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Borrego-Hernández D, Vázquez-Costa JF, Domínguez-Rubio R, Expósito-Blázquez L, Aller E, Padró-Miquel A, García-Casanova P, Colomina MJ, Martín-Arriscado C, Osta R, Cordero-Vázquez P, Esteban-Pérez J, Povedano-Panadés M, García-Redondo A. Intermediate Repeat Expansion in the ATXN2 Gene as a Risk Factor in the ALS and FTD Spanish Population. Biomedicines 2024; 12:356. [PMID: 38397958 PMCID: PMC10886453 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020356] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermediate CAG expansions in the gene ataxin-2 (ATXN2) are a known risk factor for ALS, but little is known about their role in FTD risk. Moreover, their contribution to the risk and phenotype of patients might vary in populations with different genetic backgrounds. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of intermediate CAG expansions in ATXN2 with the risk and phenotype of ALS and FTD in the Spanish population. Repeat-primed PCR was performed in 620 ALS and 137 FTD patients in three referral centers in Spain to determine the exact number of CAG repeats. In our cohort, ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 were associated with a higher risk of developing ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.666 [1.471-4.882]; p = 0.0013) but not FTD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.446 [0.558-3.574]; p = 0.44). Moreover, ALS patients with ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 showed a shorter survival rate compared to those with <27 repeats (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74 [1.18, 2.56], p = 0.005), more frequent limb onset (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34 [1.093-4.936]; p = 0.028) and a family history of ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.538 [1.375-4.634]; p = 0.002). Intermediate CAG expansions of ≥27 repeats in ATXN2 are associated with ALS risk but not with FTD in the Spanish population. ALS patients carrying an intermediate expansion in ATXN2 show more frequent limb onset but a worse prognosis than those without expansions. In patients carrying C9orf72 expansions, the intermediate ATXN2 expansion might increase the penetrance and modify the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borrego-Hernández
- ALS Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.E.-B.); (P.C.-V.); (J.E.-P.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Juan Francisco Vázquez-Costa
- Neuromuscular Unit, ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.F.V.-C.); (P.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Raúl Domínguez-Rubio
- Motoneuron Functional Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (M.P.-P.)
| | - Laura Expósito-Blázquez
- ALS Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.E.-B.); (P.C.-V.); (J.E.-P.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Elena Aller
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Genetics Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ariadna Padró-Miquel
- Genetics Laboratory (LCTMS), Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Pilar García-Casanova
- Neuromuscular Unit, ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.F.V.-C.); (P.G.-C.)
| | - María J. Colomina
- Anesthesia Service Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
| | | | - Rosario Osta
- Laboratório de Genética e Biotecnologia (LAGENBIO), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza University, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Pilar Cordero-Vázquez
- ALS Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.E.-B.); (P.C.-V.); (J.E.-P.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Jesús Esteban-Pérez
- ALS Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.E.-B.); (P.C.-V.); (J.E.-P.); (A.G.-R.)
| | - Mónica Povedano-Panadés
- Motoneuron Functional Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.D.-R.); (M.P.-P.)
