ADCY5 and PDE10A-related choreas, with onset in infancy and childhood. A phenotypic overlap between chorea, ataxia, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders is becoming increasingly evident. SUMMARY The differential diagnosis of genetic conditions presenting with chorea has considerably widened, permitting a molecular diagnosis and an improved prognostic definition in an expanding number of cases. The identification of Huntington's disease genetic modifiers and new chorea-causing gene mutations has allowed the initial recognition of converging molecular pathways underlying medium spiny neurons degeneration and dysregulation of normal development and activity of basal ganglia circuits. Signalling downstream of dopamine receptors and control of cAMP levels represent a very promising target for the development of new aetiology-based treatments for chorea and other hyperkinetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò E. Mencacci
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology,
WC1N 3BG London, United Kingdom
| | - Miryam Carecchio
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta
Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20131 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta
Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20131 Milan, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of
Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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19
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Riva N, Agosta F, Lunetta C, Filippi M, Quattrini A. Recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2016; 263:1241-54. [PMID: 27025851 PMCID: PMC4893385 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
ALS is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, with no curative therapies available to date. Symptomatic and palliative care, provided in a multidisciplinary context, still remains the cornerstone of ALS management. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has advanced greatly over the past years, giving new hope for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we have reviewed the most recent studies that have contributed to improving both clinical management and our understanding of ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Niguarda Ca Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Chi S, Jiang T, Tan L, Yu JT. Distinct neurological disorders with C9orf72 mutations: genetics, pathogenesis, and therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 66:127-42. [PMID: 27139021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The G4C2 repeat expansion within C9orf72 has been recently identified as the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This mutation has also been detected in a variety of other neurological diseases with distinct clinical manifestations. The exact mechanisms of how this mutation leads to the wide spectrum of clinical syndromes remain unknown. A series of molecular changes together with some potential modifiers may play a key role. Nucleolar stress, nucleocytoplasmic transport defect, oxidative damage, inhibited stress granules assembly, activated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inhibited proteasome activity are mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additional mutations, epigenetic modifiers, and repeat size are potential modifiers that modulate specific phenotypes on the basis of the molecular changes. Here, we summarize distinct C9orf72-related neurological disorders and their corresponding neuropathological changes. Then, we elucidate the existing molecular knowledge and the potential modifiers. Finally, we detail the main target of treatment aiming at controlling expanded RNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Chi
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Teng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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21
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Mandic-Stojmenovic G, Stefanova E, Dobricic V, Novakovic I, Stojkovic T, Jesic A, Kostic V. Screening for C9orf72 Expansion Mutation in Serbian Patients with Early-Onset Dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2016; 40:358-65. [PMID: 26401819 DOI: 10.1159/000438748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of early-onset dementia (EOD), characterized by behavioral changes (behavioral variant; bvFTD) or language deficits. A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a noncoding region of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) has been proved to be a major cause of both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or FTD, with or without concomitant motor neuron disease (MND). METHODS The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of the C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion in a cohort of 117 Serbian patients with EOD and to report phenotypic features of identified carriers. RESULTS We identified 4 of 117 (3.4%) patients with EOD to have C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions. All patients were classified in the FTD disease spectrum group (8.2%): 3 patients fulfilled the criteria for bvFTD, and 1 patient had FTD-MND. None of the patients with the C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for language variants of FTD, FTD-progressive supranuclear palsy overlap syndrome, dementia with Lewy bodies or Alzheimer's dementia. CONCLUSION In a cohort of consecutive patients with EOD, 3.4% had the C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion with clinical phenotypes of bvFTD or an overlap of bvFTD and MND.
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Abstract
Purpose of review Chorea can be due to a wide variety of causes. In this review, I provide updates on several recently identified genetic and autoimmune causes of chorea, and review evidence supporting the use of deep brain stimulation in chorea. Recent findings New genes that may cause chorea include ADCY5 (encoding for adenylate cyclase 5) C9ORF72 (in addition to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia), and those responsible for the neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation disorders. Novel autoantibodies are increasingly being identified as associated with a variety of neurologic syndromes, including chorea, in both paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic settings. Deep brain stimulation can be a useful intervention in patients with chorea who do not respond to oral medications, whether due to neurodegenerative or nondegenerative causes. Summary New causes of chorea continue to be identified. Correct diagnosis is essential for prognostication and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth H Walker
- Department of Neurology, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx; and Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
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23
