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Krygier M, Ziętkiewicz S, Talaśka-Liczbik W, Chylińska M, Walczak A, Kostrzewa G, Płoski R, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. The epilepsy phenotype of KCNK4-related neurodevelopmental disease. Seizure 2024; 121:114-122. [PMID: 39146707 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.08.008] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Potassium ion channels play a crucial role in maintaining cellular electrical stability and are implicated in various epilepsies. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in KCNK4 cause a recognizable neurodevelopmental syndrome with facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), and gingival overgrowth (FHEIG). To date, no more than nine patients with FHEIG have been described worldwide and still little is known about epileptic phenotype in KCNK4-related disease. METHODS We identified a novel de novo p.(Gly139Arg) variant in KCNK4 in a patient with drug-resistant nocturnal seizures, mild ID, and dysmorphic features. In silico analyses of the variant strongly suggest a gain-of-function effect. We conducted a retrospective review of previously published cases, focusing on the epileptic features and response to various treatments. RESULTS To date, epilepsy has been reported in 8/10 patients with KCNK4-related disease. The mean age of seizure onset was 1.8 years, and the most common seizure type was focal to bilateral tonic-clonic (5/8). Sodium channel blockers and valproate were effective in the majority of patients, but in 3/8 the epilepsy was drug-resistant. Our patient showed improved seizure control after treatment with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor sulthiame. Interestingly, the patient showed features of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome, a phenomenon not previously described in potassium channelopathies caused by increased K+ conductance. CONCLUSION Gain-of-function variants in KCNK4 cause a spectrum of epilepsies, ranging from benign isolated epilepsy to epileptic encephalopathy, with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures being the most commonly observed. Importantly, a subgroup of patients present with a mild extra-neurological phenotype without characteristic facial dysmorphism or generalized hypertrichosis. This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of KNCK4-associated disease and provides new insights into the clinical heterogeneity of this rare neurodevelopmental syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Krygier
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Szymon Ziętkiewicz
- Laboratory of Protein Biochemistry, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | | | - Anna Walczak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Kostrzewa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Chengyan L, Chupeng X, You W, Yinhui C, Binglong H, Dang A, Ling L, Chuan T. Identification of genetic causes in children with unexplained epilepsy based on trio-whole exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2024; 106:140-149. [PMID: 38468460 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Genotype and clinical phenotype analyses of 128 children were performed based on whole exome sequencing (WES), providing a reference for the provision of genetic counseling and the precise diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. A total of 128 children with unexplained epilepsy were included in this study, and all their clinical data were analyzed. The children's treatments, epilepsy control, and neurodevelopmental levels were regularly followed up every 3 months. The genetic diagnostic yield of the 128 children with epilepsy is 50.8%, with an SNV diagnostic yield of 39.8% and a CNV diagnostic yield of 12.5%. Among the 128 children with epilepsy, 57.0% had onset of epilepsy in infancy, 25.8% have more than two clinical seizure forms, 62.5% require two or more anti-epileptic drug treatments, and 72.7% of the children have varying degrees of psychomotor development retardation. There are significant differences between ages of onset, neurodevelopmental levels and the presence of drug resistance in the genetic diagnostic yield (all p < 0.05). The 52 pathogenic/likely pathogenic SNVs involve 31 genes, with genes encoding ion channels having the largest number of mutations (30.8%). There were 16 cases of pathogenic/possibly pathogenic CNVs, among which the main proportions of CNVs were located in chromosome 15 and chromosome 16. Trio-WES is an essential tool for the genetic diagnosis of unexplained epilepsy, with a genetic diagnostic yield of up to 50.8%. Early genetic testing can provide an initiate appropriate therapies and accurate molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chengyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Chupeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang You
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Yinhui
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Binglong
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ao Dang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Ling
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Chuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
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Ocklenburg S, Mundorf A, Gerrits R, Karlsson EM, Papadatou-Pastou M, Vingerhoets G. Clinical implications of brain asymmetries. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:383-394. [PMID: 38783057 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00974-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
No two human brains are alike, and with the rise of precision medicine in neurology, we are seeing an increased emphasis on understanding the individual variability in brain structure and function that renders every brain unique. Functional and structural brain asymmetries are a fundamental principle of brain organization, and recent research suggests substantial individual variability in these asymmetries that needs to be considered in clinical practice. In this Review, we provide an overview of brain asymmetries, variations in such asymmetries and their relevance in the clinical context. We review recent findings on brain asymmetries in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as in specific learning disabilities, with an emphasis on large-scale database studies and meta-analyses. We also highlight the relevance of asymmetries for disease symptom onset in neurodegenerative diseases and their implications for lateralized treatments, including brain stimulation. We conclude that alterations in brain asymmetry are not sufficiently specific to act as diagnostic biomarkers but can serve as meaningful symptom or treatment response biomarkers in certain contexts. On the basis of these insights, we provide several recommendations for neurological clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- ICAN Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Annakarina Mundorf
- ISM Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robin Gerrits
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (GIfMI), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emma M Karlsson
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (GIfMI), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marietta Papadatou-Pastou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Guy Vingerhoets
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (GIfMI), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Huang H, Cao D, Hu Y, He Q, Zhao X, Chen L, Lin S, Luo X, Ye Y, Liao J, Zou H, Zou D. Exploring Infantile Epileptic Spasm Syndrome: A Proteomic Analysis of Plasma Using the Data-Independent Acquisition Approach. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38857073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify characteristic proteins in infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) patients' plasma, offering insights into potential early diagnostic biomarkers and its underlying causes. Plasma samples were gathered from 60 patients with IESS and 40 healthy controls. Data-independent acquisition proteomic analysis was utilized to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). These DEPs underwent functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was employed for both GO (GSEA-GO) and KEGG (GSEA-KEGG) analyses to examine the gene expression profiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed biomarkers' discriminatory capacity. A total of 124 DEPs were identified in IESS patients' plasma, mainly linked to pathways, encompassing chemokines, cytokines, and oxidative detoxification. GSEA-GO and GSEA-KEGG analyses indicated significant enrichment of genes associated with cell migration, focal adhesion, and phagosome pathways. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combination of PRSS1 and ACTB, PRSS3, ACTB, and PRSS1 alone exhibited AUC values exceeding 0.7. This study elucidated the significant contribution of cytokines, chemokines, oxidative detoxification, and phagosomes to the IESS pathogenesis. The combination of PRSS1 and ACTB holds promise as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of IESS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohua Huang
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Pediatrics Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Dezhi Cao
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Qianqian He
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Li Chen
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Sufang Lin
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Xufeng Luo
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanzhen Ye
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Jianxiang Liao
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Huafang Zou
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
| | - Dongfang Zou
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000 Guangdong, China
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Zhang XM, Xu KL, Kong JH, Dong G, Dong SJ, Yang ZX, Xu SJ, Wang L, Luo SY, Zhang YD, Zhou CC, Gu WY, Mei SY. Heterozygous CAPZA2 mutations cause global developmental delay, hypotonia with epilepsy: a case report and the literature review. J Hum Genet 2024; 69:197-203. [PMID: 38374166 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-024-01230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
CAPZA2 encodes the α2 subunit of CAPZA, which is vital for actin polymerization and depolymerization in humans. However, understanding of diseases associated with CAPZA2 remains limited. To date, only three cases have been documented with neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as delayed motor development, speech delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia, and a history of seizures. In this study, we document a patient who exhibited seizures, mild intellectual disability, and impaired motor development yet did not demonstrate speech delay or hypotonia. The patient also suffered from recurrent instances of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal and allergic diseases. A novel de novo splicing variant c.219+1 G > A was detected in the CAPZA2 gene through whole-exome sequencing. This variant led to exon 4 skipping in mRNA splicing, confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the third study on human CAPZA2 defects, documenting the fourth unambiguously diagnosed case. Furthermore, this splicing mutation type is reported here for the first time. Our research offers additional support for the existence of a CAPZA2-related non-syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder. Our findings augment our understanding of the phenotypic range associated with CAPZA2 deficiency and enrich the knowledge of the mutational spectrum of the CAPZA2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Man Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kai-Li Xu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hui Kong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Geng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jie Dong
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xiao Yang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shu-Jing Xu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shu-Ying Luo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao-Dong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chong-Chen Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Yue Gu
- Chigene Translational Medical Research Center Co. Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yue Mei
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
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Vaughan AJ, McMeekin LJ, Hine K, Stubbs IW, Codadu NK, Cockell S, Hill JT, Cowell R, Trevelyan AJ, Parrish RR. RNA Sequencing Demonstrates Ex Vivo Neocortical Transcriptomic Changes Induced by Epileptiform Activity in Male and Female Mice. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0520-23.2024. [PMID: 38664009 PMCID: PMC11129778 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0520-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Seizures are generally associated with epilepsy but may also be a symptom of many other neurological conditions. A hallmark of a seizure is the intensity of the local neuronal activation, which can drive large-scale gene transcription changes. Such changes in the transcriptional profile likely alter neuronal function, thereby contributing to the pathological process. Therefore, there is a strong clinical imperative to characterize how gene expression is changed by seizure activity. To this end, we developed a simplified ex vivo technique for studying seizure-induced transcriptional changes. We compared the RNA sequencing profile in mouse neocortical tissue with up to 3 h of epileptiform activity induced by 4-aminopyridine (4AP) relative to control brain slices not exposed to the drug. We identified over 100 genes with significantly altered expression after 4AP treatment, including multiple genes involved in MAPK, TNF, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways, all of which have been linked to epilepsy previously. Notably, the patterns in male and female brain slices were almost identical. Various immediate early genes were among those showing the largest upregulation. The set of down-regulated genes included ones that might be expected either to increase or to decrease neuronal excitability. In summary, we found the seizure-induced transcriptional profile complex, but the changes aligned well with an analysis of published epilepsy-associated genes. We discuss how simple models may provide new angles for investigating seizure-induced transcriptional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec J Vaughan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Laura J McMeekin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
