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Chamova T, Ivanova N, Cherninkova S, Koleva M, Zlatareva D, Bojinova V, Mihova K, Georgiev M, Ferdinandov D, Bichev S, Kaneva R, Mitev V, Jordanova A, Tournev I. Clinical and genetic variability among Bulgarian patients with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2483. [PMID: 39044368 PMCID: PMC11266115 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2483] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia ofCharlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterizedby early-onset cerebellar ataxia, peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, and lowerlimb spasticity. We present clinical andgenetic data of the first Bulgarian patients diagnosed with ARSACS by wholeexome sequencing (WES). METHODS Variant filtering was performed usinglocally established pipeline and the selected variants were analysed by Sangersequencing. All patients underwent clinical examination and testingincluding the standard rating scales for spastic paraplegia and ataxia. RESULTS Five different SACS gene variants, three of which novel, have been identified inpatients from three different ethnic groups. In addition to the classicalclinical triad, brain MRI revealed cerebellar atrophy, linear pontineT2-hypointensities, and hyperintense rim lateral tothalamus combined with retinal nerve fiber layer thickening on opticcoherence tomography (OCT). CONCLUSION We expand the mutation, geographic, and phenotypic spectrum of ARSACS, adding Bulgaria to the world map of the disease, and drawing attention to the fact that it is still misdiagnosed. We demonstrated that brain MRI and OCT are necessary clinical tests for ARSACS diagnosis, even if one of the cardinal clinical features is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Chamova
- Department of NeurologyAlexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Neviana Ivanova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Sylvia Cherninkova
- Department of NeurologyAlexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Maya Koleva
- Department of NeurologySt. Naum University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Dora Zlatareva
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingAlexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Veneta Bojinova
- Department of NeurologySt. Naum University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Kalina Mihova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Martin Georgiev
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Dilyan Ferdinandov
- Department of NeurosurgerySt. Ivan Rilski University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Stoyan Bichev
- National Genetics Laboratory, SBALAG Maichin DomSofiaBulgaria
| | - Radka Kaneva
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Vanio Mitev
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
| | - Albena Jordanova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine CenterMedical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
- VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, Molecular Neurogenomics GroupUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpenBelgium
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of NeurologyAlexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University—SofiaSofiaBulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science and PsychologyNew Bulgarian UniversitySofiaBulgaria
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Suarez MK, Martin TJ, Ong SS. Thickened Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Without Hypermyelination in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2024; 8:466-470. [PMID: 39148574 PMCID: PMC11323503 DOI: 10.1177/24741264241251582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: To report the retinal findings in a patient with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. Methods: A case was evaluated. Results: A 16-year-old male patient with a known diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay was referred for evaluation of retinal hypermyelination given its frequent association with the condition. The patient was asymptomatic with a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20. Optical coherence tomography of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) showed bilateral thickening in each eye (average thicknesses: 180 µm, right eye; 177 µm, left eye). An examination showed no myelinization of the RNFL. Conclusions: Most studies to date describe RNFL thickening secondary to hypermyelination as a characteristic finding in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. This case provides evidence that this thickening may be a result of hypertrophy rather than hypermyelination. Further investigation is needed to define the pathophysiologic cause of RNFL thickening in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory K. Suarez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J. Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sally S. Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Pilotto F, Del Bondio A, Puccio H. Hereditary Ataxias: From Bench to Clinic, Where Do We Stand? Cells 2024; 13:319. [PMID: 38391932 PMCID: PMC10886822 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a wide heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Within this broad umbrella of diseases, there are both genetics and sporadic forms. The clinical presentation of these conditions can exhibit a diverse range of symptoms across different age groups, spanning from pure cerebellar manifestations to sensory ataxia and multisystemic diseases. Over the last few decades, advancements in our understanding of genetics and molecular pathophysiology related to both dominant and recessive ataxias have propelled the field forward, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and arresting the progression of these diseases. Nevertheless, the rarity of certain forms of ataxia continues to pose challenges, leading to limited insights into the etiology of the disease and the identification of target pathways. Additionally, the lack of suitable models hampers efforts to comprehensively understand the molecular foundations of disease's pathophysiology and test novel therapeutic interventions. In the following review, we describe the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathological progression of hereditary ataxia, including both the prevalent and less common forms of these diseases. Furthermore, we illustrate the diverse molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches currently undergoing investigation in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Finally, we address the existing and anticipated challenges within this field, encompassing both basic research and clinical endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pilotto
