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Cui Q, Liu Z, Bai G. Friend or foe: The role of stress granule in neurodegenerative disease. Neuron 2024; 112:2464-2485. [PMID: 38744273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.025] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic membraneless organelles that form in response to cellular stress. SGs are predominantly composed of RNA and RNA-binding proteins that assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation. Although the formation of SGs is considered a transient and protective response to cellular stress, their dysregulation or persistence may contribute to various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SG physiology and pathology. It covers the formation, composition, regulation, and functions of SGs, along with their crosstalk with other membrane-bound and membraneless organelles. Furthermore, this review discusses the dual roles of SGs as both friends and foes in neurodegenerative diseases and explores potential therapeutic approaches targeting SGs. The challenges and future perspectives in this field are also highlighted. A more profound comprehension of the intricate relationship between SGs and neurodegenerative diseases could inspire the development of innovative therapeutic interventions against these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Cui
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China.
| | - Zongyu Liu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Fundamental and Transdisciplinary Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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2
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LeBlanc MA, Gough A, Rideout AL, Dyack S, Singh K, MacNeil M. Atypical Neuropsychiatric Presentation of FTD-ALS Caused by a Pathogenic Repeat Expansion in C9orf72: A Case Report. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2024; 37:157-162. [PMID: 37548032 PMCID: PMC10802081 DOI: 10.1177/08919887231195337] [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: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The case report describes the presentation of a 42-year-old male ultimately diagnosed with FTD-ALS caused by a genetic mutation, who initially presented with atypical psychiatric symptoms. Given that the initial clinical manifestations of FTD-ALS can be quite variable, the diagnosis is often challenging; the case report aims to highlight several key considerations in the diagnostic assessment, including genetic testing in order to guide clinicians in more timely diagnosis and ultimately improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa A. LeBlanc
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Amy Gough
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Sarah Dyack
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
- IWK Maritime Medical Genetics, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathleen Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Meagan MacNeil
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
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3
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Ryan L, Rubinsztein DC. The autophagy of stress granules. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:59-72. [PMID: 38101818 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of stress granule (SG) biology has deepened considerably in recent years, and with this, increased understanding of links has been made between SGs and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. One of the proposed mechanisms by which SGs and any associated protein aggregates may become pathological is based upon defects in their autophagic clearance, and so the precise processes governing the degradation of SGs are important to understand. Mutations and disease-associated variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar dementia compromise autophagy, whilst autophagy-inhibiting drugs or knockdown of essential autophagy proteins result in the persistence of SGs. In this review, we will consider the current knowledge regarding the autophagy of SG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ryan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
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4
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Nudelman KNH, Jackson T, Rumbaugh M, Eloyan A, Abreu M, Dage JL, Snoddy C, Faber KM, Foroud T, Hammers DB, Taurone A, Thangarajah M, Aisen P, Beckett L, Kramer J, Koeppe R, Kukull WA, Murray ME, Toga AW, Vemuri P, Atri A, Day GS, Duara R, Graff-Radford NR, Honig LS, Jones DT, Masdeu JC, Mendez M, Musiek E, Onyike CU, Riddle M, Rogalski E, Salloway S, Sha SJ, Turner RS, Wingo TS, Wolk DA, Carrillo MC, Dickerson BC, Rabinovici GD, Apostolova LG. Pathogenic variants in the Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study cohort. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19 Suppl 9:S64-S73. [PMID: 37801072 PMCID: PMC10783439 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13482] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One goal of the Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is to investigate the genetic etiology of early onset (40-64 years) cognitive impairment. Toward this goal, LEADS participants are screened for known pathogenic variants. METHODS LEADS amyloid-positive early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) or negative early-onset non-AD (EOnonAD) cases were whole exome sequenced (N = 299). Pathogenic variant frequency in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, GRN, MAPT, and C9ORF72 was assessed for EOAD and EOnonAD. Gene burden testing was performed in cases compared to similar-age cognitively normal controls in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. RESULTS Previously reported pathogenic variants in the six genes were identified in 1.35% of EOAD (3/223) and 6.58% of EOnonAD (5/76). No genes showed enrichment for carriers of rare functional variants in LEADS cases. DISCUSSION Results suggest that LEADS is enriched for novel genetic causative variants, as previously reported variants are not observed in most cases. HIGHLIGHTS Sequencing identified eight cognitively impaired pathogenic variant carriers. Pathogenic variants were identified in PSEN1, GRN, MAPT, and C9ORF72. Rare variants were not enriched in APP, PSEN1/2, GRN, and MAPT. The Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is a key resource for early-onset Alzheimer's genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly N. H. Nudelman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Trever Jackson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Malia Rumbaugh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Ani Eloyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA, 02912
| | - Marco Abreu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Jeffrey L. Dage
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Casey Snoddy
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Kelley M. Faber
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - Dustin B. Hammers
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
| | - DIAN/DIAN-TU Clinical/Genetics Committee
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA, 63110
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA, 10029
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 32224
| | - Alexander Taurone
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA, 02912
| | - Maryanne Thangarajah
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA, 02912
| | - Paul Aisen
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, USA, 92121
| | - Laurel Beckett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California – Davis, Davis, California, USA, 95616
| | - Joel Kramer
- Department of Neurology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA, 94143
| | - Robert Koeppe
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Walter A. Kukull
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA, 98195
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 32224
| | - Arthur W. Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90033
| | | | - Alireza Atri
- Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ, USA, 85315
| | - Gregory S. Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 32224
| | - Ranjan Duara
- Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA, 33140
| | | | - Lawrence S. Honig
- Taub Institute and Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA, 10032
| | - David T. Jones
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, 55905
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, 55905
| | - Joseph C. Masdeu
- Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA, 77030
| | - Mario Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Erik Musiek
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 63110
| | - Chiadi U. Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA, 21295
| | - Meghan Riddle
- Department of Neurology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI Island, USA, 02912
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA , 60611
| | - Stephen Salloway
- Department of Neurology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI Island, USA, 02912
| | - Sharon J. Sha
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA, 94304
| | - R. Scott Turner
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University, DC, USA, 20057
| | - Thomas S. Wingo
- Department of Neurology and Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30307
| | - David A. Wolk
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104
| | - Maria C. Carrillo
- Medical & Scientific Relations Division, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago, IL, USA, 60603
| | - Bradford C. Dickerson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02114
| | - Gil D. Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA, 94143
| | - Liana G. Apostolova
- Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, USA, 92121
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Center for Neuroimaging, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46202
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5
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Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Bernard E, Cassereau J, Codron P, Fleury MC, Guy N, Mouzat K, Pradat PF, Soriani MH, Couratier P. French National Protocol for genetic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:1020-1029. [PMID: 37735015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.05.005] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Relationships between genes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been widely accepted since the first studies highlighting pathogenic mutations in the SOD1 gene 30years ago. Over the last three decades, scientific literature has clearly highlighted the central role played by genetic factors in the disease, in both clinics and pathophysiology, as well as in therapeutics. This implies that health professionals who care for patients with ALS are increasingly faced with patients and relatives eager to have answers to questions related to the role of genetic factors in the occurrence of the disease and the risk for their relatives to develop ALS. In order to address these public health issues, the French ALS network FILSLAN proposed to the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) the drafting of a French National Protocol (PNDS) on ALS genetics. This PNDS was developed according to the "method for developing a national diagnosis and care protocol for rare diseases" published by the HAS in 2012 (methodological guide for PNDS available on the HAS website: http://www.has-sante.fr/). This document aims to provide the most recent data on the role of genes in ALS and to detail the implications for diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corcia
- CRMR SLA, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France; UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France.
