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Zirek F, Özcan G, Tekin MN, Uçar Çİ, Kartal AT, Balaban B, Kendirli T, Teber ST, Çobanoğlu N. An infant with episodic stridor and respiratory crises since birth: A challenging diagnosis. Pediatr Pulmonol 2024. [PMID: 38251867 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fazılcan Zirek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Özcan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Nur Tekin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem İlter Uçar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Tuğba Kartal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burak Balaban
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tanıl Kendirli
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Tıraş Teber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazan Çobanoğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Murtazina A, Borovikov A, Marakhonov A, Sharkov A, Sharkova I, Mirzoyan A, Kulikova S, Ganieva R, Zabnenkova V, Ryzhkova O, Nikitin S, Dadali E, Kutsev S. Mild phenotype of CHAT-associated congenital myasthenic syndrome: case series. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1280394. [PMID: 38304750 PMCID: PMC10830679 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1280394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndrome with episodic apnea is associated with pathogenic variants in the CHAT gene. While respiratory disorders and oculomotor findings are commonly reported in affected individuals, a subset of patients only present with muscle weakness and/or ptosis but not apneic crises. In this case series, we describe five individuals with exercise intolerance caused by single nucleotide variants in the CHAT gene. The age of onset ranged from 1 to 2.5 years, and all patients exhibited a fluctuating course of congenital myasthenic syndrome without disease progression over several years. Notably, these patients maintained a normal neurological status, except for the presence of abnormal fatigability in their leg muscles following prolonged physical activity. We conducted a modified protocol of repetitive nerve stimulation on the peroneal nerve, revealing an increased decrement in amplitude and area of compound muscle action potentials of the tibialis anterior muscle after 15-20 min of exercise. Treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine showed clear improvement in two children, while one patient experienced severe adverse effects and is currently receiving a combination of Salbutamol Syrup and pyridostigmine with slight positive effects. Based on our findings and previous cases of early childhood onset with muscle fatigability as the sole manifestation, we propose the existence of a mild phenotype characterized by the absence of apneic episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Artem Sharkov
- Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Genomed Ltd., Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna Sharkova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Mirzoyan
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Sviatlana Kulikova
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Belarus
| | | | | | | | | | - Elena Dadali
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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Mackels L, Servais L. The Importance of Early Treatment of Inherited Neuromuscular Conditions. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:253-274. [PMID: 38306060 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
There has been tremendous progress in treatment of neuromuscular diseases over the last 20 years, which has transformed the natural history of these severely debilitating conditions. Although the factors that determine the response to therapy are many and in some instance remain to be fully elucidated, early treatment clearly has a major impact on patient outcomes across a number of inherited neuromuscular conditions. To improve patient care and outcomes, clinicians should be aware of neuromuscular conditions that require prompt treatment initiation. This review describes data that underscore the importance of early treatment of children with inherited neuromuscular conditions with an emphasis on data resulting from newborn screening efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurane Mackels
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Adult Neurology Department, Citadelle Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Centre, Division of Paediatrics, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Poulos J, Samuels M, Palace J, Beeson D, Robb S, Ramdas S, Chan S, Munot P. Congenital myasthenic syndromes: a retrospective natural history study of respiratory outcomes in a single centre. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad299. [PMID: 38035366 PMCID: PMC10684295 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory problems are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital myasthenic syndromes, a rare heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders caused by genetic defects impacting the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction. Recurrent, life-threatening episodic apnoea in early infancy and childhood and progressive respiratory failure requiring ventilation are features of certain genotypes of congenital myasthenic syndromes. Robb et al. published empirical guidance on respiratory management of the congenital myasthenic syndromes, but other than this workshop report, there are little published longitudinal natural history data on respiratory outcomes of these disorders. We report a retrospective, single-centre study on respiratory outcomes in a cohort of 40 well characterized genetically confirmed cases of congenital myasthenic syndromes, including 10 distinct subtypes (DOK7, COLQ, RAPSN, CHAT, CHRNA1, CHRNG, COL13A1, CHRNE, CHRNE fast channel syndrome and CHRNA1 slow channel syndrome), with many followed up over 20 years in our centre. A quantitative and longitudinal analysis of key spirometry and sleep study parameters, as well as a description of historical hospital admissions for respiratory decompensation, provides a snapshot of the respiratory trajectory of congenital myasthenic syndrome patients based on genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Poulos
- Paediatrics, University College London Medical School, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Martin Samuels
- Respiratory Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- University of Oxford and Department of Neurology, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - David Beeson
- Neurology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Stephanie Robb
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Sithara Ramdas
- Neurology, MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samantha Chan
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Neurosciences, University College London and Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Pinki Munot
