1
|
Vicente-Acosta A, Herranz-Martín S, Pazos MR, Galán-Cruz J, Amores M, Loria F, Díaz-Nido J. Glial cell activation precedes neurodegeneration in the cerebellar cortex of the YG8-800 murine model of Friedreich ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106631. [PMID: 39111701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder resulting from reduced levels of the protein frataxin due to an expanded GAA repeat in the FXN gene. This deficiency causes progressive degeneration of specific neuronal populations in the cerebellum and the consequent loss of movement coordination and equilibrium, which are some of the main symptoms observed in affected individuals. Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, previous studies suggest that glial cells could be involved in the neurodegenerative process and disease progression in patients with Friedreich ataxia. In this work, we followed and characterized the progression of changes in the cerebellar cortex in the latest version of Friedreich ataxia humanized mouse model, YG8-800 (Fxnnull:YG8s(GAA)>800), which carries a human FXN transgene containing >800 GAA repeats. Comparative analyses of behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical parameters were conducted between the control strain Y47R and YG8-800 mice at different time points. Our findings revealed that YG8-800 mice exhibit an ataxic phenotype characterized by poor motor coordination, decreased body weight, cerebellar atrophy, neuronal loss, and changes in synaptic proteins. Additionally, early activation of glial cells, predominantly astrocytes and microglia, was observed preceding neuronal degeneration, as was increased expression of key proinflammatory cytokines and downregulation of neurotrophic factors. Together, our results show that the YG8-800 mouse model exhibits a stronger phenotype than previous experimental murine models, reliably recapitulating some of the features observed in humans. Accordingly, this humanized model could represent a valuable tool for studying Friedreich ataxia molecular disease mechanisms and for preclinical evaluation of possible therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vicente-Acosta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saúl Herranz-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ruth Pazos
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Galán-Cruz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Francisco Tomás y Valiente, 7, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Amores
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Frida Loria
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Francisco Tomás y Valiente, 7, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro, Segovia de Arana, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Joaquín Rodrigo 1, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gonzalez-Rodriguez M, Marin-Valencia I. Metabolic Determinants of Cerebellar Circuit Formation and Maintenance. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1626-1641. [PMID: 38123901 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cells configure their metabolism in a synchronized and timely manner to meet their energy demands throughout development and adulthood. Transitions of developmental stages are coupled to metabolic shifts, such that glycolysis is highly active during cell proliferation, whereas oxidative phosphorylation prevails in postmitotic states. In the cerebellum, metabolic transitions are remarkable given its protracted developmental timelines. Such distinctive feature, along with its high neuronal density and metabolic demands, make the cerebellum highly vulnerable to metabolic insults. Despite the expansion of metabolomic approaches to uncover biological mechanisms, little is known about the role of metabolism on cerebellar development and maintenance. To illuminate the intricate connections between metabolism, physiology, and cerebellar disorders, we examined here the impact of metabolism on cerebellar growth, maturation, and adulthood through the lens of inborn errors of metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- The Abimael Laboratory of Neurometabolism, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isaac Marin-Valencia
- The Abimael Laboratory of Neurometabolism, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Departments of Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomics Medicine, and Pediatrics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lai Y, Diaz N, Armbrister R, Agoulnik I, Liu Y. DNA Base Damage Repair Crosstalks with Chromatin Structures to Contract Expanded GAA Repeats in Friedreich's Ataxia. Biomolecules 2024; 14:809. [PMID: 39062522 PMCID: PMC11274795 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070809] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion is the cause of over 40 neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). There are no effective treatments for these diseases due to the poor understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying somatic TNR expansion and contraction in neural systems. We and others have found that DNA base excision repair (BER) actively modulates TNR instability, shedding light on the development of effective treatments for the diseases by contracting expanded repeats through DNA repair. In this study, temozolomide (TMZ) was employed as a model DNA base damaging agent to reveal the mechanisms of the BER pathway in modulating GAA repeat instability at the frataxin (FXN) gene in FRDA neural cells and transgenic mouse mice. We found that TMZ induced large GAA repeat contraction in FRDA mouse brain tissue, neurons, and FRDA iPSC-differentiated neural cells, increasing frataxin protein levels in FRDA mouse brain and neural cells. Surprisingly, we found that TMZ could also inhibit H3K9 methyltransferases, leading to open chromatin and increasing ssDNA breaks and recruitment of the key BER enzyme, pol β, on the repeats in FRDA neural cells. We further demonstrated that the H3K9 methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 also induced the contraction of the expanded repeats and increased frataxin protein in FRDA neural cells by opening the chromatin and increasing the endogenous ssDNA breaks and recruitment of pol β on the repeats. Our study provides new mechanistic insight illustrating that inhibition of H3K9 methylation can crosstalk with BER to induce GAA repeat contraction in FRDA. Our results will open a new avenue for developing novel gene therapy by targeting histone methylation and the BER pathway for repeat expansion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhao Lai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (Y.L.); (N.D.)
| | - Nicole Diaz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (Y.L.); (N.D.)
| | - Rhyisa Armbrister
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (R.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Irina Agoulnik
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (R.A.); (I.A.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (Y.L.); (N.D.)
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (R.A.); (I.A.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nishiyama M, Kalambogias J, Imai F, Yang E, Lang S, de Nooij JC, Yoshida Y. Anatomical and functional analysis of the corticospinal tract in an FRDA mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.28.601178. [PMID: 39005321 PMCID: PMC11244874 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.28.601178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is one of the most common hereditary ataxias. It is caused by a GAA repeat in the first intron of the FXN gene, which encodes an essential mitochondrial protein. Patients suffer from progressive motor dysfunction due to the degeneration of mechanoreceptive and proprioceptive neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and cerebellar dentate nucleus neurons, especially at early disease stages. Postmortem analyses of FRDA patients also indicate pathological changes in motor cortex including in the projection neurons that give rise to the cortical spinal tract (CST). Yet, it remains poorly understood how early in the disease cortical spinal neurons (CSNs) show these alterations, or whether CSN/CST pathology resembles the abnormalities observed in other tissues affected by FXN loss. To address these questions, we examined CSN driven motor behaviors and pathology in the YG8JR FRDA mouse model. We find that FRDA mice show impaired motor skills, exhibit significant reductions in CSN functional output, and, among other pathological changes, show abnormal mitochondrial distributions in CSN neurons and CST axonal tracts. Moreover, some of these alterations were observed as early as two months of age, suggesting that CSN/CST pathology may be an earlier event in FRDA disease than previously appreciated. These studies warrant a detailed mechanistic understanding of how FXN loss impacts CSN health and functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Misa Nishiyama
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
| | - John Kalambogias
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fumiyasu Imai
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Emily Yang
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
| | - Sonia Lang
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
| | | | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
- Neural Circuit Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Brien EM, Neiswinter N, Lin KY, Lynch D, Baldwin K, Profeta V, Flynn JM, Muhly WT. Perioperative management and outcomes for posterior spinal fusion in patients with Friedreich ataxia: A single-center, retrospective study. Paediatr Anaesth 2024; 34:654-661. [PMID: 38655751 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich ataxia is a rare genetic disorder associated with progressive mitochondrial dysfunction leading to widespread sequelae including ataxia, muscle weakness, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Children with Friedreich ataxia are at high risk for periprocedural complications during posterior spinal fusion due to their comorbidities. AIM To describe our single-center perioperative management of patients with Friedreich ataxia undergoing posterior spinal fusion. METHODS Adolescent patients with Friedreich ataxia presenting for spinal deformity surgery between 2007 and 2023 were included in this retrospective case series performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Perioperative outcomes were reviewed along with preoperative characteristics, intraoperative anesthetic management, and postoperative medical management. RESULTS Seventeen patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 15 ± 2 years old and 47% were female. Preoperatively, 35% were wheelchair dependent, 100% had mild-to-moderate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preserved systolic function and no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, 29% were on cardiac medications, and 29% were on pain medications. Intraoperatively, 53% had transesophageal echocardiography monitoring; 12% had changes in volume status on echo but no changes in function. Numerous combinations of total intravenous anesthetic agents were used, most commonly propofol, remifentanil, and ketamine. Baseline neuromonitoring signals were poor in four patients and one patient lost signals, resulting in 4 (24%) wake-up tests. The majority (75%) were extubated in the operating room. Postoperative complications were high (88%) and ranged from minor complications like nausea/vomiting (18%) to major complications like hypotension/tachycardia (29%) and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in one patient (6%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with Friedreich ataxia are at high risk for perioperative complications when undergoing posterior spinal fusion and coordinated multidisciplinary care is required at each stage. Future research should focus on the utility of intraoperative echocardiography, optimal anesthetic agent selection, and targeted fluid management to reduce postoperative cardiac complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M O'Brien
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalie Neiswinter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Lynch
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keith Baldwin
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victoria Profeta
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John M Flynn
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wallis T Muhly
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cocozza S, Bosticardo S, Battocchio M, Corben L, Delatycki M, Egan G, Georgiou‐Karistianis N, Monti S, Palma G, Pane C, Saccà F, Schiavi S, Selvadurai L, Tranfa M, Daducci A, Brunetti A, Harding IH. Gradient of microstructural damage along the dentato-thalamo-cortical tract in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:1691-1702. [PMID: 38952134 PMCID: PMC11251475 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52048] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dentato-thalamo-cortical tract (DTT) is the main cerebellar efferent pathway. Degeneration of the DTT is a core feature of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). However, it remains unclear whether DTT disruption is spatially specific, with some segments being more impacted than others. This study aimed to investigate microstructural integrity along the DTT in FRDA using a profilometry diffusion MRI (dMRI) approach. METHODS MRI data from 45 individuals with FRDA (mean age: 33.2 ± 13.2, Male/Female: 26/19) and 37 healthy controls (mean age: 36.5 ± 12.7, Male/Female:18/19) were included in this cross-sectional multicenter study. A profilometry analysis was performed on dMRI data by first using tractography to define the DTT as the white matter pathway connecting the dentate nucleus to the contralateral motor cortex. The tract was then divided into 100 segments, and dMRI metrics of microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity) at each segment were compared between groups. The process was replicated on the arcuate fasciculus for comparison. RESULTS Across all diffusion metrics, the region of the DTT connecting the dentate nucleus and thalamus was more impacted in FRDA than downstream cerebral sections from the thalamus to the cortex. The arcuate fasciculus was minimally impacted. INTERPRETATION Our study further expands the current knowledge about brain involvement in FRDA, showing that microstructural abnormalities within the DTT are weighted to early segments of the tract (i.e., the superior cerebellar peduncle). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis of DTT undergoing anterograde degeneration arising from the dentate nuclei and progressing to the primary motor cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Sara Bosticardo
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Matteo Battocchio
