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Tenchov R, Sasso JM, Zhou QA. Polyglutamine (PolyQ) Diseases: Navigating the Landscape of Neurodegeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38996083 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats encoding proteins with abnormally expanded polyglutamine tract. A total of nine polyQ disorders have been identified, including Huntington's disease, six spinocerebellar ataxias, dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The diseases of this class are each considered rare, yet polyQ diseases constitute the largest group of monogenic neurodegenerative disorders. While each subtype of polyQ diseases has its own causative gene, certain pathologic molecular attributes have been implicated in virtually all of the polyQ diseases, including protein aggregation, proteolytic cleavage, neuronal dysfunction, transcription dysregulation, autophagy impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although animal models of polyQ disease are available helping to understand their pathogenesis and access disease-modifying therapies, there is neither a cure nor prevention for these diseases, with only symptomatic treatments available. In this paper, we analyze data from the CAS Content Collection to summarize the research progress in the class of polyQ diseases. We examine the publication landscape in the area in effort to provide insights into current knowledge advances and developments. We review the most discussed concepts and assess the strategies to combat these diseases. Finally, we inspect clinical applications of products against polyQ diseases with their development pipelines. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the evolving landscape of current knowledge regarding the class of polyQ diseases, to outline challenges, and evaluate growth opportunities to further efforts in combating the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Janet M Sasso
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Agnese S, Chiara C, Radouil T, Iveta C, Francesco P, Gianmarco B, Marco S, Theresa Z, Giovanni R, Silvia R. Long-Term Follow-Up before and during Riluzole Treatment in Six Patients from Two Families with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01714-w. [PMID: 38976217 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01714-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently no curative treatment exists for spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Riluzole repurposing was proposed as a symptomatic treatment in different types of cerebellar ataxia. We report a long-term-follow up under riluzole treatment in SCA type 7. METHODS Six patients received Riluzole 50 mg twice daily on a compassionate use program for a mean of 4.8 years (range 3.5-9). We measured ataxia onset and progression through the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and collected extensive ophthalmological data before and after Riluzole treatment. Electrocardiogram and laboratory profile for drug safety were performed every six months. RESULTS Riluzole treatment showed no effect on visual function in two patients with an advanced retinal damage. Improvements of visual function occurred in four patients followed by ophthalmologic stability up to 5 years after starting treatment. Two patients had a less steep deterioration of ataxia after treatment compared to pre-treatment, during the first 2,5 years of therapy. One showed soon after therapy an improvement of the SARA score, and then overall stability lasting 3,5 years, followed by ataxia worsening. One visually impaired patient without neurological impairment did not worse until the last visit after 3,5 years of follow-up. The remaining 2 patients showed an improvement of SARA scores soon after therapy, and an overall stability lasting respectively 5 and 3 years. No adverse event was registered during the observation period. DISCUSSION This study suggests a possible beneficial action of Riluzole in SCA7 and provides a detailed description of the ophthalmologic profile of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suppiej Agnese
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
- Robert Hollman Foundation, Padova, Italy.
- ERN-EYE Network - Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of Veneto Region, Camposampiero Hospital, Camposampiero (Padova), Italy.
| | - Ceccato Chiara
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Robert Hollman Foundation, Padova, Italy
| | - Tzekov Radouil
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Parmeggiani Francesco
- ERN-EYE Network - Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of Veneto Region, Camposampiero Hospital, Camposampiero (Padova), Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Bellucci Gianmarco
- Center for Experimental Neurological Therapies, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvetti Marco
- Center for Experimental Neurological Therapies, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed (M.S.), Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Zesiewicz Theresa
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ristori Giovanni
- Center for Experimental Neurological Therapies, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvia
- Center for Experimental Neurological Therapies, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Henriques C, Lopes MM, Silva AC, Lobo DD, Badin RA, Hantraye P, Pereira de Almeida L, Nobre RJ. Viral-based animal models in polyglutamine disorders. Brain 2024; 147:1166-1189. [PMID: 38284949 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae012] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine disorders are a complex group of incurable neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion in the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine tract of the affected gene. To better understand these disorders, our dependence on animal models persists, primarily relying on transgenic models. In an effort to complement and deepen our knowledge, researchers have also developed animal models of polyglutamine disorders employing viral vectors. Viral vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes to the brain, not only for therapeutic purposes but also for the development of animal models, given their remarkable flexibility. In a time- and cost-effective manner, it is possible to use different transgenes, at varying doses, in diverse targeted tissues, at different ages, and in different species, to recreate polyglutamine pathology. This paper aims to showcase the utility of viral vectors in disease modelling, share essential considerations for developing animal models with viral vectors, and provide a comprehensive review of existing viral-based animal models for polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Romina Aron Badin
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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Nassisi M, Coarelli G, Blanchard B, Dubec-Fleury C, Drine K, Kitic N, Sancho S, Hilab R, Tezenas du Montcel S, Junge C, Lane R, Arnold HM, Durr A, Audo I. ATXN7-Related Cone-Rod Dystrophy: The Integrated Functional Evaluation of the Cerebellum (CERMOI) Study. JAMA Ophthalmol 2024; 142:301-308. [PMID: 38421662 PMCID: PMC10905377 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Importance Reliable biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic values are needed for upcoming gene therapy trials for spinocerebellar ataxias. Objective To identify ophthalmological biomarkers in a sample of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) carriers. Design, Setting, and Participants This article presents baseline data from a cross-sectional natural history study conducted in Paris, France, reference centers for rare diseases from May 2020 to April 2021. Data were analyzed from September to December 2022. Fifteen adult ATXN7 pathogenic expansion carriers (9 with preataxia and 6 with ataxia) were included, all with a Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score of 15 of 40 or lower. Patients were recruited at the Paris Brain Institute, and all contacted patients accepted to participate in the study. Main Outcomes and Measures Three visits (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) were planned, including neurological examination (SARA and Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity Score), ophthalmological examination (best-corrected visual acuity, microperimetry, full-field electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence imaging), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurements. Here we report the baseline ophthalmic data from the cohort and determine whether there is a correlation between disease scores and ophthalmic results. Results Among the 15 included SCA7 carriers (median [range] age, 38 [18-60] years; 8 women and 7 men), 12 displayed cone or cone-rod dystrophy, with the number of CAG repeats correlating with disease severity (ρ, 0.73, 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.90; P < .001). Two patients with cone-rod dystrophy exhibited higher repeat numbers and greater ataxia scores (median [range] SARA score, 9 [7-15]) compared to those with only cone dystrophy (median [range] SARA score, 2 [0-5]). A correlation emerged for outer nuclear layer thickness with SARA score (ρ, -0.88; 95% CI, -0.96 to -0.59; P < .001) and NfL levels (ρ, -0.87; 95% CI, -0.86 to 0.96; P < .001). Moreover, ataxia severity was correlated with visual acuity (ρ: 0.89; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.96; P < .001) and retinal sensitivity (ρ, -0.88; 95% CI, -0.96 to 0.59; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, retinal abnormalities were found at preataxic stages of the disease. Most of the carriers presented with cone dystrophy and preserved rod function. The outer nuclear layer thickness correlated with SARA score and plasma NfL levels suggesting nuclear layer thickness to be a biomarker of disease severity. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of SCA7-related retinal dystrophy and may help lay the groundwork for future therapeutic intervention monitoring and clinical trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04288128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Coarelli
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Blanchard
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Dubec-Fleury
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Karima Drine
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Kitic
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
| | - Serge Sancho
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
| | - Rania Hilab
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Tezenas du Montcel
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Roger Lane
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Directorate General of Health Care Provision, Centres d’Investigations Cliniques 1423, Paris, France
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5
