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Al-Arab N, Hannoun S. White matter integrity assessment in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients. Clin Radiol 2024; 79:67-72. [PMID: 37953094 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.10.020] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess the burden of white matter (WM) damage in the cerebrum and cerebellum of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients in an attempt to identify key regions affected by the neurodegenerative processes using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine SCA2 patients and 16 age-matched healthy controls were examined twice (SCA2 patients 3.6 ± 0.7 years and controls 3.3 ± 1.0 years apart) on the same 1.5 T scanner by acquiring T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted (b-value = 1,000 s/mm2) images. Using tract-based spatial statistics, DTI analysis on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial (AD)/radial (RD) diffusivity was performed. RESULTS At baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), FA was significantly decreased in SCA2 patients in the corticospinal tracts, inferior and superior cerebellar peduncles, middle cerebellar peduncles, cerebral peduncles, right superior and posterior corona radiata. RD was only significantly increased in SCA2 patients in the middle cerebellar peduncles. No significant AD and MD changes were observed. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis between SCA2 patients at baseline and at follow-up showed no significant changes in any of the DTI metrics. CONCLUSIONS DTI is a sensitive tool for following the progression of WM neurodegeneration and severity assessment in patients with SCA2. These findings add to a better understanding of the neurological underpinnings of the symptoms experienced by SCA2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Al-Arab
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S Hannoun
- Medical Imaging Sciences Program, Division of Health Professions, Faculty of Public Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Abu-Haidar Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Siciliano L, Olivito G, Urbini N, Silveri MC, Leggio M. The rising role of cognitive reserve and associated compensatory brain networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. J Neurol 2023; 270:5071-5084. [PMID: 37421466 PMCID: PMC10511586 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11855-3] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Pre-existing or enhanced cognitive abilities influence symptom onset and severity in neurodegenerative diseases, which improve an individual's ability to deal with neurodegeneration. This process is named cognitive reserve (CR), and it has acquired high visibility in the field of neurodegeneration. However, the investigation of CR has been neglected in the context of cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders. The present study assessed CR and its impact on cognitive abilities in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), which is a rare cerebellar neurodegenerative disease. We investigated the existence of CR networks in terms of compensatory mechanisms and neural reserve driven by increased cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity. The CR of 12 SCA2 patients was assessed using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), which was developed for appraising life-span CR. Patients underwent several neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive functioning and a functional MRI examination. Network based statistics analysis was used to assess functional brain networks. The results revealed significant correlations of CRIq measures with cognitive domains and patterns of increased connectivity in specific cerebellar and cerebral regions, which likely indicated CR networks. This study showed that CR may influence disease-related cognitive deficits, and it was related to the effective use of specific cerebello-cerebral networks that reflect a CR biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libera Siciliano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Urbini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
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3
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Vázquez-Mojena Y, Rodríguez-Córdova Y, Dominguez-Barrios Y, León-Arcia K, Miranda-Becerra D, Gonzalez-Zaldivar Y, Guerra-Bustillos G, Ziemann U, Auburger G, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Robinson-Agramonte MDLÁ, Velázquez-Pérez L. Peripheral Inflammation Links with the Severity of Clinical Phenotype in Spinocerebellar Ataxia 2. Mov Disord 2023. [PMID: 36811296 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of peripheral inflammation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify peripheral inflammation biomarkers and their relationship with the clinical and molecular features. METHODS Blood cell count-derived inflammatory indices were measured in 39 SCA2 subjects and their matched controls. Clinical scores of ataxia, nonataxia, and cognitive dysfunction were assessed. RESULTS The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the Systemic Inflammation Index (SII), and the Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI) were significantly increased in SCA2 subjects compared with controls. The increases in PLR, SII, and AISI were even observed in preclinical carriers. NLR, PLR, and SII were correlated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia speech item score rather than with the total score. The NLR and SII were correlated with the nonataxia and the cognitive scores. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral inflammatory indices are biomarkers in SCA2, which may help to design future immunomodulatory trials and advance our understanding of the disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen León-Arcia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cuban Centre for Neuroscience, Havana, Cuba
| | - David Miranda-Becerra
- Department of Educational Neurosciences, Cuban Centre for Neuroscience, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yanetza Gonzalez-Zaldivar
- Molecular Genetics Department, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguin, Cuba
| | | | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department Neurology and Stroke, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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4
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Siciliano L, Olivito G, Urbini N, Silveri MC, Leggio M. “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”: The Emerging Link of Motor Reserve with Motor and Cognitive Abilities and Compensatory Brain Networks in SCA2 Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092166. [PMID: 36140267 PMCID: PMC9496032 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to resiliently cope with neuropathological lesions is a key scientific concern. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate whether motor reserve (MR), likely to be boosted by exercise engagement in a lifetime, affects motor symptom severity, cognitive functioning, and functional brain networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2)—a cerebellar neurodegenerative disease. The MR of 12 SCA2 patients was assessed using the Motor Reserve Index Questionnaire (MRIq), developed ad hoc for estimating lifespan MR. The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale was used to assess clinical motor features, and neuropsychological tests were used to evaluate cognitive functioning. Patients underwent an MRI examination, and network-based statistics (NBS) analysis was carried out to detect patterns of functional connectivity (FC). Significant correlations were found between MRIq measures and the severity of motor symptoms, educational and intellectual levels, executive function, and processing speed. NBS analysis revealed a higher FC within subnetworks consisting of specific cerebellar and cerebral areas. FC patterns were positively correlated with MRIq measures, likely indicating the identification of an MR network. The identified network might reflect a biomarker likely to underlie MR, influenced by education and cognitive functioning, and impacting the severity of motor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libera Siciliano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Urbini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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5
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Velázquez-Pérez L, Rodríguez-Labrada R, González-Garcés Y, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Pérez-Rodríguez R, Ziemann U. Neurophysiological features in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: Prospects for novel biomarkers. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 135:1-12. [PMID: 34998091 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Electrophysiological biomarkers are useful to assess the degeneration and progression of the nervous system in pre-ataxic and ataxic stages of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SCA2). These biomarkers are essentially defined by their clinical significance, discriminating patients and/or preclinical subjects from healthy controls in cross-sectional studies, their significant changes over time in longitudinal studies, and their correlation with the cytosine-guanine-adenine (CAG) repeat expansion and/or clinical ataxia scores, time of evolution and time to ataxia onset. We classified electrophysiological biomarkers into three main types: (1) preclinical, (2) disease progression and (3) genetic damage. We review the data that identify sural nerve potential amplitude, maximum saccadic velocity, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage, K-complex density, REM sleep without atonia percentage, corticomuscular coherence, central motor conduction time, visual P300 latency, and antisaccadic error correction latency as reliable preclinical, progression and/or genetic damage biomarkers of SCA2. These electrophysiological biomarkers will facilitate the conduction of clinical trials that test the efficacy of emerging treatments in SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Cuban Academy of Sciences, Cuba st 460, Between Amargura and Teniente Rey, La Habana Vieja, La Habana, Cuba; Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad st 26, Between 12th and 16th Streets, Holguín, Cuba.