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Neurosciences, University College London and Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Yildiz EP, Kilic MA, Yalcin EU, Kurekci F, Avci R, Hacıfazlıoğlu NE, Ceylaner S, Gezdirici A, Çalışkan M. Genetic and clinical evaluation of congenital myasthenic syndromes with long-term follow-up: experience of a tertiary center in Turkey. Acta Neurol Belg 2023; 123:1841-1847. [PMID: 36094697 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders affecting the safety factor which required for neuromuscular transmission. Here we reported our experience in children with CMS. METHODS We retrospectively collected the data of 18 patients with CMS who were examined in our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and January 2022. The diagnosis of CMS was based on the presence of clinical symptoms such as abnormal fatigability and weakness, absence of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor and muscle-specific kinase, electromyographic evidence of neuromuscular junction defect, molecular genetic confirmation, and response to treatment. RESULTS The most common mutations were in the acetylcholine receptor (CHRNE) gene (8/18) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (2/18) gene. Despite targeted gene sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES) were underwent, we couldn't detect a genetic mutation in three out of patients. The most commonly determined initial finding was eyelid ptosis, followed by fatigable weakness, and respiratory insufficiency. Although the most commonly used drug was pyridostigmine, we have experienced that caution should be exercised as it may worsen some types of CMS. DISCUSSION We reported in detail the phenotypic features of very rare gene mutations associated with CMS and our experience in the treatment of this disease. Although CMS are rare genetic disorder, the prognosis can be very promising with appropriate treatment in most CMS subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edibe Pembegul Yildiz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Istanbul University Institute of Child Health, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Istanbul University Medical School. Millet Cd, 34000, Fatih-Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Akif Kilic
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emek Uyur Yalcin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fulya Kurekci
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ridvan Avci
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilüfer Eldeş Hacıfazlıoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Alper Gezdirici
- Department of Medical Genetics, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Çalışkan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
- Istanbul University Institute of Child Health, Istanbul, Turkey
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Vlckova M, Prchalova D, Zimmermann P, Haberlova J, Bendova S, Moslerova V, Stranecky V, Sedlacek Z, Hancarova M. A new patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome type 20 due to compound heterozygous missense SLC5A7 variants suggests trends in genotype-phenotype correlation. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023:e2154. [PMID: 36840359 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2154] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are characterized by hypotonia, episodic apnea, muscle weakness, ptosis and generalized fatigability. CMS type 20 (CMS20) is a rare disorder caused by variants in SLC5A7. In contrast to most other CMSs, CMS20 is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Only 19 patients from 14 families have been reported so far. METHODS We studied a 12-year-old boy with symptoms manifested at six weeks of age. Later, he also showed speech delay, moderate intellectual disability and autism. Analysis of CMS genes known at the time of clinical diagnosis yielded no results. Trio exome sequencing (ES) was performed. RESULTS ES revealed compound heterozygosity for two SLC5A7 variants, p.(Asn431Lys) and p.(Ile291Thr). While the first variant was absent from all databases, the second variant has already been described in one patient. In silico analysis of known pathogenic SLC5A7 variants showed that variants with a higher predicted deleteriousness may be associated with earlier onset and increased severity of neuromuscular manifestations. CONCLUSION Our patient confirms that CMS20 can be associated with NDDs. The study illustrates the strength of ES in deciphering the genetic basis of rare diseases, contributes to characterization of CMS20 and suggests trends in genotype-phenotype correlation in CMS20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Vlckova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Prchalova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Zimmermann
- Department of Statistics and Probability, Faculty of Informatics and Statistics, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Haberlova
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Bendova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Moslerova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Stranecky
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Charles University First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Sedlacek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Hancarova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pugliese A, Holland SH, Rodolico C, Lochmüller H, Spendiff S. Presynaptic Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes: Understanding Clinical Phenotypes through In vivo Models. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:731-759. [PMID: 37212067 PMCID: PMC10578258 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of genetic disorders affecting the presynaptic side of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ). They can result from a dysfunction in acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis or recycling, in its packaging into synaptic vesicles, or its subsequent release into the synaptic cleft. Other proteins involved in presynaptic endplate development and maintenance can also be impaired.Presynaptic CMS usually presents during the prenatal or neonatal period, with a severe phenotype including congenital arthrogryposis, developmental delay, and apnoeic crisis. However, milder phenotypes with proximal muscle weakness and good response to treatment have been described. Finally, many presynaptic genes are expressed in the brain, justifying the presence of additional central nervous system symptoms.Several animal models have been developed to study CMS, providing the opportunity to identify disease mechanisms and test treatment options. In this review, we describe presynaptic CMS phenotypes with a focus on in vivo models, to better understand CMS pathophysiology and define new causative genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pugliese
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Stephen H. Holland
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sally Spendiff
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Silksmith B, Munot P, Starling L, Pujar S, Matthews E. Accelerating the genetic diagnosis of neurological disorders presenting with episodic apnoea in infancy. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:495-508. [PMID: 35525254 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Unexplained episodic apnoea in infants (aged ≤1 year), including recurrent brief (<1 min) resolved unexplained events (known as BRUE), can be a diagnostic challenge. Recurrent unexplained apnoea might suggest a persistent, debilitating, and potentially fatal disorder. Genetic diseases are prevalent among this group, particularly in those who present with paroxysmal or episodic neurological symptoms. These disorders are individually rare and challenging for a general paediatrician to recognise, and there is often a delayed or even posthumous diagnosis (sometimes only made in retrospect when a second sibling becomes unwell). The disorders can be debilitating if untreated but pharmacotherapies are available for the vast majority. That any child should suffer from unnecessary morbidity or die from one of these disorders without a diagnosis or treatment having been offered is a tragedy; therefore, there is an urgent need to simplify and expedite the diagnostic journey. We propose an apnoea gene panel for hospital specialists caring for any infant who has recurrent apnoea without an obvious cause. This approach could remove the need to identify individual rare conditions, speed up diagnosis, and improve access to therapy, with the ultimate aim of reducing morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Silksmith
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Pinki Munot
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Starling
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Suresh Pujar
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Matthews
- Atkinson-Morley Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Neurology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.
