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Scaravilli A, Gabusi I, Mari G, Battocchio M, Bosticardo S, Schiavi S, Bender B, Kessler C, Brais B, La Piana R, van de Warrenburg BP, Cosottini M, Timmann D, Daducci A, Schüle R, Synofzik M, Santorelli FM, Cocozza S. An MRI evaluation of white matter involvement in paradigmatic forms of spastic ataxia: results from the multi-center PROSPAX study. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12505-y. [PMID: 38880819 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12505-y] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and Spastic Paraplegia Type 7 (SPG7) are paradigmatic spastic ataxias (SPAX) with suggested white matter (WM) involvement. Aim of this work was to thoroughly disentangle the degree of WM involvement in these conditions, evaluating both macrostructure and microstructure via the analysis of diffusion MRI (dMRI) data. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this multi-center prospective study, ARSACS and SPG7 patients and Healthy Controls (HC) were enrolled, all undergoing a standardized dMRI protocol and a clinimetrics evaluation including the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Differences in terms of WM volume or global microstructural WM metrics were probed, as well as the possible occurrence of a spatially defined microstructural WM involvement via voxel-wise analyses, and its correlation with patients' clinical status. RESULTS Data of 37 ARSACS (M/F = 21/16; 33.4 ± 12.4 years), 37 SPG7 (M/F = 24/13; 55.7 ± 10.7 years), and 29 HC (M/F = 13/16; 42.1 ± 17.2 years) were analyzed. While in SPG7, only a mild mean microstructural damage was found compared to HC, ARSACS patients present a severe WM involvement, with a reduced global volume (p < 0.001), an alteration of all microstructural metrics (all with p < 0.001), without a spatially defined pattern of damage but with a prominent involvement of commissural fibers. Finally, in ARSACS, a correlation between microstructural damage and SARA scores was found (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION In ARSACS, but not SPG7 patients, we observed a complex and multi-faced involvement of brain WM, with a clinically meaningful widespread loss of axonal and dendritic integrity, secondary demyelination and, overall, a reduction in cellularity and volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scaravilli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gabusi
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gaia Mari
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Battocchio
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Bosticardo
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Benjamin Bender
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kessler
- Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Roberta La Piana
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bart P van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirco Cosottini
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Daducci
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Pi BK, Chung YH, Kim HS, Nam SH, Lee AJ, Nam DE, Park HJ, Kim SB, Chung KW, Choi BO. Compound Heterozygous Mutations of SACS in a Korean Cohort Study of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Concurrent Cerebellar Ataxia and Spasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6378. [PMID: 38928084 PMCID: PMC11204044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SACS gene are associated with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay disease (ARSACS) or complex clinical phenotypes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). This study aimed to identify SACS mutations in a Korean CMT cohort with cerebellar ataxia and spasticity by whole exome sequencing (WES). As a result, eight pathogenic SACS mutations in four families were identified as the underlying causes of these complex phenotypes. The prevalence of CMT families with SACS mutations was determined to be 0.3%. All the patients showed sensory, motor, and gait disturbances with increased deep tendon reflexes. Lower limb magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in four patients and all had fatty replacements. Of note, they all had similar fatty infiltrations between the proximal and distal lower limb muscles, different from the neuromuscular imaging feature in most CMT patients without SACS mutations who had distal dominant fatty involvement. Therefore, these findings were considered a characteristic feature in CMT patients with SACS mutations. Although further studies with more cases are needed, our results highlight lower extremity MRI findings in CMT patients with SACS mutations and broaden the clinical spectrum. We suggest screening for SACS in recessive CMT patients with complex phenotypes of ataxia and spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Kwon Pi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea; (B.K.P.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Yeon Hak Chung
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, College of Medicine, Korea University, 148 Gurodong-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyun Su Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
| | - Soo Hyun Nam
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ah Jin Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea; (B.K.P.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Da Eun Nam
- Department of Domestic Business, Macrogen, Inc., 238 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06221, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyung Jun Park
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang Beom Kim
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ki Wha Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea; (B.K.P.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Byung-Ok Choi
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwonr-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
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Galatolo D, Rocchiccioli S, Di Giorgi N, Dal Canto F, Signore G, Morani F, Ceccherini E, Doccini S, Santorelli FM. Proteomics and lipidomic analysis reveal dysregulated pathways associated with loss of sacsin. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1375299. [PMID: 38911600 PMCID: PMC11191878 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare incurable neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the SACS gene, which codes for sacsin, a large protein involved in protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, cytoskeletal dynamics, autophagy, cell adhesion and vesicle trafficking. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying sacsin dysfunction are still largely uncharacterized, and so attempts to develop therapies are still in the early stages. Methods To achieve further understanding of how processes are altered by loss of sacsin, we used untargeted proteomics to compare protein profiles in ARSACS fibroblasts versus controls. Results Our analyses confirmed the involvement of known biological pathways and also implicated calcium and lipid homeostasis in ARSACS skin fibroblasts, a finding further verified in SH-SY5Y SACS -/- cells. Validation through mass spectrometry-based analysis and comparative quantification of lipids by LC-MS in fibroblasts revealed increased levels of ceramides coupled with a reduction of diacylglycerols. Discussion In addition to confirming aberrant Ca2+ homeostasis in ARSACS, this study described abnormal lipid levels associated with loss of sacsin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Giovanni Signore
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Morani
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Ceccherini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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Chen C, Merrill RA, Jong CJ, Strack S. Driving Mitochondrial Fission Improves Cognitive, but not Motor Deficits in a Mouse Model of Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01701-1. [PMID: 38735882 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by loss-of-function mutation in the SACS gene, which encodes sacsin, a putative HSP70-HSP90 co-chaperone. Previous studies with Sacs knock-out (KO) mice and patient-derived fibroblasts suggested that SACSIN mutations inhibit the function of the mitochondrial fission enzyme dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). This in turn resulted in mitochondrial hyperfusion and dysfunction. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by genetically manipulating the mitochondrial fission/fusion equilibrium, creating double KO (DKO) mice that also lack positive (PP2A/Bβ2) and negative (PKA/AKAP1) regulators of Drp1. Neither promoting mitochondrial fusion (Bβ2 KO) nor fission (Akap1 KO) influenced progression of motor symptoms in Sacs KO mice. However, our studies identified profound learning and memory deficits in aged Sacs KO mice. Moreover, this cognitive impairment was rescued in a gene dose-dependent manner by deletion of the Drp1 inhibitor PKA/Akap1. Our results are inconsistent with mitochondrial dysfunction as a primary pathogenic mechanism in ARSACS. Instead, they imply that promoting mitochondrial fission may be beneficial at later stages of the disease when pathology extends to brain regions subserving learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ronald A Merrill
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Chian Ju Jong
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Stefan Strack
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Chen C, Merrill RA, Jong CJ, Strack S. Driving mitochondrial fission improves cognitive, but not motor deficits in a mouse model of Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4178088. [PMID: 38659734 PMCID: PMC11042405 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4178088/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by loss-of-function mutation in the SACS gene, which encodes sacsin, a putative HSP70-HSP90 co-chaperone. Previous studies with Sacs knock-out (KO) mice and patient-derived fibroblasts suggested that SACSIN mutations inhibit the function of the mitochondrial fission enzyme dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). This in turn resulted in mitochondrial hyperfusion and dysfunction. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by genetically manipulating the mitochondrial fission/fusion equilibrium, creating double KO (DKO) mice that also lack positive (PP2A/Bβ2) and negative (PKA/AKAP1) regulators of Drp1. Neither promoting mitochondrial fusion (Bβ2 KO) nor fission (Akap1 KO) influenced progression of motor symptoms in Sacs KO mice. However, our studies identified profound learning and memory deficits in aged Sacs KO mice. Moreover, this cognitive impairment was rescued in a gene dose-dependent manner by deletion of the Drp1 inhibitor PKA/Akap1. Our results are inconsistent with mitochondrial dysfunction as a primary pathogenic mechanism in ARSACS. Instead, they imply that promoting mitochondrial fission may be beneficial at later stages of the disease when pathology extends to brain regions subserving learning and memory.
