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Leighton DJ, Ansari M, Newton J, Cleary E, Stephenson L, Beswick E, Carod Artal J, Davenport R, Duncan C, Gorrie GH, Morrison I, Swingler R, Deary IJ, Porteous M, Chandran S, Pal S. Genotypes and phenotypes of motor neuron disease: an update of the genetic landscape in Scotland. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12450-w. [PMID: 38852112 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation of Motor Neuron Disease (CARE-MND) database and the Scottish Regenerative Neurology Tissue Bank, we aimed to outline the genetic epidemiology and phenotypes of an incident cohort of people with MND (pwMND) to gain a realistic impression of the genetic landscape and genotype-phenotype associations. METHODS Phenotypic markers were identified from the CARE-MND platform. Sequence analysis of 48 genes was undertaken. Variants were classified using a structured evidence-based approach. Samples were also tested for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions using repeat-prime PCR methodology. RESULTS 339 pwMND donated a DNA sample: 44 (13.0%) fulfilled criteria for having a pathogenic variant/repeat expansion, 53.5% of those with a family history of MND and 9.3% of those without. The majority (30 (8.8%)) had a pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansion, including two with intermediate expansions. Having a C9orf72 expansion was associated with a significantly lower Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen ALS-Specific score (p = 0.0005). The known pathogenic SOD1 variant p.(Ile114Thr), frequently observed in the Scottish population, was detected in 9 (2.7%) of total cases but in 17.9% of familial cases. Rare variants were detected in FUS and NEK1. One individual carried both a C9orf72 expansion and SOD1 variant. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide an accurate summary of MND demographics and genetic epidemiology. We recommend early genetic testing of people with cognitive impairment to ensure that C9orf72 carriers are given the best opportunity for informed treatment planning. Scotland is enriched for the SOD1 p.(Ile114Thr) variant and this has significant implications with regards to future genetically-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Leighton
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
| | - Morad Ansari
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine Cleary
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Stephenson
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Beswick
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Richard Davenport
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Callum Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - George H Gorrie
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Ian Morrison
- Department of Neurology, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Swingler
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian J Deary
- Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary Porteous
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Dratch L, Owczarzak J, Mu W, Cousins KAQ, Massimo L, Grossman M, Erby L. The lived experience of reconstructing identity in response to genetic risk of frontotemporal degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Genet Couns 2024; 33:515-527. [PMID: 37424394 PMCID: PMC10776796 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing availability of predictive genetic testing for adult-onset neurodegenerative conditions, it is imperative that we better understand the impact of learning one's risk status. Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the second most prevalent cause of early-onset dementia. About one-third of patients have an identifiable genetic etiology, and some genetic variants that cause FTD can also cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To understand individuals' risk perception and broader experience of living at risk, we completed semi-structured telephone interviews with 14 asymptomatic adults who tested positive for a variant known to cause risk for FTD and/or ALS. We conducted a thematic analysis, and within the core topic of identity, we derived three themes: conceptualization of FTD and ALS as a threat to identity, enduring uncertainty and dread, and varying centrality of risk status to identity. FTD and ALS risk raised fundamental issues for participants related to the essence of personhood, challenged them to confront Cartesian dualism (the philosophy of mind-body separation), and exposed how time, relationships, and social roles have affected their understanding of the nature of the self. Our findings provide important insight into how being at genetic risk shapes an individual's identity. We conclude that genetic counseling interventions that allow for identity exploration, anticipatory guidance, and uncertainty management should be utilized when supporting persons at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laynie Dratch
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jill Owczarzak
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Weiyi Mu
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Lauren Massimo
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Murray Grossman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lori Erby
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Center for Precision Health Research, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD
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3
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Howard J, Mazanderani F, Keenan KF, Turner MR, Locock L. Fluctuating salience in those living with genetic risk of motor neuron disease: A qualitative interview study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14024. [PMID: 38528673 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neuron disease (MND) (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a life-limiting neurodegenerative condition. In up to 20% of people with MND, a pathogenic variant associated with autosomal dominant inheritance can be identified. Children of people carrying a pathogenic variant have a 50% chance of inheriting this and a higher, although harder to predict, chance of developing the disease compared to the general adult population. This paper explores the experience of living with the genetic risk of MND. METHODS We undertook a UK-based interview study with 35 individuals, including: 7 people living with genetically-mediated forms of MND; 24 asymptomatic relatives, the majority of whom had an increased risk of developing the disease; and 4 unrelated partners. RESULTS We explore how individuals make sense of genetic risk, unpacking the interplay between genetic knowledge, personal perception, experiences of the disease in the family, age and life stage and the implications that living with risk has for different aspects of their lives. We balance an emphasis on the emotional and psychological impact described by participants, with a recognition that the salience of risk fluctuates over time. Furthermore, we highlight the diverse strategies and approaches people employ to live well in the face of uncertainty and the complex ways they engage with the possibility of developing symptoms in the future. Finally, we outline the need for open-ended, tailored support and information provision. CONCLUSIONS Drawing on wider literature on genetic risk, we foreground how knowledge of MND risk can disrupt individuals' taken-for-granted assumptions on life and perceptions of the future, but also its contextuality, whereby its relevance becomes more prominent at critical junctures. This research has been used in the development of a public-facing resource on the healthtalk.org website. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION People with experience of living with genetic risk were involved throughout the design and conduct of the study and advised on aspects including the topic guide, sampling and recruitment and the developing analysis. Two patient and public involvement contributors joined a formal advisory panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Howard
- Division of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fadhila Mazanderani
- School of Social and Political Science, Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Louise Locock
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Steigerwald CG, Bertolini C, McElhiney M, Bergner AL, Harms MB, Harrington EA. Individuals' experiences in genetic counseling and predictive testing for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Genet Couns 2024. [PMID: 38477424 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
As clinical genetic testing in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnostic setting increases, the identification of at-risk family members has also expanded. No practice guidelines specifically for predictive genetic testing exist, and few studies about the psychological impacts of testing in this subgroup have occurred, limiting the ability to tailor recommendations and counseling in this community. We surveyed asymptomatic individuals at risk for inheriting an ALS-associated gene mutation. The 80-question survey was designed using a combination of validated measures (General Anxiety Disorder; FACToR; Decision Regret Scale) and original items. Ninety participants completed the survey, including those who completed predictive genetic testing (N = 42) and those who did not (N = 48). Gene positive individuals experienced greater negativity, uncertainty, and overall psychological impairment (p = 0.002; p < 0.001; p = 0.001). Individuals who had not undergone testing reported thinking about their risk multiple times per day and experiencing more decisional regret than those who tested (p = 0.006). In terms of decision-making, being prepared for potential clinical drug trials was a more important potential benefit among those who underwent testing (p = 0.026). Participants valuing preparedness for clinical drug trials supports the concept that genetic testing for ALS will increase as research in gene-targeted therapeutics progresses. This study describes factors relevant to the genetic testing decision-making process and adaptation to results from the perspective of at-risk individuals, which can ultimately guide genetic counseling practice in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connolly G Steigerwald
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- Division of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Carina Bertolini
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Martin McElhiney
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Amanda L Bergner
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Matthew B Harms
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Harrington
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
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Jia H, Li Z, Liu H, Ren M, Liu T, Zhou X, Li X, Li R, Liu Q, Liu Y, Dong H. The Beaumont behavioral intervention in a Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:88-95. [PMID: 37855109 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2271518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of behavior impairment (27.38%) in the Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort is lower. We hypothesize that the screening scales used among studies might not be appropriate to diagnose behavioral disorders in ALS patients. So, we urgently need to find a behavior scale with a high detection rate designed specifically for ALS. This study aims to verify the Chinese translation of the Beaumont Behavioral Inventory (BBI) as an effective assessment in a Chinese ALS cohort. METHODS Ninety-eighty ALS patients and ninety-three healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants took emotional state, overall cognitive, sleep quality and gastroenteric function, and behavioral evaluation. RESULTS The BBI scores showed a strong association with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia-Questionnaire (ALS-FTD-Q) (rs = 0.71, p < 0.001) as well as a moderate correlation with the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). High internal consistency was demonstrated in patients using BBI-after items (Cronbach's a = 0.89). When tested against clinical diagnoses, the optimal cutoff of total BBI score was identified at 5.5 (AUC = 0.95; SE = 0.02; 95% CI [0.91, 0.99]), the BBI reached optimal sensitivity and specificity values (91.5% and 87.2%). The BBI turned out to be more precise than the FBI (AUC = 0.76; SE = 0.05; 95% CI [0.66, 0.86]) and the ALS-FTD-Q (AUC = 0.84; SE = 0.04; 95% CI [0.77, 0.92]). CONCLUSION The Chinese version of BBI is a quicker and more efficient instrument for assessing behavioral impairment in the ALS population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongning Jia