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Andrea Del Bondio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut Neuromyogène, Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS-Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UMR5261, 69008 Lyon, France
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4
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Lopergolo D, Rosini F, Pretegiani E, Bargagli A, Serchi V, Rufa A. Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias: a diagnostic classification approach according to ocular features. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 17:1275794. [PMID: 38390227 PMCID: PMC10883068 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1275794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting primarily the cerebellum and/or its afferent tracts, often accompanied by damage of other neurological or extra-neurological systems. Due to the overlap of clinical presentation among ARCAs and the variety of hereditary, acquired, and reversible etiologies that can determine cerebellar dysfunction, the differential diagnosis is challenging, but also urgent considering the ongoing development of promising target therapies. The examination of afferent and efferent visual system may provide neurophysiological and structural information related to cerebellar dysfunction and neurodegeneration thus allowing a possible diagnostic classification approach according to ocular features. While optic coherence tomography (OCT) is applied for the parametrization of the optic nerve and macular area, the eye movements analysis relies on a wide range of eye-tracker devices and the application of machine-learning techniques. We discuss the results of clinical and eye-tracking oculomotor examination, the OCT findings and some advancing of computer science in ARCAs thus providing evidence sustaining the identification of robust eye parameters as possible markers of ARCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopergolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosini
- UOC Stroke Unit, Department of Emergenza-Urgenza, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Pretegiani
- Unit of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudoise Lausanne, Unit of Neurology and Cognitive Neurorehabilitation, Universitary Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Bargagli
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Serchi
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Evalab-Neurosense, Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Bell CA, Ko MW, Mackay DD, Bursztyn LLCD, Grossman SN. Spastic Paraplegia Type 7-Associated Optic Neuropathy: A Case Series. J Neuroophthalmol 2023:00041327-990000000-00509. [PMID: 37983191 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary optic neuropathies comprise a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders. Optic neuropathy has been previously reported in families with spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7) gene mutations. However, the typical time course and clinical presentation of SPG7-associated optic neuropathy is poorly understood. We report a series of 5 patients harboring pathogenic SPG7 mutations who originally presented to a neuro-ophthalmology clinic with symptoms of optic neuropathy. METHODS Retrospective case series of 5 patients with pathogenic SPG7 mutations and optic atrophy from 3 neuro-ophthalmology clinics. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment data were collected and reported by the clinician authors. RESULTS Five patients ranging in age from 8 to 48 years were evaluated in the neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Although there were variable clinical presentations for each subject, all noted progressive vision loss, typically bilateral, and several also had previous diagnoses of peripheral neuropathy (e.g., Guillain-Barré Syndrome). Patients underwent neuro-ophthalmic examinations and testing with visual fields and optic coherence tomography of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Genetic testing revealed pathogenic variants in the SPG7 gene. CONCLUSIONS Five patients presented to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic with progressive vision loss and were diagnosed with optic atrophy. Although each patient harbored an SPG7 mutation, this cohort was phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous. Three patients carried the Ala510Val variant. The patients demonstrated varying degrees of visual acuity and visual field loss, although evaluations were completed during different stages of disease progression. Four patients had a previous diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. This raises the prospect that a single pathogenic variant of SPG7 may be associated with peripheral neuropathy in addition to optic neuropathy. These results support the consideration of SPG7 testing in patients with high suspicion for genetic optic neuropathy, as manifested by symmetric papillomacular bundle damage without clear etiology on initial workup. Applied judiciously, genetic testing, including for SPG7, may help clarify the cause of unexplained progressive optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter A Bell