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Suárez-Sánchez R, Ávila-Avilés RD, Hernández-Hernández JM, Sánchez-Celis D, Azotla-Vilchis CN, Gómez-Macías ER, Leyva-García N, Ortega A, Magaña JJ, Cisneros B, Hernández-Hernández O. RNA Foci Formation in a Retinal Glial Model for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010023. [PMID: 36675972 PMCID: PMC9861853 DOI: 10.3390/life13010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia and retinopathy. SCA7 is caused by a CAG expansion in the ATXN7 gene, which results in an extended polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the encoded protein, the ataxin-7. PolyQ expanded ataxin-7 elicits neurodegeneration in cerebellar Purkinje cells, however, its impact on the SCA7-associated retinopathy remains to be addressed. Since Müller glial cells play an essential role in retinal homeostasis, we generate an inducible model for SCA7, based on the glial Müller MIO-M1 cell line. The SCA7 pathogenesis has been explained by a protein gain-of-function mechanism, however, the contribution of the mutant RNA to the disease cannot be excluded. In this direction, we found nuclear and cytoplasmic foci containing mutant RNA accompanied by subtle alternative splicing defects in MIO-M1 cells. RNA foci were also observed in cells from different lineages, including peripheral mononuclear leukocytes derived from SCA7 patient, suggesting that this molecular mark could be used as a blood biomarker for SCA7. Collectively, our data showed that our glial cell model exhibits the molecular features of SCA7, which makes it a suitable model to study the RNA toxicity mechanisms, as well as to explore therapeutic strategies aiming to alleviate glial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Suárez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Daniel Ávila-Avilés
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - J. Manuel Hernández-Hernández
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Daniel Sánchez-Celis
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Cuauhtli N. Azotla-Vilchis
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Enue R. Gómez-Macías
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Norberto Leyva-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Jonathan J. Magaña
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Departamento de Bioingeniería, Tecnológico de Monterrey-Campus Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 14380, Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Oscar Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis, Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +52-(55)-5999-1000 (ext. 14710)
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6
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Ouchi H, Ishiguro H, Shibano K, Hara K, Sugawara M, Enomoto K, Miyata H. Primary degeneration of oculomotor, motor, and somatosensory systems and auditory and visual pathways in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7: A clinicopathological study in a Japanese autopsy case. Neuropathology 2022; 43:164-175. [PMID: 36168676 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia associated with retinal degeneration. The disease is rare in Japan, and this is the first full description of clinicopathological findings in a Japanese autopsy case of genetically confirmed SCA7 having 49 cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats in the ataxin 7 gene. A 34-year-old Japanese man with no family history of clinically apparent neurodegenerative diseases presented with gait disturbance, gradually followed by truncal instability with progressive visual loss by the age of 42 years. He became wheelchair-dependent by 51 years old, neurologically exhibiting cerebellar ataxia, slow eye movement, slurred and scanning speech, lower limb spasticity, hyperreflexia, action-related slowly torsional dystonic movements in the trunk and limbs, diminished vibratory sensation in the lower limbs, auditory impairment, and macular degeneration. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy of the brainstem and cerebellum. He died of pneumonia at age 60 with a 26-year clinical duration of disease. Postmortem neuropathological examination revealed pronounced atrophy of the spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, external globus pallidus (GP), and subthalamic nucleus, microscopically showing neuronal cell loss and fibrillary astrogliosis with polyglutamine-immunoreactive neuronal nuclei and/or neuronal nuclear inclusions (NNIs). Degeneration was also accentuated in the oculomotor system, auditory and visual pathways, upper and lower motor neurons, and somatosensory system, including the spinal dorsal root ganglia. There was a weak negative correlation between the frequency of nuclear polyglutamine-positive neurons and the extent of neuronal cell loss. Clinicopathological features in the present case suggest that neurological symptoms, such as oculomotor, auditory, visual, and sensory impairments, are attributable to degeneration in their respective projection systems affected by SCA7 pathomechanisms and that dystonic movement is related to more significant degeneration in the external than internal GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Ouchi
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ishiguro
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Onoba Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Ken Shibano
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Kenju Hara
- Department of Neurology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | | | - Katsuhiko Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Akita Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Hajime Miyata
- Department of Neuropathology, Research Institute for Brain and Blood Vessels, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Akita, Japan
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7
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Xie X, Kendzior MC, Ge X, Mainzer LS, Sinha S. VarSAn: associating pathways with a set of genomic variants using network analysis. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8471-8487. [PMID: 34313777 PMCID: PMC8421213 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need today to mechanistically interpret sets of genomic variants associated with diseases. Here we present a tool called ‘VarSAn’ that uses a network analysis algorithm to identify pathways relevant to a given set of variants. VarSAn analyzes a configurable network whose nodes represent variants, genes and pathways, using a Random Walk with Restarts algorithm to rank pathways for relevance to the given variants, and reports P-values for pathway relevance. It treats non-coding and coding variants differently, properly accounts for the number of pathways impacted by each variant and identifies relevant pathways even if many variants do not directly impact genes of the pathway. We use VarSAn to identify pathways relevant to variants related to cancer and several other diseases, as well as drug response variation. We find VarSAn's pathway ranking to be complementary to the standard approach of enrichment tests on genes related to the query set. We adopt a novel benchmarking strategy to quantify its advantage over this baseline approach. Finally, we use VarSAn to discover key pathways, including the VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway, related to de novo variants in patients of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare and severe congenital heart defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Xie
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matthew C Kendzior
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xiyu Ge
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Liudmila S Mainzer
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.,Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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8
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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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9
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Bah MG, Rodriguez D, Cazeneuve C, Mochel F, Devos D, Suppiej A, Roubertie A, Meunier I, Gitiaux C, Curie A, Klapczynski F, Allani‐Essid N, Carneiro M, Van Minkelen R, Kievit A, Fluss J, Leheup B, Ratbi L, Héron D, Gras D, Do Cao J, Pichard S, Strubi‐Villaume I, Audo I, Lesca G, Charles P, Dubois F, Comet‐Didierjean P, Capri Y, Barondiot C, Barathon M, Ewenczyk C, Durr A, Mignot C. Deciphering the natural history of SCA7 in children. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:2267-2276. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Doxakis E. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for movement disorders. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2656-2688. [PMID: 32656818 DOI: 10.1002/med.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities of movement and posture. They are broadly divided into akinetic and hyperkinetic syndromes. Until now, no effective symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies have been available. However, since many of these disorders are monogenic or have some well-defined genetic component, they represent strong candidates for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. ASO therapies are based on the use of short synthetic single-stranded ASOs that bind to disease-related target RNAs via Watson-Crick base-pairing and pleiotropically modulate their function. With information arising from the RNA sequence alone, it is possible to design ASOs that not only alter the expression levels but also the splicing defects of any protein, far exceeding the intervention repertoire of traditional small molecule approaches. Following the regulatory approval of ASO therapies for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2016, there has been tremendous momentum in testing such therapies for other neurological disorders. This review article initially focuses on the chemical modifications aimed at improving ASO effectiveness, the mechanisms by which ASOs can interfere with RNA function, delivery systems and pharmacokinetics, and the common set of toxicities associated with their application. It, then, describes the pathophysiology and the latest information on preclinical and clinical trials utilizing ASOs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 7. It concludes with issues that require special attention to realize the full potential of ASO-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Azevedo PB, Rocha AG, Keim LMN, Lavinsky D, Furtado GV, de Mattos EP, Vargas FR, Leotti VB, Saraiva-Pereira ML, Jardim LB. Ophthalmological and Neurologic Manifestations in Pre-clinical and Clinical Phases of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:388-396. [PMID: 30637674 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-1004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a polyglutamine disease that progressively affects the cerebellum, brainstem, and retina. SCA7 is quite rare, and insights into biomarkers and pre-clinical phases are still missing. We aimed to describe neurologic and ophthalmological findings observed in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic SCA7 subjects. Several neurologic scales, visual acuity, visual fields obtained by computer perimetry, and macular thickness in optical coherence tomography (mOCT) were measured in symptomatic carriers and at risk relatives. Molecular analysis of the ATXN7 was done blindly in individuals at risk. Thirteen symptomatic carriers, 3 pre-symptomatic subjects, and 5 related controls were enrolled. Symptomatic carriers presented scores significantly different from those of controls in most neurologic and ophthalmological scores. Gradual changes from controls to pre-symptomatic and then to symptomatic carriers were seen in mean (SD) of visual fields - 1.34 (1.15), - 2.81 (1.66). and - 9.56 (7.26); mOCT - 1.11 (2.6), - 3.48 (3.54), and - 7.73 (2.56) Z scores; and "Spinocerebellar Ataxia Functional Index (SCAFI)" - 1.16 (0.28), 0.65 (0.56), and - 0.61 (0.44), respectively. Visual fields and SCAFI were significantly correlated with time to disease onset (pre-symptomatic)/disease duration (symptomatic carriers). Visual fields, mOCT, and SCAFI stood out as candidates for state biomarkers for SCA7 since pre-symptomatic stages of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro B Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Anastácia G Rocha