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
- Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiguang Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Huakang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mengsi Ren
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
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6
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Dratch L, Mu W, Wood EM, Morgan B, Massimo L, Clyburn C, Bardakjian T, Grossman M, Irwin DJ, Cousins KA. Evaluation of an educational conference for persons affected by hereditary frontotemporal degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 2:100108. [PMID: 37214502 PMCID: PMC10194235 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective There are limited studies exploring the support and education needs of individuals at-risk for or diagnosed with hereditary frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study evaluated a novel conference for this population to assess conference efficacy, probe how participants assessed relevant resources, and identify outstanding needs of persons at-risk/diagnosed. Methods We implemented a post-conference electronic survey that probed participants' satisfaction, prior experience with resources, and unmet needs. Along with multiple-choice, free-text items were included to gather qualitative context. Results Survey completion rate was 31% (115/376 attendees who were emailed the survey). There was positive interest in pursuing genetic counseling among eligible responders: 61% indicated they planned to seek genetic counseling because of the conference, which was significantly more than those who were undecided (21%) or did not plan to seek genetic counseling (18%). Qualitative data demonstrated need for additional education, support, and research opportunities. Conclusion Conference reactions indicate this is a valued resource. Results indicated the importance of raising awareness about existing resources, and the need for further resource development, especially for at-risk communities. Innovation While most resources are developed for caregivers' needs, this unique program targets at-risk individuals and unites ALS and FTD communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laynie Dratch
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Weiyi Mu
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Brianna Morgan
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lauren Massimo
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Cynthia Clyburn
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Tanya Bardakjian
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Murray Grossman
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - David J. Irwin
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Katheryn A.Q. Cousins
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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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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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Izenberg A. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Diseases. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2023; 29:1538-1563. [PMID: 37851042 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article reviews the clinical spectrum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its variant presentations, and the approach to diagnosis and management. This review includes a detailed discussion of current and emerging disease-modifying therapies and the management of respiratory and bulbar manifestations of disease. An updated review of ALS genetics and pathophysiology is also provided. This article also touches on several other important motor neuron diseases. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS A new set of simplified diagnostic criteria may help identify patients at earlier stages of the disease. A coformulation of sodium phenylbutyrate and tauroursodeoxycholic acid has been shown to have a significant benefit on disease progression and survival, leading to approval by regulatory authorities in the United States and Canada. An oral formulation of edaravone and an antisense oligonucleotide to a SOD1 gene variation (tofersen) have also recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Phase 3 trials of intrathecal mesenchymal stem cells failed to meet primary end points for efficacy. Updated American Academy of Neurology quality measures for the care of patients with ALS were published in 2023. ESSENTIAL POINTS There has been continued progress in ALS genetics, diagnosis, and disease-modifying therapies. However, we still lack a definitive biomarker or a treatment that can halt the progression or reverse the course of disease. The evolving understanding of the genetic and pathophysiologic underpinnings of disease offers promise for more effective and clinically meaningful treatments in the future.
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Martinelli I, Zucchi E, Simonini C, Gianferrari G, Zamboni G, Pinti M, Mandrioli J. The landscape of cognitive impairment in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1427-1433. [PMID: 36571338 PMCID: PMC10075107 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.361535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene account for only a minority of total amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases, the discovery of this gene has been crucial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Since the identification of superoxide dismutase 1 in 1993, the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics has considerably widened, improving our understanding of the diverse pathogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we focus on cognitive impairment in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Literature has mostly reported that cognition remains intact in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, but recent reports highlight frontal lobe function frailty in patients carrying different superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutations. We thoroughly reviewed all the various mutations reported in the literature to contribute to a comprehensive database of superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genotype-phenotype correlation. Such a resource could ultimately improve our mechanistic understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, enabling a more robust assessment of how the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotype responds to different variants across genes, which is important for the therapeutic strategy targeting genetic mutations. Cognition in superoxide dismutase 1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis deserves further longitudinal research since this peculiar frailty in patients with similar mutations can be conditioned by external factors, including environment and other unidentified agents including modifier genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Martinelli
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marcello Pinti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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11
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Malar DS, Thitilertdecha P, Ruckvongacheep KS, Brimson S, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM. Targeting Sigma Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:399-440. [PMID: 37166702 PMCID: PMC10173947 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor is a 223 amino acid-long protein with a recently identified structure. The sigma-2 receptor is a genetically unrelated protein with a similarly shaped binding pocket and acts to influence cellular activities similar to the sigma-1 receptor. Both proteins are highly expressed in neuronal tissues. As such, they have become targets for treating neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Rett syndrome (RS), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). In recent years, there have been many pre-clinical and clinical studies of sigma receptor (1 and 2) ligands for treating neurological disease. Drugs such as blarcamesine, dextromethorphan and pridopidine, which have sigma-1 receptor activity as part of their pharmacological profile, are effective in treating multiple aspects of several neurological diseases. Furthermore, several sigma-2 receptor ligands are under investigation, including CT1812, rivastigmine and SAS0132. This review aims to provide a current and up-to-date analysis of the current clinical and pre-clinical data of drugs with sigma receptor activities for treating neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicson S Malar
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premrutai Thitilertdecha
- Siriraj Research Group in Immunobiology and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokphorn S Ruckvongacheep
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirikalaya Brimson
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James M Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Room 409, ChulaPat-1 Building, 154 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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12
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Pierron L, Tezenas du Montcel S, Heinzmann A, Coarelli G, Héron D, Heide S, Herson A, Hennessy J, Petit E, Gargiulo M, Durr A. Reproductive choices and intrafamilial communication in neurogenetic diseases with different self-estimated severities. J Med Genet 2023; 60:346-351. [PMID: 36270767 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low uptake of presymptomatic testing and medically assisted reproduction in families impacted by neurogenetic diseases prompted us to investigate how reproductive options are considered and whether there is a relationship with perceived severity of the disease. We hypothesised that self-estimated severity would influence opinion on reproductive options and that prenatal/preimplantation diagnosis would be a motivation to inform relatives about their risk. METHODS We invited people impacted by neurogenetic diseases to evaluate the severity of their familial disease using analogic visual scales and to answer questionnaires about reproductive choices and intrafamilial communication. We compared answers between diseases and with the perceived severity of each disease. RESULTS We analysed 562 questionnaires. Participants were impacted by Huntington disease (n=307), spinocerebellar ataxias (n=114), Steinert myotonic dystrophy (n=82) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (n=59). Self-estimated severity differed between pathologies (p<0.0001). Overall, participants considered prenatal diagnosis (78.0±34.4 out of 100) and preimplantation diagnosis (75.2±36.1 out of 100) justified more than termination of pregnancy (68.6±38.5 out of 100). They were less in favour of gamete donation (48.3±39.8 out of 100) or pregnancy abstention (43.3±40.3 out of 100). The greater the perceived severity of the disease, the more reproductive options were considered justified, except for gamete donation. Prenatal/preimplantation diagnosis was a motivation to inform relatives for only 55.3% of participants (p=0.01). CONCLUSION Self-estimated severity minimally impacts opinions towards reproductive options. Medically assisted reproduction procedures are rarely sought and do not motivate familial communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Pierron
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Tezenas du Montcel
- Institut Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Medical Information Unit, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Anna Heinzmann
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Coarelli
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Héron
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Solveig Heide
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Ariane Herson
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Hennessy
