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Theis M, Donath H, Woelke S, Bakhtiar S, Salzmann-Manrique E, Zielen S, Kieslich M. Peripheral polyneuropathy in children and young adults with ataxia-telangiectasia. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3842-3853. [PMID: 37540892 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16028] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare, autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder that leads to progressive neurodegeneration with cerebellar ataxia and peripheral polyneuropathy. Cerebellar neurodegeneration is well described in A-T. However, peripheral nervous system involvement is an underdiagnosed but important additional target for supportive and systemic therapies. The aim of this study was to conduct neurophysiological measurements to assess peripheral neurodegeneration and the development of age-dependent neuropathy in A-T. METHODS In this prospective study, 42 classical A-T patients were assessed. The motor and sensory nerve conduction of the median and tibial nerves was evaluated. Data were compared to published standard values and a healthy age- and gender-matched control group of 23 participants. Ataxia scores (Klockgether, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) were also assessed. RESULTS In A-T, neurophysiological assessment revealed neuropathic changes as early as the first year of life. Subjective symptomatology of neuropathy is rarely described. In the upper extremities, motor neuropathy was predominantly that of a demyelinating type and sensory neuropathy was predominantly that of a mixed type. In the lower extremities, motor and sensory neuropathy was predominantly that of a mixed type. We found significant correlations between age and the development of motor and sensory polyneuropathy in A-T compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In A-T, polyneuropathy occurs mostly subclinically as early as the first year of life. The current study of a large national A-T cohort demonstrates that development of neuropathy in A-T differs in the upper and lower extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Theis
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Neurometabolics, and Prevention, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Helena Donath
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology, and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Woelke
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology, and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shahrzad Bakhtiar
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology, and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Emilia Salzmann-Manrique
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology, and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology, and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Neurometabolics, and Prevention, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
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Crewe M, Madabhushi R. Topoisomerase-Mediated DNA Damage in Neurological Disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:751742. [PMID: 34899270 PMCID: PMC8656403 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.751742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nervous system is vulnerable to genomic instability and mutations in DNA damage response factors lead to numerous developmental and progressive neurological disorders. Despite this, the sources and mechanisms of DNA damage that are most relevant to the development of neuronal dysfunction are poorly understood. The identification of primarily neurological abnormalities in patients with mutations in TDP1 and TDP2 suggest that topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage could be an important underlying source of neuronal dysfunction. Here we review the potential sources of topoisomerase-induced DNA damage in neurons, describe the cellular mechanisms that have evolved to repair such damage, and discuss the importance of these repair mechanisms for preventing neurological disorders.
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Paull TT. DNA damage and regulation of protein homeostasis. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 105:103155. [PMID: 34116476 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of unrepaired DNA lesions is associated with many pathological outcomes in humans, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and in normal aging. Evidence supporting a causal role for DNA damage in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease has come from rare human patients with mutations in DNA damage response genes as well as from model organisms; however, the generality of this relationship in the normal population is unclear. In addition, the relevance of DNA damage in the context of proteotoxic stress-the widely accepted paradigm for pathology during neurodegeneration-is not well understood. Here, observations supporting intertwined roles of DNA damage and proteotoxicity in aging-related neurological outcomes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on recent insights into the relationships between DNA repair and autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system, formation of protein aggregates, poly-ADP-ribose polymerization, and transcription-driven DNA lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya T Paull
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, 78712, United States.