| | - Kutter Hine
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Isaac W Stubbs
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Neela K Codadu
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Cockell
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon T Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
| | - Rita Cowell
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
| | - Andrew J Trevelyan
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - R Ryley Parrish
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602
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Delanty N, Mohanraj R, Shankar R, Wehner T, Stephen LJ, D'Souza W, Cappucci S, McMurray R, Sainz-Fuertes R, Villanueva V. Perampanel for the treatment of epilepsy with genetic aetiology: Real-world evidence from the PERMIT Extension study. Epilepsy Res 2024; 202:107339. [PMID: 38492461 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107339] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Genetic factors contribute to the aetiology of epilepsy in >50% of cases, and information on the use of antiseizure medications in people with specific aetiologies will help guide treatment decisions. The PERMIT Extension study pooled data from two real-world studies (PERMIT and PROVE) to investigate the effectiveness and safety/tolerability of perampanel (PER) when used to treat people with focal and generalised epilepsy in everyday clinical practice. This post-hoc analysis of PERMIT Extension explored the use of PER when used to treat individuals presumed to have epilepsy with a genetic aetiology. Assessments included retention rate (evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months), effectiveness (responder and seizure freedom rates; evaluated at 3, 6, 12 months and the last visit [last observation carried forward) and tolerability (adverse events [AEs]). Of the 6822 people with epilepsy included in PERMIT Extension, 1012 were presumed to have a genetic aetiology. The most common genetic aetiologies were idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE; 58.2%), tuberous sclerosis (1.1%), Dravet syndrome (0.8%) and genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+; 0.5%). Retention rates at 3, 6 and 12 months in the total genetic aetiology population were 89.3%, 79.7% and 65.9%, respectively. In the total genetic aetiology population, responder rates at 12 months and the last visit were 74.8% and 68.3%, respectively, and corresponding seizure freedom rates were 48.9% and 46.5%, respectively. For the specific aetiology subgroups, responder rates at 12 months and the last visit were, respectively: 90.4% and 84.4% (IGE), 100% and 57.1% (tuberous sclerosis), 100% and 71.4% (Dravet syndrome), and 33.3% and 20.0% (GEFS+). Corresponding seizure freedom rates were, respectively: 73.1% and 64.6% (IGE), 33.3% and 22.2% (tuberous sclerosis), 20.0% and 28.6% (Dravet syndrome), and 0% and 0% (GEFS+). The incidence of AEs was 46.5% for the total genetic aetiology population, 48.8% for IGE, 27.3% for tuberous sclerosis, 62.5% for Dravet syndrome, and 20% for GEFS+. Tolerability findings were consistent with PER's known safety profile. PER was effective and generally well tolerated when used in individuals with a presumed genetic epilepsy aetiology in clinical practice. PER was effective across a wide range of genetic aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Delanty
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Rajiv Mohanraj
- Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, UK
| | | | - Tim Wehner
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH Foundation Trust, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK
| | - Linda J Stephen
- Epilepsy Unit, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Wendyl D'Souza
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Robertson AJ, Tran KA, Bennett C, Sullivan C, Stark Z, Vadlamudi L, Waddell N. Clinically significant changes in genes and variants associated with epilepsy over time: implications for re-analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7717. [PMID: 38565608 PMCID: PMC10987647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant advances in understanding the genetic architecture of epilepsy, many patients do not receive a molecular diagnosis after genomic testing. Re-analysing existing genomic data has emerged as a potent method to increase diagnostic yields-providing the benefits of genomic-enabled medicine to more individuals afflicted with a range of different conditions. The primary drivers for these new diagnoses are the discovery of novel gene-disease and variants-disease relationships; however, most decisions to trigger re-analysis are based on the passage of time rather than the accumulation of new knowledge. To explore how our understanding of a specific condition changes and how this impacts re-analysis of genomic data from epilepsy patients, we developed Vigelint. This approach combines the information from PanelApp and ClinVar to characterise how the clinically relevant genes and causative variants available to laboratories change over time, and this approach to five clinical-grade epilepsy panels. Applying the Vigelint pipeline to these panels revealed highly variable patterns in new, clinically relevant knowledge becoming publicly available. This variability indicates that a more dynamic approach to re-analysis may benefit the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy patients. Moreover, this work suggests that Vigelint can provide empirical data to guide more nuanced, condition-specific approaches to re-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Robertson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- The Genomic Institute, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Khoa A Tran
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carmen Bennett
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Clair Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Department of Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lata Vadlamudi
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Medical Genomics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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Costa B, Vale N. Virus-Induced Epilepsy vs. Epilepsy Patients Acquiring Viral Infection: Unravelling the Complex Relationship for Precision Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3730. [PMID: 38612542 PMCID: PMC11011490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073730] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate relationship between viruses and epilepsy involves a bidirectional interaction. Certain viruses can induce epilepsy by infecting the brain, leading to inflammation, damage, or abnormal electrical activity. Conversely, epilepsy patients may be more susceptible to viral infections due to factors, such as compromised immune systems, anticonvulsant drugs, or surgical interventions. Neuroinflammation, a common factor in both scenarios, exhibits onset, duration, intensity, and consequence variations. It can modulate epileptogenesis, increase seizure susceptibility, and impact anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics, immune system function, and brain physiology. Viral infections significantly impact the clinical management of epilepsy patients, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach encompassing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both conditions. We delved into the dual dynamics of viruses inducing epilepsy and epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, examining the unique features of each case. For virus-induced epilepsy, we specify virus types, elucidate mechanisms of epilepsy induction, emphasize neuroinflammation's impact, and analyze its effects on anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Conversely, in epilepsy patients acquiring viruses, we detail the acquired virus, its interaction with existing epilepsy, neuroinflammation effects, and changes in anticonvulsant drug pharmacokinetics. Understanding this interplay advances precision therapies for epilepsy during viral infections, providing mechanistic insights, identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and supporting optimized dosing regimens. However, further studies are crucial to validate tools, discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and evaluate targeted therapy safety and efficacy in diverse epilepsy and viral infection scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Çapan ÖY, Yapıcı Z, Özbil M, Çağlayan HS. Exome data of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy patients reveals de novo and inherited pathologic variants in epilepsy-associated genes. Seizure 2024; 116:51-64. [PMID: 37353388 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.009] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), identifying the precise genetic factors guides the clinicians to apply the most appropriate treatment for the patient. Due to high locus heterogeneity, WES analysis is a promising approach for the genetic diagnosis of DEE. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the utility of WES in the diagnosis and treatment of DEE patients. METHODS The exome data of 29 DEE patients were filtrated for destructive and missense mutations in 1896 epilepsy-related genes to detect the causative variants and examine the genotype-phenotype correlations. We performed Sanger sequencing with the available DNA samples to follow the co-segregation of the variants with the disease phenotype in the families. Also, the structural effects of p.Asn1053Ser, p.Pro120Ser and p.Glu1868Gly mutations on KCNMA1, NPC2, and SCN2A proteins, respectively, were evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) and molecular docking simulations. RESULTS Out of 29, nine patients (31%) harbor pathological (P) or likely pathological (LP) mutations in SCN2A, KCNQ2, ATP1A2, KCNMA1, and MECP2 genes, and three patients have VUS variants (10%) in SCN1A and SCN2A genes. Sanger sequencing results indicated that three of the patients have de novo mutations while eight of them carry paternally and/or maternally inherited causative variants. MD and molecular docking simulations supported the destructive effects of the mutations on KCNMA1, NPC2, and SCN2A protein structures. CONCLUSION Herein we demonstrated the effectiveness of WES for DEE with high locus heterogeneity. Identification of the genetic etiology guided the clinicians to adjust the proper treatment for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Yalçın Çapan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul Arel University, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Zuhal Yapıcı
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özbil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkiye
| | - Hande S Çağlayan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, İstanbul, Turkey (formerly)
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11
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Grew E, Reddy M, Reichner H, Kim J, Salam M, Hashim A. Yield and Utility of Routine Epilepsy Panel Genetic Testing Among Young Patients With Seizures. J Child Neurol 2024; 39:138-146. [PMID: 38528770 DOI: 10.1177/08830738241240516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Objective: We examined the yield of routine epilepsy panel genetic testing in pediatric patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed epilepsy genetic panel results routinely performed in the hospital or clinic on patients <8 years old from July 2021 to July 2023. We evaluated demographics, family history, seizure type, severity, and frequency, development, tone and movement abnormalities, dysmorphism, and electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results as predictors of results. Results: 65 patients were included with mean age 4.5 years. Sixty percent of patients were male; 11 patients had pathogenic variants (16.9%), 7 were carriers for autosomal recessive conditions (10.8%), 36 had variants of uncertain significance (55.4%), and 11 tested negative (16.9%). Pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance were unassociated with demographics, clinical features, imaging, or family history. Conclusion: Variants identified have potential implications for treatment (SCN1), comorbidity screening (TSC1), reproduction (ATAD1, PSAT1, and CLN8), and prognostication (FOXG1). Patients not routinely screened for a genetic cause of epilepsy by our standard practices had clinically relevant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Grew
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Mayuri Reddy
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jinsoo Kim
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Misbah Salam
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Anjum Hashim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ, USA
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12
