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Hoffman-Zacharska D, Sulek A. The New Face of Dynamic Mutation-The CAA [CAG]n CAA CAG Motif as a Mutable Unit in the TBP Gene Causative for Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia Type 17. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8190. [PMID: 39125760 PMCID: PMC11312008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 1991, several genetic disorders caused by unstable trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) have been identified, collectively referred to as triplet repeat diseases (TREDs). They share a common mutation mechanism: the expansion of repeats (dynamic mutations) due to the propensity of repeated sequences to form unusual DNA structures during replication. TREDs are characterized as neurodegenerative diseases or complex syndromes with significant neurological components. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) falls into the former category and is caused by the expansion of mixed CAA/CAG repeats in the TBP gene. To date, a five-unit organization of this region [(CAG)3 (CAA)3] [(CAG)n] [CAA CAG CAA] [(CAG)n] [CAA CAG], with expansion in the second [(CAG)n] unit being the most common, has been proposed. In this study, we propose an alternative organization scheme for the repeats. A search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify articles reporting both the number and composition of GAC/CAA repeats in TBP alleles. Nineteen reports were selected. The sequences of all identified CAG/CAA repeats in the TBP locus, including 67 cases (probands and b relatives), were analyzed in terms of their repetition structure and stability in inheritance, if possible. Based on the analysis of three units [(CAG)3 (CAA)2] [CAA (CAG)n CAA CAG] [CAA (CAG)n CAA CAG], the organization of repeats is proposed. Detailed analysis of the CAG/CAA repeat structure, not just the number of repeats, in TBP-expanded alleles should be performed, as it may have a prognostic value in the prediction of stability/instability during transmission and the possible anticipation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Hoffman-Zacharska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Sulek
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, 02-662 Warsaw, Poland
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Lee HI, Kwon E, Oh E, Jeong SH. Antisaccades in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 17 With Middle Cerebellar Peduncle Hyperintensities Without Hot-Cross-Bun Sign. J Clin Neurol 2024; 20:342-344. [PMID: 38713080 PMCID: PMC11076195 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2023.0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hak-In Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eunjin Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seong-Hae Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
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3
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Banazadeh M, Abiri A, Poortaheri MM, Asnaashari L, Langarizadeh MA, Forootanfar H. Unexplored power of CRISPR-Cas9 in neuroscience, a multi-OMICs review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130413. [PMID: 38408576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience and neurobiology of gene editing to enhance learning and memory is of paramount interest to the scientific community. The advancements of CRISPR system have created avenues to treat neurological disorders by means of versatile modalities varying from expression to suppression of genes and proteins. Neurodegenerative disorders have also been attributed to non-canonical DNA secondary structures by affecting neuron activity through controlling gene expression, nucleosome shape, transcription, translation, replication, and recombination. Changing DNA regulatory elements which could contribute to the fate and function of neurons are thoroughly discussed in this review. This study presents the ability of CRISPR system to boost learning power and memory, treat or cure genetically-based neurological disorders, and alleviate psychiatric diseases by altering the activity and the irritability of the neurons at the synaptic cleft through DNA manipulation, and also, epigenetic modifications using Cas9. We explore and examine how each different OMIC techniques can come useful when altering DNA sequences. Such insight into the underlying relationship between OMICs and cellular behaviors leads us to better neurological and psychiatric therapeutics by intelligently designing and utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Lida Asnaashari
