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Solomon BI, Muñoz AM, Sinaii N, Mohamed H, Farhat NM, Alexander D, Do AD, Porter FD. Swallowing characterization of adult-onset Niemann-Pick, type C1 patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:231. [PMID: 38863022 PMCID: PMC11165794 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a rare lysosomal disorder with progressive neurological manifestations, historically recognized as a pediatric disease. However, awareness of the adult-onset (AO) subtype is increasing, often with non-specific symptoms leading to delayed and misdiagnosis. Dysphagia, commonly recognized as a clinical morbidity in NPC1, raises concerns for swallowing safety and aspiration risk. This study aims to characterize swallowing function in AO NPC1, addressing the gap in understanding and clinical management. METHODS Fourteen AO NPC1 individuals in a prospective natural history study (NCT00344331) underwent comprehensive assessments, including history and physical examinations utilizing the NPC1 severity rating scale, videofluoroscopic swallowing studies with summary interpretive analysis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection for biomarker evaluation at baseline visit. Descriptive statistics and multivariate statistical modeling were employed to analyze NPC1 disease covariates, along with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measure (ASHA-NOMS) and the NIH Penetration Aspiration Scale (NIH-PAS). RESULTS Our cohort, comprised of 14 predominately female (n = 11, 78.6%) individuals, had an average age of 43.1 ± 16.7 years at the initial visit. Overall, our AO patients were able to swallow independently with no/minimal cueing, with 6 (43%) avoiding specific food items or requiring more time. Upon risk analysis of aspiration, the cohort demonstrated no obvious aspiration risk or laryngeal aspiration in 8 (57%), minimal risk with intermittent laryngeal penetration and retrograde excursion in 5(36%), and moderate risk (7%) in only one. Dietary modifications were recommended in 7 (50%), particularly for liquid viscosities (n = 6, 43%) rather than solids (n = 3, 21%). No significant correlations were identified between swallowing outcomes and NPC1-related parameters or CSF biomarkers. CONCLUSION Despite the heterogeneity in NPC1 presentation, the AO cohort displayed functional swallowing abilities with low aspiration risk with some participants still requiring some level of dietary modifications. This study emphasizes the importance of regular swallowing evaluations and management in AO NPC1 to address potential morbidities associated with dysphagia such as aspiration. These findings provide clinical recommendations for the assessment and management of the AO cohort, contributing to improved care for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth I Solomon
- Speech-Language Pathology Section, Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Andrea M Muñoz
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ninet Sinaii
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service, NIH Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hibaaq Mohamed
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Farhat
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Derek Alexander
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - An Dang Do
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Forbes D Porter
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Nyame K, Xiong J, de Jong AP, Alsohybe HN, Raaben M, Hartmann G, Simcox JA, Blomen VA, Abu-Remaileh M. PLA2G15 is a Lysosomal BMP Hydrolase with Ester Position Specificity and its Targeting Ameliorates Lysosomal Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597919. [PMID: 38895439 PMCID: PMC11185675 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Lysosomes catabolize lipids and other biological molecules, a function essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Key to lipid catabolism in the lysosome is bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), a major lipid constituent of intralysosomal vesicles (ILVs) and a stimulator of lipid-degrading enzymes. BMP levels are altered in a broad spectrum of human conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. Although BMP synthase was recently discovered, it has long been thought that BMP's unique stereochemistry confers resistance to acid phospholipases, a requirement for its role in the lysosome. Here, we demonstrate that PLA2G15, a major lysosomal phospholipase, efficiently hydrolyzes BMP with primary esters regardless of stereochemistry. Interestingly, we discover that BMP's unique esterification position is what confers resistance to hydrolysis. Purified PLA2G15 catabolizes most BMP species derived from cell and tissue lysosomes under acidic conditions. Furthermore, PLA2G15 catalytic activity against synthesized BMP stereoisomers with primary esters was comparable to its canonical substrates. Conversely, BMP with secondary esters is intrinsically stable in vitro and requires acyl migration for hydrolysis in lysosomes. Consistent with our biochemical data, PLA2G15-deficient tissues and cells accumulate multiple BMP species, a phenotype reversible by supplementing wildtype PLA2G15 but not its catalytically dead mutant. Increasing BMP levels by targeting PLA2G15 reverses the cholesterol accumulation phenotype in Niemann Pick Disease Type C (NPC1) patient fibroblasts and significantly ameliorate disease pathologies in NPC1-deficient mice leading to extended lifespan. Our findings establish the rules that govern the stability of BMP in the lysosome and identify PLA2G15 as a lysosomal BMP hydrolase and as a potential target for modulating BMP levels for therapeutic intervention.