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France; Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
| | | | | | - P Codron
- CRMR SLA, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - M-C Fleury
- CRC SLA, CHU de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - N Guy
- CRC SLA, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - K Mouzat
- Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - P-F Pradat
- CRMR SLA, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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6
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Roggenbuck J, Eubank BHF, Wright J, Harms MB, Kolb SJ. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for ALS genetic testing and counseling. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2074-2091. [PMID: 37691292 PMCID: PMC10646996 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene discovery, ongoing gene therapy trials, and patient demand have driven increased use of ALS genetic testing. Despite this progress, the offer of genetic testing to persons with ALS is not yet "standard of care." Our primary goal is to develop clinical ALS genetic counseling and testing guidelines to improve and standardize genetic counseling and testing practice among neurologists, genetic counselors or any provider caring for persons with ALS. METHODS Core clinical questions were identified and a rapid review performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) 2015 method. Guideline recommendations were drafted and the strength of evidence for each recommendation was assessed by combining two systems: the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) System and the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP). A modified Delphi approach was used to reach consensus among a group of content experts for each guideline statement. RESULTS A total of 35 guideline statements were developed. In summary, all persons with ALS should be offered single-step genetic testing, consisting of a C9orf72 assay, along with sequencing of SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP, at a minimum. The key education and genetic risk assessments that should be provided before and after testing are delineated. Specific guidance regarding testing methods and reporting for C9orf72 and other genes is provided for commercial laboratories. INTERPRETATION These evidence-based, consensus guidelines will support all stakeholders in the ALS community in navigating benefits and challenges of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal MedicineThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Breda H. F. Eubank
- Health & Physical Education Department, Faculty of Health, Community, & EducationMount Royal University4825 Mount Royal Gate SWCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Joshua Wright
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Matthew B. Harms
- Department of NeurologyColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & PharmacologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
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7
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Carlos AF, Josephs KA. The Role of Clinical Assessment in the Era of Biomarkers. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1001-1018. [PMID: 37594658 PMCID: PMC10457273 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01410-3] [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] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocratic Medicine revolved around the three main principles of patient, disease, and physician and promoted the systematic observation of patients, rational reasoning, and interpretation of collected information. Although these remain the cardinal features of clinical assessment today, Medicine has evolved from a more physician-centered to a more patient-centered approach. Clinical assessment allows physicians to encounter, observe, evaluate, and connect with patients. This establishes the patient-physician relationship and facilitates a better understanding of the patient-disease relationship, as the ultimate goal is to diagnose, prognosticate, and treat. Biomarkers are at the core of the more disease-centered approach that is currently revolutionizing Medicine as they provide insight into the underlying disease pathomechanisms and biological changes. Genetic, biochemical, radiographic, and clinical biomarkers are currently used. Here, we define a seven-level theoretical construct for the utility of biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. Level 1-3 biomarkers are considered supportive of clinical assessment, capable of detecting susceptibility or risk factors, non-specific neurodegeneration or dysfunction, and/or changes at the individual level which help increase clinical diagnostic accuracy and confidence. Level 4-7 biomarkers have the potential to surpass the utility of clinical assessment through detection of early disease stages and prediction of underlying pathology. In neurodegenerative diseases, biomarkers can potentiate, but cannot substitute, clinical assessment. In this current era, aside from adding to the discovery, evaluation/validation, and implementation of more biomarkers, clinical assessment remains crucial to maintaining the personal, humanistic, and sociocultural aspects of patient care. We would argue that clinical assessment is a custom that should never go obsolete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arenn F Carlos
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Keith A Josephs
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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8
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Vinceti G, Gallingani C, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Gianferrari G, Simonini C, Bedin R, Chiari A, Zamboni G, Mandrioli J. Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease Associated with C9ORF72 Hexanucleotide Expansion: Further Evidence for a Still Unsolved Association. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040930. [PMID: 37107688 PMCID: PMC10138077 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are recognized as part of a disease continuum (FTD-ALS spectrum), in which the most common genetic cause is chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene hexanucleotide repeat expansion. The clinical phenotype of patients carrying this expansion varies widely and includes diseases beyond the FTD-ALS spectrum. Although a few cases of patients with C9ORF72 expansion and a clinical or biomarker-supported diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been described, they have been considered too sparse to establish a definite association between the C9ORF72 expansion and AD pathology. Here, we describe a C9ORF72 family with pleomorphic phenotypical expressions: a 54-year-old woman showing cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances with both neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers consistent with AD pathology, her 49-year-old brother with typical FTD-ALS, and their 63-year-old mother with the behavioral variant of FTD and CSF biomarkers suggestive of AD pathology. The young onset of disease in all three family members and their different phenotypes and biomarker profiles make the simple co-occurrence of different diseases an extremely unlikely explanation. Our report adds to previous findings and may contribute to further expanding the spectrum of diseases associated with C9ORF72 expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vinceti
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Gallingani
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Bedin
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiari
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Gurfinkel Y, Polain N, Sonar K, Nice P, Mancera RL, Rea SL. Functional and structural consequences of TBK1 missense variants in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105859. [PMID: 36113750 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene were identified in 2015 in individuals with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They account for ∼3-4% of cases. To date, over 100 distinct mutations, including missense, nonsense, deletion, insertion, duplication, and splice-site mutations have been reported. While nonsense mutations are predicted to cause disease via haploinsufficiency, the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis with missense mutations is not fully elucidated. TBK1 is a kinase involved in neuroinflammation, which is commonly observed in these diseases. TBK1 also phosphorylates key autophagy mediators, thereby regulating proteostasis, a pathway that is dysregulated in ALS-FTLD. Recently, several groups have characterised various missense mutations with respect to their effects on the phosphorylation of known TBK1 substrates, TBK1 homodimerization, interaction with optineurin, and the regulation of autophagy and neuroinflammatory pathways. Further, the effects of either global or conditional heterozygous knock-out of Tbk1, or the heterozygous or homozygous knock-in of ALS-FTLD associated mutations, alone or when crossed with the SOD1G93A classical ALS mouse model or a TDP-43 mouse model, have been reported. In this review we summarise the known functional effects of TBK1 missense mutations. We also present novel modelling data that predicts the structural effects of missense mutations and discuss how they correlate with the known functional effects of these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Gurfinkel
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Building, QEII Medical Centre, Ground floor RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.; UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Nicole Polain
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Krushna Sonar
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Penelope Nice
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Building, QEII Medical Centre, Ground floor RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Ricardo L Mancera
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Sarah Lyn Rea
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Health Research Building, Discovery Way, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Building, QEII Medical Centre, Ground floor RR Block, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia..
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10
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Amalyan S, Tamboli S, Lazarevich I, Topolnik D, Bouman LH, Topolnik L. Enhanced motor cortex output and disinhibition in asymptomatic female mice with C9orf72 genetic expansion. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111043. [PMID: 35793625 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111043] [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] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Information and action coding by cortical circuits relies on a balanced dialogue between excitation and inhibition. Circuit hyperexcitability is considered a potential pathophysiological mechanism in various brain disorders, but the underlying deficits, especially at early disease stages, remain largely unknown. We report that asymptomatic female mice carrying the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansion, which represents a high-prevalence genetic abnormality for human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) spectrum disorder, exhibit abnormal motor cortex output. The number of primary motor cortex (M1) layer 5 pyramidal neurons is reduced in asymptomatic mice, with the surviving neurons receiving a decreased inhibitory drive that results in a higher M1 output, specifically during high-speed animal locomotion. Importantly, using deep-learning algorithms revealed that speed-dependent M1 output predicts the likelihood of C9orf72 genetic expansion. Our data link early circuit abnormalities with a gene mutation in asymptomatic ALS/FTLD carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Amalyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Suhel Tamboli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ivan Lazarevich
- École Normale Supérieure, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Group for Neural Theory, Paris, France
| | - Dimitry Topolnik
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Leandra Harriet Bouman
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Topolnik
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Québec, QC, Canada.
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11
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Querin G, Grazia Biferi M, Pradat PF. Biomarkers for C9orf7-ALS in Symptomatic and Pre-symptomatic Patients: State-of-the-art in the New Era of Clinical Trials. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 9:25-37. [PMID: 34864683 PMCID: PMC8842771 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of new possible treatments for C9orf72-related ALS and the possibility of early identification of subjects genetically at risk of developing the disease is creating a critical need for biomarkers to track neurodegeneration that could be used as outcome measures in clinical trials. Current candidate biomarkers in C9orf72-ALS include neuropsychology tests, imaging, electrophysiology as well as different circulating biomarkers. Neuropsychology tests show early executive and verbal function involvement both in symptomatic and asymptomatic mutation carriers. At brain MRI, C9orf72-ALS patients present diffuse white and grey matter degeneration, which are already identified up to 20 years before symptom onset and that seem to be slowly progressive over time, while regions of altered connectivity at fMRI and of hypometabolism at [18F]FDG PET have been described as well. At the same time, spinal cord MRI has also shown progressive decrease of FA in the cortico-spinal tract over time. On the side of wet biomarkers, neurofilament proteins are increased both in the CSF and serum just before symptom onset and tend to slowly increase over time, while poly(GP) protein can be detected in the CSF and probably used as target engagement marker in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Querin
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Adult ClinicalTrials Platform, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,APHP, Centre de référence desmaladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, HôpitalPitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm UMRS974, Centre of Research in Myology (CRM), Institut de Myologie, GH PitiéSalpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Francois Pradat
- APHP, Département de Neurologie, Centre Référent SLA, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, United Kingdom
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12
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Gromicho M, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, Szacka K, Nieporecki K, Andersen PM, Grosskreutz J, Petri S, Pinto S, Uysal H, Swash M, De Carvalho M. Motor neuron disease beginning with frontotemporal dementia: clinical features and progression. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:508-516. [PMID: 34229542 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1910309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To study disease characteristics, progression and outcome in a group of motor neuron disease (MND) patients beginning with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by comparing them with patients with the typical motor-onset. Methods: 849 patients recruited from tertiary centers were studied according to FTD-onset and motor-onset. We studied clinical data, functional decline and survival. Results: Twenty six patients (3.1%) had FTD-onset of whom seven (26.9%) had coincident motor dysfunction. In those with isolated FTD-onset, motor symptoms developed after a median of 12 months (IQR: 4-18). FTD-onset patients were older at presentation; the bulbar-region was more frequently first affected than in the motor-onset group; there was a predominant upper motor neuron (UMN) phenotype; fasciculations were less common than in motor onset disease but facial and upper limb apraxia was more frequent; as well as ALS and FTD familial history. No differences were observed for gender, frequency of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, family history of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, median delay from motor symptoms to diagnosis, median ALSFRS-R rate of change, handedness, emotional lability, depression, weight loss, resting tremor, bradykinesia, sensory changes or neuropathy. Clinical and demographic features were similar between FTD-onset patients developing bulbar MND and bulbar-onset ALS patients. Once bulbar symptoms manifested functional progression and survival were similar to those of bulbar-onset ALS patients. Conclusions: MND patients with FTD-onset have a distinctive phenotype characterized by predominant UMN presentation and rapid progression to bulbar involvement. The main factor impacting functional decline and survival is the onset of bulbar dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gromicho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Katarzyna Szacka
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
| | | | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susana Pinto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Michael Swash
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom, and
| | - Mamede De Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa-Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Ediriweera GR, Chen L, Yerbury JJ, Thurecht KJ, Vine KL. Non-Viral Vector-Mediated Gene Therapy for ALS: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2142-2160. [PMID: 34010004 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, for which no effective treatment is yet available to either slow or terminate it. Recent advances in gene therapy renew hope for developing an effective approach to control this disease. Non-viral vectors, such as lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles, cationic polymers, and exosomes, can effectively transfer genes into primary neurons. The resulting gene expression can be long-term, stable, and without immunological complications, which is essential for the effective management of neurological disorders. This Review will first describe the current research and clinical stage of novel therapies for ALS. It will then touch on the journey of non-viral vector use in ALS, subsequently highlighting the application of non-viral vector-mediated gene therapy. The bottlenecks in the translation of non-viral vectors for ALS treatment are also discussed, including the biological barriers of systemic administration and the issues of "when, where, and how much?" for effective gene delivery. The prospect of employing emerging techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, stem cell methodology, and low-intensity focused ultrasound for fueling the transport of non-viral vectors to the central nervous system for personalized gene therapy, is briefly discussed in the context of ALS. Despite the challenging road that lies ahead, with the current expansion in interest and technological advancement in non-viral vector-delivered gene therapy for ALS, we hold hope that the field is headed toward a positive future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri R Ediriweera
- Centre for Advanced Imaging and Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Liyu Chen
- Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging and Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kara L Vine
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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14
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Development of LNA Gapmer Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy for ALS/FTD Caused by the C9orf72 Repeat Expansion. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2176:185-208. [PMID: 32865792 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0771-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have a complex genetic background, in addition to cases where the disease appears to manifest sporadically. The recent discovery of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene as the causative agent of ALS (C9ALS) gives rise to the opportunity to develop new therapies directed at this mutation , which is responsible for a large proportion of ALS and/or frontotemporal dementia cases. Mammalian models conscientiously replicating the late-onset motor defects and cellular pathologies seen in human patients do not exist. In this context, patient-derived cells give us a platform to test potential antisense oligonucleotide therapies, which could be the key to treat this subtype of motor neuron disease. Recently, we described that locked nucleic acid gapmer oligonucleotide-based treatment targeting C9orf72 repeat expanded transcripts resulted in recovery from the disease-related phenotypes in patient-derived fibroblasts. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of C9ALS using this gapmer oligonucleotide-based approach.