| | - Alberto García-Redondo
- ALS Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (L.E.-B.); (P.C.-V.); (J.E.-P.); (A.G.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
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Borghero G, Sechi MM, Vasta R, Pierri V, Pili F, Pateri I, Pilotto S, Ercoli T, Muroni A, Chiò A, Defazio G. Spatial clustering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy: The contribution of age, sex, and genetic factors. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:323-328. [PMID: 37466098 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27939] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Several microgeographic clusters of higher/lower incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been identified worldwide. Differences in the distribution of local factors were proposed to explain the excess ALS risk, whereas the contribution of known genetic/epigenetic factors remains unclear. The aim is to identify restricted areas of higher risk in Sardinia and to assess whether age, sex, and the most common causative genetic mutations in Sardinia (C9orf72 and TARDBP mutations) contributed to the variation in the ALS risk. METHODS We performed an ad hoc analysis of the 10-y population-based incident cohort of ALS cases from a recent study of a large Sardinian area. Cluster analysis was performed by age- and sex-adjusted Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic. RESULTS We identified a statistically significant cluster of higher ALS incidence in a relatively large area including 34 municipalities and >100,000 individuals. The investigated genetic mutations were more frequent in the cluster area than outside. Regardless of the genetic mutations, the excess of ALS risk was significantly associated with either sex or with age ≥ 65 y. Finally, an additive interaction between older age and male sex contributed to the excess of ALS risk in the cluster area but not outside. DISCUSSION Our analysis demonstrated that known genetic factors, age, and sex may contribute to microgeographic variation in ALS incidence. The significant additive interaction between older age and male sex we found in the high-incidence cluster could suggest the presence of a third factor connecting the analyzed risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Borghero
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Sechi
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pierri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pili
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ida Pateri
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvy Pilotto
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ercoli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Muroni
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Coarelli G, Coutelier M, Durr A. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias: new genes and progress towards treatments. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:735-749. [PMID: 37479376 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are associated with phenotypes that range from pure cerebellar to multisystemic. The list of implicated genes has lengthened in the past 5 years with the inclusion of SCA37/DAB1, SCA45/FAT2, SCA46/PLD3, SCA47/PUM1, SCA48/STUB1, SCA50/NPTX1, SCA25/PNPT1, SCA49/SAM9DL, and SCA27B/FGF14. In some patients, co-occurrence of multiple potentially pathogenic variants can explain variable penetrance or more severe phenotypes. Given this extreme clinical and genetic heterogeneity, genome sequencing should become the diagnostic tool of choice but is still not available in many clinical settings. Treatments tested in phase 2 and phase 3 studies, such as riluzole and transcranial direct current stimulation of the cerebellum and spinal cord, have given conflicting results. To enable early intervention, preataxic carriers of pathogenic variants should be assessed with biomarkers, such as neurofilament light chain and brain MRI; these biomarkers could also be used as outcome measures, given that clinical outcomes are not useful in the preataxic phase. The development of bioassays measuring the concentration of the mutant protein (eg, ataxin-3) might facilitate monitoring of target engagement by gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Coarelli
- Sorbonne Université, ICM Institut du Cerveau, Pitié-Salpeêtrieère University Hospital, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie Coutelier
- Sorbonne Université, ICM Institut du Cerveau, Pitié-Salpeêtrieère University Hospital, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, ICM Institut du Cerveau, Pitié-Salpeêtrieère University Hospital, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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Pierri V, Borghero G, Pili F, Ercoli T, Gigante AF, Lecca LI, Vasta R, Campagna M, Chiò A, Defazio G. Impact of occupational categories on the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia Island, Italy. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 24:212-218. [PMID: 36476139 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2153606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Occupation is one of the potential risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for which previous controlled studies produced inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of several groups of occupational categories on ALS incidence. METHODS ALS patients from the southern part of Sardinia who had onset during 2012-2021 and fulfilled El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. The risk of ALS was estimated in relation to the occupation held in 2011, as obtained from the 2011 Census that classified working activities in ten groups. Each occupational group was compared with a reference category represented by all other occupations, and rate ratio were calculated. Additive interaction between activity at work and age at ALS onset/sex on ALS incidence was calculated. RESULTS Employment in agriculture/breeding and in the armed forces were significantly associated with increasing ALS risk. None of the other assessed occupation groups was associated with change in the risk of ALS. Geographic analysis indicated that the effect of agriculture/breeding was particularly evident in the areas of higher risk for the general population. By contrast, an inverse pattern of spatial risk was associated with armed forces activity at work. The increased risk of ALS associated to agriculture/breeding was more evident in older people. No significant interaction was detected between working in the armed forces and older age/sex. CONCLUSIONS The significant interaction between agriculture/breeding and age suggests that the mechanisms leading to ALS are complex and involve several factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pierri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borghero