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Divya KP, Cherian A, Dhing HK, Kumar S, Thomas B, Faruq M. Widening the clinical, radiological and genetic spectrum of autosomal recessive ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay in Indian patients. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:475-484. [PMID: 37898963 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS), classically presenting as a triad of early-onset cerebellar ataxia, lower extremity spasticity and peripheral neuropathy, is caused by mutations in SACS gene which encodes the protein sacsin. OBJECTIVE To provide new insight into the occurrence of SACS mutations in South India. METHODS Patients with three cardinal features of ARSACS-peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and pyramidal tract signs were included. Nine patients were clinically identified and genetically evaluated. Mutation screening of SACS by targeted sequencing of 40 recessive ataxia genes panel by next-generation sequencing was conducted. Additional investigations included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Functional disability was assessed by the Spinocerebellar Degeneration Functional Score. RESULTS Two hundred and fifteen cerebellar ataxia patients were screened, and 9 patients with cerebellar ataxia with spasticity, peripheral neuropathy and MRI brain characteristics, consistent with a clinical diagnosis of ARSACS were identified, of which 7 patients were identified to have mutation in the SACS gene and are detailed hereafter. Age of presentation ranged from 20 to 55 years (29.8 ± 11.9) with a mean disease duration of 12.7 years (SD-7.65, range 5-22 years). All except one had onset of symptoms in the form of an ataxic gait noticed before 20 years of age. Additional features were subnormal intelligence (4/7), slow and hypometric saccades (1/7), seizures (1/7), kyphoscoliosis (1/7) and dysmorphic facies (1/7). SDFS was 3 in 5/7 patients signifying moderate disability with independent ambulation. MRI showed cerebellar atrophy with predominant atrophy of the superior vermis (7/7), horizontal linear T2 hypointensities in the pons(7/7), hyperintensities where lateral pons merges with the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) (7/7) well seen in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, thickening of MCP (3/7), symmetric lateral thalamic hyperintensities (6/7), posterior fossa arachnoid cyst (4/7),thinning of posterior mid-body of corpus callosum (7/7), marginal mineralisation of the basal ganglia (7/7), bilateral parietal atrophy (7/7) and thinning of corticospinal tract on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) (7/7). We identified pathogenic homozygous frameshift mutations in the SACS gene in six patients (including two siblings), while one patient had a heterozygous pathogenic deletion. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest series of genetically confirmed ARSACS patients from India highlighting the clinical, ophthalmological, imaging and genetic features of this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Divya
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Ajith Cherian
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695011, India.
| | - Hemanga Kumar Dhing
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Savith Kumar
- Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Bejoy Thomas
- Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, New Delhi, 110007, India
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Pilotto F, Del Bondio A, Puccio H. Hereditary Ataxias: From Bench to Clinic, Where Do We Stand? Cells 2024; 13:319. [PMID: 38391932 PMCID: PMC10886822 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a wide heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Within this broad umbrella of diseases, there are both genetics and sporadic forms. The clinical presentation of these conditions can exhibit a diverse range of symptoms across different age groups, spanning from pure cerebellar manifestations to sensory ataxia and multisystemic diseases. Over the last few decades, advancements in our understanding of genetics and molecular pathophysiology related to both dominant and recessive ataxias have propelled the field forward, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and arresting the progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, the rarity of certain forms of ataxia continues to pose challenges, leading to limited insights into the etiology of the disease and the identification of target pathways. Additionally, the lack of suitable models hampers efforts to comprehensively understand the molecular foundations of disease's pathophysiology and test novel therapeutic interventions. In the following review, we describe the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathological progression of hereditary ataxia, including both the prevalent and less common forms of these diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the diverse molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches currently undergoing investigation in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Finally, we address the existing and anticipated challenges within this field, encompassing both basic research and clinical endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andrea Del Bondio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
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Lopergolo D, Rosini F, Pretegiani E, Bargagli A, Serchi V, Rufa A. Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias: a diagnostic classification approach according to ocular features. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 17:1275794. [PMID: 38390227 PMCID: PMC10883068 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1275794] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting primarily the cerebellum and/or its afferent tracts, often accompanied by damage of other neurological or extra-neurological systems. Due to the overlap of clinical presentation among ARCAs and the variety of hereditary, acquired, and reversible etiologies that can determine cerebellar dysfunction, the differential diagnosis is challenging, but also urgent considering the ongoing development of promising target therapies. The examination of afferent and efferent visual system may provide neurophysiological and structural information related to cerebellar dysfunction and neurodegeneration thus allowing a possible diagnostic classification approach according to ocular features. While optic coherence tomography (OCT) is applied for the parametrization of the optic nerve and macular area, the eye movements analysis relies on a wide range of eye-tracker devices and the application of machine-learning techniques. We discuss the results of clinical and eye-tracking oculomotor examination, the OCT findings and some advancing of computer science in ARCAs thus providing evidence sustaining the identification of robust eye parameters as possible markers of ARCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopergolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosini
- UOC Stroke Unit, Department of Emergenza-Urgenza, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Pretegiani
- Unit of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudoise Lausanne, Unit of Neurology and Cognitive Neurorehabilitation, Universitary Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Bargagli
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Serchi
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Ekenstedt KJ, Minor KM, Shelton GD, Hammond JJ, Miller AD, Taylor SM, Huang Y, Mickelson JR. A SACS deletion variant in Great Pyrenees dogs causes autosomal recessive neuronal degeneration. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1587-1601. [PMID: 37758910 PMCID: PMC10602964 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02599-1] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
ARSACS (autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay) is a human neurological disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. A recently recognized disorder in Great Pyrenees dogs is similarly characterized by widespread central nervous system degeneration leading to progressive cerebellar ataxia and spasticity, combined with peripheral neuropathy. Onset of clinical signs occurred in puppies as young as 4 months of age, with slow progression over several years. A multi-generation pedigree suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Histopathology revealed consistent cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration, neuronal degeneration in brainstem nuclei, widespread spinal cord white matter degeneration, ganglion cell degeneration, inappropriately thin myelin sheaths or fully demyelinated peripheral nerve fibers, and normal or only mild patterns of denervation atrophy in skeletal muscles. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data was collected from 6 cases and 26 controls, where homozygosity mapping identified a 3.3 Mb region on CFA25 in which all cases were homozygous and all controls were either heterozygous or homozygous for alternate haplotypes. This region tagged the SACS gene where variants are known to cause ARSACS. Sanger sequencing of SACS in affected dogs identified a 4 bp deletion that causes a frame shift and truncates 343 amino acids from the C terminus of the encoded sacsin protein (p.Val4244AlafsTer32). Our clinical and histopathological descriptions of this canine disorder contribute to the description of human ARSACS and represents the first naturally occurring large animal model of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari J Ekenstedt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, Lynn Hall, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Katie M Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - James J Hammond
- Department of Neurology, Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center, Middletown, CT, 06457, USA
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Susan M Taylor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Yanyun Huang
- Prairie Diagnostic Services, Inc., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - James R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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Huang H, Shakkottai VG. Targeting Ion Channels and Purkinje Neuron Intrinsic Membrane Excitability as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cerebellar Ataxia. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1350. [PMID: 37374132 DOI: 10.3390/life13061350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, a convergence of widely varying insults results in a loss of dopaminergic neurons and, thus, the motor symptoms of the disease. Dopamine replacement therapy with agents such as levodopa is a mainstay of therapy. Cerebellar ataxias, a heterogeneous group of currently untreatable conditions, have not been identified to have a shared physiology that is a target of therapy. In this review, we propose that perturbations in cerebellar Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability, a result of ion channel dysregulation, is a common pathophysiologic mechanism that drives motor impairment and vulnerability to degeneration in cerebellar ataxias of widely differing genetic etiologies. We further propose that treatments aimed at restoring Purkinje neuron intrinsic membrane excitability have the potential to be a shared therapy in cerebellar ataxia akin to levodopa for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Huang