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15
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Tsai YL, Manley JL. Multiple ways to a dead end: diverse mechanisms by which ALS mutant genes induce cell death. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:631-646. [PMID: 33722167 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1886661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neuromuscular disorder caused by progressive motor neuron loss in the brain and spinal cord. Over the past decades, a number of genetic mutations have been identified that cause or are associated with ALS disease progression. Numerous genes harbor ALS mutations, and they encode proteins displaying a wide range of physiological functions, with limited overlap. Despite the divergent functions, mutations in these genes typically trigger protein aggregation, which can confer gain- and/or loss-of-function to a number of essential cellular processes. Nuclear processes such as mRNA splicing and the response to DNA damage are significantly affected in ALS patients. Cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria are damaged by ALS mutant proteins. Processes that maintain cellular homeostasis such as autophagy, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and nucleocytoplasmic transport, are also impaired by ALS mutations. Here, we review the multiple mechanisms by which mutations in major ALS-associated genes, such as TARDBP, C9ORF72 and FUS, lead to impairment of essential cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Lin Tsai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Lobar Degenerations: Similarities in Genetic Background. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030509. [PMID: 33805659 PMCID: PMC7998502 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal progressive degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) clinically, morphologically, and genetically. Although many distinct mutations in various genes are known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it remains poorly understood how they selectively impact motor neuron biology and whether they converge on common pathways to cause neuronal degeneration. Many of the gene mutations are in proteins that share similar functions. They can be grouped into those associated with cell axon dynamics and those associated with cellular phagocytic machinery, namely protein aggregation and metabolism, apoptosis, and intracellular nucleic acid transport. Analysis of pathways implicated by mutant ALS genes has provided new insights into the pathogenesis of both familial forms of ALS (fALS) and sporadic forms (sALS), although, regrettably, this has not yet yielded definitive treatments. Many genes play an important role, with TARDBP, SQSTM1, VCP, FUS, TBK1, CHCHD10, and most importantly, C9orf72 being critical genetic players in these neurological disorders. In this mini-review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms of these two diseases.
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17
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Li Hi Shing S, McKenna MC, Siah WF, Chipika RH, Hardiman O, Bede P. The imaging signature of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions: implications for clinical trials and therapy development. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:2693-2719. [PMID: 33398779 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00429-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
While C9orf72-specific imaging signatures have been proposed by both ALS and FTD research groups and considerable presymptomatic alterations have also been confirmed in young mutation carriers, considerable inconsistencies exist in the literature. Accordingly, a systematic review of C9orf72-imaging studies has been performed to identify consensus findings, stereotyped shortcomings, and unique contributions to outline future directions. A formal literature review was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines. All identified papers were individually reviewed for sample size, choice of controls, study design, imaging modalities, statistical models, clinical profiling, and identified genotype-associated pathological patterns. A total of 74 imaging papers were systematically reviewed. ALS patients with GGGGCC repeat expansions exhibit relatively limited motor cortex involvement and widespread extra-motor pathology. C9orf72 positive FTD patients often show preferential posterior involvement. Reports of thalamic involvement are relatively consistent across the various phenotypes. Asymptomatic hexanucleotide repeat carriers often exhibit structural and functional changes decades prior to symptom onset. Common shortcomings included sample size limitations, lack of disease-controls, limited clinical profiling, lack of genetic testing in healthy controls, and absence of post mortem validation. There is a striking paucity of longitudinal studies and existing presymptomatic studies have not evaluated the predictive value of radiological changes with regard to age of onset and phenoconversion. With the advent of antisense oligonucleotide therapies, the meticulous characterisation of C9orf72-associated changes has gained practical relevance. Neuroimaging offers non-invasive biomarkers for future clinical trials, presymptomatic ascertainment, diagnostic and prognostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Li Hi Shing
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Clare McKenna
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - We Fong Siah
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rangariroyashe H Chipika
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Bede
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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18
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Clinical Update on C9orf72: Frontotemporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Beyond. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:67-76. [PMID: 33433869 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The identification of C9orf72 gene has led to important scientific progresses and has considerably changed our clinical practice. However, a decade after C9orf72 discovery, some important clinical questions remain unsolved. The reliable cutoff for the pathogenic repeat number and the implication of intermediate alleles in frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or in other diseases are still uncertain. The occurrence of an anticipation phenomenon - at the clinical and molecular levels - in C9orf72 kindreds is still debated as well, and the factors driving age at onset and phenotype variability are largely unknown. All these questions have a significant impact not only in clinical practice for diagnosis and genetic counseling but also in a research context for the initiation of therapeutic trials. In this chapter, we will address all those issues and summarize the recent updates about clinical aspects of C9orf72 disease, focusing on both the common and the less typical phenotypes.