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leda M N Keim
- Hospital Gaffrée e Guinle, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Lavinsky
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriel V Furtado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigação Genética, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo P de Mattos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigação Genética, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Vargas
- Hospital Gaffrée e Guinle, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia de Malformações Congênitas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vanessa B Leotti
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria-Luiza Saraiva-Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigação Genética, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura B Jardim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Investigação Genética, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, Brazil.
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Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Trottier Y. Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Strategies in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1074-1096. [PMID: 31432449 PMCID: PMC6985300 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal loss in the cerebellum, brainstem, and retina, leading to cerebellar ataxia and blindness as major symptoms. SCA7 is due to the expansion of a CAG triplet repeat that is translated into a polyglutamine tract in ATXN7. Larger SCA7 expansions are associated with earlier onset of symptoms and more severe and rapid disease progression. Here, we summarize the pathological and genetic aspects of SCA7, compile the current knowledge about ATXN7 functions, and then focus on recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis and in developing biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. ATXN7 is a bona fide subunit of the multiprotein SAGA complex, a transcriptional coactivator harboring chromatin remodeling activities, and plays a role in the differentiation of photoreceptors and Purkinje neurons, two highly vulnerable neuronal cell types in SCA7. Polyglutamine expansion in ATXN7 causes its misfolding and intranuclear accumulation, leading to changes in interactions with native partners and/or partners sequestration in insoluble nuclear inclusions. Studies of cellular and animal models of SCA7 have been crucial to unveil pathomechanistic aspects of the disease, including gene deregulation, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunctions, cell and non-cell autonomous protein toxicity, loss of neuronal identity, and cell death mechanisms. However, a better understanding of the principal molecular mechanisms by which mutant ATXN7 elicits neurotoxicity, and how interconnected pathogenic cascades lead to neurodegeneration is needed for the development of effective therapies. At present, therapeutic strategies using nucleic acid-based molecules to silence mutant ATXN7 gene expression are under development for SCA7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Niewiadomska-Cimicka
- Institute of Genetic and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (U1258), University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Yvon Trottier
- Institute of Genetic and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (U1258), University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
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13
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Cloud V, Thapa A, Morales-Sosa P, Miller TM, Miller SA, Holsapple D, Gerhart PM, Momtahan E, Jack JL, Leiva E, Rapp SR, Shelton LG, Pierce RA, Martin-Brown S, Florens L, Washburn MP, Mohan RD. Ataxin-7 and Non-stop coordinate SCAR protein levels, subcellular localization, and actin cytoskeleton organization. eLife 2019; 8:e49677. [PMID: 31348003 PMCID: PMC6693919 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atxn7, a subunit of SAGA chromatin remodeling complex, is subject to polyglutamine expansion at the amino terminus, causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a progressive retinal and neurodegenerative disease. Within SAGA, the Atxn7 amino terminus anchors Non-stop, a deubiquitinase, to the complex. To understand the scope of Atxn7-dependent regulation of Non-stop, substrates of the deubiquitinase were sought. This revealed Non-stop, dissociated from Atxn7, interacts with Arp2/3 and WAVE regulatory complexes (WRC), which control actin cytoskeleton assembly. There, Non-stop countered polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of WRC subunit SCAR. Dependent on conserved WRC interacting receptor sequences (WIRS), Non-stop augmentation increased protein levels, and directed subcellular localization, of SCAR, decreasing cell area and number of protrusions. In vivo, heterozygous mutation of SCAR did not significantly rescue knockdown of Atxn7, but heterozygous mutation of Atxn7 rescued haploinsufficiency of SCAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Cloud
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Ada Thapa
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Tayla M Miller
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Sara A Miller
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Paige M Gerhart
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Elaheh Momtahan
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Jarrid L Jack
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Edgardo Leiva
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | - Sarah R Rapp
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael P Washburn
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityUnited States
| | - Ryan D Mohan
- University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas CityUnited States
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14
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Buijsen RAM, Toonen LJA, Gardiner SL, van Roon-Mom WMC. Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Progress in Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:263-286. [PMID: 30607747 PMCID: PMC6554265 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and its connections. All ADCAs have progressive ataxia as their main clinical feature, frequently accompanied by dysarthria and oculomotor deficits. The most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are 6 polyglutamine (polyQ) SCAs. These diseases are all caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of a gene. Currently, no curative treatment is available for any of the polyQ SCAs, but increasing knowledge on the genetics and the pathological mechanisms of these polyQ SCAs has provided promising therapeutic targets to potentially slow disease progression. Potential treatments can be divided into pharmacological and gene therapies that target the toxic downstream effects, gene therapies that target the polyQ SCA genes, and stem cell replacement therapies. Here, we will provide a review on the genetics, mechanisms, and therapeutic progress in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Lodewijk J A Toonen
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Human Genetics, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, LUMC, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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15
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16
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Karam A, Trottier Y. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1049:197-218. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71779-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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17
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The CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases: a clinical, molecular, genetic, and pathophysiologic nosology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 147:143-170. [PMID: 29325609 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63233-3.00011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the genome, unstable tandem nucleotide repeats can expand to cause a variety of neurologic disorders. Expansion of a CAG triplet repeat within a coding exon gives rise to an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the resultant protein product, and accounts for a unique category of neurodegenerative disorders, known as the CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases. The nine members of the CAG-polyglutamine disease family include spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), Huntington disease, dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy, and six spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17). All CAG-polyglutamine diseases are dominantly inherited, with the exception of SBMA, which is X-linked, and many CAG-polyglutamine diseases display anticipation, which is defined as increasing disease severity in successive generations of an affected kindred. Despite widespread expression of the different polyQ-expanded disease proteins throughout the body, each CAG-polyglutamine disease strikes a particular subset of neurons, although the mechanism for this cell-type selectivity remains poorly understood. While the different genes implicated in these disorders display amino acid homology only in the repeat tract domain, certain pathologic molecular processes have been implicated in almost all of the CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases, including protein aggregation, proteolytic cleavage, transcription dysregulation, autophagy impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we highlight the clinical and molecular genetic features of each distinct disorder, and then discuss common themes in CAG-polyglutamine disease pathogenesis, closing with emerging advances in therapy development.