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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11
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Márquez BT, Leung TCS, Hui J, Charron F, McKinney RA, Watt AJ. A mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) improves motor coordination and reduces Purkinje cell death in a mouse model of ARSACS. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106157. [PMID: 37209925 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial deficits have been observed in animal models of Autosomal-recessive spastic ataxia of the Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and in patient-derived fibroblasts. We investigated whether mitochondrial function could be restored in Sacs-/- mice, a mouse model of ARSACS, using the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant ubiquinone MitoQ. After 10 weeks of chronic MitoQ administration in drinking water, we partially reversed motor coordination deficits in Sacs-/- mice but did not affect litter-matched wild-type control mice. MitoQ administration led to a restoration of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in cerebellar Purkinje cell somata without altering Purkinje cell firing deficits. Purkinje cells in anterior vermis of Sacs-/- mice normally undergo cell death in ARSACS; however, Purkinje cells numbers were elevated after chronic MitoQ treatment. Furthermore, Purkinje cell innervation of target neurons in the cerebellar nuclei of Sacs-/- mice were also partially restored with MitoQ treatment. Our data suggest that MitoQ is a potential therapeutic treatment for ARSACS and that it improves motor coordination via increasing cerebellar Purkinje cell mitochondria function and reducing Purkinje cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanette Hui
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - François Charron
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - R Anne McKinney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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12
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Synofzik M, Rugarli E, Reid E, Schüle R. Ataxia and spastic paraplegia in mitochondrial disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 194:79-98. [PMID: 36813322 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821751-1.00009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative ataxias and hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) form a continuous, often overlapping disease spectrum sharing not only phenotypic features and underlying genes, but also cellular pathways and disease mechanisms. Mitochondrial metabolism presents a major molecular theme underlying both multiple ataxias and HSPs, thus indicating a heightened vulnerability of Purkinje cells, spinocerebellar tracts, and motor neurons to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is of particular interest for translational approaches. Mitochondrial dysfunction might be the primary (upstream) or secondary (downstream) result of a genetic defect, with underlying genetic defects in nuclear-encoded genes being much more frequent than in mtDNA genes in both, ataxias and HSPs. Here, we outline the substantial number of ataxias, spastic ataxias and HSPs caused by mutated genes implicated in (primary or secondary) mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting several key "mitochondrial" ataxias and HSPs which are of particular interest for their frequency, pathogenesis and translational opportunities. We then showcase prototypic mitochondrial mechanisms by which disruption of these ataxia and HSP genes contributes to Purkinje cells or corticospinal neuron dysfunction, thus elucidating hypotheses on Purkinje cells and corticospinal neuron vulnerability to mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology & Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Elena Rugarli
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Evan Reid
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology & Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Perna L, Castelli M, Frasnetti E, Romano LEL, Colombo G, Prodromou C, Chapple JP. AlphaFold predicted structure of the Hsp90-like domains of the neurodegeneration linked protein sacsin reveals key residues for ATPase activity. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1074714. [PMID: 36710881 PMCID: PMC9880540 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1074714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ataxia-linked protein sacsin has three regions of partial homology to Hsp90's N-terminal ATP binding domain. Although a crystal structure for this Hsp90-like domain has been reported the precise molecular interactions required for ATP-binding and hydrolysis are unclear and it is debatable whether ATP biding is compatible with these domains. Furthermore, the Identification of a sacsin domain(s) equivalent to the middle domain of Hsp90 has been elusive. Here we present the superimposition of an AlphaFold structure of sacsin with yeast Hsp90, which provides novel insights into sacsin's structure. We identify residues within the sacsin Hsp90-like domains that are required for ATP binding and hydrolysis, including the putative catalytic arginine residues equivalent to that of the Hsp90 middle domain. Importantly, our analysis allows comparison of the Hsp90 middle domain with corresponding sacsin regions and identifies a shorter lid segment, in the sacsin ATP-binding domains, than the one found in the N-terminal domain of Hsp90. Our results show how a realignment of residues in the lid segment of sacsin that are involved in ATP binding can better match equivalent residues seen in Hsp90, which we then corroborated using molecular dynamic simulations. We speculate, from a structural viewpoint, why some ATP competitive inhibitors of Hsp90 may not bind sacsin, while others would. Together our analysis supports the hypothesis that sacsin's function is ATP-driven and would be consistent with it having a role as a super molecular chaperone. We propose that the SR1 regions of sacsin be renamed as HSP-NRD (Hsp90 N-Terminal Repeat Domain; residues 84-324) and the fragment immediately after as HSP-MRD (Hsp90 Middle Repeat Domain; residues 325-518).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Perna
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lisa E. L. Romano
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chrisostomos Prodromou
- Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: J. Paul Chapple, ; Chrisostomos Prodromou,
| | - J. Paul Chapple
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: J. Paul Chapple, ; Chrisostomos Prodromou,
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14
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Mitochondria in Cell-Based Therapy for Stroke. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010178. [PMID: 36671040 PMCID: PMC9854436 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a relatively developed understanding of the pathophysiology underlying primary and secondary mechanisms of cell death after ischemic injury, there are few established treatments to improve stroke prognoses. A major contributor to secondary cell death is mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent advancements in cell-based therapies suggest that stem cells may be revolutionary for treating stroke, and the reestablishment of mitochondrial integrity may underlie these therapeutic benefits. In fact, functioning mitochondria are imperative for reducing oxidative damage and neuroinflammation following stroke and reperfusion injury. In this review, we will discuss the role of mitochondria in establishing the anti-oxidative effects of stem cell therapies for stroke.
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15
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Louit A, Beaudet MJ, Blais M, Gros-Louis F, Dupré N, Berthod F. In Vitro Characterization of Motor Neurons and Purkinje Cells Differentiated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated from Patients with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:1496597. [PMID: 37096129 PMCID: PMC10122584 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1496597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early-onset neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by spasticity in the lower limbs and poor muscle control. The disease is caused by mutations in the SACS gene leading in most cases to a loss of function of the sacsin protein, which is highly expressed in motor neurons and Purkinje cells. To investigate the impact of the mutated sacsin protein in these cells in vitro, induced pluripotent stem cell- (iPSC-) derived motor neurons and iPSC-derived Purkinje cells were generated from three ARSACS patients. Both types of iPSC-derived neurons expressed the characteristic neuronal markers β3-tubulin, neurofilaments M and H, as well as specific markers like Islet-1 for motor neurons, and parvalbumin or calbindin for Purkinje cells. Compared to controls, iPSC-derived mutated SACS neurons expressed lower amounts of sacsin. In addition, characteristic neurofilament aggregates were detected along the neurites of both iPSC-derived neurons. These results indicate that it is possible to recapitulate in vitro, at least in part, the ARSACS pathological signature in vitro using patient-derived motor neurons and Purkinje cells differentiated from iPSCs. Such an in vitro personalized model of the disease could be useful for the screening of new drugs for the treatment of ARSACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Louit
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Beaudet
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Blais
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Gros-Louis
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Berthod
- LOEX, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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16
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The J Domain of Sacsin Disrupts Intermediate Filament Assembly. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415742. [PMID: 36555380 PMCID: PMC9779362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of the Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by mutation in the SACS gene resulting in loss of function of the protein sacsin. A key feature is the formation of abnormal bundles of neurofilaments (NF) in neurons and vimentin intermediate filaments (IF) in cultured fibroblasts, suggesting a role of sacsin in IF homeostasis. Sacsin contains a J domain (SacsJ) homologous to Hsp40, that can interact with Hsp70 chaperones. The SacsJ domain resolved NF bundles in cultured Sacs-/- neurons. Having studied the mechanism using NF assembled in vitro from purified NF proteins, we report that the SacsJ domain interacts with NF proteins to disassemble NFL filaments, and to inhibit their initial assembly. A cell-penetrating peptide derived from this domain, SacsJ-myc-TAT was efficient in disassembling NF bundles in cultured Sacs-/- motor neurons, restoring the NF network; however, there was some loss of vimentin IF and NF in cultured Sacs+/+ fibroblasts and motor neurons, respectively. These results suggest that sacsin through its SacsJ domain is a key regulator of NF and vimentin IF networks in cells.