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pili
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ercoli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Isaia Lecca
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- ALS Center, Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy, and
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy, and
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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5
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Su WM, Gu XJ, Duan QQ, Jiang Z, Gao X, Shang HF, Chen YP. Genetic factors for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an integrated approach combining a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis. BMC Med 2022; 20:209. [PMID: 35754054 PMCID: PMC9235235 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02411-3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The time of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) varies greatly, and the genetic factors that contribute to the survival of ALS are not well studied. There is a lack of a comprehensive study to elucidate the role of genetic factors in the survival of ALS. METHODS The published studies were systematically searched and obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library without any language restrictions from inception to Oct 27, 2021. A network meta-analysis for ALS causative/risk genes and a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for other genetic modifiers were conducted. The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022311646. RESULTS A total of 29,764 potentially relevant references were identified, and 71 papers were eligible for analysis based on pre-decided criteria, including 35 articles in network meta-analysis for 9 ALS causative/risk genes, 17 articles in pairwise meta-analysis for four genetic modifiers, and 19 articles described in the systematic review. Variants in three genes, including ATXN2 (HR: 3.6), C9orf72 (HR: 1.6), and FUS (HR:1.8), were associated with short survival of ALS, but such association was not identified in SOD1, TARDBP, TBK1, NEK1, UBQLN2, and CCNF. In addition, UNC13A rs12608932 CC genotype and ZNF521B rs2275294 C allele also caused a shorter survival of ALS; however, APOE ε4 allele and KIFAP3 rs1541160 did not be found to have any effect on the survival of ALS. CONCLUSIONS Our study summarized and contrasted evidence for prognostic genetic factors in ALS and would help to understand ALS pathogenesis and guide clinical trials and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Su
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Gu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Duan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Lab of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (III), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Centre for Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Glass JD, Dewan R, Ding J, Gibbs JR, Dalgard C, Keagle PJ, Shankaracharya, García-Redondo A, Traynor BJ, Chia R, Landers JE. ATXN2 intermediate expansions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2022; 145:2671-2676. [PMID: 35521889 PMCID: PMC9890463 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate CAG (polyQ) expansions in the gene ataxin-2 (ATXN2) are now recognized as a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The threshold for increased risk is not yet firmly established, with reports ranging from 27 to 31 repeats. We investigated the presence of ATXN2 polyQ expansions in 9268 DNA samples collected from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia, frontotemporal dementia alone, Lewy body dementia and age matched controls. This analysis confirmed ATXN2 intermediate polyQ expansions of ≥31 as a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with an odds ratio of 6.31. Expansions were an even greater risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia (odds ratio 27.59) and a somewhat lesser risk for frontotemporal dementia alone (odds ratio 3.14). There was no increased risk for Lewy body dementia. In a subset of 1362 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with complete clinical data, we could not confirm previous reports of earlier onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or shorter survival in 25 patients with expansions. These new data confirm ≥31 polyQ repeats in ATXN2 increase the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and also for the first time show an even greater risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia. The lack of a more aggressive phenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with expansions has implications for ongoing gene-silencing trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Glass
- Correspondence to: Jonathan D. Glass, MD Department of Neurology, Emory University 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA E-mail:
| | - Ramita Dewan
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinhui Ding
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - J Raphael Gibbs
- Computational Biology Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Clifton Dalgard
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Pamela J Keagle
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Shankaracharya
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Hou X, Li W, Liu P, Liu Z, Yuan Y, Ni J, Shen L, Tang B, Wang J. The Clinical and Ploynucleotide Repeat Expansion Analysis of ATXN2, NOP56, AR and C9orf72 in Patients With ALS From Mainland China. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811202. [PMID: 35599735 PMCID: PMC9120572 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Repeat expansions, including those in C9orf72 and ATXN2, have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, there have been few studies on the association of AR and NOP56 repeat expansion with ALS, especially in China. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of C9orf72 and ATXN2 repeat mutations and investigate whether NOP56 and AR repeat expansion are risk factors for ALS. Methods In this study, 736 ALS patients and several hundred healthy controls were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR) were performed to determine the repeat lengths in C9orf72, ATXN2, AR, and NOP56. Results GGGGCC repeats in C9orf72 were observed in six ALS patients (0.8%, 6/736) but not in any of the controls (0/365). The patients with pathogenic GGGGCC repeats showed shorter median survival times than those with a normal genotype (p = 0.006). Regarding ATXN2 CAG repeats, we identified that intermediate repeat lengths (29–34 copies) were associated with ALS (p = 0.033), and there was no difference in clinical characteristics between the groups with and without intermediate repeats (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, we observed that there was no association between the repeat size in AR and NOP56 and ALS (p > 0.05). Conclusions Our results demonstrated that pathogenetic repeats in C9orf72 are rare in China, while intermediate CAG repeats in ATXN2 are more frequent but have no effect on disease phenotypes; the repeat size in AR and NOP56 may not be a risk factor for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanzhen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanchun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Junling Wang
