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Schroth M, Deans J, Arya K, Castro D, De Vivo DC, Gibbons MA, Ionita C, Kuntz NL, Lakhotia A, Neil Knierbein E, Scoto M, Sejersen T, Servais L, Tian C, Waldrop MA, Vázquez-Costa JF. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Update in Best Practices: Recommendations for Diagnosis Considerations. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200310. [PMID: 38915908 PMCID: PMC11195435 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive progressive neurodegenerative primary motor neuron disorder caused by biallelic variants of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. The most recent SMA best practice recommendations were published in 2018 shortly after the approval of the first SMN-enhancing treatment. The availability of disease-modifying therapies for 5q SMA and implementation of SMA newborn screening (NBS) has led to urgency to update the SMA best practice recommendations for diagnosis and to reevaluate the current classification of SMA. In addition, the availability of disease-modifying therapies has opened the door to explore improved diagnosis of adult-onset SMA. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted on SMA NBS. An SMA working group of American and European health care providers developed recommendations through a modified Delphi technique with serial surveys and virtual meeting feedback on SMA diagnosis to fill information gaps for topics with limited evidence. A community working group of an individual with SMA and caregivers provided insight and perspective on SMA diagnosis and support through a virtual meeting to guide recommendations. Results The health care provider working group achieved consensus that SMA NBS is essential to include in the updated best practice for SMA diagnosis (100%). Recommendations for the following are described: characterizing NBS-identified infants before treatment; minimum recommendations for starting or offering SMA NBS in a state or country; recommendations for activities and services to be provided by an SMA specialty care center accepting SMA NBS referrals; and recommendations for partnership with individuals with SMA and caregivers to support NBS-identified infants and their caregivers. Limited data are available to advance efficient diagnosis of adult-onset SMA. Discussion Updating best practice recommendations for SMA diagnosis to include SMA NBS implementation is essential to advancing care for individuals with SMA. In addition to testing, processes for the efficient management of positive newborn screen with access to knowledgeable and skilled health care providers and access to treatment options is critical to successful early diagnosis. Additional evidence is required to improve adult-onset SMA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Schroth
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Jennifer Deans
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Kapil Arya
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana Castro
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Darryl C De Vivo
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Melissa A Gibbons
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristian Ionita
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Nancy L Kuntz
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Arpita Lakhotia
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Erin Neil Knierbein
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Thomas Sejersen
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Laurent Servais
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Cuixia Tian
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Megan A Waldrop
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan F Vázquez-Costa
- Cure SMA (M. Schroth, JD), Elk Grove Village, IL; Department of Pediatrics (KA), Division of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock; Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center (DC), Denton, TX; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (DCDV), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York; Department of Pediatrics (MAG), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) (CI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (NLK), Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, IL; Department of Neurology (AL), University of Louisville, Norton Children's Medical Group, KY; Department of Pediatrics (ENK), University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor; The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (M. Scoto), Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK & Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Women's and Children's Health (TS), Karolinska Institutet, Department of Child Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (LS), University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Belgium; Division of Neurology (CT), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical College, OH; Center for Gene Therapy (MAW), The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatric and Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; and Motor Neuron Disease Unit (JFV-C), Hospital la Fe, IIS La Fe, CIBERER, University of Valencia, Spain
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2
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Grass T, Dokuzluoglu Z, Buchner F, Rosignol I, Thomas J, Caldarelli A, Dalinskaya A, Becker J, Rost F, Marass M, Wirth B, Beyer M, Bonaguro L, Rodriguez-Muela N. Isogenic patient-derived organoids reveal early neurodevelopmental defects in spinal muscular atrophy initiation. Cell Rep Med 2024:101659. [PMID: 39067446 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101659] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Whether neurodevelopmental defects underlie postnatal neuronal death in neurodegeneration is an intriguing hypothesis only recently explored. Here, we focus on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder caused by reduced survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein levels leading to spinal motor neuron (MN) loss and muscle wasting. Using the first isogenic patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model and a spinal cord organoid (SCO) system, we show that SMA SCOs exhibit abnormal morphological development, reduced expression of early neural progenitor markers, and accelerated expression of MN progenitor and MN markers. Longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing reveals marked defects in neural stem cell specification and fewer MNs, favoring mesodermal progenitors and muscle cells, a bias also seen in early SMA mouse embryos. Surprisingly, SMN2-to-SMN1 conversion does not fully reverse these developmental abnormalities. These suggest that early neurodevelopmental defects may underlie later MN degeneration, indicating that postnatal SMN-increasing interventions might not completely amend SMA pathology in all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Grass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.
| | - Zeynep Dokuzluoglu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Buchner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Ines Rosignol
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joshua Thomas
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Antonio Caldarelli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dalinskaya
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jutta Becker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Rost
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Technology Platform at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, TUD, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michele Marass
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE & University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany; Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, DZNE, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Bonaguro
- Systems Medicine, DZNE, Bonn, Germany; Genomics & Immunoregulation, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalia Rodriguez-Muela
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
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3
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Gandhi G, Kodiappan R, Abdullah S, Teoh HK, Tai L, Cheong SK, Yeo WWY. Revealing the potential role of hsa-miR-663a in modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway via miRNA microarray in spinal muscular atrophy patient fibroblast-derived iPSCs. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024:nlae065. [PMID: 38894621 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder due to deletion or mutation of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Although survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene is still present in SMA patients, the production of full-length survival motor neuron (SMN) protein is insufficient owing to missing or mutated SMN1. No current disease-modifying therapies can cure SMA. The aim of this study was to explore microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies that may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in delaying SMA progression or as treatment. The study screened for potentially dysregulated miRNAs in SMA fibroblast-derived iPSCs using miRNA microarray. Results from the miRNA microarray were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis using various databases was performed to predict the potential putative gene targeted by hsa-miR-663a. The findings showed differential expression of hsa-miR-663a in SMA patients in relation to a healthy control. Bioinformatics analysis identified GNG7, IGF2, and TNN genes that were targeted by hsa-miR-663a to be involved in the PI3K-AKT pathway, which may be associated with disease progression in SMA. Thus, this study suggests the potential role of hsa-miR-663a as therapeutic target for the treatment of SMA patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Radha Kodiappan
- Department of Research and Training, MAHSA Specialist Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hoon Koon Teoh
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lihui Tai
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- Cytopeutics Sdn. Bhd, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon Keng Cheong
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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4
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McPheron MA, Felker MV. Clinical perspectives: Treating spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00402-7. [PMID: 38894541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.020] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease that, without treatment, leads to progressive weakness and often death. A plethora of studies have led to the approval of three high-cost and effective treatments since 2016. These treatments, nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam, have not been directly compared and have varying challenges in administration. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of these medications, the process of treatment selection, monitoring after treatment, the limited data comparing treatments, as well as future directions for investigation and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A McPheron
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Marcia V Felker
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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5
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AlTawari A, Zakaria M, Kamel W, Shaalan N, Elghazawi GAI, Ali MEA, Salota D, Attia A, Elanay EEA, Shalaby O, Alqallaf F, Mitic V, Bastaki L. Nusinersen Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Retrospective Multicenter Study of Pediatric and Adult Patients in Kuwait. Neurol Int 2024; 16:631-642. [PMID: 38921951 PMCID: PMC11206794 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint16030047] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a neuromuscular genetic condition associated with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide therapy approved for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy in pediatric and adult patients. The objective of this clinical case series is to describe the efficacy and safety of nusinersen in treating spinal muscular atrophy in 20 pediatric and 18 adult patients across six treatment centers in Kuwait. Functional motor assessments (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, and Revised Upper Limb Module) were used to assess changes in motor function following nusinersen treatment. The safety assessment involved clinical monitoring of adverse events. The results demonstrate clinically meaningful or considerable improvement in motor performance for nearly all patients, lasting over 4 years in some cases. A total of 70% of patients in the pediatric cohort and 72% of patients in the adult cohort achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in motor function following nusinersen treatment. Additionally, nusinersen was well-tolerated in both cohorts. These findings add to the growing body of evidence relating to the clinical efficacy and safety of nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma AlTawari
- Pediatric Department, Neurology Unit, Al Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
| | | | - Walaa Kamel
- Neurology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
| | - Nayera Shaalan
- Neurology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
| | | | | | - Dalia Salota
- Pediatric Department, Neurology Unit, Al Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
| | - Amr Attia
- Pediatric Department, Neurology Unit, Al Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
| | | | - Osama Shalaby
- Pediatric Department, Al Jahra Hospital, Al Jahra 003200, Kuwait
| | - Fatema Alqallaf
- Pediatric Department, Neurology Unit, Mubarak Hospital, Jabriya 46300, Kuwait
| | - Vesna Mitic
- Pediatric Department, Al Farwaniya Hospital, Al Farwaniya 85000, Kuwait
| | - Laila Bastaki
- Kuwait Medical Genetics Center, Shuwaikh Industrial 70050, Kuwait
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6
