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Grassini A, Cermelli A, Roveta F, Zotta M, Lesca A, Marcinnò A, Ferrandes F, Piella E, Boschi S, Lombardo C, Brusco A, Gallone S, Rubino E, Bruni A, Rainero I. Cognitive dysfunction, social behavior disorder, cerebellar ataxia, and atypical brain FDG-PET presentation in spinocerebellar ataxia 17: a case report. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2877-2880. [PMID: 38494459 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07453-4] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17) is a rare autosomal dominant form of inherited ataxia, caused by heterozygous trinucleotide repeat expansions encoding glutamine in the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) gene. CASE DESCRIPTION We describe the clinical history, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging findings of a 42-year-old patient who presented for medical attention showing prevalent behavioral and cognitive problems along with progressively worsening gait disturbances. The patient's family history indicated the presence of SCA17 in the maternal lineage. Genetic analysis confirmed a heterozygous 52-CAG pathological expansion repeat in TBP (normal interval, 25-40 CAG. Brain 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed bilateral hypometabolism in the sensorimotor cortex, with a slight predominance on the right, as well as in the striatal nuclei and thalamic hypermetabolism, a finding similar to what is observed in Huntington's disease. The patient also underwent neuropsychological evaluation, which revealed mild cognitive impairment and difficulties in social interaction and understanding other's emotions (Faux Pas Test and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test). CONCLUSION Our report emphasizes the importance of considering SCA17 as a possible diagnosis in patients with a prevalent progressive cognitive and behavioral disorders, even with a pattern of FDG-PET hypometabolism not primarily indicative of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Grassini
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Aurora Cermelli
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Fausto Roveta
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Zotta
- Nuclear Medicine, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriana Lesca
- Nuclear Medicine, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcinnò
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferrandes
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Piella
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Boschi
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Lombardo
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gallone
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Rubino
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Amalia Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Rainero
- Aging Brain and Memory Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, "Rita Levi Montalcini", Memory Clinic, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Città Della Salute E Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
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2
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Henden L, Fearnley LG, Grima N, McCann EP, Dobson-Stone C, Fitzpatrick L, Friend K, Hobson L, Chan Moi Fat S, Rowe DB, D'Silva S, Kwok JB, Halliday GM, Kiernan MC, Mazumder S, Timmins HC, Zoing M, Pamphlett R, Adams L, Bahlo M, Blair IP, Williams KL. Short tandem repeat expansions in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade2044. [PMID: 37146135 PMCID: PMC10162670 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic short tandem repeat (STR) expansions cause over 20 neurodegenerative diseases. To determine the contribution of STRs in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), we used ExpansionHunter, REviewer, and polymerase chain reaction validation to assess 21 neurodegenerative disease-associated STRs in whole-genome sequencing data from 608 patients with sporadic ALS, 68 patients with sporadic FTD, and 4703 matched controls. We also propose a data-derived outlier detection method for defining allele thresholds in rare STRs. Excluding C9orf72 repeat expansions, 17.6% of clinically diagnosed ALS and FTD cases had at least one expanded STR allele reported to be pathogenic or intermediate for another neurodegenerative disease. We identified and validated 162 disease-relevant STR expansions in C9orf72 (ALS/FTD), ATXN1 [spinal cerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)], ATXN2 (SCA2), ATXN8 (SCA8), TBP (SCA17), HTT (Huntington's disease), DMPK [myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)], CNBP (DM2), and FMR1 (fragile-X disorders). Our findings suggest clinical and pathological pleiotropy of neurodegenerative disease genes and highlight their importance in ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal Henden
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Liam G Fearnley
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Emily P McCann
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carol Dobson-Stone
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lauren Fitzpatrick
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Kathryn Friend
- SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Lynne Hobson
- SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Susan D'Silva
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - John B Kwok
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Srestha Mazumder
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Hannah C Timmins
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Margaret Zoing
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Lorel Adams
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Kelly L Williams