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Petit
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Marcela Gargiulo
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Clinique, Psychopathologie, Psychanalyse, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Genetics Department, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université and Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
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13
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Dilliott AA, Al Nasser A, Elnagheeb M, Fifita J, Henden L, Keseler IM, Lenz S, Marriott H, Mccann E, Mesaros M, Opie-Martin S, Owens E, Palus B, Ross J, Wang Z, White H, Al-Chalabi A, Andersen PM, Benatar M, Blair I, Cooper-Knock J, Harrington EA, Heckmann J, Landers J, Moreno C, Nel M, Rampersaud E, Roggenbuck J, Rouleau G, Traynor B, Van Blitterswijk M, Van Rheenen W, Veldink J, Weishaupt J, Drury L, Harms MB, Farhan SMK. Clinical testing panels for ALS: global distribution, consistency, and challenges. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2023:1-16. [PMID: 36896705 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2173015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: In 2021, the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spectrum disorders Gene Curation Expert Panel (GCEP) was established to evaluate the strength of evidence for genes previously reported to be associated with ALS. Through this endeavor, we will provide standardized guidance to laboratories on which genes should be included in clinical genetic testing panels for ALS. In this manuscript, we aimed to assess the heterogeneity in the current global landscape of clinical genetic testing for ALS. Methods: We reviewed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) and members of the ALS GCEP to source frequently used testing panels and compare the genes included on the tests. Results: 14 clinical panels specific to ALS from 14 laboratories covered 4 to 54 genes. All panels report on ANG, SOD1, TARDBP, and VAPB; 50% included or offered the option of including C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) analysis. Of the 91 genes included in at least one of the panels, 40 (44.0%) were included on only a single panel. We could not find a direct link to ALS in the literature for 14 (15.4%) included genes. Conclusions: The variability across the surveyed clinical genetic panels is concerning due to the possibility of reduced diagnostic yields in clinical practice and risk of a missed diagnoses for patients. Our results highlight the necessity for consensus regarding the appropriateness of gene inclusions in clinical genetic ALS tests to improve its application for patients living with ALS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Dilliott
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ahmad Al Nasser
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Marwa Elnagheeb
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Fifita
- Centre for MND Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lyndal Henden
- Centre for MND Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ingrid M Keseler
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Heather Marriott
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Mccann
- Centre for MND Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maysen Mesaros
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sarah Opie-Martin
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Owens
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brooke Palus
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Justyne Ross
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Zhanjun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ian Blair
- Centre for MND Research, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Harrington
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jeannine Heckmann
- Division of Neurology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Cristiane Moreno
- Department of Neurology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Melissa Nel
- Division of Neurology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Evadnie Rampersaud
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Guy Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bryan Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Wouter Van Rheenen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Jan Veldink
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Jochen Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Matthew B Harms
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Sali M K Farhan
- Department of Genetics, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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14
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Vidovic M, Müschen LH, Brakemeier S, Machetanz G, Naumann M, Castro-Gomez S. Current State and Future Directions in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050736. [PMID: 36899872 PMCID: PMC10000757 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in progressive weakness of all voluntary muscles and eventual respiratory failure. Non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive and behavioral changes, frequently occur over the course of the disease. Considering its poor prognosis with a median survival time of 2 to 4 years and limited causal treatment options, an early diagnosis of ALS plays an essential role. In the past, diagnosis has primarily been determined by clinical findings supported by electrophysiological and laboratory measurements. To increase diagnostic accuracy, reduce diagnostic delay, optimize stratification in clinical trials and provide quantitative monitoring of disease progression and treatment responsivity, research on disease-specific and feasible fluid biomarkers, such as neurofilaments, has been intensely pursued. Advances in imaging techniques have additionally yielded diagnostic benefits. Growing perception and greater availability of genetic testing facilitate early identification of pathogenic ALS-related gene mutations, predictive testing and access to novel therapeutic agents in clinical trials addressing disease-modified therapies before the advent of the first clinical symptoms. Lately, personalized survival prediction models have been proposed to offer a more detailed disclosure of the prognosis for the patient. In this review, the established procedures and future directions in the diagnostics of ALS are summarized to serve as a practical guideline and to improve the diagnostic pathway of this burdensome disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Vidovic
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.C.-G.)
| | | | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerrit Machetanz
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sergio Castro-Gomez
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.C.-G.)
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15
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Kook MG, Byun MR, Lee SM, Lee MH, Lee DH, Lee HB, Lee EJ, Baek K, Kim S, Kang KS, Choi JW. Anti-apoptotic Splicing Variant of AIMP2 Recover Mutant SOD1-Induced Neuronal Cell Death. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:145-159. [PMID: 36242734 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although a couple of studies have reported that mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), one of the causative genes of familial amyotrophic lateral, interacts physically with lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KARS1) by a gain of function, there is limited evidence regarding the detailed mechanism about how the interaction leads to neuronal cell death. Our results indicated that the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multi-functional protein 2 (AIMP2) mediated cell death upon the interplay between mutant SOD1 and KARS1 in ALS. Binding of mutant SOD1 with KARS1 led to the release of AIMP2 from its original binding partner KARS1, and the free form of AIMP2 induced TRAF2 degradation followed by TNF-α-induced cell death. We also suggest a therapeutic application that overexpression of DX2, the exon 2-deleted antagonistic splicing variant of AIMP2 (AIMP2-DX2), reduced neuronal cell death in the ALS mouse model. Expression of DX2 suppressed TRAF2 degradation and TNF-α-induced cell death by competing mode of action against full-length AIMP2. Motor neuron differentiated form iPSC showed a resistance in neuronal cell death after DX2 administration. Further, intrathecal administration of DX2-coding adeno-associated virus (AAV) improved locomotive activity and survival in a mutant SOD1-induced ALS mouse model. Taken together, these results indicated that DX2 could prolong life span and delay the ALS symptoms through compensation in neuronal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Geun Kook
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ran Byun
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicinal and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Min Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hak Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hoon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Been Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Jin Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Baek
- Department of Biomedicinal and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.,Generoath Ltd, Seoul, 04168, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Research, College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Woo Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry and Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangwon-do, 25457, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Strohm L, Hu Z, Suk Y, Rühmkorf A, Sternburg E, Gattringer V, Riemenschneider H, Berutti R, Graf E, Weishaupt JH, Brill MS, Harbauer AB, Dormann D, Dengjel J, Edbauer D, Behrends C. Multi-omics profiling identifies a deregulated FUS-MAP1B axis in ALS/FTD-associated UBQLN2 mutants. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202101327. [PMID: 35777956 PMCID: PMC9258132 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of ALS patient-derived and engineered cells revealed that mutant UBQLN2 increases mRNA and protein of MAP1B which is mediated by dephosphorylation of FUS within its RNA-binding domain. Ubiquilin-2 (UBQLN2) is a ubiquitin-binding protein that shuttles ubiquitinated proteins to proteasomal and autophagic degradation. UBQLN2 mutations are genetically linked to the neurodegenerative disorders amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). However, it remains elusive how UBQLN2 mutations cause ALS/FTD. Here, we systematically examined proteomic and transcriptomic changes in patient-derived lymphoblasts and CRISPR/Cas9–engineered HeLa cells carrying ALS/FTD UBQLN2 mutations. This analysis revealed a strong up-regulation of the microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) which was also observed in UBQLN2 knockout cells and primary rodent neurons depleted of UBQLN2, suggesting that a UBQLN2 loss-of-function mechanism is responsible for the elevated MAP1B levels. Consistent with MAP1B’s role in microtubule binding, we detected an increase in total and acetylated tubulin. Furthermore, we uncovered that UBQLN2 mutations result in decreased phosphorylation of MAP1B and of the ALS/FTD–linked fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein at S439 which is critical for regulating FUS-RNA binding and MAP1B protein abundance. Together, our findings point to a deregulated UBQLN2-FUS-MAP1B axis that may link protein homeostasis, RNA metabolism, and cytoskeleton dynamics, three molecular pathomechanisms of ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Strohm
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Zehan Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yongwon Suk
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alina Rühmkorf
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Erin Sternburg
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Gattringer
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrick Riemenschneider
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Riccardo Berutti
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Graf
- Institut für Humangenetik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Angelika B Harbauer