| | | | - Yasmany González-Garcés
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Libertad st 26, Between 12th and 16th Streets, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | - Roberto Pérez-Rodríguez
- Machine Learning Department, Holguin University, Ave Celia Sánchez Between Ave de los Internacionalistas y Final, Hilda Torres, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Clausi S, Olivito G, Siciliano L, Lupo M, Laghi F, Baiocco R, Leggio M. The cerebellum is linked to theory of mind alterations in autism. A direct clinical and MRI comparison between individuals with autism and cerebellar neurodegenerative pathologies. Autism Res 2021; 14:2300-2313. [PMID: 34374492 PMCID: PMC9291804 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, structural and functional alterations in the cerebellum have been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Intriguingly, recent studies demonstrated that the social behavioral profile of individuals with cerebellar pathologies is characterized by a theory of mind (ToM) impairment, one of the main behavioral hallmarks of ASD. The aim of the present study was to compare ToM abilities and underlying cerebello-cortical structural patterns between ASD individuals and individuals with cerebellar atrophy to further specify the cerebellar role in mentalizing alterations in ASD. Twenty-one adults with ASD without language and intellectual impairments (based on DSM-5), 36 individuals affected by degenerative cerebellar damage (CB), and 67 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. ToM abilities were assessed using the reading the mind in the eyes test and the faux pas test. One-way ANCOVA was conducted to compare the performances between the two cohorts. Three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance scans were collected, and a voxel-based morphometry analysis was performed to characterize the brain structural alterations in the two cohorts. ASD and CB participants had comparable ToM performance with similar difficulties in both the tests. CB and ASD participants showed an overlapping pattern of gray matter (GM) reduction in a specific cerebellar portion (Crus-II). Our study provides the first direct comparison of ToM abilities between ASD and CB individuals, boosting the idea that specific cerebellar structural alterations impact the mentalizing process. The present findings open a new perspective for considering the cerebellum as a potential target for treatment implementation. The present work will critically advance current knowledge about the cerebellar role in ToM alterations of ASD, in particular, elucidating the presence of common cerebellar structural abnormalities in ASD and cerebellar individuals that may underlie specific mentalizing alterations. These findings may pave the way for alternative therapeutic indications, such as cerebellar neuromodulation, with a strong clinical impact. LAY SUMMARY: The present work will critically advance current knowledge about the cerebellar role in theory of mind alterations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in particular, elucidating the presence of common cerebellar structural abnormalities in ASD and cerebellar individuals that may underlie specific mentalizing alterations. These findings may pave the way for alternative therapeutic indications, such as cerebellar neuromodulation, with a strong clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Clausi
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Libera Siciliano
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Lupo
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Sonakar AK, Shamim U, Srivastava MP, Faruq M, Srivastava AK. SCA2 in the Indian population: Unified haplotype and variable phenotypic patterns in a large case series. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 89:139-145. [PMID: 34298214 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia-2 is one of the most prevalent SCA type across the world and one of the commonest in India. We aimed to characterize SCA2 patients both clinically and genetically (ATXN2-CAG repeats and its haplotypic background). METHODS A total of 436 SCA2 patients were recruited consecutively comprising individuals of multiple ethnicities and two large multigenerational families. A detailed clinical evaluation and genetic analysis for CAG repeat length estimation and two marker based haplotype analysis [rs695871 and rs695872 located 177 bp and 106 bp upstream of CAG sequence in Exon 1 of ATXN2] was performed. RESULTS Generalized limb ataxia and slow saccades were prevalent features in majority of our patients, while hyporeflexia and extrapyramidal features were less commonly observed manifestations. Slow ocular saccades, upper limb ataxia and tremor showed significant associations with age of onset, CAG repeat length and disease duration. We observed a 100% association of C-C haplotype with the expanded ATXN2 repeats. CONCLUSION This study represents the largest study of SCA2 Indian patients that highlights the clinico-genetic manifestations and haplotype analysis. A significant proportion of patients have not shown the characteristic slow saccades and hyporeflexia thus indicating the influences of other factors in modulation of the disease which warrants further investigations. The observation of CC haplotype in all our SCA2 patients indicates a common origin across all Indian sub populations and that also indicate a common global founder event in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh K Sonakar
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Uzma Shamim
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Mv Padma Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mohd Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Achal K Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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8
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Almaguer-Mederos LE, Aguilera-Rodríguez R, Almaguer-Gotay D, Hechavarría-Barzaga K, Álvarez-Sosa A, Chapman-Rodríguez Y, Silva-Ricardo Y, González-Zaldivar Y, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Cuello-Almarales D, Rodríguez-Estupiñán A. Testosterone Levels Are Decreased and Associated with Disease Duration in Male Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:597-604. [PMID: 32440846 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Despite clinical and experimental evidence indicating the relevance of the gonadotropic axis to the prognosis and therapeutics for several late-onset neurodegenerative disorders, its functioning and association with disease severity have not been previously explored in SCA2. To assess serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and their clinical relevance in SCA2 patients. A case-control study involving 94 Cuban SCA2 patients and 101 gender- and age-matched healthy controls was conducted. Testosterone, LH, and FSH serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay or immunoradiometric assay systems. Clinical outcomes included age at onset, disease duration, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score, and progression rate. Univariate general linear models were generated. Testosterone, LH, and FSH serum levels were significantly reduced in male SCA2 patients relative to control individuals. On average, there was a 35% reduction in testosterone levels in male patients versus male control individuals. Testosterone levels were associated with disease duration (r = 0.383; p = 0.025) and age at onset (r = 0.414; p = 0.011) in male SCA2 patients, but no association was observed between testosterone and CAG expansion size, SARA score, or progression rate. Testosterone levels might be a biomarker of disease progression in male SCA2 patients. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of low testosterone levels on non-motor symptoms, and to assess the potential of testosterone replacement therapy in male SCA2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Almaguer-Mederos
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba.
| | - Raúl Aguilera-Rodríguez
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | - Dennis Almaguer-Gotay
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yaimé Vázquez-Mojena
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
| | - Dany Cuello-Almarales
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguin, Cuba
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Canet-Pons J, Sen NE, Arsović A, Almaguer-Mederos LE, Halbach MV, Key J, Döring C, Kerksiek A, Picchiarelli G, Cassel R, René F, Dieterlé S, Fuchs NV, König R, Dupuis L, Lütjohann D, Gispert S, Auburger G. Atxn2-CAG100-KnockIn mouse spinal cord shows progressive TDP43 pathology associated with cholesterol biosynthesis suppression. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105289. [PMID: 33577922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Large polyglutamine expansions in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) cause multi-system nervous atrophy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Intermediate size expansions carry a risk for selective motor neuron degeneration, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Conversely, the depletion of ATXN2 prevents disease progression in ALS. Although ATXN2 interacts directly with RNA, and in ALS pathogenesis there is a crucial role of RNA toxicity, the affected functional pathways remain ill defined. Here, we examined an authentic SCA2 mouse model with Atxn2-CAG100-KnockIn for a first definition of molecular mechanisms in spinal cord pathology. Neurophysiology of lower limbs detected sensory neuropathy rather than motor denervation. Triple immunofluorescence demonstrated cytosolic ATXN2 aggregates sequestrating TDP43 and TIA1 from the nucleus. In immunoblots, this was accompanied by elevated CASP3, RIPK1 and PQBP1 abundance. RT-qPCR showed increase of Grn, Tlr7 and Rnaset2 mRNA versus Eif5a2, Dcp2, Uhmk1 and Kif5a decrease. These SCA2 findings overlap well with known ALS features. Similar to other ataxias and dystonias, decreased mRNA levels for Unc80, Tacr1, Gnal, Ano3, Kcna2, Elovl5 and Cdr1 contrasted with Gpnmb increase. Preterminal stage tissue showed strongly activated microglia containing ATXN2 aggregates, with parallel astrogliosis. Global transcriptome profiles from stages of incipient motor deficit versus preterminal age identified molecules with progressive downregulation, where a cluster of cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes including Dhcr24, Msmo1, Idi1 and Hmgcs1 was prominent. Gas chromatography demonstrated a massive loss of crucial cholesterol precursor metabolites. Overall, the ATXN2 protein aggregation process affects diverse subcellular compartments, in particular stress granules, endoplasmic reticulum and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. These findings identify new targets and potential biomarkers for neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Canet-Pons
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nesli-Ece Sen
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Arsović
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Luis-Enrique Almaguer-Mederos
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguín, Cuba
| | - Melanie V Halbach
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jana Key
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Döring
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anja Kerksiek
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Gina Picchiarelli
- UMRS-1118 INSERM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Raphaelle Cassel
- UMRS-1118 INSERM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédérique René
- UMRS-1118 INSERM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphane Dieterlé
- UMRS-1118 INSERM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nina V Fuchs
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Renate König
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Luc Dupuis
- UMRS-1118 INSERM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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10
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Almaguer-Mederos LE, Pérez-Ávila I, Aguilera-Rodríguez R, Velázquez-Garcés M, Almaguer-Gotay D, Hechavarría-Pupo R, Rodríguez-Estupiñán A, Auburger G. Body Mass Index Is Significantly Associated With Disease Severity in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1372-1380. [PMID: 33548146 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder due to an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in the ATXN2 gene. Although weight loss has been associated with disease progression in several neurodegenerative conditions, it has been barely assessed in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether body mass index is altered in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 with varying expansion sizes from early to late disease stages. METHODS A cross-sectional case-control study was performed, which included 222 clinically and molecularly diagnosed patients and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. ATXN2 genotypes and sex were considered as risk factors. Clinical outcomes included the body mass index, age at onset, disease duration, Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, disease stage, dysphagia, and progression rate. Multiple linear regression models were generated. RESULTS Body mass index was significantly decreased in male patients, but not in female patients, relative to control subjects. In addition to sex, body mass index was significantly associated with age at onset and progression rate. Conversely, body mass index, along with repeat length in ATXN2 expanded alleles and disease duration, was associated with Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score. In addition, body mass index, along with the age at onset and the repeat length in ATXN2 normal and expanded alleles, has a significant influence on progression rate. CONCLUSIONS Body mass index might be a useful biomarker of disease severity, particularly in male patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in the context of nutritional interventions or clinical trials assessing the efficacy of promising new drugs. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilbedis Pérez-Ávila
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Center for Sports Medicine, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Dennis Almaguer-Gotay
- Center for the Investigation and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | | | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Frankfurt, Germany