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Shariff S, Nouh HA, Inshutiyimana S, Kachouh C, Abdelwahab MM, Nazir A, Wojtara M, Uwishema O. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1896. [PMID: 38361811 PMCID: PMC10867297 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1896] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, requires deep investigation into the molecular mechanisms. This helps develop diagnostic techniques, treatments, and pharmacotherapy. It also enhances precision medicine and individualized treatment processes. This article reviews all the molecular mechanisms predisposing to epileptogenesis, presents the current diagnostic techniques and drug therapy, and suggests future perspectives in treating Epilepsy in a more comprehensive and holistic approach. Methodology Four authors searched keywords concerning epilepsy at a molecular level, Epilepsy diagnostic techniques and technologies, and antiepileptic drug therapy and precision medicine. Separate search strategies were conducted for each concern and retrieved articles were reviewed for relevant results. Results The traditional diagnostic techniques for Epilepsy and its pathogenesis are insufficient in highlighting dynamic brain changes. For this, emerging technologies including genetic sequencing and profiling, and functional neuroimaging techniques are prevailing. Concerning treatment, the current approach focuses on managing symptoms and stopping seizures using antiseizure medications. However, their usage is limited by developing resistance to such drugs. Some therapies show promise, although most antiseizure drugs do not prevent epilepsy. Discussion Understanding epileptogenesis at a molecular and genetic level aids in developing new antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The aim is to develop therapies that could prevent seizures or modify disease course, decreasing the severity and avoiding drug resistance. Gene therapy and precision medicine are promising but applications are limited due to the heterogeneity in studying the Epileptic brain, dynamically. The dynamic investigation of the epileptic brain with its comorbidities works hand-in-hand with precision medicine, in developing personalized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanobar Shariff
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Halah A. Nouh
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineLebanese UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Samuel Inshutiyimana
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineUnited States International University‐AfricaNairobiKenya
| | - Charbel Kachouh
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineSaint‐Joseph UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Maya M. Abdelwahab
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of MedicineHelwan UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Abubakar Nazir
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - Magda Wojtara
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineClinton Global Initiative UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Faculty of MedicineKaradeniz Technical UniversityTrabzonTurkey
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13
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Swartwood SM, Morales A, Hatchell KE, Moretz C, McKnight D, Demmer L, Chagnon S, Aradhya S, Esplin ED, Bonkowsky JL. Early genetic testing in pediatric epilepsy: Diagnostic and cost implications. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:439-444. [PMID: 38071479 PMCID: PMC10839360 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12878] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of numerous genetically based epilepsies has resulted in the widespread use of genetic testing to inform epilepsy etiology. Our study aims to investigate whether a difference exists in the diagnostic evaluation and healthcare-related cost expenditures of pediatric patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology who receive a genetic diagnosis through multigene epilepsy panel (MEP) testing and comparing those who underwent early (EGT) versus late genetic testing (LGT). Testing was defined as early (less than 1 year), or late (more than 1 year), following clinical epilepsy diagnosis. A retrospective chart review of pediatric individuals (1-17 years) with epilepsy of unknown etiology who underwent multigene epilepsy panel (MEP) testing identified 28 of 226 (12%) individuals with a pathogenic epilepsy variant [EGT n = 8 (29%); LGT n = 20 (71%)]. The average time from clinical epilepsy diagnosis to genetic diagnosis was 0.25 years (EGT), compared with 7.1 years (LGT). The EGT cohort underwent fewer metabolic tests [EGT n = 0 (0%); LGT n = 16 (80%) (P < 0.01)] and invasive procedures [EGT n = 0 (0%); LGT n = 5 (25%) (P = 0.06)]. Clinical management changes implemented due to genetic diagnosis occurred in 10 (36%) patients [EGT n = 2 (25%); LGT n = 8 (40%) (P = 0.76)]. Early genetic testing with a MEP in pediatric patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology who receive a genetic diagnosis is associated with fewer non-diagnostic tests and invasive procedures and reduced estimated overall healthcare-related costs. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study aims to investigate whether a difference exists in the diagnostic evaluation and cost expenditures of pediatric patients (1-17 years) with epilepsy of unknown cause who are ultimately diagnosed with a genetic cause of epilepsy through multigene epilepsy panel testing and comparing those who underwent early testing (less than 1 year) versus late testing (more than 1 year) after clinical epilepsy diagnosis. Of the 28 of 226 individuals with a confirmed genetic cause of epilepsy on multigene epilepsy panel testing, performing early testing was associated with fewer non-diagnostic tests, fewer invasive procedures and reduced estimated overall healthcare-related costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna M. Swartwood
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of PediatricsUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Ana Morales
- Invitae CorporationSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Chad Moretz
- Invitae CorporationSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Laurie Demmer
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health's Levine Children's HospitalCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sarah Chagnon
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Children's Hospital of the Kings DaughtersVirginia
| | | | | | - Joshua L. Bonkowsky
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of PediatricsUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's HospitalSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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14
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De Wachter M, Schoonjans AS, Weckhuysen S, Van Schil K, Löfgren A, Meuwissen M, Jansen A, Ceulemans B. From diagnosis to treatment in genetic epilepsies: Implementation of precision medicine in real-world clinical practice. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 48:46-60. [PMID: 38039826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of whole exome sequencing (WES) has had a major impact on the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in individuals with epilepsy. The identification of a genetic etiology paves the way to precision medicine: an individualized treatment approach, based on the disease pathophysiology. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to: (1) determine the diagnostic yield of WES in a heterogeneous cohort of individuals with epilepsy referred for genetic testing in a real-world clinical setting, (2) investigate the influence of epilepsy characteristics on the diagnostic yield, (3) determine the theoretical yield of treatment changes based on genetic diagnosis and (4) explore the barriers to implementation of precision medicine. WES was performed in 247 individuals with epilepsy, aged between 7 months and 68 years. In 34/247 (14 %) a (likely) pathogenic variant was identified. In 7/34 (21 %) of these individuals the variant was found using a HPO-based filtering. Diagnostic yield was highest for individuals with an early onset of epilepsy (39 %) or in those with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (34 %). Precision medicine was a theoretical possibility in 20/34 (59 %) of the individuals with a (likely) pathogenic variant but implemented in only 11/34 (32 %). The major barrier to implementation of precision treatment was the limited availability or reimbursement of a given drug. These results confirm the potential impact of genetic analysis on treatment choices, but also highlight the hurdles to the implementation of precision medicine. To optimize precision medicine in real-world practice, additional endeavors are needed: unifying definitions of precision medicine, establishment of publicly accessible databases that include data on the functional effect of gene variants, increasing availability and reimbursement of precision therapeutics, and broadening access to innovative clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias De Wachter
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium; Applied&Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB-CMN, VIB, UAntwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kristof Van Schil
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ann Löfgren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marije Meuwissen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Anna Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium; Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
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15
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Borowicz-Reutt K, Czernia J, Krawczyk M. Genetic Background of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16280. [PMID: 38003469 PMCID: PMC10671416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced identification of the gene mutations causing epilepsy syndromes is expected to translate into faster diagnosis and more effective treatment of these conditions. Over the last 5 years, approximately 40 clinical trials on the treatment of genetic epilepsies have been conducted. As a result, some medications that are not regular antiseizure drugs (e.g., soticlestat, fenfluramine, or ganaxolone) have been introduced to the treatment of drug-resistant seizures in Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut, maternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication (Dup 15q) syndromes, and protocadherin 19 (PCDH 19)-clusterig epilepsy. And although the effects of soticlestat, fenfluramine, and ganaxolone are described as promising, they do not significantly affect the course of the mentioned epilepsy syndromes. Importantly, each of these syndromes is related to mutations in several genes. On the other hand, several mutations can occur within one gene, and different gene variants may be manifested in different disease phenotypes. This complex pattern of inheritance contributes to rather poor genotype-phenotype correlations. Hence, the detection of a specific mutation is not synonymous with a precise diagnosis of a specific syndrome. Bearing in mind that seizures develop as a consequence of the predominance of excitatory over inhibitory processes, it seems reasonable that mutations in genes encoding sodium and potassium channels, as well as glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors, play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In some cases, different pathogenic variants of the same gene can result in opposite functional effects, determining the effectiveness of therapy with certain medications. For instance, seizures related to gain-of-function (GoF) mutations in genes encoding sodium channels can be successfully treated with sodium channel blockers. On the contrary, the same drugs may aggravate seizures related to loss-of-function (LoF) variants of the same genes. Hence, knowledge of gene mutation-treatment response relationships facilitates more favorable selection of drugs for anticonvulsant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Borowicz-Reutt
- Independent Unit of Experimental Neuropathophysiology, Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.C.); (M.K.)
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16
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Guin D, Hasija Y, Kukreti R. Assessment of clinically actionable pharmacogenetic markers to stratify anti-seizure medications. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2023; 23:149-160. [PMID: 37626111 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-023-00313-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy treatment is challenging due to heterogeneous syndromes, different seizure types and higher inter-individual variability. Identification of genetic variants predicting drug efficacy, tolerability and risk of adverse-effects for anti-seizure medications (ASMs) is essential. Here, we assessed the clinical actionability of known genetic variants, based on their functional and clinical significance and estimated their diagnostic predictability. We performed a systematic PubMed search to identify articles with pharmacogenomic (PGx) information for forty known ASMs. Functional annotation of the identified genetic variants was performed using different in silico tools, and their clinical significance was assessed using the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines for variant pathogenicity, level of evidence (LOE) from PharmGKB and the United States-Food and drug administration (US- FDA) drug labelling with PGx information. Diagnostic predictability of the replicated genetic variants was evaluated by calculating their accuracy. A total of 270 articles were retrieved with PGx evidence associated with 19 ASMs including 178 variants across 93 genes, classifying 26 genetic variants as benign/ likely benign, fourteen as drug response markers and three as risk factors for drug response. Only seventeen of these were replicated, with accuracy (up to 95%) in predicting PGx outcomes specific to six ASMs. Eight out of seventeen variants have FDA-approved PGx drug labelling for clinical implementation. Therefore, the remaining nine variants promise for potential clinical actionability and can be improvised with additional experimental evidence for clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debleena Guin
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, 110007, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Yasha Hasija
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Ritushree Kukreti
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, 110007, India.