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Molecule Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Behrends
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
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17
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Chia K, Klingseisen A, Sieger D, Priller J. Zebrafish as a model organism for neurodegenerative disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:940484. [PMID: 36311026 PMCID: PMC9606821 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.940484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is increasingly recognized as a model organism for translational research into human neuropathology. The zebrafish brain exhibits fundamental resemblance with human neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways, and hallmarks of human brain pathology such as protein aggregation, neuronal degeneration and activation of glial cells, for example, can be modeled and recapitulated in the fish central nervous system. Genetic manipulation, imaging, and drug screening are areas where zebrafish excel with the ease of introducing mutations and transgenes, the expression of fluorescent markers that can be detected in vivo in the transparent larval stages overtime, and simple treatment of large numbers of fish larvae at once followed by automated screening and imaging. In this review, we summarize how zebrafish have successfully been employed to model human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of choosing zebrafish as a model for these neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelda Chia
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Klingseisen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Sieger
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dirk Sieger,
| | - Josef Priller
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, DZNE, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Josef Priller,
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18
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Hsueh HW, Weng WC, Fan PC, Chien YH, Yang FJ, Lee WT, Lin RJ, Hwu WL, Yang CC, Lee NC. The diversity of hereditary neuromuscular diseases: Experiences from molecular diagnosis. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:2574-2583. [PMID: 35821219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.06.012] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a group of rare disorders, and the diagnosis of these diseases is a substantial burden for referral centers. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) has identified a large number of genes associated with hereditary NMDs, the diagnostic rates still vary across centers. METHODS Patients with a suspected hereditary NMD were referred to neuromuscular specialists at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Molecular diagnoses were performed by employing a capture panel containing 194 genes associated with NMDs. RESULTS Among the 50 patients referred, 43 had a suspicion of myopathy, and seven had polyneuropathy. The overall diagnostic rate was 58%. Pathogenic variants in 19 genes were observed; the most frequent pathogenic variant found in this cohort (DYSF) was observed in only four patients, and 10 pathogenic variants were observed in one patient each. One case of motor neuron disease was clinically mistaken for myopathy. A positive family history increased the diagnostic rate (positive: 72.7% vs. negative: 56.3%). Fourteen patients with elevated plasma creatine kinase levels remained without a diagnosis. CONCLUSION The application of NGS in this single-center study proves the great diversity of hereditary NMDs. A capture panel is essential, but high-quality clinical and laboratory evaluations of patients are also indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Wen Hsueh
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Chuan Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Jung Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Tso Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Jen Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chao Yang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ni-Chung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Narayanaswami P, Živković S. Molecular and Genetic Therapies. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Mesaros M, Lenz S, Lim W, Brown J, Drury L, Roggenbuck J. Investigating the Genetic Profile of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia (ALS-FTD) Continuum in Patients of Diverse Race, Ethnicity and Ancestry. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:genes13010076. [PMID: 35052416 PMCID: PMC8775163 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preliminary evidence suggests that commonly used genetic tests may be less likely to identify a genetic etiology for ALS-FTD in patients of underrepresented race, ethnicity, and ancestry (REA), as compared to European REA. Patients of underrepresented REA may therefore be less likely to receive accurate and specific genetic counseling information and less likely to have access to gene-targeted therapies currently in clinical trials. We compiled outcome data from 1911 ALS-FTD patients tested at a commercial laboratory over a seven-year period for C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) alone or C9orf72 and multigene sequencing panel testing. We compared the incidence of pathogenic (P), likely pathogenic (LP), and uncertain variants in C9orf72 and other ALS-FTD genes, as well as age at testing, in patients of different REA. The diagnostic rate in patients of European REA (377/1595, 23.64%) was significantly higher than in patients of underrepresented REA (44/316, 13.92%) (p < 0.001). Patients of European REA were more likely to have the C9orf72 HRE (21.3%) than patients of underrepresented REA (10.4%) (p < 0.001). The overall distribution of positive test outcomes in all tested genes was significantly different between the two groups, with relatively more P and LP variants in genes other than C9orf72 identified in patients of underrepresented REA. The incidence of uncertain test outcomes was not significantly different between patients of European and underrepresented REA. Patients with positive test outcomes were more likely to be younger than those with negative or uncertain outcomes. Although C9orf72 HRE assay has been advocated as the first, and in some cases, only genetic test offered to patients with ALS-FTD in the clinical setting, this practice may result in the reduced ascertainment of genetic ALS-FTD in patients of diverse REA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysen Mesaros
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43212, USA; (J.B.); (J.R.)
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Steven Lenz
- PreventionGenetics, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA; (S.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Woobeen Lim
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Jordan Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43212, USA; (J.B.); (J.R.)
| | - Luke Drury
- PreventionGenetics, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA; (S.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43212, USA; (J.B.); (J.R.)
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21
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Cook L, Schulze J, Verbrugge J, Beck JC, Marder KS, Saunders-Pullman R, Klein C, Naito A, Alcalay RN. The commercial genetic testing landscape for Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 92:107-111. [PMID: 34696975 PMCID: PMC8633166 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been no specific guidelines regarding which genes should be tested in the clinical setting for Parkinson's disease (PD) or parkinsonism. We evaluated the types of clinical genetic testing offered for PD as the first step of our gene curation. METHODS The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) was queried on 12/7/2020 to identify current commercial PD genetic test offerings by clinical laboratories, internationally. RESULTS We identified 502 unique clinical genetic tests for PD, from 28 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-approved clinical laboratories. These included 11 diagnostic PD panels. The panels were notable for their differences in size, ranging from 5 to 62 genes. Five genes for variant query were included in all panels (SNCA, PRKN, PINK-1, PARK7 (DJ1), and LRRK2). Notably, the addition of the VPS35 and GBA genes was variable. Panel size differences stemmed from inclusion of genes linked to atypical parkinsonism and dystonia disorders, and genes in which the link to PD causation is controversial. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need for expert opinion regarding which genes should be included in a commercial laboratory multi-gene panel for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Cook
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics (LC, JS, TF), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
| | - Jeanine Schulze
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics (LC, JS, TF), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Jennifer Verbrugge
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics (LC, JS, TF), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Karen S Marder
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | - Roy N Alcalay
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Bartoletti-Stella A, Vacchiano V, De Pasqua S, Mengozzi G, De Biase D, Bartolomei I, Avoni P, Rizzo G, Parchi P, Donadio V, Chiò A, Pession A, Oppi F, Salvi F, Liguori R, Capellari S. Targeted sequencing panels in Italian ALS patients support different etiologies in the ALS/FTD continuum. J Neurol 2021; 268:3766-3776. [PMID: 33770234 PMCID: PMC8463338 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10521-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-10% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients presented a positive family history (fALS). More than 30 genes have been identified in association with ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum, with four major genes accounting for 60-70% of fALS. In this paper, we aimed to assess the contribution to the pathogenesis of major and rare ALS/FTD genes in ALS patients. METHODS We analyzed ALS and ALS/FTD associated genes by direct sequencing or next-generation sequencing multigene panels in ALS patients. RESULTS Genetic abnormalities in ALS major genes included repeated expansions of hexanucleotide in C9orf72 gene (7.3%), mutations in SOD1 (4.9%), FUS (2.1%), and TARDBP (2.4%), whereas variants in rare ALS/FTD genes affected 15.5% of subjects overall, most frequently involving SQSTM1 (3.4%), and CHMP2B (1.9%). We found clustering of variants in ALS major genes in patients with a family history for "pure" ALS, while ALS/FTD related genes mainly occurred in patients with a family history for other neurodegenerative diseases (dementia and/or parkinsonism). CONCLUSIONS Our data support the presence of two different genetic components underlying ALS pathogenesis, related to the presence of a family history for ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, family history may help in optimizing the genetic screening protocol to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bartoletti-Stella
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM), Università Di Bologna, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mengozzi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, University of Bologna, viale Ercolani 4/2, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bartolomei
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Avoni
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM), Università Di Bologna, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rizzo
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM), Università Di Bologna, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Donadio
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta Della Salute E Della Scienza Di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pession
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, University of Bologna, viale Ercolani 4/2, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Oppi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM), Università Di Bologna, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie (DIBINEM), Università Di Bologna, 40123, Bologna, Italy.
