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Shelton GD, Mickelson JR, Friedenberg SG, Cullen JN, Graham K, Carpentier MC, Guo LT, Minor KM. Variants in CLCN1 and PDE4C Associated with Muscle Hypertrophy, Dysphagia, and Gait Abnormalities in Young French Bulldogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:722. [PMID: 38473107 PMCID: PMC10931052 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050722] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Muscle hypertrophy, swallowing disorders, and gait abnormalities are clinical signs common to many muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophies, non-dystrophic myotonias, genetic myopathies associated with deficiency of myostatin, and acquired inflammatory myopathies. Here, we investigated underlying causes of this triad of clinical signs in four young French bulldogs via muscle histopathology coupled with whole genome and Sanger sequencing. (2) Methods: Dogs were evaluated by veterinary clinical internists and neurologists, and biopsies were obtained for histopathological diagnosis. DNA was submitted for whole genome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics evaluation and confirmation of variants via Sanger sequencing in two cases. (3) Results: Two novel variants were identified. The first, found in two related French bulldogs, was a homozygous variant in the chloride channel gene CLCN1 known to cause non-dystrophic congenital myotonia, and the second, found in an unrelated French bulldog, was a heterozygous variant in the cAMP phosphodiesterase gene PDE4C, which is the major phosphodiesterase expressed in skeletal muscle and may play a role in decreasing muscle atrophy. An underlying molecular basis in one other case has not yet been identified. (4) Conclusions: Here, we identified two novel variants, one in the CLCN1 and one in the PDE4C gene, associated with clinical signs of muscle hypertrophy, dysphagia, and gait abnormalities, and we suggested other bases of these phenotypes in French bulldogs that are yet to be discovered. Identification of genes and deleterious variants associated with these clinical signs may assist breeders in improving the overall health of this very popular breed and may lead to the identification of new therapies to reverse muscle atrophy in people and animals with neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - James R. Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Steven G. Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (S.G.F.); (J.N.C.); (K.M.M.)
| | - Jonah N. Cullen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (S.G.F.); (J.N.C.); (K.M.M.)
| | - Karina Graham
- Veterinary Specialists of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2228, Australia;
| | | | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Katie M. Minor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (S.G.F.); (J.N.C.); (K.M.M.)
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Corrêa S, Basso RM, Cerri FM, de Oliveira‐Filho JP, Araújo JP, Torelli SR, Salán LPCDC, Salán MO, Macedo IZ, Borges AS. Hereditary myotonia in cats associated with a new homozygous missense variant p.Ala331Pro in the muscle chloride channel ClC-1. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2498-2503. [PMID: 37668104 PMCID: PMC10658498 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16837] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-related cats were evaluated for a history of short-strided gait and temporary recumbency after startle. Neurological examination, electromyography (EMG), muscle biopsies, and a chloride voltage-gated channel 1 (CLCN1) molecular study were performed. Clinically, all 3 cats presented myotonia with warm-up phenomenon and myotonic discharges during EMG examination. Muscle biopsies showed normal muscle architecture and variation in the diameter of myofiber size with the presence of numerous hypertrophic fibers. The molecular study revealed a missense variant (c.991G>C, p.Ala331Pro) in exon 9 of the CLCN1 gene, responsible for the first chloride channel extracellular loop. This mutation was screened in 104 control phenotypically normal unrelated cats, and all were wildtype. The alanine at this position is conserved in ClC-1 (chloride channel protein 1) in different species, and 2 mutations at this amino acid position are associated with human myotonia. This is the third CLCN1 mutation described in the literature associated with hereditary myotonia in cats and the first in domestic animals located in an extracellular muscle ClC-1 loop.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Martins Basso
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuSão PauloBrazil
| | - Fabricio Moreira Cerri
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - João Pessoa Araújo
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBTEC), São Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuSão PauloBrazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Secorun Borges
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuSão PauloBrazil
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3
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YOKOTA S, KOBATAKE Y, MAEKAWA M, TAKASHIMA S, NISHII N. Trismus due to myotonia associated with hyperadrenocorticism in a dog. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:876-879. [PMID: 37357395 PMCID: PMC10466053 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0103] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the report of trismus due to hyperadrenocorticism-associated myotonia diagnosed by electromyography in a dog. An intact female Miniature Dachshund, 13 years and 9 months old, presented with stiff gait and trismus as well as polyuria and polydipsia. Abdominal ultrasonography showed enlarged adrenal glands. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test revealed an exaggerated response. Based on these findings, this case was diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism. Electromyography revealed myotonic discharge in the temporalis muscle and limbs. Therefore, trismus was considered to be caused by hyperadrenocorticism-associated myotonia, and the case was treated with oral trilostane (1.3 mg/kg, once daily). During the 4-month follow-up period, despite the partial improvement in stiff gait, trismus did not recover. Long-term data on more cases are warranted to assess the prognosis and clinical characteristics of trismus due to hyperadrenocorticism-associated myotonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya YOKOTA