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Winczewska-Wiktor A, Hirschfeld AS, Badura-Stronka M, Wojsyk-Banaszak I, Sobkowiak P, Bartkowska-Śniatkowska A, Babak V, Steinborn B. Central Apneas Due to the CLIFAHDD Syndrome Successfully Treated with Pyridostigmine. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020775. [PMID: 35055596 PMCID: PMC8776169 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
NALCN mutations lead to complex neurodevelopmental syndromes, including infantile hypotonia with psychomotor retardation and characteristic facies (IHPRF) and congenital contractures of limbs and face, hypotonia, and developmental delay (CLIFAHDD), which are recessively and dominantly inherited, respectively. We present a patient in whom congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) was suspected due to the occurrence of hypotonia and apnea episodes requiring resuscitation. For this reason, treatment with pyridostigmine was introduced. After starting the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in reducing the apnea episodes and slight psychomotor progress. In the course of further diagnostics, CMS was excluded, and CLIFAHDD syndrome was confirmed. Thus, we try to explain a possible mechanism of clinical improvement after the introduction of treatment with pyridostigmine in a patient with a mutation in the NALCN gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Winczewska-Wiktor
- Chair and Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Adam Sebastian Hirschfeld
- Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-352 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.H.); (M.B.-S.); (V.B.)
| | - Magdalena Badura-Stronka
- Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-352 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.H.); (M.B.-S.); (V.B.)
- Centers of Medical Genetics GENESIS, 60-529 Poznan, Poland
| | - Irena Wojsyk-Banaszak
- Department of Pulmonology, Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (I.W.-B.); (P.S.)
| | - Paulina Sobkowiak
- Department of Pulmonology, Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (I.W.-B.); (P.S.)
| | - Alicja Bartkowska-Śniatkowska
- Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Valeriia Babak
- Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-352 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.H.); (M.B.-S.); (V.B.)
| | - Barbara Steinborn
- Chair and Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland;
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Della Marina A, Arlt A, Schara-Schmidt U, Depienne C, Gangfuß A, Kölbel H, Sickmann A, Freier E, Kohlschmidt N, Hentschel A, Weis J, Czech A, Grüneboom A, Roos A. Phenotypical and Myopathological Consequences of Compound Heterozygous Missense and Nonsense Variants in SLC18A3. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123481. [PMID: 34943989 PMCID: PMC8700530 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Presynaptic forms of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) due to pathogenic variants in SLC18A3 impairing the synthesis and recycling of acetylcholine (ACh) have recently been described. SLC18A3 encodes the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), modulating the active transport of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, and homozygous loss of VAChT leads to lethality. Methods: Exome sequencing (ES) was carried out to identify the molecular genetic cause of the disease in a 5-year-old male patient and histological, immunofluorescence as well as electron- and CARS-microscopic studies were performed to delineate the muscle pathology, which has so far only been studied in VAChT-deficient animal models. Results: ES unraveled compound heterozygous missense and nonsense variants (c.315G>A, p.Trp105* and c.1192G>C, p.Asp398His) in SLC18A3. Comparison with already-published cases suggests a more severe phenotype including impaired motor and cognitive development, possibly related to a more severe effect of the nonsense variant. Therapy with pyridostigmine was only partially effective while 3,4 diaminopyridine showed no effect. Microscopic investigation of the muscle biopsy revealed reduced fibre size and a significant accumulation of lipid droplets. Conclusions: We suggest that nonsense variants have a more detrimental impact on the clinical manifestation of SLC18A3-associated CMS. The impact of pathogenic SLC18A3 variants on muscle fibre integrity beyond the effect of denervation is suggested by the build-up of lipid aggregates. This in turn implicates the importance of proper VAChT-mediated synthesis and recycling of ACh for lipid homeostasis in muscle cells. This hypothesis is further supported by the pathological observations obtained in previously published VAChT-animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Della Marina
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (U.S.-S.); (A.G.); (H.K.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Annabelle Arlt
- Institute of Clinical Genetics and Tumor Genetics Bonn, 53111 Bonn, Germany; (A.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (U.S.-S.); (A.G.); (H.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany;
| | - Andrea Gangfuß
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (U.S.-S.); (A.G.); (H.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (U.S.-S.); (A.G.); (H.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany; (A.S.); (E.F.); (A.H.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Erik Freier
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany; (A.S.); (E.F.); (A.H.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Nicolai Kohlschmidt
- Institute of Clinical Genetics and Tumor Genetics Bonn, 53111 Bonn, Germany; (A.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Andreas Hentschel
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany; (A.S.); (E.F.); (A.H.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH-Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Artur Czech
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany; (A.S.); (E.F.); (A.H.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Anika Grüneboom
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany; (A.S.); (E.F.); (A.H.); (A.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (U.S.-S.); (A.G.); (H.K.); (A.R.)