- Department of Neurology (CAB, SNG), New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York; Departments of Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Neurosurgery (MWK, DDM), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Ophthalmology (LLCDB), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada; and Clinical Neurological Sciences (LLCDB), Western University, London, Canada
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Hepschke JL, Rajabally YA, Mollan SP. Diagnostic Optic Nerve Features in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:104-106. [PMID: 36374509 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.3961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This case report describes the optic nerve features of a male patient aged 23 years with a diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Hepschke
- Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuf Ali Rajabally
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Tremblay M, Girard-Côté L, Brais B, Gagnon C. Documenting manifestations and impacts of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay to develop patient-reported outcome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:369. [PMID: 36183078 PMCID: PMC9526980 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by degeneration or abnormal development of the cerebellum. Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is one of the most prevalent in Europe. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the manifestations and impacts of ARSACS. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted, followed by a qualitative study using semistructured interviews and discussion groups to obtain the experience of people affected. RESULTS According to the PROMIS framework, the results show manifestations and impacts in three components of health: physical, mental, and social. Fatigue and struggles with balance and dexterity are the physical manifestations of the disease most often cited by participants. Negative affects such as frustration and depression are among the mental health impacts with some loss in cognitive abilities. Social health is the least documented component; nonetheless, people with the disease report significant impacts in terms of social relationships, activities and work. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed new light on the experience of people with recessive ataxia and identify key aspects to assess to improve their overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Tremblay
- Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada. .,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, G7X 7X2, Canada.
| | - Laura Girard-Côté
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, G7X 7X2, Canada.,Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 555, boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Bernard Brais
- McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada.,Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Cynthia Gagnon
- Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, aile 9, porte 6, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
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Ashrafi MR, Mohammadi P, Tavasoli AR, Heidari M, Hosseinpour S, Rasulinejad M, Rohani M, Akbari MG, Malamiri RA, Badv RS, Fathi D, Dehnavi AZ, Savad S, Rabbani A, Synofzik M, Mahdieh N, Rezaei Z. Clinical and Molecular Findings of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay: an Iranian Case Series Expanding the Genetic and Neuroimaging Spectra. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022:10.1007/s12311-022-01430-3. [PMID: 35731353 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS) is now increasingly identified from all countries over the world, possibly rendering it one of the most common autosomal recessive ataxias. Here, we selected patients harboring SACS variants, the causative gene for ARSACS, in a large cohort of 137 patients with early-onset ataxia recruited from May 2019 to May 2021 and were referred to the ataxia clinic. Genetic studies were performed for 111 out of 137 patients (81%) which led to a diagnostic rate of 72.9% (81 out of 111 cases). Ten patients with the molecular diagnosis of ARSACS were identified. We investigated the phenotypic and imaging spectra of all confirmed patients with ARSACS. We also estimated the frequency of ARSACS in this cohort and described their clinical and genetic findings including seven novel variants as well as novel neuroimaging findings. While the classic clinical triad of ARSACS is progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, and sensorimotor polyneuropathy, it is not a constant feature in all patients. Sensorimotor axonal-demyelinating neuropathy was detected in all of our patients, but spasticity and extensor plantar reflex were absent in 50% (5/10). In all patients, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed symmetric linear hypointensities in the pons (pontine stripes) and anterior superior cerebellar atrophy as well as a hyperintense rim around the thalami (thalamic rim). Although infratentorial arachnoid cyst has been reported in ARSACS earlier, we report anterior temporal arachnoid cyst in two patients for the first time, indicating that arachnoid cyst may be an associated imaging feature of ARSACS. We also extended molecular spectrum of ARSACS by presenting 8 pathogenic and one variant of unknown significance (VUS) sequence variants, which 7 of them have not been reported previously. MetaDome server confirmed that the identified VUS variant was in the intolerant regions of sacsin protein encoded by SACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Mohammadi
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Genetics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Tavasoli