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Kahraman A, Mutlu A, Livanelioğlu A. General movements in spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:1249-1255. [PMID: 36611288 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2164842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the motor repertoire of infants diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy Type I (SMA Type I) without administration of any disease-modifying agent. METHODS Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) was calculated from videos recorded between post-term weeks 9-17 for 22 infants with SMA Type I. The MOS-R of infants with SMA Type I was compared with those of 22 infants with cerebral palsy (CP) and 22 infants with typical development. RESULTS Of the infants with SMA Type I, 17 had absent fidgety movements (FMs) and 5 had sporadic FMs. Age adequate movement repertoire was absent, and the variety of movements in infants was very low. Movements were symmetrical but movements of four limbs remained on the surface level. Antigravity movements were very rare. Movement characterization was monotonous, slow speed, and small amplitude. The MOS-R of infants with SMA Type I was lower than those of infants with typical development but similar to those of infants with CP. CONCLUSIONS Infants with SMA Type I had a motor repertoire similar to infants with CP, while they had a poorer motor repertoire than infants with typical development in the fidgety period as evidenced by MOS-R. Central nervous system involvement in these infants with SMA Type I with absent FMs and reduced MOS-R is unknown. Further studies are needed to determine the role of problems in the afferent and efferent pathways of spinal cord and muscle atrophy in the observation of normal FMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysu Kahraman
- Developmental and Early Physiotherapy Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazarı, Turkey
| | - Akmer Mutlu
- Developmental and Early Physiotherapy Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazarı, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Livanelioğlu
- Developmental and Early Physiotherapy Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Samanpazarı, Turkey
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7
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Brkušanin M, Kosać A, Branković-Srećković V, Jovanović K, Perić S, Karanović J, Matijašević Joković S, Garai N, Pešović J, Nikolić D, Stević Z, Brajušković G, Milić-Rašić V, Savić-Pavićević D. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma as a Nusinersen treatment response marker in childhood-onset SMA individuals from Serbia. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1394001. [PMID: 38756215 PMCID: PMC11097956 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1394001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biomarkers capable of reflecting disease onset and short- and long-term therapeutic effects in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are still an unmet need and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) holds significant promise. Methods We conducted a longitudinal prospective study to evaluate pNF-H levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of 29 individuals with childhood-onset SMA treated with Nuinersen (SMA type 1: n = 6, 2: n = 17, 3: n = 6). pNF-H levels before and during treatment were compared with the levels of controls (n = 22), patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 17), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (n = 11), untreated SMA individuals with chronic type 3 disease (n = 8), and children with presymptomatic SMA (n = 3). Results SMA type 1 showed the highest mean CSF pNF-H levels before treatment initiation. All Nusinersen-treated individuals (types 1, 2, and 3) showed significantly elevated mean baseline CSF pNF-H compared to controls, which inversely correlated with age at disease onset, age at first dose, disease duration and the initial CHOP INTEND result (SMA type 1 and 2). During 22 months of treatment, CSF pNF-H levels declined during loading doses, stabilizing at reduced levels from the initial maintenance dose in all individuals. Baseline plasma pNF-H levels in type 1 and 2 SMA were significantly increased compared to other cohorts and decreased notably in type 1 after 2 months of treatment and type 2 after 14 months. Conversely, SMA type 3, characterized by lower baseline pNF-H levels, did not show significant fluctuations in plasma pNF-H levels after 14 months of treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that CSF pNF-H levels in untreated SMA individuals are significantly higher than in controls and that monitoring of CSF pNF-H levels may serve as an indicator of rapid short-term treatment response in childhood-onset SMA individuals, irrespective of the subtype of the disease, while also suggesting its potential for assessing long-term suppression of neurodegeneration. Plasma pNF-H may serve as an appropriate outcome measure for disease progression and/or response to treatment in types 1 and 2 but not in type 3. Presymptomatic infants with SMA may show elevated pNF-H levels, confirming early neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Brkušanin
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Kosać
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Kristina Jovanović
- University Children's Hospital Tirsova, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stojan Perić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Karanović
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nemanja Garai
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Pešović
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dimitrije Nikolić
- University Children's Hospital Tirsova, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stević
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Brajušković
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vedrana Milić-Rašić
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušanka Savić-Pavićević
- Faculty of Biology, Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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8
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Shekhawat DS, Didel S, Dixit SG, Singh P, Singh K. Carrier Screening and Diagnosis for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Droplet Digital PCR Versus MLPA: Analytical Validation and Early Test Outcome. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2024; 28:207-212. [PMID: 38533877 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular life-threatening disorder. Owing to high carrier frequency, population-wide SMA screening to quantify the copy number of SMN gene is recommended by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. An accurate, reliable, short runaround time and cost-effective method may be helpful in mass population screening for SMA. Methods: Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a gold standard to estimate the copy number variation (CNV) for SMN1 and SMN2 genes. In this study, we validated droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the determination of CNV for both SMN1 and SMN2 exon 7 for a diagnostic purpose. In total, 66 clinical samples were tested using ddPCR, and results were compared with the MLPA as a reference test. Results: For all samples, CNV for SMN1 and SMN2 exon 7 was consentaneous between ddPCR and MLPA test results (κ = 1.000, p < 0.0001). In addition, ddPCR also showed a significant acceptable degree of test repeatability, coefficient of variation < 4%. Conclusion: ddPCR is expected to be utilitarian for CNV detection for carrier screening and diagnosis of SMA. ddPCR test results for CNV detection for SMN1/SMN2 exon 7 are concordant with the gold standard. ddPCR is a more cost-effective and time-saving diagnostic test for SMA than MLPA. Furthermore, it can be used for population-wide carrier screening for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolat Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Medical Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Siyaram Didel
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shilpi Gupta Dixit
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pratibha Singh
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Medical Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- NIDAN Kendra, Genetic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Science Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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9
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Wang N, Jiao K, He J, Zhu B, Cheng N, Sun J, Chen L, Chen W, Gong L, Qiao K, Xi J, Wu Q, Zhao C, Zhu W. Diagnosis of Challenging Spinal Muscular Atrophy Cases with Long-Read Sequencing. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:364-373. [PMID: 38490302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder primarily caused by the deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. This study assesses the diagnostic potential of long-read sequencing (LRS) in three patients with SMA. For Patient 1, who has a heterozygous SMN1 deletion, LRS unveiled a missense mutation in SMN1 exon 5. In Patient 2, an Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangement covering the SMN1 promoter and exon 1 was identified through a blend of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, LRS, and PCR across the breakpoint. The third patient, born to a consanguineous family, bore four copies of hybrid SMN genes. LRS determined the genomic structures, indicating two distinct hybrids of SMN2 exon 7 and SMN1 exon 8. However, a discrepancy was found between the SMN1/SMN2 ratio interpretations by LRS (0:2) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (0:4), which suggested a limitation of LRS in SMA diagnosis. In conclusion, this newly adapted long PCR-based third-generation sequencing introduces an additional avenue for SMA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kexin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bochen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Wanjin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingyun Gong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihan Wu
- Shanghai Ministry of Science and Technology Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China; Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Pozzobon M, Bean C. Mitochondria replacement from transplanted amniotic fluid stem cells: a promising therapy for non-neuronal defects in spinal muscular atrophy. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:971-972. [PMID: 37862193 PMCID: PMC10749600 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pozzobon
- Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University of Padova; Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Bean
- Women’s and Children’s Health Department, University of Padova; Foundation Institute of Pediatric Research Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
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11
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Harding ER, Kanner CH, Pasternak A, Glanzman AM, Dunaway Young S, Rao AK, McDermott MP, Zolkipli-Cunningham Z, Day JW, Finkel RS, Darras BT, De Vivo DC, Montes J. Beyond Contractures in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Identifying Lower-Limb Joint Hypermobility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2634. [PMID: 38731167 PMCID: PMC11084694 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The natural history of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is well understood, with progressive muscle weakness resulting in declines in function. The development of contractures is common and negatively impacts function. Clinically, joint hypermobility (JH) is observed but is poorly described, and its relationship with function is unknown. Methods: Lower-limb ROM (range of motion) assessments of extension and flexion at the hip, knee, and ankle were performed. ROMs exceeding the published norms were included in the analysis. The functional assessments performed included the six-minute walk test (6 MWT) and the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE). Results: Of the 143 participants, 86% (n = 123) had at least one ROM measure that was hypermobile, and 22% (n = 32) had three or more. The HFMSE scores were inversely correlated with hip extension JH (r = -0.60, p = 0.21; n = 6) and positively correlated with knee flexion JH (r = 0.24, p = 0.02, n = 89). There was a moderate, inverse relationship between the 6 MWT distance and ankle plantar flexion JH (r = -0.73, p = 0.002; n = 15). Conclusions: JH was identified in nearly all participants in at least one joint in this study. Hip extension, knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion JH was associated with function. A further understanding of the trajectory of lower-limb joint ROM is needed to improve future rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Harding
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA (A.K.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Cara H. Kanner
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA (A.K.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Amy Pasternak
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.P.); (B.T.D.)
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy Services, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Allan M. Glanzman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Sally Dunaway Young
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (S.D.Y.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Ashwini K. Rao
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA (A.K.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Michael P. McDermott
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | | | - John W. Day
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (S.D.Y.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Richard S. Finkel
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.P.); (B.T.D.)
| | - Darryl C. De Vivo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Jacqueline Montes
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA (A.K.R.); (J.M.)