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Borghero G, Pierri V, Vasta R, Ercoli T, Primicerio G, Pili F, Gigante AF, Rocchi L, Chiò A, Defazio G. Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy: age-sex interaction and spatial-temporal variability. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 23:585-591. [PMID: 35188026 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2041670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study assessed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence in Sardinia, Italy, and the combined contribution of age and gender to disease risk. We also checked disease incidence for spatial-temporal variability. Methods: ALS patients from all neurological centers of the study area who had onset during 2010-2019 and fulfilled El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. Incidence was calculated for the overall study area and each province separately. Additive interaction between age and sex on ALS incidence was assessed. Results: The average crude annual incidence rate was 3.6/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.2-4.1), 3.1/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 2.7-3.5) when age-adjusted. Incidence was greater among people aged ≥65 years and men, with the two variables undergoing significant additive interaction. Incidence increased yearly over the study period, with annual incidence correlating with the increasing yearly frequency of people aged ≥65 years, but not with the proportion of incident cases carrying genetic mutations. Stratifying by province, the rates from Oristano and South Sardinia were higher than the rate from Cagliari. ALS patients from areas at different risk were comparable for frequency of clinical/genetic features. Conclusion: ALS incidence in Sardinia was in the upper part of the European range of variability. We also provided new information about age and sex as risk factors for ALS, showing male sex as a modifier of the effect of aging on ALS incidence. Spatial-temporal variations in ALS incidence correlated to changes in the proportion of the aging population rather than to the distribution of genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Borghero
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pierri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ercoli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Primicerio
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pili
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Rocchi
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Institute of Neurology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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9
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Niccolai E, Di Pilato V, Nannini G, Baldi S, Russo E, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Menicatti M, Bartolucci G, Mandrioli J, Amedei A. The Gut Microbiota-Immunity Axis in ALS: A Role in Deciphering Disease Heterogeneity? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070753. [PMID: 34209688 PMCID: PMC8301418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an unknown etiology and no effective treatment, and is characterized by large phenotypic heterogeneity, including variable sites, ages of symptom onset and rates of disease progression. Increasing data support the role of the microbiota-immunity axis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we compared the inflammatory and microbiota profile of ALS patients with different clinical characteristics, with healthy family caregivers. Measuring a panel of 30 inflammatory cytokines in serum and fecal samples, we observed a distinct cytokine profile both at the systemic and intestinal level in patients compared to controls and even in patients with different clinical phenotypes and progression rates. The 16S targeted metagenome analysis revealed slight differences in patients compared to controls as well as in patients with slow progression, marked by the reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and a decrease of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in ALS. Finally, the short chain fatty acid analysis did not show a different distribution among the groups. If confirmed in a larger number of patients, the inflammatory cytokine profile and the microbial composition could be appropriate biomarker candidates for deciphering ALS heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Niccolai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Edda Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Marta Menicatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
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10
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Morello G, Salomone S, D’Agata V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. From Multi-Omics Approaches to Precision Medicine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:577755. [PMID: 33192262 PMCID: PMC7661549 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.577755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons for which there is no truly effective cure. The lack of successful treatments can be well explained by the complex and heterogeneous nature of ALS, with patients displaying widely distinct clinical features and progression patterns, and distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity. Thus, stratifying ALS patients into consistent and clinically relevant subgroups can be of great value for the development of new precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for ALS patients. In the last years, the use and integration of high-throughput "omics" approaches have dramatically changed our thinking about ALS, improving our understanding of the complex molecular architecture of ALS, distinguishing distinct patient subtypes and providing a rational foundation for the discovery of biomarkers and new individualized treatments. In this review, we discuss the most significant contributions of omics technologies in unraveling the biological heterogeneity of ALS, highlighting how these approaches are revealing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for future personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