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
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11
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Assembly of the Non-Canonical Myo9a-RhoGAP and RhoA·GDP Transition State Complex in the Presence of MgF 3. Protein J 2021; 40:842-848. [PMID: 34709522 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-10027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Myo9a is an actin-based molecular motor with a RhoGAP domain in its C-terminal tail. It plays a role in a variety of biological processes, such as in regulating the immune response, neuron development, and cancer progression, and its deregulation can lead to the development of disease conditions. Myo9a acts mainly via its RhoGAP domain. In the current study, we used a pET32a vector with an N-terminal Trx-His6 tag to express Myo9a-RhoGAP in a soluble form. High-purity Myo9a-RhoGAP protein was obtained after two rounds of Ni2+ affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. We mixed Myo9a-RhoGAP and RhoA in equimolar ratios in the presence of 5 mM MgCl2 and 20 mM NaF to achieve a stable RhoA GTP hydrolysis transition state complex. Analytical gel filtration and SDS-PAGE were used to verify complex formation. ITC and GAP assays suggested that Myo9a-RhoGAP could bind to RhoA and accelerate RhoA GTP hydrolysis in vitro. We purified the soluble Myo9a-RhoGAP protein with GAP activity and achieved the Myo9a-RhoGAP/RhoA·GDP/MgF3- complex assembly in vitro for the first time. The data may provide novel insights into Myo9a structure and function.
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12
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Duerr JS, McManus JR, Crowell JA, Rand JB. Analysis of C. elegans acetylcholine synthesis mutants reveals a temperature-sensitive requirement for cholinergic neuromuscular function. Genetics 2021; 218:6283614. [PMID: 34028515 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab078] [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: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Caenorhabditis elegans, the cha-1 gene encodes choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme that synthesizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. We have analyzed a large number of cha-1 hypomorphic mutants, most of which are missense alleles. Some homozygous cha-1 mutants have approximately normal ChAT immunoreactivity; many other alleles lead to consistent reductions in synaptic immunostaining, although the residual protein appears to be stable. Regardless of protein levels, neuromuscular function of almost all mutants is temperature sensitive, i.e., neuromuscular function is worse at 25° than at 14°. We show that the temperature effects are not related to acetylcholine release, but specifically to alterations in acetylcholine synthesis. This is not a temperature-dependent developmental phenotype, because animals raised at 20° to young adulthood and then shifted for 2 hours to either 14° or 25° had swimming and pharyngeal pumping rates similar to animals grown and assayed at either 14° or 25°, respectively. We also show that the temperature-sensitive phenotypes are not limited to missense alleles; rather, they are a property of most or all severe cha-1 hypomorphs. We suggest that our data are consistent with a model of ChAT protein physically, but not covalently, associated with synaptic vesicles; and there is a temperature-dependent equilibrium between vesicle-associated and cytoplasmic (i.e., soluble) ChAT. Presumably, in severe cha-1 hypomorphs, increasing the temperature would promote dissociation of some of the mutant ChAT protein from synaptic vesicles, thus removing the site of acetylcholine synthesis (ChAT) from the site of vesicular acetylcholine transport. This, in turn, would decrease the rate and extent of vesicle-filling, thus increasing the severity of the behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S Duerr
- Genetic Models of Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
| | - John R McManus
- Genetic Models of Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - John A Crowell
- Genetic Models of Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - James B Rand
- Genetic Models of Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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13
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Janežič M, Dileep KV, Zhang KYJ. A multidimensional computational exploration of congenital myasthenic syndrome causing mutations in human choline acetyltransferase. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:787-800. [PMID: 33650116 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Missense mutations of human choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) are mainly associated with congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). To date, several pathogenic mutations have been reported, but due to the rarity and genetic complexity of CMS and difficult genotype-phenotype correlations, the CHAT mutations, and their consequences are underexplored. In this study, we systematically sift through the available genetic data in search of previously unreported pathogenic mutations and use a dynamic in silico model to provide structural explanations for the pathogenicity of the reported deleterious and undetermined variants. Through rigorous multiparameter analyses, we conclude that mutations can affect CHAT through a variety of different mechanisms: by disrupting the secondary structure, by perturbing the P-loop through long-range allosteric interactions, by disrupting the domain connecting loop, and by affecting the phosphorylation process. This study provides the first dynamic look at how mutations affect the structure and catalytic activity in CHAT and highlights the need for further genomic research to better understand the pathology of CHAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Janežič
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kalarickal V Dileep
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
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14