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Velázquez-Pérez L, Rodriguez-Labrada R, González-Garcés Y, Arrufat-Pie E, Torres-Vega R, Medrano-Montero J, Ramirez-Bautista B, Vazquez-Mojena Y, Auburger G, Horak F, Ziemann U, Gomez CM. Prodromal Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Subjects Have Quantifiable Gait and Postural Sway Deficits. Mov Disord 2020; 36:471-480. [PMID: 33107647 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The search for valid preclinical biomarkers of cerebellar dysfunction is a key research goal for the upcoming era of early interventional approaches in spinocerebellar ataxias. This study aims to describe novel preclinical biomarkers of subtle gait and postural sway abnormalities in prodromal spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (pre-SCA2). METHODS Thirty pre-SCA2 patients and their matched healthy controls underwent quantitative assessments of gait and postural sway using a wearable sensor-based system and semiquantitative evaluation of cerebellar features by SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) score. RESULTS Quantitative analysis of natural gait showed a significantly larger variability of the swing period, toe-off angle and toe-out angle in pre-SCA2, and larger mean coronal and transverse ranges of motion of the trunk at the lumbar location and of the sagittal range of motion of the trunk at the sternum location compared to controls. During tandem gait, pre-SCA2 subjects showed larger lumbar, trunk, and arm ranges of motion than controls. Postural sway analysis showed excessive body oscillation that was increased in tandem stance. Overall, these abnormalities were detected in pre-SCA2 patients without clinical evidence of abnormalities in SARA. The toe-off angle and swing time variability were significantly correlated with the time to ataxia onset, whereas the toe-off angle and transverse range of motion at trunk position during tandem gait were significantly associated with the SARA score. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates early alteration of gait and postural sway control in prodromal SCA2 using a wearable sensor-based system. This offers new pathophysiological hints into this early disease stage and provides novel potential biomarkers for future clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Cuban Academy of Sciences, La Habana Vieja, Cuba
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Labrada
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cuban Neuroscience Centre, Playa, Cuba
| | - Yasmani González-Garcés
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Eduardo Arrufat-Pie
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Clinical & Surgical Hospital "Manuel Piti Fajardo,", Plaza de la Revolución, Cuba
| | - Reidenis Torres-Vega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Jacqueline Medrano-Montero
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | - Yaimeé Vazquez-Mojena
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cuban Neuroscience Centre, Playa, Cuba
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Experimental Neurology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fay Horak
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Arsović A, Halbach MV, Canet-Pons J, Esen-Sehir D, Döring C, Freudenberg F, Czechowska N, Seidel K, Baader SL, Gispert S, Sen NE, Auburger G. Mouse Ataxin-2 Expansion Downregulates CamKII and Other Calcium Signaling Factors, Impairing Granule-Purkinje Neuron Synaptic Strength. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6673. [PMID: 32932600 PMCID: PMC7555182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is caused by polyglutamine expansion in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2). This factor binds RNA/proteins to modify metabolism after stress, and to control calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis after stimuli. Cerebellar ataxias and corticospinal motor neuron degeneration are determined by gain/loss in ATXN2 function, so we aimed to identify key molecules in this atrophic process, as potential disease progression markers. Our Atxn2-CAG100-Knock-In mouse faithfully models features observed in patients at pre-onset, early and terminal stages. Here, its cerebellar global RNA profiling revealed downregulation of signaling cascades to precede motor deficits. Validation work at mRNA/protein level defined alterations that were independent of constant physiological ATXN2 functions, but specific for RNA/aggregation toxicity, and progressive across the short lifespan. The earliest changes were detected at three months among Ca2+ channels/transporters (Itpr1, Ryr3, Atp2a2, Atp2a3, Trpc3), IP3 metabolism (Plcg1, Inpp5a, Itpka), and Ca2+-Calmodulin dependent kinases (Camk2a, Camk4). CaMKIV-Sam68 control over alternative splicing of Nrxn1, an adhesion component of glutamatergic synapses between granule and Purkinje neurons, was found to be affected. Systematic screening of pre/post-synapse components, with dendrite morphology assessment, suggested early impairment of CamKIIα abundance together with the weakening of parallel fiber connectivity. These data reveal molecular changes due to ATXN2 pathology, primarily impacting excitability and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Arsović
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
| | - Melanie Vanessa Halbach
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
| | - Júlia Canet-Pons
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
| | - Dilhan Esen-Sehir
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Str. 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.E.-S.); (F.F.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe-University, Max von Laue Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Döring
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Str. 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.E.-S.); (F.F.)
| | - Nicoletta Czechowska
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 10, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.C.); (K.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Kay Seidel
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 10, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.C.); (K.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Stephan L. Baader
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 10, 53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.C.); (K.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
| | - Nesli-Ece Sen
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe-University, Max von Laue Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.A.); (M.V.H.); (J.C.-P.); (S.G.)
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Vogel AP, Magee M, Torres-Vega R, Medrano-Montero J, Cyngler MP, Kruse M, Rojas S, Cubillos SC, Canento T, Maldonado F, Vazquez-Mojena Y, Ilg W, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Velázquez-Pérez L, Synofzik M. Features of speech and swallowing dysfunction in pre-ataxic spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Neurology 2020; 95:e194-e205. [PMID: 32527970 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether objective and quantitative assessment of dysarthria and dysphagia in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), specifically at pre-ataxic and early disease phases, can act as sensitive disease markers. METHODS Forty-six individuals (16 with pre-ataxic SCA2, 14 with early-stage ataxic SCA2, and 16 healthy controls) were recruited in Holguin, Cuba. All participants underwent a comprehensive battery of assessments including objective acoustic analysis, clinician-derived ratings of speech function and swallowing, and quality of life assessments of swallowing. RESULTS Reduced speech agility manifest at the pre-ataxic stage was observed during diadochokinetic tasks, with the magnitude of speech deficit augmented in the early ataxic stage. Speech rate was slower in early-stage ataxic SCA2 compared with pre-ataxic SCA2 and healthy controls. Reduced speech agility and speech rate correlated with disease severity and time to ataxia onset, verifying that speech deficits occur prior to ataxia onset and increase in severity as the disease progresses. Whereas dysphagia was observed in both pre-ataxic and ataxic SCA2, it was not associated with swallowing-related quality of life, disease severity, or time to ataxia onset. CONCLUSIONS Speech and swallowing deficits appear sensitive to disease progression in early-stage SCA2, with syllabic rate a viable marker. Findings provide insight into mechanisms of disease progression in early-stage SCA2, signaling an opportunity for stratifying early-stage SCA2 and identifying salient markers of disease onset as well as outcome measures in future early-stage therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Vogel
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Michelle Magee
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reidenis Torres-Vega
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Medrano-Montero
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melissa P Cyngler
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Megan Kruse
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Rojas
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Contreras Cubillos
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamara Canento
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fernanda Maldonado
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yaimee Vazquez-Mojena
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Ilg
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- From the Centre for Neuroscience of Speech (A.P.V., M.M., M.P.C., M.K., S.R., T.C., F.M.), The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration (A.P.V., M.S.), Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen; Center for Neurology (A.P.V., W.I., M.S.), University Hospital Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab (A.P.V.), Melbourne, Australia; Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH) (R.T.-V., J.M.-M., Y.V.-M., R.R.-L., L.V.-P.), Holguin, Cuba; Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (S.C.C.), Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomas, Talca; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Speech Therapy Unit (S.C.C.), Hospital of Curico, Chile; and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (M.S.), Tübingen, Germany
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One‑carbon metabolism factor MTHFR variant is associated with saccade latency in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2. J Neurol Sci 2020; 409:116586. [PMID: 31812845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to a CAG-repeat expansion. This work is intended to identify modifiers of the clinical phenotype in SCA2, following up on recent genome-wide association analyses that demonstrated the prominent role of DNA-damage repair and methylation for the severity and progression of polyglutamine diseases. In particular, we assessed the impact of MTHFR as rate-limiting enzyme in DNA methylation pathways, which modulates cerebellar neurotransmission and motor neuron atrophy. METHODS A sample of 166 Cuban SCA2 patients and of 130 healthy subjects from the same geographical and ethnic background was selected. The ATXN2 CAG repeat length was determined by PCR followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two amino acid substitutions known to decrease the enzyme activity of MTHFR, encoded by C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, were assessed by PCR/RFLP. RESULTS No significant differences were observed for C677T or A1298C alleles or genotype frequencies between cases and controls, confirming that disease risk in SCA2 does not depend on MTHFR activity. However, MTHFR A1298C genotypes showed a significant association with saccade latency. CONCLUSIONS \MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is associated with saccade latency in SCA2 patients, but not with disease risk, age at onset or maximal saccade velocity. These results provide evidence that folate-mediated one‑carbon metabolism might be important in the physiopathology of SCA2.
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15
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Sen NE, Arsovic A, Meierhofer D, Brodesser S, Oberschmidt C, Canet-Pons J, Kaya ZE, Halbach MV, Gispert S, Sandhoff K, Auburger G. In Human and Mouse Spino-Cerebellar Tissue, Ataxin-2 Expansion Affects Ceramide-Sphingomyelin Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5854. [PMID: 31766565 PMCID: PMC6928749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ataxin-2 (human gene symbol ATXN2) acts during stress responses, modulating mRNA translation and nutrient metabolism. Ataxin-2 knockout mice exhibit progressive obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Conversely, the progressive ATXN2 gain of function due to the fact of polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions leads to a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative process named spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) with early adipose tissue loss and late muscle atrophy. We tried to understand lipid dysregulation in a SCA2 patient brain and in an authentic mouse model. Thin layer chromatography of a patient cerebellum was compared to the lipid metabolome of Atxn2-CAG100-Knockin (KIN) mouse spinocerebellar tissue. The human pathology caused deficits of sulfatide, galactosylceramide, cholesterol, C22/24-sphingomyelin, and gangliosides GM1a/GD1b despite quite normal levels of C18-sphingomyelin. Cerebellum and spinal cord from the KIN mouse showed a consistent decrease of various ceramides with a significant elevation of sphingosine in the more severely affected spinal cord. Deficiency of C24/26-sphingomyelins contrasted with excess C18/20-sphingomyelin. Spinocerebellar expression profiling revealed consistent reductions of CERS protein isoforms, Sptlc2 and Smpd3, but upregulation of Cers2 mRNA, as prominent anomalies in the ceramide-sphingosine metabolism. Reduction of Asah2 mRNA correlated to deficient S1P levels. In addition, downregulations for the elongase Elovl1, Elovl4, Elovl5 mRNAs and ELOVL4 protein explain the deficit of very long-chain sphingomyelin. Reduced ASMase protein levels correlated to the accumulation of long-chain sphingomyelin. Overall, a deficit of myelin lipids was prominent in SCA2 nervous tissue at prefinal stage and not compensated by transcriptional adaptation of several metabolic enzymes. Myelination is controlled by mTORC1 signals; thus, our human and murine observations are in agreement with the known role of ATXN2 yeast, nematode, and mouse orthologs as mTORC1 inhibitors and autophagy promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesli-Ece Sen
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Arsovic
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
| | - David Meierhofer
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Susanne Brodesser
- Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry Unit, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Carola Oberschmidt
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Júlia Canet-Pons
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Zeynep-Ece Kaya
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melanie-Vanessa Halbach
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry Unit, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical Faculty, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.-E.S.); (A.A.); (C.O.); (J.C.-P.); (Z.-E.K.); (M.-V.H.); (S.G.)