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17
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Aly KA, Moutaoufik MT, Zilocchi M, Phanse S, Babu M. Insights into SACS pathological attributes in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS)☆. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 71:102211. [PMID: 36126381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare early-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the SACS gene, encoding Sacsin. Initial functional annotation of Sacsin was based on sequence homology, with subsequent experiments revealing the Sacsin requirement for regulating mitochondrial dynamics, along with its domains involved in promoting neurofilament assembly or resolving their bundling accumulations. ARSACS phenotypes associated with SACS loss-of-function are discussed, and how advancements in ARSACS disease models and quantitative omics approaches can improve our understanding of ARSACS pathological attributes. Lastly in the perspectives section, we address gene correction strategies for monogenic disorders such as ARSACS, along with their common delivery methods, representing a hopeful area for ARSACS therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Aly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Mara Zilocchi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sadhna Phanse
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Mohan Babu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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18
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Nanayakkara R, Gurung R, Rodgers SJ, Eramo MJ, Ramm G, Mitchell CA, McGrath MJ. Autophagic lysosome reformation in health and disease. Autophagy 2022:1-18. [DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2128019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Randini Nanayakkara
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rajendra Gurung
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel J. Rodgers
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Eramo
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georg Ramm
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina A. Mitchell
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meagan J. McGrath
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Romano LEL, Aw WY, Hixson KM, Novoselova TV, Havener TM, Howell S, Taylor-Blake B, Hall CL, Xing L, Beri J, Nethisinghe S, Perna L, Hatimy A, Altadonna GC, Graves LM, Herring LE, Hickey AJ, Thalassinos K, Chapple JP, Wolter JM. Multi-omic profiling reveals the ataxia protein sacsin is required for integrin trafficking and synaptic organization. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111580. [PMID: 36323248 PMCID: PMC9647044 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a childhood-onset cerebellar ataxia caused by mutations in SACS, which encodes the protein sacsin. Cellular ARSACS phenotypes include mitochondrial dysfunction, intermediate filament disorganization, and progressive death of cerebellar Purkinje neurons. It is unclear why the loss of sacsin causes these deficits or why they manifest as cerebellar ataxia. Here, we perform multi-omic profiling in sacsin knockout (KO) cells and identify alterations in microtubule dynamics and mislocalization of focal adhesion (FA) proteins, including multiple integrins. Deficits in FA structure, signaling, and function can be rescued by targeting PTEN, a negative regulator of FA signaling. ARSACS mice possess mislocalization of ITGA1 in Purkinje neurons and synaptic disorganization in the deep cerebellar nucleus (DCN). The sacsin interactome reveals that sacsin regulates interactions between cytoskeletal and synaptic adhesion proteins. Our findings suggest that disrupted trafficking of synaptic adhesion proteins is a causal molecular deficit in ARSACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E L Romano
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Wen Yih Aw
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kathryn M Hixson
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tatiana V Novoselova
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Tammy M Havener
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stefanie Howell
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bonnie Taylor-Blake
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charlotte L Hall
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Lei Xing
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Josh Beri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suran Nethisinghe
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Laura Perna
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Abubakar Hatimy
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ginevra Chioccioli Altadonna
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Lee M Graves
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Anthony J Hickey
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Konstantinos Thalassinos
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - J Paul Chapple
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Justin M Wolter
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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20
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Francis V, Alshafie W, Kumar R, Girard M, Brais B, McPherson PS. The ARSACS disease protein sacsin controls lysosomal positioning and reformation by regulating microtubule dynamics. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102320. [PMID: 35933016 PMCID: PMC9437860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay is a fatal brain disorder featuring cerebellar neurodegeneration leading to spasticity and ataxia. This disease is caused by mutations in the SACS gene that encodes sacsin, a massive 4579-amino acid protein with multiple modular domains. However, molecular details of the function of sacsin are not clear. Here, using live cell imaging and biochemistry, we demonstrate that sacsin binds to microtubules and regulates microtubule dynamics. Loss of sacsin function in various cell types, including knockdown and KO primary neurons and patient fibroblasts, leads to alterations in lysosomal transport, positioning, function, and reformation following autophagy. Each of these phenotypic changes is consistent with altered microtubule dynamics. We further show the effects of sacsin are mediated at least in part through interactions with JIP3, an adapter for microtubule motors. These data reveal a new function for sacsin that explains its previously reported roles and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Francis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Walaa Alshafie
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Girard
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter S McPherson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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21
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Morani F, Doccini S, Galatolo D, Pezzini F, Soliymani R, Simonati A, Lalowski MM, Gemignani F, Santorelli FM. Integrative Organelle-Based Functional Proteomics: In Silico Prediction of Impaired Functional Annotations in SACS KO Cell Model. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081024. [PMID: 35892334 PMCID: PMC9331974 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by early-onset spasticity in the lower limbs, axonal-demyelinating sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, and cerebellar ataxia. Our understanding of ARSACS (genetic basis, protein function, and disease mechanisms) remains partial. The integrative use of organelle-based quantitative proteomics and whole-genome analysis proposed in the present study allowed identifying the affected disease-specific pathways, upstream regulators, and biological functions related to ARSACS, which exemplify a rationale for the development of improved early diagnostic strategies and alternative treatment options in this rare condition that currently lacks a cure. Our integrated results strengthen the evidence for disease-specific defects related to bioenergetics and protein quality control systems and reinforce the role of dysregulated cytoskeletal organization in the pathogenesis of ARSACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit—IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.D.); (D.G.)
| | - Daniele Galatolo
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit—IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.D.); (D.G.)
| | - Francesco Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (F.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Rabah Soliymani
- HiLIFE, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (R.S.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (F.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Maciej M. Lalowski
- HiLIFE, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (R.S.); (M.M.L.)
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, PAS, Department of Biomedical Proteomics, 61-704 Poznań, Poland
| | - Federica Gemignani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Filippo M. Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit—IRCCS Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.D.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-886311
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22
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Discovery of Therapeutics Targeting Oxidative Stress in Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia: A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060764. [PMID: 35745683 PMCID: PMC9228961 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neurodegenerative inherited disorders. The resulting motor incoordination and progressive functional disabilities lead to reduced lifespan. There is currently no cure for ARCAs, likely attributed to the lack of understanding of the multifaceted roles of antioxidant defense and the underlying mechanisms. This systematic review aims to evaluate the extant literature on the current developments of therapeutic strategies that target oxidative stress for the management of ARCAs. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct Scopus for relevant peer-reviewed articles published from 1 January 2016 onwards. A total of 28 preclinical studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. We first evaluated the altered cellular processes, abnormal signaling cascades, and disrupted protein quality control underlying the pathogenesis of ARCA. We then examined the current potential therapeutic strategies for ARCAs, including aromatic, organic and pharmacological compounds, gene therapy, natural products, and nanotechnology, as well as their associated antioxidant pathways and modes of action. We then discussed their potential as antioxidant therapeutics for ARCAs, with the long-term view toward their possible translation to clinical practice. In conclusion, our current understanding is that these antioxidant therapies show promise in improving or halting the progression of ARCAs. Tailoring the therapies to specific disease stages could greatly facilitate the management of ARCAs.
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Biomarker Candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease Unraveled through In Silico Differential Gene Expression Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051165. [PMID: 35626321 PMCID: PMC9139748 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neurodegeneration that accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases. Symptoms begin with mild memory difficulties and evolve towards cognitive impairment. The underlying risk factors remain primarily unclear for this heterogeneous disorder. Bioinformatics is a relevant research tool that allows for identifying several pathways related to AD. Open-access databases of RNA microarrays from the peripheral blood and brain of AD patients were analyzed after background correction and data normalization; the Limma package was used for differential expression analysis (DEA) through statistical R programming language. Data were corrected with the Benjamini and Hochberg approach, and genes with p-values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. The direction of the change in gene expression was determined by its variation in the log2-fold change between healthy controls and patients. We performed the functional enrichment analysis of GO using goana and topGO-Limma. The functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed upregulated (UR) pathways: behavior, nervous systems process, postsynapses, enzyme binding; downregulated (DR) were cellular component organization, RNA metabolic process, and signal transduction. Lastly, the intersection of DEGs in the three databases showed eight shared genes between brain and blood, with potential use as AD biomarkers for blood tests.
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Recessive cerebellar and afferent ataxias - clinical challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:257-272. [PMID: 35332317 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar and afferent ataxias present with a characteristic gait disorder that reflects cerebellar motor dysfunction and sensory loss. These disorders are a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the large number of acquired and inherited diseases that cause cerebellar and sensory neuron damage. Among such conditions that are recessively inherited, Friedreich ataxia and RFC1-associated cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) include the characteristic clinical, neuropathological and imaging features of ganglionopathies, a distinctive non-length-dependent type of sensory involvement. In this Review, we discuss the typical and atypical phenotypes of Friedreich ataxia and CANVAS, along with the features of other recessive ataxias that present with a ganglionopathy or polyneuropathy, with an emphasis on recently described clinical features, natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations. We review the main developments in understanding the complex pathology that affects the sensory neurons and cerebellum, which seem to be most vulnerable to disorders that affect mitochondrial function and DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss disease-modifying therapeutic advances in Friedreich ataxia, highlighting the most promising candidate molecules and lessons learned from previous clinical trials.