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu
University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yui KOBATAKE
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied
Biological Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi TAKASHIMA
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied
Biological Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Naohito NISHII
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu
University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied
Biological Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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4
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Heinonen T, Flegel T, Müller H, Kehl A, Hundi S, Matiasek K, Fischer A, Donner J, Forman OP, Lohi H, Hytönen MK. A loss-of-function variant in canine GLRA1 associates with a neurological disorder resembling human hyperekplexia. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1221-1230. [PMID: 37222814 PMCID: PMC10449970 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary hyperekplexia is a rare neuronal disorder characterized by an exaggerated startle response to sudden tactile or acoustic stimuli. In this study, we present a Miniature Australian Shepherd family showing clinical signs, which have genetic and phenotypic similarities with human hereditary hyperekplexia: episodes of muscle stiffness that could occasionally be triggered by acoustic stimuli. Whole genome sequence data analysis of two affected dogs revealed a 36-bp deletion spanning the exon-intron boundary in the glycine receptor alpha 1 (GLRA1) gene. Further validation in pedigree samples and an additional cohort of 127 Miniature Australian Shepherds, 45 Miniature American Shepherds and 74 Australian Shepherds demonstrated complete segregation of the variant with the disease, according to an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The protein encoded by GLRA1 is a subunit of the glycine receptor, which mediates postsynaptic inhibition in the brain stem and spinal cord. The canine GLRA1 deletion is located in the signal peptide and is predicted to cause exon skipping and subsequent premature stop codon resulting in a significant defect in glycine signaling. Variants in GLRA1 are known to cause hereditary hyperekplexia in humans; however, this is the first study to associate a variant in canine GLRA1 with the disorder, establishing a spontaneous large animal disease model for the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Heinonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Flegel
- Department of Small Animals, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hanna Müller
- Tieraerztliches Fachzentrum Muehlhausen Dr. Ortmann & Dr. Stief, Muehlhausen/Thueringen, Germany
| | | | - Sruthi Hundi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Donner
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oliver P Forman
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marjo K Hytönen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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5
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Chimenes ND, Caramalac SM, Caramalac SM, Fernandes TD, Basso RM, Cerri FM, Oliveira-Filho JP, Borges AS, Palumbo MIP. A complex CLCN1 variant associated with hereditary myotonia in a mixed-breed dog. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:413-416. [PMID: 37212506 PMCID: PMC10331391 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231176736] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary myotonia (HM) is characterized by delayed muscle relaxation after contraction as a result of a mutation in the CLCN1 gene. We describe here a complex CLCN1 variant in a mixed-breed dog with clinical and electromyographic signs of HM. Blood samples from the myotonic dog, as well as from his male littermate and parents, were analyzed via amplification of the 23 exons encoding CLCN1. After sequencing the CLCN1 gene, a complex variant was found in exon 6 c.[705T>G; 708del; 712_732del], resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 7 and a protein that was 717 amino acids shorter than the normal CLC protein. The myotonic dog was identified as homozygous recessive for the complex CLCN1 variant; its parents were heterozygous, and its male littermate was homozygous wild-type. Knowledge of the CLCN1 mutations responsible for the development of hereditary myotonia allows greater clarification of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natielly D. Chimenes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Silvana M. Caramalac
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Simone M. Caramalac
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Thiago D. Fernandes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Roberta M. Basso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabrício M. Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José P. Oliveira-Filho
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S. Borges