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Bhattacharjee I, Friedman N, Rodriguez RJ. Utility of Rapid Exome Sequencing in the Diagnosis of a Rare Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes in a Preterm Infant. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCongenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are rare and challenging diagnoses in preterm neonates. We presented in this case report a preterm infant with recurrent extubation failures. An exhaustive workup to rule out common etiologies of chronic ventilator dependence was negative including a neostigmine trial, acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and chromosomal microarray. Electromyography (EMG) showed features of a neuromuscular junction defect. After ruling out metabolic, inflammatory, and immune mediated causes, a rapid exome sequencing demonstrated CHRNB1 gene mutation diagnostic of autosomal dominant slow channel CMS. The patient was started on fluoxetine and nebulized salbutamol with a gradual improvement in her respiratory function over time with minimal ventilator support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Bhattacharjee
- Department of Neonatology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Neil Friedman
- Department of Neurology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
| | - Ricardio J. Rodriguez
- Department of Neonatology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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15
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Rodríguez Cruz PM, Hughes I, Manzur A, Munot P, Ramdas S, Wright R, Breen C, Pitt M, Pagnamenta AT, Taylor JC, Palace J, Beeson D. Presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome due to three novel mutations in SLC5A7 encoding the sodium-dependant high-affinity choline transporter. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:21-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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16
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Bhat S, El-Kasaby A, Freissmuth M, Sucic S. Functional and Biochemical Consequences of Disease Variants in Neurotransmitter Transporters: A Special Emphasis on Folding and Trafficking Deficits. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107785. [PMID: 33310157 PMCID: PMC7612411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters, such as γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetyl choline, glycine and the monoamines, facilitate the crosstalk within the central nervous system. The designated neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) both release and take up neurotransmitters to and from the synaptic cleft. NTT dysfunction can lead to severe pathophysiological consequences, e.g. epilepsy, intellectual disability, or Parkinson’s disease. Genetic point mutations in NTTs have recently been associated with the onset of various neurological disorders. Some of these mutations trigger folding defects in the NTT proteins. Correct folding is a prerequisite for the export of NTTs from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the subsequent trafficking to their pertinent site of action, typically at the plasma membrane. Recent studies have uncovered some of the key features in the molecular machinery responsible for transporter protein folding, e.g., the role of heat shock proteins in fine-tuning the ER quality control mechanisms in cells. The therapeutic significance of understanding these events is apparent from the rising number of reports, which directly link different pathological conditions to NTT misfolding. For instance, folding-deficient variants of the human transporters for dopamine or GABA lead to infantile parkinsonism/dystonia and epilepsy, respectively. From a therapeutic point of view, some folding-deficient NTTs are amenable to functional rescue by small molecules, known as chemical and pharmacological chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Bhat
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Della Marina A, Wibbeler E, Abicht A, Kölbel H, Lochmüller H, Roos A, Schara U. Long Term Follow-Up on Pediatric Cases With Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes-A Retrospective Single Centre Cohort Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:560860. [PMID: 33364925 PMCID: PMC7750519 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.560860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) refer to a heterogenic group of neuromuscular transmission disorders. CMS-subtypes are diverse regarding exercise intolerance and muscular weakness, varying from mild symptoms to life-limiting forms with neonatal onset. Long-term follow-up studies on disease progression and treatment-response in pediatric patients are rare. Patients and Methods: We analyzed retrospective clinical and medication data in a cohort of 32 CMS-patients including the application of a standardized, not yet validated test (CMS-ST) to examine muscular strength and endurance in 21 patients at the last follow-up. Findings obtained in our cohort were compared with long-term follow-up studies of (adult) CMS-cohorts from the literature by considering the underlying molecular mechanisms. Outcomes of CMS-ST were compared to results of normal clinical assessment. Results: Thirty-two pediatric patients with defects in eight different CMS-genes were followed by a median time of 12.8 years. Fifty-nine percentage of patients manifested with first symptoms as neonates, 35% as infants. While 53% of patients presented a reduced walking distance, 34% were wheelchair-bound. Even under adequate therapy with pyridostigmine (PS) and 3,4-diaminopyridine, CHAT-mutations led to the progression of muscular weakness partly in combination with persistent respiratory and bulbar symptoms. RAPSN, CHRND, and CHRNB1 patients with neonatal manifestation, early respiratory problems, and bulbar symptoms showed a good and maintained treatment response. CHAT and CHRNE patients required higher PS dosages, whereas RAPSN patients needed a lower mean dosage at the last follow-up. The benefits of short-term medication and long-term progression of symptoms were highly dependent on the specific genetic defect. CMS-ST was carried out in 17/21 patients, determined affected muscle groups including bulbar and ocular symptoms, some of which were not reported by the patients. Conclusions: Our findings and comparison with the literature- suggest a better treatment-response and less severe progression of symptoms present in patients suffering from mutations in CMS-genes directly associated with receptor deficiency, while patients with defects leading to synaptopathy and presynaptic defects tend to have worse outcomes. Assessment of affected muscular groups and clinical symptoms by CMS-ST may be a useful tool for optimal therapeutic management of the patients, especially for future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Della Marina