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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17
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Addona C, Hurlimann T, Jaitovich-Groisman I, Godard B. Experiences of adults living with refractory epilepsy and their views and expectations on receiving results from whole genome sequencing. Epilepsy Res 2023; 196:107221. [PMID: 37696194 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Researchers, clinicians and patients are turning to new innovations in research and clinical practice to further their knowledge in the genetic domain and improve diagnostics or treatment. However, with increased knowledge in genetics, societal issues may arise. Being conscious of these issues is crucial in order to implement standardized and efficient testing on a wider scale that is accessible to a greater number of individuals while simultaneously returning test results, including incidental findings, in a timely manner. METHODS Within the framework of a genomics research project, we invited 20 participants who suffer from refractory epilepsy to provide insight on their personal experiences with epilepsy, as well as their thoughts on receiving Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) results and with whom they would feel comfortable sharing these results with. RESULTS All participants had their own unique experience with epilepsy, such as how they handled their diagnosis, their struggles following the diagnosis, the healthcare services they received, how they shared their diagnosis with others, and how they managed stigmatization from others. Most participants would be eager to know their WGS results, whether the results be related to epilepsy (n = 19), response to pharmaceutical drugs including AEDs (n = 16), comorbidities (n = 19) and incidental findings (n = 15). CONCLUSION Our findings reinforce the need to improve access to genetic testing for epilepsy patients in clinical settings. Furthermore, while acquiring more genetic knowledge (i.e. WGS) about epilepsy can provide answers for the affected population, it also requires the simultaneous involvement of several medical disciplines, with greater emphasis on genetic and psychological counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Addona
- Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thierry Hurlimann
- Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Beatrice Godard
- Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Arslan A. Pathogenic variants of human GABRA1 gene associated with epilepsy: A computational approach. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20218. [PMID: 37809401 PMCID: PMC10559982 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical for brain development, neurodevelopmental and network disorders, the GABRA1 gene encodes for the α1 subunit, an abundantly and developmentally expressed subunit of heteropentameric gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors (GABAARs) mediating primary inhibition in the brain. Mutations of the GABAAR subunit genes including GABRA1 gene are associated with epilepsy, a group of syndromes, characterized by unprovoked seizures and diagnosed by integrative approach, that involves genetic testing. Despite the diagnostic use of genetic testing, a large fraction of the GABAAR subunit gene variants including the variants of GABRA1 gene is not known in terms of their molecular consequence, a challenge for precision and personalized medicine. Addressing this, one hundred thirty-seven GABRA1 gene variants of unknown clinical significance have been extracted from the ClinVar database and computationally analyzed for pathogenicity. Eight variants (L49H, P59L, W97R, D99G, G152S, V270G, T294R, P305L) are predicted as pathogenic and mapped to the α1 subunit's extracellular domain (ECD), transmembrane domains (TMDs) and extracellular linker. This is followed by the integration with relevant data for cellular pathology and severity of the epilepsy syndromes retrieved from the literature. Our results suggest that the pathogenic variants in the ECD of GABRA1 (L49H, P59L, W97R, D99G, G152S) will probably manifest decreased surface expression and reduced current with mild epilepsy phenotypes while V270G, T294R in the TMDs and P305L in the linker between the second and the third TMDs will likely cause reduced cell current with severe epilepsy phenotypes. The results presented in this study provides insights for clinical genetics and wet lab experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Arslan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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19
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D'Gama AM, Mulhern S, Sheidley BR, Boodhoo F, Buts S, Chandler NJ, Cobb J, Curtis M, Higginbotham EJ, Holland J, Khan T, Koh J, Liang NSY, McRae L, Nesbitt SE, Oby BT, Paternoster B, Patton A, Rose G, Scotchman E, Valentine R, Wiltrout KN, Hayeems RZ, Jain P, Lunke S, Marshall CR, Rockowitz S, Sebire NJ, Stark Z, White SM, Chitty LS, Cross JH, Scheffer IE, Chau V, Costain G, Poduri A, Howell KB, McTague A. Evaluation of the feasibility, diagnostic yield, and clinical utility of rapid genome sequencing in infantile epilepsy (Gene-STEPS): an international, multicentre, pilot cohort study. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:812-825. [PMID: 37596007 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most neonatal and infantile-onset epilepsies have presumed genetic aetiologies, and early genetic diagnoses have the potential to inform clinical management and improve outcomes. We therefore aimed to determine the feasibility, diagnostic yield, and clinical utility of rapid genome sequencing in this population. METHODS We conducted an international, multicentre, cohort study (Gene-STEPS), which is a pilot study of the International Precision Child Health Partnership (IPCHiP). IPCHiP is a consortium of four paediatric centres with tertiary-level subspecialty services in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. We recruited infants with new-onset epilepsy or complex febrile seizures from IPCHiP centres, who were younger than 12 months at seizure onset. We excluded infants with simple febrile seizures, acute provoked seizures, known acquired cause, or known genetic cause. Blood samples were collected from probands and available biological parents. Clinical data were collected from medical records, treating clinicians, and parents. Trio genome sequencing was done when both parents were available, and duo or singleton genome sequencing was done when one or neither parent was available. Site-specific protocols were used for DNA extraction and library preparation. Rapid genome sequencing and analysis was done at clinically accredited laboratories, and results were returned to families. We analysed summary statistics for cohort demographic and clinical characteristics and the timing, diagnostic yield, and clinical impact of rapid genome sequencing. FINDINGS Between Sept 1, 2021, and Aug 31, 2022, we enrolled 100 infants with new-onset epilepsy, of whom 41 (41%) were girls and 59 (59%) were boys. Median age of seizure onset was 128 days (IQR 46-192). For 43 (43% [binomial distribution 95% CI 33-53]) of 100 infants, we identified genetic diagnoses, with a median time from seizure onset to rapid genome sequencing result of 37 days (IQR 25-59). Genetic diagnosis was associated with neonatal seizure onset versus infantile seizure onset (14 [74%] of 19 vs 29 [36%] of 81; p=0·0027), referral setting (12 [71%] of 17 for intensive care, 19 [44%] of 43 non-intensive care inpatient, and 12 [28%] of 40 outpatient; p=0·0178), and epilepsy syndrome (13 [87%] of 15 for self-limited epilepsies, 18 [35%] of 51 for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, 12 [35%] of 34 for other syndromes; p=0·001). Rapid genome sequencing revealed genetic heterogeneity, with 34 unique genes or genomic regions implicated. Genetic diagnoses had immediate clinical utility, informing treatment (24 [56%] of 43), additional evaluation (28 [65%]), prognosis (37 [86%]), and recurrence risk counselling (all cases). INTERPRETATION Our findings support the feasibility of implementation of rapid genome sequencing in the clinical care of infants with new-onset epilepsy. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to further assess the role of rapid genetic diagnosis in improving clinical, quality-of-life, and economic outcomes. FUNDING American Academy of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital Children's Rare Disease Cohorts Initiative, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Epilepsy Canada, Feiga Bresver Academic Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, Medical Research Council, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute for Health and Care Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, One8 Foundation, Ontario Brain Institute, Robinson Family Initiative for Transformational Research, The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, University of Toronto McLaughlin Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa M D'Gama
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Mulhern
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Beth R Sheidley
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fadil Boodhoo
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sarah Buts
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Aachen University Hospital, Germany
| | - Natalie J Chandler
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanna Cobb
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Meredith Curtis
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jonathon Holland
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tayyaba Khan
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Koh
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole S Y Liang
- Department of Genetic Counselling, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lyndsey McRae
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E Nesbitt
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Brandon T Oby
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ben Paternoster
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alistair Patton
- Department of Paediatrics, Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - Graham Rose
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Scotchman
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rozalia Valentine
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly N Wiltrout
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin Z Hayeems
- Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian R Marshall
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shira Rockowitz
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Research Computing, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil J Sebire
- DRIVE Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lyn S Chitty
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Austin Health, and Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vann Chau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine B Howell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy McTague
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Bayanova M, Bolatov AK, Bazenova A, Nazarova L, Nauryzbayeva A, Tanko NM, Rakhimova S, Satvaldina N, Samakyzy D, Kozhamkulov U, Kairov U, Akilzhanova A, Sarbassov D. Whole-Genome Sequencing Among Kazakhstani Children with Early-Onset Epilepsy Revealed New Gene Variants and Phenotypic Variability. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4324-4335. [PMID: 37095367 PMCID: PMC10293429 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
In Kazakhstan, there is insufficient data on genetic epilepsy, which has its own clinical and management implications. Thus, this study aimed to use whole genome sequencing to identify and evaluate genetic variants and genetic structure of early onset epilepsy in the Kazakhstani pediatric population. In this study, for the first time in Kazakhstan, whole genome sequencing was carried out among epilepsy diagnosed children. The study involved 20 pediatric patients with early onset epilepsy and no established cause of the disease during the July-December, 2021. The average age at enrolment was 34.5 months, with a mean age at seizure onset of 6 months. Six patients (30%) were male, and 7 were familial cases. We identified pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in 14 (70%) cases, among them, 6 novel disease gene variants (KCNQ2, CASK, WWOX, MT-CO3, GRIN2D, and SLC12A5). Other genes associated with the disease were SCN1A (x2), SLC2A1, ARX, CACNA1B, PCDH19, KCNT1, and CHRNA2. Identification of the genetic causes in 70% of cases confirms the general structure of the etiology of early onset epilepsy and the necessity of using NGS in diagnostics. Moreover, the study describes new genotype-phenotypic correlations in genetic epilepsy. Despite certain limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the genetic etiology of pediatric epilepsy in Kazakhstan is very broad and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirgul Bayanova
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aidos K. Bolatov
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Astana Medical University, Beybitshilik St. 49A, Z10K9D9, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Assiya Bazenova
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazzat Nazarova
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Alissa Nauryzbayeva
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Naanlep Matthew Tanko
- University Medical Center CF, Kerey-Zhanibek Handar St. 5/1, Z05P3Y4, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Saule Rakhimova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Nazerke Satvaldina
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Diana Samakyzy
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Ulan Kozhamkulov
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Ulykbek Kairov
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Ainur Akilzhanova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
| | - Dos Sarbassov
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay batyr Ave 53, Astana, Kazakhstan 010000
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21
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Feria-Romero IA, Reyes-Cuayahuitl A, Sosa-Maldonado J, Montes-Aparicio AV, Rayo-Mares D, Pérez-Pérez D, Grijalva-Otero I, Orozco-Suarez S. Study of genetic variants and their clinical significance in Mexican pediatric patients with epilepsy. Gene 2023:147565. [PMID: 37315635 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147565] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of novel and accurate techniques to identify genetic variants (with or without a record in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database) improves diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics for patients with epilepsy, especially in populations for whom such techniques exist. The aim of this study was to find a genetic profile in Mexican pediatric epilepsy patients by focusing on ten genes associated with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS This was a prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study of pediatric patients with epilepsy. Informed consent was granted by the patients' guardians or parents. Genomic DNA from the patients was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact, Chi-square or Mann-Whitney U, and OR (95% CI) tests were performed, with significance values of p<0.05. RESULTS Fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria (female 58.2%, ages 1-16 years); 32 patients had controlled epilepsy (CTR), and 23 had DRE. Four hundred twenty-two genetic variants were identified (71.3% with a known SNP registered in the NCBI database). A dominant genetic profile consisting of four haplotypes of the SCN1A, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 genes was identified in most of the patients studied. When comparing the results between patients with DRE and CTR, the prevalence of polymorphisms in the SCN1A (rs10497275, rs10198801, and rs67636132), CYP2D6 (rs1065852), and CYP3A4 (rs2242480) genes showed statistical significance (p = 0.021). Finally, the number of missense genetic variants in patients in the nonstructural subgroup was significantly higher in DRE than in CTR (1 [0-2] vs. 3 [2-4]; p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS The Mexican pediatric epilepsy patients included in this cohort presented a characteristic genetic profile infrequent in the Mexican population. SNP rs1065852 (CYP2D6*10) is associated with DRE, especially with nonstructural damage. The presence of three genetic alterations affecting the CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 cytochrome genes is associated with nonstructural DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris A Feria-Romero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Aracely Reyes-Cuayahuitl
- Servicio de Neurología Pediátrica, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Alexia V Montes-Aparicio
- Programa de Maestría, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Darío Rayo-Mares
- Servicio de Neurología Pediátrica, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Daniel Pérez-Pérez
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Israel Grijalva-Otero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suarez
- Servicio de Neurología Pediátrica, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México.