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18
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Gousse G, Patural H, Touraine R, Chabrier S, Rolland E, Antoine JC, Perrin L. Lethal form of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 with early onset in childhood. Arch Pediatr 2017; 25:42-44. [PMID: 29248324 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Progressive cerebellar ataxias are well-known hereditary neurological disorders. Among them, spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is ascribed to the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat within the ATXN7 gene. An anticipation phenomenon can occur during paternal transmission and sometimes is responsible for a severe infantile form. The specificity of SCA7 is the retinal involvement with retinitis pigmentosa and cone rod dystrophy. We describe a familial form with two siblings who died of a severe infantile form. Diagnosis was made in their father, who had a recent history of macular atrophy and presented with gait disturbance thereafter. Retrospectively, substantial triplet repeat expansion was confirmed in the two affected infants. These infantile forms are rare and difficult to diagnose in the absence of suggestive family symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gousse
- Service de pédiatrie B, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France.
| | - H Patural
- Unité de soins intensifs néonatal et pédiatrique, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - R Touraine
- Service de génétique, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - S Chabrier
- Service de médecine physique et réadaptation pédiatrique, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - E Rolland
- Service de pédiatrie C, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - J-C Antoine
- Service de neurologie, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - L Perrin
- Service d'EEG pédiatrique, CHU de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
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Faruq M, Magaña JJ, Suroliya V, Narang A, Murillo-Melo NM, Hernández-Hernández O, Srivastava AK, Mukerji M. A Complete Association of an intronic SNP rs6798742 with Origin of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7-CAG Expansion Loci in the Indian and Mexican Population. Ann Hum Genet 2017; 81:197-204. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB); Mall Road Delhi India
| | - Jonathan J. Magaña
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute-LGII (INR-LGII); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Varun Suroliya
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre; All India Institute of Medical Sciences; New Delhi India
| | - Ankita Narang
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB); Mall Road Delhi India
| | - Nadia M. Murillo-Melo
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute-LGII (INR-LGII); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Oscar Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Department of Genetics; National Rehabilitation Institute-LGII (INR-LGII); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Achal K. Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre; All India Institute of Medical Sciences; New Delhi India
| | - Mitali Mukerji
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB); Mall Road Delhi India
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Moriarty A, Cook A, Hunt H, Adams ME, Cipolotti L, Giunti P. A longitudinal investigation into cognition and disease progression in spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:82. [PMID: 27333979 PMCID: PMC4917932 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural history of clinical symptoms in the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA)s has been well characterised. However there is little longitudinal data comparing cognitive changes in the most common SCA subtypes over time. The present study provides a preliminary longitudinal characterisation of the clinical and cognitive profiles in patients with SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 and SCA7, with the aim of elucidating the role of the cerebellum in cognition. Methods 13 patients with different SCAs all caused by CAG repeat expansion (SCA1, n = 2; SCA2, n = 2; SCA3, n = 2; SCA6, n = 4; and SCA7, n = 3) completed a comprehensive battery of cognitive and mood assessments at two time points, a mean of 7.35 years apart. All patients were evaluated clinically using the Scale for the Rating and Assessment of Ataxia (SARA) and the Inventory of Non-Ataxia Signs (INAS). Patients underwent structural MRI imaging at follow-up. Results Clinical scale scores increased in all patients over time, most prominently in the SCA1 (SARA) and SCA3 (INAS) groups. New impairments on neuropsychological tests were most commonly observed with executive functions, speed, attention, visual memory and Theory of Mind. Results suggest possible differences in cognitive decline in SCA subtypes, with the most rapid cognitive decline observed in the SCA1 patients, and the least in the SCA6 patients, congruent with observed patterns of motor deterioration. Minimal changes in mood were observed, and MRI measures of atrophy did not correlate with cognitive decline. Conclusion As well as increasing physical impairment, cognitive decline over time appears to be a distinct aspect of the SCA phenotype, in keeping with the cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome. Our data suggest a trend of cognitive decline that is different for each SCA subtype, and for the majority is related to the severity of cerebellar motor impairment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-016-0447-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Moriarty
- Department of Neuropsychology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Arron Cook
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Ataxia Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Helen Hunt
- Department of Neuropsychology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Matthew E Adams
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Lisa Cipolotti
- Department of Neuropsychology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,Dipartimento Di Psicologia, Universita Degli Studi Di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Ataxia Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Faruq M, Srivastava AK, Singh S, Gupta R, Dada T, Garg A, Behari M, Mukerji M. Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) in Indian population: predilection of ATXN7-CAG expansion mutation in an ethnic population. Indian J Med Res 2016; 141:187-98. [PMID: 25900954 PMCID: PMC4418155 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.155556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) is a rare form of neurodegenerative disorder with the clinical manifestation of cerebellar ataxia and retinal degeneration. In this study we describe the clinico-genetic characteristics of nine SCA7 families of Indian origin and cross compare these with other available worldwide studies. METHODS Thirty five individuals from nine SCA7 families were clinico-genetically characterized and CAG repeat distribution analysis was carried out in 382 control DNA samples from healthy controls (derived from 21 diverse Indian populations based on ethnic and linguistic and geographical location). RESULTS Of the nine families studied, 22 affected individuals and one asymptomatic carrier were identified. The average age at disease onset was 23.4±12.6 yr. The length of expanded CAG ranged from 40-94 with mean value of 53.2±13.9. The main clinical findings in affecteds individuals included cerebellar ataxia, and retinal degeneration along with hyper-reflexia (95%), slow saccades (85%) and spasticity (45%). Analysis of the association of number of CAG repeats with disease onset revealed that <49 repeats were associated with earlier age at onset in South East Asians compared to European populations. Further analysis of CAG repeats from 21 diverse Indian populations showed pre-mutable repeats (28-34) alleles in the IE-N-LP2 population. Six of the nine families identified in this study belonged to the same ethnic population. INTERPRETATIONS & CONCLUSION Our results show that presenece of SCA7 is relatively rare and confined to one ethnic group from Haryana region of India. We observed a homogeneous phenotypic expression of SCA7 mutation as described earlier and an earlier age of onset in our patients with CAG <49. The identification of pre-mutable allele in IE-N-LP2 suggests this population to be at the risk of SCA7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Achal Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
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Poly(Q) Expansions in ATXN7 Affect Solubility but Not Activity of the SAGA Deubiquitinating Module. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:1777-87. [PMID: 25755283 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01454-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a polyglutamine [poly(Q)] tract in ATXN7, a subunit of the deubiquitinase (DUB) module (DUBm) in the SAGA complex. The effects of ATXN7-poly(Q) on DUB activity are not known. To address this important question, we reconstituted the DUBm in vitro with either wild-type ATXN7 or a pathogenic form, ATXN7-92Q NT, with 92 Q residues at the N terminus (NT). We found that both forms of ATXN7 greatly enhance DUB activity but that ATXN7-92Q NT is largely insoluble unless it is incorporated into the DUBm. Cooverexpression of DUBm components in human astrocytes also promoted the solubility of ATXN7-92Q, inhibiting its aggregation into nuclear inclusions that sequester DUBm components, leading to global increases in ubiquitinated H2B (H2Bub) levels. Global H2Bub levels were also increased in the cerebellums of mice in a SCA7 mouse model. Our findings indicate that although ATXN7 poly(Q) expansions do not change the enzymatic activity of the DUBm, they likely contribute to SCA7 by initiating aggregates that sequester the DUBm away from its substrates.