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Louise Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Martin Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Gary Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nellie Georgiou‐Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Serena Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and BioimagingNational Research CouncilNapoliItaly
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- Institute of NanotechnologyNational Research CouncilLecceItaly
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences Reproductive and Odontostomatological SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences Reproductive and Odontostomatological SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
- ASG Superconductors SpAGenoaItaly
| | - Louisa Selvadurai
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mario Tranfa
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Alessandro Daducci
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lynch DR, Sharma S, Hearle P, Greeley N, Gunther K, Keita M, Strawser C, Hauser L, Park C, Schadt K, Lin KY. Characterization of clinical serum cardiac biomarker levels in individuals with Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol Sci 2024; 461:123053. [PMID: 38759249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123053] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a progressive autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ataxia, dyscoordination, and cardiomyopathy. A subset of patients with Friedreich ataxia have elevated levels of serum cardiac troponin I, but associations with disease outcomes and features of cardiomyopathy remain unclear. In this study, we characterized clinically obtained serum cardiac biomarker levels including troponin I, troponin T, and B-type natriuretic peptide in subjects with Friedreich ataxia and evaluated their association with markers of disease. While unprovoked troponin I levels were elevated in 36% of the cohort, cTnI levels associated with a cardiac event (provoked) were higher than unprovoked levels. In multivariate linear regression models, younger age predicted increased troponin I values, and in logistic regression models younger age, female sex, and marginally longer GAA repeat length predicted abnormal troponin I levels. In subjects with multiple assessments, mean unprovoked troponin I levels decreased slightly over time. The presence of abnormal troponin I values and their levels were predicted by echocardiographic measures of hypertrophy. In addition, troponin I levels predicted long-term markers of clinical cardiac dysfunction over time to a modest degree. Consequently, troponin I values provide a marker of hypertrophy but only a minimally predictive biomarker for later cardiac manifestations of disease such as systolic dysfunction or arrhythmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Lynch
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Sonal Sharma
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Patrick Hearle
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel Greeley
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Katherine Gunther
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Medina Keita
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Cassandra Strawser
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Lauren Hauser
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Courtney Park
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Schadt
- Divisions of Neurology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America; Divisions of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hynes SM, Goldsberry A, Henneghan PD, Murai M, Shinde A, Wells JA, Wu L, Wu T, Zahir H, Khan S. Relative Bioavailability of Omaveloxolone When Capsules Are Sprinkled Over and Mixed in Applesauce Compared With Administration as Intact Omaveloxolone Capsules: A Phase 1, Randomized, Open-Label, Single-Dose, Crossover Study in Healthy Adults. J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38837775 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Omaveloxolone (SKYCLARYS®) is approved for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia (FA) in patients aged ≥16 years in the United States and European Union (EU). The recommended dosage is 150 mg administered orally once daily as three 50-mg capsules. However, some patients with FA may have oropharyngeal dysphagia or difficulty swallowing whole capsules; therefore, alternate method(s) of administration are needed. A Phase 1 clinical study in 32 healthy volunteers evaluated the relative bioavailability, safety, and tolerability of a single dose of omaveloxolone when capsule contents were sprinkled on and mixed in applesauce compared to when taken as intact capsules. Palatability when sprinkled on and mixed in applesauce was assessed with a questionnaire. After a single 150-mg dose, the peak and overall exposures of omaveloxolone were similar irrespective of administration method, with the 90% CIs of the geometric least squares mean ratio (%) for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ within the 80% to 125% reference intervals. Omaveloxolone was absorbed more slowly as intact capsules (median tmax, 10 h) compared with sprinkled capsule contents over applesauce (median tmax, 6 h). With chronic daily administration of omaveloxolone to treat FA, the 4-h difference in tmax is not considered clinically relevant. Sprinkled omaveloxolone capsule contents on applesauce were well tolerated, with acceptable palatability and no serious adverse events. Given the similar systemic exposure when capsules were swallowed whole, sprinkling omaveloxolone capsule contents on and mixing in applesauce is a feasible alternative method of administering omaveloxolone and has been included in both the United States and EU prescribing information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucy Wu
- Biogen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tony Wu
- Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc., Plano, Texas, USA
| | | | - Seemi Khan
- Biogen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gavriilaki M, Chatzikyriakou E, Moschou M, Arnaoutoglou M, Sakellari I, Kimiskidis VK. Therapeutic Biomarkers in Friedreich's Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1184-1203. [PMID: 37889470 PMCID: PMC11102393 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01621-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Although a large array of biomarkers have been investigated in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) trials, the optimal biomarker for assessing disease progression or therapeutic benefit has yet to be identified. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases up to June 2023 for any original study (with ≥ 5 participants and ≥ 2 months' follow-up) reporting the effect of therapeutic interventions on any clinical, cardiac, biochemical, patient-reported outcome measures, imaging, or neurophysiologic biomarker. We also explored the biomarkers' ability to detect subtle disease progression in untreated patients. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. The study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022319196). In total, 43 studies with 1409 FRDA patients were included in the qualitative synthesis. A statistically significant improvement was observed in Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale scores [combining Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and modified FARS (mFARS): SMD = - 0.32 (- 0.62 to - 0.02)] following drugs that augment mitochondrial function in a sensitivity analysis. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was improved significantly [SMD = - 0.34 (- 0.5 to - 0.18)] after 28.5 months of treatment with drugs that augment mitochondrial function. However, LVMI remained stable [SMD = 0.05 (- 0.3 to 0.41)] in untreated patients after 6-month follow-up. None of the remaining biomarkers changed significantly following any treatment intervention nor during the natural disease progression. Nevertheless, clinical implications of these results should be interpreted with caution because of low to very low quality of evidence. Further randomized controlled trials of at least 24 months' duration using a biomarker toolbox rather than a single biomarker are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gavriilaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Chatzikyriakou
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Moschou
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marianthi Arnaoutoglou
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Sakellari
- Hematology Department, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios K Kimiskidis
- 1st Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chang KH, Chen CM. The Role of NRF2 in Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:649. [PMID: 38929088 PMCID: PMC11200942 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders, a diverse group of neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by abnormal expansions within specific genes. These expansions trigger a cascade of cellular damage, including protein aggregation and abnormal RNA binding. A key contributor to this damage is oxidative stress, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species that harms cellular components. This review explores the interplay between oxidative stress and the NRF2 pathway in these disorders. NRF2 acts as the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, orchestrating the expression of enzymes that combat oxidative stress. Trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders often exhibit impaired NRF2 signaling, resulting in inadequate responses to excessive ROS production. NRF2 activation has been shown to upregulate antioxidative gene expression, effectively alleviating oxidative stress damage. NRF2 activators, such as omaveloxolone, vatiquinone, curcumin, sulforaphane, dimethyl fumarate, and resveratrol, demonstrate neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress in experimental cell and animal models of these diseases. However, translating these findings into successful clinical applications requires further research. In this article, we review the literature supporting the role of NRF2 in the pathogenesis of these diseases and the potential therapeutics of NRF2 activators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Kueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Kueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vancheri C, Quatrana A, Morini E, Mariotti C, Mongelli A, Fichera M, Rufini A, Condò I, Testi R, Novelli G, Malisan F, Amati F. An RNA-seq study in Friedreich ataxia patients identified hsa-miR-148a-3p as a putative prognostic biomarker of the disease. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:50. [PMID: 38778374 PMCID: PMC11110315 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a life-threatening hereditary ataxia; its incidence is 1:50,000 individuals in the Caucasian population. A unique therapeutic drug for FRDA, the antioxidant Omaveloxolone, has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FRDA is a multi-systemic neurodegenerative disease; in addition to a progressive neurodegeneration, FRDA is characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal deformities. Cardiomyopathy is the predominant cause of premature death. The onset of FRDA typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 15. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of clinical features and the variability of their onset, the identification of biomarkers capable of assessing disease progression and monitoring the efficacy of treatments is essential to facilitate decision making in clinical practice. We conducted an RNA-seq analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from FRDA patients and healthy donors, identifying a signature of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) capable of distinguishing healthy individuals from the majority of FRDA patients. Among the differentially expressed sncRNAs, microRNAs are a class of small non-coding endogenous RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional silencing of target genes. In FRDA plasma samples, hsa-miR-148a-3p resulted significantly upregulated. The analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, combining the circulating expression levels of hsa-miR-148a-3p and hsa-miR-223-3p (previously identified by our group), revealed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95%, Confidence Interval 0.77-0.95; p-value < 0.0001). An in silico prediction analysis indicated that the IL6ST gene, an interesting marker of neuroinflammation in FRDA, is a common target gene of both miRNAs. Our findings support the evaluation of combined expression levels of different circulating miRNAs as potent epi-biomarkers in FRDA. Moreover, we found hsa-miR-148a-3p significantly over-expressed in Intermediate and Late-Onset Friedreich Ataxia patients' group (IOG and LOG, respectively) compared to healthy individuals, indicating it as a putative prognostic biomarker in this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vancheri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Quatrana
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Muscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Bambino Gesù, Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Morini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Mario Fichera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, 00131, Italy
| | - Ivano Condò
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Roberto Testi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, 86077, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Florence Malisan
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Francesca Amati