- Student Research Committee, Kerman Universiy of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Langarizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Forootanfar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Johnson SL, Tsou WL, Prifti MV, Harris AL, Todi SV. A survey of protein interactions and posttranslational modifications that influence the polyglutamine diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:974167. [PMID: 36187346 PMCID: PMC9515312 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.974167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence and aggregation of misfolded proteins has deleterious effects in the nervous system. Among the various diseases caused by misfolded proteins is the family of the polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders. This family comprises nine members, all stemming from the same mutation—the abnormal elongation of a polyQ repeat in nine different proteins—which causes protein misfolding and aggregation, cellular dysfunction and disease. While it is the same type of mutation that causes them, each disease is distinct: it is influenced by regions and domains that surround the polyQ repeat; by proteins with which they interact; and by posttranslational modifications they receive. Here, we overview the role of non-polyQ regions that control the pathogenicity of the expanded polyQ repeat. We begin by introducing each polyQ disease, the genes affected, and the symptoms experienced by patients. Subsequently, we provide a survey of protein-protein interactions and posttranslational modifications that regulate polyQ toxicity. We conclude by discussing shared processes and pathways that bring some of the polyQ diseases together and may serve as common therapeutic entry points for this family of incurable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Matthew V. Prifti
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Autumn L. Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sokol V. Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Sokol V. Todi,
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5
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Olszewska DA, Fallon EM, Pastores GM, Murphy K, Blanco A, Lynch T, Murphy SM. Autosomal Dominant Gene Negative Frontotemporal Dementia-Think of SCA17. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:654-658. [PMID: 30617627 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
SCA 17 is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by TBP gene CAG/CAA repeat expansion. Ataxia and dementia are common. The presence of frontal dysfunction at outset of the disease may mimic frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Parkinsonism, chorea, dystonia, and pyramidal signs may occur. We report an Irish family with autosomal dominant partially penetrant frontal dementia with cerebellar atrophy due to SCA17 and present detailed neuropsychological assessment for the first time. A 44-year-old doctor presented with 18-month history of behavioral problems. She slowed down, became apathetic, and unable to multitask. She became more irritable and short tempered, and her work performance deteriorated. Brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar hypometabolism was noted on FDG-PET. A sister developed personality changes at age 45 with apathy, and had problems with memory and social skills; another sister at age 39 became dysarthric and unsteady. A brother at age 52 demonstrated emotional lability, and became dysarthric, unsteady, and slowed down. Their mother aged 73 had an abnormal antalgic gait due to arthritis; their father was jocular and disinhibited. MAPT testing detected an exon 9 c.726C>T variant in the proband. Subsequent testing in nine siblings and both parents failed to show co-segregation with disease. SCA17 testing revealed a TBP gene 43 repeat expansion that co-segregated in all affected siblings and in the mother whose gait problems were initially attributed to arthritis. In over 80% of cases of FTD with clear autosomal dominant inheritance, causative gene defects involve MAPT, GRN, or C9orf72 mutations. A minority involves VCP, FUS, and CHMP2B. As evident from our case, SCA17 testing should also be considered, especially if cerebellar atrophy if found on imaging. Segregation analysis is crucial. MAPT variant (c.726C>T exon 9) detected in the family was deemed a polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Angelika Olszewska
- Department of Neurology, Dublin Neurological Institute, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 57 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.