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22
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Mao B, Lin N, Guo D, He D, Xue H, Chen L, He Q, Zhang M, Chen M, Huang H, Xu L. Molecular analysis and prenatal diagnosis of seven Chinese families with genetic epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1165601. [PMID: 37250406 PMCID: PMC10213446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1165601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Genetic epilepsy is a large group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures, which have a clear association with genetic defects. In this study, we have recruited seven families from China with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in which epilepsy was a predominant manifestation, aiming to elucidate the underlying causes and make a precise diagnosis for the cases. Methods Whole-exome sequencing (WES) combined with Sanger sequencing was used to identify the causative variants associated with the diseases in addition to essential imaging and biomedical examination. Results A gross intragenic deletion detected in MFSD8 was investigated via gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and mRNA sequence analysis. We identified 11 variants in seven genes (ALDH7A1, CDKL5, PCDH19, QARS1, POLG, GRIN2A, and MFSD8) responsible for genetic epilepsy in the seven families, respectively. A total of six variants (c.1408T>G in ALDH7A1, c.1994_1997del in CDKL5, c.794G>A in QARS1, c.2453C>T in GRIN2A, and c.217dup and c.863+995_998+1480del in MFSD8) have not yet been reported to be associated with diseases and were all evaluated to be pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Methods Based on the molecular findings, we have associated the intragenic deletion in MFSD8 with the mutagenesis mechanism of Alu-mediated genomic rearrangements for the first time and provided genetic counseling, medical suggestions, and prenatal diagnosis for the families. In conclusion, molecular diagnosis is crucial to obtain improved medical outcomes and recurrence risk evaluation for genetic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Mao
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Lin
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Danhua Guo
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Deqin He
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huili Xue
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingji Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian He
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meihuan Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailong Huang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
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23
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Asadi-Pooya AA. Precision Medicine in Epilepsy Management; GET Application (Gene, Epilepsy, Treatment). Clin Neuropharmacol 2023; 46:95-97. [PMID: 37191562 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to develop a prototype of an application (app) that identifies the significance of discovered genes for further consideration in the treatment plan of patients with epilepsy (precision medicine). METHODS MEDLINE was systematically searched for related publications from inception to April 1, 2022. The following search strategy was implemented (title/abstract): "epilepsy" AND "precision" AND "medicine." The following data were extracted: genes, phenotypes associated with those genes, and the recommended treatments. Two other databases were searched to cross-check the retrieved data and add to the data: https://www.genecards.org and https://medlineplus.gov/genetics. Also, the original articles of the identified genes were retrieved. Genes with specific treatment strategies (ie, any specific drug to be selected or to be avoided and also any other specific therapies [eg, diets, supplements, etc]) were selected. RESULTS A database of 93 genes, which are associated with various epilepsy syndromes and for which specific treatment strategies have been suggested, was developed. CONCLUSIONS A Web-based app (a search engine) was developed accordingly that is freely available at http://get.yektaparnian.ir/, GET (Gene, Epilepsy, Treatment). When a patient comes to the clinic with a genetic diagnosis and a specific gene is identified, the physician enters the gene name into the search box, and the app shows whether this genetic epilepsy needs a specific treatment. This endeavor would benefit from input by experts in the field, and the Web site should be developed more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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24
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Xu T, Luong D, Zhong N. Familial Epilepsy Associated With Concurrent CHRNB2 Mutation and RBFOX1 Exon Deletion: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e35845. [PMID: 37033539 PMCID: PMC10076243 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of epilepsy may lead to an improved understanding of its etiology, more precise medical management, and ultimately improved outcomes. It is imperative for patients with epilepsy to obtain a molecular diagnosis, especially when strong familial epilepsy is discovered. We investigated a multi-generational family with epilepsy. The proband was a 19-year-old female who experienced focal onset seizures, with presenting symptoms of feeling dizzy, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. Her electroencephalography (EEG) studies revealed interictal focal slowing and sharp waves in both the left or right hemispheres independently. EEG monitoring showed that the seizures arose from the left fronto-temporal region and her brain MRI was normal. The proband's sister also suffered from focal onset seizures. Her EEG showed focal epileptiform discharge in the right temporal region, and her brain MRI was unrevealing. Two genetic tests were conducted for the proband: 1) array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed 16p13.3 deletion but no 22q deletion; and 2) next generation sequencing (NGS) Epilepsy Panel revealed a few variants of uncertain significance (VUS), including in CHRNB2 (c.1423A>G, p.Ile475Val) and RBFOX1 (RNA binding fox-1 homolog 1) (exon1-2 deletion). The proband's sister also carries both the CHRNB2 (cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 2) variant and RBFOX1 deletion. The proband's father carries the CHRNB2 variant, and her brother and mother carry the deletion of RBFOX1. In this family, the co-expression of the CHRNB2 variant and RBFOX1 deletion may cause the clinical seizures seen in the proband and her sister. It is also possible that the RBFOX1 deletion is associated with an increased risk of seizure disorder with variable expressivity.
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25
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Striano P, Benfenati F. 'On-demand' gene therapy for epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:130-131. [PMID: 36509840 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00761-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS 'G. Gaslini Institute', Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Haviland I, Daniels CI, Greene CA, Drew J, Love-Nichols JA, Swanson LC, Smith L, Nie DA, Benke T, Sheidley BR, Zhang B, Poduri A, Olson HE. Genetic Diagnosis Impacts Medical Management for Pediatric Epilepsies. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 138:71-80. [PMID: 36403551 PMCID: PMC10099530 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management in individuals with previously unexplained epilepsy is lacking in the literature. Our goal was to determine the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management in a cohort of individuals with early-onset epilepsy. METHODS We performed detailed phenotyping of individuals with epilepsy who underwent clinical genetic testing with an epilepsy panel and/or exome sequencing at Boston Children's Hospital between 2012 and 2019. We assessed the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management. RESULTS We identified a genetic etiology in 152 of 602 (25%) individuals with infantile- or childhood-onset epilepsy who underwent next-generation sequencing. Diagnosis impacted medical management in at least one category for 72% of patients (110 of 152) and in more than one category in 34%. Treatment was impacted in 45% of individuals, including 36% with impact on antiseizure medication choice, 7% on use of disease-specific vitamin or metabolic treatments, 3% on pathway-driven off-label use of medications, and 10% on discussion of gene-specific clinical trials. Care coordination was impacted in 48% of individuals. Counseling on a change in prognosis was reported in 28% of individuals, and 1% of individuals had a correction of diagnosis. Impact was documented in 13 of 13 individuals with neurotypical development and in 55% of those with epilepsy onset after age two years. CONCLUSION We demonstrated meaningful impact of genetic diagnosis on medical care and prognosis in over 70% of individuals, including those with neurotypical development and age of epilepsy onset after age two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Haviland
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carolyn I Daniels
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caitlin A Greene
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacqueline Drew
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston University Clinical Investigation Master's Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jamie A Love-Nichols
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Genetics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lindsay C Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lacey Smith
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Duyu A Nie
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Division of Pediatric Neurology and the Children's Neurodevelopment Center (CNDC), Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Timothy Benke
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Pharmacology, and Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Beth R Sheidley
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heather E Olson
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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27
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Long X, Yuan X, Du J. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics: Advances in heart development and disease applications. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2717-2731. [PMID: 37181659 PMCID: PMC10173363 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Current transcriptomics technologies, including bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq), and spatial transcriptomics (ST), provide novel insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of gene expression during cardiac development and disease processes. Cardiac development is a highly sophisticated process involving the regulation of numerous key genes and signaling pathways at specific anatomical sites and developmental stages. Exploring the cell biological mechanisms involved in cardiogenesis also contributes to congenital heart disease research. Meanwhile, the severity of distinct heart diseases, such as coronary heart disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure, is associated with cellular transcriptional heterogeneity and phenotypic alteration. Integrating transcriptomic technologies in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases will aid in advancing precision medicine. In this review, we summarize applications of scRNA-seq and ST in the cardiac field, including organogenesis and clinical diseases, and provide insights into the promise of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics in translational research and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglin Long
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
- Correspondence to: Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Lin Jiang Road Chongqing 4000l0, China.
| | - Jianlin Du
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
- Correspondence to: Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Lin Jiang Road Chongqing 400010, China.