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Koka M, Li H, Akther R, Perlman S, Wong D, Fogel BL, Lynch DR, Chandran V. Long non-coding RNA TUG1 is downregulated in Friedreich's ataxia. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae170. [PMID: 38846537 PMCID: PMC11154142 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by reduced frataxin levels. It leads to motor and sensory impairments and has a median life expectancy of around 35 years. As the most common inherited form of ataxia, Friedreich's ataxia lacks reliable, non-invasive biomarkers, prolonging and inflating the cost of clinical trials. This study proposes TUG1, a long non-coding RNA, as a promising blood-based biomarker for Friedreich's ataxia, which is known to regulate various cellular processes. In a previous study using a frataxin knockdown mouse model, we observed several hallmark Friedreich's ataxia symptoms. Building on this, we hypothesized that a dual-source approach-comparing the data from peripheral blood samples from Friedreich's ataxia patients with tissue samples from affected areas in Friedreich's ataxia knockdown mice, tissues usually unattainable from patients-would effectively identify robust biomarkers. A comprehensive reanalysis was conducted on gene expression data from 183 age- and sex-matched peripheral blood samples of Friedreich's ataxia patients, carriers and controls and 192 tissue data sets from Friedreich's ataxia knockdown mice. Blood and tissue samples underwent RNA isolation and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and frataxin knockdown was confirmed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Tug1 RNA interaction was explored via RNA pull-down assays. Validation was performed in serum samples on an independent set of 45 controls and 45 Friedreich's ataxia patients and in blood samples from 66 heterozygous carriers and 72 Friedreich's ataxia patients. Tug1 and Slc40a1 emerged as potential blood-based biomarkers, confirmed in the Friedreich's ataxia knockdown mouse model (one-way ANOVA, P ≤ 0.05). Tug1 was consistently downregulated after Fxn knockdown and correlated strongly with Fxn levels (R 2 = 0.71 during depletion, R 2 = 0.74 during rescue). Slc40a1 showed a similar but tissue-specific pattern. Further validation of Tug1's downstream targets strengthened its biomarker candidacy. In additional human samples, TUG1 levels were significantly downregulated in both whole blood and serum of Friedreich's ataxia patients compared with controls (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.05). Regression analyses revealed a negative correlation between TUG1 fold-change and disease onset (P < 0.0037) and positive correlations with disease duration and functional disability stage score (P < 0.04). This suggests that elevated TUG1 levels correlate with earlier onset and more severe cases. This study identifies TUG1 as a potential blood-based biomarker for Friedreich's ataxia, showing consistent expression variance in human and mouse tissues related to disease severity and key Friedreich's ataxia pathways. It correlates with frataxin levels, indicating its promise as an early, non-invasive marker. TUG1 holds potential for Friedreich's ataxia monitoring and therapeutic development, meriting additional research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mert Koka
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rumana Akther
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Darice Wong
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brent L Fogel
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vijayendran Chandran
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, and McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chang JC, Ryan MR, Stark MC, Liu S, Purushothaman P, Bolan F, Johnson CA, Champe M, Meng H, Lawlor MW, Halawani S, Ngaba LV, Lynch DR, Davis C, Gonzalo-Gil E, Lutz C, Urbinati F, Medicherla B, Fonck C. AAV8 gene therapy reverses cardiac pathology and prevents early mortality in a mouse model of Friedreich's ataxia. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101193. [PMID: 38352270 PMCID: PMC10862410 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal-recessive disorder primarily attributed to biallelic GAA repeat expansions that reduce expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN). FRDA is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, with many patients developing cardiomyopathy that progresses to heart failure and death. The potential to reverse or prevent progression of the cardiac phenotype of FRDA was investigated in a mouse model of FRDA, using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV8) containing the coding sequence of the FXN gene. The Fxnflox/null::MCK-Cre conditional knockout mouse (FXN-MCK) has an FXN gene ablation that prevents FXN expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle, leading to cardiac insufficiency, weight loss, and morbidity. FXN-MCK mice received a single intravenous injection of an AAV8 vector containing human (hFXN) or mouse (mFXN) FXN genes under the control of a phosphoglycerate kinase promoter. Compared to vehicle-treated FXN-MCK control mice, AAV-treated FXN-MCK mice displayed increases in body weight, reversal of cardiac deficits, and increases in survival without apparent toxicity in the heart or liver for up to 12 weeks postdose. FXN protein expression in heart tissue was detected in a dose-dependent manner, exhibiting wide distribution throughout the heart similar to wild type, but more speckled. These results support an AAV8-based approach to treat FRDA-associated cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C. Chang
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Molly R. Ryan
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Marie C. Stark
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Su Liu
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Fria Bolan
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Mark Champe
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hui Meng
- Diverge Translational Science Laboratory, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Michael W. Lawlor
- Diverge Translational Science Laboratory, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Sarah Halawani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lucie V. Ngaba
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R. Lynch
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | - Fabrizia Urbinati
- Formerly of Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Bala Medicherla
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Carlos Fonck
- Astellas Gene Therapies, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lynch DR, Subramony S, Lin KY, Mathews K, Perlman S, Yoon G, Rummey C. Characterization of Cardiac-Onset Initial Presentation in Friedreich Ataxia. Pediatr Cardiol 2024:10.1007/s00246-024-03429-5. [PMID: 38427090 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03429-5] [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] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
We examined the clinical features of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) patients who present first with cardiac disease in order to understand the earliest features of the diagnostic journey in FRDA. We identified a group of subjects in the FACOMS natural history study whose first identified clinical feature was cardiac. Only 0.5% of the total cohort belonged to this group, which was younger on average at the time of presentation. Their cardiac symptoms ranged from asymptomatic features to heart failure with severe systolic dysfunction. Two of those individuals with severe dysfunction proceeded to heart transplantation, but others spontaneously recovered. In most cases, diagnosis of FRDA was not made until well after cardiac presentation. The present study shows that some FRDA patients present based on cardiac features, suggesting that earlier identification of FRDA might occur through enhancing awareness of FRDA among pediatric cardiologists who see such patients. This is important in the context of newly identified therapies for FRDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Lynch
- Penn/CHOP Friedreich Ataxia Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 502F Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4318, Switzerland.
| | - Sub Subramony
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Penn/CHOP Friedreich Ataxia Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katherine Mathews
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Grace Yoon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Clayton R, Galas T, Scherer N, Farmer J, Ruiz N, Hamdani M, Schecter D, Bettoun D. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of nomlabofusp (CTI-1601) in Friedreich's ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:540-553. [PMID: 38311797 PMCID: PMC10963286 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51971] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current treatments for Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decreased intramitochondrial frataxin, do not address low frataxin concentrations. Nomlabofusp (previously CTI-1601) is a frataxin replacement therapy with a unique mechanism of action that directly addresses this underlying frataxin deficiency. Phase 1 studies assessed the safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of subcutaneously administered nomlabofusp in adults with Friedreich's ataxia. METHODS Patients were enrolled in two Phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. The single ascending-dose (SAD) study (NCT04176991) evaluated single doses of nomlabofusp (25, 50, 75, or 100 mg) or placebo. The multiple ascending-dose (MAD) study (NCT04519567) evaluated nomlabofusp (25 mg daily for 4 days then every third day, 50 mg daily for 7 days then every 2 days, or 100 mg daily) or placebo for 13 days. RESULTS Patients aged 19-69 years were enrolled (SAD, N = 28; MAD, N = 27). Nomlabofusp was generally well tolerated through 13 days. Most adverse events were mild and resolved quickly. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. Peak nomlabofusp plasma concentrations occurred 15 min after subcutaneous administration. Nomlabofusp plasma exposures increased with increasing doses and daily administration and decreased with reduced dosing frequency. Increased frataxin concentrations were observed in buccal cells, skin, and platelets with higher and more frequent nomlabofusp administration. INTERPRETATION Results from this study support a favorable safety profile for nomlabofusp. Subcutaneous nomlabofusp injections were quickly absorbed; higher doses and daily administration resulted in increased tissue frataxin concentrations. Future studies will evaluate longer-term safety and possible efficacy of nomlabofusp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Galas
- Larimar Therapeutics, Inc.Bala CynwydPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Jennifer Farmer
- Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)DowningtownPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nancy Ruiz
- Larimar Therapeutics, Inc.Bala CynwydPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | | | - David Bettoun
- Larimar Therapeutics, Inc.Bala CynwydPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alexovič M, Uličná C, Sabo J, Davalieva K. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a valuable source of disease-related biomarkers: Evidence from comparative proteomics studies. Proteomics Clin Appl 2024; 18:e2300072. [PMID: 37933719 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202300072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The discovery of specific and sensitive disease-associated biomarkers for early diagnostic purposes of many diseases is still highly challenging due to various complex molecular mechanisms triggered, high variability of disease-related interactions, and an overlap of manifestations among diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain protein signatures corresponding to essential immunological interplay. Certain diseases stimulate PBMCs and contribute towards modulation of their proteome which can be effectively identified and evaluated via the comparative proteomics approach. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this review, we made a detailed survey of the PBMCS-derived protein biomarker candidates for a variety of diseases, published in the last 15 years. Articles were preselected to include only comparative proteomics studies. RESULTS PBMC-derived biomarkers were investigated for cancer, glomerular, neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrinal, infectious, and other diseases. A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers, their immune cell type specificity, and potential clinical application. CONCLUSIONS Overall, PBMCs have shown a solid potential in giving early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. The future of PBMC biomarker research should reveal its full potential through well-designed comparative studies and extensive testing of the most promising protein biomarkers identified so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Alexovič
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Csilla Uličná
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Sabo
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Di Pietro G, Cioffi E, Falco P, Galosi E, De Stefano G, Di Stefano G, Leone C, Martines V, Perotti S, Casali C, Truini A. Nerve ultrasound in Friedreich's Ataxia: enlarged nerves as a biomarker of disease severity. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 159:75-80. [PMID: 38359552 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Friedreich's ataxia research, the focus is on discovering treatments and biomarkers to assess disease severity and treatment effects. Our study examines high-resolution nerve ultrasound in these patients, seeking correlations with established clinical markers of disease severity. METHOD Ten patients with Friedreich's Ataxia underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment with established scales (SARA, FARS, mFARS, INCAT, ADL 0-36, IADL). Additionally, they underwent nerve conduction studies and high-resolution nerve ultrasound. Quantitative evaluation of nerve cross-sectional area, conducted at 24 nerve sites using high-resolution nerve ultrasound, was compared with data obtained from 20 healthy volunteers. RESULTS All the patients had a severe sensory axonal neuropathy. High-resolution nerve ultrasound showed significant increase, in cross sectional area, of median and ulnar nerves at the axilla and arm. The cumulative count of affected nerve sites was directly associated with clinical disability, as determined by SARA, FARS, mFARS, ADL 0-36, and INCAT score, while displaying an inverse correlation with IADL. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that high-resolution ultrasound reveals notable nerve abnormalities, primarily in the upper limbs of patients diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia. The observed correlation between these nerve abnormalities and clinical disability scales indicates the potential use of this technique as a biomarker for evaluating disease severity and treatment effects. SIGNIFICANCE Nerve Ultrasound is a potential biomarker of disease severity in Friedreich's Ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Cioffi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy
| | - P Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G De Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - C Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - V Martines
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; UOC Neuroradiologia, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - S Perotti
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; UOC Neuroradiologia, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - C Casali
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy