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19
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Shpilyukova YA, Fedotova EY, Berdnikovich ES, Konovalov RN, Zakharova MN, Grishina DA, Yakhno NN, Illarioshkin SN. [C9orf72-associated frontotemporal dementia in the Russian population]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:98-106. [PMID: 33081454 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202012009198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency of C9orf72-associated frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in the Russian population and to study clinical features of GGGGCC-repeat expansion carriers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-eight patients with FTD are included in the study: 15 with a behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD) and 13 with a agrammatic/non-fluent variant of primary progressive aphasia (avPPA). The mean age was 62 years (34-80), the mean disease duration was 4 years (1-10). The positive family history was noted in 46% of cases. DNA diagnosis was performed using repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The frequency of the C9orf72 repeat expansion in patients with FTD was 14%, in patients with bvFTD 20%, in patients with avPPA 8%. The mean age of disease onset in the expansion carriers was 63 (55-75) years. The frequency of the C9orf72 repeats expansion in familial FTD cases was 31%, in sporadic cases 7%. bvFTD with parkinsonian syndrome was noted in two out of four cases, bvFTD with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was shown in one case, avPPA with ALS was shown in one case. One female patient with bvFTD with parkinsonian syndrome presented with cognitive fluctuations that required a differential diagnosis with Lewy body disease. CONCLUSION This is the first study of the genetic structure of FTD in the Russian population. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of C9orf72-associated FTD were defined, in particular, the spectrum of motor symptoms was shown along with behavioral and aphasic disturbances. DNA diagnosis plays an important role in confirming the diagnosis and selection of patients for potential disease-modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - D A Grishina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N N Yakhno
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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20
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Yang Q, Jiao B, Shen L. The Development of C9orf72-Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Disorders. Front Genet 2020; 11:562758. [PMID: 32983232 PMCID: PMC7492664 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.562758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in the non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There are three main disease mechanisms: loss of function of C9ORF72 protein, gain of function from the accumulation of sense and antisense (GGGGCC)n in RNA, and from the production of toxic dipeptides repeat proteins (DPRs) by non-AUG initiated translation. While many of the downstream mechanisms have been identified, the specific pathogenic pathway is still unclear. In this article, we provide an overview on the currently available literature and propose several hypotheses: (1) The pathogenesis of C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD, which cannot be explained by a single mechanism, involves a dual mechanism of both loss and gain of function. (2) The loss of function and gain of function can cause TDP-43 aggregation and damage nucleocytoplasmic transport. (3) Neurodegeneration can be caused by an accumulation of toxic substances in neurons themselves. In addition, we suggest that microglia may cause neurodegeneration by releasing inflammatory factors to neurons. Finally, we summarize several of the most promising treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
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21
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Immiscible inclusion bodies formed by polyglutamine and poly(glycine-alanine) are enriched with distinct proteomes but converge in proteins that are risk factors for disease and involved in protein degradation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233247. [PMID: 32857759 PMCID: PMC7455042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(glycine-alanine) (polyGA) is one of the polydipeptides expressed in Frontotemporal Dementia and/or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 1 caused by C9ORF72 mutations and accumulates as inclusion bodies in the brain of patients. Superficially these inclusions are similar to those formed by polyglutamine (polyQ)-expanded Huntingtin exon 1 (Httex1) in Huntington’s disease. Both have been reported to form an amyloid-like structure suggesting they might aggregate via similar mechanisms and therefore recruit the same repertoire of endogenous proteins. When co-expressed in the same cell, polyGA101 and Httex1(Q97) inclusions adopted immiscible phases suggesting different endogenous proteins would be enriched. Proteomic analyses identified 822 proteins in the inclusions. Only 7 were specific to polyGA and 4 specific to Httex1(Q97). Quantitation demonstrated distinct enrichment patterns for the proteins not specific to each inclusion type (up to ~8-fold normalized to total mass). The proteasome, microtubules, TriC chaperones, and translational machinery were enriched in polyGA aggregates, whereas Dnaj chaperones, nuclear envelope and RNA splicing proteins were enriched in Httex1(Q97) aggregates. Both structures revealed a collection of folding and degradation machinery including proteins in the Httex1(Q97) aggregates that are risk factors for other neurodegenerative diseases involving protein aggregation when mutated, which suggests a convergence point in the pathomechanisms of these diseases.
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22
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Targeted next-generation sequencing study in familial ALS-FTD Portuguese patients negative for C9orf72 HRE. J Neurol 2020; 267:3578-3592. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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23
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Sellami L, Saracino D, Le Ber I. Genetic forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Current diagnostic approach and new directions in therapeutic strategies. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:571-581. [PMID: 32312500 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in the genetics of neurodegenerative diseases have substantially improved our knowledge about the genetic causes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Three major genes, namely progranulin (GRN), C9orf72 and MAPT, as well as several less common genes, are responsible for the majority of familial cases and for a significant proportion of sporadic forms, including FTLD with or without associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and some rarer clinical presentations. Plasma progranulin dosage and next-generation sequencing are currently available tools which allow the detection of a genetic cause in a more rapid and efficient way. This has important consequences for clinical practice and genetic counseling for patients and families. The ongoing investigations on some therapeutic candidates targeting different biological pathways involved in the most frequent genetic forms of FTLD, as well as a better understanding of the early pathophysiological modifications occurring during the presymptomatic phase of the disease could hopefully contribute to develop effective disease-modifying therapies. The identification of a causal mutation in a family is of outmost importance indeed to propose to presymptomatic carriers their inclusion in clinical trials with the aim to prevent or delay the onset of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sellami
- Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne université, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Département de neurologie, centre de référence des démences rares ou précoces, IM2A, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - D Saracino
- Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne université, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Département de neurologie, centre de référence des démences rares ou précoces, IM2A, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - I Le Ber
- Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Sorbonne université, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Département de neurologie, centre de référence des démences rares ou précoces, IM2A, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), FrontLab, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, CS21414, 75646 Paris cedex, France.
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Shamim U, Ambawat S, Singh J, Thomas A, Pradeep-Chandra-Reddy C, Suroliya V, Uppilli B, Parveen S, Sharma P, Chanchal S, Nashi S, Preethish-Kumar V, Vengalil S, Polavarapu K, Keerthipriya M, Mahajan NP, Reddy N, Thomas PT, Sadasivan A, Warrier M, Seth M, Zahra S, Mathur A, Vibha D, Srivastava AK, Nalini A, Faruq M. C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in Indian patients with ALS: a common founder and its geographical predilection. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 88:156.e1-156.e9. [PMID: 32035847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is defined as a major causative factor for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The mutation frequency varies dramatically among populations of different ethnicity; however, in most cases, C9orf72 mutant has been described on a common founder haplotype. We assessed its frequency in a study cohort involving 593 clinically and electrophysiologically defined ALS cases. We also investigated the presence of reported Finnish haplotype among the mutation carriers. The identified common haplotype region was further screened in 192 (carrying 2-6 G4C2 repeats) and 96 (≥7 repeats) control chromosomes. The G4C2 expansion was observed in 3.2% (19/593) of total cases where 9/19 (47.4%) positive cases belonged to the eastern region of India. Haplotype analysis revealed 11 G4C2-Ex carriers shared the common haplotype (haplo-A) background spanning a region of ∼90 kbp (rs895021-rs11789520) including rs3849942 (a well-known global at-risk loci with T allele for G4C2 expansion). The other 3 G4C2-Ex cases had a different haplotype (haplo-B) with core difference from haplo-A at G4C2-Ex flanking 31 kbp region between rs3849942 and rs11789520 SNPs (allele 'C' of rs3849942 which is a nonrisk allele). Out of other five G4C2-cases, four carried the risk allele T of rs3849942 while one harbored the non-risk allele. This study establishes the prevalence of C9orf72 expansion in Indian ALS cases providing further evidence for geographical predilection. The global core risk haplotype predominated C9orf72 expansion-positive ALS cases, yet the existence of a different haplotype suggests a second lineage (haplo B), which may have been derived from the Finnish core haplotype or may imply a unique haplotype among Asians. The association of risk haplotype with normal intermediate C9orf72 alleles reinforced its role in conferring instability to the C9orf72-G4C2 region. We thus present an effective support to interpret future burden of ALS cases in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Shamim
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sakshi Ambawat
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyotsna Singh
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Aneesa Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Varun Suroliya
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bharathram Uppilli
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shaista Parveen
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shankar Chanchal
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Saraswati Nashi
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Seena Vengalil
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kiran Polavarapu
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Muddasu Keerthipriya
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Neeraja Reddy
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Priya Treesa Thomas
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arun Sadasivan
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manjusha Warrier
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Malika Seth
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sana Zahra
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Aradhana Mathur
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepti Vibha
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Achal K Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atchayaram Nalini
- Neurology Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.
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25
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Ravnik-Glavač M, Glavač D. Circulating RNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051714. [PMID: 32138249 PMCID: PMC7084402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex multi-system neurodegenerative disorder with currently limited diagnostic and no therapeutic options. Despite the intense efforts no clinically applicable biomarkers for ALS are yet established. Most current research is thus focused, in particular, in identifying potential non-invasive circulating biomarkers for more rapid and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. In this review, we have focused on messenger RNA (mRNA), non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), micro RNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNAs) as potential biomarkers for ALS in peripheral blood serum, plasma and cells. The most promising miRNAs include miR-206, miR-133b, miR-27a, mi-338-3p, miR-183, miR-451, let-7 and miR-125b. To test clinical potential of this miRNA panel, a useful approach may be to perform such analysis on larger multi-center scale using similar experimental design. However, other types of RNAs (lncRNAs, circRNAs and mRNAs) that, together with miRNAs, represent RNA networks, have not been yet extensively studied in blood samples of patients with ALS. Additional research has to be done in order to find robust circulating biomarkers and therapeutic targets that will distinguish key RNA interactions in specific ALS-types to facilitate diagnosis, predict progression and design therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.R.-G.); (D.G.)
| | - Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.R.-G.); (D.G.)
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26
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Pensato V, Magri S, Dalla Bella E, Tannorella P, Bersano E, Sorarù G, Gatti M, Ticozzi N, Taroni F, Lauria G, Mariotti C, Gellera C. Sorting Rare ALS Genetic Variants by Targeted Re-Sequencing Panel in Italian Patients: OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 Variants Account for 3% of Rare Genetic Forms. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020412. [PMID: 32028661 PMCID: PMC7073901 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disease due to motor neuron loss variably associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Next generation sequencing technology revealed an increasing number of rare and novel genetic variants and interpretation of their pathogenicity represents a major challange in the diagnosis of ALS. We selected 213 consecutive patients with sporadic or familial (16%) ALS, tested negative for SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, and C9orf72 mutations. To reveal rare forms of genetic ALS, we performed a comprehensive multi-gene panel screening including 46 genes associated with ALS, hereditary motor neuronopathies, spastic paraplegia, and FTD. Our study allowed the identification of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 4.2% of patients. The genes with the highest percentage of pathogenic variants were OPTN (1%), VCP (1%) SQSTM1(1%), SETX (0.4%), FIG4 (0.4%), and GARS1 (0.4%) genes. We also found 49 novel or rare gene variants of unknown significance in 30 patients (14%), 44 unlikely pathogenic variants (39%), and 48 variants in ALS susceptibility genes. The results of our study suggest the screening of OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 genes in routine diagnostic investigations for both sporadic and familial cases, and confirm the importance of diagnosis and couselling for patients and their relative family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Pensato
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Stefania Magri
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Pierpaola Tannorella
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Enrica Bersano
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marta Gatti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy (E.B.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2394-2269
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.P.); (S.M.); (P.T.); (M.G.); (F.T.); (C.G.)