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Myelin Disorders Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Morteza Heidari
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Myelin Disorders Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Hosseinpour
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vali-E-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rasulinejad
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rohani
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Hazrat Rasool-E Akram General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Ghahvechi Akbari
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Azizi Malamiri
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Golestan Medical, Educational and Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Shervin Badv
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Fathi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurology Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zare Dehnavi
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Savad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rabbani
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics Center, Growth and Development Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nejat Mahdieh
- Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Ataxia Clinic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Çakar A, İnci M, Özdağ Acarlı AN, Çomu S, Candayan A, Battaloğlu E, Tekgül Ş, Başak AN, Durmuş H, Parman Y. Phenotypical spectrum of SACS variants: Neuromuscular perspective of a complex neurodegenerative disorder. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:619-626. [PMID: 35130357 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by the SACS gene variants. Main clinical features include early-onset and progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, sensorimotor polyneuropathy. However, the phenotypic spectrum expanded with the increased availability of next-generation sequencing methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS Herein, we describe the clinical features of nine patients from seven unrelated families with SACS variants from the cohort of the Neuromuscular Disorders Unit of the Neurology Department of the Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. RESULTS Seven patients were male. Seven patients in our cohort had disease onset in the first decade of life. Eight patients were born to consanguineous marriages. Distal weakness in the lower limbs was a prominent feature in all of our patients. Seven patients had ataxia, and six patients had spasticity. Interestingly, one patient showed an isolated Charcot-Marie-Tooth-like phenotype. Five patients showed sensorimotor demyelinating polyneuropathy in the nerve conduction studies. Linear pontine hypointensity was the most frequent cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormality. Two patients with a later disease onset had a homozygous c.11542_11544delATT (p.Ile3848del) variant. The rest of the identified variants were scattered throughout the SACS gene. CONCLUSIONS Atypical clinical features in our patients highlight that the phenotypic spectrum of ARSACS can be observed in a wide range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Çakar
- Neuromuscular Unit Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Meltem İnci
- Neuromuscular Unit Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nur Özdağ Acarlı
- Neuromuscular Unit Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Sinan Çomu
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Neurology Sisli, Memorial Hospital Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ayşe Candayan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Bogazici University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Esra Battaloğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Bogazici University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Şeyma Tekgül
- Suna and Inan Kıraç Foundation Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory KUTTAM Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nazlı Başak
- Suna and Inan Kıraç Foundation Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory KUTTAM Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş
- Neuromuscular Unit Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Neuromuscular Unit Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
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10
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Cunha LP, Pires LA, Cruzeiro MM, Almeida ALM, Martins LC, Martins PN, Shigaeff N, Vale TC. Optical coherence tomography in neurodegenerative disorders. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:180-191. [PMID: 35352756 PMCID: PMC9648920 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2021-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural imaging of the brain is the most widely used diagnostic tool for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. More advanced structural imaging techniques have been applied to early or prodromic phases, but they are expensive and not widely available. Therefore, it is highly desirable to search for noninvasive, easily accessible, low-cost clinical biomarkers suitable for large-scale population screening, in order to focus on making diagnoses at the earliest stages of the disease. In this scenario, imaging studies focusing on the structures of the retina have increasingly been used for evaluating neurodegenerative diseases. The retina shares embryological, histological, biochemical, microvascular and neurotransmitter similarities with the cerebral cortex, thus making it a uniquely promising biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Optical coherence tomography is a modern noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution two-dimensional cross-sectional images and quantitative reproducible three-dimensional volumetric measurements of the optic nerve head and retina. This technology is widely used in ophthalmology practice for diagnosing and following up several eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Its clinical impact on neurodegenerative diseases has raised enormous interest over recent years, as several clinical studies have demonstrated that these diseases give rise to reduced thickness of the inner retinal nerve fiber layer, mainly composed of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. In this review, we aimed to address the clinical utility of optical coherence tomography for diagnosing and evaluating different neurodegenerative diseases, to show the potential of this noninvasive and easily accessible method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Provetti Cunha