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23
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Crook A, Jacobs C, Newton-John T, Richardson E, McEwen A. Patient and Relative Experiences and Decision-making About Genetic Testing and Counseling for Familial ALS and FTD: A Systematic Scoping Review. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2021; 35:374-385. [PMID: 34054018 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic testing and counseling is an emerging part of care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and their families. This scoping review aimed to map patients' and relatives' experiences of genetic testing and counseling for familial ALS and FTD and the factors influencing their decision to proceed with testing or counseling. Informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, 5 databases were systematically searched. Thirty studies from 39 references were included. A descriptive numerical summary analysis and narrative synthesis was conducted. Mostly positive diagnostic testing experiences were reported, but issues arose due to progressive disease and discordant results. Predictive testing impacted at-risk relatives, regardless of the result received, and psychosocial sequelae ranged from relief to guilt, worry or contemplating suicide. Four reproductive testing experiences were reported. Personal, familial and practical factors, and the lived experience of disease, informed decision-making. Greater uncertainty and complexity may be faced in familial ALS/FTD than in other late-onset neurodegenerative diseases due to clinical and genetic heterogeneity, and testing limitations. Genetic counseling models of care should consider this difference to ensure that individuals with, or at risk of, ALS/FTD are effectively managed. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Crook
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for MND Research
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale
| | - Ebony Richardson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale
| | - Alison McEwen
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale
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24
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Morris K, Nami M, Bolanos JF, Lobo MA, Sadri-Naini M, Fiallos J, Sanchez GE, Bustos T, Chintam N, Amaya M, Strand SE, Mayuku-Dore A, Sakibova I, Biso GMN, DeFilippis A, Bravo D, Tarhan N, Claussen C, Mercado A, Braun S, Yuge L, Okabe S, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Kotliar K, Sadowsky C, Chandra PS, Tripathi M, Katsaros V, Mehling B, Noroozian M, Abbasioun K, Amirjamshidi A, Hossein-Zadeh GA, Naraghi F, Barzegar M, Asadi-Pooya AA, Sahab-Negah S, Sadeghian S, Fahnestock M, Dilbaz N, Hussain N, Mari Z, Thatcher RW, Sipple D, Sidhu K, Chopra D, Costa F, Spena G, Berger T, Zelinsky D, Wheeler CJ, Ashford JW, Schulte R, Nezami MA, Kloor H, Filler A, Eliashiv DS, Sinha D, DeSalles AAF, Sadanand V, Suchkov S, Green K, Metin B, Hariri R, Cormier J, Yamamoto V, Kateb B. Neuroscience20 (BRAIN20, SPINE20, and MENTAL20) Health Initiative: A Global Consortium Addressing the Human and Economic Burden of Brain, Spine, and Mental Disorders Through Neurotech Innovations and Policies. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:1563-1601. [PMID: 34487051 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215190] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders significantly impact the world's economy due to their often chronic and life-threatening nature afflicting individuals which, in turn, creates a global disease burden. The Group of Twenty (G20) member nations, which represent the largest economies globally, should come together to formulate a plan on how to overcome this burden. The Neuroscience-20 (N20) initiative of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) is at the vanguard of this global collaboration to comprehensively raise awareness about brain, spine, and mental disorders worldwide. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various brain initiatives worldwide and highlight the need for cooperation and recommend ways to bring down costs associated with the discovery and treatment of neurological disorders. Our systematic search revealed that the cost of neurological and psychiatric disorders to the world economy by 2030 is roughly $16T. The cost to the economy of the United States is $1.5T annually and growing given the impact of COVID-19. We also discovered there is a shortfall of effective collaboration between nations and a lack of resources in developing countries. Current statistical analyses on the cost of neurological disorders to the world economy strongly suggest that there is a great need for investment in neurotechnology and innovation or fast-tracking therapeutics and diagnostics to curb these costs. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, SBMT, through this paper, intends to showcase the importance of worldwide collaborations to reduce the population's economic and health burden, specifically regarding neurological/brain, spine, and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morris
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Nami
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.,Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Neuroscience Center, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas Servicios de Alta Tecnología, City of Knowledge, Panama City, Panama
| | - Joe F Bolanos
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria A Lobo
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melody Sadri-Naini
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Fiallos
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gilberto E Sanchez
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Teshia Bustos
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikita Chintam
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marco Amaya
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susanne E Strand
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alero Mayuku-Dore
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Indira Sakibova
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Grace Maria Nicole Biso
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro DeFilippis
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Bravo
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nevzat Tarhan
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Carsten Claussen
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Fraunhofer-Institute for Translational Research and Pharmacology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alejandro Mercado
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Military Regional Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Louis Yuge
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Bio-Environment Adaptation Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Cell Therapy Venture Company, Space Bio-Laboratories, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Brain Medical Science Collaboration Division, RIKEN Center for Brain Science Institution and Department: Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Konstantin Kotliar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christina Sadowsky
- International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute-Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - P Sarat Chandra
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Vasileios Katsaros
- Department of Advanced Imaging Modalities, MRI Unit, General Anti-Cancer and Oncological Hospital of Athens "St. Savvas", Athens, Greece.,Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neuroradiology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Brian Mehling
- T-Neuro Pharma, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, USA.,StemVax LLC, Chesterland, OH, USA
| | - Maryam Noroozian
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Abbasioun
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Amirjamshidi
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam-Ali Hossein-Zadeh
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,National Brain Mapping Laboratory, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faridedin Naraghi
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Iranian Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Barzegar
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Intelligent Quantitative Bio-Medical Imaging, Tehran, Iran, and Medical Physics Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sajad Sahab-Negah
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad Iran.,Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Sadeghian
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, Golestan Medical, Educational, and Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Nesrin Dilbaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Namath Hussain
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Zoltan Mari
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Robert W Thatcher
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Applied Neuroscience Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.,Applied Neuroscience, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fl, USA
| | - Daniel Sipple
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Fraunhofer-Institute for Translational Research and Pharmacology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kuldip Sidhu
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,CK Cell Technologies Pty Ltd, Norwest, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics-Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Francesco Costa
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ted Berger
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,USC Department of Biomedical Engineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Zelinsky
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Mind-Eye Institute, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Christopher J Wheeler
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Social Science Research Institute, Tokai University, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Wesson Ashford
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Reinhard Schulte
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - M A Nezami
- Sahel Oncology LLC, Newport Beach, CA, USA
| | - Harry Kloor
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Beyond Imagination, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Filler
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Institute for Nerve Medicine, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Dawn S Eliashiv
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, UCLA-David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dipen Sinha
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antonio A F DeSalles
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles CA, USA.,NeuroSapiens - Rede D'Or São Luiz, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics-Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Venkatraman Sadanand
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sergey Suchkov
- Applied Neuroscience, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fl, USA.,Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics-Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ken Green
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Barish Metin
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Robert Hariri
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Celularity Corporation, Warren, NJ, USA.,Weill Cornell School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Cormier
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Blue Horizon International, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Vicky Yamamoto
- Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,USC Keck School of Medicine, The USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,USC-Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Babak Kateb
- Middle East Brain + Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,National Center for Nanobioelectronics, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Brain Technology and Innovation Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Barp A, Mosca L, Sansone VA. Facilitations and Hurdles of Genetic Testing in Neuromuscular Disorders. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040701. [PMID: 33919863 PMCID: PMC8070835 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect about one in every thousand individuals worldwide. The vast majority of NMDs has a genetic cause, with about 600 genes already identified. Application of genetic testing in NMDs can be useful for several reasons: correct diagnostic definition of a proband, extensive familial counselling to identify subjects at risk, and prenatal diagnosis to prevent the recurrence of the disease; furthermore, identification of specific genetic mutations still remains mandatory in some cases for clinical trial enrollment where new gene therapies are now approaching. Even though genetic analysis is catching on in the neuromuscular field, pitfalls and hurdles still remain and they should be taken into account by clinicians, as for example the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) where many single nucleotide variants of “unknown significance” can emerge, complicating the correct interpretation of genotype-phenotype relationship. Finally, when all efforts in terms of molecular analysis have been carried on, a portion of patients affected by NMDs still remain “not genetically defined”. In the present review we analyze the evolution of genetic techniques, from Sanger sequencing to NGS, and we discuss “facilitations and hurdles” of genetic testing which must always be balanced by clinicians, in order to ensure a correct diagnostic definition, but taking always into account the benefit that the patient could obtain especially in terms of “therapeutic offer”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barp
- The NEMO Clinical Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy;
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- The NEMO Clinical Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy;
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26
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Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect about one in every thousand individuals worldwide. The vast majority of NMDs has a genetic cause, with about 600 genes already identified. Application of genetic testing in NMDs can be useful for several reasons: correct diagnostic definition of a proband, extensive familial counselling to identify subjects at risk, and prenatal diagnosis to prevent the recurrence of the disease; furthermore, identification of specific genetic mutations still remains mandatory in some cases for clinical trial enrollment where new gene therapies are now approaching. Even though genetic analysis is catching on in the neuromuscular field, pitfalls and hurdles still remain and they should be taken into account by clinicians, as for example the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) where many single nucleotide variants of "unknown significance" can emerge, complicating the correct interpretation of genotype-phenotype relationship. Finally, when all efforts in terms of molecular analysis have been carried on, a portion of patients affected by NMDs still remain "not genetically defined". In the present review we analyze the evolution of genetic techniques, from Sanger sequencing to NGS, and we discuss "facilitations and hurdles" of genetic testing which must always be balanced by clinicians, in order to ensure a correct diagnostic definition, but taking always into account the benefit that the patient could obtain especially in terms of "therapeutic offer".