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Molecular Characterization of Portuguese Patients with Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060981. [PMID: 35326432 PMCID: PMC8946949 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary cerebellar ataxia (HCA) comprises a clinical and genetic heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by incoordination of movement, speech, and unsteady gait. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 19 families with HCA and presumed autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance, to identify the causal genes. A phenotypic classification was performed, considering the main clinical syndromes: spastic ataxia, ataxia and neuropathy, ataxia and oculomotor apraxia (AOA), ataxia and dystonia, and ataxia with cognitive impairment. The most frequent causal genes were associated with spastic ataxia (SACS and KIF1C) and with ataxia and neuropathy or AOA (PNKP). We also identified three families with autosomal dominant (AD) forms arising from de novo variants in KIF1A, CACNA1A, or ATP1A3, reinforcing the importance of differential diagnosis (AR vs. AD forms) in families with only one affected member. Moreover, 10 novel causal-variants were identified, and the detrimental effect of two splice-site variants confirmed through functional assays. Finally, by reviewing the molecular mechanisms, we speculated that regulation of cytoskeleton function might be impaired in spastic ataxia, whereas DNA repair is clearly associated with AOA. In conclusion, our study provided a genetic diagnosis for HCA families and proposed common molecular pathways underlying cerebellar neurodegeneration.
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Murtinheira F, Migueis M, Letra-Vilela R, Diallo M, Quezada A, Valente CA, Oliva A, Rodriguez C, Martin V, Herrera F. Sacsin Deletion Induces Aggregation of Glial Intermediate Filaments. Cells 2022; 11:299. [PMID: 35053415 PMCID: PMC8773934 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disorder commonly diagnosed in infants and characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, motor sensory neuropathy and axonal demyelination. ARSACS is caused by mutations in the SACS gene that lead to truncated or defective forms of the 520 kDa multidomain protein, sacsin. Sacsin function is exclusively studied on neuronal cells, where it regulates mitochondrial network organization and facilitates the normal polymerization of neuronal intermediate filaments (i.e., neurofilaments and vimentin). Here, we show that sacsin is also highly expressed in astrocytes, C6 rat glioma cells and N9 mouse microglia. Sacsin knockout in C6 cells (C6Sacs-/-) induced the accumulation of the glial intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nestin and vimentin in the juxtanuclear area, and a concomitant depletion of mitochondria. C6Sacs-/- cells showed impaired responses to oxidative challenges (Rotenone) and inflammatory stimuli (Interleukin-6). GFAP aggregation is also associated with other neurodegenerative conditions diagnosed in infants, such as Alexander disease or Giant Axonal Neuropathy. Our results, and the similarities between these disorders, reinforce the possible connection between ARSACS and intermediate filament-associated diseases and point to a potential role of glia in ARSACS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Murtinheira
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Migueis
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Letra-Vilela
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mickael Diallo
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica (ITQB-NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Andrea Quezada
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia A. Valente
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Abel Oliva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica (ITQB-NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Carmen Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.R.); (V.M.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Vanesa Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.R.); (V.M.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Federico Herrera
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.M.); (R.L.-V.); (M.D.); (A.Q.)
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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Bagaria J, Bagyinszky E, An SSA. Genetics of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and Role of Sacsin in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:552. [PMID: 35008978 PMCID: PMC8745260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early-onset neurodegenerative disease that was originally discovered in the population from the Charlevoix-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (CSLSJ) region in Quebec. Although the disease progression of ARSACS may start in early childhood, cases with later onset have also been observed. Spasticity and ataxia could be common phenotypes, and retinal optic nerve hypermyelination is detected in the majority of patients. Other symptoms, such as pes cavus, ataxia and limb deformities, are also frequently observed in affected individuals. More than 200 mutations have been discovered in the SACS gene around the world. Besides French Canadians, SACS genetics have been extensively studied in Tunisia or Japan. Recently, emerging studies discovered SACS mutations in several other countries. SACS mutations could be associated with pathogenicity either in the homozygous or compound heterozygous stages. Sacsin has been confirmed to be involved in chaperon activities, controlling the microtubule balance or cell migration. Additionally, sacsin may also play a crucial role in regulating the mitochondrial functions. Through these mechanisms, it may share common mechanisms with other neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed to define the exact functions of sacsin. This review introduces the genetic mutations discovered in the SACS gene and discusses its pathomechanisms and its possible involvement in other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bagaria
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea;
| | - Eva Bagyinszky
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Environment, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea;
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Toscano Márquez B, Cook AA, Rice M, Smileski A, Vieira-Lomasney K, Charron F, McKinney RA, Watt AJ. Molecular Identity and Location Influence Purkinje Cell Vulnerability in Autosomal-Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:707857. [PMID: 34970120 PMCID: PMC8712330 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.707857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterned cell death is a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. In patients with autosomal-recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and mouse models of ARSACS, it has been observed that Purkinje cells in anterior cerebellar vermis are vulnerable to degeneration while those in posterior vermis are resilient. Purkinje cells are known to express certain molecules in a highly stereotyped, patterned manner across the cerebellum. One patterned molecule is zebrin, which is expressed in distinctive stripes across the cerebellar cortex. The different zones delineated by the expression pattern of zebrin and other patterned molecules have been implicated in the patterning of Purkinje cell death, raising the question of whether they contribute to cell death in ARSACS. We found that zebrin patterning appears normal prior to disease onset in Sacs–/– mice, suggesting that zebrin-positive and -negative Purkinje cell zones develop normally. We next observed that zebrin-negative Purkinje cells in anterior lobule III were preferentially susceptible to cell death, while anterior zebrin-positive cells and posterior zebrin-negative and -positive cells remained resilient even at late disease stages. The patterning of Purkinje cell innervation to the target neurons in the cerebellar nuclei (CN) showed a similar pattern of loss: neurons in the anterior CN, where inputs are predominantly zebrin-negative, displayed a loss of Purkinje cell innervation. In contrast, neurons in the posterior CN, which is innervated by both zebrin-negative and -positive puncta, had normal innervation. These results suggest that the location and the molecular identity of Purkinje cells determine their susceptibility to cell death in ARSACS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna A Cook
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Max Rice
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexia Smileski
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - François Charron
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - R Anne McKinney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Battaglini M, Carmignani A, Martinelli C, Colica J, Marino A, Doccini S, Mollo V, Santoro F, Bartolucci M, Petretto A, Santorelli FM, Ciofani G. In vitro study of polydopamine nanoparticles as protective antioxidant agents in fibroblasts derived from ARSACS patients. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:3770-3792. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00729k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are active molecules involved in several biological functions. When the production of ROS is not counterbalanced by the action of protective antioxidant mechanisms present in living...
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Hsp90 Inhibition: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for ARSACS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111722. [PMID: 34769152 PMCID: PMC8584178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the SACS gene, encoding the 520 kDa modular protein sacsin, which comprises multiple functional sequence domains that suggest a role either as a scaffold in protein folding or in proteostasis. Cells from patients with ARSACS display a distinct phenotype including altered organisation of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton and a hyperfused mitochondrial network where mitochondrial respiration is compromised. Here, we used vimentin bundling as a biomarker of sacsin function to test the therapeutic potential of Hsp90 inhibition with the C-terminal-domain-targeted compound KU-32, which has demonstrated mitochondrial activity. This study shows that ARSACS patient cells have significantly increased vimentin bundling compared to control, and this was also present in ARSACS carriers despite them being asymptomatic. We found that KU-32 treatment significantly reduced vimentin bundling in carrier and patient cells. We also found that cells from patients with ARSACS were unable to maintain mitochondrial membrane potential upon challenge with mitotoxins, and that the electron transport chain function was restored upon KU-32 treatment. Our preliminary findings presented here suggest that targeting the heat-shock response by Hsp90 inhibition alleviates vimentin bundling and may represent a promising area for the development of therapeutics for ARSACS.