| | - E M Fallon
- Department of Neurology, Dublin Neurological Institute, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 57 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - G M Pastores
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K Murphy
- Department of Neurology, Sligo University Hospital, Sligo, Ireland
| | - A Blanco
- Department of Neuropsychology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - T Lynch
- Department of Neurology, Dublin Neurological Institute, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 57 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - S M Murphy
- Department of Neurology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospitals, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.,Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Cheng H, Capponi S, Wakeling E, Marchi E, Li Q, Zhao M, Weng C, Piatek SG, Ahlfors H, Kleyner R, Rope A, Lumaka A, Lukusa P, Devriendt K, Vermeesch J, Posey JE, Palmer EE, Murray L, Leon E, Diaz J, Worgan L, Mallawaarachchi A, Vogt J, de Munnik SA, Dreyer L, Baynam G, Ewans L, Stark Z, Lunke S, Gonçalves AR, Soares G, Oliveira J, Fassi E, Willing M, Waugh JL, Faivre L, Riviere JB, Moutton S, Mohammed S, Payne K, Walsh L, Begtrup A, Sacoto MJG, Douglas G, Alexander N, Buckley MF, Mark PR, Adès LC, Sandaradura SA, Lupski JR, Roscioli T, Agrawal PB, Kline AD, Wang K, Timmers HTM, Lyon GJ. Missense variants in TAF1 and developmental phenotypes: challenges of determining pathogenicity. Hum Mutat 2019; 41:10.1002/humu.23936. [PMID: 31646703 PMCID: PMC7187541 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We recently described a new neurodevelopmental syndrome (TAF1/MRXS33 intellectual disability syndrome) (MIM# 300966) caused by pathogenic variants involving the X-linked gene TAF1, which participates in RNA polymerase II transcription. The initial study reported eleven families, and the syndrome was defined as presenting early in life with hypotonia, facial dysmorphia, and developmental delay that evolved into intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have now identified an additional 27 families through a genotype-first approach. Familial segregation analysis, clinical phenotyping, and bioinformatics were capitalized on to assess potential variant pathogenicity, and molecular modelling was performed for those variants falling within structurally characterized domains of TAF1. A novel phenotypic clustering approach was also applied, in which the phenotypes of affected individuals were classified using 51 standardized Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms. Phenotypes associated with TAF1 variants show considerable pleiotropy and clinical variability, but prominent among previously unreported effects were brain morphological abnormalities, seizures, hearing loss, and heart malformations. Our allelic series broadens the phenotypic spectrum of TAF1/MRXS33 intellectual disability syndrome and the range of TAF1 molecular defects in humans. It also illustrates the challenges for determining the pathogenicity of inherited missense variants, particularly for genes mapping to chromosome X. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyin Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Simona Capponi
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emma Wakeling
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK
| | - Elaine Marchi
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, New York
| | - Quan Li
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengge Zhao
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Stefan G. Piatek
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Laboratory, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Helena Ahlfors
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Laboratory, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert Kleyner
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Alan Rope
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
- Genome Medical, South San Francisco, California
| | - Aimé Lumaka
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, GIGA-R, Laboratory of Human Genetics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Centre for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Prosper Lukusa
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Centre for Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DR Congo
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vermeesch
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jennifer E. Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Elizabeth E. Palmer
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucinda Murray
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eyby Leon
- Rare Disease Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jullianne Diaz
- Rare Disease Institute, Children’s National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lisa Worgan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amali Mallawaarachchi
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Vogt
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonja A. de Munnik
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute for Genetic and Metabolic Disease, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lauren Dreyer
- Genetic Services of Western Australia, Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gareth Baynam
- Genetic Services of Western Australia, Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Ewans
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ana R. Gonçalves
- Center for Medical Genetics Dr. Jacinto de Magalhāes, Hospital and University Center of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Soares
- Center for Medical Genetics Dr. Jacinto de Magalhāes, Hospital and University Center of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Center for Medical Genetics Dr. Jacinto de Magalhāes, Hospital and University Center of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- unIGENe, and Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics (CGPP), Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), Institute of Health Research and Innovation (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emily Fassi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Michigan
| | - Marcia Willing
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Michigan
| | - Jeff L. Waugh
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Laurence Faivre
- INSERM U1231, LNC UMR1231 GAD, Burgundy University, Dijon, France
| | | | - Sebastien Moutton
- INSERM U1231, LNC UMR1231 GAD, Burgundy University, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Genetics, Reference Center for Developmental Anomalies, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Katelyn Payne
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Laurence Walsh
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael F. Buckley
- New South Wales Health Pathology Genomic Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul R. Mark
- Spectrum Health Division of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Lesley C. Adès
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Sandaradura
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Genetics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James R. Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Tony Roscioli
- New South Wales Health Pathology Genomic Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pankaj B. Agrawal
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Maryland
| | - Antonie D. Kline