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12
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Li L, Menezes MP, Smith M, Forbes R, Züchner S, Burgess A, Woodcock IR, Delatycki MB, Yiu EM. Rare homozygous disease-associated sequence variants in children with spinal muscular atrophy: a phenotypic description and review of the literature. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 37:29-35. [PMID: 38520993 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common autosomal recessive neurological disease. Depletion in functional SMN protein leads to dysfunction and irreversible degeneration of the motor neurons. Over 95 % of individuals with SMA have homozygous exon 7 deletions in the SMN1 gene. Most of the remaining 4-5 % are compound heterozygous for deletion and a disease-associated sequence variant in the non-deleted allele. Individuals with SMA due to bi-allelic SMN1 sequence variants have rarely been reported. Data regarding their clinical phenotype, disease progression, outcome and treatment response are sparse. This study describes six individuals from three families, all with homozygous sequence variants in SMN1, and four of whom received treatment with disease-modifying therapies. We also describe the challenges faced during the diagnostic process and intrafamilial phenotypic variability observed between siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Division of Paediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Manoj P Menezes
- T.Y. Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Smith
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin Forbes
- Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephan Züchner
- Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Amber Burgess
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian R Woodcock
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
| | - Eppie M Yiu
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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Šimić G, Vukić V, Babić M, Banović M, Berečić I, Španić E, Zubčić K, Golubić AT, Barišić Kutija M, Merkler Šorgić A, Vogrinc Ž, Lehman I, Hof PR, Sertić J, Barišić N. Total tau in cerebrospinal fluid detects treatment responders among spinal muscular atrophy types 1-3 patients treated with nusinersen. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14051. [PMID: 36513962 PMCID: PMC10915981 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14051] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Considering the substantial variability in treatment response across patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), reliable markers for monitoring response to therapy and predicting treatment responders need to be identified. The study aimed to determine if measured concentrations of disease biomarkers (total tau protein, neurofilament light chain, and S100B protein) correlate with the duration of nusinersen treatment and with scores obtained using functional scales for the assessment of motor abilities. METHODS A total of 30 subjects with SMA treated with nusinersen between 2017 and 2021 at the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected by lumbar puncture prior to intrathecal application of nusinersen. Protein concentrations in CSF samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 26 subjects. The motor functions were assessed using functional motor scales. RESULTS The main finding was significantly decreased total tau correlating with the number of nusinersen doses and motor improvement in the first 18-24 months of treatment (in all SMA patients and SMA type 1 patients). Neurofilament light chain and S100B were not significantly changed after administration of nusinersen. CONCLUSIONS The measurement of total tau concentration in CSF is a reliable index for monitoring the biomarker and clinical response to nusinersen therapy in patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Šimić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Vana Vukić
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Marija Babić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Maria Banović
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Ivana Berečić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Ena Španić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Klara Zubčić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Anja Tea Golubić
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation ProtectionUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | | | - Ana Merkler Šorgić
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Laboratory for Molecular DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Željka Vogrinc
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Ivan Lehman
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's DiseaseIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jadranka Sertić
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
- Department of Medical Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Nina Barišić
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Hospital Centre ZagrebZagrebCroatia
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14
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Reilly A, Yaworski R, Beauvais A, Schneider BL, Kothary R. Long term peripheral AAV9-SMN gene therapy promotes survival in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:510-519. [PMID: 38073249 PMCID: PMC10908349 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad202] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by motor neuron loss and skeletal muscle atrophy. SMA is caused by the loss of the SMN1 gene and low SMN protein levels. Current SMA therapies work by increasing SMN protein in the body. Although SMA is regarded as a motor neuron disorder, growing evidence shows that several peripheral organs contribute to SMA pathology. A gene therapy treatment, onasemnogene abeparvovec, is being explored in clinical trials via both systemic and central nervous system (CNS) specific delivery, but the ideal route of delivery as well as the long-term effectiveness is unclear. To investigate the impact of gene therapy long term, we assessed SMA mice at 6 months after treatment of either intravenous (IV) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery of scAAV9-cba-SMN. Interestingly, we observed that SMN protein levels were restored in the peripheral tissues but not in the spinal cord at 6 months of age. However, ICV injections provided better motor neuron and motor function protection than IV injection, while IV-injected mice demonstrated better protection of neuromuscular junctions and muscle fiber size. Surprisingly, both delivery routes resulted in an equal rescue on survival, weight, and liver and pancreatic defects. These results demonstrate that continued peripheral AAV9-SMN gene therapy is beneficial for disease improvement even in the absence of SMN restoration in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501, Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501, Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501, Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501, Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
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15
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Gonzalez D, Vásquez-Doorman C, Luna A, Allende ML. Modeling Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Zebrafish: Current Advances and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1962. [PMID: 38396640 PMCID: PMC10888324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons (LMNs), causing muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. SMA is caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and can be classified into four subgroups, depending on its severity. Even though the genetic component of SMA is well known, the precise mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology remain elusive. Thus far, there are three FDA-approved drugs for treating SMA. While these treatments have shown promising results, their costs are extremely high and unaffordable for most patients. Thus, more efforts are needed in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) stands out as an ideal animal model for investigating neurodegenerative diseases like SMA. Its well-defined motor neuron circuits and straightforward neuromuscular structure offer distinct advantages. The zebrafish's suitability arises from its low-cost genetic manipulation and optical transparency exhibited during larval stages, which facilitates in vivo microscopy. This review explores advancements in SMA research over the past two decades, beginning with the creation of the first zebrafish model. Our review focuses on the findings using different SMA zebrafish models generated to date, including potential therapeutic targets such as U snRNPs, Etv5b, PLS3, CORO1C, Pgrn, Cpg15, Uba1, Necdin, and Pgk1, among others. Lastly, we conclude our review by emphasizing the future perspectives in the field, namely exploiting zebrafish capacity for high-throughput screening. Zebrafish, with its unique attributes, proves to be an ideal model for studying motor neuron diseases and unraveling the complexity of neuromuscular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Constanza Vásquez-Doorman
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Adolfo Luna
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago 8370854, RM, Chile
| | - Miguel L Allende
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, RM, Chile
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16
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Alves CRR, Ha LL, Yaworski R, Sutton ER, Lazzarotto CR, Christie KA, Reilly A, Beauvais A, Doll RM, de la Cruz D, Maguire CA, Swoboda KJ, Tsai SQ, Kothary R, Kleinstiver BP. Optimization of base editors for the functional correction of SMN2 as a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:118-131. [PMID: 38057426 PMCID: PMC10922509 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations in SMN1. SMN2 is a paralogous gene with a C•G-to-T•A transition in exon 7, which causes this exon to be skipped in most SMN2 transcripts, and results in low levels of the protein survival motor neuron (SMN). Here we show, in fibroblasts derived from patients with SMA and in a mouse model of SMA that, irrespective of the mutations in SMN1, adenosine base editors can be optimized to target the SMN2 exon-7 mutation or nearby regulatory elements to restore the normal expression of SMN. After optimizing and testing more than 100 guide RNAs and base editors, and leveraging Cas9 variants with high editing fidelity that are tolerant of different protospacer-adjacent motifs, we achieved the reversion of the exon-7 mutation via an A•T-to-G•C edit in up to 99% of fibroblasts, with concomitant increases in the levels of the SMN2 exon-7 transcript and of SMN. Targeting the SMN2 exon-7 mutation via base editing or other CRISPR-based methods may provide long-lasting outcomes to patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiano R R Alves
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Leillani L Ha
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma R Sutton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cicera R Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife Reilly
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roman M Doll
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biosciences/Cancer Biology Program, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Demitri de la Cruz
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shengdar Q Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Price TR, Hodgkinson V, Westbury G, Korngut L, Innes MA, Marshall CR, Nelson TN, Huang L, Parboosingh J, Mah JK. A Study on the Incidence and Prevalence of 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Canada Using Multiple Data Sources. Can J Neurol Sci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38178730 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.1] [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: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant death and represents a significant burden of care. An improved understanding of the epidemiology of SMA in Canada may help inform strategies to improve the standard of care for individuals living with SMA. METHODS We employed a multisource approach to estimate the minimal incidence and prevalence of 5q SMA and to gain greater insight into recent clinical practices and treatment trends for the Canadian SMA population. Data sources included the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP), Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR), and molecular genetics laboratories in Canada. RESULTS The estimated annual minimum incidence of 5q SMA was 4.38, 3.44, and 7.99 cases per 100,000 live births in 2020 and 2021, based on CPSP, CNDR, and molecular genetics laboratories data, respectively, representing approximately 1 in 21,472 births (range 12,516-29,070) in Canada. SMA prevalence was estimated to be 0.85 per 100,000 persons aged 0-79 years. Delay in diagnosis exists across all SMA subtypes. Most common presenting symptoms were delayed milestones, hypotonia, and muscle weakness. Nusinersen was the most common disease-modifying treatment received. Most patients utilized multidisciplinary clinics for management of SMA. CONCLUSION This study provides data on the annual minimum incidence of pediatric 5q SMA in Canada. Recent therapeutic advances and newborn screening have the potential to drastically alter the natural history of SMA. Findings underline the importance of ongoing surveillance of the epidemiology and long-term health outcomes of SMA in the Canadian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Price
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Victoria Hodgkinson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Grace Westbury
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lawrence Korngut
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Micheil A Innes
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christian R Marshall
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tanya N Nelson
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lijia Huang
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jillian Parboosingh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jean K Mah
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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18
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Abiusi E, Costa-Roger M, Bertini ES, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Abiusi E, Baranello G, Bertini E, Boemer F, Burghes A, Codina-Solà M, Costa-Roger M, Dangouloff T, Groen E, Gos M, Jędrzejowska M, Kirschner J, Lemmink HH, Müller-Felber W, Ouillade MC, Quijano-Roy S, Rucinski K, Saugier-Veber P, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Wirth B. 270th ENMC International Workshop: Consensus for SMN2 genetic analysis in SMA patients 10-12 March, 2023, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 34:114-122. [PMID: 38183850 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The 270th ENMC workshop aimed to develop a common procedure to optimize the reliability of SMN2 gene copy number determination and to reinforce collaborative networks between molecular scientists and clinicians. The workshop involved neuromuscular and clinical experts and representatives of patient advocacy groups and industry. SMN2 copy number is currently one of the main determinants for therapeutic decision in SMA patients: participants discussed the issues that laboratories may encounter in this molecular test and the cruciality of the accurate determination, due the implications as prognostic factor in symptomatic patients and in individuals identified through newborn screening programmes. At the end of the workshop, the attendees defined a set of recommendations divided into four topics: SMA molecular prognosis assessment, newborn screening for SMA, SMN2 copies and treatments, and modifiers and biomarkers. Moreover, the group draw up a series of recommendations for the companies manufacturing laboratory kits, that will help to minimize the risk of errors, regardless of the laboratories' expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesu’ Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Italy, Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - François Boemer