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Scripko P, Oaklander AL, Koeppen AH, Frosch MP, Schmahmann JD. A 40-year-old woman with difficulty going down stairs in high-heeled shoes. Ann Neurol 2015; 77:1-7. [PMID: 25380064 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Scripko
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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24
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Tezenas du Montcel S, Durr A, Bauer P, Figueroa KP, Ichikawa Y, Brussino A, Forlani S, Rakowicz M, Schöls L, Mariotti C, van de Warrenburg BPC, Orsi L, Giunti P, Filla A, Szymanski S, Klockgether T, Berciano J, Pandolfo M, Boesch S, Melegh B, Timmann D, Mandich P, Camuzat A, Goto J, Ashizawa T, Cazeneuve C, Tsuji S, Pulst SM, Brusco A, Riess O, Brice A, Stevanin G. Modulation of the age at onset in spinocerebellar ataxia by CAG tracts in various genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:2444-55. [PMID: 24972706 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine-coding (CAG)n repeat expansions in seven different genes cause spinocerebellar ataxias. Although the size of the expansion is negatively correlated with age at onset, it accounts for only 50-70% of its variability. To find other factors involved in this variability, we performed a regression analysis in 1255 affected individuals with identified expansions (spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7), recruited through the European Consortium on Spinocerebellar Ataxias, to determine whether age at onset is influenced by the size of the normal allele in eight causal (CAG)n-containing genes (ATXN1-3, 6-7, 17, ATN1 and HTT). We confirmed the negative effect of the expanded allele and detected threshold effects reflected by a quadratic association between age at onset and CAG size in spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 3 and 6. We also evidenced an interaction between the expanded and normal alleles in trans in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 6 and 7. Except for individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, age at onset was also influenced by other (CAG)n-containing genes: ATXN7 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2; ATXN2, ATN1 and HTT in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3; ATXN1 and ATXN3 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6; and ATXN3 and TBP in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7. This suggests that there are biological relationships among these genes. The results were partially replicated in four independent populations representing 460 Caucasians and 216 Asian samples; the differences are possibly explained by ethnic or geographical differences. As the variability in age at onset is not completely explained by the effects of the causative and modifier sister genes, other genetic or environmental factors must also play a role in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Tezenas du Montcel
- 1 Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F-75013, Paris, France2 INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F-75013, Paris, France3 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biostatistics Unit, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- 4 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, F-75013, Paris, France5 Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Peter Bauer
- 6 Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karla P Figueroa
- 7 Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Yaeko Ichikawa
- 8 Department of Neurology, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alessandro Brussino
- 9 University of Torino, Department of Medical Sciences, and Medical Genetics Unit, Az. Osp. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza', Torino, Italy
| | - Sylvie Forlani
- 5 Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Maria Rakowicz
- 10 Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology Warsaw, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ludger Schöls
- 11 Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany12 German Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- 13 SOSD Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- 14 Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radbound University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Orsi
- 15 Neurologic Division I, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Giunti
- 16 Institute of Neurology, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Filla
- 17 Department of Neurological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandra Szymanski
- 18 Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, University Hospital of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - José Berciano
- 20 Department of Neurology, University Hospital 'Marqués de Valdecilla', UC, IDIVAL and CIBERNED, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- 21 Department of Neurology, ULB-Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 231, Campus Plaine, ULB, Brusssels, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- 22 Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bela Melegh
- 23 Department of Medical Genetics, and Szentagothai Research Centre, University Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- 24 Department of Neurology, University Clinic Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paola Mandich
- 25 Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genova, and U.O. Medical Genetics of IRCCS AOU S. Martino Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Agnès Camuzat
- 5 Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jun Goto
- 8 Department of Neurology, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- 26 Department of Neurology and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Cécile Cazeneuve
- 4 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- 8 Department of Neurology, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stefan-M Pulst
- 7 Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- 9 University of Torino, Department of Medical Sciences, and Medical Genetics Unit, Az. Osp. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza', Torino, Italy
| | - Olaf Riess
- 6 Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexis Brice
- 4 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, F-75013, Paris, France5 Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Stevanin
- 4 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, F-75013, Paris, France5 Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France27 Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, heSam Université, laboratoire de neurogénétique, ICM, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
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25
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García-Velázquez LE, Canizales-Quinteros S, Romero-Hidalgo S, Ochoa-Morales A, Martínez-Ruano L, Márquez-Luna C, Acuña-Alonzo V, Villarreal-Molina MT, Alonso-Vilatela ME, Yescas-Gómez P. Founder effect and ancestral origin of the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) mutation in Mexican families. Neurogenetics 2013; 15:13-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10048-013-0387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Chort A, Alves S, Marinello M, Dufresnois B, Dornbierer JG, Tesson C, Latouche M, Baker DP, Barkats M, El Hachimi KH, Ruberg M, Janer A, Stevanin G, Brice A, Sittler A. Interferon beta induces clearance of mutant ataxin 7 and improves locomotion in SCA7 knock-in mice. Brain 2013; 136:1732-45. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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27
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McCullough SD, Xu X, Dent SYR, Bekiranov S, Roeder RG, Grant PA. Reelin is a target of polyglutamine expanded ataxin-7 in human spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) astrocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:21319-24. [PMID: 23236151 PMCID: PMC3535616 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218331110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder that results from polyglutamine expansion of the ataxin-7 (ATXN7) protein. Remarkably, although mutant ATXN7 is expressed throughout the body, pathology is restricted primarily to the cerebellum and retina. One major goal has been to identify factors that contribute to the tissue specificity of SCA7. Here we describe the development and use of a human astrocyte cell culture model to identify reelin, a factor intimately involved in the development and maintenance of Purkinje cells and the cerebellum as a whole, as an ATXN7 target gene. We found that polyglutamine expansion decreased ATXN7 occupancy, which correlated with increased levels of histone H2B monoubiquitination, at the reelin promoter. Treatment with trichostatin A, but not other histone deacetylase inhibitors, partially restored reelin transcription and promoted the accumulation of mutant ATXN7 into nuclear inclusions. Our findings suggest that reelin could be a previously unknown factor involved in the tissue specificity of SCA7 and that trichostatin A may ameliorate deleterious effects of the mutant ATXN7 protein by promoting its sequestration away from promoters into nuclear inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun D. McCullough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Sharon Y. R. Dent
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis at the Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957; and
| | - Stefan Bekiranov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Robert G. Roeder
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Patrick A. Grant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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28
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Bettencourt C, Quintáns B, Ros R, Ampuero I, Yáñez Z, Pascual SI, de Yébenes JG, Sobrido MJ. Revisiting genotype-phenotype overlap in neurogenetics: Triplet-repeat expansions mimicking spastic paraplegias. Hum Mutat 2012; 33:1315-23. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.22148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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29