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Khalil M, Teunissen CE, Lehmann S, Otto M, Piehl F, Ziemssen T, Bittner S, Sormani MP, Gattringer T, Abu-Rumeileh S, Thebault S, Abdelhak A, Green A, Benkert P, Kappos L, Comabella M, Tumani H, Freedman MS, Petzold A, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Leppert D, Kuhle J. Neurofilaments as biomarkers in neurological disorders - towards clinical application. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:269-287. [PMID: 38609644 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neurofilament proteins have been validated as specific body fluid biomarkers of neuro-axonal injury. The advent of highly sensitive analytical platforms that enable reliable quantification of neurofilaments in blood samples and simplify longitudinal follow-up has paved the way for the development of neurofilaments as a biomarker in clinical practice. Potential applications include assessment of disease activity, monitoring of treatment responses, and determining prognosis in many acute and chronic neurological disorders as well as their use as an outcome measure in trials of novel therapies. Progress has now moved the measurement of neurofilaments to the doorstep of routine clinical practice for the evaluation of individuals. In this Review, we first outline current knowledge on the structure and function of neurofilaments. We then discuss analytical and statistical approaches and challenges in determining neurofilament levels in different clinical contexts and assess the implications of neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in normal ageing and the confounding factors that need to be considered when interpreting NfL measures. In addition, we summarize the current value and potential clinical applications of neurofilaments as a biomarker of neuro-axonal damage in a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson disease. We also consider the steps needed to complete the translation of neurofilaments from the laboratory to the management of neurological diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- LBPC-PPC, Université de Montpellier, INM INSERM, IRMB CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Gattringer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Samir Abu-Rumeileh
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Thebault
- Multiple Sclerosis Division, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelhak
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ari Green
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Comabella
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hayrettin Tumani
- Department of Neurology, CSF Laboratory, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mark S Freedman
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Axel Petzold
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David Leppert
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Eratne D, Lewis C, Kelso W, Loi S, Chiu WHM, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Santillo AF, Velakoulis D, Walterfang M. Plasma neurofilament light chain is increased in Niemann-Pick Type C but glial fibrillary acidic protein remains normal. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38533577 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) is a genetic neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder commonly associated with psychiatric symptoms and delays to accurate diagnosis and treatment. This study investigated biomarker levels and diagnostic utility of plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in NPC compared to healthy controls. METHODS Patients with NPC were recruited from a specialist assessment and management service. Data was available from an age and sex-matched healthy control group. NfL and GFAP were measured on Quanterix Simoa HD-X analysers and groups compared using generalised linear models. NfL levels were compared to, and percentiles derived from, recently developed NfL reference ranges. RESULTS Plasma NfL was significantly elevated in 11 patients with NPC compared to 25 controls (mean 17.1 vs. 7.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001), and reference ranges (all >98th percentile). NfL distinguished NPC from controls with high accuracy. GFAP levels were not elevated in NPC (66.6 vs. 75.1 pg/ml). DISCUSSION The study adds important evidence on the potential diagnostic utility of plasma NfL in NPC, extends the literature of NfL as a diagnostic tool to differentiate neurodegenerative from primary psychiatric disorders, and adds support to the pathology in NPC primarily involving neuronal, particularly axonal, degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Courtney Lewis
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha Loi
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei-Hsuan Michelle Chiu
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Dahlgren's Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alexander F Santillo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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5