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Contextualizing the pathology in the essential tremor cerebellar cortex: a patholog-omics approach. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:859-876. [PMID: 31317229 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Several morphological changes, centered in/around Purkinje cells (PCs), have been identified in the cerebellum of essential tremor (ET) patients. These changes have not been contextualized within a broader degenerative disease spectrum, limiting their interpretability. To address this, we compared the severity and patterning of degenerative changes within the cerebellar cortex in patients with ET, other neurodegenerative disorders of the cerebellum (spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), multiple system atrophy (MSA)], and other disorders that may involve the cerebellum [Parkinson's disease (PD), dystonia]. Using a postmortem series of 156 brains [50 ET, 23 SCA (6 SCA3; 17 SCA 1, 2 or 6), 15 MSA, 29 PD, 14 dystonia, 25 controls], we generated data on 37 quantitative morphologic metrics, which were grouped into 8 broad categories: (1) PC loss, (2) heterotopic PCs, (3) PC dendritic changes, (4) PC axonal changes (torpedoes), (5) PC axonal changes (other than torpedoes), (6) PC axonal changes (torpedo-associated), (7) basket cell axonal hypertrophy, (8) climbing fiber-PC synaptic changes. Our analyses used z scored raw data for each metric across all diagnoses (5772 total data items). Principal component analysis revealed that diagnostic groups were not uniform with respect to cerebellar pathology. Dystonia and PD each differed from controls in only 2/37 metrics, whereas ET differed in 21, SCA3 in 8, MSA in 19, and SCA1/2/6 in 26 metrics. Comparing ET with primary disorders of cerebellar degeneration (i.e., SCAs), we observed a spectrum of changes reflecting differences of degree, being generally mild in ET and SCA3 and more severe in SCA1/2/6. Comparative analyses across morphologic categories demonstrated differences in relative expression, defining distinctive patterns of changes in these groups. Thus, the degree of cerebellar degeneration in ET aligns it with a milder end in the spectrum of cerebellar degenerative disorders, and a somewhat distinctive signature of degenerative changes marks each of these disorders.
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Gigante AF, Lelli G, Romano R, Pellicciari R, Di Candia A, Mancino PV, Pau M, Fiore P, Defazio G. The Relationships Between Ataxia and Cognition in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 19:40-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Sen NE, Canet-Pons J, Halbach MV, Arsovic A, Pilatus U, Chae WH, Kaya ZE, Seidel K, Rollmann E, Mittelbronn M, Meierhofer D, De Zeeuw CI, Bosman LWJ, Gispert S, Auburger G. Generation of an Atxn2-CAG100 knock-in mouse reveals N-acetylaspartate production deficit due to early Nat8l dysregulation. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104559. [PMID: 31376479 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG-expansion mutations in the ATXN2 gene, mainly affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord and Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum. While the large expansions were shown to cause SCA2, the intermediate length expansions lead to increased risk for several atrophic processes including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson variants, e.g. progressive supranuclear palsy. Intense efforts to pioneer a neuroprotective therapy for SCA2 require longitudinal monitoring of patients and identification of crucial molecular pathways. The ataxin-2 (ATXN2) protein is mainly involved in RNA translation control and regulation of nutrient metabolism during stress periods. The preferential mRNA targets of ATXN2 are yet to be determined. In order to understand the molecular disease mechanism throughout different prognostic stages, we generated an Atxn2-CAG100-knock-in (KIN) mouse model of SCA2 with intact murine ATXN2 expression regulation. Its characterization revealed somatic mosaicism of the expansion, with shortened lifespan, a progressive spatio-temporal pattern of pathology with subsequent phenotypes, and anomalies of brain metabolites such as N-acetylaspartate (NAA), all of which mirror faithfully the findings in SCA2 patients. Novel molecular analyses from stages before the onset of motor deficits revealed a strong selective effect of ATXN2 on Nat8l mRNA which encodes the enzyme responsible for NAA synthesis. This metabolite is a prominent energy store of the brain and a well-established marker for neuronal health. Overall, we present a novel authentic rodent model of SCA2, where in vivo magnetic resonance imaging was feasible to monitor progression and where the definition of earliest transcriptional abnormalities was possible. We believe that this model will not only reveal crucial insights regarding the pathomechanism of SCA2 and other ATXN2-associated disorders, but will also aid in developing gene-targeted therapies and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesli-Ece Sen
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Júlia Canet-Pons
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Melanie V Halbach
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Arsovic
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pilatus
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Woon-Hyung Chae
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Zeynep-Ece Kaya
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kay Seidel
- Department of Anatomy II, Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ewa Rollmann
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), Luxembourg; Department of Pathology, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg; Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Department of Oncology, NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg
| | - David Meierhofer
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurens W J Bosman
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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20
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Lupo M, Olivito G, Iacobacci C, Clausi S, Romano S, Masciullo M, Molinari M, Cercignani M, Bozzali M, Leggio M. The cerebellar topography of attention sub-components in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Cortex 2018; 108:35-49. [PMID: 30121445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive cerebellar syndrome and multiple-domain cognitive impairments. The cerebellum is known to contribute to distinct functional networks related to higher-level functions. The aims of the present study were to investigate the different sub-components of attention and to analyse possible correlations between attention deficits and specific cerebellar regions in SCA2 patients. To this purpose, 11 SCA2 patients underwent an exhaustive attention battery that evaluated several attention sub-components. The SCA2 group performed below the normal range in tasks assessing selective attention, divided attention, and sustained attention, obtaining negative Z-scores. These results were confirmed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests that showed significant differences between SCA2 and control subjects in the same sub-components of the attention battery, allowing us to speculate on cerebellar involvement when a high cognitive demand is required (i.e., multisensory integration, sequencing, prediction of events, and inhibition of inappropriate response behaviours). The voxel-based morphometry analysis showed a pattern of significantly reduced grey matter volume in specific cerebellar lobules. In particular, the SCA2 patients showed significant grey matter loss in bilateral regions of the anterior cerebellar hemisphere (IV) and in the posterior lobe (VI-IX) and posterior vermis (VI-IX). Statistical analysis found significant correlations between grey matter reductions in the VIIb/VIIIa cerebellar lobules and impairments in Sustained and Divided Attention tasks and between grey matter reduction in the vermal VI lobule and impairment in the Go/NoGo task. For the first time, the study demonstrated the involvement of specific cerebellar lobules in different sub-components of the attention domain, giving further support to the inclusion of the cerebellum within the attention network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Lupo
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Iacobacci
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Clausi
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), "Sapienza" University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Molinari
- Neurorehabilitation 1 and Spinal Center, Robotic Neurorehabilitation Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Clinical Imaging Science Center, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Clinical Imaging Science Center, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Maria Leggio
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Mascalchi M, Marzi C, Giannelli M, Ciulli S, Bianchi A, Ginestroni A, Tessa C, Nicolai E, Aiello M, Salvatore E, Soricelli A, Diciotti S. Histogram analysis of DTI-derived indices reveals pontocerebellar degeneration and its progression in SCA2. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200258. [PMID: 30001379 PMCID: PMC6042729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the potential of histogram metrics of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI)-derived indices in revealing neurodegeneration and its progression in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine SCA2 patients and 16 age-matched healthy controls, were examined twice (SCA2 patients 3.6±0.7 years and controls 3.3±1.0 years apart) on the same 1.5T scanner by acquiring T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted (b-value = 1000 s/mm2) images. Cerebrum and brainstem-cerebellum regions were segmented using FreeSurfer suite. Histogram analysis of DTI-derived indices, including mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD) / radial (RD) diffusivity and mode of anisotropy (MO), was performed. RESULTS At baseline, significant differences between SCA2 patients and controls were confined to brainstem-cerebellum. Median values of MD/AD/RD and FA/MO were significantly (p<0.001) higher and lower, respectively, in SCA2 patients (1.11/1.30/1.03×10(-3) mm2/s and 0.14/0.19) than in controls (0.80/1.00/0.70×10(-3) mm2/s and 0.20/0.41). Also, peak location values of MD/AD/RD and FA were significantly (p<0.001) higher and lower, respectively, in SCA2 patients (0.91/1.11/0.81×10(-3) mm2/s and 0.12) than in controls (0.71/0.91/0.63×10(-3) mm2/s and 0.18). Peak height values of FA and MD/AD/RD/MO were significantly (p<0.001) higher and lower, respectively, in SCA2 patients (0.20 and 0.07/0.06/0.07×10(-3) mm2/s/year /0.07) than in controls (0.15 and 0.14/0.11/0.12/×10(-3) mm2/s/year /0.09). The rate of change of MD median values was significantly (p<0.001) higher (i.e., increased) in SCA2 patients (0.010×10(-3) mm2/s/year) than in controls (-0.003×10(-3) mm2/s/year) in the brainstem-cerebellum, whereas no significant difference was found for other indices and in the cerebrum. CONCLUSION Histogram analysis of DTI-derived indices is a relatively straightforward approach which reveals microstructural changes associated with pontocerebellar degeneration in SCA2 and the median value of MD is capable to track its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Chiara Marzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Marco Giannelli
- Unit of Medical Physics, Pisa University Hospital “Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana”, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciulli
- “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Bianchi
- “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Ginestroni
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Tessa
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Versilia Hospital, AUSL 12 Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore (Lu), Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Salvatore