- Harvey Institute for Human Genetics, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Kai Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - H. T. Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gholson J. Lyon
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, New York
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York
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Gardiner SL, Trompet S, Sabayan B, Boogaard MW, Jukema JW, Slagboom PE, Roos RAC, van der Grond J, Aziz NA. Repeat variations in polyglutamine disease-associated genes and cognitive function in old age. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 84:236.e17-236.e28. [PMID: 31522753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Although the heritability of cognitive function in old age is substantial, genome-wide association studies have had limited success in elucidating its genetic basis, leaving a considerable amount of "missing heritability." Aside from single nucleotide polymorphisms, genome-wide association studies are unable to assess other large sources of genetic variation, such as tandem repeat polymorphisms. Therefore, here, we studied the association of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat variations in polyglutamine disease-associated genes (PDAGs) with cognitive function in older adults. In a large cohort consisting of 5786 participants, we found that the CAG repeat number in 3 PDAGs (TBP, HTT, and AR) were significantly associated with the decline in cognitive function, which together accounted for 0.49% of the variation. Furthermore, in an magnetic resonance imaging substudy, we found that CAG repeat polymorphisms in 4 PDAGs (ATXN2, CACNA1A, ATXN7, and AR) were associated with different imaging characteristics, including brain stem, putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, and amygdala volumes. Our findings indicate that tandem repeat polymorphisms are associated with cognitive function in older adults and highlight the importance of PDAGs in elucidating its missing heritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Stella Trompet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Behnam Sabayan
- The Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Merel W Boogaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - P Eline Slagboom
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Raymund A C Roos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van der Grond
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - N Ahmad Aziz
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany; Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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8
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9
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Robertson EE, Hall DA, McAsey AR, O'Keefe JA. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: phenotypic comparisons with other movement disorders. Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 30:849-900. [PMID: 27414076 PMCID: PMC7336900 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2016.1202239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to review the typical cognitive and motor impairments seen in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), essential tremor (ET), Parkinson disease (PD), spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in order to enhance diagnosis of FXTAS patients. METHODS We compared the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with each of these other movement disorders. Relevant neuropathological and neuroimaging findings are also reviewed. Finally, we describe the differences in age of onset, disease severity, progression rates, and average lifespan in FXTAS compared to ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP. We conclude with a flow chart algorithm to guide the clinician in the differential diagnosis of FXTAS. RESULTS By comparing the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with the phenotypes of ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP we have clarified potential symptom overlap while elucidating factors that make these disorders unique from one another. In summary, the clinician should consider a FXTAS diagnosis and testing for the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene premutation if a patient over the age of 50 (1) presents with cerebellar ataxia and/or intention tremor with mild parkinsonism, (2) has the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) sign, global cerebellar and cerebral atrophy, and/or subcortical white matter lesions on MRI, or (3) has a family history of fragile X related disorders, intellectual disability, autism, premature ovarian failure and has neurological signs consistent with FXTAS. Peripheral neuropathy, executive function deficits, anxiety, or depression are supportive of the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Distinct profiles in the cognitive and motor domains between these movement disorders may guide practitioners in the differential diagnosis process and ultimately lead to better medical management of FXTAS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Deborah A Hall
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Andrew R McAsey
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
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10
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Lone WG, Khan IA, Shaik NA, Meena AK, Rao KP, Hasan Q. Pathological repeat variation at the SCA17/TBP gene in south Indian patients. J Neurol Sci 2015; 359:389-91. [PMID: 26476771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite the intense debate around the repeat instability reported on the large group of neurological disorders caused by trinucleotide repeat expansions, little is known about the mutation process underlying alleles in the normal range, diseases range, large normal alleles (LNAs). In this study, we assessed the CAG repeats at SCA17 in 188 clinical SCA patients and 100 individuals without any neurological signs. This highly polymorphic population displayed high variability in the CAG repeats and ranged from 19-38 CAG repeats in patients with mode of 20 and 19-32 CAG repeats in controls with mode of 24. The triplet repeat expansion was not detected in any of the 188 patients, as per the reference pathogenic range (>43 repeats); however, 2.7% of the patients had >33 CAG repeats with a clinical phenotype close to what is expected of SCA 17 patients. The findings of this study implicate a more sophisticated interpretation of SCA17 gene and raise the question about the diagnostic thresh hold between normal and expanded repeats in our population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Gul Lone
- Department of Genetics, Mahaveer Hospitals and Research Centers, AC Guard-500 004 Hyderabad, India; Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Tarnaka, 500007 Hyderabad, India; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska and Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7660. USA
| | - Imran Ali Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Ahmad Shaik
- Princess Al-Jawhara Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Kaipa Prabhakar Rao
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Tarnaka, 500007 Hyderabad, India
| | - Qurratulain Hasan
- Department of Neurology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Panjagutta, 500082 Hyderabad, India; Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar-500068, Hyderabad 500 068, India.