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barp
- The NEMO Clinical Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Lorena Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- The NEMO Clinical Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milano, Italy
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27
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Roggenbuck J. C9orf72 and the Care of the Patient With ALS or FTD: Progress and Recommendations After 10 Years. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 7:e542. [PMID: 33575483 PMCID: PMC7862089 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 2011 discovery of the pathogenic hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9orf72, the leading genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), marked a breakthrough in the effort to unravel the etiology of these conditions. Ten years later, clinicians are still working to integrate the implications of this discovery into the care of individuals with ALS and/or FTD. Consensus management guidelines for ALS do not comprehensively address the issue of genetic testing, and questions remain about whom to test, what counseling should be provided before and after testing, laboratory methods, and test interpretation. These challenges have contributed to inconsistent clinical practices and present barriers to patients wishing to access testing. This review summarizes the clinical impact of the discovery of the C9orf72 HRE, outlines ongoing challenges, and provides recommendations for C9orf72 testing, counseling, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Departments of Neurology and Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
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28
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Chen Z, Ryten M, Houlden H. Reply to: No evidence supports genetic heterogeneity of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:2544-2545. [PMID: 33124767 PMCID: PMC7732245 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbo Chen
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseQueen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London (UCL)LondonUK
| | - Mina Ryten
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseQueen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London (UCL)LondonUK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseQueen Square Institute of NeurologyUCLLondonUK
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29
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Tondo G, Iaccarino L, Cerami C, Vanoli GE, Presotto L, Masiello V, Coliva A, Salvi F, Bartolomei I, Mosca L, Lunetta C, Perani D. 11 C-PK11195 PET-based molecular study of microglia activation in SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1513-1523. [PMID: 32762033 PMCID: PMC7480909 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Neuroinflammation is considered a key driver for neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1 mutations cause about 20% of familial ALS, and related pathology might generate microglial activation triggering neurodegeneration. 11C‐PK11195 is the prototypical and most validated PET radiotracer, targeting the 18‐kDa translocator protein which is overexpressed in activated microglia. In this study, we investigated microglia activation in asymptomatic (ASYM) and symptomatic (SYM) SOD1 mutated carriers, by using 11C‐PK11195 and PET imaging. Methods We included 20 subjects: 4 ASYM‐carriers, neurologically normal, 6 SYM‐carriers with probable ALS, and 10 healthy controls. A receptor parametric mapping procedure estimated 11C‐PK11195 binding potentials and voxel‐wise statistical comparisons were performed at group and single‐subject levels. Results Both the SYM‐ and ASYM‐carriers showed significant microglia activation in cortical and subcortical structures, with variable patterns at individual level. Clusters of activation were present in occipital and temporal regions, cerebellum, thalamus, and medulla oblongata. Notably, SYM‐carriers showed microglia activation also in supplementary and primary motor cortices and in the somatosensory regions. Interpretation In vivo neuroinflammation occurred in all SOD1 mutated cases since the presymptomatic stages, as shown by a significant cortical and subcortical microglia activation. The involvement of sensorimotor cortex became evident at the symptomatic disease stage. Although our data indicate the role of in vivo PET imaging for assessing resident microglia in the investigation of SOD1‐ALS pathophysiology, further studies are needed to clarify the temporal and spatial dynamics of microglia activation and its relationship with neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Tondo
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Iaccarino
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Chiara Cerami
- In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria di Studi Superiori IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Presotto
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Masiello
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS and San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Coliva
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS and San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- Bellaria Hospital, IRCCS of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Lorena Mosca
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Perani
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS and San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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30
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Masrori P, Van Damme P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a clinical review. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1918-1929. [PMID: 32526057 PMCID: PMC7540334 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 397] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily the motor system, but in which extra-motor manifestations are increasingly recognized. The loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, the brain stem nuclei and the anterior horn of the spinal cord gives rise to progressive muscle weakness and wasting. ALS often has a focal onset but subsequently spreads to different body regions, where failure of respiratory muscles typically limits survival to 2-5 years after disease onset. In up to 50% of cases, there are extra-motor manifestations such as changes in behaviour, executive dysfunction and language problems. In 10%-15% of patients, these problems are severe enough to meet the clinical criteria of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In 10% of ALS patients, the family history suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The remaining 90% have no affected family members and are classified as sporadic ALS. The causes of ALS appear to be heterogeneous and are only partially understood. To date, more than 20 genes have been associated with ALS. The most common genetic cause is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, responsible for 30%-50% of familial ALS and 7% of sporadic ALS. These expansions are also a frequent cause of frontotemporal dementia, emphasizing the molecular overlap between ALS and FTD. To this day there is no cure or effective treatment for ALS and the cornerstone of treatment remains multidisciplinary care, including nutritional and respiratory support and symptom management. In this review, different aspects of ALS are discussed, including epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigations, treatment and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Masrori
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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31
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Roggenbuck J, Fong JC. Genetic Testing for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia: Impact on Clinical Management. Clin Lab Med 2020; 40:271-287. [PMID: 32718499 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are devastating neurodegenerative disorders that share clinical, pathologic, and genetic features. Persons and families affected by these conditions frequently question why they developed the disease, the expected disease course, treatment options, and the likelihood that family members will be affected. Genetic testing has the potential to answers these important questions. Despite the progress in gene discovery, the offer of genetic testing is not yet "standard of care" in ALS and FTD clinics. The authors review the current genetic landscape and present recommendations for the laboratory genetic evaluation of persons with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 2012 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43221, USA.
| | - Jamie C Fong
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS: BCM115, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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32
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Roberts JS, Patterson AK, Uhlmann WR. Genetic testing for neurodegenerative diseases: Ethical and health communication challenges. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 141:104871. [PMID: 32302673 PMCID: PMC7311284 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genomic science are informing an expansion of genetic testing for neurodegenerative diseases, which can be used for diagnostic and predictive purposes and performed in both medical and consumer genomics settings. Such testing-which is often for severe and incurable conditions like Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases-raises important ethical and health communication challenges. This review addresses such challenges in the contexts of clinical, research, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing; these include informed consent, risk estimation and communication, potential benefits and psychosocial harms of genetic information (e.g., genetic discrimination), access to services, education and workforce needs, and health policies. The review also highlights future areas of likely growth in the field, including polygenic risk scores, use of genetic testing in clinical trials, and return of individual research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Roberts
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - Anne K Patterson
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Wendy R Uhlmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan School of Medicine, United States of America
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33
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Perrone B, Conforti FL. Common mutations of interest in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: how common are common mutations in ALS genes? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:703-714. [PMID: 32497448 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1779060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease predominantly affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Diagnosis of this devastating pathology is very difficult because the high degree of clinical heterogeneity with which it occurs and until now, no truly effective treatment exists. AREAS COVERED Molecular diagnosis may be a valuable tool for dissecting out ALS complex heterogeneity and for identifying new molecular mechanisms underlying the characteristic selective degeneration and death of motor neurons. To date, pathogenic variants in ALS genes are known to be present in up to 70% of familial and 10% of apparently sporadic ALS cases and can be associated with risks for ALS only or risks for other neurodegenerative diseases. This paper shows the procedure currently used in diagnostic laboratories to investigate most frequent mutations in ALS and evaluating the utility of involved molecular techniques as potential tools to discriminate 'common mutations' in ALS patients. EXPERT OPINION Genetic testing may allow for establishing an accurate pathological diagnosis and a more precise stratification of patient groups in future drug trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria , Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria , Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
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34
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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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35