| | - A Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Butler D, Reyes DR. Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1494-1528. [PMID: 38318723 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00829k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, casting a substantial economic footprint and burdening the global healthcare system. Historically, pre-clinical CVD modeling and therapeutic screening have been performed using animal models. Unfortunately, animal models oftentimes fail to adequately mimic human physiology, leading to a poor translation of therapeutics from pre-clinical trials to consumers. Even those that make it to market can be removed due to unforeseen side effects. As such, there exists a clinical, technological, and economical need for systems that faithfully capture human (patho)physiology for modeling CVD, assessing cardiotoxicity, and evaluating drug efficacy. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) systems are a part of the broader organ-on-a-chip paradigm that leverages microfluidics, tissue engineering, microfabrication, electronics, and gene editing to create human-relevant models for studying disease, drug-induced side effects, and therapeutic efficacy. These compact systems can be capable of real-time measurements and on-demand characterization of tissue behavior and could revolutionize the drug development process. In this review, we highlight the key components that comprise a HoC system followed by a review of contemporary reports of their use in disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment, and as part of multi-organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss future perspectives and challenges facing the field, including a discussion on the role that standardization is expected to play in accelerating the widespread adoption of these platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Butler
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Darwin R Reyes
- Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pilotto F, Del Bondio A, Puccio H. Hereditary Ataxias: From Bench to Clinic, Where Do We Stand? Cells 2024; 13:319. [PMID: 38391932 PMCID: PMC10886822 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a wide heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Within this broad umbrella of diseases, there are both genetics and sporadic forms. The clinical presentation of these conditions can exhibit a diverse range of symptoms across different age groups, spanning from pure cerebellar manifestations to sensory ataxia and multisystemic diseases. Over the last few decades, advancements in our understanding of genetics and molecular pathophysiology related to both dominant and recessive ataxias have propelled the field forward, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and arresting the progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, the rarity of certain forms of ataxia continues to pose challenges, leading to limited insights into the etiology of the disease and the identification of target pathways. Additionally, the lack of suitable models hampers efforts to comprehensively understand the molecular foundations of disease's pathophysiology and test novel therapeutic interventions. In the following review, we describe the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathological progression of hereditary ataxia, including both the prevalent and less common forms of these diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the diverse molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches currently undergoing investigation in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Finally, we address the existing and anticipated challenges within this field, encompassing both basic research and clinical endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andrea Del Bondio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Edzeamey FJ, Ramchunder Z, Pourzand C, Anjomani Virmouni S. Emerging antioxidant therapies in Friedreich's ataxia. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359618. [PMID: 38379897 PMCID: PMC10876797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a rare childhood neurologic disorder, affecting 1 in 50,000 Caucasians. The disease is caused by the abnormal expansion of the GAA repeat sequence in intron 1 of the FXN gene, leading to the reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. The disease is characterised by progressive neurodegeneration, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal deformities. The reduced expression of frataxin has been suggested to result in the downregulation of endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms and mitochondrial bioenergetics, and the increase in mitochondrial iron accumulation thereby leading to oxidative stress. The confirmation of oxidative stress as one of the pathological signatures of FRDA led to the search for antioxidants which can be used as therapeutic modality. Based on this observation, antioxidants with different mechanisms of action have been explored for FRDA therapy since the last two decades. In this review, we bring forth all antioxidants which have been investigated for FRDA therapy and have been signed off for clinical trials. We summarise their various target points in FRDA disease pathway, their performances during clinical trials and possible factors which might have accounted for their failure or otherwise during clinical trials. We also discuss the limitation of the studies completed and propose possible strategies for combinatorial therapy of antioxidants to generate synergistic effect in FRDA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fred Jonathan Edzeamey
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zenouska Ramchunder
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charareh Pourzand
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Anjomani Virmouni
- Ataxia Research Group, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences (CHMLS), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ast T, Itoh Y, Sadre S, McCoy JG, Namkoong G, Wengrod JC, Chicherin I, Joshi PR, Kamenski P, Suess DLM, Amunts A, Mootha VK. METTL17 is an Fe-S cluster checkpoint for mitochondrial translation. Mol Cell 2024; 84:359-374.e8. [PMID: 38199006 PMCID: PMC11046306 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, multisystemic disease caused by the depletion of frataxin (FXN), a mitochondrial iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biogenesis factor. To understand the cellular pathogenesis of FA, we performed quantitative proteomics in FXN-deficient human cells. Nearly every annotated Fe-S cluster-containing protein was depleted, indicating that as a rule, cluster binding confers stability to Fe-S proteins. We also observed depletion of a small mitoribosomal assembly factor METTL17 and evidence of impaired mitochondrial translation. Using comparative sequence analysis, mutagenesis, biochemistry, and cryoelectron microscopy, we show that METTL17 binds to the mitoribosomal small subunit during late assembly and harbors a previously unrecognized [Fe4S4]2+ cluster required for its stability. METTL17 overexpression rescued the mitochondrial translation and bioenergetic defects, but not the cellular growth, of FXN-depleted cells. These findings suggest that METTL17 acts as an Fe-S cluster checkpoint, promoting translation of Fe-S cluster-rich oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins only when Fe-S cofactors are replete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tslil Ast
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yuzuru Itoh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Shayan Sadre
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jason G McCoy
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gil Namkoong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jordan C Wengrod
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ivan Chicherin
- Department of Biology, M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Pallavi R Joshi
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Piotr Kamenski
- Department of Biology, M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Daniel L M Suess
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexey Amunts
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vamsi K Mootha
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Qin H, Liu C, Li C, Feng C, Bo Huang. Advances in bi-directional relationships for EZH2 and oxidative stress. Exp Cell Res 2024; 434:113876. [PMID: 38070859 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113876] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, polycomb repressive complex 2(PRC2) has emerged as a vital repressive complex in overall cell fate determination. In mammals, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EHZ2), which is the core component of PRC2, has also been recognized as an important regulator of inflammatory, redox, tumorigenesis and damage repair signalling networks. To exert these effects, EZH2 must regulate target genes epigenetically or interact directly with other gene expression-regulating factors, such as LncRNAs and microRNAs. Our review provides a comprehensive summary of research advances, discoveries and trends regarding the regulatory mechanisms between EZH2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS). First, we outline novel findings about how EZH2 regulates the generation of ROS at the molecular level. Then, we summarize how oxidative stress controls EHZ2 alteration (upregulation, downregulation, or phosphorylation) via various molecules and signalling pathways. Finally, we address why EZH2 and oxidative stress have an undefined relationship and provide potential future research ideas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Qin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| | - Changqing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| | - Chencheng Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cantrell AC, Zeng H, Chen JX. The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Ferroptosis in the Treatment of Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathies and Heart Failure. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2024; 83:23-32. [PMID: 37816193 PMCID: PMC10843296 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001496] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ferroptosis is a form of iron-regulated cell death implicated in a wide array of diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, and numerous cardiomyopathies. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with several of these same disease states. However, the role of the mitochondrion in ferroptotic cell death remains debated. As a major regulator of cellular iron levels, the mitochondria may very well play a crucial role in the mechanisms behind ferroptosis, but at this point, this has not been adequately defined. Emerging evidence from our laboratory and others indicates a critical role of mitochondrial Sirtuin 3, a deacetylase linked with longevity and protection against numerous conditions, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we provide a brief overview of the potential roles of Sirtuin 3 in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and its contribution to the mitochondrial cardiomyopathy of Friedreich's ataxia and diabetic cardiomyopathy. We also discuss the current knowledge of the involvement of ferroptosis and the mitochondria in these and other cardiovascular disease states, including doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, and provide insight into areas requiring further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey C Cantrell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, Jackson, MS
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Saini AK, Anil N, Vijay AN, Mangla B, Javed S, Kumar P, Ahsan W. Recent Advances in the Treatment Strategies of Friedreich's Ataxia: A Review of Potential Drug Candidates and their Underlying Mechanisms. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1472-1489. [PMID: 38638052 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288707240404051856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. The disease is caused by a deficiency of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein involved in iron-sulfur cluster synthesis and iron metabolism. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize recent advances in the development of treatment strategies for FRDA, with a focus on potential drug candidates and their mechanisms of action. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various authentic scientific databases to identify studies published in the last decade that investigated potential treatment strategies for FRDA. The search terms used included "Friedreich's ataxia", "treatment", "drug candidates", and "mechanisms of action". RESULTS To date, only one drug got approval from US-FDA in the year 2023; however, significant developments were achieved in FRDA-related research focusing on diverse therapeutic interventions that could potentially alleviate the symptoms of this disease. Several promising drug candidates have been identified for the treatment of FRDA, which target various aspects of frataxin deficiency and aim to restore frataxin levels, reduce oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function. Clinical trials have shown varying degrees of success, with some drugs demonstrating significant improvements in neurological function and quality of life in FRDA patients. CONCLUSION While there has been significant progress in the development of treatment strategies for FRDA, further research is needed to optimize these approaches and identify the most effective and safe treatment options for patients. The integration of multiple therapeutic strategies may be necessary to achieve the best outcomes in FRDA management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Neha Anil
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Ardra N Vijay
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Bharti Mangla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Shamama Javed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, P. Box No. 114, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Waquar Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, P. Box No. 114, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sanz-Alcázar A, Britti E, Delaspre F, Medina-Carbonero M, Pazos-Gil M, Tamarit J, Ros J, Cabiscol E. Mitochondrial impairment, decreased sirtuin activity and protein acetylation in dorsal root ganglia in Friedreich Ataxia models. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:12. [PMID: 38129330 PMCID: PMC10739563 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05064-4] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a rare, recessive neuro-cardiodegenerative disease caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a reduction in the activity of iron-sulfur enzymes, iron accumulation, and increased oxidative stress have been described. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons are among the cellular types most affected in the early stages of this disease. However, its effect on mitochondrial function remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that in primary cultures of DRG neurons as well as in DRGs from the FXNI151F mouse model, frataxin deficiency resulted in lower activity and levels of the electron transport complexes, mainly complexes I and II. In addition, altered mitochondrial morphology, indicative of degeneration was observed in DRGs from FXNI151F mice. Moreover, the NAD+/NADH ratio was reduced and sirtuin activity was impaired. We identified alpha tubulin as the major acetylated protein from DRG homogenates whose levels were increased in FXNI151F mice compared to WT mice. In the mitochondria, superoxide dismutase (SOD2), a SirT3 substrate, displayed increased acetylation in frataxin-deficient DRG neurons. Since SOD2 acetylation inactivates the enzyme, and higher levels of mitochondrial superoxide anion were detected, oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Elevated levels of hydroxynonenal bound to proteins and mitochondrial Fe2+ accumulation was detected when frataxin decreased. Honokiol, a SirT3 activator, restores mitochondrial respiration, decreases SOD2 acetylation and reduces mitochondrial superoxide levels. Altogether, these results provide data at the molecular level of the consequences of electron transport chain dysfunction, which starts negative feedback, contributing to neuron lethality. This is especially important in sensory neurons which have greater susceptibility to frataxin deficiency compared to other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arabela Sanz-Alcázar