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11
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Hsu TC, Wang CK, Yang CY, Lee LC, Hsieh-Li HM, Ro LS, Chen CM, Lee-Chen GJ, Su MT. Deactivation of TBP contributes to SCA17 pathogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6878-93. [PMID: 25104854 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) within the TATA box-binding protein (TBP). Previous studies have shown that polyQ-expanded TBP forms neurotoxic aggregates and alters downstream genes. However, how expanded polyQ tracts affect the function of TBP and the link between dysfunctional TBP and SCA17 is not clearly understood. In this study, we generated novel Drosophila models for SCA17 that recapitulate pathological features such as aggregate formation, mobility defects and premature death. In addition to forming neurotoxic aggregates, we determined that polyQ-expanded TBP reduces its own intrinsic DNA-binding and transcription abilities. Dysfunctional TBP also disrupts normal TBP function. Furthermore, heterozygous dTbp amorph mutant flies exhibited SCA17-like phenotypes and flies expressing polyQ-expanded TBP exhibited enhanced retinal degeneration, suggesting that loss of TBP function may contribute to SCA17 pathogenesis. We further determined that the downregulation of TBP activity enhances retinal degeneration in SCA3 and Huntington's disease fly models, indicating that the deactivation of TBP is likely to play a common role in polyQ-induced neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tun-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kuang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 35664, Taiwan and
| | - Chun-Yen Yang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Lee
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sun Ro
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
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12
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Herrema H, Mikkelsen T, Robin A, LeWitt P, Sidiropoulos C. SCA 17 phenotype with intermediate triplet repeat number. J Neurol Sci 2014; 345:269-70. [PMID: 25091452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Herrema
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program, Henry Ford Hospital, 6777 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI, USA
| | - Tom Mikkelsen
- Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Adam Robin
- Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Peter LeWitt
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program, Henry Ford Hospital, 6777 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI, USA
| | - Christos Sidiropoulos
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program, Henry Ford Hospital, 6777 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI, USA.