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Klepek H, Nagaraja H, Goutman SA, Quick A, Kolb SJ, Roggenbuck J. Lack of consensus in ALS genetic testing practices and divergent views between ALS clinicians and patients. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:216-221. [PMID: 30931630 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1582670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in ALS gene discovery have both empowered and challenged clinicians providing evaluation and care for persons with ALS, many of whom seek an answer as to the cause of their condition. In order to study clinician practices and attitudes towards genetic testing, we surveyed members of the Northeast ALS Consortium, an international group of specialist ALS clinicians; responses were received from 80 of 255 (response rate = 31.4%). While 92.3% indicated they offered genetic testing to patients with familial ALS, 57.0% offered testing to patients with ALS and a family history of dementia, and 36.9% offered testing to patients with sporadic ALS, revealing a lack of consensus with respect to the approach to the typical ALS patient encountered in clinical practice. In addition, comparison of clinician and patient attitudes towards genetic testing revealed that clinicians valued the scientific potential of testing, but were less likely to say they would have testing themselves, or to see the value in testing for family members. People with ALS were more likely to see value of testing for themselves and for family members, and less likely to strongly value the scientific potential of testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Klepek
- a Division of Human Genetics , The Ohio State University Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Haikady Nagaraja
- b Division of Biostatistics , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Stephen A Goutman
- c Department of Neurology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Adam Quick
- d Department of Neurology , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- d Department of Neurology , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA.,e Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Jennifer Roggenbuck
- a Division of Human Genetics , The Ohio State University Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA.,d Department of Neurology , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA.,f Department of Neurology , The Ohio State University Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
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36
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Crook A, McEwen A, Fifita JA, Zhang K, Kwok JB, Halliday G, Blair IP, Rowe DB. The C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion presents a challenge for testing laboratories and genetic counseling. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:310-316. [PMID: 30907153 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1588904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions are the most common known cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Genetic testing for C9orf72 expansions in patients with ALS and/or FTD and their relatives has become increasingly available since hexanucleotide repeat expansions were first reported in 2011. The repeat number is highly variable and the threshold at which repeat size leads to neurodegeneration remains unknown. We present the case of an ALS patient who underwent genetic testing through our Motor Neurone Disease Clinic. We highlight current limitations to analysing and interpreting C9orf72 expansion test results and describe how this resulted in discordant reports of pathogenicity between testing laboratories that confounded the genetic counselling process. We conclude that patients with ALS or FTD and their at-risk family members, need to be adequately counselled about the limitations of current knowledge to ensure they are making informed decisions about genetic testing for C9orf72. Greater collaboration between clinicians, testing laboratories and researchers is required to ensure risks to patients and their families are minimised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Crook
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia.,b Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia.,c Graduate School of Health , University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo , Australia
| | - Alison McEwen
- c Graduate School of Health , University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo , Australia
| | - Jennifer A Fifita
- b Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
| | - Katharine Zhang
- b Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
| | - John B Kwok
- d Central Clinical School and Brain and Mind Centre , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,e School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Glenda Halliday
- d Central Clinical School and Brain and Mind Centre , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- b Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia.,b Centre for MND Research, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
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Campanari ML, Bourefis AR, Kabashi E. Diagnostic Challenge and Neuromuscular Junction Contribution to ALS Pathogenesis. Front Neurol 2019; 10:68. [PMID: 30787905 PMCID: PMC6372519 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) represents the major adult-onset motor neuron disease. Both human and animal studies reveal the critical implication of muscle and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the initial phase of this disease. Despite the common efforts, ALS diagnosis remains particularly challenging since many other disorders can overlap yielding similar clinical phenotypic features. A combination of further research on the NMJ parameters that are specific for this disease and laboratory tests are crucial for the early determination of specific changes in the muscle, as well as in motor neuron and the prediction of ALS progression. Also, it could provide a powerful tool in the discrimination of particular ALS and ALS-mimic cases and increase the efficacy of therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Annis-Rayan Bourefis
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
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Klepek H, Goutman SA, Quick A, Kolb SJ, Roggenbuck J. Variable reporting of C9orf72 and a high rate of uncertain results in ALS genetic testing. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2019; 5:e301. [PMID: 30697590 PMCID: PMC6340336 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Klepek
- Department of Neurology (H.K.), Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis; Department of Neurology (S.A.G.), University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (A.Q., S.J.K., J.R.) and Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy (S.J.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology (H.K.), Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis; Department of Neurology (S.A.G.), University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (A.Q., S.J.K., J.R.) and Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy (S.J.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Adam Quick
- Department of Neurology (H.K.), Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis; Department of Neurology (S.A.G.), University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (A.Q., S.J.K., J.R.) and Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy (S.J.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology (H.K.), Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis; Department of Neurology (S.A.G.), University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (A.Q., S.J.K., J.R.) and Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy (S.J.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Department of Neurology (H.K.), Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis; Department of Neurology (S.A.G.), University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (A.Q., S.J.K., J.R.) and Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacy (S.J.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus
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Theme 1 Genetics and genomics. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2018; 19:91-111. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1510210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Hurlimann T, Jaitovich Groisman I, Godard B. Exploring neurologists' perspectives on the return of next generation sequencing results to their patients: a needed step in the development of guidelines. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:81. [PMID: 30268121 PMCID: PMC6162934 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of Next Generation Sequencing such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a promising step towards a better understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. WGS can result into unexpected information (incidental findings, IFs), and information with uncertain clinical significance. In the context of a Genome Canada project on ‘Personalized Medicine in the Treatment of Epilepsy’, we intended to address these challenges surveying neurologists’ opinions about the type of results that should be returned, and their professional responsibility toward recontacting patients regarding new discovered mutations. Methods Potential participants were contacted through professional organizations or direct invitations. Results A total of 204 neurologists were recruited. Fifty nine percent indicated that to be conveyed, WGS results should have a demonstrated clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. Yet, 41% deemed appropriate to return results without clinical utility, when they could impact patients’ reproductive decisions, or on patients’ request. Current use of targeted genetic testing and age of patients influenced respondents’ answers. Respondents stated that analysis of genomics data resulting from WGS should be limited to the genes likely to be relevant for the patient’s specific medical condition (69%), so as to limit IFs. Respondents felt responsible to recontact patients and inform them about newly discovered mutations related to the medical condition that triggered the test (75%) for as long as they are following up on the patient (55%). Finally, 53.5% of the respondents felt responsible to recontact and inform patients of clinically significant, newly discovered IFs. Conclusion Our results show the importance of formulating professional guidelines sensitive to the various – and sometimes opposite – viewpoints that may prevail within a same community of practice, as well as flexible so as to be attuned to the characteristics of the neurological conditions that triggered a WGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Hurlimann
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Quebec Population Health Research Network, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Iris Jaitovich Groisman
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Béatrice Godard
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Quebec Population Health Research Network, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Goutman SA, Chen KS, Paez-Colasante X, Feldman EL. Emerging understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 148:603-623. [PMID: 29478603 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64076-5.00039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, noncurable neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motor neurons causing weakness and death within a few years of symptom onset. About 10% of patients with ALS have a family history of the disease; however, ALS-associated genetic mutations are also found in sporadic cases. There are over 100 ALS-associated mutations, and importantly, several genetic mutations, including C9ORF72, SOD1, and TARDBP, have led to mechanistic insight into this complex disease. In the clinical realm, knowledge of ALS genetics can also help explain phenotypic heterogeneity, aid in genetic counseling, and in the future may help direct treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Wagner KN, Nagaraja HN, Allain DC, Quick A, Kolb SJ, Roggenbuck J. Patients with sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis found value in genetic testing. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2017; 6:224-229. [PMID: 29266834 PMCID: PMC5902388 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is increasingly recognized as a genetic disease. There is no consensus, however, as to the role of genetic testing in the care of the ALS patient. Methods We conducted a survey to study patient access, attitudes, and experience with ALS genetic testing among patients enrolled in a US ALS registry. Results Among 449 survey respondents, 156 (34.7%) were offered testing and 105 of 156 (67.3%) completed testing. The majority of respondents with familial ALS (fALS) (31/45, 68.9%) were offered testing, while a minority of respondents with sporadic ALS (sALS) (111/404, 27.5%) were offered testing (p = .00001). Comparison of mean test experience scores between groups revealed that respondents with fALS were no more likely to report a favorable experience with genetic testing than those with sALS (p = .51). Respondents who saw a genetic counselor did not have significantly different test experience scores, compared to those who did not (p = .14). In addition, no differences in test experience scores were observed between those who received positive or negative genetic test results (p = .98). Conclusion These data indicate that patients with ALS found value in clinical genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin N Wagner
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haikady N Nagaraja
- Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dawn C Allain