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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Marzi C, Ciulli S, Giannelli M, Ginestroni A, Tessa C, Mascalchi M, Diciotti S. Structural Complexity of the Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex is Reduced in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. J Neuroimaging 2018; 28:688-693. [PMID: 29975004 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fractal dimension (FD) is an index of structural complexity of cortical gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM). Application of FD to pontocerebellar degeneration has revealed cerebellar changes. However, so far, possible concurrent cerebral changes and progression of changes in brain complexity have not been investigated. METHODS We computed FD of cerebellar and cerebral cortex and WM derived from longitudinal brain MRI of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), which is an inherited cause of pontocerebellar degeneration. Nine SCA2 patients and 16 age-matched healthy controls were examined twice (3.6 ± .7 and 3.3 ± 1.0 years apart, respectively) on the same 1.5T MR scanner with T1-weighted imaging. Cortical GM and WM of the cerebrum and cerebellum were segmented using FreeSurfer and FD of these segmentations were computed. RESULTS At baseline, FD values of cerebellar GM and WM were significantly (P < .001) lower in SCA2 patients (2.48 ± .04 for GM and 1.74 ± .09 for WM) than in controls (2.56 ± .02 for GM and 2.22 ± .19 for WM). Also, FD values of cerebral GM were significantly (P < .05) lower in SCA2 patients (2.39 ± .03) than in controls (2.43 ± .02). No significant differences were observed for FD of the cerebral WM. The rate of change of FD values was not significantly different between SCA2 patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS The structural complexity of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex is reduced in SCA2 patients. Fractal analysis seems not to be able to demonstrate progression of changes associated with degeneration in SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciulli
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Giannelli
- Unit of Medical Physics, Pisa University Hospital "Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana", Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Ginestroni
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Tessa
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore (Lu), Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Velázquez-Pérez L, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Torres-Vega R, Ortega-Sánchez R, Medrano-Montero J, González-Piña R, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Auburger G, Ziemann U. Progression of corticospinal tract dysfunction in pre-ataxic spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: A two-years follow-up TMS study. Clin Neurophysiol 2018; 129:895-900. [PMID: 29550649 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corticospinal tract (CST) dysfunction is common in the pre-ataxic stage of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) but quantitative assessment of its progression over time has not been explored. The aim of this study was to quantify the progression of CST dysfunction in pre-ataxic SCA2 using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). METHODS Thirty-three pre-ataxic SCA2 mutation carriers and a 33 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were tested at baseline and 2-years follow-up by standardized clinical exams, validated clinical scales, and TMS. RESULTS Pre-ataxic SCA2 mutation carriers showed a significant increase of resting motor thresholds (RMT) to abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, and of central motor conduction time (CMCT) to TA at 2-years follow-up, over and above changes in healthy controls. The changes in the pre-ataxic SCA2 mutation carriers were independent of the presence of clinical signs of CST dysfunction at baseline, and independent of conversion to clinically definite SCA2 at 2-years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS TMS markers of CST dysfunction progress significantly during the pre-ataxic stage of SCA2. SIGNIFICANCE TMS measures of CST dysfunction may provide biomarkers of disease progression prior to clinical disease expression that have potential utility for monitoring neuroprotective therapies in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba; Medical University of Holguin "Mariana Grajales", Holguín, Cuba.
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba; School of Physical Culture, University of Holguín, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Reidenis Torres-Vega
- Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Ricardo Ortega-Sánchez
- Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Jacqueline Medrano-Montero
- Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba; School of Physical Culture, University of Holguín, Holguín, Cuba
| | | | - Yaimeé Vázquez-Mojena
- Dept. Molecular Neurobiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Cuba
| | - Georg Auburger
- Exp. Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical School, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Dept. Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Rodríguez-Labrada R, Vázquez-Mojena Y, Canales-Ochoa N, Medrano-Montero J, Velázquez-Pérez L. Heritability of saccadic eye movements in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: insights into an endophenotype marker. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2017; 4:19. [PMID: 29276612 PMCID: PMC5738191 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-017-0078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Saccade slowing has been proposed as endophenotype marker in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2), nevertheless the heritability of this trait has not been properly demonstrated. Thus the present paper was aimed to assess the heritability of different saccadic parameters in SCA2. Methods Forty-eight SCA2 patients, 25 preclinical carriers and 24 non-SCA2 mutation carriers underwent electronystagmographical assessments of saccadic eye movements as well as neurological examination and ataxia scoring. Estimates of heritability based on the intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for saccade velocity, accuracy and latency as well as for age at disease onset from 36, 17 and 15 sibling pairs of SCA2 patients, preclinical carriers and controls, respectively. Results Saccade velocity was significantly reduced in SCA2 patients and preclinical carriers, whereas decreased saccade accuracy and increased saccade latency were only observed in the patients cohort. Intraclass correlation coefficient for saccade velocity was highly significant in SCA2 patients, estimating a heritability around 94%, whereas for the age at ataxia onset this estimate was around 68%. Conclusions Electronystagmographical measure of saccade velocity showed higher familial aggregation between SCA2 patients leading the suitability of this disease feature as endophenotype marker, with potential usefulness for the search of modifier genes and neurobiological underpinnings of the disease and as outcome measure in future neuroprotective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, 80100 Holguín, Cuba.,School of Physical Culture, University of Holguín, 25th street 104, 80100 Holguín, Cuba
| | - Yaimeé Vázquez-Mojena
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, 80100 Holguín, Cuba
| | - Nalia Canales-Ochoa
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, 80100 Holguín, Cuba
| | - Jacqueline Medrano-Montero
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, 80100 Holguín, Cuba.,School of Physical Culture, University of Holguín, 25th street 104, 80100 Holguín, Cuba
| | - Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, 80100 Holguín, Cuba.,Medical University of Holguín, Lenin Avenue 4, 80100 Holguín, Cuba
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Yoshii F, Tomiyasu H, Watanabe R, Ryo M. MRI Signal Abnormalities of the Inferior Olivary Nuclei in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. Case Rep Neurol 2017; 9:267-271. [PMID: 29422848 PMCID: PMC5803720 DOI: 10.1159/000481303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant spinocerebellar degeneration, associated with extended repeats of the trinucleotide CAG in the ATXN2 gene on the long arm of chromosome 12. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of SCA2 showed significant atrophies of the brainstem, middle cerebellar peduncles, and cerebellum. We report two genetically proven SCA2 patients who showed hypertrophy of the inferior olivary nuclei on proton density- and T2-weighted MRI. This pattern has never been reported in patients with SCA1, SCA3, or SCA6, and may make it possible to differentiate SCA2 from other hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihito Yoshii
- Department of Neurology, Saiseikai Shonan Hiratsuka Hospital, Hiratsuka, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Tokai University Oiso Hospital, Oiso, Japan
| | | | | | - Masafuchi Ryo
- Department of Neurology, Tokai University Oiso Hospital, Oiso, Japan
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26
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Halbach MV, Gispert S, Stehning T, Damrath E, Walter M, Auburger G. Atxn2 Knockout and CAG42-Knock-in Cerebellum Shows Similarly Dysregulated Expression in Calcium Homeostasis Pathway. THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 16:68-81. [PMID: 26868665 PMCID: PMC5243904 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0762-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder with preferential affection of Purkinje neurons, which are known as integrators of calcium currents. The expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) domain in the RNA-binding protein ataxin-2 (ATXN2) is responsible for this disease, but the causal roles of deficient ATXN2 functions versus aggregation toxicity are still under debate. Here, we studied mouse mutants with Atxn2 knockout (KO) regarding their cerebellar global transcriptome by microarray and RT-qPCR, in comparison with data from Atxn2-CAG42-knock-in (KIN) mouse cerebellum. Global expression downregulations involved lipid and growth signaling pathways in good agreement with previous data. As a novel effect, downregulations of key factors in calcium homeostasis pathways (the transcription factor Rora, transporters Itpr1 and Atp2a2, as well as regulator Inpp5a) were observed in the KO cerebellum, and some of them also occurred subtly early in KIN cerebellum. The ITPR1 protein levels were depleted from soluble fractions of cerebellum in both mutants, but accumulated in its membrane-associated form only in the SCA2 model. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated no association of ITPR1 with Q42-expanded or with wild-type ATXN2. These findings provide evidence that the physiological functions and protein interactions of ATXN2 are relevant for calcium-mediated excitation of Purkinje cells as well as for ATXN2-triggered neurotoxicity. These insights may help to understand pathogenesis and tissue specificity in SCA2 and other polyQ ataxias like SCA1, where inositol regulation of calcium flux and RORalpha play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Vanessa Halbach
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tanja Stehning
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ewa Damrath
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute for Medical Genetics, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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27
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Velázquez-Pérez L, Tünnerhoff J, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Torres-Vega R, Belardinelli P, Medrano-Montero J, Peña-Acosta A, Canales-Ochoa N, Vázquez-Mojena Y, González-Zaldivar Y, Auburger G, Ziemann U. Corticomuscular Coherence: a Novel Tool to Assess the Pyramidal Tract Dysfunction in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 16:602-606. [PMID: 27730516 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction are a common feature of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients. The objective of this study is to assess dysfunction of the corticospinal tract in SCA2 using corticomuscular coherence. Testing corticomuscular coherence and rating of ataxia severity and non-ataxia symptoms were performed in 19 SCA2 patients and 24 age-matched controls. Central motor conduction times (CMCT) to upper and lower right limbs were obtained for the SCA2 group using Transcraneal magnetic stimulation (TMS). SCA2 patients exhibited a significant reduction of corticomuscular coherence for lower limbs, but not for upper limbs. This difference remained significant, even when excluding those individuals with clinical signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction. Corticomuscular coherence for lower limbs correlated inversely with CMCT to tibialis anterior muscle. Corticomuscular coherence could be a valuable electrophysiological tool to assess the corticospinal tract involvement in SCA2, even in the absence of clinical signs of corticospinal tract dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Velázquez-Pérez
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100.