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Seidel K, Siswanto S, Brunt ERP, den Dunnen W, Korf HW, Rüb U. Brain pathology of spinocerebellar ataxias. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 124:1-21. [PMID: 22684686 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-012-1000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) represent a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases with progressive ataxia and cerebellar degeneration. The current classification of this disease group is based on the underlying genetic defects and their typical disease courses. According to this categorization, ADCAs are divided into the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) with a progressive disease course, and the episodic ataxias (EA) with episodic occurrences of ataxia. The prominent disease symptoms of the currently known and genetically defined 31 SCA types result from damage to the cerebellum and interconnected brain grays and are often accompanied by more specific extra-cerebellar symptoms. In the present review, we report the genetic and clinical background of the known SCAs and present the state of neuropathological investigations of brain tissue from SCA patients in the final disease stages. Recent findings show that the brain is commonly seriously affected in the polyglutamine SCAs (i.e. SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17) and that the patterns of brain damage in these diseases overlap considerably in patients suffering from advanced disease stages. In the more rarely occurring non-polyglutamine SCAs, post-mortem neuropathological data currently are scanty and investigations have been primarily performed in vivo by means of MRI brain imaging. Only a minority of SCAs exhibit symptoms and degenerative patterns allowing for a clear and unambiguous diagnosis of the disease, e.g. retinal degeneration in SCA7, tau aggregation in SCA11, dentate calcification in SCA20, protein depositions in the Purkinje cell layer in SCA31, azoospermia in SCA32, and neurocutaneous phenotype in SCA34. The disease proteins of polyglutamine ataxias and some non-polyglutamine ataxias aggregate as cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions and serve as morphological markers. Although inclusions may impair axonal transport, bind transcription factors, and block protein quality control, detailed molecular and pathogenetic consequences remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Seidel
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60950, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is associated with progressive blindness, dominant transmission, and marked anticipation. SCA7 represents one of the polyglutamine expansion diseases with increase of CAG repeats. The gene maps to chromosome 3p12-p21.1. Normal values of CAG repeats range from 4 to 18. The SCA7 gene encodes a protein of largely unknown function, called ataxin-7. SCA7 is reported in many countries and ethnic groups. Its phenotypic expression depends on the number of expanded repeats. The infantile phenotype is very severe, with more than 100 repeats. The classic type has 50 to 55 repeats and is characterized by a combination of visual and ataxic disturbances lasting for 20-40 years.When the number of CAG repeats is between 36 and 43, the evolution is much slower, with few or no retinal abnormalities. A CAG repeat number from 18 to 35 is asymptomatic but predisposes to the development of the disorder when expanding to the pathological range through transmission. The diagnosis is made by molecular genetics. The neuropathology of the disorder includes atrophy of the spinocerebellar pathways, pyramidal tracts, and motor nuclei in the brainstem and spinal cord, a cone-rod sytrophy of the retina, and ataxin-7 immunoreactive neuronal intranuclear inclusions. The neuropathological features vary as a function of the number of CAG repeats. Present research deals mainly with the study of ataxin-7 in transfected neural cells and transgenic mouse models.
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Sequeiros J, Martins S, Silveira I. Epidemiology and population genetics of degenerative ataxias. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 103:227-51. [PMID: 21827892 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-51892-7.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sequeiros
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Portugal.
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32
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Giunti P, Houlden H, Gardner-Thorpe C, Worth PF, Johnson J, Hilton DA, Revesz T, Davis MB, Wood NW. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 103:521-34. [PMID: 21827911 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-51892-7.00033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P Giunti
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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33
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Chen YC, Gatchel JR, Lewis RW, Mao CA, Grant PA, Zoghbi HY, Dent SYR. Gcn5 loss-of-function accelerates cerebellar and retinal degeneration in a SCA7 mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 21:394-405. [PMID: 22002997 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat encoding a polyglutamine tract in ATXN7, a component of the SAGA histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex. Previous studies provided conflicting evidence regarding the effects of polyQ-ATXN7 on the activity of Gcn5, the HAT catalytic subunit of SAGA. Here, we report that reducing Gcn5 expression accelerates both cerebellar and retinal degeneration in a mouse model of SCA7. Deletion of Gcn5 in Purkinje cells in mice expressing wild-type (wt) Atxn7, however, causes only mild ataxia and does not lead to the early lethality observed in SCA7 mice. Reduced Gcn5 expression strongly enhances retinopathy in SCA7 mice, but does not affect the known transcriptional targets of Atxn7, as expression of these genes is not further altered by Gcn5 depletion. These findings demonstrate that loss of Gcn5 functions can contribute to the time of onset and severity of SCA7 phenotypes, and suggest that non-transcriptional functions of SAGA may play a role in neurodegeneration in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chun Chen
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Science Park, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
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34
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Abstract
It has been more than 17 years since the causative mutation for Huntington's disease was discovered as the expansion of the triplet repeat in the N-terminal portion of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. In the intervening time, researchers have discovered a great deal about Huntingtin's involvement in a number of cellular processes. However, the role of Huntingtin in the key pathogenic mechanism leading to neurodegeneration in the disease process has yet to be discovered. Here, we review the body of knowledge that has been uncovered since gene discovery and include discussions of the HTT gene, CAG triplet repeat expansion, HTT expression, protein features, posttranslational modifications, and many of its known protein functions and interactions. We also highlight potential pathogenic mechanisms that have come to light in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen N McFarland
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0236, USA.
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35
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Sugaya K, Matsubara S. Nucleation of protein aggregation kinetics as a basis for genotype-phenotype correlations in polyglutamine diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2009; 4:29. [PMID: 19602294 PMCID: PMC2716343 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-4-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies of inherited neurodegenerative disorders have suggested a linkage between the propensity toward aggregation of mutant protein and disease onset. This is particularly apparent for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases caused by expansion of CAG-trinucleotide repeats. However, a quantitative framework for relating aggregation kinetics with molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration initiation is lacking. Here, using the repeat-length-dependent age-of-onset in polyQ diseases, we derived a mathematical model based on nucleation of aggregation kinetics to describe genotype-phenotype correlations, and validated the model using both in vitro data and clinical data. Instead of describing polyQ aggregation kinetics with a derivative equation, our model divided age-of-onset (equivalent to the time required for aggregation) into two processes: nucleation lag time (a first-order exponential function of CAG-repeat length) and elongation time. With the exception of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 3, the relation between CAG-repeat length and age-of-onset in all examined polyQ diseases, including Huntington's disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and SCA1, -2, -6 and -7, could be well explained by three parameters derived from linear regression analysis based on the nucleated growth polymerization model. These parameters composed of probability of nucleation at an individual repeat, a protein concentration associated factor, and elongation time predict the overall features of neurodegeneration initiation, including constant risk for cell death, toxic polyQ species, main pathological subcellular site and the contribution of cellular factors. Our model also presents an alternative therapeutic strategy according to the distinct subcellular loci by the finding that nuclear localization of soluble mutant protein monomers itself has great impact on disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Sugaya
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, 2-6-1 Musashidai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0042, Japan.