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Oftalmologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Divisão de Oftalmologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Leopoldo Antônio Pires
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Maroco Cruzeiro
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Maciel Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Luiza Cunha Martins
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro Nascimento Martins
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Nadia Shigaeff
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Instituto de Ciências Humanas, Departamento de Psicologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
| | - Thiago Cardoso Vale
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Medicina, Pós-Graduação em Saúde, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Hospital Universitário, Serviço de Neurologia, Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil
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11
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Bagaria J, Bagyinszky E, An SSA. Genetics of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) and Role of Sacsin in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:552. [PMID: 35008978 PMCID: PMC8745260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early-onset neurodegenerative disease that was originally discovered in the population from the Charlevoix-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (CSLSJ) region in Quebec. Although the disease progression of ARSACS may start in early childhood, cases with later onset have also been observed. Spasticity and ataxia could be common phenotypes, and retinal optic nerve hypermyelination is detected in the majority of patients. Other symptoms, such as pes cavus, ataxia and limb deformities, are also frequently observed in affected individuals. More than 200 mutations have been discovered in the SACS gene around the world. Besides French Canadians, SACS genetics have been extensively studied in Tunisia or Japan. Recently, emerging studies discovered SACS mutations in several other countries. SACS mutations could be associated with pathogenicity either in the homozygous or compound heterozygous stages. Sacsin has been confirmed to be involved in chaperon activities, controlling the microtubule balance or cell migration. Additionally, sacsin may also play a crucial role in regulating the mitochondrial functions. Through these mechanisms, it may share common mechanisms with other neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed to define the exact functions of sacsin. This review introduces the genetic mutations discovered in the SACS gene and discusses its pathomechanisms and its possible involvement in other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bagaria
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea;
| | - Eva Bagyinszky
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Environment, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea;
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12
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Bogdanova-Mihaylova P, Plapp HM, Chen H, Early A, Cassidy L, Walsh RA, Murphy SM. Longitudinal Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia. Tomography 2021; 7:915-931. [PMID: 34941648 PMCID: PMC8706975 DOI: 10.3390/tomography7040076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular abnormalities occur frequently in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), although visual symptoms are not always reported. We evaluated a cohort of patients with FRDA to characterise the clinical phenotype and optic nerve findings as detected with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A total of 48 patients from 42 unrelated families were recruited. Mean age at onset was 13.8 years (range 4-40), mean disease duration 19.5 years (range 5-43), mean disease severity as quantified with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia 22/40 (range 4.5-38). All patients displayed variable ataxia and two-thirds had ocular abnormalities. Statistically significant thinning of average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and thinning in all but the temporal quadrant compared to controls was demonstrated on OCT. Significant RNFL and macular thinning was documented over time in 20 individuals. Disease severity and visual acuity were correlated with RNFL and macular thickness, but no association was found with disease duration. Our results highlight that FDRA is associated with subclinical optic neuropathy. This is the largest longitudinal study of OCT findings in FRDA to date, demonstrating progressive RNFL thickness decline, suggesting that RNFL thickness as measured by OCT has the potential to become a quantifiable biomarker for the evaluation of disease progression in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya Bogdanova-Mihaylova
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Helena Maria Plapp
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (H.M.P.); (H.C.)
| | - Hongying Chen
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (H.M.P.); (H.C.)