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Mehanna R, Itin I. From normal gait to loss of ambulation in 6 months: a novel presentation of SCA17. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:568-71. [PMID: 23475385 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias are a group of rare and heterogeneous autosomal dominant disorders characterized by progressive ataxia and other features. Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17) is one of the 32 subtypes described to date and is secondary to CAG/CAA repeat expansion in the gene coding for the TATA-box binding protein (TBP). SCA17 is clinically heterogeneous and typically presents with slowly evolving ataxia, dysarthria, dementia, depression, and other movement disorders such as chorea. More than 41 CAG/CAA repeats are considered diagnostic of SCA17, with more than 49 being associated with full penetrance. We report one patient presenting with isolated rapidly evolving ataxia who was found to have 44 CAG/CAA repeats in the TBP gene. This suggests that, while SCA17 typically slowly progresses over years, its repertoire of presentations should be expanded to include rapidly progressive isolated ataxia resembling paraneoplastic disorders or prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mehanna
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/U20, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Lee LC, Weng YT, Wu YR, Soong BW, Tseng YC, Chen CM, Lee-Chen GJ. Downregulation of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and Nrf2-ARE signaling in lymphoblastoid cells of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:601-10. [PMID: 24413982 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-013-1157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is caused by CAG repeat expansion in the TATA-box binding protein gene. Studies of several polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion diseases have suggested that the expanded polyQ proteins misfold and induce oxidative stress to contribute to cell death. Substantial deficits in peripheral tissues including lymphocytes have been shown and these peripheral abnormalities could also be found in neurons possessing polyQ disease proteins. In this study, we used a lymphoblastoid cell model to investigate the functional implication of SCA17 expanded alleles and assess the potential therapeutic strategies that may ameliorate the effects of expanded polyQ. Proteomics studies of patient/control pairs including two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and immunoblotting were conducted. A total of 8 proteins with reduced expression changes greater than 1.3-fold were identified, including previously reported HSPA5 and HSPA8. Among 6 proteins further semi-quantified by immunoblotting and real-time PCR, the reduced expression of HYOU1, PDIA3, P4HB, NQO1 and HMOX1 was confirmed. Treatment with resveratrol and genipin up-regulated NQO1 and HMOX1 expression and reduced oxidative stress in patients' lymphoblastoid cells. The results illustrate downregulation of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response (HYOU1, HSPA5, PDIA3, and P4HB) and Nrf2-ARE signaling (NQO1 and HMOX1) in SCA17 lymphoblastoid cells. Compounds increasing anti-oxidative activity such as resveratrol and genipin may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for SCA17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ching Lee
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, 88 Ting-Chou Road, Section 4, Taipei, 11677, Taiwan
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15
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Musova Z, Sedlacek Z, Mazanec R, Klempir J, Roth J, Plevova P, Vyhnalek M, Kopeckova M, Apltova L, Krepelova A, Zumrova A. Spinocerebellar ataxias type 8, 12, and 17 and dentatorubro-pallidoluysian atrophy in Czech ataxic patients. THE CEREBELLUM 2013; 12:155-61. [PMID: 22872568 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-012-0403-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders currently associated with 27 genes. The most frequent types are caused by expansions in coding CAG repeats. The frequency of SCA subtypes varies among populations. We examined the occurrence of rare SCAs, SCA8, SCA12, SCA17 and dentatorubro-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), in the Czech population from where the data were missing. We analyzed causal gene expansions in 515 familial and sporadic ataxic patients negatively tested for SCA1-3 and SCA6-7. Pathogenic SCA8 and SCA17 expansions were identified in eight and five patients, respectively. Tay-Sachs disease was later diagnosed in one patient with an SCA8 expansion and the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was suspected in two other patients with SCA8 expansions. These findings are probably coincidental, although the participation of SCA8 expansions in the susceptibility to MS and disease progression cannot be fully excluded. None of the patients had pathogenic SCA12 or DRPLA expansions. However, three patients had intermediate SCA12 alleles out of the normal range with 36 and 43 CAGs. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was probable in the patient with 43 CAGs. This coincidence is remarkable, especially in the context with the recently identified predisposing role of longer SCA2 alleles in ALS. Five families with SCA17 represent a significant portion of ataxic patients and this should be reflected in the diagnostics of SCAs in the Czech population. SCA8 expansions must be considered after careful clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Musova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Whaley NR, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type I: a review of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6:33. [PMID: 21619691 PMCID: PMC3123548 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-6-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) is a type of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) characterized by ataxia with other neurological signs, including oculomotor disturbances, cognitive deficits, pyramidal and extrapyramidal dysfunction, bulbar, spinal and peripheral nervous system involvement. The global prevalence of this disease is not known. The most common type I ADCA is SCA3 followed by SCA2, SCA1, and SCA8, in descending order. Founder effects no doubt contribute to the variable prevalence between populations. Onset is usually in adulthood but cases of presentation in childhood have been reported. Clinical features vary depending on the SCA subtype but by definition include ataxia associated with other neurological manifestations. The clinical spectrum ranges from pure cerebellar signs to constellations including spinal cord and peripheral nerve disease, cognitive impairment, cerebellar or supranuclear ophthalmologic signs, psychiatric problems, and seizures. Cerebellar ataxia can affect virtually any body part causing movement abnormalities. Gait, truncal, and limb ataxia are often the most obvious cerebellar findings though nystagmus, saccadic abnormalities, and dysarthria are usually associated. To date, 21 subtypes have been identified: SCA1-SCA4, SCA8, SCA10, SCA12-SCA14, SCA15/16, SCA17-SCA23, SCA25, SCA27, SCA28 and dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). Type I ADCA can be further divided based on the proposed pathogenetic mechanism into 3 subclasses: subclass 1 includes type I ADCA caused by CAG repeat expansions such as SCA1-SCA3, SCA17, and DRPLA, subclass 2 includes trinucleotide repeat expansions that fall outside of the protein-coding regions of the disease gene including SCA8, SCA10 and SCA12. Subclass 3 contains disorders caused by specific gene deletions, missense mutation, and nonsense mutation and includes SCA13, SCA14, SCA15/16, SCA27 and SCA28. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, genetic molecular testing, and exclusion of other diseases. Differential diagnosis is broad and includes secondary ataxias caused by drug or toxic effects, nutritional deficiencies, endocrinopathies, infections and post-infection states, structural abnormalities, paraneoplastic conditions and certain neurodegenerative disorders. Given the autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, genetic counseling is essential and best performed in specialized genetic clinics. There are currently no known effective treatments to modify disease progression. Care is therefore supportive. Occupational and physical therapy for gait dysfunction and speech therapy for dysarthria is essential. Prognosis is variable depending on the type of ADCA and even among kindreds.
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Reetz K, Kleiman A, Klein C, Lencer R, Zuehlke C, Brockmann K, Rolfs A, Binkofski F. CAG repeats determine brain atrophy in spinocerebellar ataxia 17: a VBM study. PLoS One 2011; 6:e15125. [PMID: 21311576 PMCID: PMC3023761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal repeat length has been associated with an earlier age of onset and more severe disease progression in the rare neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17). Methodology/Principal Findings To determine whether specific structural brain degeneration and rate of disease progression in SCA17 might be associated with the CAG repeat size, observer-independent voxel-based morphometry was applied to high-resolution magnetic resonance images of 16 patients with SCA17 and 16 age-matched healthy controls. The main finding contrasting SCA17 patients with healthy controls demonstrated atrophy in the cerebellum bilaterally. Multiple regression analyses with available genetic data and also post-hoc correlations revealed an inverse relationship again with cerebellar atrophy. Moreover, we found an inverse relationship between the CAG repeat length and rate of disease progression. Conclusions Our results highlight the fundamental role of the cerebellum in this neurodegenerative disease and support the genotype-phenotype relationship in SCA17 patients. Genetic factors may determine individual susceptibility to neurodegeneration and rate of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kleiman
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christine Klein
- Department of Neurology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Schilling Section of Clinical and Molecular Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Rebekka Lencer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Christine Zuehlke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kathrin Brockmann
- Medical Faculty, Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Medical Faculty, Albrecht-Kossel Institute for Neuroregeneration, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Binkofski