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28
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Das RR, Goss AL, Scheffer IE. ANA Podcasts & Webinars: Genetics of Epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:15. [PMID: 36372936 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit R Das
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- University of Melbourne, Austin and Royal Children's Hospitals, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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29
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Gordon LG, Elliott TM, Bennett C, Hollway G, Waddell N, Vadlamudi L. Early cost-utility analysis of genetically guided therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsia 2022; 63:3111-3121. [PMID: 36082520 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Existing gene panels were developed to understand the etiology of epilepsy, and further benefits will arise from an effective pharmacogenomics panel for personalizing therapy and achieving seizure control. Our study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a pharmacogenomics panel for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, compared with usual care. METHODS A cost-utility analysis was employed using a discrete event simulation model. The microsimulation model aggregated the costs and benefits of genetically guided treatment versus usual care for 5000 simulated patients. The 10-year model combined data from various sources including genomic databases on prevalence of variants, population-level pharmaceutical claims on antiseizure medications, published long-term therapy retention rates, patient-level cost data, and systematic reviews. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was computed. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to address uncertainty in model parameters. RESULTS The mean cost of the genetically guided treatment option was AU$98 199 compared with AU$95 386 for usual care. Corresponding mean QALYs were 4.67 compared with 4.28 for genetically guided and usual care strategies, respectively. The incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$7381. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$6321 (95% uncertainty interval = AU$3604-AU$9621), with a 100% likelihood of being cost-effective in the Australian health care system. The most influential drivers of the findings were the monthly health care costs associated with reduced seizures, costs when seizures continued, and the quality-of-life estimates under genetically guided and usual care strategies. SIGNIFICANCE This early economic evaluation of a pharmacogenomics panel to guide treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy could potentially be cost-effective in the Australian health care system. Clinical trial evidence is necessary to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa G Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas M Elliott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carmen Bennett
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Georgina Hollway
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,genomiQa, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,genomiQa, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lata Vadlamudi
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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30
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Gao K, Lin Z, Wen S, Jiang Y. Potassium channels and epilepsy. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:699-707. [PMID: 36225112 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
With the development and application of next-generation sequencing technology, the aetiological diagnosis of genetic epilepsy is rapidly becoming easier and less expensive. Additionally, there is a growing body of research into precision therapy based on genetic diagnosis. The numerous genes in the potassium ion channel family constitute the largest family of ion channels: this family is divided into different subtypes. Potassium ion channels play a crucial role in the electrical activity of neurons and are directly involved in the mechanism of epileptic seizures. In China, scientific research on genetic diagnosis and studies of precision therapy for genetic epilepsy are progressing rapidly. Many cases of epilepsy caused by mutation of potassium channel genes have been identified, and several potassium channel gene targets and drug candidates have been discovered. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the progress of research on the precise diagnosis and treatment of potassium ion channel-related genetic epilepsy, especially the research conducted in China. Here in, we review several large cohort studies on the genetic diagnosis of epilepsy in China in recent years, summarized the proportion of potassium channel genes. We focus on the progress of precison therapy on some hot epilepsy related potassium channel genes: KCNA1, KCNA2, KCNB1, KCNC1, KCND2, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNMA1, and KCNT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zehong Lin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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31
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Palmer EE, Sachdev R, Beavis E, Macintosh R, Le Marne FA, Nevin SM, Bye AM, Nunn K. Hope in the uncertainties and certainty for parents of children with rare neurological disorders. Part I (of 3): Uncertainty. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:1718-1721. [PMID: 36069374 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This is the first of three articles exploring the aspects of clinical care for children with rare neurological disorders including uncertainties old and new. The disruptive technologies of genomic sequencing and advanced therapeutics such as gene-based therapies offer parents of children with severe but rare neurological conditions for the first-time unprecedented opportunities for 'precision medicine'. At the same time, the realities of limited genomic diagnostic yields and not infrequent detection of variants of uncertain significance, lack of natural history study data and management guidelines for individually rare neurogenetic conditions, means that high pre-genomic test expectations are all too often replaced by an accumulation of new uncertainties. This can add to the chronic traumatic stress experienced by many families but may also have under-recognised impacts for their clinicians, contributing to 'burn-out' and attendant negative psychosocial impacts. This first article aims to address how clinicians might manage the accumulation of uncertainties to be more helpful to patients and their families. Moreover, it seeks to address how clinicians can move forward providing compassionate care to their patients and a little more consideration for themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Palmer
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rani Sachdev
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin Beavis
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Macintosh
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fleur A Le Marne
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Nevin
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ann Me Bye
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine Randwick Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kenneth Nunn
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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32
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Roman-Belmonte JM, De la Corte-Rodriguez H, Rodriguez-Merchan EC, Vazquez-Sasot A, Rodriguez-Damiani BA, Resino-Luís C, Sanchez-Laguna F. The three horizons model applied to medical science. Postgrad Med 2022; 134:776-783. [DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2022.2124086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Roman-Belmonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - E. Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital – Autonomous University of Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Vazquez-Sasot
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz A. Rodriguez-Damiani
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Resino-Luís
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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33
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Servilha-Menezes G, Garcia-Cairasco N. A complex systems view on the current hypotheses of epilepsy pharmacoresistance. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7 Suppl 1:S8-S22. [PMID: 35253410 PMCID: PMC9340300 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant epilepsy remains to this day as a highly prevalent condition affecting around one-third of patients with epilepsy, despite all the research and the development of several new antiseizure medications (ASMs) over the last decades. Epilepsies are multifactorial complex diseases, commonly associated with psychiatric, neurological, and somatic comorbidities. Thus, to solve the puzzling problem of pharmacoresistance, the diagnosis and modeling of epilepsy and comorbidities need to change toward a complex system approach. In this review, we have summarized the sequence of events for the definition of epilepsies and comorbidities, the search for mechanisms, and the major hypotheses of pharmacoresistance, drawing attention to some of the many converging aspects between the proposed mechanisms, their supporting evidence, and comorbidities-related alterations. The use of systems biology applied to epileptology may lead to the discovery of new targets and the development of new ASMs, as may advance our understanding of the epilepsies and their comorbidities, providing much deeper insight on multidrug pharmacoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Servilha-Menezes
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-SP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-SP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP-SP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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34
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Ochenkowska K, Herold A, Samarut É. Zebrafish Is a Powerful Tool for Precision Medicine Approaches to Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:944693. [PMID: 35875659 PMCID: PMC9298522 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.944693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine is currently one of the most promising tools which give hope to patients with no suitable or no available treatment. Patient-specific approaches are particularly needed for common diseases with a broad phenotypic spectrum as well as for rare and yet-undiagnosed disorders. In both cases, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms and how to counteract them. Even though, during recent years, we have been observing the blossom of novel therapeutic techniques, there is still a gap to fill between bench and bedside in a patient-specific fashion. In particular, the complexity of genotype-to-phenotype correlations in the context of neurological disorders has dampened the development of successful disease-modifying therapeutics. Animal modeling of human diseases is instrumental in the development of therapies. Currently, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful and convenient model organism for modeling and investigating various neurological disorders. This model has been broadly described as a valuable tool for understanding developmental processes and disease mechanisms, behavioral studies, toxicity, and drug screening. The translatability of findings obtained from zebrafish studies and the broad prospect of human disease modeling paves the way for developing tailored therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the predictive power of zebrafish in the discovery of novel, precise therapeutic approaches in neurosciences. We will shed light on the advantages and abilities of this in vivo model to develop tailored medicinal strategies. We will also investigate the newest accomplishments and current challenges in the field and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ochenkowska
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aveeva Herold
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Samarut
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
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35
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Goodspeed K, Bailey RM, Prasad S, Sadhu C, Cardenas JA, Holmay M, Bilder DA, Minassian BA. Gene Therapy: Novel Approaches to Targeting Monogenic Epilepsies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:805007. [PMID: 35847198 PMCID: PMC9284605 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.805007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic epilepsies are a spectrum of disorders characterized by spontaneous and recurrent seizures that can arise from an array of inherited or de novo genetic variants and disrupt normal brain development or neuronal connectivity and function. Genetically determined epilepsies, many of which are due to monogenic pathogenic variants, can result in early mortality and may present in isolation or be accompanied by neurodevelopmental disability. Despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, many patients with epilepsy fail to achieve seizure control with current therapies. Patients with refractory epilepsy—particularly of childhood onset—experience increased risk for severe disability and premature death. Further, available medications inadequately address the comorbid developmental disability. The advent of next-generation gene sequencing has uncovered genetic etiologies and revolutionized diagnostic practices for many epilepsies. Advances in the field of gene therapy also present the opportunity to address the underlying mechanism of monogenic epilepsies, many of which have only recently been described due to advances in precision medicine and biology. To bring precision medicine and genetic therapies closer to clinical applications, experimental animal models are needed that replicate human disease and reflect the complexities of these disorders. Additionally, identifying and characterizing clinical phenotypes, natural disease course, and meaningful outcome measures from epileptic and neurodevelopmental perspectives are necessary to evaluate therapies in clinical studies. Here, we discuss the range of genetically determined epilepsies, the existing challenges to effective clinical management, and the potential role gene therapy may play in transforming treatment options available for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Goodspeed
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Rachel M. Bailey
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Suyash Prasad
- Department of Research and Development, Taysha Gene Therapies, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Chanchal Sadhu
- Department of Research and Development, Taysha Gene Therapies, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jessica A. Cardenas
- Department of Research and Development, Taysha Gene Therapies, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Mary Holmay
- Department of Research and Development, Taysha Gene Therapies, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Deborah A. Bilder
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Berge A. Minassian
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Berge A. Minassian