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Kirola L, Mukherjee A, Mutsuddi M. Recent Updates on the Genetics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5673-5694. [PMID: 35768750 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) primarily affect the motor and frontotemporal areas of the brain, respectively. These disorders share clinical, genetic, and pathological similarities, and approximately 10-15% of ALS-FTD cases are considered to be multisystemic. ALS-FTD overlaps have been linked to families carrying an expansion in the intron of C9orf72 along with inclusions of TDP-43 in the brain. Other overlapping genes (VCP, FUS, SQSTM1, TBK1, CHCHD10) are also involved in similar functions that include RNA processing, autophagy, proteasome response, protein aggregation, and intracellular trafficking. Recent advances in genome sequencing have identified new genes that are involved in these disorders (TBK1, CCNF, GLT8D1, KIF5A, NEK1, C21orf2, TBP, CTSF, MFSD8, DNAJC7). Additional risk factors and modifiers have been also identified in genome-wide association studies and array-based studies. However, the newly identified genes show higher disease frequencies in combination with known genes that are implicated in pathogenesis, thus indicating probable digenetic/polygenic inheritance models, along with epistatic interactions. Studies suggest that these genes play a pleiotropic effect on ALS-FTD and other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Ataxia, and Parkinsonism. Besides, there have been numerous improvements in the genotype-phenotype correlations as well as clinical trials on stem cell and gene-based therapies. This review discusses the possible genetic models of ALS and FTD, the latest therapeutics, and signaling pathways involved in ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Kirola
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashim Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mousumi Mutsuddi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Reis MC, Patrun J, Ackl N, Winter P, Scheifele M, Danek A, Nolte D. A Severe Dementia Syndrome Caused by Intron Retention and Cryptic Splice Site Activation in STUB1 and Exacerbated by TBP Repeat Expansions. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:878236. [PMID: 35493319 PMCID: PMC9048483 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.878236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous pathogenic variants in the STIP1 homologous and U-box containing protein 1 (STUB1) gene have been identified as causes of autosomal dominant inherited spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 (SCA48). SCA48 is characterized by an ataxic movement disorder that is often, but not always, accompanied by a cognitive affective syndrome. We report a severe early onset dementia syndrome that mimics frontotemporal dementia and is caused by the intronic splice donor variant c.524+1G>A in STUB1. Impaired splicing was demonstrated by RNA analysis and in minigene assays of mutated and wild-type constructs of STUB1. The most striking consequence of this splicing impairment was retention of intron 3 in STUB1, which led to an in-frame insertion of 63 amino acids (aa) (p.Arg175_Glu176ins63) into the highly conserved coiled-coil domain of its encoded protein, C-terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP). To a lesser extent, activation of two cryptic splice sites in intron 3 was observed. The almost exclusively used one, c.524+86, was not predicted by in silico programs. Variant c.524+86 caused a frameshift (p.Arg175fs*93) that resulted in a truncated protein and presumably impairs the C-terminal U-box of CHIP, which normally functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. The cryptic splice site c.524+99 was rarely used and led to an in-frame insertion of 33 aa (p.Arg175_Glu176ins33) that resulted in disruption of the coiled-coil domain, as has been previously postulated for complete intron 3 retention. We additionally detected repeat expansions in the range of reduced penetrance in the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) gene by excluding other genes associated with dementia syndromes. The repeat expansion was heterozygous in one patient but compound heterozygous in the more severely affected patient. Therefore, we concluded that the observed severe dementia syndrome has a digenic background, making STUB1 and TBP important candidate genes responsible for early onset dementia syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen Colleen Reis
- Institut für Humangenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Patrun
- Institut für Humangenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nibal Ackl
- Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Winter
- Institut für Humangenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Adrian Danek
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dagmar Nolte
- Institut für Humangenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dagmar Nolte,
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Zhang S, Shen L, Jiao B. Cognitive Dysfunction in Repeat Expansion Diseases: A Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:841711. [PMID: 35478698 PMCID: PMC9036481 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.841711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of the sequencing technique, more than 40 repeat expansion diseases (REDs) have been identified during the past two decades. Moreover, the clinical features of these diseases show some commonality, and the nervous system, especially the cognitive function was affected in part by these diseases. However, the specific cognitive domains impaired in different diseases were inconsistent. Here, we survey literature on the cognitive consequences of the following disorders presenting cognitive dysfunction and summarizing the pathogenic genes, epidemiology, and different domains affected by these diseases. We found that the cognitive domains affected in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) were widespread including the executive function, memory, information processing speed, attention, visuospatial function, and language. Patients with C9ORF72-frontotemporal dementia (FTD) showed impairment in executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial function. While in Huntington's disease (HD), the executive function, memory, and information processing speed were affected, in the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), executive function, memory, information processing speed, and attention were impaired. Moreover, the spinocerebellar ataxias showed broad damage in almost all the cognitive domains except for the relatively intact language ability. Some other diseases with relatively rare clinical data also indicated cognitive dysfunction, such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), Huntington disease like-2 (HDL2), and cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS). We drew a cognitive function landscape of the related REDs that might provide an aspect for differential diagnosis through cognitive domains and effective non-specific interventions for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Jiao
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6