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Synofzik M, Puccio H, Mochel F, Schöls L. Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias: Paving the Way toward Targeted Molecular Therapies. Neuron 2019; 101:560-583. [PMID: 30790538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare degenerative and metabolic genetic diseases that share the hallmark of progressive damage of the cerebellum and its associated tracts. This Review focuses on recent translational research in ARCAs and illustrates the steps from genetic characterization to preclinical and clinical trials. The emerging common pathways underlying ARCAs include three main clusters: mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and complex lipid homeostasis. Novel ARCA treatments might target common hubs in pathogenesis by modulation of gene expression, stem cell transplantation, viral gene transfer, or interventions in faulty pathways. All these translational steps are addressed in current ARCA research, leading to the expectation that novel treatments for ARCAs will be reached in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch, France; INSERM, U1258, 67404 Illkirch, France; CNRS, UMR7104, 67404 Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Fanny Mochel
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC-Paris 6, UMR S 1127 and Inserm U 1127, and CNRS UMR 7225, and Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, 75013 Paris, France; Department of Genetics and Reference Centre for Adult Neurometabolic Diseases, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtriere University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
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Arias M. Keys to overcoming the challenge of diagnosing autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Abeti R, Zeitlberger A, Peelo C, Fassihi H, Sarkany RPE, Lehmann AR, Giunti P. Xeroderma pigmentosum: overview of pharmacology and novel therapeutic strategies for neurological symptoms. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4293-4301. [PMID: 30499105 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) encompasses a group of rare diseases characterized in most cases by malfunction of nucleotide excision repair (NER), which results in an increased sensitivity to UV radiation in affected individuals. Approximately 25-30% of XP patients present with neurological symptoms, such as sensorineural deafness, mental deterioration and ataxia. Although it is known that dysfunctional DNA repair is the primary pathogenesis in XP, growing evidence suggests that mitochondrial pathophysiology may also occur. This appears to be secondary to dysfunctional NER but may contribute to the neurodegenerative process in these patients. The available pharmacological treatments in XP mostly target the dermal manifestations of the disease. In the present review, we outline how current understanding of the pathophysiology of XP could be used to develop novel therapies to counteract the neurological symptoms. Moreover, the coexistence of cancer and neurodegeneration present in XP led us to focus on possible new avenues targeting mitochondrial pathophysiology. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Featured Mechanisms and Approaches for Therapy Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosella Abeti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, Institute of Neurology London, London, UK
| | - Anna Zeitlberger
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, Institute of Neurology London, London, UK
| | - Colm Peelo
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, Institute of Neurology London, London, UK
| | - Hiva Fassihi
- National Xeroderma Pigmentosum Service, St John's Institute of Dermatology Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert P E Sarkany
- National Xeroderma Pigmentosum Service, St John's Institute of Dermatology Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan R Lehmann
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, Institute of Neurology London, London, UK.,National Xeroderma Pigmentosum Service, St John's Institute of Dermatology Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Eidhof I, van de Warrenburg BP, Schenck A. Integrative network and brain expression analysis reveals mechanistic modules in ataxia. J Med Genet 2018; 56:283-292. [PMID: 30591515 PMCID: PMC6581079 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Genetic forms of ataxia are a heterogenous group of degenerative diseases of the cerebellum. Many causative genes have been identified. We aimed to systematically investigate these genes to better understand ataxia pathophysiology. Methods A manually curated catalogue of 71 genes involved in disorders with progressive ataxias as a major clinical feature was subjected to an integrated gene ontology, protein network and brain gene expression profiling analysis. Results We found that genes mutated in ataxias operate in networks with significantly enriched protein connectivity, demonstrating coherence on a global level, independent of inheritance mode. Moreover, elevated expression specifically in the cerebellum predisposes to ataxia. Genes expressed in this pattern are significantly over-represented among genes mutated in ataxia and are enriched for ion homeostasis/synaptic functions. The majority of genes mutated in ataxia, however, does not show elevated cerebellar expression that could account for region-specific degeneration. For these, we identified defective cellular stress responses as a major common biological theme, suggesting that the defence pathways against stress are more critical to maintain cerebellar integrity than integrity of other brain regions. Approximately half of the genes mutated in ataxia, mostly part of the stress module, show higher expression at embryonic stages, which argues for a developmental predisposition. Conclusion Genetic defects in ataxia predominantly affect neuronal homeostasis, to which the cerebellum appears to be excessively susceptible. Based on the identified modules, it is conceivable to propose common therapeutic interventions that target deregulated calcium and reactive oxygen species levels, or mechanisms that can decrease the harmful downstream effects of these deleterious insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Eidhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Härtner F, Andrade-Navarro MA, Alanis-Lobato G. Geometric characterisation of disease modules. APPLIED NETWORK SCIENCE 2018; 3:10. [PMID: 30839777 PMCID: PMC6214295 DOI: 10.1007/s41109-018-0066-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing accumulation of evidence supporting the existence of a hyperbolic geometry underlying the network representation of complex systems. In particular, it has been shown that the latent geometry of the human protein network (hPIN) captures biologically relevant information, leading to a meaningful visual representation of protein-protein interactions and translating challenging systems biology problems into measuring distances between proteins. Moreover, proteins can efficiently communicate with each other, without global knowledge of the hPIN structure, via a greedy routing (GR) process in which hyperbolic distances guide biological signals from source to target proteins. It is thanks to this effective information routing throughout the hPIN that the cell operates, communicates with other cells and reacts to environmental changes. As a result, the malfunction of one or a few members of this intricate system can disturb its dynamics and derive in disease phenotypes. In fact, it is known that the proteins associated with a single disease agglomerate non-randomly in the same region of the hPIN, forming one or several connected components known as the disease module (DM). Here, we present a geometric characterisation of DMs. First, we found that DM positions on the two-dimensional hyperbolic plane reflect their fragmentation and functional heterogeneity, rendering an informative picture of the cellular processes that the disease is affecting. Second, we used a distance-based dissimilarity measure to cluster DMs with shared clinical features. Finally, we took advantage of the GR strategy to study how defective proteins affect the transduction of signals throughout the hPIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Härtner