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36
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Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17) and Huntington's disease-like 4 (HDL4). THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 7:170-8. [PMID: 18418687 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17) or Huntington's disease-like-4 is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion above 44 units of a CAG/CAA repeat in the coding region of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) gene leading to an abnormal expansion of a polyglutamine stretch in the corresponding protein. Alleles with 43 and 44 repeats have been identified in sporadic cases and their pathogenicity remains uncertain. Furthermore, incomplete penetrance of pathological alleles with up to 49 repeats has been suggested. The imperfect nature of the repeat makes intergenerational instability extremely rare and de novo mutations are most likely the result of partial duplications. This is one of the rarer forms of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia but the associated phenotype is often severe, involving various systems (cerebral cortex, striatum, and cerebellum), with extremely variable age at onset (range: 3-75 years) and clinical presentation. This gene is thought to account for a small proportion of patients with a Huntington's disease-like phenotype and cerebellar signs. Parkinson's disease-like, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-like and Alzheimer disease-like phenotypes have also been described with small SCA17 expansions. The abnormal protein is expressed at the same level as its normal counterpart and forms neuronal intranuclear inclusions containing other proteins involved in protein folding or degradation. The increase in the size of the glutamine stretch enhances transcription in vitro, probably leading to transcription deregulation. Interestingly, the TBP protein mutated in SCA17 is recruited in the inclusions of other polyglutaminopathies, suggesting its involvement in the transcription down-regulation observed in these diseases.
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Klockgether T. The clinical diagnosis of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 7:101-5. [PMID: 18418679 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominantly inherited progressive ataxia diseases. Up to now, almost 30 different gene loci have been found. In 14 of them, the underlying mutations have been identified. The more common SCAs, SCA1, 2, 3 and 6 are due to translated CAG repeat expansions that code for an elongated polyglutamine tract within the respective proteins. These diseases belong to a larger group of polyglutamine disorders that also includes Huntington's disease. Epidemiological studies conducted in different European regions found prevalence rates of SCAs ranging from 0.9 to 3.0:100,000. In all SCAs, ataxia is the prominent symptom. However, the majority have a complex phenotype in which ataxia is accompanied by varying non-ataxia symptoms. In all ataxia patients with proven or suspected autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, the available molecular genetic tests for SCA mutations should be performed. Depending on the geographical origin of the family, these tests will lead to positive diagnostic results in at least half of the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany.
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Garden GA, La Spada AR. Molecular pathogenesis and cellular pathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 neurodegeneration. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 7:138-49. [PMID: 18418675 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is unique among CAG/polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat diseases due to dramatic intergenerational instability in repeat length and an associated cone-rod dystrophy retinal degeneration phenotype. SCA7 is caused by a polyQ expansion in the protein ataxin-7. Like other neurodegenerative diseases caused by polyQ expansion mutations, the spectrum of clinical severity and disease progression worsens with increasing polyQ length. Several potential mechanisms for the molecular pathogenesis of polyQ-expanded ataxin-7 have been suggested. These include, but are not limited to, alteration of endogenous ataxin-7 function, abnormal processing and stability of polyQ ataxin-7, and alteration of transcriptional regulation via interaction of polyQ-expanded ataxin-7 with other transcriptional regulators. Ataxin-7's normal function as a transcription factor may contribute to the selective vulnerability of specific cellular populations in SCA7, and the resolution of the mechanistic basis of this pathogenic cascade is a major focus of SCA7 disease research. PolyQ-expanded ataxin-7 can cause non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Advances in understanding SCA7's molecular basis have led to important insights into cell-type specific neurodegeneration. We expect that further study of ataxin-7 normal function, insights into the molecular basis of SCA7 neurodegeneration, and the development of therapeutic interventions for SCA7 will greatly influence related endeavors directed at other CAG/polyQ repeat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenn A Garden
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7110, USA
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Electrophysiology in spinocerebellar ataxias: Spread of disease and characteristic findings. THE CEREBELLUM 2008; 7:198-203. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-008-0024-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Whitney A, Lim M, Kanabar D, Lin JP. Massive SCA7 expansion detected in a 7-month-old male with hypotonia, cardiomegaly, and renal compromise. Dev Med Child Neurol 2007; 49:140-3. [PMID: 17254003 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00140.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infantile spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is phenotypically different from the child-onset and adult-onset cases, presenting as a multisystem disorder associated with pathologically large CAG trinucleotide repeat sequences. We describe a case study of a male who presented at 5 months of age with marked motor delay, failure to thrive, and a patent ductus arteriosus. He later developed renal failure of uncertain aetiology. The infant became progressively hypotonic, and cardiac and renal function deteriorated further; he died at the age of 11 months of multisystem failure. Family history revealed a diagnosis of SCA7 in the infant's father, paternal grandfather, and aunt. DNA analysis confirmed an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the SCA7 locus of about 240 repeats, suggesting a diagnosis of infantile SCA7. Striking anticipation is seen in SCA7, particularly with paternal transmission. The underlying pathophysiological processes seem to involve alteration in transcriptional regulation and a selective neuronal vulnerability to the widely distributed abnormal protein product. This case report reviews the current literature relating to infantile SCA7 and raises awareness of this rare but important phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Whitney
- Paediatric Neurosciences, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Greenfield J, Treacy C, Giunti P. Centres of Excellence for the care of people with progressive ataxias. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2006; 15:932-6. [PMID: 17077786 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2006.15.17.21908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This article provides a description of the progressive ataxias and how such a diagnosis impacts on a person's life. The nurse's role in helping these patients, who can face numerous difficulties in everyday life, is highlighted. Moreover, the authors discuss the development of Ataxia Specialist Centres of Excellence for the diagnosis and management of people with ataxia, and the benefits believe these centres will bring to the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Greenfield
- Ataxia UK, and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London
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da Cunha Linhares S, Horta WG, Marques Júnior W. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7): family princeps’ history, genealogy and geographical distribution. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2006; 64:222-7. [PMID: 16791360 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2006000200010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a 320 year retrospective survey of the history and genealogy of a large Brazilian family with SCA7. The ancestral couple was from the State of Ceará, Brazil, and the genealogical tree was composed of 577 individuals, including 217 males (37.6%), 255 females (44.1%) and 105 individuals of unknown sex (18.1%). Based on collected information, the 118 individuals consistently affected were distributed in generations IV (n=2), V (n=28), VI (n=57), VII (n=25) and VIII (n=6) of the genealogical tree. Sixty affected members are alive, 37 of them (61.6%) live in the Northeast region, 12 (20%) in the Southeast, 9 (15%) in the Center-West and 2 (3.3%) in the North. This genealogical survey was based only on 4 of the 10 children of the ancestral couple since the destiny of the remaining 6 is unknown. We propose that other Brazilian families with SCA7 may have the same genetic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomão da Cunha Linhares