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Lashkarivand A, Eide PK. Brain Sagging Dementia -- Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome: A Review. Neurology 2022; 98:798-805. [PMID: 35338080 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain sagging dementia (BSD), caused by spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), is a rare syndrome that is only recently recognized, mimicking the clinical findings of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Being aware of its signs and symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment in this potentially reversible form of dementia. Our objective was to identify cases with BSD in the literature and present its clinical characteristics, diagnostic workup, treatment options, and outcome.The review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines and registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42020150709). MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched. There was no date restriction. The search was updated in April 2021.A total of 983 articles were screened and assessed for eligibility. Twenty-nine articles (25 case reports and four series) and 70 patients were selected for inclusion. No cranial leak cases were identified. BSD diagnosis should be made based on clinical signs and symptoms and radiological findings. There is a male predominance (F: M ratio 1:4) and a peak incidence in the 6th decade of life. The main clinical manifestation is insidious onset, gradually progressive cognitive and behavioral changes characteristic for bvFTD. Headache is present in the majority of patients (89%). The presence of brain sagging and absence of frontotemporal atrophy is an absolute criterion for the diagnosis. The CSF leak is identified with myelography and digital subtraction myelography. The treatment and repair depend on the etiology and extent of the dural defect, although an epidural blood patch is the first-line treatment in most cases. With treatment, 81% experienced partial and 67% complete resolution of their symptoms. This review highlights the most important clinical aspects of BSD. Due to the sparse evidence and lack of BSD awareness, many patients are most likely left undiagnosed. Recognizing this condition is essential to provide early treatment to reverse the cognitive and behavioral changes that may otherwise progress and fully impair the patient. Moreover, patients with longstanding SIH must be carefully assessed for cognitive and behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Lashkarivand
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Kristian Eide
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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7
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Louis ED, Faust PL. Essential Tremor Within the Broader Context of Other Forms of Cerebellar Degeneration. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:879-896. [PMID: 32666285 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) has recently been reconceptualized by many as a degenerative disease of the cerebellum. Until now, though, there has been no attempt to frame it within the context of these diseases. Here, we compare the clinical and postmortem features of ET with other cerebellar degenerations, thereby placing it within the broader context of these diseases. Action tremor is the hallmark feature of ET. Although often underreported in the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), action tremors occur, and it is noteworthy that in SCA12 and 15, they are highly prevalent, often severe, and can be the earliest disease manifestation, resulting in an initial diagnosis of ET in many cases. Intention tremor, sometimes referred to as "cerebellar tremor," is a common feature of ET and many SCAs. Other features of cerebellar dysfunction, gait ataxia and eye motion abnormalities, are seen to a mild degree in ET and more markedly in SCAs. Several SCAs (e.g., SCA5, 6, 14, and 15), like ET, follow a milder and more protracted disease course. In ET, numerous postmortem changes have been localized to the cerebellum and are largely confined to the cerebellar cortex, preserving the cerebellar nuclei. Purkinje cell loss is modest. Similarly, in SCA3, 12, and 15, Purkinje cell loss is limited, and in SCA12 and 15, there is preservation of cerebellar nuclei and relative sparing of other central nervous system regions. Both clinically and pathologically, there are numerous similarities and intersection points between ET and other disorders of cerebellar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology and Therapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Klotz S, Gelpi E. [Neuropathology of dementia]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2021; 171:257-273. [PMID: 34129141 PMCID: PMC8397629 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-021-00848-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Demenz ist die klinische Folge verschiedener neurologischer Erkrankungen mit einer Vielzahl von Ätiologien. Dabei ist die genaue Kenntnis der zugrunde liegenden pathologischen Veränderungen entscheidend für die passgenaue Versorgung der Patienten und für die Entwicklung geeigneter Krankheitsbiomarker. Eine definitive Diagnose vieler dieser Erkrankungen, insbesondere der neurodegenerativen Formen, kann nur nach gründlicher postmortaler neuropathologischer Untersuchung gestellt werden. Dies unterstreicht die Wichtigkeit der Durchführung einer Gehirnautopsie und die Relevanz einer engen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Klinikern, Neuroradiologen und Neuropathologen sowie mit Grundlagenforschern. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, einen kurzen Überblick über die Neuropathologie der Demenz mit Schwerpunkt auf neurodegenerative Erkrankungen zu geben, um die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit weiter zu fördern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Klotz
- Abteilung für Neuropathologie und Neurochemie, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinischer Universitätscampus Wien, Ebene 4J, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich.,Österreichisches Referenzzentrum zur Erfassung und Dokumentation menschlicher Prionen-Erkrankungen (ÖRPE), Wien, Österreich
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Abteilung für Neuropathologie und Neurochemie, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinischer Universitätscampus Wien, Ebene 4J, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich. .,Österreichisches Referenzzentrum zur Erfassung und Dokumentation menschlicher Prionen-Erkrankungen (ÖRPE), Wien, Österreich.