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11
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Mroczek M, Sanchez MG. Genetic modifiers and phenotypic variability in neuromuscular disorders. J Appl Genet 2020; 61:547-558. [PMID: 32918245 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00580-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are mostly rare diseases with autosomal dominant, recessive, or X-linked inheritance. Interestingly, among patients carrying the same mutations, a range of phenotypic severity is reported. This phenotypic variability in neuromuscular disorders is still not fully understood. This review will focus on genetic modifiers and will briefly describe metabolic pathways, in which they are involved. Genetic modifiers are variants in the same or other genes that modulate the phenotype. Proteins encoded by genetic modifiers in neuromuscular diseases are taking part in different metabolic processes, most commonly in inflammation, growth and regeneration, endoplasmic reticulum metabolism, and cytoskeletal activities. Recent advances in omics technologies, development of computational algorithms, and establishing large international consortia intensified discovery sped up investigation of genetic modifiers. As more individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders are tested, it is often suggested that classic models of genetic causation cannot explain phenotypic variability. There is a growing interest in their discovery and identifying shared metabolic pathways can contribute to design targeted therapies. We provide an update on variants acting as genetic modifiers in neuromuscular disorders and strategies used for their discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mroczek
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Maria Gabriela Sanchez
- Molecular Biology Department, Simon Bolivar University, Sartenejas Valley, Caracas, Venezuela
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12
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Sun D, Liu M, Huang F, Huang F. [Bioinformatics analysis of expression and function of EXD3 gene in gastric cancer]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:215-221. [PMID: 30890511 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.02.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differentially expressed genes between gastric cancer and normal gastric mucosa by bioinformatics analysis, identify the important gene participating in the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer, and predict the functions of these genes. METHODS The gene expression microarray data GSE100935 (including 18 gastric cancer samples and normal gastric mucosal tissues) downloaded from the GEO expression profile database were analyzed using Morpheus to obtain the differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer, and a cluster analysis heat map was constructed. The online database UALCAN was used to obtain the expression levels of these differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer and normal gastric mucosa. The prognostic value of the differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. GO functional enrichment analysis was performed using Fun-Rich software, and the STRING database was exploited to establish a PPI network for the differentially expressed genes. RESULTS A total of 45119 differentially expressed genes were identified from GSE100935 microarray data. Analysis with UALCAN showed an obvious high expression of EXD3 gene in gastric cancer, and survival analysis suggested that a high expression level of EXD3 was associated with a poorer prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer. GO functional enrichment analysis found that the differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer were involved mainly in the regulation of nucleotide metabolism and the activity of transcription factors in the cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS EXD3 may be a potential oncogene in gastric cancer possibly in relation to DNA damage repair. The up-regulation of EXD3 plays an important role in the development and prognosis of gastric cancer, and may serve as an important indicator for prognostic evaluation of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengzhong Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233003, China
| | - Mulin Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233003, China
| | - Fuxin Huang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233003, China
| | - Fuxin Huang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233003, China
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13
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Analysis of ATXN2 trinucleotide repeats in Korean patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 67:201.e5-201.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Revisiting the concept of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a multisystems disorder of limited phenotypic expression. Curr Opin Neurol 2018; 30:599-607. [PMID: 28914734 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review will examine the contemporary evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a syndrome in which the unifying feature is a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neuron function. RECENT FINDINGS Although ALS is traditionally viewed as a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor neurons, there is considerable phenotypic heterogeneity and widespread involvement of the central nervous system. A broad range of both causative and disease modifying genetic variants are associated with both sporadic and familial forms of ALS. A significant proportion of ALS patients have an associated frontotemporal dysfunction which can be a harbinger of a significantly shorter survival and for which there is increasing evidence of a fundamental disruption of tau metabolism in those affected individuals. Although the traditional neuropathology of the degenerating motor neurons in ALS is that of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions composed neuronal intermediate filaments, the presence of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions composed of RNA binding proteins suggests a key role for RNA dysmetabolism in the pathogenesis of ALS. SUMMARY ALS is a complex multisystem neurodegenerative syndrome with marked heterogeneity at not only the level of clinical expression, but also etiologically.