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Adam Quick
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacy Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Turner MR, Al-Chalabi A, Chio A, Hardiman O, Kiernan MC, Rohrer JD, Rowe J, Seeley W, Talbot K. Genetic screening in sporadic ALS and FTD. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2017; 88. [PMID: 28642287 PMCID: PMC5740553 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-315995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The increasing complexity of the genetic landscape in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents a significant resource and physician training challenge. At least 10% of those diagnosed with ALS or FTD are known to carry an autosomal dominant genetic mutation. There is no consensus on what constitutes a positive family history, and ascertainment is unreliable for many reasons. However, symptomatic individuals often wish to understand as much as possible about the cause of their disease, and to share this knowledge with their family. While the right of an individual not to know is a key aspect of patient autonomy, and despite the absence of definitive therapy, many newly diagnosed individuals are likely to elect for genetic testing if offered. It is incumbent on the practitioner to ensure that they are adequately informed, counselled and supported in this decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adriano Chio
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - James Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Hardiman O, Al-Chalabi A, Chio A, Corr EM, Logroscino G, Robberecht W, Shaw PJ, Simmons Z, van den Berg LH. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17071. [PMID: 28980624 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 788] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Until recently, ALS was classified primarily within the neuromuscular domain, although new imaging and neuropathological data have indicated the involvement of the non-motor neuraxis in disease pathology. In most patients, the mechanisms underlying the development of ALS are poorly understood, although a subset of patients have familial disease and harbour mutations in genes that have various roles in neuronal function. Two possible disease-modifying therapies that can slow disease progression are available for ALS, but patient management is largely mediated by symptomatic therapies, such as the use of muscle relaxants for spasticity and speech therapy for dysarthria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Room 5.41 Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adriano Chio
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emma M Corr
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Room 5.41 Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Wim Robberecht
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Goutman SA. Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2017; 23:1332-1359. [DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Budge KM, Neal ML, Richardson JR, Safadi FF. Glycoprotein NMB: an Emerging Role in Neurodegenerative Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5167-5176. [PMID: 28856541 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0707-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is characterized by severe neuronal loss leading to the cognitive and physical impairments that define various neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is one hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and can ultimately contribute to disease progression. Increased inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Unfortunately, current therapeutic options lack ability to stop or effectively slow progression of these diseases and are primarily aimed at alleviating symptoms. Thus, it is crucial to discover novel treatment candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is a type-I transmembrane glycoprotein first identified in a melanoma cell line. GPNMB augments bone mineral deposition by stimulating osteoblast differentiation. Aside from its anabolic function in the bone, emerging evidence suggests that GPNMB has anti-inflammatory and reparative functions. GPNMB has also been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in an animal model of ALS, cerebral ischemia, and other disease models. Given these discoveries, GPNMB should be investigated as a potential therapeutic option for multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Budge
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH, 44224, USA.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Matthew L Neal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Fayez F Safadi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH, 44224, USA. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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Garton FC, Benyamin B, Zhao Q, Liu Z, Gratten J, Henders AK, Zhang ZH, Edson J, Furlong S, Morgan S, Heggie S, Thorpe K, Pfluger C, Mather KA, Sachdev PS, McRae AF, Robinson MR, Shah S, Visscher PM, Mangelsdorf M, Henderson RD, Wray NR, McCombe PA. Whole exome sequencing and DNA methylation analysis in a clinical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2017; 5:418-428. [PMID: 28717666 PMCID: PMC5511806 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gene discovery has provided remarkable biological insights into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One challenge for clinical application of genetic testing is critical evaluation of the significance of reported variants. Methods We use whole exome sequencing (WES) to develop a clinically relevant approach to identify a subset of ALS patients harboring likely pathogenic mutations. In parallel, we assess if DNA methylation can be used to screen for pathogenicity of novel variants since a methylation signature has been shown to associate with the pathogenic C9orf72 expansion, but has not been explored for other ALS mutations. Australian patients identified with ALS‐relevant variants were cross‐checked with population databases and case reports to critically assess whether they were “likely causal,” “uncertain significance,” or “unlikely causal.” Results Published ALS variants were identified in >10% of patients; however, in only 3% of patients (4/120) could these be confidently considered pathogenic (in SOD1 and TARDBP). We found no evidence for a differential DNA methylation signature in these mutation carriers. Conclusions The use of WES in a typical ALS clinic demonstrates a critical approach to variant assessment with the capability to combine cohorts to enhance the largely unknown genetic basis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur C Garton
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Beben Benyamin
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Jacob Gratten
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Anjali K Henders
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Zong-Hong Zhang
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Janette Edson
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Sarah Furlong
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Sarah Morgan
- Reta Lila Weston InstituteUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK.,Department of Molecular NeuroscienceUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Susan Heggie
- UQ Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandRoyal Brisbane & Women's HospitalBrisbane4029Australia
| | - Kathryn Thorpe
- UQ Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandRoyal Brisbane & Women's HospitalBrisbane4029Australia
| | - Casey Pfluger
- UQ Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandRoyal Brisbane & Women's HospitalBrisbane4029Australia
| | - Karen A Mather
- Centre for Healthy Brain AgeingSchool of PsychiatryFaculty of MedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2052Australia
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain AgeingSchool of PsychiatryFaculty of MedicineThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South Wales2052Australia.,Neuropsychiatric InstitutePrince of Wales HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Allan F McRae
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Matthew R Robinson
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Sonia Shah
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Peter M Visscher
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,University of Queensland Diamantina InstituteTranslational Research InstituteBrisbaneQueensland4012Australia
| | - Marie Mangelsdorf
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Department of NeurologyRoyal Brisbane & Women's HospitalBrisbane4029Australia
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Queensland Brain InstituteThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia.,Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- UQ Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandRoyal Brisbane & Women's HospitalBrisbane4029Australia
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Hogden A, Foley G, Henderson RD, James N, Aoun SM. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: improving care with a multidisciplinary approach. J Multidiscip Healthc 2017; 10:205-215. [PMID: 28579792 PMCID: PMC5446964 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s134992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, leading to death within an average of 2–3 years. A cure is yet to be found, and a single disease-modifying treatment has had a modest effect in slowing disease progression. Specialized multidisciplinary ALS care has been shown to extend survival and improve patients’ quality of life, by providing coordinated interprofessional care that seeks to address the complex needs of this patient group. This review examines the nature of specialized multidisciplinary care in ALS and draws on a broad range of evidence that has shaped current practice. The authors explain how multidisciplinary ALS care is delivered. The existing models of care, the role of palliative care within multidisciplinary ALS care, and the costs of formal and informal care are examined. Critical issues of ALS care are then discussed in the context of the support rendered by multidisciplinary-based care. The authors situate the patient and family as key stakeholders and decision makers in the multidisciplinary care network. Finally, the current challenges to the delivery of coordinated interprofessional care in ALS are explored, and the future of coordinated interprofessional care for people with ALS and their family caregivers is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hogden
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geraldine Foley
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Natalie James
- Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Service, Communication and Assistive Technology (CAT) Clinic, St Joseph's Hospital, St Vincent's Health Network, Sydney, NSW
| | - Samar M Aoun
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Dharmadasa T, Henderson RD, Talman PS, Macdonell RAL, Mathers S, Schultz DW, Needham M, Zoing M, Vucic S, Kiernan MC. Motor neurone disease: progress and challenges. Med J Aust 2017; 206:357-362. [DOI: 10.5694/mja16.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Margaret Zoing
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
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Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Have High Interest in and Limited Access to Genetic Testing. J Genet Couns 2016; 26:604-611. [PMID: 27761850 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-016-0034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is widely available, it is unknown what proportion of patients with ALS have access to genetic counseling and testing, and patient attitudes towards ALS genetic testing have not been studied. We conducted a national survey of ALS patients enrolled in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which consisted of multiple choice questions and two 12 item Likert scale series assessing respondents' experience with and attitude toward genetic testing. The survey had an 8 % response rate, with 449 completed responses. Genetic testing was offered to 33.4 % and completed by 67.1 % of those offered. A minority of respondents (12.5 %) saw a genetic counselor, and were much more likely to be offered genetic testing (p = 0.0001). Respondents with a family history of ALS (8.4 %) were more likely to be offered testing (p = 0.0001) and complete testing (p = 0.05). Respondents with a family history of ALS were more likely to report a favorable attitude towards genetic testing (p = 0.0003), as were respondents who saw a genetic counselor (p = 0.02). The majority of respondents (82.7 %) felt that genetic testing should be offered to all patients with ALS. Our results indicate that ALS patients may have limited access to genetic testing, but perceive benefit from this service. Development of practice guidelines for genetic testing in ALS, to include the routine offer of genetic counseling, may result in broader and more consistent access to these services.
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