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31
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Defective myelination in an RNA polymerase III mutant leukodystrophic mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024378118. [PMID: 34583988 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024378118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (Pol) III synthesizes abundant short noncoding RNAs that have essential functions in protein synthesis, secretion, and other processes. Despite the ubiquitous functions of these RNAs, mutations in Pol III subunits cause Pol III-related leukodystrophy, an early-onset neurodegenerative disease. The basis of this neural sensitivity and the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis are unknown. Here we show that mice expressing pathogenic mutations in the largest Pol III subunit, Polr3a, specifically in Olig2-expressing cells, have impaired growth and developmental delay, deficits in cognitive, sensory, and fine sensorimotor function, and hypomyelination in multiple regions of the cerebrum and spinal cord. These phenotypes reflect a subset of clinical features seen in patients. In contrast, the gross motor defects and cerebellar hypomyelination that are common features of severely affected patients are absent in the mice, suggesting a relatively mild form of the disease in this conditional model. Our results show that disease pathogenesis in the mice involves defects that reduce both the number of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes and the ability of these cells to produce a myelin sheath of normal thickness. The findings suggest unique sensitivities of oligodendrogenesis and myelination to perturbations of Pol III transcription.
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Dragašević-Mišković N, Stanković I, Milovanović A, Kostić VS. Autosomal recessive adult onset ataxia. J Neurol 2021; 269:504-533. [PMID: 34499204 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive ataxias (ARCA) represent a complex group of diseases ranging from primary ataxias to rare and complex metabolic disorders in which ataxia is a part of the clinical picture. Small number of ARCA manifest exclusively in adulthood, while majority of typical childhood onset ARCA may also start later with atypical clinical presentation. We have systematically searched the literature for ARCA with adult onset, both in the group of primary ataxias including those that are less frequently described in isolated or in a small number of families, and also in the group of complex and metabolic diseases in which ataxia is only part of the clinical picture. We propose an algorithm that could be used when encountering a patient with adult onset sporadic or recessive ataxia in whom the acquired causes are excluded. ARCA are frequently neglected in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset ataxias. Rising awareness of their clinical significance is important, not only because some of these disorders may be potentially treatable, but also for prognostic implications and inclusion of patients to future clinical trials with disease modifying agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Dragašević-Mišković
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Stanković
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andona Milovanović
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir S Kostić
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Efficient Neuroprotective Rescue of Sacsin-Related Disease Phenotypes in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168401. [PMID: 34445111 PMCID: PMC8395086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a multisystem hereditary ataxia associated with mutations in SACS, which encodes sacsin, a protein of still only partially understood function. Although mouse models of ARSACS mimic largely the disease progression seen in humans, their use in the validation of effective therapies has not yet been proposed. Recently, the teleost Danio rerio has attracted increasing attention as a vertebrate model that allows rapid and economical screening, of candidate molecules, and thus combines the advantages of whole-organism phenotypic assays and in vitro high-throughput screening assays. Through CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we generated and characterized a zebrafish sacs-null mutant line that replicates the main features of ARSACS. The sacs-null fish showed motor impairment, hindbrain atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. As proof of principle for using these mutant fish in high-throughput screening studies, we showed that both acetyl-DL-leucine and tauroursodeoxycholic acid improved locomotor and biochemical phenotypes in sacs−/− larvae treated with these neuroprotective agents, by mediating significant rescue of the molecular functions altered by sacsin loss. Taken together, the evidence here reported shows the zebrafish to be a valuable model organism for the identification of novel molecular mechanisms and for efficient and rapid in vivo optimization and screening of potential therapeutic compounds. These findings may pave the way for new interventions targeting the earliest phases of Purkinje cell degeneration in ARSACS.
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Paß T, Wiesner RJ, Pla-Martín D. Selective Neuron Vulnerability in Common and Rare Diseases-Mitochondria in the Focus. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:676187. [PMID: 34295920 PMCID: PMC8290884 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.676187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central feature of neurodegeneration within the central and peripheral nervous system, highlighting a strong dependence on proper mitochondrial function of neurons with especially high energy consumptions. The fitness of mitochondria critically depends on preservation of distinct processes, including the maintenance of their own genome, mitochondrial dynamics, quality control, and Ca2+ handling. These processes appear to be differently affected in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as in rare neurological disorders, including Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies. Strikingly, particular neuron populations of different morphology and function perish in these diseases, suggesting that cell-type specific factors contribute to the vulnerability to distinct mitochondrial defects. Here we review the disruption of mitochondrial processes in common as well as in rare neurological disorders and its impact on selective neurodegeneration. Understanding discrepancies and commonalities regarding mitochondrial dysfunction as well as individual neuronal demands will help to design new targets and to make use of already established treatments in order to improve treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Paß
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rudolf J Wiesner
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Pla-Martín
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Douglas VP, Douglas KAA, Miller JB, Gaier ED. Absent Foveal Avascular Zone in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. J Neuroophthalmol 2021; 41:e166-e168. [PMID: 32991389 PMCID: PMC8564680 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Paraskevi Douglas
- Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab (VPD, KAAD, JBM), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (VPD, KAAD, JBM, EDG), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Retina Service (JBM), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (EDG), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (EDG), Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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36
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Cocozza S, Pontillo G, De Michele G, Di Stasi M, Guerriero E, Perillo T, Pane C, De Rosa A, Ugga L, Brunetti A. Conventional MRI findings in hereditary degenerative ataxias: a pictorial review. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:983-999. [PMID: 33733696 PMCID: PMC8213578 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Cerebellar ataxias are a large and heterogeneous group of disorders. The evaluation of brain parenchyma via MRI plays a central role in the diagnostic assessment of these conditions, being mandatory to exclude the presence of other underlying causes in determining the clinical phenotype. Once these possible causes are ruled out, the diagnosis is usually researched in the wide range of hereditary or sporadic ataxias. Methods We here propose a review of the main clinical and conventional imaging findings of the most common hereditary degenerative ataxias, to help neuroradiologists in the evaluation of these patients. Results Hereditary degenerative ataxias are all usually characterized from a neuroimaging standpoint by the presence, in almost all cases, of cerebellar atrophy. Nevertheless, a proper assessment of imaging data, extending beyond the mere evaluation of cerebellar atrophy, evaluating also the pattern of volume loss as well as concomitant MRI signs, is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis. Conclusion The integration of typical neuroradiological characteristics, along with patient’s clinical history and laboratory data, could allow the neuroradiologist to identify some conditions and exclude others, addressing the neurologist to the more appropriate genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Stasi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Guerriero
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Perillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ugga
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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37
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Rabin R, Hirsch Y, Johansson MM, Ekstein J, Ekstein A, Pappas J. Severe epileptic encephalopathy associated with compound heterozygosity of THG1L variants in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:1589-1597. [PMID: 33682303 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
THG1L-associated autosomal recessive ataxia belongs to a group of disorders that occur due to abnormal mitochondrial tRNA modification. The product of THG1L is the tRNA-histidine guanylyltransferase 1-like enzyme that catalyzes the 3'-5"addition of guanine to the 5"-end of tRNA-histidine in the mitochondrion. To date, five individuals with homozygosity for p.(Val55Ala) in THG1L have been reported and presented with mild delays or normal development and cerebellar dysfunction. We present seven individuals with biallelic variants in THG1L. Three individuals were compound heterozygous for the p.(Cys51Trp) and p.(Val55Ala) variants and presented with profound developmental delays, microcephaly, intractable epilepsy, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Four siblings were homozygous for the p.(Val55Ala) variant and presented with cerebellar ataxia with cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, dysarthria, mild developmental delays, and normal/near-normal cognition. All seven patients were of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Carrier rates for the two variants were calculated in a cohort of 26,731 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested by the Dor Yeshorim screening program. The p.(Cys51Trp) variant is novel and was found in 40 of the Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested, with a carrier rate of 1 in 668 (0.15%). The p.(Val55Ala) variant was found in 229 of the Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested, with a carrier rate of 1 in 117 (0.85%). The individuals with compound heterozygosity of the p.(Val55Ala) and p.(Cys51Trp) variants expand the phenotypic spectrum of THG1L-related disorders to include severe epileptic encephalopathy. The individuals with homozygosity of the p.(V55A) variant further establish the associated mild and slowly progressive or nonprogressive neurodevelopmental phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rabin
- Clinical Genetic Services, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yoel Hirsch
- Dor Yeshorim, Committee for Prevention Jewish Genetic Diseases, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Martin M Johansson
- Dor Yeshorim, Committee for Prevention Jewish Genetic Diseases, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Ekstein
- Dor Yeshorim, Committee for Prevention Jewish Genetic Diseases, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Ahron Ekstein
- Dor Yeshorim, Committee for Prevention Jewish Genetic Diseases, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - John Pappas
- Clinical Genetic Services, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Clinical Genetics, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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38