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15
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Calvo A, Moglia C, Canosa A, Cammarosano S, Ilardi A, Bertuzzo D, Traynor BJ, Brunetti M, Barberis M, Mora G, Casale F, Chiò A. Common polymorphisms of chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 gene modify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis outcome: A population-based study. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:212-216. [PMID: 28342179 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the brain, the chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (1CX3CR1) gene is expressed only by microglia, where it acts as a key mediator of the neuron-microglia interactions. We assessed whether the 2 common polymorphisms of the CX3CR1 gene (V249I and T280M) modify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype. METHODS The study included 755 ALS patients diagnosed in Piemonte between 2007 and 2012 and 369 age-matched and sex-matched controls, all genotyped with the same chips. RESULTS Neither of the variants was associated with an increased risk of ALS. Patients with the V249I V/V genotype had a 6-month-shorter survival than those with I/I or V/I genotypes (dominant model, P = 0.018). The T280M genotype showed a significant difference among the 3 genotypes (additive model, P = 0.036). Cox multivariable analysis confirmed these findings. DISCUSSION We found that common variants of the CX3CR1 gene influence ALS survival. Our data provide further evidence for the role of neuroinflammation in ALS. Muscle Nerve 57: 212-216, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calvo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Cammarosano
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Ilardi
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Davide Bertuzzo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maura Brunetti
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Barberis
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCSS, Scientific Institute of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Casale
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, Neurology II, ALS Center, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, I-10126, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Council of Researches, Rome, Italy
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16
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Alsultan AA, Waller R, Heath PR, Kirby J. The genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current insights. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2016; 6:49-64. [PMID: 30050368 PMCID: PMC6053097 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s84956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in loss of the upper and lower motor neurons from motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. While the majority of cases are sporadic, approximately 10% show familial inheritance. ALS is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, although autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance do occur. To date, 24 of the genes at 26 loci have been identified; these include loci linked to ALS and to frontotemporal dementia-ALS, where family pedigrees contain individuals with frontotemporal dementia with/without ALS. The most commonly established genetic causes of familial ALS (FALS) to date are the presence of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene (39.3% FALS) and mutation of SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS, with frequencies of 12%-23.5%, 5%, and 4.1%, respectively. However, with the increasing use of next-generation sequencing of small family pedigrees, this has led to an increasing number of genes being associated with ALS. This review provides a comprehensive review on the genetics of ALS and an update of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with these genes. Commonly implicated pathways have been established, including RNA processing, the protein degradation pathways of autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system, as well as protein trafficking and cytoskeletal function. Elucidating the role genetics plays in both FALS and sporadic ALS is essential for understanding the subsequent cellular dysregulation that leads to motor neuron loss, in order to develop future effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan A Alsultan
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Rachel Waller
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK,
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