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van Gool R, Golden E, Goodlett B, Zhang F, Vogel AP, Tourville JA, Yao K, Cay M, Tiwari S, Yang E, Zekelman LR, Todd N, O'Donnell LJ, Ren B, Bodamer OA, Al-Hertani W, Upadhyay J. Characterization of central manifestations in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C. Genet Med 2024; 26:101053. [PMID: 38131307 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101053] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study investigated pathophysiological mechanisms underlying motor deficits, particularly speech production, and cognitive impairment. METHODS We prospectively phenotyped 8 adults with NPC and age-sex-matched healthy controls using a comprehensive assessment battery, encompassing clinical presentation, plasma biomarkers, hand-motor skills, speech production, cognitive tasks, and (micro-)structural and functional central nervous system properties through magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Patients with NPC demonstrated deficits in fine-motor skills, speech production timing and coordination, and cognitive performance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced cortical thickness and volume in cerebellar subdivisions (lobule VI and crus I), cortical (frontal, temporal, and cingulate gyri) and subcortical (thalamus and basal ganglia) regions, and increased choroid plexus volumes in NPC. White matter fractional anisotropy was reduced in specific pathways (intracerebellar input and Purkinje tracts), whereas diffusion tensor imaging graph theory analysis identified altered structural connectivity. Patients with NPC exhibited altered activity in sensorimotor and cognitive processing hubs during resting-state and speech production. Canonical component analysis highlighted the role of cerebellar-cerebral circuitry in NPC and its integration with behavioral performance and disease severity. CONCLUSION This deep phenotyping approach offers a comprehensive systems neuroscience understanding of NPC motor and cognitive impairments, identifying potential central nervous system biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel van Gool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emma Golden
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Goodlett
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam P Vogel
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Redenlab Inc., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason A Tourville
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Kylie Yao
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mariesa Cay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sneham Tiwari
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Leo R Zekelman
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nick Todd
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren J O'Donnell
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Boyu Ren
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA
| | - Olaf A Bodamer
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Walla Al-Hertani
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jaymin Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA.
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6
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Cawley NX, Giddens S, Farhat NM, Luke RA, Scott KEJ, Mohamed HO, Dang Do A, Berry-Kravis E, Cologna SM, Liu F, Porter FD. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 levels correlate with phenotypic severity and therapeutic response in Niemann-Pick disease, type C1. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107656. [PMID: 37517328 PMCID: PMC10803635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is an ultrarare, recessive disorder due to pathological variants of NPC1. The NPC1 phenotype is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and cognitive impairment. Although classically a childhood/adolescent disease, NPC1 is heterogeneous with respect to the age of onset of neurological signs and symptoms. While miglustat has shown to be clinically effective, there are currently no FDA approved drugs to treat NPC1. Identification and characterization of biomarkers may provide tools to facilitate therapeutic trials. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) is a protein which is highly expressed by neurons and is a biomarker of neuronal damage. We thus measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of UCHL1 in individuals with NPC1. METHODS CSF levels of UCHL1 were measured using a Quanterix Neuroplex 4 assay in 94 individuals with NPC1 and 35 age-appropriate comparison samples. Cross-sectional and longitudinal CSF UCHL1 levels were then evaluated for correlation with phenotypic measures and treatment status. RESULTS CSF UCHL1 levels were markedly elevated (3.3-fold) in individuals with NPC1 relative to comparison samples. The CSF UCHL1 levels showed statistically significant (adj p < 0.0001), moderate, positive correlations with both the 17- and 5-domain NPC Neurological Severity Scores and the Annual Severity Increment Scores. Miglustat treatment significantly decreased (adj p < 0.0001) CSF UCHL1 levels by 30% (95% CI 17-40%). CONCLUSIONS CSF UCHL1 levels are elevated in NPC1, increase with increasing clinical severity and decrease in response to therapy with miglustat. Based on these data, UCHL1 may be a useful biomarker to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response in individuals with NPC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh X Cawley
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Spencer Giddens
- Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Nicole M Farhat
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rachel A Luke
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katelin E J Scott
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hibaaq O Mohamed
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - An Dang Do
- Unit on Cellular Stress in Development and Diseases, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie M Cologna
- Department of Chemistry and Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Forbes D Porter