- Biochemical Genetics Lab, Department of Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arthur Burghes
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewout Groen
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Gos
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Jędrzejowska
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Henny H Lemmink
- AFM Téléthon, Évry, France; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Unit (NEIDF Reference Center at FILNEMUS & Euro-NMD), Child Neurology Department, Raymond Poincaré Hospital (UVSQ), APHP Université Paris Saclay, Garches France
| | - Marie-Christine Ouillade
- Fundacja SMA, Warsaw, Poland; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Susana Quijano-Roy
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1245, Normandie Univ and CHU Rouen, Department of Genetics and Nord/Est/Ile de France Neuromuscular Reference Center, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Kacper Rucinski
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Pascale Saugier-Veber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo Fidel Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Sitas B, Hancevic M, Bilic K, Bilic H, Bilic E. Risdiplam Real World Data - Looking Beyond Motor Neurons and Motor Function Measures. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:75-84. [PMID: 38073396 PMCID: PMC10789321 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risdiplam is an orally administered treatment for spinal muscular atrophy which leads to an improvement in motor function as measured by functional motor scales compared with placebo. Although risdiplam has been registered since 2020, real-world data in adults is still scarce. There have been no new safety signals so far, with some results pointing that risdiplam may be effectiveObjective:The objective was to present real-world data of 31 adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and type 3 treated with risdiplam in the Republic of CroatiaMethods:Treatment effects were assessed with motor function tests and patient reported outcome measures, including Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life questionnaire, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale. Side effects, as well as subjective improvements and symptoms, were noted. RESULTS Majority of patients did not report any side effects. During treatment, we have observed clinically meaningful improvements in some patients, with stabilization of motor functions in the remaining patients. The majority of patients with bulbar function impairment experienced bulbar function improvement, all patients reported an increased quality of life with treatment. An unexpected observed treatment effect was weight gain in a third of all patients with some patients reporting an increase in appetite and subjective improvement in digestion. CONCLUSIONS Risdiplam treatment was well tolerated with subjective and objective positive outcomes registered as measured by functional motor scales and patient-reported outcomes. Since risdiplam is administered orally and acts as a systemic therapy for a multisystemic disorder, effects in systems other than neuromuscular can be expected and should be monitored. Due to systemic nature of the disease patients need multidisciplinary monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Sitas
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirea Hancevic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Hrvoje Bilic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ervina Bilic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Medical School University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Sun Y, Ma S, Xiao J, Wu J, Wu Y, Shi X, Li S, Feng L, Chen S. Preconception or prenatal acceptance of SMN1 gene carrier screening and carrier rate of spinal muscular atrophy: a retrospective study in 18,818 reproductive age women in Wuhan area of China. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:127-133. [PMID: 37991656 PMCID: PMC10789693 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02991-w] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder mainly affecting the neuromuscular system, which seriously threatens the life and health of patients. But few studies have reported the acceptance rate of SMA gene screening and SMA carrier rate in China. The present study aimed to clarify the two issues in China through a retrospective analysis of 18,818 reproductive age women in Wuhan area of China. METHODS The copy number (CN) of exons 7 and 8 in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, and the results were verified by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. RESULTS Carrier screening was offered to 44,953 women of childbearing age in our medical center from March, 2018, to February, 2022, of whom 18,818 were enrolled in the program. A total of 336 women were identified as carriers (1.73%; 326/18,808; without fertility history of the children with SMA). Among 18,818 reproductive age women, 286 spouses (85.12%; 286/336) were successfully recalled for screening. The results showed 17 couples at high risk of having children with SMA, of whom prenatal diagnosis was implemented in 11, and 6 fetuses were identified with SMA. All the 5 pregnant women bearing the 6 SMA fetuses chose to terminate the pregnancy by artificial abortion. CONCLUSION Reproductive age women and their spouses in Wuhan area showed a positive attitude toward general screening for SMA carriers. Given the high early mortality of children with SMA, screening for SMA carriers in women of reproductive age is necessary and feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Songyan Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jianli Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xinwei Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Shufang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Zanoteli E, Araujo APDQC, Becker MM, Fortes CPDD, França MC, Machado-Costa MC, Marques W, Matsui Jr C, Mendonça RH, Nardes F, Oliveira ASB, Pessoa ALS, Saute JAM, Sgobbi P, Van der Linden H, Gurgel-Giannetti J. Consensus from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and use of disease-modifying therapies in 5q spinal muscular atrophy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2024; 82:1-18. [PMID: 38316428 PMCID: PMC10843933 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy linked to chromosome 5 (SMA-5q) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the SMN1. SMA-5q is characterized by progressive degeneration of the spinal cord and bulbar motor neurons, causing severe motor and respiratory impairment with reduced survival, especially in its more severe clinical forms. In recent years, highly effective disease-modifying therapies have emerged, either acting by regulating the splicing of exon 7 of the SMN2 gene or adding a copy of the SMN1 gene through gene therapy, providing a drastic change in the natural history of the disease. In this way, developing therapeutic guides and expert consensus becomes essential to direct the use of these therapies in clinical practice. This consensus, prepared by Brazilian experts, aimed to review the main available disease-modifying therapies, critically analyze the results of clinical studies, and provide recommendations for their use in clinical practice for patients with SMA-5q. This consensus also addresses aspects related to diagnosis, genetic counseling, and follow-up of patients under drug treatment. Thus, this consensus provides valuable information regarding the current management of SMA-5q, helping therapeutic decisions in clinical practice and promoting additional gains in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmar Zanoteli
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Michele Michelin Becker
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Pediatria, Unidade de Neurologia Infantil, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil.
| | | | - Marcondes Cavalcante França
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Neurologia, Campinas SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Wilson Marques
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil.
| | - Ciro Matsui Jr
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Holanda Mendonça
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Nardes
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Jonas Alex Morales Saute
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviços de Genética Médica e de Neurologia, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Sgobbi
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | - Hélio Van der Linden
- Centro de Reabilitação Dr. Henrique Santillo, Serviço de Neurologia Infantil e Neurofisiologia, Goiânia GO, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Gurgel-Giannetti
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
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Dai S, Qiu L, Veeraraghavan VP, Sheu CL, Mony U. Advances in iPSC Technology in Neural Disease Modeling, Drug Screening, and Therapy. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:809-819. [PMID: 37291782 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230608105703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease are all incurable and can only be managed with drugs for the associated symptoms. Animal models of human illnesses help to advance our understanding of the pathogenic processes of diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis as well as drug screening using appropriate disease models of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are vital for identifying novel therapies. Human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models can be an efficient model to create disease in a dish and thereby can proceed with drug screening and identifying appropriate drugs. This technology has many benefits, including efficient reprogramming and regeneration potential, multidirectional differentiation, and the lack of ethical concerns, which open up new avenues for studying neurological illnesses in greater depth. The review mainly focuses on the use of iPSC technology in neuronal disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Linhui Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Chia-Lin Sheu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Ullas Mony
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
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23
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Cornell N, Childs AM, Wraige E, Munot P, Ambegaonkar G, Chow G, Hughes I, Illingworth M, Majumdar A, Marini-Bettolo C, Parasuraman D, Spinty S, Willis T, Scoto M, Baranello G. Risdiplam in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Safety Profile and Use Through The Early Access to Medicine Scheme for the Paediatric Cohort in Great Britain. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:361-368. [PMID: 38189761 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in Survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, leading to reduction in survival motor neuron protein (SMN), key for motor neuron survival and function in the brainstem and spinal cord. Risdiplam is an orally administered SMN2-splicing modifier which increases production of functional SMN protein. Risdiplam was offered in the UK under early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) to SMA type 1 and 2 patients aged 2 months and older, not suitable for authorised treatments from September 2020 to December 2021. Objective To describe the largest paediatric European real-world set of data on patients' characteristics and short-term safety for risdiplam in Great Britain through EAMS. Methods We collated data from SMA REACH UK a national clinical and research network for all patients enrolled onto EAMS and assessed all submitted adverse events. Results Of the 92 patients; 78% were Type 2 SMA, mean age 10.9 years, range 0-17 years. 56 were treatment naïve, 33 previously treated; of these 25 had received nusinersen, 3 previous treatment unknown. Sixty adverse events (AEs) were reported occurring in 34 patients. The commonest were respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal disturbance. Four life-threatening events were reported with 2 deaths and permanent cessation of risdiplam in 3 patients.Overall, 38/60 AEs were considered unrelated to risdiplam, 10/60 related to risdiplam and for 12/60 causality not specified. Conclusions This study found a safety profile similar to clinical trials with no new safety concerns identified. With the restricted eligibility of onasemnogene abeparvovec and complications of nusinersen administration, EAMS allowed access or continued treatment to naïve patients or patients no longer suitable for approved medications. Collection of longitudinal data for this complex population is needed, to provide greater insights into risdiplam's role in addressing patients' needs into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Cornell
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | | | - Pinki Munot
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriel Chow
- Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Imelda Hughes
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Chiara Marini-Bettolo
- John Walton Muscular Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation trust
| | | | | | - Tracey Willis
- The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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24
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Zhou Y, Jiang Y. Current Advances in Genetic Testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Curr Genomics 2023; 24:273-286. [PMID: 38235355 PMCID: PMC10790334 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029273388231023072050] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide, and genetic testing plays a key role in its diagnosis and prevention. The last decade has seen a continuous flow of new methods for SMA genetic testing that, along with traditional approaches, have affected clinical practice patterns to some degree. Targeting different application scenarios and selecting the appropriate technique for genetic testing have become priorities for optimizing the clinical pathway for SMA. In this review, we summarize the latest technological innovations in genetic testing for SMA, including MassArray®, digital PCR (dPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and third-generation sequencing (TGS). Implementation recommendations for rationally choosing different technical strategies in the tertiary prevention of SMA are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Zhou
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
- Biobank, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
| | - Yu Jiang
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
- Biobank, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
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25
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Sonehara S, Bo R, Nambu Y, Iketani K, Lee T, Shimomura H, Ueda M, Takeshima Y, Iijima K, Nozu K, Nishio H, Awano H. Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A 2.5-Year Experience in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2211. [PMID: 38137033 PMCID: PMC10742789 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122211] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is necessary, as favorable outcomes can be achieved by treatment with disease-modifying drugs in early infancy. Although SMA-NBS has been initiated in Japan, its clinical results have not been fully reported. We report the findings of the initial 2.5 years of a pilot SMA-NBS of approximately 16,000 infants conducted from February 2021 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Clinical data of 17 infants who tested positive were retrospectively obtained from the NBS follow-up centers participating in this multicenter cohort observational study. Genetic testing revealed 14 false positives, and three infants were diagnosed with SMA. Case 1 had two copies of survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 and showed SMA-related symptoms at diagnosis. Case 2 was asymptomatic, with two copies of SMN2. Asymptomatic case 3 had four copies of SMN2 exon 7, including the SMN1/2 hybrid gene. Cases 1 and 2 were treated within 1 month and case 3 at 8 months. All the patients showed improved motor function scores and did not require respiratory support. The identification of infants with SMA via NBS and early treatment improved their motor and respiratory outcomes. Thus, implementation of SMA-NBS at a nationwide scale should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Sonehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Bo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Yoshinori Nambu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Kiiko Iketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
- Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital, 1-6-7 Minatozimaminami-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan;
| | - Tomoko Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Hideki Shimomura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Masaaki Ueda
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyooka Public Hospital, 1094 Tobera, Toyooka 668-8501, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital, 1-6-7 Minatozimaminami-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan;
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Research Initiative Center, Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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Chen L, Liu F, Fang D, Li J. Study on the efficacy, safety, and biomarkers of nusinersen in type II and III spinal muscular atrophy in children. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1294405. [PMID: 38111627 PMCID: PMC10725990 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1294405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction/aims The time span for the approval of nusinersen to treat SMA remains short. Most studies on the efficacy and safety of this drug within clinical trials, are lacking real-world research data. This study is based on real-world studies of SMA patients in children with type II and III SMA and is committed to objectively evaluating the effectiveness and safety of this drug. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 18 children with type II and III SMA from January 2022 to June 2023. The motor function assessment scale, SMN protein, platelet, liver and kidney function, and other laboratory indicators of all patients before and after treatment were collected for statistical analysis. Results After load dose treatment (after 64 days of treatment), compared with baseline, the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) of SMA patients showed significant improvement (improvement rate: 44%), confirming the short-term effectiveness of the drug. The increase in cerebrospinal fluid SMN protein was greater in patients with significant improvement in motor function than in patients without improvement in motor function. Compared with baseline, there was no significant increase in AST and ALT levels in SMA patients, indicating that the drug had almost no effect on the liver. After each treatment, thrombocytopenia and partial urinary protein positivity may occur, but it could recover before the next treatment. This indicates that nusinersen is potentially harmful to platelet and renal function, although the effect is weak and reversible. Discussion Nusinersen has shown good efficacy and overall safety, but platelets and urinary protein are still indicators that require long-term monitoring. The increase in cerebrospinal fluid SMN protein was greater in patients with significant improvement in motor function than in patients without improvement in motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Neurology, Dongguan Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Ibrahim F, Velayutham D, Alsharshani M, AlAlami U, AlDewik M, Abuarja T, Al Rifai H, Al‐Dewik NI. Studying carrier frequency of spinal muscular atrophy in the State of Qatar and comparison to other ethnic groups: Pilot study. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2184. [PMID: 37964750 PMCID: PMC10724519 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2184] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations and deletions in SMN1 at exon 7. The carrier frequency for SMN1 mutations ranges from 2 to 4% in the general population. METHODS We examined allelic, genotypic relatedness and copy number (CN) variations and frequencies of SMN1 and SMN2, in 13,426 samples from Qatar biobank (QBB) to provide a precise estimation of SMA carrier frequency in Qatar in comparison to other populations. RESULTS The SMA carrier frequency was found to be (2.8%) and the rs143838139 was found in 491/13426 (3.66%) of individuals. The SNP rs121909192, which is a pathogenic risk factor, was found in 321/13500 (2.38%). In Addition 242/11379 (2.13%) had two copies of SMN1 and the rs143838139, which may explain the (2 + 0) silent carrier. Additionally, two participants were found to be SMA type 4 with 0 and 4 copy numbers in SMN1 and SMN2, respectively. CONCLUSION The SMA carrier frequency in Qatar was found to be comparable to Saudi Arabia and Caucasians. The likely pathogenic variant, rs121909192, was found to be significantly higher when compering with other in our study. The rs143838139 variant, which has a strong association with the silent carrier genotype, has been found. Consequently, testing for this SNP may enhance the precision of evaluating the likelihood of a patient having an affected child. We conclude that the frequency of SMA carriers varies within the Qatar population and other ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Ibrahim
- Diagnostic Genetics Division (DGD), Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP)Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)DohaQatar
| | - Dinesh Velayutham
- Liberal Arts and ScienceHamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)DohaQatar
| | - Mohamed Alsharshani
- Diagnostic Genetics Division (DGD), Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP)Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)DohaQatar
| | - Usama AlAlami
- School of Life ScienceManipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)DubaiUAE
| | - Manar AlDewik
- Department of Research and Translational and Precision Medicine Research LabWomen's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Tala Abuarja
- Department of Research and Translational and Precision Medicine Research LabWomen's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Hilal Al Rifai
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women's Wellness and Research CenterHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Nader I. Al‐Dewik
- Department of Research and Translational and Precision Medicine Research LabWomen's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Screening Unit, Women's Wellness and Research CenterHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Translational Research Institute (TRI)Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)DohaQatar
- Genomics and Precision Medicine (GPM), College of Health & Life Science (CHLS)Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)DohaQatar
- College of Health and Life SciencesHamad Bin Khalifa University, Education CityDohaQatar
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Rathore G, Kang PB. Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 149:1-14. [PMID: 37757659 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic and referral workflow for children with neuromuscular disorders is evolving, particularly as newborn screening programs are expanding in tandem with novel therapeutic developments. However, for the children who present with symptoms and signs of potential neuromuscular disorders, anatomic localization, guided initially by careful history and physical examination, continues to be the cardinal initial step in the diagnostic evaluation. It is important to consider whether the localization is more likely to be in the lower motor neuron, peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction, or muscle. After that, disease etiologies can be divided broadly into inherited versus acquired categories. Considerations of localization and etiologies will help generate a differential diagnosis, which in turn will guide diagnostic testing. Once a diagnosis is made, it is important to be aware of current treatment options, as a number of new therapies for some of these disorders have been approved in recent years. Families are also increasingly interested in clinical research, which may include natural history studies and interventional clinical trials. Such research has proliferated for rare neuromuscular diseases, leading to exciting advances in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, promising dramatic changes in the landscape of these disorders in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Rathore
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Peter B Kang
- Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center and Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Bouike Y, Sakima M, Taninishi Y, Matsutani T, Noguchi Y, Bo R, Awano H, Nishio H. Real-Time PCR-Based Screening for Homozygous SMN2 Deletion Using Residual Dried Blood Spots. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2159. [PMID: 38136980 PMCID: PMC10742981 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122159] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene is a recognized modifier gene of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, our knowledge about the role of SMN2-other than its modification of SMA phenotypes-is very limited. Discussions regarding the relationship between homozygous SMN2 deletion and motor neuron diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have been mainly based on retrospective epidemiological studies of the diseases, and the precise relationship remains inconclusive. In the present study, we first estimated that the frequency of homozygous SMN2 deletion was ~1 in 20 in Japan. We then established a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening method using residual dried blood spots to identify infants with homozygous SMN2 deletion. This method can be applied to a future prospective cohort study to clarify the relationship between homozygous SMN2 deletion and motor neuron diseases. In our real-time PCR experiment, both PCR (low annealing temperatures) and blood (high hematocrit values and low white blood cell counts) conditions were associated with incorrect results (i.e., false negatives and positives). Together, our findings not only help to elucidate the role of SMN2, but also aid in our understanding of the pitfalls of current SMA newborn screening programs for detecting homozygous SMN1 deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Bouike
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (Y.B.); (M.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Makoto Sakima
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (Y.B.); (M.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yuya Taninishi
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (Y.B.); (M.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Takanori Matsutani
- Division of Physiology, Shinko Hospital, 1-4-47 Wakinohama-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0072, Japan;
| | - Yoriko Noguchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Ryosuke Bo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
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30
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Farrar MA, Calotes-Castillo L, De Silva R, Barclay P, Attwood L, Cini J, Ferrie M, Kariyawasam DS. Gene therapy-based strategies for spinal muscular atrophy-an Asia-Pacific perspective. Mol Cell Pediatr 2023; 10:17. [PMID: 37964159 PMCID: PMC10645685 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-023-00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec has been life-changing for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), signifying the potential and progress occurring in gene- and cell-based therapies for rare genetic diseases. Hence, it is important that clinicians gain knowledge and understanding in gene therapy-based treatment strategies for SMA. In this review, we describe the development and translation of onasemnogene abeparvovec from clinical trials to healthcare practice and share knowledge on the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Rapid and accurate SMA diagnosis, awareness, and education to safely deliver gene therapy to eligible patients and access to expertise in multidisciplinary management for neuromuscular disorders are crucial for health system readiness. Early engagement and intersectoral collaboration are required to surmount complex logistical processes and develop policy, governance, and accountability. The collection and utilisation of real-world evidence are also an important part of clinical stewardship, informing ongoing improvements to care delivery and access. Additionally, a research-enabled clinical ecosystem can expand scientific knowledge and discovery to optimise future therapies and magnify health impacts. Important ethical, equity, economic, and sustainability issues are evident, for which we must connect globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Loudella Calotes-Castillo
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics and Neurosciences, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ranil De Silva
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology and Neuroscience (ICIBN), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
- Institute for Combinatorial Advanced Research and Education, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
| | - Peter Barclay
- Pharmacy Department, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lani Attwood
- Kids Advanced Therapeutics Programme, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Cini
- Advocacy Beyond Borders, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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31
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Giorgia Q, Gomez Garcia de la Banda M, Smeriglio P. Role of circulating biomarkers in spinal muscular atrophy: insights from a new treatment era. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1226969. [PMID: 38020652 PMCID: PMC10679720 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1226969] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lower motor neuron disease due to biallelic mutations in the SMN1 gene on chromosome 5. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness of limbs, bulbar and respiratory muscles. The disease is usually classified in four different phenotypes (1-4) according to age at symptoms onset and maximal motor milestones achieved. Recently, three disease modifying treatments have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), while several other innovative drugs are under study. New therapies have been game changing, improving survival and life quality for SMA patients. However, they have also intensified the need for accurate biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. While clinical and neurophysiological biomarkers are well established and helpful in describing disease progression, there is a great need to develop more robust and sensitive circulating biomarkers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and other small molecules. Used alone or in combination with clinical biomarkers, they will play a critical role in enhancing patients' stratification for clinical trials and access to approved treatments, as well as in tracking response to therapy, paving the way to the development of individualized therapeutic approaches. In this comprehensive review, we describe the foremost circulating biomarkers of current significance, analyzing existing literature on non-treated and treated patients with a special focus on neurofilaments and circulating miRNA, aiming to identify and examine their role in the follow-up of patients treated with innovative treatments, including gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Querin Giorgia
- APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- European Reference Center Network (Euro-NMD ERN), Paris, France
| | - Marta Gomez Garcia de la Banda
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology Department, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Centre Référent pour les Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Paris, France