| | - Johannes Tünnerhoff
- Department Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100
| | - Reidenis Torres-Vega
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100
| | - Paolo Belardinelli
- Department Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Medrano-Montero
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100
| | - Arnoy Peña-Acosta
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100
| | - Nalia Canales-Ochoa
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Calle Libertad 26, Holguín, Cuba, 80100
| | - Yaimeé Vázquez-Mojena
- Department Molecular Neurobiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Yanetza González-Zaldivar
- Department Molecular Neurobiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba
| | - Georg Auburger
- Exp. Neurology, Building 89, Goethe University Medical School, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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28
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Velázquez-Pérez LC, Rodríguez-Labrada R, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2: Clinicogenetic Aspects, Mechanistic Insights, and Management Approaches. Front Neurol 2017; 8:472. [PMID: 28955296 PMCID: PMC5601978 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia that occurs as a consequence of abnormal CAG expansions in the ATXN2 gene. Progressive clinical features result from the neurodegeneration of cerebellum and extra-cerebellar structures including the pons, the basal ganglia, and the cerebral cortex. Clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches have been used to characterize the natural history of the disease, allowing its classification into four distinct stages, with special emphasis on the prodromal stage, which is characterized by a plethora of motor and non-motor features. Neuropathological investigations of brain tissue from SCA2 patients reveal a widespread involvement of multiple brain systems, mainly cerebellar and brainstem systems. Recent findings linking ataxin-2 intermediate expansions to other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have provided insights into the ataxin-2-related toxicity mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases and have raised new ethical challenges to molecular predictive diagnosis of SCA2. No effective neuroprotective therapies are currently available for SCA2 patients, but some therapeutic options such as neurorehabilitation and some emerging neuroprotective drugs have shown palliative benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis C Velázquez-Pérez
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Medical University of Holguín "Mariana Grajales", Holguín, Cuba
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada
- Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, Cuba.,Physical Culture School, University of Holguin "Oscar Lucero", Holguín, Cuba
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Department of Physiology, Medicine School, UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico.,Psychology School, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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29
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Auburger G, Sen NE, Meierhofer D, Başak AN, Gitler AD. Efficient Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases by Depletion of Starvation Response Factor Ataxin-2. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:507-516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Lindsay E, Storey E. Cognitive Changes in the Spinocerebellar Ataxias Due to Expanded Polyglutamine Tracts: A Survey of the Literature. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7070083. [PMID: 28708110 PMCID: PMC5532596 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7070083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dominantly-inherited ataxias characterised by expanded polyglutamine tracts—spinocere bellar ataxias (SCAs) 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 17, dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and, in part, SCA 8—have all been shown to result in various degrees of cognitive impairment. We survey the literature on the cognitive consequences of each disorder, attempting correlation with their published neuropathological, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical features. We suggest several psychometric instruments for assessment of executive function, whose results are unlikely to be confounded by visual, articulatory or upper limb motor difficulties. Finally, and with acknowledgement of the inadequacies of the literature to date, we advance a tentative classification of these disorders into three groups, based on the reported severity of their cognitive impairments, and correlated with their neuropathological topography and MRI findings: group 1—SCAs 6 and 8—mild dysexecutive syndrome based on disruption of cerebello-cortical circuitry; group 2—SCAs 1, 2, 3, and 7—more extensive deficits based largely on disruption of striatocortical in addition to cerebello-cerebral circuitry; and group 3—SCA 17 and DRPLA—in which cognitive impairment severe enough to cause a dementia syndrome is a frequent feature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Lindsay
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University (Alfred Hospital Campus), Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University (Alfred Hospital Campus), Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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31
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Carmo-Silva S, Nobrega C, Pereira de Almeida L, Cavadas C. Unraveling the Role of Ataxin-2 in Metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2017; 28:309-318. [PMID: 28117213 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ataxin-2 is a polyglutamine protein implicated in several biological processes such as RNA metabolism and cytoskeleton reorganization. Ataxin-2 is highly expressed in various tissues including the hypothalamus, a brain region that controls food intake and energy balance. Ataxin-2 expression is influenced by nutritional status. Emerging studies discussed here now show that ataxin-2 deficiency correlates with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, an action mediated via the mTOR pathway, suggesting that ataxin-2 might play key roles in metabolic homeostasis including body weight regulation, insulin sensitivity, and cellular stress responses. In this review we also discuss the relevance of ataxin-2 in the hypothalamic regulation of energy balance, and its potential as a therapeutic target in metabolic disorders such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carmo-Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clevio Nobrega
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Claudia Cavadas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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32
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Cornelius N, Wardman JH, Hargreaves IP, Neergheen V, Bie AS, Tümer Z, Nielsen JE, Nielsen TT. Evidence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patient fibroblasts: Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on these parameters. Mitochondrion 2017; 34:103-114. [PMID: 28263872 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-2 gene. We show increased oxidative stress, abnormalities in the antioxidant system, changes in complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and changes in mitochondrial morphology in SCA2 patient fibroblasts compared to controls, and we show that treatment with CoQ10 can partially reverse these changes. Together, our results suggest that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may be contributory factors to the pathophysiology of SCA2 and that therapeutic strategies involving manipulation of the antioxidant system could prove to be of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Cornelius
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan H Wardman
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iain P Hargreaves
- Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, James Parsons Building, John Moore's University, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom
| | - Viruna Neergheen
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Sigaard Bie
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zeynep Tümer
- Applied Human Molecular Genetics, Kennedy Center, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen E Nielsen
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Danish Dementia Research Centre, Neurogenetics Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Neurogenetics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Troels T Nielsen
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sen NE, Drost J, Gispert S, Torres-Odio S, Damrath E, Klinkenberg M, Hamzeiy H, Akdal G, Güllüoğlu H, Başak AN, Auburger G. Search for SCA2 blood RNA biomarkers highlights Ataxin-2 as strong modifier of the mitochondrial factor PINK1 levels. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:115-126. [PMID: 27597528 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) polyglutamine domain expansions of large size result in an autosomal dominantly inherited multi-system-atrophy of the nervous system named spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), while expansions of intermediate size act as polygenic risk factors for motor neuron disease (ALS and FTLD) and perhaps also for Levodopa-responsive Parkinson's disease (PD). In view of the established role of ATXN2 for RNA processing in periods of cell stress and the expression of ATXN2 in blood cells such as platelets, we investigated whether global deep RNA sequencing of whole blood from SCA2 patients identifies a molecular profile which might serve as diagnostic biomarker. The bioinformatic analysis of SCA2 blood global transcriptomics revealed various significant effects on RNA processing pathways, as well as the pathways of Huntington's disease and PD where mitochondrial dysfunction is crucial. Notably, an induction of PINK1 and PARK7 expression was observed. Conversely, expression of Pink1 was severely decreased upon global transcriptome profiling of Atxn2-knockout mouse cerebellum and liver, in parallel to strong effects on Opa1 and Ghitm, which encode known mitochondrial dynamics regulators. These results were validated by quantitative PCR and immunoblots. Starvation stress of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells led to a transcriptional phasic induction of ATXN2 in parallel to PINK1, and the knockdown of one enhanced the expression of the other during stress response. These findings suggest that ATXN2 may modify the known PINK1 roles for mitochondrial quality control and autophagy during cell stress. Given that PINK1 is responsible for autosomal recessive juvenile PD, this genetic interaction provides a concept how the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and the Parkinson phenotype may be triggered by ATXN2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesli Ece Sen
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Boğaziçi University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jessica Drost
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sylvia Torres-Odio
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Ewa Damrath
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Michael Klinkenberg
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Hamid Hamzeiy
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Boğaziçi University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülden Akdal
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Halil Güllüoğlu
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - A Nazlı Başak
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Boğaziçi University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cognitive and white matter deterioration in a group of participants with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). METHODS Fourteen genetically confirmed participants with SCA2 and 14 aged-matched controls participated in the study. Diffusion tensor imaging tract-based spatial statistics were performed to analyze structural white matter integrity. Significant group differences in the mean diffusivity were correlated with SCA2 cognitive deficits. RESULTS Our analysis revealed higher mean diffusivity in the SCA2 group in cerebellar white matter, medial lemniscus, and middle cerebellar peduncle, among other regions. Cognitive scores correlated with white matter mean diffusivity in the parahippocampal area, inferior frontal and supramarginal gyri and the stria terminalis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show significant correlations between white matter microstructural damage in key areas affected in SCA2 and cognitive deficits. These findings result in a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of the neurodegenerative process in people with SCA2.