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27
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Corcia P, Lumbroso S, Cazeneuve C, Mouzat K, Camu W, Vourc'h P. Pre-symptomatic diagnosis in ALS. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:166-169. [PMID: 31932031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains partially understood even though it is accepted worldwide that motor neuron death results from a pluri-factorial process with a variable role of genetic factors. Although not distinguishable from a clinical point of view, familial forms of ALS (fALS, 10% of cases) and sporadic forms (sALS, 90% of cases) can be described. Since the identification of superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) mutations, more than 30 genes have been linked to fALS. Among these genes, five (C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, TBK1) seem predominant with mutation frequencies of 40%, 20%, 5%, <5%, <5% in fALS and 6%, 3%, and <1% for the last three in sALS, respectively. The situation that classically leads to request genetic screening is the presence of a familial history of motor neuron disorders (MND) or fronto-temporal lobar dementia (FTLD). However, this dichotomy between fALS and sALS based on familial history can lead to mistakes since illegitimacy, ignorance of MND, FTD or psychiatric disorders within the family due to a familial censorship or lack of familial relationship, or a recessive autosomal inheritance could wrongly lead to failing to recognize a familial form. The significant development of genetic research and easier access to genetic tests in fALS increase the number of situations for which gene mutations are identified. The consequence is an increase in genetic requests from relatives of ALS patients who are eager to know their own genetic status and their own individual risk to develop ALS. Pre-symptomatic testing is thus becoming a daily issue in ALS Centers. This led us to propose a framework for such pre-symptomatic genetic testing for people at risk for developing ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corcia
- Centre Constitutif SLA, CHU Bretonneau, Tours, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
| | - S Lumbroso
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - C Cazeneuve
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Neurogénétique Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - K Mouzat
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - W Camu
- Centre Consitutif SLA, Hopital Guy de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- Motoneuron Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapy, INM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France; Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CHRU Tours, France
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28
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Baradaran-Heravi Y, Van Broeckhoven C, van der Zee J. Stress granule mediated protein aggregation and underlying gene defects in the FTD-ALS spectrum. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104639. [PMID: 31626953 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic membraneless compartments composed out of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA molecules that assemble temporarily to allow the cell to cope with cellular stress by stalling mRNA translation and moving synthesis towards cytoprotective proteins. Aberrant SGs have become prime suspects in the nucleation of toxic protein aggregation in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Perturbed SG dynamics appears to be mediated by alterations in RNA binding proteins (RBP). Indeed, a growing number of FTD and/or ALS related RBPs coding genes (TDP43, FUS, EWSR1, TAF15, hnRNPA1, hnRNPA2B1, ATXN2, TIA1) have been identified to interfere with SG formation through mutation of their low-complexity domain (LCD), and thereby cause or influence disease. Interestingly, disease pathways associated to the C9orf72 repeat expansion, the leading genetic cause of the FTD-ALS spectrum, intersect with SG-mediated protein aggregate formation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of known SG proteins and their genetic contribution to the FTD-ALS spectrum. Importantly, multiple LCD-baring RBPs have already been identified in FTD-ALS that have not yet been genetically linked to disease. These should be considered candidate genes and offer opportunities for gene prioritization when mining sequencing data of unresolved FTD and ALS. Further, we zoom into the current understanding of the molecular processes of perturbed RBP function leading to disturbed SG dynamics, RNA metabolism, and pathological inclusions. Finally, we indicate how these gained insights open new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting phase separation and SG dynamics to reverse pathological protein aggregation and protect against toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Baradaran-Heravi
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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29
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Bertrand A, Wen J, Rinaldi D, Houot M, Sayah S, Camuzat A, Fournier C, Fontanella S, Routier A, Couratier P, Pasquier F, Habert MO, Hannequin D, Martinaud O, Caroppo P, Levy R, Dubois B, Brice A, Durrleman S, Colliot O, Le Ber I. Early Cognitive, Structural, and Microstructural Changes in Presymptomatic C9orf72 Carriers Younger Than 40 Years. JAMA Neurol 2019; 75:236-245. [PMID: 29197216 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.4266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Presymptomatic carriers of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) mutation, the most frequent genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, represent the optimal target population for the development of disease-modifying drugs. Preclinical biomarkers are needed to monitor the effect of therapeutic interventions in this population. Objectives To assess the occurrence of cognitive, structural, and microstructural changes in presymptomatic C9orf72 carriers. Design, Setting, and Participants The PREV-DEMALS study is a prospective, multicenter, observational study of first-degree relatives of individuals carrying the C9orf72 mutation. Eighty-four participants entered the study between October 2015 and April 2017; 80 (95%) were included in cross-sectional analyses of baseline data. All participants underwent neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging; 63 (79%) underwent diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. Gray matter volumes and diffusion tensor imaging metrics were calculated within regions of interest. Anatomical and microstructural differences between individuals who carried the C9orf72 mutation (C9+) and those who did not carry the C9orf72 mutation (C9-) were assessed using linear mixed-effects models. Data were analyzed from October 2015 to April 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in neuropsychological scores, gray matter volume, and white matter integrity between C9+ and C9- individuals. Results Of the 80 included participants, there were 41 C9+ individuals (24 [59%] female; mean [SD] age, 39.8 [11.1] years) and 39 C9- individuals (24 [62%] female; mean [SD] age, 45.2 [13.9] years). Compared with C9- individuals, C9+ individuals had lower mean (SD) praxis scores (163.4 [6.1] vs 165.3 [5.9]; P = .01) and intransitive gesture scores (34.9 [1.6] vs 35.7 [1.5]; P = .004), atrophy in 8 cortical regions of interest and in the right thalamus, and white matter alterations in 8 tracts. When restricting the analyses to participants younger than 40 years, compared with C9- individuals, C9+ individuals had lower praxis scores and intransitive gesture scores, atrophy in 4 cortical regions of interest and in the right thalamus, and white matter alterations in 2 tracts. Conclusions and Relevance Cognitive, structural, and microstructural alterations are detectable in young C9+ individuals. Early and subtle praxis alterations, underpinned by focal atrophy of the left supramarginal gyrus, may represent an early and nonevolving phenotype related to neurodevelopmental effects of C9orf72 mutation. White matter alterations reflect the future phenotype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while atrophy appears more diffuse. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the preclinical phase of C9orf72 disease and of the respective contribution of magnetic resonance biomarkers. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02590276.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bertrand
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Department of Radiology, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Junhao Wen
- Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Daisy Rinaldi
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Centre de Référence des Démences Rares ou Précoces, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marion Houot
- Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Centre of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Sayah
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Camuzat
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Clémence Fournier
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Fontanella
- Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Routier
- Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France.,Limoges University, Institut d'Epidémiologie Neurologique et Neurologie Tropicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Fédération de Recherche 3503, Institut Génomique, Environnement, Immunité, Santé et Thérapeutiques, Limoges, France
| | - Florence Pasquier
- Neurology Department, National Reference Center for Young Onset Dementia, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, INSERM U1171, Lille, France.,Equipe d'accueil 1046, Maladie d'Alzheimer et Pathologies Vasculaires, Lille University, Lille, France
| | - Marie-Odile Habert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, INSERM U1146, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7371, Paris, France
| | - Didier Hannequin
- Centre National de Référence pour les Malades Alzheimer Jeunes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, INSERM 1245, Rouen, France.,Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Olivier Martinaud
- Centre National de Référence pour les Malades Alzheimer Jeunes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, INSERM 1245, Rouen, France.,Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Paola Caroppo
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Division of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Richard Levy
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Centre de Référence des Démences Rares ou Précoces, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Centre of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Dubois
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Centre de Référence des Démences Rares ou Précoces, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Centre of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stanley Durrleman
- Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Colliot
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Centre pour l'Acquisition et le Traitement des Images, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Le Ber
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Centre de Référence des Démences Rares ou Précoces, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Centre of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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30