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana I. P. Palumbo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Golinelli S, Fracassi F, Bianchi E, Pöppl ÁG, Miceli DD, Benedicenti L, De Marco V, Cook AK, Espada Castro L, Ramsey I, Seo KW, Cantile C, Gandini G, Hulsebosch SE, Feldman EC. Clinical features of muscle stiffness in 37 dogs with concurrent naturally occurring hypercortisolism. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:578-585. [PMID: 36798032 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe muscle stiffness (SMS) in dogs with hypercortisolism (HC) is uncommon. OBJECTIVES To evaluate signalment, presentation, treatments, and long-term outcomes of dogs with concurrent HC and SMS. ANIMALS Thirty-seven dogs. METHODS Medical records of dogs with HC and concurrent SMS were recruited from 10 institutions. Clinical information, test results, therapeutic responses, and survival times were reviewed. RESULTS All 37 dogs with HC and SMS had pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH); 36/37 weighed <20 kg. Signs and test results were typical of PDH aside from SMS, initially diagnosed in all 4 limbs in 9, pelvic limbs of 22, and thoracic limbs of 6 dogs. Hypercortisolism and SMS were diagnosed together in 3 dogs; HC 1-36 months before SMS in 23; SMS 1-12 months before HC in 11. Mitotane or trilostane, given to control HC in 36/37 dogs, improved or resolved HC signs in 28; SMS did not resolve, remaining static or worsening in 31/36 dogs, mildly improving in 5/19 dogs given additional therapies. Progression of SMS included additional limbs in 10 dogs and the masticatory muscles of 2. The median survival time from diagnosis of SMS was 965 days (range, 8-1188). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Concurrent SMS and HC is uncommon, possibly affecting only dogs with PDH. Development of SMS might occur before or after diagnosis of HC. Apart from SMS, the clinical picture and survival time of these dogs seem indistinguishable from those of dogs with HC in general. However, while muscle weakness usually resolves with HC treatment SMS does not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Golinelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Fracassi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ezio Bianchi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Álan Gomes Pöppl
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Diego Daniel Miceli
- Endocrinology Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leontine Benedicenti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Audrey K Cook
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ian Ramsey
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kyoung Won Seo
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Gandini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sean E Hulsebosch
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Edward C Feldman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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7
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Rodrigues DDJ, Damasceno AD, Araújo CETD, Torelli SR, Fonseca LGH, Delfiol DJZ, Oliveira-Filho JPD, Araújo-Júnior JP, Borges AS. Hereditary myotonia in American Bulldog associated with a novel frameshift mutation in the CLCN1 gene. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:991-998. [PMID: 33246886 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.10.007] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary myotonia (HM) is a genetic disorder that occurs due to mutations in the chloride channel and results in delayed relaxation of the skeletal muscles. HM has been described in 12 dog breeds, and in five of them, molecular studies of this disorder were performed and mutations in the CLCN1 gene were described. In this study, an affected American Bulldog with HM clinically characterized by muscle hypertrophy, myotonic discharges, and nondystrophic myotonia with a "warm-up" phenomenon was evaluated, and the candidate canine CLCN1 gene was sequenced. The molecular analysis revealed a frameshift mutation NM_001003124.2:c.436_437insCTCT that resulted in a frameshift and a premature stop codon NP_001003124.1:pTyr146SerfsTer49 . Two aberrant alternative CLCN1 transcripts were observed in an affected dog, the expected transcript with the 4 bp insertion, NM_001003124.2:r.436_437insctct, and an unexpected transcript containing parts of intron 6 in addition to the insertion in exon 4, NM_001003124.2:[r.436_437insctct;r.774_775ins79]. In conclusion, the frameshift mutation in the CLCN1 gene is associated with autosomal recessive HM in American Bulldog and this study constitutes the first description of the disease in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane de Jesus Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Rua Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Adilson Donizeti Damasceno
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Rodovia Goiânia, km 8 s/n Campus - Samambaia, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil
| | - César Erineudo Tavares de Araújo
- University Center UNILEAO, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil. Av. Maria Letícia Leite Pereira s/n, Lagoa Seca - Cidade Universitária, Juazeiro do Norte, CE 63040-405, Brazil
| | - Sandra Regina Torelli
- CALE - Animal Surgery and Specialized Diagnostic Laboratory, Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil, Rua Itália, 106 - Jardim Bonfiglioli, Jundiaí, SP 13207-280, Brazil
| | - Luine Gabriela Hilário Fonseca
- Self-employed Veterinary, Catalão, Goiás, Brazil, Rua Paraná, 330 - Nossa senhora de Fátima, Catalão, GO 75709-240, Brazil
| | - Diego José Zanzarini Delfiol
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289 - Bloco 2S - Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38405-314, Brazil
| | - José Paes de Oliveira-Filho
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Rua Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-681, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo-Júnior
- Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n - Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu, SP 18607-440, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Secorun Borges
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Rua Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-681, Brazil.