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Wibbeler
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angela Abicht
- Medical Genetic Center Munich, Munich, Germany.,Friedrich-Baur Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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18
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Congenital myasthenic syndromes in the Thai population: Clinical findings and novel mutations. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:851-858. [PMID: 32978031 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.08.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) comprise a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of the neuromuscular junction. Next generation sequencing has been increasingly used for molecular diagnosis in CMS patients. This study aimed to identify the disease-causing variants in Thai patients. We recruited patients with a diagnosis of CMS based on clinical and electrophysiologic findings, and whole exome sequencing was performed. Thirteen patients aged from 2 to 54 years (median: 8 years) from 12 families were enrolled. Variants were identified in 9 of 13 patients (69%). Five novel variants and two previously reported variant were found in the COLQ, RAPSN and CHRND gene. The previously reported c.393+1G>A splice site variant in the COLQ gene was found in a majority of patients. Five patients harbor the homozygous splice site c.393+1G>A variant, and two patients carry compound heterozygous c.393+1G>A, c.718-1G>T, and c.393+1G>A, c.865G>T (p.Gly289Ter) variants. The novel variants were also found in RAPSN (p.Cys251del, p.Arg282Cys) and CHRND (p.Met481del). Molecular diagnosis in CMS patients can guide treatment decisions and may be life changing, especially in patients with COLQ mutations.
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19
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Zhang Y, Cheng X, Luo C, Lei M, Mao F, Shi Z, Cao W, Zhang J, Zhang Q. Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Caused by a Novel Hemizygous CHAT Mutation. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:185. [PMID: 32411636 PMCID: PMC7198756 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a neuromuscular transmission disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding neuromuscular junction proteins. CMS due to choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) gene mutation is characterized by episodic apnoea. To date, 52 cases of CMS caused by CHAT gene mutations have been reported. Here, we report a neonate with the third hemizygous mutation [a 4.9 Mb deletion [10q11.22-10q11.23 (chr10: 46123781-51028772)] containing the whole CHAT gene and c.1976A>T (p.Gln659Leu in the CHAT gene)]. The c.1976A>T (p.Gln659Leu) variant had not been reported in the ExAC or gnomAD databases and was predicted to be pathogenic. The alignment of amino acid sequences revealed that glutamine at codon 659 is highly conserved in different species and causes structural changes in the substrate-binding site. Our female patient with neonate-onset CMS presented with apnoea, dyspnoea, feeding difficulties, weak crying, and seizure-like episodes, and her respiration was ventilator dependent. The prostigmine test was positive. This case may help to further elucidate clinical features and treatment methods in neonate-onset CMS caused by CHAT gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qian Zhang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes fluctuating weakness in ocular, bulbar, and limb muscles and can, in 15% of cases, cause myasthenic crisis, a neurologic emergency characterized by respiratory failure. Although infrequent, MG needs to be promptly recognized and treated because the potential for improvement and remission is very high. The diagnosis of MG can be challenging and delayed because of the fluctuating nature of muscle weakness and the overlap of signs and symptoms with other neuromuscular diseases.This article reviews the importance of prompt recognition of the typical signs and symptoms, best tests to confirm the diagnosis, currently available acute and chronic treatment modalities, the role of thymectomy, and the natural history of the disease. Special consideration related to the diagnosis and management in women during pregnancy and in children will also be reviewed. This article also includes an overview of congenital myasthenic syndromes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent significant efforts in standardizing and improving the care of patients with MG have occurred, as well as new momentum in developing new drugs for patients with MG who do not adequately respond to currently available treatments. The number of clinical trials and drugs in development for MG is steadily increasing. Eculizumab has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with generalized MG who are acetylcholine receptor-antibody positive, based on the REGAIN (Safety and Efficacy of Eculizumab in Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis) study, a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. An international, multicenter, randomized trial comparing thymectomy plus prednisone with prednisone alone has demonstrated that thymectomy improves clinical outcome in patients with nonthymomatous MG. Clinical care guidelines have been published, and the recommendations for clinical research standards and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America MGFA clinical classification published in 2000 have become widely accepted by the clinical and research community of MG experts. SUMMARY MG is a highly treatable disease with many effective treatment modalities available and with a natural history that continues to improve thanks to better diagnostic tests and effective drugs. The diagnosis and management of patients affected by MG can be highly rewarding for any neurologist as most patients are able to live normal lives if treated appropriately. Nevertheless, future research is needed to address unresolved clinical issues, such as when and how to discontinue immunosuppressive medications in patients in remission, the role and timing of thymectomy in children, and better treatment options for refractory patients.