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Bremova-Ertl T, Schneider S. Current advancements in therapy for Niemann-Pick disease: progress and pitfalls. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1229-1247. [PMID: 37211769 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2215386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disorder. To combat the progressive neurodegeneration in NPC, disease-modifying treatment needs to be introduced early in the course of the disease. The only approved, disease-modifying treatment is a substrate-reduction treatment, miglustat. Given miglustat's limited efficacy, new compounds are under development, including gene therapy; however, many are still far from clinical use. Moreover, the phenotypic heterogeneity and variable course of the disease can impede the development and approval of new agents. AREAS COVERED Here, we offer an expert review of these therapeutic candidates, with a broad scope not only on the main pharmacotherapies, but also on experimental approaches, gene therapies, and symptomatic strategies. The National Institute of Health (NIH) database PubMed has been searched for the combination of the words 'Niemann-Pick type C'+ 'treatment' or 'therapy' or 'trial.' The website clinicaltrials.gov has also been consulted. EXPERT OPINION We conclude a combination of treatment strategies should be sought, with a holistic approach, to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova-Ertl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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8
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Campbell K, Cawley NX, Luke R, Scott KEJ, Johnson N, Farhat NY, Alexander D, Wassif CA, Li W, Cologna SM, Berry-Kravis E, Do AD, Dale RK, Porter FD. Identification of cerebral spinal fluid protein biomarkers in Niemann-Pick disease, type C1. Biomark Res 2023; 11:14. [PMID: 36721240 PMCID: PMC9887810 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is an ultrarare, recessive, lethal, lysosomal disease characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and cognitive impairment. Although the NPC1 phenotype is heterogeneous with variable age of onset, classical NPC1 is a pediatric disorder. Currently there are no therapies approved by the FDA and therapeutics trials for NPC1 are complicated by disease rarity, heterogeneity, and the relatively slow rate of neurological decline. Thus, identification of disease relevant biomarkers is necessary to provide tools that can support drug development efforts for this devastating neurological disease. METHODS Proximal extension assays (O-link® Explore 1536) were used to compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from individuals with NPC1 enrolled in a natural history study and non-NPC1 comparison samples. Relative expression levels of 1467 proteins were determined, and candidate protein biomarkers were identified by evaluating fold-change and adjusted Kruskal-Wallis test p-values. Selected proteins were orthogonally confirmed using ELISA. To gain insight into disease progression and severity we evaluated the altered protein expression with respect to clinically relevant phenotypic aspects: NPC Neurological Severity Score (NPC1 NSS), Annual Severity Increment Score (ASIS) and age of neurological onset. RESULTS This study identified multiple proteins with altered levels in CSF from individuals with NPC1 compared to non-NPC1 samples. These included proteins previously shown to be elevated in NPC1 (NEFL, MAPT, CHIT1, CALB1) and additional proteins confirmed by orthogonal assays (PARK7, CALB2/calretinin, CHI3L1/YKL-40, MIF, CCL18 and ENO2). Correlations with clinically relevant phenotypic parameters demonstrated moderate negative (p = 0.0210, r = -0.41) and possible moderate positive (p = 0.0631, r = 0.33) correlation of CSF CALB2 levels with age of neurological onset and ASIS, respectively. CSF CHI3L1 levels showed a moderate positive (p = 0.0183, r = 0.40) correlation with the concurrent NPC1 NSS. A strong negative correlation (p = 0.0016, r = -0.648) was observed between CSF CCL18 and age of neurological onset for childhood/adolescent cases. CSF CCL18 levels also showed a strong positive correlation (p = 0.0017, r = 0.61) with ASIS. CONCLUSION Our study identified and validated multiple proteins in CSF from individuals with NPC1 that are candidates for further investigation in a larger cohort. These analytes may prove to be useful as supportive data in therapeutic trials. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS NCT00344331, NCT00001721, NCT02931682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten Campbell
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 10CRC, Rm. 1-3330, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20879 USA
| | - Niamh X. Cawley
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Rachel Luke
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Katelin E. J. Scott
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 10CRC, Rm. 1-3330, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20879 USA
| | - Nicole Y. Farhat
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Derek Alexander
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Wenping Li
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Chemistry and Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Stephanie M. Cologna
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Chemistry and Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - An Dang Do
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Unit On Cellular Stress in Development and Diseases, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ryan K. Dale
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 10CRC, Rm. 1-3330, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20879 USA
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section On Molecular Dysmorphology, Division of Translational Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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