- Faculty for Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Institute of Computer Science, Staudingerweg 7, Mainz, 55128 Germany
| | - Miguel A. Andrade-Navarro
- Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, 55128 Germany
| | - Gregorio Alanis-Lobato
- Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, 55128 Germany
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Barzilai A, Schumacher B, Shiloh Y. Genome instability: Linking ageing and brain degeneration. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 161:4-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Rothblum-Oviatt C, Wright J, Lefton-Greif MA, McGrath-Morrow SA, Crawford TO, Lederman HM. Ataxia telangiectasia: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:159. [PMID: 27884168 PMCID: PMC5123280 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DEFINITION OF THE DISEASE Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder primarily characterized by cerebellar degeneration, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, cancer susceptibility and radiation sensitivity. A-T is often referred to as a genome instability or DNA damage response syndrome. EPIDEMIOLOGY The world-wide prevalence of A-T is estimated to be between 1 in 40,000 and 1 in 100,000 live births. CLINICAL DESCRIPTION A-T is a complex disorder with substantial variability in the severity of features between affected individuals, and at different ages. Neurological symptoms most often first appear in early childhood when children begin to sit or walk. They have immunological abnormalities including immunoglobulin and antibody deficiencies and lymphopenia. People with A-T have an increased predisposition for cancers, particularly of lymphoid origin. Pulmonary disease and problems with feeding, swallowing and nutrition are common, and there also may be dermatological and endocrine manifestations. ETIOLOGY A-T is caused by mutations in the ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia, Mutated) gene which encodes a protein of the same name. The primary role of the ATM protein is coordination of cellular signaling pathways in response to DNA double strand breaks, oxidative stress and other genotoxic stress. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of A-T is usually suspected by the combination of neurologic clinical features (ataxia, abnormal control of eye movement, and postural instability) with one or more of the following which may vary in their appearance: telangiectasia, frequent sinopulmonary infections and specific laboratory abnormalities (e.g. IgA deficiency, lymphopenia especially affecting T lymphocytes and increased alpha-fetoprotein levels). Because certain neurological features may arise later, a diagnosis of A-T should be carefully considered for any ataxic child with an otherwise elusive diagnosis. A diagnosis of A-T can be confirmed by the finding of an absence or deficiency of the ATM protein or its kinase activity in cultured cell lines, and/or identification of the pathological mutations in the ATM gene. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS There are several other neurologic and rare disorders that physicians must consider when diagnosing A-T and that can be confused with A-T. Differentiation of these various disorders is often possible with clinical features and selected laboratory tests, including gene sequencing. ANTENATAL DIAGNOSIS Antenatal diagnosis can be performed if the pathological ATM mutations in that family have been identified in an affected child. In the absence of identifying mutations, antenatal diagnosis can be made by haplotype analysis if an unambiguous diagnosis of the affected child has been made through clinical and laboratory findings and/or ATM protein analysis. GENETIC COUNSELING Genetic counseling can help family members of a patient with A-T understand when genetic testing for A-T is feasible, and how the test results should be interpreted. MANAGEMENT AND PROGNOSIS Treatment of the neurologic problems associated with A-T is symptomatic and supportive, as there are no treatments known to slow or stop the neurodegeneration. However, other manifestations of A-T, e.g. immunodeficiency, pulmonary disease, failure to thrive and diabetes can be treated effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Wright
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Maureen A. Lefton-Greif
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Howard M. Lederman
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine and Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
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Keys to overcoming the challenge of diagnosing autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia. Neurologia 2016; 34:248-258. [PMID: 27460185 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia refers to a large group of diseases affecting the cerebellum and/or its connections, although they may also involve other regions of the nervous system. These diseases are accompanied by a wide range of systemic manifestations (cardiopathies, endocrinopathies, skeletal deformities, and skin abnormalities). DEVELOPMENT This study reviews current knowledge of the most common forms of autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia in order to provide tips that may facilitate diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS A thorough assessment of clinical phenotype (pure cerebellar or cerebellar-plus syndrome, with or without systemic manifestations), laboratory tests (vitamin E, acanthocytosis, albumin, cholesterol, phytanic acid, lactic acid, creatine kinase, cholestanol, coenzyme Q10, alpha-fetoprotein, copper, ceruloplasmin, chitotriosidase), nerve conduction studies (presence and type of neuropathy), and an magnetic resonance imaging study (presence of cerebellar atrophy, presence and location of signal alterations) may help establish a suspected diagnosis, which should be confirmed by detecting the underlying genetic mutation. A positive genetic test result is necessary to determine prognosis and provide adequate genetic counselling, and will also permit appropriate treatment of some entities (abetalipoproteinaemia, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, Refsum disease, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, Niemann-Pick disease type C, Wilson disease). Without a genetic diagnosis, conducting basic research and therapeutic trials will not be possible.
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