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8
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Barthélémy I, Hitte C, Tiret L. The Dog Model in the Spotlight: Legacy of a Trustful Cooperation. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 6:421-451. [PMID: 31450509 PMCID: PMC6918919 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-190394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dogs have long been used as a biomedical model system and in particular as a preclinical proof of concept for innovative therapies before translation to humans. A recent example of the utility of this animal model is the promising myotubularin gene delivery in boys affected by X-linked centronuclear myopathy after successful systemic, long-term efficient gene therapy in Labrador retrievers. Mostly, this is due to unique features that make dogs an optimal system. The continuous emergence of spontaneous inherited disorders enables the identification of reliable complementary molecular models for human neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). Dogs’ characteristics including size, lifespan and unprecedented medical care level allow a comprehensive longitudinal description of diseases. Moreover, the highly similar pathogenic mechanisms with human patients yield to translational robustness. Finally, interindividual phenotypic heterogeneity between dogs helps identifying modifiers and anticipates precision medicine issues. This review article summarizes the present list of molecularly characterized dog models for NMDs and provides an exhaustive list of the clinical and paraclinical assays that have been developed. This toolbox offers scientists a sensitive and reliable system to thoroughly evaluate neuromuscular function, as well as efficiency and safety of innovative therapies targeting these NMDs. This review also contextualizes the model by highlighting its unique genetic value, shaped by the long-term coevolution of humans and domesticated dogs. Because the dog is one of the most protected research animal models, there is considerable opposition to include it in preclinical projects, posing a threat to the use of this model. We thus discuss ethical issues, emphasizing that unlike many other models, the dog also benefits from its contribution to comparative biomedical research with a drastic reduction in the prevalence of morbid alleles in the breeding stock and an improvement in medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Hitte
- CNRS, University of Rennes 1, UMR 6290, IGDR, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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9
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Partridge B, Rossmeisl JH. Companion animal models of neurological disease. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 331:108484. [PMID: 31733285 PMCID: PMC6942211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical translation of novel therapeutics that improve the survival and quality of life of patients with neurological disease remains a challenge, with many investigational drug and device candidates failing in advanced stage clinical trials. Naturally occurring inherited and acquired neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, inborn errors of metabolism, brain tumors, spinal cord injury, and stroke occur frequently in companion animals, and many of these share epidemiologic, pathophysiologic and clinical features with their human counterparts. As companion animals have a relatively abbreviated lifespan and genetic background, are immunocompetent, share their environment with human caregivers, and can be clinically managed using techniques and tools similar to those used in humans, they have tremendous potential for increasing the predictive value of preclinical drug and device studies. Here, we review comparative features of spontaneous neurological diseases in companion animals with an emphasis on neuroimaging methods and features, illustrate their historical use in translational studies, and discuss inherent limitations associated with each disease model. Integration of companion animals with naturally occurring disease into preclinical studies can complement and expand the knowledge gained from studies in other animal models, accelerate or improve the manner in which research is translated to the human clinic, and ultimately generate discoveries that will benefit the health of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittanie Partridge
- Veterinary and Comparative Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Blvd, NRC 405, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - John H Rossmeisl
- Veterinary and Comparative Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Blvd, NRC 405, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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10
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Jagannathan V, Drögemüller C, Leeb T. A comprehensive biomedical variant catalogue based on whole genome sequences of 582 dogs and eight wolves. Anim Genet 2019; 50:695-704. [PMID: 31486122 PMCID: PMC6842318 DOI: 10.1111/age.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The domestic dog serves as an excellent model to investigate the genetic basis of disease. More than 400 heritable traits analogous to human diseases have been described in dogs. To further canine medical genetics research, we established the Dog Biomedical Variant Database Consortium (DBVDC) and present a comprehensive list of functionally annotated genome variants that were identified with whole genome sequencing of 582 dogs from 126 breeds and eight wolves. The genomes used in the study have a minimum coverage of 10× and an average coverage of ~24×. In total, we identified 23 133 692 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 10 048 038 short indels, including 93% undescribed variants. On average, each individual dog genome carried ∼4.1 million single-nucleotide and ~1.4 million short-indel variants with respect to the reference genome assembly. About 2% of the variants were located in coding regions of annotated genes and loci. Variant effect classification showed 247 141 SNVs and 99 562 short indels having moderate or high impact on 11 267 protein-coding genes. On average, each genome contained heterozygous loss-of-function variants in 30 potentially embryonic lethal genes and 97 genes associated with developmental disorders. More than 50 inherited disorders and traits have been unravelled using the DBVDC variant catalogue, enabling genetic testing for breeding and diagnostics. This resource of annotated variants and their corresponding genotype frequencies constitutes a highly useful tool for the identification of potential variants causative for rare inherited disorders in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - T Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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