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Sakae N, Roemer SF, Bieniek KF, Murray ME, Baker MC, Kasanuki K, Graff-Radford NR, Petrucelli L, Van Blitterswijk M, Rademakers R, Dickson DW. Microglia in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with progranulin or C9ORF72 mutations. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1782-1796. [PMID: 31448566 PMCID: PMC6764493 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify clinicopathological differences between frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) due to mutations in progranulin (FTLD‐GRN) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (FTLD‐C9ORF72). Methods We performed quantitative neuropathologic comparison of 17 FTLD‐C9ORF72 and 15 FTLD‐GRN with a focus on microglia. For clinical comparisons, only cases with high quality medical documentation and concurring diagnoses by at least two neurologists were included (14 FTLD‐GRN and 13 FTLD‐C9ORF72). Neuropathological analyses were limited to TDP‐43 Type A to assure consistent assessment between the groups, acknowledging that Type A is a minority of C9ORF72 patients. Furthermore, only cases with sufficient tissue from all regions were studied (11 FTLD‐GRN and 11 FTLD‐C9ORF72). FTLD cases were also compared to age– and sex–matched normal controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed for pTDP‐43, IBA‐1, CD68, and GFAP. Morphological characterization of microglia was performed in sections of cortex blinded to clinical and genetic information. Results FTLD‐GRN patients had frequent asymmetric clinical features, including aphasia and apraxia, as well as more asymmetric cortical atrophy. Neuropathologically, FTLD‐C9ORF72 had greater hippocampal tau pathology and more TDP‐43 neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions. FTLD‐GRN had more neocortical microvacuolation, as well as more IBA‐1–positive ameboid microglia in superficial cortical layers and in subcortical white matter. FTLD‐GRN also had more microglia with nuclear condensation, possibly indicating apoptosis. Microglial morphology with CD68 immunohistochemistry in FTLD‐GRN and FTLD‐C9ORF72 differed from controls. Interpretation Our findings underscore differences in microglial response in FTLD‐C9ORF72 and FTLD‐GRN as shown by significant differences in ameboid microglia in gray and white matter. These results suggest the differential contribution of microglial dysfunction in FTLD‐GRN and FTLD‐C9ORF72 and suggest that clinical, neuroimaging and pathologic differences could in part be related to differences in microglia response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobutaka Sakae
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Shanu F Roemer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Kevin F Bieniek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Matthew C Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Koji Kasanuki
- Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
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31
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Andrés-Benito P, Gelpi E, Povedano M, Santpere G, Ferrer I. Gene Expression Profile in Frontal Cortex in Sporadic Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-TDP. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019; 77:608-627. [PMID: 29788265 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular alterations compromising key metabolic pathways are poorly understood in sporadic frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology (sFTLD-TDP). Whole-transcriptome array, RT-qPCR validation, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting, and mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activity were comparatively examined in frontal cortex (area 8) of 16 sFTLD-TDP cases and 14 controls. Assessment of 111 genes by RT-qPCR showed deregulation of 81 genes linked to neurotransmission and synapses, neuronal architecture, cytoskeleton of axons and dendrites, vesicle trafficking, purines, mitochondria, and energy metabolism in sFTLD-TDP. Western blotting studies disclosed downregulation of several mitochondrial subunits encoded by genomic DNA and MT-CO1 encoded by the mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial ETC activity of complexes I, IV, and V was decreased in sFTLD-TDP. These findings provide robust information about downregulation of genes involved in vital biochemical pathways and in synaptic neurotransmission which may help to increase understanding about the biochemical substrates of clinical manifestations in sFTLD-TDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andrés-Benito
- Neuropathology, Pathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Neurological Tissue Bank of the Biobanc-Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mónica Povedano
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Service of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Gabriel Santpere
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, IBE, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Neuropathology, Pathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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32
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Querin G, Bede P, El Mendili MM, Li M, Pélégrini-Issac M, Rinaldi D, Catala M, Saracino D, Salachas F, Camuzat A, Marchand-Pauvert V, Cohen-Adad J, Colliot O, Le Ber I, Pradat PF. Presymptomatic spinal cord pathology in c9orf72 mutation carriers: A longitudinal neuroimaging study. Ann Neurol 2019; 86:158-167. [PMID: 31177556 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeats expansions account for almost half of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. Recent imaging studies in asymptomatic C9orf72 carriers have demonstrated cerebral white (WM) and gray matter (GM) degeneration before the age of 40 years. The objective of this study was to characterize cervical spinal cord (SC) changes in asymptomatic C9orf72 hexanucleotide carriers. METHODS Seventy-two asymptomatic individuals were enrolled in a prospective study of first-degree relatives of ALS and FTD patients carrying the c9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion. Forty of them carried the pathogenic mutation (C9+ ). Each subject underwent quantitative cervical cord imaging. Structural GM and WM metrics and diffusivity parameters were evaluated at baseline and 18 months later. Data were analyzed in C9+ and C9- subgroups, and C9+ subjects were further stratified by age. RESULTS At baseline, significant WM atrophy was detected at each cervical vertebral level in C9+ subjects older than 40 years without associated changes in GM and diffusion tensor imaging parameters. At 18-month follow-up, WM atrophy was accompanied by significant corticospinal tract (CST) fractional anisotropy (FA) reductions. Intriguingly, asymptomatic C9+ subjects older than 40 years with family history of ALS (as opposed to FTD) also exhibited significant CST FA reduction at baseline. INTERPRETATION Cervical SC imaging detects WM atrophy exclusively in C9+ subjects older than 40 years, and progressive CST FA reductions can be identified on 18-month follow-up. Cervical SC magnetic resonance imaging readily captures presymptomatic pathological changes and disease propagation in c9orf72-associated conditions. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:158-167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Querin
- Department of Neurology, SLA Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Peter Bede
- Department of Neurology, SLA Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Computational Neuroimaging Group, Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohamed Mounir El Mendili
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Menghan Li
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Pélégrini-Issac
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Daisy Rinaldi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Sorbonne University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1127, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Rare or Early Dementia, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Martin Catala
- Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Sorbonne University, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7622, National Institute of Health and Medical Research Accademic Research Unit 1156, Biology Institute Paris-Seine, Paris, France
| | - Dario Saracino
- Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Sorbonne University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1127, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - François Salachas
- Department of Neurology, SLA Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Agnes Camuzat
- Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Sorbonne University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1127, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Marchand-Pauvert
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Functional Neuroimaging Unit, Research Center of the University Institute of Geriatrics of Montreal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Colliot
- Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Sorbonne University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1127, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Aramis Project Team, Inria Research Center of Paris, Paris, France.,Center for Image Acquisition and Processing, Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Le Ber
- Brain and Spinal Cord Institute, Sorbonne University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1127, National Center for Scientific Research Mixed Unit of Research 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Reference Center for Rare or Early Dementia, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Center of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, SLA Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Department of Neurology, SLA Reference Center, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Clinical-Translational Research and Innovation Center, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, United Kingdom
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Ho WY, Tai YK, Chang JC, Liang J, Tyan SH, Chen S, Guan JL, Zhou H, Shen HM, Koo E, Ling SC. The ALS-FTD-linked gene product, C9orf72, regulates neuronal morphogenesis via autophagy. Autophagy 2019; 15:827-842. [PMID: 30669939 PMCID: PMC6526867 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2019.1569441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in C9orf72 leading to hexanucleotide expansions are the most common genetic causes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A phenotype resembling ALS and FTD is seen in transgenic mice overexpressing the hexanucleotide expansions, but is absent in C9orf72-deficient mice. Thus, the exact function of C9orf72 in neurons and how loss of C9orf72 may contribute to neuronal dysfunction remains to be clearly defined. Here, we showed that primary hippocampal neurons cultured from c9orf72 knockout mice have reduced dendritic arborization and spine density. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified C9orf72 as a component of the macroautophagy/autophagy initiation complex composed of ULK1-RB1CC1-ATG13-ATG101. The association was mediated through the direct interaction with ATG13 via the isoform-specific carboxyl-terminal DENN and dDENN domain of C9orf72. Furthermore, c9orf72 knockout neurons showed reduced LC3-II puncta accompanied by reduced ULK1 levels, suggesting that loss of C9orf72 impairs basal autophagy. Conversely, wild-type neurons treated with a ULK1 kinase inhibitor showed a dose-dependent reduction of dendritic arborization and spine density. Furthermore, expression of the long isoform of human C9orf72 that interacts with the ULK1 complex, but not the short isoform, rescues autophagy and the dendritic arborization phenotypes of c9orf72 knockout neurons. Taken together, our data suggests that C9orf72 has a cell-autonomous role in neuronal and dendritic morphogenesis through promotion of ULK1-mediated autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Yun Ho
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Kit Tai
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jer-Cherng Chang
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jason Liang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sheue-Houy Tyan
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Song Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Huilin Zhou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward Koo
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shuo-Chien Ling
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology/Ageing Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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34
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Andrés-Benito P, Gelpi E, Povedano M, Ausín K, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Santamaría E, Ferrer I. Combined Transcriptomics and Proteomics in Frontal Cortex Area 8 in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Linked to C9ORF72 Expansion. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 68:1287-1307. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-181123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andrés-Benito
- Neuropathology, Pathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Neurological Tissue Bank of the Biobanc-Hospital Clínic-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mónica Povedano
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Service of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Karina Ausín
- IDISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics group and Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Department of Health, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Fernández-Irigoyen
- IDISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics group and Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Department of Health, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaría
- IDISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics group and Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Department of Health, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Neuropathology, Pathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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35
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Fournier C, Barbier M, Camuzat A, Anquetil V, Lattante S, Clot F, Cazeneuve C, Rinaldi D, Couratier P, Deramecourt V, Sabatelli M, Belliard S, Vercelletto M, Forlani S, Jornea L, Leguern E, Brice A, Le Ber I, Brice A, Auriacombe S, Belliard S, Blanc F, Bouteleau-Bretonnière C, Ceccaldi M, Couratier P, Didic M, Dubois B, Duyckaerts C, Etcharry-Bouix F, Golfier V, Hannequin D, Lacomblez L, Le Ber I, Levy R, Michel BF, Pasquier F, Thomas-Anterion C, Pariente J, Sellal F, Vercelletto M, Benchetrit E, Bertin H, Bertrand A, Bissery A, Bombois S, Boncoeur MP, Cassagnaud P, Chastan M, Chen Y, Chupin M, Colliot O, Couratier P, Delbeucq X, Deramecourt V, Delmaire C, Gerardin E, Hossein-Foucher C, Dubois B, Habert MO, Hannequin D, Lautrette G, Lebouvier T, Le Ber I, Lehéricy S, Le Toullec B, Levy R, Martineau K, Mackowiak MA, Monteil J, Pasquier F, Petyt G, Pradat PF, Oya AH, Rinaldi D, Rollin-Sillaire A, Salachas F, Sayah S, Wallon D. Relations between C9orf72 expansion size in blood, age at onset, age at collection and transmission across generations in patients and presymptomatic carriers. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 74:234.e1-234.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Goldman JS, Van Deerlin VM. Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia: The Current State of Genetics and Genetic Testing Since the Advent of Next-Generation Sequencing. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 22:505-513. [PMID: 29971646 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of next-generation sequencing has changed genetic diagnostics, allowing clinicians to test concurrently for phenotypically overlapping conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, to interpret genetic results, clinicians require an understanding of the benefits and limitations of different genetic technologies, such as the inability to detect large repeat expansions in such diseases as C9orf72-associated FTD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Other types of mutations such as large deletions or duplications and triple repeat expansions may also go undetected. Additionally, the concurrent testing of multiple genes or the whole exome increases the likelihood of discovering variants of unknown significance. Our goal here is to review the current knowledge about the genetics of AD and FTD and suggest up-to-date guidelines for genetic testing for these dementias. Despite the improvements in diagnosis due to biomarkers testing, AD and FTD can have overlapping symptoms. When used appropriately, genetic testing can elucidate the diagnosis and specific etiology of the disease, as well as provide information for the family and determine eligibility for clinical trials. Prior to ordering genetic testing, clinicians must determine the appropriate genes to test, the types of mutations that occur in these genes, and the best type of genetic test to use. Without this analysis, interpretation of genetic results will be difficult. Patients should be counseled about the benefits and limitations of different types of genetic tests so they can make an informed decision about testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Goldman
- Taub Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St., Box 16, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Vivianna M Van Deerlin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 7.103 Founders Pavilion, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second commonest cause of young onset dementia. Our understanding of FTD and its related syndromes has advanced significantly in recent years. Among the most prominent areas of progress is the overlap between FTD, MND, and other neurodegenerative conditions at a clinicopathologic and genetic level. In parallel major advances in neuroimaging techniques, the discovery of new genetic mutations as well as the development of potential biomarkers may serve to further expand knowledge of the biologic processes at play in FTD and may in turn propel research toward identifying curative and preventative pharmacologic therapies. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the clinical, pathologic, and genetic complexities of FTD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Devenney
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah M Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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38
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Castelnovo V, Caminiti SP, Riva N, Magnani G, Silani V, Perani D. Heterogeneous brain FDG-PET metabolic patterns in patients with C9orf72 mutation. Neurol Sci 2018; 40:515-521. [PMID: 30554355 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is an associated genetic cause in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In the "ALS/FTD" spectrum prevails clinical heterogeneity and an in vivo knowledge of the underling brain dysfunction in patients carrying C9orf72 mutation remain limited and only described at group level. The study aimed to assess the brain metabolic alterations characterizing patients with C9orf72 mutation using FDG-PET in single individuals. METHODS We applied a validated statistical parametric mapping (SPM) voxel-based procedure for FDG-PET data to obtain maps of brain relative hypometabolism and hypermetabolism at single-subject level in six FTD/ALS patients carrying the C9orf72 mutation. RESULTS Clinical diagnoses classified the patients as right semantic variant of frontotemporal dementia (one case, C9svFTD), behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (two cases, C9bvFTD), and bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (three cases, C9bALS). The FDG-PET SPM revealed a prevalent frontal hypometabolism in C9bvFTD cases, and right temporal polar and lateral involvement in C9svFTD, consistent with the clinical diagnosis. There was a quite comparable occipital and cerebellar hypermetabolism in these cases. The three C9bALS patients showed variable patterns of hypo- and hypermetabolism. CONCLUSIONS The present work is the first in vivo FDG-PET study showing the heterogeneous patterns of brain regional hypo- and hypermetabolism in single patients sharing C9orf72 mutation. Brain hypometabolism was consistent with the clinical phenotypes, supporting the diagnostic importance of neuroimaging functional biomarkers to capture at single-subject level specific brain dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Castelnovo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Paola Caminiti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,In vivo Structural and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. .,In vivo Structural and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. .,Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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Ferrer I. Oligodendrogliopathy in neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates: The forgotten partner. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:24-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Douglas AGL. Non-coding RNA in C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia: A perfect storm of dysfunction. Noncoding RNA Res 2018; 3:178-187. [PMID: 30533567 PMCID: PMC6260478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the first intron/promoter region of C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Both sense and antisense transcripts exist at the C9orf72 locus but the function of the antisense lncRNA is unknown. RNA toxicity of the transcribed repeat expansion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of C9orf72-related ALS/FTD, not only through direct sequestration of important RNA binding proteins but also indirectly through non-ATG dependent translation into dipeptide repeats. Formation of RNA/DNA hybrid R-loops may also play a key role in the pathogenesis of this condition and this mechanism could provide a link between the repeat expansion, DNA damage, repeat instability and deficiency of RNA binding proteins. Non-coding C9orf72 antisense transcripts could also act to epigenetically regulate gene expression at the locus. The potential effects of such non-coding RNAs should be considered in the design of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics for C9orf72-related ALS/FTD. Furthermore, the mechanisms of RNA dysregulation exemplified by C9orf72-related disease may help illustrate more broadly how a “perfect storm” of dysfunction occurs in ALS/FTD and how targeting these factors could lead to corrective or preventative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G L Douglas
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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41
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Aymerich MS, Aso E, Abellanas MA, Tolon RM, Ramos JA, Ferrer I, Romero J, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid pharmacology/therapeutics in chronic degenerative disorders affecting the central nervous system. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:67-84. [PMID: 30121249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exerts a modulatory effect of important functions such as neurotransmission, glial activation, oxidative stress, or protein homeostasis. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a common neuropathological hallmark in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The broad spectrum of actions of cannabinoids allows targeting different aspects of these multifactorial diseases. In this review, we examine the therapeutic potential of the ECS for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First, we describe the localization of the molecular components of the ECS and how they are altered under neurodegenerative conditions, either contributing to or protecting cells from degeneration. Second, we address recent advances in the modulation of the ECS using experimental models through different strategies including the direct targeting of cannabinoid receptors with agonists or antagonists, increasing the endocannabinoid tone by the inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and activation of cannabinoid receptor-independent effects. Preclinical evidence indicates that cannabinoid pharmacology is complex but supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS. Third, we review the clinical evidence and discuss the future perspectives on how to bridge human and animal studies to develop cannabinoid-based therapies for each neurodegenerative disorder. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to each disease and the multiple unexplored pathways in cannabinoid pharmacology that could be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Aymerich
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Spain.
| | - Ester Aso
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miguel A Abellanas
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Tolon
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Jose A Ramos
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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42
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[Genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia : Overlap and differences]. DER NERVENARZT 2018; 88:728-735. [PMID: 28573364 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-017-0349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) overlap not only clinically, but also with respect to shared neuropathology and genes. A large number of novel genes has recently been identified which underlie both diseases, e. g., C9orf72, TARDBP, GRN, TBK1, UBQLN2, VCP, CHCHD10, or SQSTM1. In contrast, other genes are still largely associated with only one of the two diseases, e. g., SOD1 with ALS or MAPT with FTD. These genetic findings indicate a large number of shared mechanisms, yet along with still a certain cell-specific vulnerability. The recently identified genes are not only key to investigate the pathophysiology underlying ALS and FTD, but also the first step in the development of causal gene- or pathway-specific therapies. Mutations in these genes are also found in a substantial share of seemingly "sporadic" ALS and FTD patients. Given the large genetic heterogeneity with more than >25 genes having been identified for ALS and FTD, genetic diagnostics should - after exclusion of C9orf72 repeat expansions - no longer resort to single gene-diagnostics, but rather use next generation sequencing panels or whole exome sequencing.