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Kraft S, Furtado S, Ranawaya R, Parboosingh J, Bleoo S, McElligott K, Bridge P, Spacey S, Das S, Suchowersky O. Adult onset spinocerebellar ataxia in a Canadian movement disorders clinic. Can J Neurol Sci 2006; 32:450-8. [PMID: 16408574 DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100004431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. Relative frequencies vary within different ethnic groups and geographical locations. OBJECTIVES 1) To determine the frequencies of hereditary and sporadic adult onset SCAs in the Movement Disorders population; 2) to assess if the fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (FMR1) premutation is found in this population. METHODS A retrospective chart review of individuals with a diagnosis of adult onset SCA was carried out. Testing for SCA types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8, Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), Friedreich ataxia and the FMR1 expansion was performed. RESULTS A total of 69 patients in 60 families were identified. Twenty-one (35%) of the families displayed autosomal dominant and two (3.3%) showed autosomal recessive (AR) pattern of inheritance. A positive but undefined family history was noted in nine (15%). The disorder appeared sporadic in 26 patients (43.3%). In the AD families, the most common mutation was SCA3 (23.8%) followed by SCA2 (14.3%) and SCA6 (14.3%). The SCA1 and SCA8 were each identified in 4.8%. FA was found in a pseudodominant pedigree, and one autosomal recessive pedigree. One sporadic patient had a positive test (SCA3).Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and FMR1 testing was negative. CONCLUSION A positive family history was present in 53.3% of our adult onset SCA patients. A specific genetic diagnosis could be given in 61.9% of dominant pedigrees with SCA3 being the most common mutation, followed by SCA2 and SCA6. The yield in sporadic cases was low. The fragile X premutation was not found to be responsible for SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Kraft
- Movement Disorsders program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Approach to the patient with ataxia. NEURODEGENER DIS 2005. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511544873.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Infante J, Combarros O, Volpini V, Corral J, Llorca J, Berciano J. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias in Spain: molecular and clinical correlations, prevalence estimation and survival analysis. Acta Neurol Scand 2005; 111:391-9. [PMID: 15876341 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00400.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genetic and clinical profile of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCA) displays marked geographical and ethnical variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have analysed the molecular and clinical correlations in an ethnically homogeneous sample of 30 Spanish ADCA kindreds. Minimal point prevalence for the region of Cantabria was estimated. RESULTS Seventy per cent of the families harboured known mutations. Areflexia, slow saccades and hypopallesthesia predominated in SCA2; nystagmus, pyramidal signs or areflexia restricted to the legs in SCA 3; and retinal degeneration, pyramidal signs and slow saccades in SCA 7. Anticipation and intergenerational instability were greater in SCA 7. Length of expansions and age at onset were inversely correlated in all SCA subtypes. Larger expansions correlated with areflexia in SCA 2, with pyramidal signs in SCA 3 and with early visual impairment in SCA 7. Survival was similar among the different SCA subtypes. Prevalence of ADCA in Cantabria was 1.6 cases per 100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS This report shows the epidemiological, clinical and genetic profile of ADCA in Spain, providing additional data regarding the broad clinical heterogeneity of these disorders and the variability of the genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Infante
- Neurology Service, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
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Mittal U, Roy S, Jain S, Srivastava AK, Mukerji M. Post-zygotic de novo trinucleotide repeat expansion at spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 locus: evidence from an Indian family. J Hum Genet 2005; 50:155-157. [PMID: 15750685 DOI: 10.1007/s10038-005-0233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2004] [Accepted: 12/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia caused by CAG repeat expansion. We found expansion at SCA7 locus in only two out of 235 Indian families clinically diagnosed for ataxia. In one of the families, a de novo mutation was observed wherein a paternal allele in intermediate range of 31 CAG repeats expanded to 59 in the offspring leading to the disease. No expanded alleles were observed in the sperm of the transmitting parent by small pool PCR. This suggests that de novo expansion by a pre-zygotic event is unlikely and could be post-zygotic. SCA7 expanded alleles from the two families were present on different genetic backgrounds, indicating multiple origins of the mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Mittal
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR, Mall Road, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Sanghamitra Roy
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR, Mall Road, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Satish Jain
- Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Indian Epilepsy Centre, Defence Colony, New Delhi, India
| | - Achal K Srivastava
- Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mitali Mukerji
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, CSIR, Mall Road, Delhi, 110007, India.
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Ansorge O, Giunti P, Michalik A, Van Broeckhoven C, Harding B, Wood N, Scaravilli F. Ataxin-7 aggregation and ubiquitination in infantile SCA7 with 180 CAG repeats. Ann Neurol 2004; 56:448-52. [PMID: 15349877 DOI: 10.1002/ana.20230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Extremely long (>150) CAG repeats are often used to create models of polyglutamine diseases yet are very rare in humans where they manifest as pediatric multisystem syndromes of little specificity. Here, we describe an infant with 180 CAG repeats in the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 gene and focus on systemic ataxin-7 aggregation. This was found in many organs, including the cardiovascular system. In the brain, the hippocampus emerged as a principal site of ataxin-7 aggregation without cell loss. We note differential ubiquitination of aggregates and discuss how this may relate to selective vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Ansorge
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
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Schöls L, Bauer P, Schmidt T, Schulte T, Riess O. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias: clinical features, genetics, and pathogenesis. Lancet Neurol 2004; 3:291-304. [PMID: 15099544 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(04)00737-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 666] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias are hereditary neurodegenerative disorders that are known as spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) in genetic nomenclature. In the pregenomic era, ataxias were some of the most poorly understood neurological disorders; the unravelling of their molecular basis enabled precise diagnosis in vivo and explained many clinical phenomena such as anticipation and variable phenotypes even within one family. However, the discovery of many ataxia genes and loci in the past decade threatens to cause more confusion than optimism among clinicians. Therefore, the provision of guidance for genetic testing according to clinical findings and frequencies of SCA subtypes in different ethnic groups is a major challenge. The identification of ataxia genes raises hope that essential pathogenetic mechanisms causing SCA will become more and more apparent. Elucidation of the pathogenesis of SCA hopefully will enable the development of rational therapies for this group of disorders, which currently can only be treated symptomatically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology, University of Tuebingen, Germany
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Devloo S, Casteels I, Spileers W, Janssens J, Legius E, Robberecht W, Libert M. Visual loss as the presenting sign in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA 7). Neuroophthalmology 2004. [DOI: 10.1080/01658100490894564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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50
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Michalik A, Martin JJ, Van Broeckhoven C. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 associated with pigmentary retinal dystrophy. Eur J Hum Genet 2003; 12:2-15. [PMID: 14571264 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an autosomal-dominant, late-onset, slowly progressive disorder, primarily characterized by gradual loss of motor coordination, resulting from dysfunction and degeneration of the cerebellum and its connecting pathways. The disease is caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat within the SCA7 gene, which encodes a polyglutamine tract within a novel protein, termed ataxin-7. The expansion of polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeats in dissimilar genes underlies eight neurodegenerative conditions besides SCA7, including a number of dominant ataxias related to SCA7. Although elongated polyglutamine itself can initiate neuronal dysfunction and death, its toxicity is modulated by the context of the disease proteins, as evidenced by the differing clinical and pathological presentation of the various disorders. In this respect, it is exciting that SCA7 constitutes the only polyglutamine disorder, in which the photoreceptors of the retina are also severely affected, leading to retinal degeneration and blindness. Since the discovery of the SCA7 mutation, numerous studies attempted to pinpoint the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique features of SCA7, particularly the retinal involvement. Here we summarize the clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of SCA7, and review the current understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Michalik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Neurogenetics Group, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Antwerpen, Belgium
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