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Mercadillo R, Diaz R, Campos-Romo A, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Extensive White Matter Alterations and Its Correlations with Ataxia Severity in SCA 2 Patients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135449. [PMID: 26263162 PMCID: PMC4532454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies of SCA2 have revealed significant degeneration of white matter tracts in cerebellar and cerebral regions. The motor deficit in these patients may be attributable to the degradation of projection fibers associated with the underlying neurodegenerative process. However, this relationship remains unclear. Statistical analysis of diffusion tensor imaging enables an unbiased whole-brain quantitative comparison of the diffusion proprieties of white matter tracts in vivo. METHODS Fourteen genetically confirmed SCA2 patients and aged-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Tract-based spatial statistics were performed to analyze structural white matter damage using two different measurements: fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Significant diffusion differences were correlated with the patient's ataxia impairment. RESULTS Our analysis revealed decreased FA mainly in the inferior/middle/superior cerebellar peduncles, the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule and the bilateral superior corona radiata. Increases in MD were found mainly in cerebellar white matter, medial lemniscus, and middle cerebellar peduncle, among other regions. Clinical impairment measured with the SARA score correlated with FA in superior parietal white matter and bilateral anterior corona radiata. Correlations with MD were found in cerebellar white matter and the middle cerebellar peduncle. CONCLUSION Our findings show significant correlations between diffusion measurements in key areas affected in SCA2 and measures of motor impairment, suggesting a disruption of information flow between motor and sensory-integration areas. These findings result in a more comprehensive view of the clinical impact of the white matter degeneration in SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R. Hernandez-Castillo
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología—Cátedras—Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Victor Galvez
- Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Roberto Mercadillo
- Cátedras Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Área de Neurociencias, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Rosalinda Diaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Aurelio Campos-Romo
- Unidad Periferica de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico/Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico DF, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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36
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Hernandez-Castillo CR, Galvez V, Mercadillo RE, Díaz R, Yescas P, Martinez L, Ochoa A, Velazquez-Perez L, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Functional connectivity changes related to cognitive and motor performance in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1391-9. [PMID: 26256273 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several neuropathological studies in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) have revealed significant atrophy of the cerebellum, brainstem, sensorimotor cortex, and several regions in the frontal lobe. However, the impact of the neurodegeneration on the functional integration of the remaining tissue is unknown. To analyze the clinical impact of these functional changes, we correlated the abnormal functional connectivity found in SCA2 patients with their scores in clinical scales. To obtain the functional connectivity changes, we followed two approaches. In one we used areas with significant cerebellar gray matter atrophy as anchor seeds, and in the other we performed a whole-brain data-driven analysis. METHODS Fourteen genetically confirmed SCA2 patients and aged-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were done to analyze structural and functional brain changes. Independent component analysis and dual regression were used for intrinsic network comparison. Significant functional connectivity differences were correlated with the behavioral scores. RESULTS Seed-based analysis found reduced functional connectivity within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and frontal/parietal cortices. Cerebellar functional connectivity increases were found with parietal, frontal, and temporal areas. Intrinsic network analysis found a functional decrease in the cerebellar network, and increase in the default-mode and fronto-parietal networks. Further analysis showed significant correlations between clinical scores and the abnormal functional connectivity strength. CONCLUSION Our findings show significant correlations between functional connectivity changes in key areas affected in SCA2 and these patients' motor and neuropsychological impairments, adding an important insight to our understanding of the pathophysiology of SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología-Cátedras-Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, México
| | - Víctor Galvez
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, México
| | - Roberto E Mercadillo
- Cátedras CONACYT, Área de Neurociencias, Depto. de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Iztapalapa, México
| | - Rosalinda Díaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Petra Yescas
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | - Leticia Martinez
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | - Adriana Ochoa
- Departamento de Neurogenética y Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía. Manuel Velasco Suarez, México
| | | | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, México.,Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana, México
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Cocozza S, Saccà F, Cervo A, Marsili A, Russo CV, Giorgio SMDA, De Michele G, Filla A, Brunetti A, Quarantelli M. Modifications of resting state networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1382-90. [PMID: 26094751 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the integrity of the Resting State Networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and the correlations between the modification of these networks and clinical variables. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) data from 19 SCA2 patients and 29 healthy controls were analyzed using an independent component analysis and dual regression, controlling at voxel level for the effect of atrophy by co-varying for gray matter volume. Correlations between the resting state networks alterations and disease duration, age at onset, number of triplets, and clinical score were assessed by Spearman's coefficient, for each cluster which was significantly different in SCA2 patients compared with healthy controls. RESULTS In SCA2 patients, disruption of the cerebellar components of all major resting state networks was present, with supratentorial involvement only for the default mode network. When controlling at voxel level for gray matter volume, the reduction in functional connectivity in supratentorial regions of the default mode network, and in cerebellar regions within the default mode, executive and right fronto-parietal networks, was still significant. No correlations with clinical variables were found for any of the investigated resting state networks. CONCLUSIONS The SCA2 patients show significant alterations of the resting state networks, only partly explained by the atrophy. The default mode network is the only resting state network that shows also supratentorial changes, which appear unrelated to the cortical gray matter volume. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Amedeo Cervo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Marsili
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Valeria Russo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Quarantelli
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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Heck MV, Azizov M, Stehning T, Walter M, Kedersha N, Auburger G. Dysregulated expression of lipid storage and membrane dynamics factors in Tia1 knockout mouse nervous tissue. Neurogenetics 2015; 15:135-44. [PMID: 24659297 PMCID: PMC3994287 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-014-0397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During cell stress, the transcription and translation of immediate early genes are prioritized, while most other messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are stored away in stress granules or degraded in processing bodies (P-bodies). TIA-1 is an mRNA-binding protein that needs to translocate from the nucleus to seed the formation of stress granules in the cytoplasm. Because other stress granule components such as TDP-43, FUS, ATXN2, SMN, MAPT, HNRNPA2B1, and HNRNPA1 are crucial for the motor neuron diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and for the frontotemporal dementia (FTD), here we studied mouse nervous tissue to identify mRNAs with selective dependence on Tia1 deletion. Transcriptome profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays in comparison of spinal cord and cerebellum, together with independent validation in quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and immunoblots demonstrated several strong and consistent dysregulations. In agreement with previously reported TIA1 knock down effects, cell cycle and apoptosis regulators were affected markedly with expression changes up to +2-fold, exhibiting increased levels for Cdkn1a, Ccnf, and Tprkb vs. decreased levels for Bid and Inca1 transcripts. Novel and surprisingly strong expression alterations were detected for fat storage and membrane trafficking factors, with prominent +3-fold upregulations of Plin4, Wdfy1, Tbc1d24, and Pnpla2 vs. a −2.4-fold downregulation of Cntn4 transcript, encoding an axonal membrane adhesion factor with established haploinsufficiency. In comparison, subtle effects on the RNA processing machinery included up to 1.2-fold upregulations of Dcp1b and Tial1. The effect on lipid dynamics factors is noteworthy, since also the gene deletion of Tardbp (encoding TDP-43) and Atxn2 led to fat metabolism phenotypes in mouse. In conclusion, genetic ablation of the stress granule nucleator TIA-1 has a novel major effect on mRNAs encoding lipid homeostasis factors in the brain, similar to the fasting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Vanessa Heck
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mekhman Azizov
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tanja Stehning
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute for Medical Genetics, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nancy Kedersha
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Smith 652, One Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Georg Auburger
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Goethe University Medical School, Building 89, 3rd floor, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Hekman KE, Gomez CM. The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias: emerging mechanistic themes suggest pervasive Purkinje cell vulnerability. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:554-61. [PMID: 25136055 PMCID: PMC6718294 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders with clinically overlapping phenotypes arising from Purkinje cell degeneration, cerebellar atrophy and varying degrees of degeneration of other grey matter regions. For 22 of the 32 subtypes, a genetic cause has been identified. While recurring themes are emerging, there is no clear correlation between the clinical phenotype or penetrance, the type of genetic defect or the category of the disease mechanism, or the neuronal types involved beyond Purkinje cells. These phenomena suggest that cerebellar Purkinje cells may be a uniquely vulnerable neuronal cell type, more susceptible to a wider variety of genetic/cellular insults than most other neuron types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Hekman
- Department of Vascular Surgery, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Mascalchi M, Toschi N, Giannelli M, Ginestroni A, Della Nave R, Nicolai E, Bianchi A, Tessa C, Salvatore E, Aiello M, Soricelli A, Diciotti S. Progression of microstructural damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a longitudinal DTI study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1096-101. [PMID: 25882284 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The ability of DTI to track the progression of microstructural damage in patients with inherited ataxias has not been explored so far. We performed a longitudinal DTI study in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 16 healthy age-matched controls were examined twice with DTI (mean time between scans, 3.6 years [patients] and 3.3 years [controls]) on the same 1.5T MR scanner. Using tract-based spatial statistics, we analyzed changes in DTI-derived indices: mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and mode of anisotropy. RESULTS At baseline, the patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, as compared with controls, showed numerous WM tracts with significantly increased mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity and decreased fractional anisotropy and mode of anisotropy in the brain stem, cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, cerebral hemisphere WM, corpus callosum, and thalami. Longitudinal analysis revealed changes in axial diffusivity and mode of anisotropy in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 that were significantly different than those in the controls. In patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, axial diffusivity was increased in WM tracts of the right cerebral hemisphere and the corpus callosum, and the mode of anisotropy was extensively decreased in hemispheric cerebral WM, corpus callosum, internal capsules, cerebral peduncles, pons and left cerebellar peduncles, and WM of the left paramedian vermis. There was no correlation between the progression of changes in DTI-derived indices and clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS DTI can reveal the progression of microstructural damage of WM fibers in the brains of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, and mode of anisotropy seems particularly sensitive to such changes. These results support the potential of DTI-derived indices as biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mascalchi