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elena Britti
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Fabien Delaspre
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Medina-Carbonero
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maria Pazos-Gil
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Tamarit
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Ros
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elisa Cabiscol
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Av. Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Krasilnikova MM, Humphries CL, Shinsky EM. Friedreich's ataxia: new insights. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:313-323. [PMID: 37698160 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited disease that is typically caused by GAA repeat expansion within the first intron of the FXN gene coding for frataxin. This results in the frataxin deficiency that affects mostly muscle, nervous, and cardiovascular systems with progressive worsening of the symptoms over the years. This review summarizes recent progress that was achieved in understanding of molecular mechanism of the disease over the last few years and latest treatment strategies focused on overcoming the frataxin deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Krasilnikova
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Casey L Humphries
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Emily M Shinsky
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Doni D, Cavion F, Bortolus M, Baschiera E, Muccioli S, Tombesi G, d'Ettorre F, Ottaviani D, Marchesan E, Leanza L, Greggio E, Ziviani E, Russo A, Bellin M, Sartori G, Carbonera D, Salviati L, Costantini P. Human frataxin, the Friedreich ataxia deficient protein, interacts with mitochondrial respiratory chain. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:805. [PMID: 38062036 PMCID: PMC10703789 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded GAA repeat in the first intron of the FXN gene, leading to transcriptional silencing and reduced expression of frataxin. Frataxin participates in the mitochondrial assembly of FeS clusters, redox cofactors of the respiratory complexes I, II and III. To date it is still unclear how frataxin deficiency culminates in the decrease of bioenergetics efficiency in FRDA patients' cells. We previously demonstrated that in healthy cells frataxin is closely attached to the mitochondrial cristae, which contain both the FeS cluster assembly machinery and the respiratory chain complexes, whereas in FRDA patients' cells with impaired respiration the residual frataxin is largely displaced in the matrix. To gain novel insights into the function of frataxin in the mitochondrial pathophysiology, and in the upstream metabolic defects leading to FRDA disease onset and progression, here we explored the potential interaction of frataxin with the FeS cluster-containing respiratory complexes I, II and III. Using healthy cells and different FRDA cellular models we found that frataxin interacts with these three respiratory complexes. Furthermore, by EPR spectroscopy, we observed that in mitochondria from FRDA patients' cells the decreased level of frataxin specifically affects the FeS cluster content of complex I. Remarkably, we also found that the frataxin-like protein Nqo15 from T. thermophilus complex I ameliorates the mitochondrial respiratory phenotype when expressed in FRDA patient's cells. Our data point to a structural and functional interaction of frataxin with complex I and open a perspective to explore therapeutic rationales for FRDA targeted to this respiratory complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Doni
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Cavion
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolus
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Baschiera
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children Health, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) Città della Speranza, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Muccioli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Tombesi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Marchesan
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Luigi Leanza
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Greggio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Ziviani
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129, Padova, Italy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Geppo Sartori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Salviati
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women's and Children Health, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) Città della Speranza, 35127, Padova, Italy.
| | - Paola Costantini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vizcarra JA, Paul RA, Hamedani AG, Lynch DR, Aamodt WW. Clinical Reasoning: A 48-Year-Old Man With Spasticity and Progressive Ataxia. Neurology 2023; 101:e1747-e1752. [PMID: 37596043 PMCID: PMC10624484 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207658] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A 48-year-old man was referred to the movement disorders clinic for 10 years of progressive slurred speech, spasticity, limb incoordination, and wide-based gait. Extensive neurologic workup was inconclusive, including serum and CSF testing, neuroimaging, EMG/NCS, exome sequencing, and mitochondrial testing. An ataxia repeat expansion panel ultimately revealed the final diagnosis. In this report, we review the clinical characteristics of a rare, late-onset, autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia and discuss the importance of pursuing targeted gene testing to avoid diagnostic delays, especially as new treatments for this and other genetic diseases become available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin A Vizcarra
- From the Department of Neurology (J.A.V.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Departments of Neurology (R.A.P., A.G.H., D.R.L., W.W.A.) and Ophthalmology (A.G.H.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rachel A Paul
- From the Department of Neurology (J.A.V.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Departments of Neurology (R.A.P., A.G.H., D.R.L., W.W.A.) and Ophthalmology (A.G.H.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ali G Hamedani
- From the Department of Neurology (J.A.V.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Departments of Neurology (R.A.P., A.G.H., D.R.L., W.W.A.) and Ophthalmology (A.G.H.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - David R Lynch
- From the Department of Neurology (J.A.V.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Departments of Neurology (R.A.P., A.G.H., D.R.L., W.W.A.) and Ophthalmology (A.G.H.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Whitley W Aamodt
- From the Department of Neurology (J.A.V.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta; Departments of Neurology (R.A.P., A.G.H., D.R.L., W.W.A.) and Ophthalmology (A.G.H.), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Branco LDMT, Rezende TJR, Reis F, França MC. Advanced Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spinal Cord: Technical Aspects and Clinical Use. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2023; 44:464-468. [PMID: 37581877 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, technical obstacles have hampered the acquisition of high-resolution images and the development of reliable processing protocols for spinal cord (SC) MRI. Fortunately, this scenario has changed in the past 5-10 years, due to hardware and software improvements. Nowadays, with advanced protocols, SC MRI is considered a useful tool for several inherited and acquired neurologic diseases, not only for diagnosis approach but also for pathophysiological unraveling and as a biomarker for disease monitoring and clinical trials. In this review, we address advanced SC MRI sequences for macrostructural and microstructural evaluation, useful semiautomatic and automatic processing tools and clinical applications on several neurologic conditions such as hereditary cerebellar ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, motor neuron diseases and multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas de M T Branco
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Reis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Oncology and Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sayles NM, Napierala JS, Anrather J, Diedhiou N, Li J, Napierala M, Puccio H, Manfredi G. Comparative multi-omic analyses of cardiac mitochondrial stress in three mouse models of frataxin deficiency. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050114. [PMID: 37691621 PMCID: PMC10581388 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050114] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy is often fatal in Friedreich ataxia (FA). However, FA hearts maintain adequate function until advanced disease stages, suggesting initial adaptation to the loss of frataxin (FXN). Conditional cardiac knockout mouse models of FXN show transcriptional and metabolic profiles of the mitochondrial integrated stress response (ISRmt), which could play an adaptive role. However, the ISRmt has not been investigated in models with disease-relevant, partial decrease in FXN. We characterized the heart transcriptomes and metabolomes of three mouse models with varying degrees of FXN depletion: YG8-800, KIKO-700 and FXNG127V. Few metabolites were changed in YG8-800 mice, which did not provide a signature of cardiomyopathy or ISRmt; several metabolites were altered in FXNG127V and KIKO-700 hearts. Transcriptional changes were found in all models, but differentially expressed genes consistent with cardiomyopathy and ISRmt were only identified in FXNG127V hearts. However, these changes were surprisingly mild even at advanced age (18 months), despite a severe decrease in FXN levels to 1% of those of wild type. These findings indicate that the mouse heart has low reliance on FXN, highlighting the difficulty in modeling genetically relevant FA cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Sayles
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Will Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jill S. Napierala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Josef Anrather
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nadège Diedhiou
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS/Université de Strasbourg UMR7104, Inserm U1258, B. P. 163, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Jixue Li
- Department of Neurology, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Marek Napierala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS/Université de Strasbourg UMR7104, Inserm U1258, B. P. 163, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Arbelo E, Protonotarios A, Gimeno JR, Arbustini E, Barriales-Villa R, Basso C, Bezzina CR, Biagini E, Blom NA, de Boer RA, De Winter T, Elliott PM, Flather M, Garcia-Pavia P, Haugaa KH, Ingles J, Jurcut RO, Klaassen S, Limongelli G, Loeys B, Mogensen J, Olivotto I, Pantazis A, Sharma S, Van Tintelen JP, Ware JS, Kaski JP. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiomyopathies. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3503-3626. [PMID: 37622657 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 300.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
|
32
|
Kioutchoukova IP, Foster DT, Thakkar RN, Foreman MA, Burgess BJ, Toms RM, Molina Valero EE, Lucke-Wold B. Neurologic orphan diseases: Emerging innovations and role for genetic treatments. World J Exp Med 2023; 13:59-74. [PMID: 37767543 PMCID: PMC10520757 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v13.i4.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Orphan diseases are rare diseases that affect less than 200000 individuals within the United States. Most orphan diseases are of neurologic and genetic origin. With the current advances in technology, more funding has been devoted to developing therapeutic agents for patients with these conditions. In our review, we highlight emerging options for patients with neurologic orphan diseases, specifically including diseases resulting in muscular deterioration, epilepsy, seizures, neurodegenerative movement disorders, inhibited cognitive development, neuron deterioration, and tumors. After extensive literature review, gene therapy offers a promising route for the treatment of neurologic orphan diseases. The use of clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/Cas9 has demonstrated positive results in experiments investigating its role in several diseases. Additionally, the use of adeno-associated viral vectors has shown improvement in survival, motor function, and developmental milestones, while also demonstrating reversal of sensory ataxia and cardiomyopathy in Friedreich ataxia patients. Antisense oligonucleotides have also been used in some neurologic orphan diseases with positive outcomes. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are currently being investigated and have reduced abnormal cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Emerging innovations and the role of genetic treatments open a new window of opportunity for the treatment of neurologic orphan diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Devon T Foster
- Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Rajvi N Thakkar
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Marco A Foreman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Brandon J Burgess
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Rebecca M Toms