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Conforti FL, Tortelli R, Morello G, Capozzo R, Barulli MR, Cavallaro S, Logroscino G. Clinical features and genetic characterization of two dizygotic twins with C9orf72 expansion. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 69:293.e1-293.e8. [PMID: 29866399 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to present a detailed clinical, genetic, and epigenetic characterization of 2 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) concordant dizygotic twins. The described cases underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations according to the motor neuron disease protocol of our referral center. Mutation analysis of the major causative genes related to ALS was performed. The methylation profile of the CpG island located in the promoter region of C9orf72 and in the repeat region itself was investigated by bisulfite sequencing of C9orf72 expansion carriers. The described cases presented an overlapping phenotype. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of an abnormal (>50 repeats) G4C2-repeat expansion in C9orf72. Both the direct bisulfite sequencing-sensitive and the methylation-sensitive HhaI assays did not reveal any DNA methylation at the CpG island 5' of the G4C2 repeat in C9orf72. The (G4C2)n methylation assay indicated that also the expansion itself was not methylated in both twins, suggesting a probably intermediate allele expansion. This is the first report of ALS-concordant dizygotic twins carrying a C9orf72 expansion probably of intermediate length, and with a detailed clinical and genetic characterization. Twin studies add significant information about the mechanisms of C9orf72 expansion pleiotropism, probably driven by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosanna Tortelli
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "A. Moro" at Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Morello
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Mangone, Cosenza, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Capozzo
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "A. Moro" at Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Barulli
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "A. Moro" at Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Mangone, Cosenza, Catania, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "A. Moro" at Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
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Nonaka T, Masuda-Suzukake M, Hosokawa M, Shimozawa A, Hirai S, Okado H, Hasegawa M. C9ORF72 dipeptide repeat poly-GA inclusions promote intracellular aggregation of phosphorylated TDP-43. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2658-2670. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shinobu Hirai
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruo Okado
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Denk J, Oberhauser F, Kornhuber J, Wiltfang J, Fassbender K, Schroeter ML, Volk AE, Diehl-Schmid J, Prudlo J, Danek A, Landwehrmeyer B, Lauer M, Otto M, Jahn H. Specific serum and CSF microRNA profiles distinguish sporadic behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia compared with Alzheimer patients and cognitively healthy controls. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197329. [PMID: 29746584 PMCID: PMC5945001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on circulating miRNAs in frontotemporal lobar degeneration is very limited and conflicting results have complicated an interpretation in Alzheimer's disease thus far. In the present study we I) collected samples from multiple clinical centers across Germany, II) defined 3 homogenous patient groups with high sample sizes (bvFTD n = 48, AD n = 48 and cognitively healthy controls n = 44), III) compared expression levels in both CSF and serum samples and IV) detected a limited set of miRNAs by using a MIQE compliant protocol based on SYBR-green miRCURY assays that have proven reliable to generate reproducible results. We included several quality controls that identified and reduced technical variation to increase the reliability of our data. We showed that the expression levels of circulating miRNAs measured in CSF did not correlate with levels in serum. Using cluster analysis we found expression pattern in serum that, in part, reflects the genomic organization and affiliation to a specific miRNA family and that were specifically altered in bvFTD, AD, and control groups. Applying factor analysis we identified a 3-factor model characterized by a miRNA signature that explained 80% of the variance classifying healthy controls with 97%, bvFTD with 77% and AD with 72% accuracy. MANOVA confirmed signals like miR-320a and miR-26b-5p at BH corrected significance that contributed most to discriminate bvFTD cases with 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity and AD cases with 89% sensitivity and specificity compared to healthy controls, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that miRNAs from the 3-factor model also correlated with levels of protein biomarker amyloid-beta1-42 and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain, indicating their potential role in the monitoring of progressive neuronal degeneration. Our data show that miRNAs can be reproducibly measured in serum and CSF without pre-amplification and that serum includes higher expressed signals that demonstrate an overall better ability to classify bvFTD, AD and healthy controls compared to signals detected in CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Denk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Oberhauser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Matthias L. Schroeter
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Clinic Leipzig and Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander E. Volk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Prudlo
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Adrian Danek
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martin Lauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Holger Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- AMEOS Klinikum, Heiligenhafen, Heiligenhafen, Germany
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46
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Espejo-Porras F, García-Toscano L, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Santos-García I, de Lago E, Fernandez-Ruiz J. Targeting glial cannabinoid CB 2 receptors to delay the progression of the pathological phenotype in TDP-43 (A315T) transgenic mice, a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1585-1600. [PMID: 29574689 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are up-regulated in reactive microglia in the spinal cord of TDP-43 (A315T) transgenic mice, an experimental model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To determine whether this up-regulation can be exploited pharmacologically, we investigated the effects of different treatments that affect CB2 receptor function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We treated TDP-43 (A315T) transgenic mice with the non-selective agonist WIN55,212-2, alone or combined with selective CB1 or CB2 antagonists, as well as with the selective CB2 agonist HU-308, and evaluated their effects on the pathological phenotype. KEY RESULTS WIN55,212-2 had modest beneficial effects in the rotarod test, Nissl staining of motor neurons, and GFAP and Iba-1 immunostainings in the spinal cord, which were mediated in part by CB2 receptor activation. HU-308 significantly improved the rotarod performance of the transgenic mice, with complete preservation of Nissl-stained motor neurons in the ventral horn. Reactive astrogliosis labelled with GFAP was also attenuated by HU-308 in the dorsal and ventral horns, in which CB2 receptors colocalize with this astroglial marker. Furthermore, HU-308 reduced the elevated Iba-1 immunostaining in the ventral horn of TDP-43 transgenic mice, but did not affect this immunoreactivity in white matter, in which CB2 receptors also colocalize with this microglial marker. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our study shows an important role for glial CB2 receptors in limiting the progression of the pathological phenotype in TDP-43 (A315T) transgenic mice. Such benefits appear to derive from the activation of CB2 receptors concentrated in astrocytes and reactive microglia located in spinal dorsal and ventral horns. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernandez-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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Gendron TF, Petrucelli L. Disease Mechanisms of C9ORF72 Repeat Expansions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a024224. [PMID: 28130314 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G4C2 repeat expansions within the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These bidirectionally transcribed expansions lead to (1) the accumulation of sense G4C2 and antisense G2C4 repeat-containing RNA, (2) the production of proteins of repeating dipeptides through unconventional translation of these transcripts, and (3) decreased C9ORF72 mRNA and protein expression. Consequently, there is ample opportunity for the C9ORF72 mutation to give rise to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from muscle weakness and atrophy to changes in behavior and cognition. It is thus somewhat surprising that investigations of these three seemingly disparate events often converge on similar putative pathological mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the findings and questions emerging from the field's quest to decipher how C9ORF72 repeat expansions cause the devastating diseases collectively referred to as "c9ALS/FTD."
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224
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48
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Abstract
Repeat expansions in the promoter region of C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related disorders of the ALS/frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) spectrum. Remarkable clinical heterogeneity among patients with a repeat expansion has been observed, and genetic anticipation over different generations has been suggested. Genetic factors modifying the clinical phenotype have been proposed, including genetic variation in other known disease genes, the genomic context of the C9orf72 repeat, and expanded repeat size, which has been estimated between 45 and several thousand units. The role of variability in normal and expanded repeat sizes for disease risk and clinical phenotype is under debate. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed, including loss of function, RNA toxicity, and dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein toxicity resulting from abnormal translation of the expanded repeat, but the major mechanism is yet unclear.
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49
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Nguyen HP, Van Broeckhoven C, van der Zee J. ALS Genes in the Genomic Era and their Implications for FTD. Trends Genet 2018; 34:404-423. [PMID: 29605155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, characterized genetically by a disproportionately large contribution of rare genetic variation. Driven by advances in massive parallel sequencing and applied on large patient-control cohorts, systematic identification of these rare variants that make up the genetic architecture of ALS became feasible. In this review paper, we present a comprehensive overview of recently proposed ALS genes that were identified based on rare genetic variants (TBK1, CHCHD10, TUBA4A, CCNF, MATR3, NEK1, C21orf2, ANXA11, TIA1) and their potential relevance to frontotemporal dementia genetic etiology. As more causal and risk genes are identified, it has become apparent that affected individuals can carry multiple disease-associated variants. In light of this observation, we discuss the oligogenic architecture of ALS. To end, we highlight emerging key molecular processes and opportunities for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Phuoc Nguyen
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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50
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Zamiri B, Mirceta M, Abu-Ghazalah R, Wold MS, Pearson CE, Macgregor RB. Stress-induced acidification may contribute to formation of unusual structures in C9orf72-repeats. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:1482-1491. [PMID: 29550431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expansion of the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC)n·(GGCCCC)n is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Both strands of the C9orf72 repeat have been shown to form unusual DNA and RNA structures that are thought to be involved in mutagenesis and/or pathogenesis. We previously showed that the C-rich DNA strands from the C9orf72 repeat can form four-stranded quadruplexes at neutral pH. The cytosine residues become protonated under slightly acidic pH (pH 4.5-6.2), facilitating the formation of intercalated i-motif structures. METHODS Using CD spectroscopy, UV melting, and gel electrophoresis, we demonstrate a pH-induced structural transition of the C-rich DNA strand of the C9orf72 repeat at pHs reported to exist in living cells under stress, including during neurodegeneration and cancer. RESULTS We show that the repeats with lengths of 4, 6, and 8 units, form intercalated quadruplex i-motifs at low pH (pH < 5) and monomolecular hairpins and monomolecular quadruplexes under neutral-basic conditions (pH ≥ 8). Furthermore, we show that the human replication protein A (RPA) binds to the G-rich and C-rich DNA strands under acidic conditions, suggesting that it can bind to i-motif structures. CONCLUSIONS In the proper sequence context, i-motif structures can form at pH values found in some cells in vivo. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE DNA conformational plasticity exists over broad range of solution conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Zamiri
- Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Mila Mirceta
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada; Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Rashid Abu-Ghazalah
- W. Booth School of Engineering Technology Practice and Technology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 0A3, Canada
| | - Marc S Wold
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christopher E Pearson
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada; Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada.
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