- APHP, Pediatric Neurology and ICU Department, Université Paris Saclay, DMU Santé de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
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Kordala AJ, Stoodley J, Ahlskog N, Hanifi M, Garcia Guerra A, Bhomra A, Lim WF, Murray LM, Talbot K, Hammond SM, Wood MJA, Rinaldi C. PRMT inhibitor promotes SMN2 exon 7 inclusion and synergizes with nusinersen to rescue SMA mice. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17683. [PMID: 37724723 PMCID: PMC10630883 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317683] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The advent of approved treatments for this devastating condition has significantly changed SMA patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, these are not without limitations, and research efforts are underway to develop new approaches for improved and long-lasting benefits for patients. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are emerging as druggable epigenetic targets, with several small-molecule PRMT inhibitors already in clinical trials. From a screen of epigenetic molecules, we have identified MS023, a potent and selective type I PRMT inhibitor able to promote SMN2 exon 7 inclusion in preclinical SMA models. Treatment of SMA mice with MS023 results in amelioration of the disease phenotype, with strong synergistic amplification of the positive effect when delivered in combination with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that MS023 treatment has minimal off-target effects, and the added benefit is mainly due to targeting neuroinflammation. Our study warrants further clinical investigation of PRMT inhibition both as a stand-alone and add-on therapy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Kordala
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Jessica Stoodley
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | | | - Antonio Garcia Guerra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Amarjit Bhomra
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Wooi Fang Lim
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease ResearchUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Matthew JA Wood
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM)OxfordUK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular CentreOxfordUK
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Li S, Han X, Zhang L, Xu Y, Chang C, Gao L, Zhan J, Hua R, Mao A, Wang Y. An Effective and Universal Long-Read Sequencing-Based Approach for SMN1 2 + 0 Carrier Screening through Family Trio Analysis. Clin Chem 2023; 69:1295-1306. [PMID: 37932106 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-wide carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is recommended by professional organizations to facilitate informed reproductive options. However, genetic screening for SMN1 2 + 0 carriers, accounting for 3%-8% of all SMA carriers, has been challenging due to the large gene size and long distance between the 2 SMN genes. METHODS Here we repurposed a previously developed long-read sequencing-based approach, termed comprehensive analysis of SMA (CASMA), to identify SMN1 2 + 0 carriers through haplotype analysis in family trios (CASMA-trio). Bioinformatics pipelines were developed for accurate haplotype analysis and SMN1 2 + 0 deduction. Seventy-nine subjects from 24 families composed of, at the minimum, 3 were enrolled, and CASMA-trio was employed to determine whether an index subject with 2 SMN1 copies was a 2 + 0 carrier in these families. For the proof-of-principle, SMN2 2 + 0 was also analyzed. RESULTS Among the 16 subjects with 2 SMN1 copies, CASMA-trio identified 5 subjects from 4 families as SMN1 2 + 0 carriers, which was consistent with pedigree analysis involving an affected proband. CASMA-trio also identified SMN2 2 + 0 in six out of 43 subjects with 2 SMN2 copies. Additionally, CASMA-trio successfully determined the distribution pattern of SMN1 and SMN2 genes on 2 alleles in all 79 subjects. CONCLUSIONS CASMA-trio represents an effective and universal approach for SMN1 2 + 0 carriers screening, as it does not reply on the presence of an affected proband, certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms, ethnicity-specific haplotypes, or complicated single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis across 3 generations. Incorporating CASMA-trio into existing SMA carrier screening programs will greatly reduce residual risk ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyuan Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xu Han
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yan Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chunxin Chang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Li Gao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jiahan Zhan
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing 102200, China
| | - Renyi Hua
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Aiping Mao
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing 102200, China
| | - Yanlin Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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Seo G, Kim S, Byun JC, Kwon S, Lee YJ. Evaluation of the neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in children with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen. Brain Dev 2023; 45:554-563. [PMID: 37541812 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker for treatment responses in children with a broad spectrum of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) under nusinersen treatment. METHOD We measured NfL levels in serum (sNfL) and cerebrospinal fluid (cNfL) in nusinersen-treated patients with SMA and children without neurologic disorders. Correlations between cNfL and sNfL levels and motor function scores were analyzed. RESULTS sNfL and cNfL levels were measured in eight patients with SMA (SMA type 1, n = 3; SMA type 2, n = 5). sNfL levels were strongly correlated with cNfL levels regardless of the SMA subtype (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). Patients with SMA type 1 had higher baseline cNfL and sNfL levels before treatment initiation than those with SMA type 2 and neurologically healthy children. In patients with acute stage of SMA type 1 and 2, the NfL level rapidly decreased during the nusinersen treatment loading phase followed by stabilization at a lower plateau level. In contrast, in a patient with a chronic stage of SMA type 2, the NfL level remained within the normal range with no apparent downward trend. Motor function scores showed a tendency toward an inverse correlation with NfL levels in patients with acute stage although not in patients with chronic stage. CONCLUSIONS cNfL and sNfL levels can be promising biomarkers for monitoring treatment response in patients within their acute stage, particularly in SMA type 1, although not in patients with a chronic stage of SMA type 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gigyo Seo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Saeyoon Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jun Chul Byun
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Soonhak Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.
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Brown SJ, Šoltić D, Synowsky SA, Shirran SL, Chilcott E, Shorrock HK, Gillingwater TH, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Schneider B, Bowerman M, Fuller HR. AAV9-mediated SMN gene therapy rescues cardiac desmin but not lamin A/C and elastin dysregulation in Smn2B/- spinal muscular atrophy mice. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2950-2965. [PMID: 37498175 PMCID: PMC10549791 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural, functional and molecular cardiac defects have been reported in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients and mouse models. Previous quantitative proteomics analyses demonstrated widespread molecular defects in the severe Taiwanese SMA mouse model. Whether such changes are conserved across different mouse models, including less severe forms of the disease, has yet to be established. Here, using the same high-resolution proteomics approach in the less-severe Smn2B/- SMA mouse model, 277 proteins were found to be differentially abundant at a symptomatic timepoint (post-natal day (P) 18), 50 of which were similarly dysregulated in severe Taiwanese SMA mice. Bioinformatics analysis linked many of the differentially abundant proteins to cardiovascular development and function, with intermediate filaments highlighted as an enriched cellular compartment in both datasets. Lamin A/C was increased in the cardiac tissue, whereas another intermediate filament protein, desmin, was reduced. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, elastin, was also robustly decreased in the heart of Smn2B/- mice. AAV9-SMN1-mediated gene therapy rectified low levels of survival motor neuron protein and restored desmin levels in heart tissues of Smn2B/- mice. In contrast, AAV9-SMN1 therapy failed to correct lamin A/C or elastin levels. Intermediate filament proteins and the ECM have key roles in cardiac function and their dysregulation may explain cardiac impairment in SMA, especially since mutations in genes encoding these proteins cause other diseases with cardiac aberration. Cardiac pathology may need to be considered in the long-term care of SMA patients, as it is unclear whether currently available treatments can fully rescue peripheral pathology in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Brown
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Darija Šoltić
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Silvia A Synowsky
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Sally L Shirran
- BSRC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Ellie Chilcott
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Hannah K Shorrock
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Rafael J Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Bernard Schneider
- Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AG, UK
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Haque US, Yokota T. Enhancing Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutic Delivery with DG9, a Versatile Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Cells 2023; 12:2395. [PMID: 37830609 PMCID: PMC10572411 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192395] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide-based (ASO) therapeutics have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of human disorders. Charge-neutral PMOs have promising biological and pharmacological properties for antisense applications. Despite their great potential, the efficient delivery of these therapeutic agents to target cells remains a major obstacle to their widespread use. Cellular uptake of naked PMO is poor. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) appear as a possibility to increase the cellular uptake and intracellular delivery of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Among these, the DG9 peptide has been identified as a versatile CPP with remarkable potential for enhancing the delivery of ASO-based therapeutics due to its unique structural features. Notably, in the context of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), DG9 has shown promise in enhancing delivery while maintaining a favorable toxicity profile. A few studies have highlighted the potential of DG9-conjugated PMOs in DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), displaying significant exon skipping/inclusion and functional improvements in animal models. The article provides an overview of a detailed understanding of the challenges that ASOs face prior to reaching their targets and continued advances in methods to improve their delivery to target sites and cellular uptake, focusing on DG9, which aims to harness ASOs' full potential in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Sabrina Haque
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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Alghamdi A, AlDossary S, Abdulaziz Alabdulqader W, Amer F, Ali M, Almomen M, Alghamdi F. Identifying Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients and Families in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e46452. [PMID: 37927698 PMCID: PMC10623204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited, neuromuscular disease characterized by the deterioration of spinal motor neurons, causing progressive muscular atrophy and weakening. It is an autosomal recessive disease with the mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene as a hallmark. Evidence suggests that the SMN2 gene modulates the severity of the disease. SMA is classified based on the maximum motor function achieved. This study aims to describe the genetic makeup and characteristics of an SMA cohort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS Data from families presenting with SMA children was collected between January 2018 and December 2020. Blood samples were collected from patients and family members. Genetic testing for SMA and mutations was performed at a European central lab. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seventeen families were enrolled in the study, including 52 children. Among 34 parents, 28 were carriers with heterozygous deletion (82.3%), one (2.9%) had no deletion detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) but had point mutation by sequencing, one (2.9%) had homozygous deletion and was symptomatic, three (8.8%) had no deletion or point mutation and were presumed to have 2+0, and one (2.9%) was not tested. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the carrier mutational analysis of families with SMA disease manifestations in KSA. Further studies are needed to understand the burden and impact of SMA among the Saudi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alghamdi
- Primary Care and Population Health, King Fahad University Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Shaikhah AlDossary
- Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, GBR
| | | | - Fawzia Amer
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic, Cairo University Children Hospital, Cairo, EGY
| | - Mona Ali
- Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Momen Almomen
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Tachibana Y, Sato R, Makioka H, Hoshino M, Jin M. Safety and effectiveness of nusinersen, a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, in 524 patients: results from an interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance in Japan. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37649429 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2251662] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A post-marketing surveillance (PMS) has been ongoing (August 2017-August 2025) in all patients in Japan who were administered nusinersen intrathecally in real-world clinical settings. We report the interim analysis results for safety and effectiveness. METHODS This interim analysis was conducted using data collected from 524 patients whose case report forms were obtained at least once by May 30, 2022. Collected data included patient demographics and adverse events (AEs) for safety, and motor function assessments and Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I) for effectiveness. RESULTS Of the 524 patients in the safety analysis set, 522 patients who were diagnosed with SMA were included in the effectiveness analysis (infantile-onset SMA [n = 153, 29.3%], later-onset SMA [n = 369, 70.7%]). The median duration of treatment was 785.0 (range 1-1549) days. AEs occurred in 35.9% of patients (49.0% in infantile-onset SMA and 30.6% in later-onset SMA). Nusinersen treatment significantly improved Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores in patients with infantile-onset SMA and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded scores in patients with later-onset SMA for up to nearly 3 years. Based on CGI-I assessments, 98.5-100% of patients receiving nusinersen 'improved' or remain 'unchanged'. CONCLUSIONS This interim analysis of the large-scale, all-case PMS in patients who were administered nusinersen in Japan supports the safety and effectiveness of nusinersen. The benefit-risk balance of nusinersen treatment remains favorable.