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21
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Hu T. PANDA: Prioritization of autism-genes using network-based deep-learning approach. Genet Epidemiol 2020; 44:382-394. [PMID: 32039500 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.22282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic background of complex diseases and disorders plays an essential role in the promising precision medicine. The evaluation of candidate genes, however, requires time-consuming and expensive experiments given a large number of possibilities. Thus, computational methods have seen increasing applications in predicting gene-disease associations. We proposed a bioinformatics framework, Prioritization of Autism-genes using Network-based Deep-learning Approach (PANDA). Our approach aims to identify autism-genes across the human genome based on patterns of gene-gene interactions and topological similarity of genes in the interaction network. PANDA trains a graph deep learning classifier using the input of the human molecular interaction network and predicts and ranks the probability of autism association of every node (gene) in the network. PANDA was able to achieve a high classification accuracy of 89%, outperforming three other commonly used machine learning algorithms. Moreover, the gene prioritization ranking list produced by PANDA was evaluated and validated using an independent large-scale exome-sequencing study. The top 10% of PANDA-ranked genes were found significantly enriched for autism association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Yuanzhu Chen
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Ting Hu
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Cannizzaro M, Jarošová J, De Paepe B. Relevance of solute carrier family 5 transporter defects to inherited and acquired human disease. J Appl Genet 2019; 60:305-317. [PMID: 31286439 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-019-00502-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The solute carrier (SLC) group of membrane transport proteins is crucial for cells via their control of import and export of vital molecules across the cellular membrane. Defects in these transporters with narrow substrate specificities cause monogenic disorders, giving us essential clues of their precise roles in cellular functioning. The SLC5 family in particular has been linked to various human diseases, of mild and severe phenotype as well as high and low prevalence. In this review, we describe the effects on health of SLC5 dysfunction and dysregulation by summarizing findings in patients with transporter gene defects. Patients display a plethora of pathologies which include glucose/galactose malabsorption, familiar renal glycosuria, thyroid dyshormonogenesis, and distal hereditary motor neuronopathies. In addition, the therapeutic potential of intervening in transporter activities for treating common diseases such as diabetes and cancer is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miryam Cannizzaro
- Department of Neurology & Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Jarošová
- Department of Neurology & Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boel De Paepe
- Department of Neurology & Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Nicolau S, Milone M. The Electrophysiology of Presynaptic Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes With and Without Facilitation: From Electrodiagnostic Findings to Molecular Mechanisms. Front Neurol 2019; 10:257. [PMID: 30941097 PMCID: PMC6433874 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission most commonly presenting with early onset fatigable weakness, ptosis, and ophthalmoparesis. CMS are classified according to the localization of the causative molecular defect. CMS with presynaptic dysfunction can be caused by mutations in several different genes, including those involved in acetylcholine synthesis, its packaging into synaptic vesicles, vesicle docking, and release from the presynaptic nerve terminal and neuromuscular junction development and maintenance. Electrodiagnostic testing is key in distinguishing CMS from other neuromuscular disorders with similar clinical features as well as for revealing features pointing to a specific molecular diagnosis. A decremental response on low-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) is present in most presynaptic CMS. In CMS with deficits in acetylcholine resynthesis however, a decrement may only appear after conditioning with exercise or high-frequency RNS and characteristically displays a slow recovery. Facilitation occurs in CMS caused by mutations in VAMP1, UNC13A, SYT2, AGRN, LAMA5. By contrast, facilitation is absent in the other presynaptic CMS described to date. An understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms therefore assists the interpretation of electrodiagnostic findings in patients with suspected CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nicolau
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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24
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Wortmann SB, Mayr JA. Choline-related-inherited metabolic diseases-A mini review. J Inherit Metab Dis 2019; 42:237-242. [PMID: 30681159 PMCID: PMC7814885 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In humans, the important water soluble, vitamin-like nutrient choline, is taken up with the diet or recycled in the liver. Deficiencies of choline have only been reported in experimental situations or total parenteral nutrition. Currently, no recommended dietary allowances are published; only an adequate daily intake is defined. Choline is involved in three main physiological processes: structural integrity and lipid-derived signaling for cell membranes, cholinergic neurotransmission, and methylation. Choline is gaining increasing public attention due to studies reporting a relation of low choline levels to subclinical organ dysfunction (nonalcoholic fatty liver or muscle damage), stunting, and neural tube defects. Furthermore, positive effects on memory and a lowering of cardiovascular risks and inflammatory markers have been proposed. On the other hand, dietary choline has been associated with increased atherosclerosis in mice. This mini review will provide a summary of the biochemical pathways, in which choline is involved and their respective inborn errors of metabolism (caused by mutations in SLC5A7, CHAT, SLC44A1, CHKB, PCYT1A, CEPT1, CAD; DHODH, UMPS, FMO3, DMGDH, and GNMT). The broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from malodor, intellectual disability, to epilepsy, anemia, or congenital myasthenic syndrome is presented, highlighting the central role of choline within human metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia B. Wortmann