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Schneider SA, Bird T. Huntington's Disease, Huntington's Disease Look-Alikes, and Benign Hereditary Chorea: What's New? Mov Disord Clin Pract 2016; 3:342-354. [PMID: 30713928 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The differential diagnosis of chorea syndromes is complex. It includes inherited forms, the most common of which is autosomal dominant Huntington's disease (HD). In addition, there are disorders mimicking HD, the so-called HD-like (HDL) syndromes. Methods and Results Here we review main clinical, genetic, and pathophysiological characteristics of HD and the rare HD phenocopies in order to familiarize clinicians with them. Molecular studies have shown that HD phenocopies account for about 1% of suspected HD cases, most commonly due to mutations in C9orf72 (also the main cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis syndromes), TATA box-binding protein (spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 [SCA17]/HDL4), and JPH3 (HDL2). Systematic screening studies also revealed mutations in PRNP (prion disease), VPS13A (chorea-acanthocytosis), ATXN8OS-ATXN8 (SCA8), and FXN (late-onset Friedreich's Ataxia) in single cases. Further differential diagnoses to consider in patients presenting with a clinical diagnosis consistent with HD, but without the HD expansion, include dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and benign hereditary chorea (TITF1), as well as the recently described form of ADCY5-associated neurodegeneration. Lastly, biallelic mutations in RNF216 and FRRS1L have recently been reported as autosomal recessive phenocopies of HD. Conclusion There is a growing list of genes associated with chorea, yet a substantial percentage of patients remain undiagnosed. It is likely that more genes will be discovered in the future and that the clinical spectrum of the described disorders will broaden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A Schneider
- Department of Neurology Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Munich Germany.,University of Kiel Kiel Germany
| | - Thomas Bird
- Department of Neurology University of Washington Seattle Seattle Washington U.S.A.,VA Puget Sound Health Care System Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center Seattle Washington U.S.A
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24
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Atypical parkinsonism in C9orf72 expansions: a case report and systematic review of 45 cases from the literature. J Neurol 2016; 263:558-74. [PMID: 26810719 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While C9orf72 repeat expansions usually present with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an increasing number of reports suggests that the primary phenotype of C9orf72 patients may also include movement disorders. We here provide the first systematic clinical characterisation of C9orf72-associated parkinsonism. We report a C9orf72 expansion carrier presenting with a clinical syndrome of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), pronounced mesencephalic atrophy on MRI and PSP-characteristic electrooculography findings. Moreover, we systematically review all previous reports on C9orf72 patients with parkinsonian features. Review of 28 reports revealed 45 C9orf72-positive patients with hypokinesia, rigidity and/or resting tremor. C9orf72-associated parkinsonism predominantly consisted in a hypokinetic-rigid syndrome without resting tremor (61%), with both asymmetric (59%) and symmetric (41%) distributions. Additional features included upper motor neuron signs (60%), lower motor neuron signs (36%), cognitive dysfunction (85%), behaviour and/or personality change (55%) and psychiatric symptoms (29%). Vertical supranuclear gaze palsy was reported in three further cases and cerebellar dysfunction in four cases. Family history frequently yielded evidence of ALS (31%) and FTD (21%). Atypical parkinsonism is a recurrent phenotypic manifestation of C9orf72 expansions. It occurs as part of a broad spectrum of C9orf72-related multi-system neurodegeneration, which can include basal ganglia, mesencephalic and cerebellar dysfunction. C9orf72 genotyping should be considered in those patients with atypical parkinsonism who present with a family history of ALS or FTD, upper or lower motor neuron signs and/or cognitive dysfunction with pronounced frontotemporal impairment.
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25
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Suh E, Lee EB, Neal D, Wood EM, Toledo JB, Rennert L, Irwin DJ, McMillan CT, Krock B, Elman LB, McCluskey LF, Grossman M, Xie SX, Trojanowski JQ, Van Deerlin VM. Semi-automated quantification of C9orf72 expansion size reveals inverse correlation between hexanucleotide repeat number and disease duration in frontotemporal degeneration. Acta Neuropathol 2015; 130:363-72. [PMID: 26022924 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9orf72 expansion) size in peripheral DNA was associated with clinical differences in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to C9orf72 repeat expansion mutations. A novel quantification workflow was developed to measure C9orf72 expansion size by Southern blot densitometry in a cross-sectional cohort of C9orf72 expansion carriers with FTD (n = 39), ALS (n = 33), both (n = 35), or who are unaffected (n = 21). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to assess whether C9orf72 expansion size from peripheral DNA was associated with clinical phenotype, age of disease onset, disease duration and age at death. Mode values of C9orf72 expansion size were significantly shorter in FTD compared to ALS (p = 0.0001) but were not associated with age at onset in either FTD or ALS. A multivariate regression model correcting for patient's age at DNA collection and disease phenotype revealed that C9orf72 expansion size is significantly associated with shorter disease duration (p = 0.0107) for individuals with FTD, but not with ALS. Despite considerable somatic instability of the C9orf72 expansion, semi-automated expansion size measurements demonstrated an inverse relationship between C9orf72 expansion size and disease duration in patients with FTD. Our finding suggests that C9orf72 repeat size may be a molecular disease modifier in FTD linked to hexanucleotide repeat expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunRan Suh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4283, USA,
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26
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Le Ber I. Frontotemporal lobar dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with c9orf72 expansion. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2015; 171:475-81. [PMID: 26032484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An intronic GGGGCC repeat expansion in c9orf72 gene has been identified as the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and FTLD-ALS. The discovery of c9orf72 gene has led to important scientific progresses and has considerably changed our clinical practice over the last few years. This paper summarizes the common and less typical phenotypes associated with c9orf72 expansion, the complex pathological pattern characterized by p62/dipeptide repeat aggregates, as well as the pathological mechanisms by which the expansion might produce neurodegeneration implicating loss-of-function, RNA toxicity, RNA-binding protein sequestration and accumulation of dipeptide repeats. We also discuss the recommendations and limits for genetic testing and counseling in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Le Ber
- Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, université Paris 06, UPMC-P6 UMR S 1127, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France; Centre de référence des rémences rares, hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France; Département des maladies du système nerveux, hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France.
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