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | | | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Maheshwari S, Vilema-Enríquez G, Wade-Martins R. Patient-derived iPSC models of Friedreich ataxia: a new frontier for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic application. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 37726850 PMCID: PMC10510273 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder caused by a pathological GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FXN gene. The numerous drawbacks of historical cellular and rodent models of FRDA have caused difficulty in performing effective mechanistic and translational studies to investigate the disease. The recent discovery and subsequent development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides an exciting platform to enable enhanced disease modelling for studies of rare genetic diseases. Utilising iPSCs, researchers have created phenotypically relevant and previously inaccessible cellular models of FRDA. These models enable studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying GAA-induced pathology, as well as providing an exciting tool for the screening and testing of novel disease-modifying therapies. This review explores how the use of iPSCs to study FRDA has developed over the past decade, as well as discussing the enormous therapeutic potentials of iPSC-derived models, their current limitations and their future direction within the field of FRDA research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Maheshwari
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Gabriela Vilema-Enríquez
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rastokina A, Cebrián J, Mozafari N, Mandel NH, Smith CI, Lopes M, Zain R, Mirkin S. Large-scale expansions of Friedreich's ataxia GAA•TTC repeats in an experimental human system: role of DNA replication and prevention by LNA-DNA oligonucleotides and PNA oligomers. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8532-8549. [PMID: 37216608 PMCID: PMC10484681 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is caused by expansions of GAA•TTC repeats in the first intron of the human FXN gene that occur during both intergenerational transmissions and in somatic cells. Here we describe an experimental system to analyze large-scale repeat expansions in cultured human cells. It employs a shuttle plasmid that can replicate from the SV40 origin in human cells or be stably maintained in S. cerevisiae utilizing ARS4-CEN6. It also contains a selectable cassette allowing us to detect repeat expansions that accumulated in human cells upon plasmid transformation into yeast. We indeed observed massive expansions of GAA•TTC repeats, making it the first genetically tractable experimental system to study large-scale repeat expansions in human cells. Further, GAA•TTC repeats stall replication fork progression, while the frequency of repeat expansions appears to depend on proteins implicated in replication fork stalling, reversal, and restart. Locked nucleic acid (LNA)-DNA mixmer oligonucleotides and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers, which interfere with triplex formation at GAA•TTC repeats in vitro, prevented the expansion of these repeats in human cells. We hypothesize, therefore, that triplex formation by GAA•TTC repeats stall replication fork progression, ultimately leading to repeat expansions during replication fork restart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Cebrián
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Negin Mozafari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Massimo Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergei M Mirkin
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ast T, Wang H, Marutani E, Nagashima F, Malhotra R, Ichinose F, Mootha VK. Continuous, but not intermittent, regimens of hypoxia prevent and reverse ataxia in a murine model of Friedreich's ataxia. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2600-2610. [PMID: 37260376 PMCID: PMC10407700 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a devastating, multi-systemic neurodegenerative disease affecting thousands of people worldwide. We previously reported that oxygen is a key environmental variable that can modify FA pathogenesis. In particular, we showed that chronic, continuous normobaric hypoxia (11% FIO2) prevents ataxia and neurological disease in a murine model of FA, although it did not improve cardiovascular pathology or lifespan. Here, we report the pre-clinical evaluation of seven 'hypoxia-inspired' regimens in the shFxn mouse model of FA, with the long-term goal of designing a safe, practical and effective regimen for clinical translation. We report three chief results. First, a daily, intermittent hypoxia regimen (16 h 11% O2/8 h 21% O2) conferred no benefit and was in fact harmful, resulting in elevated cardiac stress and accelerated mortality. The detrimental effect of this regimen is likely owing to transient tissue hyperoxia that results when daily exposure to 21% O2 combines with chronic polycythemia, as we could blunt this toxicity by pharmacologically inhibiting polycythemia. Second, we report that more mild regimens of chronic hypoxia (17% O2) confer a modest benefit by delaying the onset of ataxia. Third, excitingly, we show that initiating chronic, continuous 11% O2 breathing once advanced neurological disease has already started can rapidly reverse ataxia. Our studies showcase both the promise and limitations of candidate hypoxia-inspired regimens for FA and underscore the need for additional pre-clinical optimization before future translation into humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tslil Ast
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eizo Marutani
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fumiaki Nagashima
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rajeev Malhotra
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fumito Ichinose
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vamsi K Mootha
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Munoz-Zuluaga C, Gertz M, Yost-Bido M, Greco A, Gorman N, Chen A, Kooner V, Rosenberg JB, De BP, Kaminsky SM, Borczuk A, Ricart Arbona RJ, Martin HR, Monette S, Khanna R, Barth JA, Crystal RG, Sondhi D. Identification of Safe and Effective Intravenous Dose of AAVrh.10hFXN to Treat the Cardiac Manifestations of Friedreich's Ataxia. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:605-615. [PMID: 37166361 PMCID: PMC10354731 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder characterized by neurological and cardiac dysfunction. Arrhythmias and heart failure are the main cause of premature death. From prior studies in murine models of FA, adeno-associated virus encoding the normal human frataxin gene (AAVrh.10hFXN) effectively treated the cardiac manifestations of the disease. However, the therapeutic dose window is limited by high level of human frataxin (hFXN) gene expression associated with toxicity. As a therapeutic goal, since FA heterozygotes have no clinical manifestations of FA, we estimated the level of frataxin (FXN) necessary to convert the heart of a homozygote to that of a heterozygote. In noncardiac cells, FA heterozygotes have 30-80% of normal FXN levels (17.7-47.2 ng/mg, average 32.5 ng/mg) and FA homozygotes 2-30% normal levels (1.2-17.7 ng/mg, average 9.4 ng/mg). Therefore, an AAV vector would need to augment endogenous in an FA homozygote by >8.3 ng/mg. To determine the required dose of AAVrh.10hFXN, we administered 1.8 × 1011, 5.7 × 1011, or 1.8 × 1012 gc/kg of AAVrh.10hFXN intravenously (IV) to muscle creatine kinase (mck)-Cre conditional knockout Fxn mice, a cardiac and skeletal FXN knockout model. The minimally effective dose was 5.7 × 1011 gc/kg, resulting in cardiac hFXN levels of 6.1 ± 4.2 ng/mg and a mild (p < 0.01 compared with phosphate-buffered saline controls) improvement in mortality. A dose of 1.8 × 1012 gc/kg resulted in cardiac hFXN levels of 33.7 ± 6.4 ng/mg, a significant improvement in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (p < 0.05, both comparisons) and a 21.5% improvement in mortality (p < 0.001). To determine if the significantly effective dose of 1.8 × 1012 gc/kg could achieve human FA heterozygote levels in a large animal, this dose was administered IV to nonhuman primates. After 12 weeks, the vector-expressed FXN in the heart was 17.8 ± 4.9 ng/mg, comparable to the target human levels. These data identify both minimally and significantly effective therapeutic doses that are clinically relevant for the treatment of the cardiac manifestations of FA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Gertz
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alvin Chen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vikrum Kooner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Bishnu P. De
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Alain Borczuk
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Ricart Arbona
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heather R. Martin
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sebastien Monette
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bresgen N, Kovacs M, Lahnsteiner A, Felder TK, Rinnerthaler M. The Janus-Faced Role of Lipid Droplets in Aging: Insights from the Cellular Perspective. Biomolecules 2023; 13:912. [PMID: 37371492 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that nine hallmarks-including mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, and loss of proteostasis-exist that describe the cellular aging process. Adding to this, a well-described cell organelle in the metabolic context, namely, lipid droplets, also accumulates with increasing age, which can be regarded as a further aging-associated process. Independently of their essential role as fat stores, lipid droplets are also able to control cell integrity by mitigating lipotoxic and proteotoxic insults. As we will show in this review, numerous longevity interventions (such as mTOR inhibition) also lead to strong accumulation of lipid droplets in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and mammalian cells, just to name a few examples. In mammals, due to the variety of different cell types and tissues, the role of lipid droplets during the aging process is much more complex. Using selected diseases associated with aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, we show that lipid droplets are "Janus"-faced. In an early phase of the disease, lipid droplets mitigate the toxicity of lipid peroxidation and protein aggregates, but in a later phase of the disease, a strong accumulation of lipid droplets can cause problems for cells and tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Bresgen
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Melanie Kovacs
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angelika Lahnsteiner
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Klaus Felder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mark Rinnerthaler
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rahman MM, Islam MR, Alam Tumpa MA, Shohag S, Shakil Khan Shuvo, Ferdous J, Kajol SA, Aljohani ASM, Al Abdulmonem W, Rauf A, Thiruvengadam M. Insights into the promising prospect of medicinal chemistry studies against neurodegenerative disorders. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 373:110375. [PMID: 36739931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110375] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, pharmacology, informatics, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, and other disciplines. Additionally, it considers molecular factors such as the mode of action of the drugs, their chemical structure-activity relationship (SAR), and pharmacokinetic aspects like absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity. Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which are defined by the breakdown of neurons over time, are affecting an increasing number of people. Oxidative stress, particularly the increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), plays a crucial role in the growth of various disorders, as indicated by the identification of protein, lipid, and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oxidation products in vivo. Because of their inherent nature, most biological molecules are vulnerable to ROS, even if they play a role in metabolic parameters and cell signaling. Due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, low antioxidant barrier, and high oxygen uptake, neurons are particularly vulnerable to oxidation by nature. As a result, excessive ROS generation in neurons looks especially harmful, and the mechanisms associated with biomolecule oxidative destruction are several and complex. This review focuses on the formation and management of ROS, as well as their chemical characteristics (both thermodynamic and kinetic), interactions, and implications in NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Afroza Alam Tumpa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Shohag
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University Buraydah, 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakil Khan Shuvo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Ferdous
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Saima Akter Kajol
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University Buraydah, 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Swabi, Anbar, 23430, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea; Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kerestes R, Cummins H, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Egan GF, Harding IH. Reduced cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity correlates with disease severity and impaired white matter integrity in Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol 2023; 270:2360-2369. [PMID: 36859626 PMCID: PMC10130106 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease characterised in most cases by progressive and debilitating motor dysfunction. Degeneration of cerebellar white matter pathways have been previously reported, alongside indications of cerebello-cerebral functional alterations. In this work, we examine resting-state functional connectivity changes within cerebello-cerebral circuits, and their associations with disease severity (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]), psychomotor function (speeded and paced finger tapping), and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging) in 35 adults with FRDA and 45 age and sex-matched controls. Voxel-wise seed-based functional connectivity was assessed for three cerebellar cortical regions (anterior lobe, lobules I-V; superior posterior lobe, lobules VI-VIIB; inferior posterior lobe, lobules VIIIA-IX) and two dentate nucleus seeds (dorsal and ventral). Compared to controls, people with FRDA showed significantly reduced connectivity between the anterior cerebellum and bilateral pre/postcentral gyri, and between the superior posterior cerebellum and left dorsolateral PFC. Greater disease severity correlated with lower connectivity in these circuits. Lower anterior cerebellum-motor cortex functional connectivity also correlated with slower speeded finger tapping and less fractional anisotropy in the superior cerebellar peduncles, internal capsule, and precentral white matter in the FRDA cohort. There were no significant between-group differences in inferior posterior cerebellar or dentate nucleus connectivity. This study indicates that altered cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity is associated with functional status and white matter damage in cerebellar efferent pathways in people with FRDA, particularly in motor circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kerestes