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9
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Jih KY, Lin KP, Tsai PC, Soong BW, Liao YC, Lee YC. Investigating TBP CAG/CAA trinucleotide repeat expansions in a Taiwanese cohort with ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:442-447. [PMID: 33377399 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1867182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate-length CAG repeats in ATXN2 have been well recognized as a genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the role of similar trinucleotide repeat expansions in the TATA-box binding protein gene (TBP), another disease-associated gene for inherited ataxia, in ALS remains elusive. To assess the association between TBP trinucleotide repeat expansions and ALS, we investigated the repeat lengths in 325 unrelated ALS patients and 1500 controls in the Taiwanese population. The most common size of repeats in the patients and controls were both 36. The repeat lengths ranged from 29 to 46 repeats in the ALS patients and 27 to 43 repeats in the controls. Two ALS patients carried a TBP allele with a repeat number equal or greater than 44 (44 and 46). The patient with the 46 trinucleotide repeats also had a C9ORF72 GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion. The odds ratio of an individual carrying the CAG/CAA repeats ≥ 44 to have ALS is 23.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-484.24; p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that intermediate-length CAG/CAA repeat expansions in TBP may associate with ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Yang Jih
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kon-Ping Lin
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Wen Soong
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Liao
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ranganathan R, Haque S, Coley K, Shepheard S, Cooper-Knock J, Kirby J. Multifaceted Genes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:684. [PMID: 32733193 PMCID: PMC7358438 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia are two progressive, adult onset neurodegenerative diseases, caused by the cell death of motor neurons in the motor cortex and spinal cord and cortical neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes, respectively. Whilst these have previously appeared to be quite distinct disorders, in terms of areas affected and clinical symptoms, identification of cognitive dysfunction as a component of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with some patients presenting with both ALS and FTD, overlapping features of neuropathology and the ongoing discoveries that a significant proportion of the genes underlying the familial forms of the disease are the same, has led to ALS and FTD being described as a disease spectrum. Many of these genes encode proteins in common biological pathways including RNA processing, autophagy, ubiquitin proteasome system, unfolded protein response and intracellular trafficking. This article provides an overview of the ALS-FTD genes before summarizing other known ALS and FTD causing genes where mutations have been found primarily in patients of one disease and rarely in the other. In discussing these genes, the review highlights the similarity of biological pathways in which the encoded proteins function and the interactions that occur between these proteins, whilst recognizing the distinctions of MAPT-related FTD and SOD1-related ALS. However, mutations in all of these genes result in similar pathology including protein aggregation and neuroinflammation, highlighting that multiple different mechanisms lead to common downstream effects and neuronal loss. Next generation sequencing has had a significant impact on the identification of genes associated with both diseases, and has also highlighted the widening clinical phenotypes associated with variants in these ALS and FTD genes. It is hoped that the large sequencing initiatives currently underway in ALS and FTD will begin to uncover why different diseases are associated with mutations within a single gene, especially as a personalized medicine approach to therapy, based on a patient's genetics, approaches the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ranganathan
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shaila Haque
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Barishal, Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Kayesha Coley
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Shepheard
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Guerreiro R, Gibbons E, Tábuas-Pereira M, Kun-Rodrigues C, Santo GC, Bras J. Genetic architecture of common non-Alzheimer's disease dementias. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 142:104946. [PMID: 32439597 PMCID: PMC8207829 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the most common forms of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The heterogeneity of these disorders and/or the clinical overlap with other diseases hinder the study of their genetic components. Even though Mendelian dementias are rare, the study of these forms of disease can have a significant impact in the lives of patients and families and have successfully brought to the fore many of the genes currently known to be involved in FTD and VaD, starting to give us a glimpse of the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. More recently, genome-wide association studies have also pointed to disease risk-associated loci. This has been particularly important for DLB where familial forms of disease are very rarely described. In this review we systematically describe the Mendelian and risk genes involved in these non-AD dementias in an effort to contribute to a better understanding of their genetic architecture, find differences and commonalities between different dementia phenotypes, and uncover areas that would benefit from more intense research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Guerreiro
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Miguel Tábuas-Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Celia Kun-Rodrigues
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Gustavo C Santo
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jose Bras
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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