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Fortuna TR, Kour S, Chimata AV, Muiños-Bühl A, Anderson EN, Nelson Iv CH, Ward C, Chauhan O, O'Brien C, Rajasundaram D, Rajan DS, Wirth B, Singh A, Pandey UB. SMN regulates GEMIN5 expression and acts as a modifier of GEMIN5-mediated neurodegeneration. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:477-498. [PMID: 37369805 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
GEMIN5 is essential for core assembly of small nuclear Ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), the building blocks of spliceosome formation. Loss-of-function mutations in GEMIN5 lead to a neurodevelopmental syndrome among patients presenting with developmental delay, motor dysfunction, and cerebellar atrophy by perturbing SMN complex protein expression and assembly. Currently, molecular determinants of GEMIN5-mediated disease have yet to be explored. Here, we identified SMN as a genetic suppressor of GEMIN5-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. We discovered that an increase in SMN expression by either SMN gene therapy replacement or the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), Nusinersen, significantly upregulated the endogenous levels of GEMIN5 in mammalian cells and mutant GEMIN5-derived iPSC neurons. Further, we identified a strong functional association between the expression patterns of SMN and GEMIN5 in patient Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)-derived motor neurons harboring loss-of-function mutations in the SMN gene. Interestingly, SMN binds to the C-terminus of GEMIN5 and requires the Tudor domain for GEMIN5 binding and expression regulation. Finally, we show that SMN upregulation ameliorates defective snRNP biogenesis and alternative splicing defects caused by loss of GEMIN5 in iPSC neurons and in vivo. Collectively, these studies indicate that SMN acts as a regulator of GEMIN5 expression and neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sukhleen Kour
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anixa Muiños-Bühl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric N Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Charlie H Nelson Iv
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Caroline Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Om Chauhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Casey O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Deepa S Rajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Children's Neuroscience Institute, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Faravelli I, Gagliardi D, Abati E, Meneri M, Ongaro J, Magri F, Parente V, Petrozzi L, Ricci G, Farè F, Garrone G, Fontana M, Caruso D, Siciliano G, Comi GP, Govoni A, Corti S, Ottoboni L. Multi-omics profiling of CSF from spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients after nusinersen treatment: a 2-year follow-up multicenter retrospective study. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:241. [PMID: 37543540 PMCID: PMC10404194 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene resulting in reduced levels of the SMN protein. Nusinersen, the first antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approved for SMA treatment, binds to the SMN2 gene, paralogue to SMN1, and mediates the translation of a functional SMN protein. Here, we used longitudinal high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) to assess both global proteome and metabolome in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from ten SMA type 3 patients, with the aim of identifying novel readouts of pharmacodynamic/response to treatment and predictive markers of treatment response. Patients had a median age of 33.5 [29.5; 38.25] years, and 80% of them were ambulant at time of the enrolment, with a median HFMSE score of 37.5 [25.75; 50.75]. Untargeted CSF proteome and metabolome were measured using high-resolution MS (nLC-HRMS) on CSF samples obtained before treatment (T0) and after 2 years of follow-up (T22). A total of 26 proteins were found to be differentially expressed between T0 and T22 upon VSN normalization and LIMMA differential analysis, accounting for paired replica. Notably, key markers of the insulin-growth factor signaling pathway were upregulated after treatment together with selective modulation of key transcription regulators. Using CombiROC multimarker signature analysis, we suggest that detecting a reduction of SEMA6A and an increase of COL1A2 and GRIA4 might reflect therapeutic efficacy of nusinersen. Longitudinal metabolome profiling, analyzed with paired t-Test, showed a significant shift for some aminoacid utilization induced by treatment, whereas other metabolites were largely unchanged. Together, these data suggest perturbation upon nusinersen treatment still sustained after 22 months of follow-up and confirm the utility of CSF multi-omic profiling as pharmacodynamic biomarker for SMA type 3. Nonetheless, validation studies are needed to confirm this evidence in a larger sample size and to further dissect combined markers of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faravelli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Ongaro
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Parente
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Petrozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Donatella Caruso
- Unitech OMICs, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Govoni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Babić M, Banović M, Berečić I, Banić T, Babić Leko M, Ulamec M, Junaković A, Kopić J, Sertić J, Barišić N, Šimić G. Molecular Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Pharmacodynamics of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5060. [PMID: 37568462 PMCID: PMC10419842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive degenerative illness that affects 1 in every 6 to 11,000 live births. This autosomal recessive disorder is caused by homozygous deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene (survival motor neuron). As a backup, the SMN1 gene has the SMN2 gene, which produces only 10% of the functional SMN protein. Nusinersen and risdiplam, the first FDA-approved medications, act as SMN2 pre-mRNA splicing modifiers and enhance the quantity of SMN protein produced by this gene. The emergence of new therapies for SMA has increased the demand for good prognostic and pharmacodynamic (response) biomarkers in SMA. This article discusses current molecular diagnostic, prognostic, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers that could be assessed in SMA patients' body fluids. Although various proteomic, genetic, and epigenetic biomarkers have been explored in SMA patients, more research is needed to uncover new prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers (or a combination of biomarkers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Babić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maria Banović
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Berečić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tea Banić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirjana Babić Leko
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Department of Pathology, University Clinical Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alisa Junaković
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Janja Kopić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jadranka Sertić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Barišić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Šimić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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42
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Kianifard L, Rafiqi AM, Akcakir O, Aly ASI, Billingsley PF, Uysal S. A recombinant Aspergillus oryzae fungus transmitted from larvae to adults of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes inhibits malaria parasite oocyst development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12177. [PMID: 37500682 PMCID: PMC10374630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of malaria parasite transmission from mosquitoes to humans is hampered by decreasing efficacies of insecticides, development of drug resistance against the last-resort antimalarials, and the absence of effective vaccines. Herein, the anti-plasmodial transmission blocking activity of a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae-R) fungus strain, which is used in human food industry, was investigated in laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The recombinant fungus strain was genetically modified to secrete two anti-plasmodial effector peptides, MP2 (midgut peptide 2) and EPIP (enolase-plasminogen interaction peptide) peptides. The transstadial transmission of the fungus from larvae to adult mosquitoes was confirmed following inoculation of A. oryzae-R in the water trays used for larval rearing. Secretion of the anti-plasmodial effector peptides inside the mosquito midguts inhibited oocyst formation of P. berghei parasites. These results indicate that A. oryzae can be used as a paratransgenesis model carrying effector proteins to inhibit malaria parasite development in An. stephensi. Further studies are needed to determine if this recombinant fungus can be adapted under natural conditions, with a minimal or no impact on the environment, to target mosquito-borne infectious disease agents inside their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kianifard
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ab Matteen Rafiqi
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Akcakir
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmed S I Aly
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Science and Engineering, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, 53000, Morocco
| | - Peter F Billingsley
- Sanaria Inc., 9800 Medical Center Dr., Suite A209, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Serdar Uysal
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Niri F, Nicholls J, Baptista Wyatt K, Walker C, Price T, Kelln R, Hume S, Parboosingh J, Lilley M, Kolski H, Ridsdale R, Muranyi A, Mah JK, Bulman DE. Alberta Spinal Muscular Atrophy Newborn Screening-Results from Year 1 Pilot Project. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37606479 PMCID: PMC10443376 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by biallelic pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Early diagnosis via newborn screening (NBS) and pre-symptomatic treatment are essential to optimize health outcomes for affected individuals. We developed a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using dried blood spot (DBS) samples for the detection of homozygous absence of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene. Newborns who screened positive were seen urgently for clinical evaluation. Confirmatory testing by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) revealed SMN1 and SMN2 gene copy numbers. Six newborns had abnormal screen results among 47,005 newborns screened during the first year and five were subsequently confirmed to have SMA. Four of the infants received SMN1 gene replacement therapy under 30 days of age. One infant received an SMN2 splicing modulator due to high maternally transferred AAV9 neutralizing antibodies (NAb), followed by gene therapy at 3 months of age when the NAb returned negative in the infant. Early data show that all five infants made excellent developmental progress. Based on one year of data, the incidence of SMA in Alberta was estimated to be 1 per 9401 live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Niri
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Jessie Nicholls
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Kelly Baptista Wyatt
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Christine Walker
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Tiffany Price
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Rhonda Kelln
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Stacey Hume
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Jillian Parboosingh
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Margaret Lilley
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Hanna Kolski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Ross Ridsdale
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Andrew Muranyi
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Jean K. Mah
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Dennis E. Bulman
- Alberta Newborn Screening Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
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44
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Nishio H, Niba ETE, Saito T, Okamoto K, Takeshima Y, Awano H. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Past, Present, and Future of Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11939. [PMID: 37569314 PMCID: PMC10418635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lower motor neuron disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. The first cases of SMA were reported by Werdnig in 1891. Although the phenotypic variation of SMA led to controversy regarding the clinical entity of the disease, the genetic homogeneity of SMA was proved in 1990. Five years later, in 1995, the gene responsible for SMA, SMN1, was identified. Genetic testing of SMN1 has enabled precise epidemiological studies, revealing that SMA occurs in 1 of 10,000 to 20,000 live births and that more than 95% of affected patients are homozygous for SMN1 deletion. In 2016, nusinersen was the first drug approved for treatment of SMA in the United States. Two other drugs were subsequently approved: onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam. Clinical trials with these drugs targeting patients with pre-symptomatic SMA (those who were diagnosed by genetic testing but showed no symptoms) revealed that such patients could achieve the milestones of independent sitting and/or walking. Following the great success of these trials, population-based newborn screening programs for SMA (more precisely, SMN1-deleted SMA) have been increasingly implemented worldwide. Early detection by newborn screening and early treatment with new drugs are expected to soon become the standards in the field of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisahide Nishio