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hannah Cummins
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa P Selvadurai
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mathur S, Gawas C, Ahmad IZ, Wani M, Tabassum H. Neurodegenerative disorders: Assessing the impact of natural vs drug-induced treatment options. Aging Med (Milton) 2023; 6:82-97. [PMID: 36911087 PMCID: PMC10000287 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative illnesses refer to the gradual, cumulative loss of neural activity. Neurological conditions are considered to be the second leading cause of mortality in the modern world and the two most prevalent ones are Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The negative side effects of pharmaceutical use are a major global concern, despite the availability of many different treatments for therapy. We concentrated on different types of neurological problems and their influence on targets, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods toward neurological disorders, as well as the molecular approaches influencing the same, in the first half of the review. The bulk of the second half of the review focuses on the many categories of treatment possibilities, including natural and artificial. Nevertheless, herbal treatment solutions are piquing scholarly attention due to their anti-oxidative properties and accessibility. However, more quality investigations and innovations are undoubtedly needed to back up these conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Mathur
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune Maharashtra India
| | - Chaitali Gawas
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune Maharashtra India
| | | | - Minal Wani
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune Maharashtra India
| | - Heena Tabassum
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Pune Maharashtra India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Seminotti B, Grings M, Glänzel NM, Vockley J, Leipnitz G. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists as a potential therapy for inherited metabolic disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115433. [PMID: 36709926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are genetic disorders that cause a disruption of a specific metabolic pathway leading to biochemical, clinical and pathophysiological sequelae. While the metabolite abnormalities in body fluids and tissues can usually be defined by directed or broad-spectrum metabolomic analysis, the pathophysiology of these changes is often not obvious. Mounting evidence has revealed that secondary mitochondrial dysfunction, mainly oxidative phosphorylation impairment and elevated reactive oxygen species, plays a pivotal role in many disorders. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) consist of a group of nuclear hormone receptors (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) that regulate multiple cellular functions and processes, including response to oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis. In this context, the activation of PPARs has been shown to stimulate oxidative phosphorylation and reduce reactive species levels. Thus, pharmacological treatment with PPAR activators, such as fibrates, has gained much attention in the last 15 years. This review summarizes preclinical (animal models and patient-derived cells) and clinical data on the effect of PPARs in IMDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Seminotti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mateus Grings
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Nícolas Manzke Glänzel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jerry Vockley
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, CEP 90035-190, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stacpoole PW, McCall CE. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: Life's essential, vulnerable and druggable energy homeostat. Mitochondrion 2023; 70:59-102. [PMID: 36863425 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Found in all organisms, pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes (PDC) are the keystones of prokaryotic and eukaryotic energy metabolism. In eukaryotic organisms these multi-component megacomplexes provide a crucial mechanistic link between cytoplasmic glycolysis and the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. As a consequence, PDCs also influence the metabolism of branched chain amino acids, lipids and, ultimately, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). PDC activity is an essential determinant of the metabolic and bioenergetic flexibility of metazoan organisms in adapting to changes in development, nutrient availability and various stresses that challenge maintenance of homeostasis. This canonical role of the PDC has been extensively probed over the past decades by multidisciplinary investigations into its causal association with diverse physiological and pathological conditions, the latter making the PDC an increasingly viable therapeutic target. Here we review the biology of the remarkable PDC and its emerging importance in the pathobiology and treatment of diverse congenital and acquired disorders of metabolic integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Stacpoole
- Department of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Charles E McCall
- Department of Internal Medicine and Translational Sciences, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Seabury J, Alexandrou D, Dilek N, Cohen B, Heatwole J, Larkindale J, Lynch DR, Park C, Rosero S, Subramony SH, Varma A, Wagner E, Walther S, Weinstein J, Wells M, Zizzi C, Heatwole C. Patient-Reported Impact of Symptoms in Friedreich Ataxia. Neurology 2023; 100:e808-e821. [PMID: 36443012 PMCID: PMC9984224 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and relative importance of symptoms experienced by children and adults with Friedreich ataxia (FA) and to identify factors associated with a higher burden of disease. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with individuals with FA and caregivers of pediatric individuals with FA to identify potential symptoms of importance to those living with FA. We subsequently performed a cross-sectional study to assess which symptoms have the highest prevalence and importance in FA and to determine which factors are associated with a higher burden of disease. RESULTS Thirty-nine participants provided 2,527 quotes regarding the symptomatic burden of FA. Two hundred two individuals (153 individuals with FA and 49 caregivers) participated in a subsequent cross-sectional study. Individuals with FA and caregivers identified impaired coordination, limitations with mobility and walking, inability to do activities, fatigue, and lower extremity weakness as the most prevalent and life-altering symptomatic themes in FA. Muscle stiffness and functional staging for ataxia were associated with the prevalence of symptomatic themes in FA. In addition, the length of smaller GAA expansion and the mean length of both GAA expansions were strongly associated with the onset of symptoms in FA. DISCUSSION There are a wide variety of symptoms that affect the lives of individuals with FA. These symptoms, many underrecognized, have different levels of importance and occur at different rates in the FA population. The most common and life altering of these symptoms represent potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John Heatwole
- From the University of Rochester Center for Health + Technology (CHeT) (J.S., B.C., S.R., A.V., E.W., J.W., C.H.), NY; Stritch School of Medicine (D.A.), Loyola University Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (N.D., C.H.), University of Rochester, NY; Pittsford Sutherland High School (J.H.), NY; PepGen Inc. (J.L.), Boston, MA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) (D.R.L., C.P.), PA; University of Florida College of Medicine (S.H.S.), Gainesville; Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) (S.W.), Downingtown, PA; and Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs (C.Z.), NJ.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chad Heatwole
- From the University of Rochester Center for Health + Technology (CHeT) (J.S., B.C., S.R., A.V., E.W., J.W., C.H.), NY; Stritch School of Medicine (D.A.), Loyola University Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (N.D., C.H.), University of Rochester, NY; Pittsford Sutherland High School (J.H.), NY; PepGen Inc. (J.L.), Boston, MA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) (D.R.L., C.P.), PA; University of Florida College of Medicine (S.H.S.), Gainesville; Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) (S.W.), Downingtown, PA; and Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs (C.Z.), NJ.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dionisi C, Chazalon M, Rai M, Keime C, Imbault V, Communi D, Puccio H, Schiffmann SN, Pandolfo M. Proprioceptors-enriched neuronal cultures from induced pluripotent stem cells from Friedreich ataxia patients show altered transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, abnormal neurite extension, and impaired electrophysiological properties. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad007. [PMID: 36865673 PMCID: PMC9972525 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder with prominent neurological manifestations and cardiac involvement. The disease is caused by large GAA expansions in the first intron of the FXN gene, encoding the mitochondrial protein frataxin, resulting in downregulation of gene expression and reduced synthesis of frataxin. The selective loss of proprioceptive neurons is a hallmark of Friedreich ataxia, but the cause of the specific vulnerability of these cells is still unknown. We herein perform an in vitro characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neuronal cultures highly enriched for primary proprioceptive neurons. We employ neurons differentiated from healthy donors, Friedreich ataxia patients and Friedreich ataxia sibling isogenic control lines. The analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic profile suggests an impairment of cytoskeleton organization at the growth cone, neurite extension and, at later stages of maturation, synaptic plasticity. Alterations in the spiking profile of tonic neurons are also observed at the electrophysiological analysis of mature neurons. Despite the reversal of the repressive epigenetic state at the FXN locus and the restoration of FXN expression, isogenic control neurons retain many features of Friedreich ataxia neurons. Our study suggests the existence of abnormalities affecting proprioceptors in Friedreich ataxia, particularly their ability to extend towards their targets and transmit proper synaptic signals. It also highlights the need for further investigations to better understand the mechanistic link between FXN silencing and proprioceptive degeneration in Friedreich ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Myriam Rai
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire UMR 7104 CNRS-UdS / INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Imbault
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Communi
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire UMR 7104 CNRS-UdS / INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, Strasbourg, France,Institut NeuroMyoGene (INMG) UMR5310—INSERM U1217, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard—Lyon I, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Serge N Schiffmann
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB-Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Correspondence to: Massimo Pandolfo Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery McGill University, Montreal Neurological Institute 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kadirvelu B, Gavriel C, Nageshwaran S, Chan JPK, Nethisinghe S, Athanasopoulos S, Ricotti V, Voit T, Giunti P, Festenstein R, Faisal AA. A wearable motion capture suit and machine learning predict disease progression in Friedreich's ataxia. Nat Med 2023; 29:86-94. [PMID: 36658420 PMCID: PMC9873563 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is caused by a variant of the Frataxin (FXN) gene, leading to its downregulation and progressively impaired cardiac and neurological function. Current gold-standard clinical scales use simplistic behavioral assessments, which require 18- to 24-month-long trials to determine if therapies are beneficial. Here we captured full-body movement kinematics from patients with wearable sensors, enabling us to define digital behavioral features based on the data from nine FA patients (six females and three males) and nine age- and sex-matched controls, who performed the 8-m walk (8-MW) test and 9-hole peg test (9 HPT). We used machine learning to combine these features to longitudinally predict the clinical scores of the FA patients, and compared these with two standard clinical assessments, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Functional Index (SCAFI) and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). The digital behavioral features enabled longitudinal predictions of personal SARA and SCAFI scores 9 months into the future and were 1.7 and 4 times more precise than longitudinal predictions using only SARA and SCAFI scores, respectively. Unlike the two clinical scales, the digital behavioral features accurately predicted FXN gene expression levels for each FA patient in a cross-sectional manner. Our work demonstrates how data-derived wearable biomarkers can track personal disease trajectories and indicates the potential of such biomarkers for substantially reducing the duration or size of clinical trials testing disease-modifying therapies and for enabling behavioral transcriptomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balasundaram Kadirvelu
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Constantinos Gavriel
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sathiji Nageshwaran
- Epigenetic Mechanisms and Disease Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jackson Ping Kei Chan
- Epigenetic Mechanisms and Disease Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Suran Nethisinghe
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Stavros Athanasopoulos
- Epigenetic Mechanisms and Disease Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Ricotti
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Voit
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Institute of Neurology, UCL, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, UK
| | - Richard Festenstein
- Epigenetic Mechanisms and Disease Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Neurology, UCL, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, UK
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - A Aldo Faisal
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK.