- University Childrens HospitalParacelsus Medical University (PMU) SalzburgSalzburgAustria
- Institute of Human GeneticsTechnische Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Johannes A. Mayr
- University Childrens HospitalParacelsus Medical University (PMU) SalzburgSalzburgAustria
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25
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Targeted therapies for congenital myasthenic syndromes: systematic review and steps towards a treatabolome. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:19-37. [PMID: 30931400 PMCID: PMC6436731 DOI: 10.1042/etls20180100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent scientific advances, most rare genetic diseases — including most neuromuscular diseases — do not currently have curative gene-based therapies available. However, in some cases, such as vitamin, cofactor or enzyme deficiencies, channelopathies and disorders of the neuromuscular junction, a confirmed genetic diagnosis provides guidance on treatment, with drugs available that may significantly alter the disease course, improve functional ability and extend life expectancy. Nevertheless, many treatable patients remain undiagnosed or do not receive treatment even after genetic diagnosis. The growth of computer-aided genetic analysis systems that enable clinicians to diagnose their undiagnosed patients has not yet been matched by genetics-based decision-support systems for treatment guidance. Generating a ‘treatabolome’ of treatable variants and the evidence for the treatment has the potential to increase treatment rates for treatable conditions. Here, we use the congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous but frequently treatable neuromuscular conditions, to illustrate the steps in the creation of a treatabolome for rare inherited diseases. We perform a systematic review of the evidence for pharmacological treatment of each CMS type, gathering evidence from 207 studies of over 1000 patients and stratifying by genetic defect, as treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. We assess the strength and quality of the evidence and create a dataset that provides the foundation for a computer-aided system to enable clinicians to gain easier access to information about treatable variants and the evidence they need to consider.
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Mercuri E, Pera MC, Brogna C. Neonatal hypotonia and neuromuscular conditions. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2019; 162:435-448. [PMID: 31324324 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64029-1.00021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The differential diagnosis of neonatal hypotonia is a complex task, as in newborns hypotonia can be the presenting sign of different underlying causes, including peripheral and central nervous system involvement and genetic and metabolic diseases. This chapter describes how a combined approach, based on the combination of clinical signs and new genetic techniques, can help not only to establish when the hypotonia is related to peripheral involvement but also to achieve an accurate and early diagnosis of the specific neuromuscular diseases with neonatal onset. The early identification of such disorders is important, as this allows early intervention with disease-specific standards of care and, more importantly, because of the possibility to treat some of them, such as spinal muscular atrophy, with therapeutic approaches that have recently become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mercuri
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Claudia Brogna
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Italian recommendations for diagnosis and management of congenital myasthenic syndromes. Neurol Sci 2018; 40:457-468. [PMID: 30554356 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are genetic disorders due to mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the neuromuscular junction structure and function. CMS usually present in young children, but perinatal and adult onset has been reported. Clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous, ranging from mild symptoms to severe manifestations, sometimes with life-threatening respiratory episodes, especially in the first decade of life. Although considered rare, CMS are probably underestimated due to diagnostic difficulties. Because of the several therapeutic opportunities, CMS should be always considered in the differential diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. The Italian Network on CMS proposes here recommendations for proper CMS diagnosis and management, aiming to guide clinicians in their practical approach to CMS patients.
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Estephan EDP, Zambon AA, Marchiori PE, da Silva AMS, Caldas VM, Moreno CAM, Reed UC, Horvath R, Töpf A, Lochmüller H, Zanoteli E. Clinical variability of early-onset congenital myasthenic syndrome due to biallelic RAPSN mutations in Brazil. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:961-964. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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A new severe mutation in the SLC5A7 gene related to congenital myasthenic syndrome type 20. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:881-884. [PMID: 30172469 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a group of genetically determined rare diseases resulting from ultrastructural alterations in synaptic proteins. Up to 32 genes are known to be involved in those syndromes and many mutations have been reported, of which less than 8% affect the presynaptic complex. One of these syndromes is caused by the impairment of the presynaptic sodium-dependent high-affinity choline transporter 1, as a result of a mutation of the SCL5A7 gene associated with congenital myasthenic syndrome type 20 (MIM # 617143). We present a new case of this syndrome, caused by a mutation not previously described. A full term infant presented with acute respiratory failure and generalized weakness. The genetic analysis revealed the patient to be compound heterozygous for a new mutation of the SCL5A7 gene. The genetic analysis of congenital myasthenic syndromes provide information on the ultrastructural underlying mechanisms, which is valuable for differential diagnosis and specific treatments.
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