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Emma Tabe Eko Niba
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Research, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Toshio Saito
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, 5-1-1 Toneyama, Toyonaka 560-8552, Japan;
| | - Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime Prefectural Imabari Hospital, 4-5-5 Ishi-cho, Imabari 794-0006, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawacho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
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45
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Balaji L, Farrar MA, D'Silva AM, Kariyawasam DS. Decision-making and challenges within the evolving treatment algorithm in spinal muscular atrophy: a clinical perspective. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:571-586. [PMID: 37227306 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2218549] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The clinical application of disease modifying therapies has dramatically changed the paradigm of the management of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), from sole reliance on symptomatic care directed toward the downstream consequences of muscle weakness, to proactive intervention and even preventative care. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors evaluate the contemporary therapeutic landscape of SMA and discuss the evolution of novel phenotypes and the treatment algorithm, including the key factors that define individual treatment choice and treatment response. The benefits achieved by early diagnosis and treatment through newborn screening are highlighted, alongside an appraisal of emerging prognostic methods and classification frameworks to inform clinicians, patients, and families about disease course, manage expectations, and improve care planning. A future perspective of unmet needs and challenges is provided, emphasizing the key role of research. EXPERT OPINION SMN-augmenting therapies have improved health outcomes for people with SMA and powered the practice of personalized medicine. Within this new proactive diagnostic and treatment paradigm, new phenotypes and different disease trajectories are emerging. Ongoing collaborative research efforts to understand the biology of SMA and define optimal response are critical to refining future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Balaji
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arlene M D'Silva
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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René CA, Parks RJ. Expanding the Availability of Onasemnogene Abeparvovec to Older Patients: The Evolving Treatment Landscape for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1764. [PMID: 37376212 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which leads to a reduced level in the SMN protein within cells. Patients with SMA suffer from a loss of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord leading to skeletal muscle atrophy in addition to deficits in other tissues and organs. Patients with severe forms of the disease require ventilator assistance and typically succumb to the disease due to respiratory failure. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapeutic that has been approved for infants and young children with SMA, and it is delivered through intravenous administration using a dose based on the weight of the patient. While excellent outcomes have been observed in treated patients, the greater viral dose necessary to treat older children and adults raises legitimate safety concerns. Recently, onasemnogene abeparvovec use was investigated in older children through a fixed dose and intrathecal administration, a route that provides a more direct delivery to affected cells in the spinal cord and central nervous system. The promising results observed in the STRONG trial may support approval of onasemnogene abeparvovec for a greater proportion of patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A René
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Robin J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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47
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Nakevska Z, Yokota T. Challenges and future perspective of antisense therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: A review. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151326. [PMID: 37295266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common genetic cause of infantile death, is caused by a mutation in the survival of motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), leading to the death of motor neurons and progressive muscle weakness. SMN1 normally produces an essential protein called SMN. Although humans possess a paralogous gene called SMN2, ∼90% of the SMN it produces is non-functional. This is due to a mutation in SMN2 that causes the skipping of a required exon during splicing of the pre-mRNA. The first treatment for SMA, nusinersen (brand name Spinraza), was approved by the FDA in 2016 and by the EMU in 2017. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapy that alters the splicing of SMN2 to make functional full-length SMN protein. Despite the recent advancements in antisense oligonucleotide therapy and SMA treatment development, nusinersen is faced with a multitude of challenges, such as intracellular and systemic delivery. In recent years, the use of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) in antisense therapy has gained interest. These are antisense oligonucleotides conjugated to cell-penetrating peptides such as Pips and DG9, and they have the potential to address the challenges associated with delivery. This review focuses on the historic milestones, development, current challenges, and future perspectives of antisense therapy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorica Nakevska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada; The Friends of Garret Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, 8812 112 St., Edmonton AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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48
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Ojala KS, Kaufhold CJ, Davey MR, Yang D, Liang M, Wipf P, Badawi Y, Meriney SD. Potentiation of neuromuscular transmission by a small molecule calcium channel gating modifier improves motor function in a severe spinal muscular atrophy mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1901-1911. [PMID: 36757138 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a monogenic disease that clinically manifests as severe muscle weakness owing to neurotransmission defects and motoneuron degeneration. Individuals affected by SMA experience neuromuscular weakness that impacts functional activities of daily living. We have used a mouse model of severe SMA (SMNΔ7) to test whether a calcium channel gating modifier (GV-58), alone or in combination with a potassium channel antagonist (3,4-diaminopyridine; 3,4-DAP), can improve neuromuscular function in this mouse model. Bath application of GV-58 alone or in combination with 3,4-DAP significantly restored neuromuscular transmission to control levels in both a mildly vulnerable forearm muscle and a strongly vulnerable trunk muscle in SMNΔ7 mice at postnatal days 10-12. Similarly, acute subcutaneous administration of GV-58 to postnatal day 10 SMNΔ7 mice, alone or in combination with 3,4-DAP, significantly increased a behavioral measure of muscle strength. These data suggest that GV-58 may be a promising treatment candidate that could address deficits in neuromuscular function and strength and that the addition of 3,4-DAP to GV-58 treatment could aid in restoring function in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Ojala
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Cassandra J Kaufhold
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Mykenzie R Davey
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Donggyun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Mary Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Peter Wipf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Yomna Badawi
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Stephen D Meriney
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Mikhalchuk K, Shchagina O, Chukhrova A, Zabnenkova V, Chausova P, Ryadninskaya N, Vlodavets D, Kutsev SI, Polyakov A. Pilot Program of Newborn Screening for 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Russian Federation. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:29. [PMID: 37218894 PMCID: PMC10204550 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
5q spinal muscular atrophy (5q SMA) is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders in the Russian Federation. The first medication to treat 5q SMA was registered in the Russian Federation for treatment of all 5q SMA types in 2019, and the last of the three currently available in December 2021. We launched the pilot newborn screening (NBS) program for 5q SMA in Moscow, the Russian Federation, starting in 2019. During the pilot program, 23,405 neonates were tested for the deletion of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene, the most common cause of 5q SMA. We used the SALSA® MC002 SMA Newborn Screen Kit (MRC Holland) to specifically detect homozygous deletions of SMN1 exon 7. We used the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) approach to validate detected homozygous deletions and the SALSA MLPA Probemix P060 SMA Carrier Kit (MRC Holland) to determine the SMN2 exon 7 copy number to prescribe gene therapy for 5q SMA. Three newborns with a homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene were detected. The calculated birth prevalence of 1:7801 appears to be similar to the results in other European countries. The children did not show any signs of respiratory involvement or bulbar weakness immediately after birth. Until now, no 5q SMA case missed by NBS has been detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Mikhalchuk
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Shchagina
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Chukhrova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Viktoria Zabnenkova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Chausova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nina Ryadninskaya
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Vlodavets
- Russian Children Neuromuscular Center, Veltischev Clinical Pediatric Research Institute, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Taldomskaya Str. 2, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei I. Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Polyakov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye St., 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
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50
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Kruse T, Shamai S, Leflerovà D, Wirth B, Heller R, Schloss N, Lehmann HC, Brakemeier S, Hagenacker T, Braumann B, Wunderlich G. Objective measurement of oral function in adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:103. [PMID: 37138365 PMCID: PMC10155305 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of bulbar function in adult individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) usually is not assessed by established motor scores. Measurements of oral function including quantitative muscle and endurance tests are able to detect subtle changes. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the measurement of maximum bite force and endurance, maximum tongue pressure and endurance, as well as maximum mouth opening in adult individuals with SMA types 2 and 3. METHODS Data from oral function tests in 43 individuals were analyzed. Differences in oral function between individuals with different SMA types and numbers of SMN2 copies were tested. Spearman´s rho correlations among oral function measures themselves as well as with established clinical outcome scales were analyzed. RESULTS The absolute maximum measures of oral function (maximum bite force, maximum tongue pressure, maximum mouth opening) were able to discriminate between individuals with different SMA types, individuals with a different number of SMN2 copies and with different walking abilities. The pairwise correlations of the absolute maximum measures of oral function were fair to moderate in size; the same was true for their correlations with the established motor scores. All correlations assessing endurance measures of oral function were weaker and statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Among the oral function tests maximum tongue pressure and maximum mouth opening are particulary promising as clinical and sensitive outcome measures for clinical trials. Oral function tests may supplement existing motor scores, in particular concerning specific questions about bulbar function or in severely affected non-ambulatory individuals where mild (treatment-related) changes would otherwise remain undetected. Trial registration DRKS, DRKS00015842. Registered 30 July 2019, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00015842.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kruse
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - S Shamai
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Leflerovà
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - B Wirth
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Heller
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Genetic Health Service NZ-Northern Hub, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland City Hospital, 90-102 Grafton Rd, Grafton, NZ-Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - N Schloss
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - H C Lehmann
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - T Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - B Braumann
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Wunderlich
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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