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Aly KA, Moutaoufik MT, Phanse S, Zhang Q, Babu M. From fuzziness to precision medicine: on the rapidly evolving proteomics with implications in mitochondrial connectivity to rare human disease. iScience 2021; 24:102030. [PMID: 33521598 PMCID: PMC7820543 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction is linked to rare diseases (RDs) such as respiratory chain complex (RCC) deficiency, MELAS, and ARSACS. Yet, how altered mt protein networks contribute to these ailments remains understudied. In this perspective article, we identified 21 mt proteins from public repositories that associate with RCC deficiency, MELAS, or ARSACS, engaging in a relatively small number of protein-protein interactions (PPIs), underscoring the need for advanced proteomic and interactomic platforms to uncover the complete scope of mt connectivity to RDs. Accordingly, we discuss innovative untargeted label-free proteomics in identifying RD-specific mt or other macromolecular assemblies and mapping of protein networks in complex tissue, organoid, and stem cell-differentiated neurons. Furthermore, tag- and label-based proteomics, genealogical proteomics, and combinatorial affinity purification-mass spectrometry, along with advancements in detecting and integrating transient PPIs with single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics, collectively offer seminal follow-ups to enrich for RD-relevant networks, with implications in RD precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A. Aly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | | | - Sadhna Phanse
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Qingzhou Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Mohan Babu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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39
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Morani F, Doccini S, Chiorino G, Fattori F, Galatolo D, Sciarrillo E, Gemignani F, Züchner S, Bertini ES, Santorelli FM. Functional Network Profiles in ARSACS Disclosed by Aptamer-Based Proteomic Technology. Front Neurol 2021; 11:603774. [PMID: 33584503 PMCID: PMC7873355 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603774] [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: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic basis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) has been uncovered, our poor understanding of disease mechanisms requires new light on functional pathways and modifying factors to improve early diagnostic strategies and offer alternative treatment options in a rare condition with no cure. Investigation of the pathologic state combining disease models and quantitative omic approach might improve biomarkers discovery with possible implications in patients' diagnoses. In this study, we analyzed proteomics data obtained using the SomaLogic technology, comparing cell lysates from ARSACS patients and from a SACS KO SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell model. Single-stranded deoxyoligonucleotides, selected in vitro from large random libraries, bound and quantified molecular targets related to the neuroinflammation signaling pathway and to neuronal development. Changes in protein levels were further analyzed by bioinformatics and network approaches to identify biomarkers of ARSACS and functional pathways impaired in the disease. We identified novel significantly dysregulated biological processes related to neuroinflammation, synaptogenesis, and engulfment of cells in patients and in KO cells compared with controls. Among the differential expressed proteins found in this work, we identified several proteins encoded by genes already known to be mutated in other forms of neurodegeneration. This finding suggests that common dysfunctional networks could be therapeutic targets for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morani
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Chiorino
- Laboratorio di Genomica, Fondazione Edo ed Elvo Tempia, Biella, Italy
| | - Fabiana Fattori
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Galatolo
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Sciarrillo
- Laboratorio di Genomica, Fondazione Edo ed Elvo Tempia, Biella, Italy
| | | | - Stephan Züchner
- Department of Human Genetics, Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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40
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Gafson AR, Barthélemy NR, Bomont P, Carare RO, Durham HD, Julien JP, Kuhle J, Leppert D, Nixon RA, Weller RO, Zetterberg H, Matthews PM. Neurofilaments: neurobiological foundations for biomarker applications. Brain 2020; 143:1975-1998. [PMID: 32408345 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in neurofilaments has risen sharply in recent years with recognition of their potential as biomarkers of brain injury or neurodegeneration in CSF and blood. This is in the context of a growing appreciation for the complexity of the neurobiology of neurofilaments, new recognition of specialized roles for neurofilaments in synapses and a developing understanding of mechanisms responsible for their turnover. Here we will review the neurobiology of neurofilament proteins, describing current understanding of their structure and function, including recently discovered evidence for their roles in synapses. We will explore emerging understanding of the mechanisms of neurofilament degradation and clearance and review new methods for future elucidation of the kinetics of their turnover in humans. Primary roles of neurofilaments in the pathogenesis of human diseases will be described. With this background, we then will review critically evidence supporting use of neurofilament concentration measures as biomarkers of neuronal injury or degeneration. Finally, we will reflect on major challenges for studies of the neurobiology of intermediate filaments with specific attention to identifying what needs to be learned for more precise use and confident interpretation of neurofilament measures as biomarkers of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie R Gafson
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Nicolas R Barthélemy
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pascale Bomont
- ATIP-Avenir team, INM, INSERM, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Heather D Durham
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Leppert
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ralph A Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.,Departments of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Roy O Weller
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Paul M Matthews
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College, London
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41
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Saneto RP. Mitochondrial diseases: expanding the diagnosis in the era of genetic testing. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2020; 4:384-428. [PMID: 33426505 PMCID: PMC7791531 DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2020.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. These diseases were initially described a little over three decades ago. Limited diagnostic tools created disease descriptions based on clinical, biochemical analytes, neuroimaging, and muscle biopsy findings. This diagnostic mechanism continued to evolve detection of inherited oxidative phosphorylation disorders and expanded discovery of mitochondrial physiology over the next two decades. Limited genetic testing hampered the definitive diagnostic identification and breadth of diseases. Over the last decade, the development and incorporation of massive parallel sequencing has identified approximately 300 genes involved in mitochondrial disease. Gene testing has enlarged our understanding of how genetic defects lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. These findings have expanded the understanding of how mechanisms of mitochondrial physiology can induce dysfunction and disease, but the complete collection of disease-causing gene variants remains incomplete. This article reviews the developments in disease gene discovery and the incorporation of gene findings with mitochondrial physiology. This understanding is critical to the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell P. Saneto
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Neurology/Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital/University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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42
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Martinelli C, Battaglini M, Pucci C, Gioi S, Caracci C, Macaluso G, Doccini S, Santorelli FM, Ciofani G. Development of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Delivery of Idebenone in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:12451-12466. [PMID: 32548430 PMCID: PMC7271403 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress occurs when physiological antioxidant systems do not manage to counteract the excessive intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accumulate leading to irreversible oxidation of DNA and other biomacromolecules, and thus to the onset of pathological conditions. Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by autosomal recessive mutations in the sacsin gene (SACS). It has been demonstrated that cells of ARSACS patients show bioenergetic and mitochondrial impairment, denoted by reduced respiratory chain activities and ATP synthesis. In order to design a suitable therapy for ARSACS, it is essential to consider that treatments need to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a specialized structure that separates the subtle environment of the brain from blood circulation. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), constituted by a solid lipid shell and a liquid lipid phase in the core, have been fabricated for loading hydrophobic molecules, improving their bioavailability. Idebenone (IDE), a synthetic analogue of coenzyme Q10, is able to inhibit lipid peroxidation and detoxify several free radicals. However, because of its poor solubility, it requires ad hoc drug-delivery systems for enhancing its pharmacokinetic properties, preventing undesired cytotoxicity. In this work, NLCs loaded with idebenone (IDE-NLCs) have been prepared. The nanovectors have been physicochemically characterized, and their biological activity has been evaluated on different central nervous system cell lines. IDE-NLCs demonstrated to be stable in water and in cell culture media, and showed a sustained drug release profile. Interestingly, preliminary data demonstrated their ability to permeate an in vitro BBB model. Their protective antioxidant activity in human healthy primary skin fibroblasts and their therapeutic efficacy in ARSACS-derived primary skin fibroblasts have been also investigated, showing their potential for future development as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Martinelli
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- The
Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore
Sant’Anna, Viale
Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pucci
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Sara Gioi
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Caracci
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Gaia Macaluso
- Dipartimento
di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular
Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 3, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo M. Santorelli
- Molecular
Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 3, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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43
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Ma Y, Wang L, Jia R. The role of mitochondrial dynamics in human cancers. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:1278-1293. [PMID: 32509379 PMCID: PMC7269774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are crucial cellular organelles. Under extracellular stimulations, mitochondria undergo constant fusion and fission dynamics to meet different cellular demands. Mitochondrial dynamics is regulated by specialized proteins and lipids. Dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics has been linked to the initiation and progression of diverse human cancers, affecting aspects such as cancer metastasis, drug resistance and cancer stem cell survival, suggesting that targeting mitochondrial dynamics is a potential therapeutic strategy. In the present review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying fusion and fission dynamics and discuss the effects of mitochondrial dynamics on the development of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai, China
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44
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Al-Ajmi A, Shamsah S, Janicijevic A, Williams M, Al-Mulla F. Novel frameshift mutation in the SACS gene causing spastic ataxia of charlevoix-saguenay in a consanguineous family from the Arabian Peninsula: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:1477-1488. [PMID: 32368540 PMCID: PMC7190960 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i8.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial cases of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of charlevoix-saguenay have not been reported in the Arabian Peninsula, although the consanguineous marriage rate is very high. We report the first family from the Arabian Peninsula harboring a novel frameshift mutation in the SACS gene.
CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man presented to our neurology clinic with balance problems and weakness of distal upper and lower limbs. He was previously clinically diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia. However, the severity of polyneuropathy and the electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) findings are atypical features of Friedreich’s ataxia, and the deterioration was attributed to diabetic neuropathy. Close examination of other family members identified cerebellar ataxia, lower-limb pyramidal signs, peripheral neuropathy, and magnetic resonance imaging findings characterized by pontine linear hypointensities. Genetic testing for Friedreich’s ataxia did not yield a diagnosis. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel frameshift germline mutation in the SACS gene termed c.5824_5827delTACT using the transcript NM_014363.5, which is predicted to cause premature termination of the sacsin protein at amino acid position 1942 (p.Tyr1942Metfs*9) and disrupts the sacsin SRR3 and domains downstream from it. The mutation segregated with the disease in the family.
CONCLUSION Our data add to the spectrum of mutations in the SACS gene and argues for a need to implement suitably integrated clinical and diagnostic services, including next generation sequencing technology, to better classify ataxia in this area of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Shamsah
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait
| | | | - Michayla Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genatak Center for Genomic Medicine, Kuwait City 12000, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics, Genatak Center for Genomic Medicine, Kuwait City 12000, Kuwait
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45
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Rudenskaya GE, Kadnikova VA, Ryzhkova OP. [Spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay: the first Russian case report and literature review]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:85-91. [PMID: 32307416 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202012002185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease related to SACS gene and characterized by cerebellar, pyramidal and some other signs. The disease was delineated in Quebec, where it cumulates due to founder effect and has similar phenotype with very early onset. ARSACS in other populations is more variable. The first Russian case of ARSACS in a 37-year-old woman, an only patient in a Lak (one of Dagestan ethnicities) family, is presented. Along with main typical features, she had atypical late disease onset (in 32 years) and moderate cognitive decline. MPS-panel 'hereditary paraplegias' detected an earlier reported homo- or hemizygous mutation c.72276C>T (p.Arg2426Stop) in SACS exon 10.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V A Kadnikova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - O P Ryzhkova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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46
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Cohen S, Sazan H, Kenigsberg A, Schori H, Piperno S, Shpaisman H, Shefi O. Large-scale acoustic-driven neuronal patterning and directed outgrowth. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4932. [PMID: 32188875 PMCID: PMC7080736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic manipulation is an emerging non-invasive method enabling precise spatial control of cells in their native environment. Applying this method for organizing neurons is invaluable for neural tissue engineering applications. Here, we used surface and bulk standing acoustic waves for large-scale patterning of Dorsal Root Ganglia neurons and PC12 cells forming neuronal cluster networks, organized biomimetically. We showed that by changing parameters such as voltage intensity or cell concentration we were able to affect cluster properties. We examined the effects of acoustic arrangement on cells atop 3D hydrogels for up to 6 days and showed that assembled cells spontaneously grew branches in a directed manner towards adjacent clusters, infiltrating the matrix. These findings have great relevance for tissue engineering applications as well as for mimicking architectures and properties of native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Cohen
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Sazan
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Avraham Kenigsberg
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Hadas Schori
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Silvia Piperno
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Hagay Shpaisman
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel.
| | - Orit Shefi
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnologies and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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Metabolic and Organelle Morphology Defects in Mice and Human Patients Define Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 as a Mitochondrial Disease. Cell Rep 2020; 26:1189-1202.e6. [PMID: 30699348 PMCID: PMC6420346 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a retinal-cerebellar degenerative disorder caused by CAG-polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansions in the ataxin-7 gene. As many SCA7 clinical phenotypes occur in mitochondrial disorders, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of patients revealed altered energy metabolism, we considered a role for mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies of SCA7 mice uncovered marked impairments in oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange. When we examined cerebellar Purkinje cells in mice, we observed mitochondrial network abnormalities, with enlarged mitochondria upon ultrastructural analysis. We developed stem cell models from patients and created stem cell knockout rescue systems, documenting mitochondrial morphology defects, impaired oxidative metabolism, and reduced expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production enzymes in SCA7 models. We observed NAD+ reductions in mitochondria of SCA7 patient NPCs using ratiometric fluorescent sensors and documented alterations in tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism in patients. Our results indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction, stemming from decreased NAD+, is a defining feature of SCA7.
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Martinelli C, Pucci C, Battaglini M, Marino A, Ciofani G. Antioxidants and Nanotechnology: Promises and Limits of Potentially Disruptive Approaches in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901589. [PMID: 31854132 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many central nervous system (CNS) diseases are still incurable and only symptomatic treatments are available. Oxidative stress is suggested to be a common hallmark, being able to cause and exacerbate the neuronal cell dysfunctions at the basis of these pathologies, such as mitochondrial impairments, accumulation of misfolded proteins, cell membrane damages, and apoptosis induction. Several antioxidant compounds are tested as potential countermeasures for CNS disorders, but their efficacy is often hindered by the loss of antioxidant properties due to enzymatic degradation, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and insufficient blood-brain barrier crossing efficiency. To overcome the limitations of antioxidant molecules, exploitation of nanostructures, either for their delivery or with inherent antioxidant properties, is proposed. In this review, after a brief discussion concerning the role of the blood-brain barrier in the CNS and the involvement of oxidative stress in some neurodegenerative diseases, the most interesting research concerning the use of nano-antioxidants is introduced and discussed, focusing on the synthesis procedures, functionalization strategies, in vitro and in vivo tests, and on recent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Martinelli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pucci
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The Biorobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Attilio Marino
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
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de Freitas JL, Rezende Filho FM, Sallum JM, França MC, Pedroso JL, Barsottini OG. Ophthalmological changes in hereditary spastic paraplegia and other genetic diseases with spastic paraplegia. J Neurol Sci 2020; 409:116620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Lu Q, Shang L, Tian WT, Cao L, Zhang X, Liu Q. Complicated paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia associated with SACS mutations. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:8. [PMID: 32055599 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by pathogenic variants in the SACS gene and is characterized by ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, pyramidal impairment and episodic conditions such as epilepsy. Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) had not been previously described in ARSACS. Methods We analyzed clinical manifestations and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two independent patients with ARSACS and PKD. Both patients' parents were unaffected. Genetic data were filtered for potential pathogenic variants, searching for de novo mutations suggestive of a dominant disease model or homozygous and compound heterozygous variants of a recessive model. Potential mutations that existed in both patients were generated and subjected to Sanger sequencing. The WES results of 163 PKD patients without additional symptoms from previous experiments were also reviewed. Results Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SACS gene were identified in Patient 1 (p.P3007S and p.H3392fs), and a novel homozygous truncating mutation (p.W1376X) was identified in Patient 2. In both patients, each mutant allele was inherited from one of his or her unaffected parents. All 3 mutations were absent in 196 ethnic-matched control chromosomes or in data from the 1000 Genomes Project. No pathogenic variants associated with paroxysmal diseases, especially PKD and episodic ataxia, were identified. In PKD patients without additional symptoms, no homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the SACS gene were detected. Conclusions This study expands the clinical phenotype of ARSACS and suggests the inclusion of SACS screening in patients with PKD plus ARSACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Liang Shang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wo Tu Tian
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital & Rui Jin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital & Rui Jin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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