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36
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Duan R, Li HM, Hu WB, Hong CG, Chen ML, Cao J, Wang ZX, Chen CY, Yin F, Hu ZH, Li JD, Xie H, Liu ZZ. Recurrent de novo single point variant on the gene encoding Na +/K + pump results in epilepsy. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102310. [PMID: 35724808 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of epilepsy remains undefined in two-thirds of patients. Here, we identified a de novo variant of ATP1A2 (c.2426 T > G, p.Leu809Arg), which encodes the α2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, from a family with idiopathic epilepsy. This variant caused epilepsy with hemiplegic migraine in the study patients. We generated the point variant mouse model Atp1a2L809R, which recapitulated the epilepsy observed in the study patients. In Atp1a2L809R/WT mice, convulsions were observed and cognitive and memory function was impaired. This variant affected the potassium binding function of the protein, disabling its ion transport ability, thereby increasing the frequency of nerve impulses. Valproate (VPA) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) have limited therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating the epileptic syndromes of Atp1a2L809R/WT mice. Our work revealed that ATP1A2L809R variants cause a predisposition to epilepsy. Moreover, we provide a point variant mouse model for epilepsy research and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hong-Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Wen-Bao Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Gu Hong
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Meng-Lu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Wang
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Yuan Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia-Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Bone Joint Degeneration and Injury, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Zheng-Zhao Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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Samanta D. DEPDC5-related epilepsy: A comprehensive review. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108678. [PMID: 35429726 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
DEPDC5-related epilepsy, caused by pathogenic germline variants(with or without additional somatic variants in the brain) of DEPDC5 (Dishevelled, Egl-10 and Pleckstrin domain-containing protein 5) gene, is a newly discovered predominantly focal epilepsy linked to enhanced mTORC1 pathway. DEPDC5-related epilepsy includes several familial epilepsy syndromes, including familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) and rare sporadic nonlesional focal epilepsy. DEPDC5 has been identified as one of the more common epilepsy genes linked to infantile spasms and sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). Although intelligence usually is unaffected in DEPDC5-related epilepsy, some people have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other psychiatric problems. DEPDC5 variants have also been found in 20% of individuals with various brain abnormalities, challenging the traditional distinction between lesional and nonlesional epilepsies. The most exciting development of DEPDC5 variants is the possibility of precision therapeutics using mTOR inhibitors, as evidenced with phenotypic rescue in many animal models. However, more research is needed to better understand the functional impact of diverse (particularly missense or splice-region) variants, the specific involvement of DEPDC5 in epileptogenesis, and the creation and utilization of precision therapies in humans. Precision treatments for DEPDC5-related epilepsy will benefit not only a small number of people with the condition, but they will also pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in epilepsy (including acquired epilepsies in which mTORC1 activation occurs, for example, post-traumatic epilepsy) and other neurological disorders involving a dysfunctional mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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The Genetic Diagnosis of Ultrarare DEEs: An Ongoing Challenge. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030500. [PMID: 35328054 PMCID: PMC8953579 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of severe early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In recent years, next-generation equencing (NGS) technologies enabled the discovery of numerous genes involved in these conditions. However, more than 50% of patients remained undiagnosed. A major obstacle lies in the high degree of genetic heterogeneity and the wide phenotypic variability that has characterized these disorders. Interpreting a large amount of NGS data is also a crucial challenge. This study describes a dynamic diagnostic procedure used to investigate 17 patients with DEE or EE with previous negative or inconclusive genetic testing by whole-exome sequencing (WES), leading to a definite diagnosis in about 59% of participants. Biallelic mutations caused most of the diagnosed cases (50%), and a pathogenic somatic mutation resulted in 10% of the subjects. The high diagnostic yield reached highlights the relevance of the scientific approach, the importance of the reverse phenotyping strategy, and the involvement of a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The study emphasizes the role of recessive and somatic variants, new genetic mechanisms, and the complexity of genotype–phenotype associations. In older patients, WES results could end invasive diagnostic procedures and allow a more accurate transition. Finally, an early pursued diagnosis is essential for comprehensive care of patients, precision approach, knowledge of prognosis, patient and family planning, and quality of life.
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Łukawski K, Czuczwar SJ. Emerging therapeutic targets for epilepsy: Preclinical insights. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:193-206. [PMID: 35130119 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2039120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Around 30% of patients with epilepsy suffer from drug-resistant seizures. Drug-resistant seizures may have significant consequences such as sudden death in epilepsy, injuries, memory disturbances, and childhood learning and developmental problems. Conventional and newer available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) work via numerous mechanisms - mainly through inhibition of voltage-operated Na+ and/or Ca2+ channels, excitation of K+ channels, enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibition and/or blockade of glutamate-produced excitation. However, the discovery and development of novel brain targets may improve the future pharmacological management of epilepsy and hence is of pivotal importance. AREAS COVERED This article examines novel drug targets such as brain multidrug efflux transporters and inflammatory pathways; it progresses to discuss possible strategies for the management of drug-resistant seizures. Reduction of the consequences of blood brain barrier dysfunction and enhancement of anti-oxidative defense are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Novel drug targets comprise brain multidrug efflux transporters, TGF-β, Nrf2-ARE or m-TOR signaling and inflammatory pathways. Gene therapy and antagomirs seem the most promising targets. Epileptic foci may be significantly suppressed by viral-vector-mediated gene transfer, leading to an increased in situ concentration of inhibitory factors (for instance, galanin). Also, antagomirs offer a promising possibility of seizure inhibition by silencing micro-RNAs involved in epileptogenesis and possibly in seizure generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Łukawski
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław J Czuczwar
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Cursio I, Ronzano N, Asunis M, Dettori M, Cossu S, Murru S, Cau M, Incani F, Mei D, Bianchini C, Scioni M, Pruna D. A peculiar family with recurrent self-limited epileptic syndrome and associated developmental disorders in six girls. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 19:100546. [PMID: 35637976 PMCID: PMC9142554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2022.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-Limited Epilepsies may evolve to Developmental and/or Epileptic Encephalopathy. Family cases may present with recurrent phenotype and complex genetic background. Genetic testing could not provide useful elements for early aetiological diagnosis. This electroclinical phenotype had remarkable impact on development. It’s important an early identification of genetic risk factors of family cases.
We describe a complex family with two couples (two sisters who married two brothers) with consistent social and neuropsychiatric problems, originally from Sardinia. Each couple had three daughters, which shared electroclinical epileptic syndrome and developmental disorders. All patients suffered from mild to moderate intellectual disability, speech difficulties and behavioural disorders. Four out of six patients had epilepsy onset between 3 and 4 years of age. The epileptic history almost reflected the typical clinical course of a self-Limited Focal Epilepsy of Childhood. However, our patients don’t have the complete features characteristic of one of the four specific self-Limited Focal Epilepsies of Childhood; a progressive evolution into a Developmental and/or Epileptic Encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep was observed in the two older sister of the first family, which developed more severe developmental disorder too. In the other epileptic patients, improvement of EEG pattern was not coincident with an improvement of the developmental disorders. Brain MRI, performed in three patients, showed normal findings. Genetic analysis carried out so far (SNP-array, study of Runs of homozygosity, FMR1 triplet-repeat primer-PCR assay, Next Generation Sequencing based gene panel for epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders and Exome Sequencing), did not provide useful elements for an aetiological diagnosis.
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Riva A, Golda A, Balagura G, Amadori E, Vari MS, Piccolo G, Iacomino M, Lattanzi S, Salpietro V, Minetti C, Striano P. New Trends and Most Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Epilepsy Treatment. Front Neurol 2021; 12:753753. [PMID: 34950099 PMCID: PMC8690245 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.753753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the wide availability of novel anti-seizure medications (ASMs), 30% of patients with epilepsy retain persistent seizures with a significant burden in comorbidity and an increased risk of premature death. This review aims to discuss the therapeutic strategies, both pharmacological and non-, which are currently in the pipeline. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were screened for experimental and clinical studies, meta-analysis, and structured reviews published between January 2018 and September 2021. The terms “epilepsy,” “treatment” or “therapy,” and “novel” were used to filter the results. Conclusions: The common feature linking all the novel therapeutic approaches is the spasmodic rush toward precision medicine, aiming at holistically evaluating patients, and treating them accordingly as a whole. Toward this goal, different forms of intervention may be embraced, starting from the choice of the most suitable drug according to the type of epilepsy of an individual or expected adverse effects, to the outstanding field of gene therapy. Moreover, innovative insights come from in-vitro and in-vivo studies on the role of inflammation and stem cells in the brain. Further studies on both efficacy and safety are needed, with the challenge to mature evidence into reliable assets, ameliorating the symptoms of patients, and answering the challenges of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Golda
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Piccolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Swanson LC, Ahmed R. Epilepsy Syndromes: Current Classifications and Future Directions. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 33:113-134. [PMID: 34801136 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2021.09.009] [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: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the clinical presentations and treatment options for commonly recognized epilepsy syndromes in the pediatric age group, based on the 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification. Structural epilepsies that are amenable to surgical intervention are discussed. Lastly, emerging technologies are reviewed that are expanding our knowledge of underlying epilepsy pathologies and will guide future syndromic classification systems including genetic testing and tissue repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Swanson
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. #18, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Raheel Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1675 Highland Avenue #0002, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Anticonvulsive Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate on Pilocarpine and Pentylenetetrazole Induced Epileptogenesis in Mice. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226773. [PMID: 34833865 PMCID: PMC8622985 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate is a proteoglycan component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports neuronal and non-neuronal cell activity, provides a negative domain to the extracellular matrix, regulates the intracellular positive ion concentration, and maintains the hypersynchronous epileptiform activity. Therefore, the present study hypothesized an antiepileptic potential of chondroitin sulfate (CS) in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindled epilepsy and pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice. Levels of various oxidative stress markers and inflammatory mediators were estimated in the brain tissue homogenate of mice, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Treatment with valproate (110 mg/kg; i.p.) as a standard drug and chondroitin sulfate (100 & 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.01) and dose-dependently prevented the severity of kindled and spontaneous recurrent seizures in mice. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate showed its antioxidant potential by restoring the various biochemical levels and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing NF-kB levels and pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF-alpha, IL-1β, and IL-6, indicating the neuroprotective effect as well as the suppressed levels of caspase-3, which indicated a neuroprotective treatment strategy in epilepsy. The proteoglycan chondroitin sulfate restores the normal physiology and configuration of the neuronal tissue. Further, the molecular docking of chondroitin sulfate at the active pockets of TNF-alpha, IL-1β, and IL-6 showed excellent interactions with critical amino acid residues. In conclusion, the present work provides preclinical evidence of chondroitin sulfate as a new therapeutic approach in attenuating and preventing seizures with a better understanding of the mechanism of alteration in ECM changes influencing abnormal neuronal activities.