- Division for Cognitive Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Reetz K, Lencer R, Hagenah JM, Gaser C, Tadic V, Walter U, Wolters A, Steinlechner S, Zühlke C, Brockmann K, Klein C, Rolfs A, Binkofski F. Structural changes associated with progression of motor deficits in spinocerebellar ataxia 17. THE CEREBELLUM 2010; 9:210-7. [PMID: 20016963 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA17) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Recently, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel-based morphometry (VBM), several specific functional-structural correlations comprising differential degeneration related to motor and psychiatric symptoms were reported in patients with SCA17. To investigate gray matter volume (GMV) changes over time and its association to clinical neuropsychiatric symptomatology, nine SCA17 mutation carriers and nine matched healthy individuals underwent a detailed neuropsychiatric clinical examination and a high-resolution T1-weighted volume MRI scan, both at baseline and follow-up after 18 months. Follow-up images revealed a progressive GMV reduction in specific degeneration patterns. In contrast to healthy controls, SCA17 patients showed a greater atrophy not only in cerebellar regions but also in cortical structures such as the limbic system (parahippocampus, cingulate) and parietal precuneus. Clinically, progression of motor symptoms was more pronounced than that of psychiatric symptoms. Correlation with the clinical motor scores revealed a progressive reduction of GMV in cerebellar and cerebral motor networks, whereas correlation with psychiatric scores displayed a more widespread GMV impairment in frontal, limbic, parietal, and also cerebellar structures. Interestingly, changes in global functioning were correlated with bilateral atrophy within the para-/hippocampus. While there was a good temporal association between worsening of motor symptoms and progression in cerebral and cortical neurodegeneration, the progression in psychiatric related neurodegeneration seemed to be more widespread and complex, showing progressive atrophy that preceded the further development of clinical psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
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Marmolino D, Manto M. Past, present and future therapeutics for cerebellar ataxias. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 8:41-61. [PMID: 20808545 PMCID: PMC2866461 DOI: 10.2174/157015910790909476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a group of disabling neurological disorders. Patients exhibit a cerebellar syndrome and can also present with extra-cerebellar deficits, namely pigmentary retinopathy, extrapyramidal movement disorders, pyramidal signs, cortical symptoms (seizures, cognitive impairment/behavioural symptoms), and peripheral neuropathy. Recently, deficits in cognitive operations have been unraveled. Cerebellar ataxias are heterogeneous both at the phenotypic and genotypic point of view. Therapeutical trials performed during these last 4 decades have failed in most cases, in particular because drugs were not targeting a deleterious pathway, but were given to counteract putative defects in neurotransmission. The identification of the causative mutations of many hereditary ataxias, the development of relevant animal models and the recent identifications of the molecular mechanisms underlying ataxias are impacting on the development of new drugs. We provide an overview of the pharmacological treatments currently used in the clinical practice and we discuss the drugs under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Marmolino
- Laboratoire de Neurologie Expèrimentale ULB-Erasme, Brussels, Belgium.
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20
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The cerebellum, cerebellar disorders, and cerebellar research--two centuries of discoveries. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 7:505-16. [PMID: 18855093 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0063-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research on the cerebellum is evolving rapidly. The exquisiteness of the cerebellar circuitry with a unique geometric arrangement has fascinated researchers from numerous disciplines. The painstaking works of pioneers of these last two centuries, such as Rolando, Flourens, Luciani, Babinski, Holmes, Cajal, Larsell, or Eccles, still exert a strong influence in the way we approach cerebellar functions. Advances in genetic studies, detailed molecular and cellular analyses, profusion of brain imaging techniques, emergence of behavioral assessments, and reshaping of models of cerebellar function are generating an immense amount of knowledge. Simultaneously, a better definition of cerebellar disorders encountered in the clinic is emerging. The essentials of a trans-disciplinary blending are expanding. The analysis of the literature published these last two decades indicates that the gaps between domains of research are vanishing. The launch of the society for research on the cerebellum (SRC) illustrates how cerebellar research is burgeoning. This special issue gathers the contributions of the inaugural conference of the SRC dedicated to the mechanisms of cerebellar function. Contributions were brought together around five themes: (1) cerebellar development, death, and regeneration; (2) cerebellar circuitry: processing and function; (3) mechanisms of cerebellar plasticity and learning; (4) cerebellar function: timing, prediction, and/or coordination?; (5) anatomical and disease perspectives on cerebellar function.
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