- From the Quantitative and Functional Neuroradiology Research Unit (M.M.), Meyer Children and Careggi Hospitals of Florence, Florence, Italy "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences (M.M., A.B.), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - N Toschi
- Medical Physics Section (N.T.), Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy Department of Radiology (N.T.), Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, Massachusetts Harvard Medical School (N.T.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Giannelli
- Unit of Medical Physics (M.G.), Pisa University Hospital "Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana," Pisa, Italy
| | - A Ginestroni
- Neuroradiology Unit (A.G.), Careggi General Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - E Nicolai
- IRCSS SDN Foundation (E.N., M.A., A.S.), Naples, Italy
| | - A Bianchi
- From the Quantitative and Functional Neuroradiology Research Unit (M.M.), Meyer Children and Careggi Hospitals of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Tessa
- Unit of Radiology (C.T.), Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - E Salvatore
- Department of Neurological Sciences (E.S.), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Aiello
- IRCSS SDN Foundation (E.N., M.A., A.S.), Naples, Italy
| | - A Soricelli
- IRCSS SDN Foundation (E.N., M.A., A.S.), Naples, Italy University of Naples Parthenope (A.S.), Naples, Italy
| | - S Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" (S.D.), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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ATXN3, ATXN7, CACNA1A, and RAI1 Genes and Mitochondrial Polymorphism A10398G Did Not Modify Age at Onset in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients from South America. THE CEREBELLUM 2015; 14:728-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-015-0666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Both ubiquitin ligases FBXW8 and PARK2 are sequestrated into insolubility by ATXN2 PolyQ expansions, but only FBXW8 expression is dysregulated. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121089. [PMID: 25790475 PMCID: PMC4366354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in the course of various age-associated neurodegenerative diseases is well established. The single RING finger type E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase PARK2 is mutated in a Parkinson’s disease (PD) variant and was found to interact with ATXN2, a protein where polyglutamine expansions cause Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) or increase the risk for Levodopa-responsive PD and for the motor neuron disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously reported evidence for a transcriptional induction of the multi-subunit RING finger Skp1/Cul/F-box (SCF) type E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex component FBXW8 in global microarray profiling of ATXN2-expansion mouse cerebellum and demonstrated its role for ATXN2 degradation in vitro. Now, we documented co-localization in vitro and co-immunoprecipitations both in vitro and in vivo, which indicate associations of FBXW8 with ATXN2 and PARK2. Both FBXW8 and PARK2 proteins are driven into insolubility by expanded ATXN2. Whereas the FBXW8 transcript upregulation by ATXN2- expansion was confirmed also in qPCR of skin fibroblasts and blood samples of SCA2 patients, a FBXW8 expression dysregulation was not observed in ATXN2-deficient mice, nor was a PARK2 transcript dysregulation observed in any samples. Jointly, all available data suggest that the degradation of wildtype and mutant ATXN2 is dependent on FBXW8, and that ATXN2 accumulation selectively modulates FBXW8 levels, while PARK2 might act indirectly through FBXW8. The effects of ATXN2-expansions on FBXW8 expression in peripheral tissues like blood may become useful for clinical diagnostics.
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Louis ED, Kuo SH, Vonsattel JPG, Faust PL. Torpedo formation and Purkinje cell loss: modeling their relationship in cerebellar disease. THE CEREBELLUM 2015; 13:433-9. [PMID: 24590661 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0556-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Torpedo formation and Purkinje cell (PC) loss represent standard and inter-related cerebellar responses to injury. Surprisingly, the nature of their relationship has not been carefully characterized across a range of normal and disease states. Are brains with more torpedoes expected to have fewer PCs? We quantified torpedoes and PCs in four groups: essential tremor (ET), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), multiple system atrophy-cerebellar (MSA-C), and controls. Brains from 100 individuals (58 ET, 27 controls, 7 SCA, 8 MSA-C) were available at the New York Brain Bank. After complete neuropathological assessment, a standard parasagittal neocerebellar block was harvested; a 7-μm thick section was stained with Luxol fast blue/hematoxylin and eosin; and torpedoes and PCs were quantified. For a given PC count, SCA and MSA-C cases often had higher torpedo counts than ET cases or controls. Furthermore, the relationship between torpedo and PC counts was complex. The correlation between torpedo and PC counts was negative in ET cases (i.e., individuals with more torpedoes had fewer PCs [i.e., more PC loss]) whereas the relationship was positive in MSA-C cases (i.e., individuals with fewer PCs [i.e., more PC loss] had fewer torpedoes). Patients with SCA showed both patterns. When all diagnostic groups were combined, the correlation was best fit by a quadratic (i.e., parabolic) model rather than a simple linear model; this model incorporated data on the negative correlation in ET cases, the mixed results in SCA cases, and the positive correlation in MSA-C cases (r = 0.636). The relationship between torpedo and PC counts was complex and heterogeneous across a range of cerebellar disease states, and was best characterized by a quadratic rather than a simple model. With more severe cerebellar disease, torpedoes can be quite numerous and are likely a common feature of surviving PCs, but eventually, dramatic loss of PC leads to a paradoxical reduction in observable torpedoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elan D Louis
- GH Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,
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Subramony S, Moscovich M, Ashizawa T. Genetics and Clinical Features of Inherited Ataxias. Mov Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-405195-9.00062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Executive deficit in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is related to expanded CAG repeats: Evidence from antisaccadic eye movements. Brain Cogn 2014; 91:28-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Chopra R, Shakkottai VG. The role for alterations in neuronal activity in the pathogenesis of polyglutamine repeat disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2014; 11:751-63. [PMID: 24986674 PMCID: PMC4391381 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases are a class of neurodegenerative diseases that share an expansion of a glutamine-encoding CAG tract in the respective disease genes as a central hallmark. In all of these diseases there is progressive degeneration in a select subset of neurons, and the mechanisms behind this degeneration remain unclear. Emerging evidence from animal models of disease has identified abnormalities in synaptic signaling and intrinsic excitability in affected neurons, which coincide with the onset of symptoms and precede apparent neuropathology. The appearance of these early changes suggests that altered neuronal activity might be an important component of network dysfunction and that these alterations in network physiology could contribute to symptoms of disease. Here we review abnormalities in neuronal function that have been identified in both animal models and patients, and highlight ways in which these changes in neuronal activity may contribute to disease symptoms. We then review the literature supporting an emerging role for abnormalities in neuronal activity as a driver of neurodegeneration. Finally, we identify common themes that emerge from studies of neuronal dysfunction in polyglutamine disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200 USA
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200 USA
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47
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Association analysis of a functional variant in ATXN2 with schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2014; 562:24-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Chopra R, Shakkottai VG. Translating cerebellar Purkinje neuron physiology to progress in dominantly inherited ataxia. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2014; 9:187-196. [PMID: 25221437 DOI: 10.2217/fnl.14.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is an important structure for accurate control and timing of movement, and Purkinje neurons in the cerebellar cortex are key players in cerebellar motor control. Cerebellar dysfunction can result in ataxia, a disorder characterized by postural instability, gait disturbances and motor incoordination. Cerebellar ataxia is a symptom of a number of conditions, and the emerging evidence that Purkinje neuron dysfunction, in particular, abnormal Purkinje neuron repetitive firing, is a major driver of motor dysfunction in a subset of dominantly inherited ataxias is dicussed. Abnormalities in Purkinje neuron excitability that are observed in mouse models of each of these disorders, and where appropriate describe studies linking particular ion channels to aberrant excitability are also discussed. Common mechanisms of dysfunction and speculate about potential therapeutic targets, suggesting that Purkinje neuron firing abnormalities are a novel target for improving motor dysfunction in patients with some forms of dominantly inherited ataxia are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Alfred A Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building, Room 4009, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Alfred A Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building, Room 4009, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
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Progression of brain atrophy in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a longitudinal tensor-based morphometry study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89410. [PMID: 24586758 PMCID: PMC3934889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is the second most frequent autosomal dominant inherited ataxia worldwide. We investigated the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track in vivo progression of brain atrophy in SCA2 by examining twice 10 SCA2 patients (mean interval 3.6 years) and 16 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean interval 3.3 years) on the same 1.5 T MRI scanner. We used T1-weighted images and tensor-based morphometry (TBM) to investigate volume changes and the Inherited Ataxia Clinical Rating Scale to assess the clinical deficit. With respect to controls, SCA2 patients showed significant higher atrophy rates in the midbrain, including substantia nigra, basis pontis, middle cerebellar peduncles and posterior medulla corresponding to the gracilis and cuneatus tracts and nuclei, cerebellar white matter (WM) and cortical gray matter (GM) in the inferior portions of the cerebellar hemisphers. No differences in WM or GM volume loss were observed in the supratentorial compartment. TBM findings did not correlate with modifications of the neurological deficit. In conclusion, MRI volumetry using TBM is capable of demonstrating the progression of pontocerebellar atrophy in SCA2, supporting a possible role of MRI as biomarker in future trials.
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Rojas F, García RV, González J, Velázquez L, Becerra R, Valenzuela O, San Román B. Identification of saccadic components in spinocerebellar ataxia applying an independent component analysis algorithm. Neurocomputing 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2012.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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