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Distinct gene-set burden patterns underlie common generalized and focal epilepsies. EBioMedicine 2021; 72:103588. [PMID: 34571366 PMCID: PMC8479647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Analyses of few gene-sets in epilepsy showed a potential to unravel key disease associations. We set out to investigate the burden of ultra-rare variants (URVs) in a comprehensive range of biologically informed gene-sets presumed to be implicated in epileptogenesis. Methods The burden of 12 URV types in 92 gene-sets was compared between cases and controls using whole exome sequencing data from individuals of European descent with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE, n = 1,003), genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE, n = 3,064), or non-acquired focal epilepsy (NAFE, n = 3,522), collected by the Epi25 Collaborative, compared to 3,962 ancestry-matched controls. Findings Missense URVs in highly constrained regions were enriched in neuron-specific and developmental genes, whereas genes not expressed in brain were not affected. GGE featured a higher burden in gene-sets derived from inhibitory vs. excitatory neurons or associated receptors, whereas the opposite was found for NAFE, and DEE featured a burden in both. Top-ranked susceptibility genes from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and gene-sets derived from generalized vs. focal epilepsies revealed specific enrichment patterns of URVs in GGE vs. NAFE. Interpretation Missense URVs affecting highly constrained sites differentially impact genes expressed in inhibitory vs. excitatory pathways in generalized vs. focal epilepsies. The excess of URVs in top-ranked GWAS risk-genes suggests a convergence of rare deleterious and common risk-variants in the pathogenesis of generalized and focal epilepsies. Funding DFG Research Unit FOR-2715 (Germany), FNR (Luxembourg), NHGRI (US), NHLBI (US), DAAD (Germany).
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45
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Zhang L, Wang Y. Gene therapy in epilepsy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112075. [PMID: 34488082 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy may constitute a promising alternative to conventional pharmacological tools and surgeries for epilepsy. For primary epilepsy, a single variant leading to a significant effect is relatively rare, while other forms are considered complex in inheritances with multiple susceptible mutations and impacts from the environment. Gene therapy in preclinical models of epilepsy has attempted to perform antiepileptogenic, anticonvulsant, or disease-modifying effects during epileptogenesis or after establishing the disease. Creating gene vectors tailored for different situations is the key to expanding gene therapy, and choosing the appropriate therapeutic target remains another fundamental problem. A variety of treatment strategies, from overexpressing inhibitory neuropeptides to modulating the expression of neurotransmitters or ion channels, have been tested in animal models. Additionally, emerging new approaches of optogenetics and chemogenetics, as well as genome-editing tools will further boost the prosperity of gene therapy. This review summarizes the experience obtained to date and discusses the challenges and opportunities in clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Neurology at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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46
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Palmer EE, Howell K, Scheffer IE. Natural History Studies and Clinical Trial Readiness for Genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1432-1444. [PMID: 34708325 PMCID: PMC8608984 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are the most severe group of epilepsies. They usually begin in infancy or childhood with drug-resistant seizures, epileptiform EEG patterns, developmental slowing or regression, and cognitive impairment. DEEs have a high mortality and profound morbidity; comorbidities are common including autism spectrum disorders. With advances in genetic sequencing, over 400 genes have been implicated in DEEs, with a genetic cause now identified in over 50% patients. Each genetic DEE typically has a broad genotypic-phenotypic spectrum, based on the underlying pathophysiology. There is a pressing need to improve health outcomes by developing novel targeted therapies for specific genetic DEE phenotypes that not only improve seizure control, but also developmental outcomes and comorbidities. Clinical trial readiness relies firstly on a deep understanding of phenotype-genotype correlation and evolution of a condition over time, in order to select appropriate patients for clinical trials. Understanding the natural history of the disorder informs assessment of treatment efficacy in terms of both clinical outcome and biomarker utility. Natural history studies (NHS) provide a high quality, integrated, comprehensive approach to understanding a complex disease and underpin clinical trial design for novel therapies. NHS are pre-planned observational studies designed to track the course of a disease and identify demographic, genetic, environmental, and other variables, including biomarkers, that correlate with the disease's evolution and outcomes. Due to the rarity of individual genetic DEEs, appropriately funded high-quality DEE NHS will be required, with sustainable frameworks and equitable access to affected individuals globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Palmer
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Howell
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Devi N, Madaan P, Asrar MM, Sahu JK, Bansal D. Comparative short-term efficacy and safety of add-on anti-seizure medications in Dravet syndrome: An indirect treatment comparison. Seizure 2021; 91:316-324. [PMID: 34274891 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although cannabidiol and fenfluramine have been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for seizures in children with Dravet syndrome (DS), the comparative efficacy and safety of these and stiripentol as an add-on therapy for DS has not been evaluated in head-to-head trials. The current study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of add-on anti-seizure medications in DS. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE database search and a manual search was done using keywords; "antiepileptic", "Dravet syndrome" and "antiseizure". The primary efficacy outcome was ≥50% reduction in convulsive seizure frequency from baseline while the safety outcome was treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Frequentist approach were used for combining direct and indirect evidence and network plots prepared. The drugs were ranked based on p-scores obtained using the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA). Heterogeneity across studies was calculated by I2 statistic and Q test. RESULTS Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 565 patients with DS (2-20 years) who received placebo or any of the three active interventions (stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine) were included. Compared with placebo, all the three drugs were associated with a significant reduction in convulsive seizure frequency from baseline. Stiripentol had the highest probability ranking for ≥50% reduction in convulsive seizure frequency from baseline [OR: 20.2; 95% CI: 2.1-198.0] and for occurrence of any treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) [OR:53.9; 95% CI: 1.4 to 2079.8] followed by fenfluramine and cannabidiol. However, for serious TEAEs, the ranking order was stiripentol followed by cannabidiol and fenfluramine. The trial on stiripentol had limited sample size explaining the wide confidence intervals for the comparative outcomes. CONCLUSION In this indirect comparison, fenfluramine and stiripentol hadd comparable efficacy but fenfluramine appeareded to be safer in terms of less frequent serious TEAEs. Cannabidiol had relatively lower efficacy and was associated with serious TEAEs. A head-to-head trial between stiripentol, cannabidiol and fenfluramine is the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagita Devi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Priyanka Madaan
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mir Mahmood Asrar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar Sahu
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dipika Bansal
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Punjab 160062, India.
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Riva A, Striano P. Reversing Accumulation of Polyglucosan Bodies by Virally Delivered CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:866-867. [PMID: 33847907 PMCID: PMC8423881 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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von Stülpnagel C, van Baalen A, Borggraefe I, Eschermann K, Hartlieb T, Kiwull L, Pringsheim M, Wolff M, Kudernatsch M, Wiegand G, Striano P, Kluger G. Network for Therapy in Rare Epilepsies (NETRE): Lessons From the Past 15 Years. Front Neurol 2021; 11:622510. [PMID: 33519703 PMCID: PMC7840830 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.622510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In 2005, Network for Therapy in Rare Epilepsies (NETRE)-was initiated in order to share treatment experiences among clinicians in patients with rare epilepsies. Here we describe the structure of the rapidly growing NETRE and summarize some of the findings of the last 15 years. Methodology/Structure of NETRE: NETRE is organized in distinct groups (currently >270). Starting point is always a patient with a rare epilepsy/ epileptic disorder. This creates a new group, and next, a medical coordinator is appointed. The exchange of experiences is established using a data entry form, which the coordinator sends to colleagues. The primary aim is to exchange experiences (retrospectively, anonymously, MRI results also non-anonymously) of the epilepsy treatment as well as on clinical presentation and comorbidities NETRE is neither financed nor sponsored. Results: Some of the relevant results: (1) first description of FIRES as a new epilepsy syndrome and its further investigation, (2) in SCN2A, the assignment to gain- vs. loss-of-function mutations has a major impact on clinical decisions to use or avoid treatment with sodium channel blockers, (3) the important aspect of avoiding overtreatment in CDKL5 patients, due to loss of effects of anticonvulsants after 12 months, (4) pathognomonic MRI findings in FOXG1 patients, (5) the first description of pathognomonic chewing-induced seizures in SYNGAP1 patients, and the therapeutic effect of statins as anticonvulsant in these patients, (6) the phenomenon of another reflex epilepsy-bathing epilepsy associated with a SYN1 mutation. Of special interest is also a NETRE group following twins with genetic and/or structural epilepsies [including vanishing-twin-syndrome and twin-twin-transfusion syndrome) [= "Early Neuroimpaired Twin Entity" (ENITE)]. Discussion and Perspective: NETRE enables clinicians to quickly exchange information on therapeutic experiences in rare diseases with colleagues at an international level. For both parents and clinicians/scientist this international exchange is both reassuring and helpful. In collaboration with other groups, personalized therapeutic approaches are sought, but the present limitations of currently available therapies are also highlighted. Presently, the PATRE Project (PATient based phenotyping and evaluation of therapy for Rare Epilepsies) is commencing, in which information on therapies will be obtained directly from patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina von Stülpnagel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Epilepsy Center, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas van Baalen
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ingo Borggraefe
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Epilepsy Center, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Eschermann
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Till Hartlieb
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Lorenz Kiwull
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Epilepsy Center, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Social Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Milka Pringsheim
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Markus Wolff
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vivantes Hospital Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Kudernatsch
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Gert Wiegand
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neuropediatrics Section of the Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Clinic Hamburg Nord-Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituto die Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Gerhard Kluger
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
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Impact of predictive, preventive and precision medicine strategies in epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:674-688. [PMID: 33077944 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0409-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, advances in genetics, neuroimaging and EEG have enabled the aetiology of epilepsy to be identified earlier in the disease course than ever before. At the same time, progress in the study of experimental models of epilepsy has provided a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the condition and has enabled the identification of therapies that target specific aetiologies. We are now witnessing the impact of these advances in our daily clinical practice. Thus, now is the time for a paradigm shift in epilepsy treatment from a reactive attitude, treating patients after the onset of epilepsy and the initiation of seizures, to a proactive attitude that is more broadly integrated into a 'P4 medicine' approach. This P4 approach, which is personalized, predictive, preventive and participatory, puts patients at the centre of their own care and, ultimately, aims to prevent the onset of epilepsy. This aim will be achieved by adapting epilepsy treatments not only to a given syndrome but also to a given patient and moving from the usual anti-seizure treatments to personalized treatments designed to target specific aetiologies. In this Review, we present the current state of this ongoing revolution, emphasizing the impact on clinical practice.
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