- Behaviour Analytics Lab, Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Brain & Behaviour Lab, Institute for Artificial and Human Intelligence, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
- Chair in Digital Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Profeta V, McIntyre K, Wells M, Park C, Lynch DR. Omaveloxolone: an activator of Nrf2 for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:5-16. [PMID: 36708320 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2173063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare autosomal recessive degenerative disorder characterized by ataxia, dysarthria, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, and occasionally vision loss in late-stage disease. The discovery of the abnormal gene in FRDA and its product frataxin has provided insight into the pathophysiology and mechanisms of treatment. AREAS COVERED Although the neurologic phenotype of FRDA is well defined, there are currently no established pharmacological treatments. Omaveloxolone, a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has the potential to be the first approved treatment for FRDA. In the present report, we have reviewed the basic and clinical literature on Nrf2 deficiency in FRDA, and evidence for the benefit of omaveloxolone. EXPERT OPINION The present perspective suggests that omaveloxolone is a rational and efficacious therapy that is possibly disease modifying in treatment of FRDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Profeta
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - McKenzie Wells
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Courtney Park
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Rummey C, Corben LA, Delatycki M, Wilmot G, Subramony SH, Corti M, Bushara K, Duquette A, Gomez C, Hoyle JC, Roxburgh R, Seeberger L, Yoon G, Mathews K, Zesiewicz T, Perlman S, Lynch DR. Natural History of Friedreich Ataxia: Heterogeneity of Neurologic Progression and Consequences for Clinical Trial Design. Neurology 2022; 99:e1499-e1510. [PMID: 35817567 PMCID: PMC9576299 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The understanding of the natural history of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) has improved considerably recently, but patterns of neurologic deterioration are not fully clarified, compromising the assessment of the clinical relevance of effects and guidance for study design. The goal of this study was to acknowledge the broad genetic diversity of the population, especially for younger individuals, and to provide analyses stratified by age to guide population selection in future studies. METHODS Based on a large natural history study, the FRDA Clinical Outcome Measures study that at the current data cut enrolled 1,115 participants, followed up for 5,287 yearly visits, we present results from the modified FRDA Rating Scale and its subscores. The secondary outcomes included the patient-reported activities of daily living scale, the timed 25-foot walk, and the 9-hole peg test. Long-term progression was modeled using slope analyses within early-onset, typical-onset, intermediate-onset, and late-onset FRDA. To reflect recruitment in clinical trials, short-term changes were analyzed within age-based subpopulations. All analyses were stratified by ambulation status. RESULTS Long-term progression models stratified by disease severity indicated highly differential disease progression, especially at earlier ages at onset. In the ambulatory phase, decline was driven by axial items assessed by the Upright Stability subscore of the mFARS. The analyses of short-term changes showed slower progression with increasing population age due to decreasing genetic severity. Future clinical studies could reduce population diversity, interpatient variability, and the risk of imbalanced treatment groups by selecting the study population based on the functional capacity (e.g., ambulatory status) and by strict age-based stratification. DISCUSSION The understanding of the diversity within FRDA populations and their patterns of functional decline provides an essential foundation for future clinical trial design including patient selection and facilitates the interpretation of the clinical relevance of progression detected in FRDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rummey
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Louise A Corben
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Martin Delatycki
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - George Wilmot
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sub H Subramony
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Manuela Corti
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Khalaf Bushara
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Antoine Duquette
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Christopher Gomez
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - J Chad Hoyle
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Richard Roxburgh
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lauren Seeberger
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Grace Yoon
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine Mathews
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Theresa Zesiewicz
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Susan Perlman
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - David R Lynch
- From the Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.D.), University of Melbourne. Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Emory University (G.W.), Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurology (S.H.S., M.C.), McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.), Minneapolis; Service de Neurologie (A.D.), Département de Médecine, Unité de Troubles du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and CRCHUM, Quebec, Canada; University of Chicago (C.G.), IL; Ohio State University (J.C.H.), Columbus; University of Auckland (R.R.), New Zealand; University of Colorado (L.S.), Denver; Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Iowa (K.M.), Iowa City, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; University of South Florida (T.Z.), Tampa; University of California Los Angeles (S.P.); and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Keita M, McIntyre K, Rodden LN, Schadt K, Lynch DR. Friedreich ataxia: clinical features and new developments. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:267-283. [PMID: 35766110 PMCID: PMC9517959 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by ataxia and other neurological features, affects 1 in 50,000-100,000 individuals in the USA. However, FRDA also includes cardiac, orthopedic and endocrine dysfunction, giving rise to many secondary disease characteristics. The multifaceted approach for clinical care has necessitated the development of disease-specific clinical care guidelines. New developments in FRDA include the advancement of clinical drug trials targeting the NRF2 pathway and frataxin restoration. Additionally, a novel understanding of gene silencing in FRDA, reflecting a variegated silencing pattern, will have applications to current and future therapeutic interventions. Finally, new perspectives on the neuroanatomy of FRDA and its developmental features will refine the time course and anatomical targeting of novel approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Medina Keita
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Layne N Rodden
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Buesch K, Zhang R. A systematic review of disease prevalence, health-related quality of life, and economic outcomes associated with Friedreich's Ataxia. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:1739-1749. [PMID: 35983717 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2112870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a rare, inherited neuromuscular disease characterized by an early onset and progressive limb and gait ataxia. Currently, there are no approved treatments for FA. It is important to understand the burden of FA, including its extent and the most salient elements. The objective of this study is therefore to systematically review the literature regarding the aspects of prevalence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and economic outcomes that are associated with FA, and to subsequently identify relevant knowledge gaps. METHODS Three systematic literature reviews were conducted to assess publications regarding FA prevalence, HRQoL, and economic outcomes. Search strategies were implemented in MEDLINE (Ovid) and EMBASE databases; study selection and quality assessment were conducted using current best practices. For each review, study characteristics and findings were summarized. RESULTS A total of 36 studies were included. Review of prevalence studies (n = 22) indicated variation in the number of cases by region, and many regions were not represented at all. Regarding HRQoL (n = 12 studies), physical domains were consistently impacted, although findings regarding other domains and overall HRQoL were less clear. Cost studies (n = 2) encompassed 4 regions and revealed that costs related to the provision of care, including non-medical direct costs and indirect costs, accounted for the majority of FA-related costs. DISCUSSION Findings from this systematic review revealed several knowledge gaps that would preclude the conduct of a robust assessment of the benefits and outcomes associated with a disease-modifying FA therapy. Additional understanding regarding patient and caregiver HRQoL and costs is required.
Collapse
|
50
|
An open-label pilot study of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in Friedreich's ataxia. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4655. [PMID: 35945193 PMCID: PMC9363409 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no proven disease-modifying treatment. Here we perform an open-label, pilot study of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration in seven people with FA (EudraCT: 2017-003084-34); each participant receiving a single course of G-CSF (Lenograstim; 1.28 million units per kg per day for 5 days). The primary outcome is peripheral blood mononuclear cell frataxin levels over a 19-day period. The secondary outcomes include safety, haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilisation, antioxidant levels and mitochondrial enzyme activity. The trial meets pre-specified endpoints. We show that administration of G-CSF to people with FA is safe. Mobilisation of HSCs in response to G-CSF is comparable to that of healthy individuals. Notably, sustained increases in cellular frataxin concentrations and raised PGC-1α and Nrf2 expression are detected. Our findings show potential for G-CSF therapy to have a clinical impact in people with FA.
Collapse
|