| | - Anne Early
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland; (A.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Lorraine Cassidy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland; (A.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Richard A. Walsh
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
- Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin 7, Ireland
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Murphy
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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13
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Hsp90 Inhibition: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for ARSACS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111722. [PMID: 34769152 PMCID: PMC8584178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the SACS gene, encoding the 520 kDa modular protein sacsin, which comprises multiple functional sequence domains that suggest a role either as a scaffold in protein folding or in proteostasis. Cells from patients with ARSACS display a distinct phenotype including altered organisation of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton and a hyperfused mitochondrial network where mitochondrial respiration is compromised. Here, we used vimentin bundling as a biomarker of sacsin function to test the therapeutic potential of Hsp90 inhibition with the C-terminal-domain-targeted compound KU-32, which has demonstrated mitochondrial activity. This study shows that ARSACS patient cells have significantly increased vimentin bundling compared to control, and this was also present in ARSACS carriers despite them being asymptomatic. We found that KU-32 treatment significantly reduced vimentin bundling in carrier and patient cells. We also found that cells from patients with ARSACS were unable to maintain mitochondrial membrane potential upon challenge with mitotoxins, and that the electron transport chain function was restored upon KU-32 treatment. Our preliminary findings presented here suggest that targeting the heat-shock response by Hsp90 inhibition alleviates vimentin bundling and may represent a promising area for the development of therapeutics for ARSACS.
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14
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of frataxin, an essential mitochondrial protein involved in iron sulfur cluster biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation and other processes. FRDA most notably affects the heart, sensory neurons, spinal cord, cerebellum, and other brain regions, and manifests clinically as ataxia, sensory loss, dysarthria, spasticity, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic approaches in FRDA have consisted of two different approaches: (1) augmenting or restoring frataxin production and (2) modulating a variety of downstream processes related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including reactive oxygen species production, ferroptosis, or Nrf2 activation. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize data from major phase II clinical trials in FRDA published between 2015 and 2020, which includes A0001/EPI743, Omaveloxolone, RT001, and Actimmune. EXPERT OPINION A growing number of drug candidates are being tested in phase II clinical trials for FRDA; however, most have not met their primary endpoints, and none have received FDA approval. In this review, we aim to summarize completed phase II clinical trials in FRDA, outlining critical lessons that have been learned and that should be incorporated into future trial design to ultimately optimize drug development in FRDA.
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15
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Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, Dziubek A, Sado M, Karpiński M. Novel mutation in a patient with Charlevoix-Saguenay ataxia-a very rare disease with classical symptoms. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:723-724. [PMID: 34689254 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05687-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Klimkowicz-Mrowiec
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Jakubowskiego 2, 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Dziubek
- Haematological Diagnostics and Genetics Unit, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sado
- Haematological Diagnostics and Genetics Unit, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Karpiński
- Haematological Diagnostics and Genetics Unit, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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16
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Dragašević-Mišković N, Stanković I, Milovanović A, Kostić VS. Autosomal recessive adult onset ataxia. J Neurol 2021; 269:504-533. [PMID: 34499204 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive ataxias (ARCA) represent a complex group of diseases ranging from primary ataxias to rare and complex metabolic disorders in which ataxia is a part of the clinical picture. Small number of ARCA manifest exclusively in adulthood, while majority of typical childhood onset ARCA may also start later with atypical clinical presentation. We have systematically searched the literature for ARCA with adult onset, both in the group of primary ataxias including those that are less frequently described in isolated or in a small number of families, and also in the group of complex and metabolic diseases in which ataxia is only part of the clinical picture. We propose an algorithm that could be used when encountering a patient with adult onset sporadic or recessive ataxia in whom the acquired causes are excluded. ARCA are frequently neglected in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset ataxias. Rising awareness of their clinical significance is important, not only because some of these disorders may be potentially treatable, but also for prognostic implications and inclusion of patients to future clinical trials with disease modifying agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Dragašević-Mišković
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Stanković
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andona Milovanović
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir S Kostić
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Sallum JMF, Filho FMR, Pedroso JL, Goldbaum M, Barsottini OGP, Lima LH, Balaratnasingam C, Pulido JS, Cunha de Souza E. ASYMPTOMATIC RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER THICKENING IN A PATIENT WITH ATAXIA. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2021; 15:S7-S10. [PMID: 34171901 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M F Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauro Goldbaum
- Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz H Lima
- Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Center for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Western Australia, Australia ; and
| | - Jose S Pulido
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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18
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Efficient Neuroprotective Rescue of Sacsin-Related Disease Phenotypes in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168401. [PMID: 34445111 PMCID: PMC8395086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a multisystem hereditary ataxia associated with mutations in SACS, which encodes sacsin, a protein of still only partially understood function. Although mouse models of ARSACS mimic largely the disease progression seen in humans, their use in the validation of effective therapies has not yet been proposed. Recently, the teleost Danio rerio has attracted increasing attention as a vertebrate model that allows rapid and economical screening, of candidate molecules, and thus combines the advantages of whole-organism phenotypic assays and in vitro high-throughput screening assays. Through CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we generated and characterized a zebrafish sacs-null mutant line that replicates the main features of ARSACS. The sacs-null fish showed motor impairment, hindbrain atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. As proof of principle for using these mutant fish in high-throughput screening studies, we showed that both acetyl-DL-leucine and tauroursodeoxycholic acid improved locomotor and biochemical phenotypes in sacs−/− larvae treated with these neuroprotective agents, by mediating significant rescue of the molecular functions altered by sacsin loss. Taken together, the evidence here reported shows the zebrafish to be a valuable model organism for the identification of novel molecular mechanisms and for efficient and rapid in vivo optimization and screening of potential therapeutic compounds. These findings may pave the way for new interventions targeting the earliest phases of Purkinje cell degeneration in ARSACS.
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19
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Cho H, Lyoo CH, Park SE, Seo Y, Han SH, Han J. Optical Coherence Tomography Findings Facilitate the Diagnosis of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2021; 35:330-331. [PMID: 34162189 PMCID: PMC8357613 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2021.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyuna Cho
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Hyoung Lyoo
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Park
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yuri Seo
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sueng-Han Han
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinu Han
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
First described in 1991 and introduced into clinical practice in 1996, optical coherence tomography (OCT) now has a very extensive role in many different areas of ophthalmological practice. It is non-invasive, cheap, highly reproducible, widely available and easy to perform. OCT also has a role in managing patients with neurological disorders, particularly idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This review provides an overview of the technology underlying OCT and the information it can provide that is relevant to the practising neurologist. Particular conditions discussed include papilloedema, optic disc drusen, multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, other optic neuropathies, compression of the anterior visual pathway and various neurodegenerative conditions.
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21
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Douglas VP, Douglas KAA, Miller JB, Gaier ED. Absent Foveal Avascular Zone in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. J Neuroophthalmol 2021; 41:e166-e168. [PMID: 32991389 PMCID: PMC8564680 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Paraskevi Douglas
- Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab (VPD, KAAD, JBM), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (VPD, KAAD, JBM, EDG), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Retina Service (JBM), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (EDG), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (EDG), Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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22
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Rezende Filho FM, Bremner F, Pedroso JL, de Andrade JBC, Marianelli BF, Lourenço CM, Marques-Júnior W, França MC, Kok F, Sallum JMF, Parkinson MH, Barsottini OG, Giunti P. Retinal Architecture in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS): Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Biomarkers. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2027-2035. [PMID: 33893680 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) causes unique retinal abnormalities, which have not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE To deeply phenotype the retina in ARSACS in order to better understand its pathogenesis and identify potential biomarkers. METHODS We evaluated 29 patients with ARSACS, 66 with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 38 with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ATX), 22 with hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG), 21 cases of papilledema, and 20 healthy controls (total n = 196 subjects). Participants underwent visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, fundoscopy, and macular and peripapillary optical coherence tomography (OCT). Macular layers thicknesses in ARSACS were compared with those of age-matched healthy controls. Ophthalmologists analyzed the scans for abnormal signs in the different patient groups. Linear regression analysis was conducted to look for associations between retinal changes and age, age at onset, disease duration, and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores in ARSACS. RESULTS Only patients with ARSACS exhibited peripapillary retinal striations (82%) on fundoscopy, and their OCT scans revealed foveal hypoplasia (100%), sawtooth appearance (89%), papillomacular fold (86%), and macular microcysts (18%). Average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) was thicker in ARSACS than in SCA, ATX, SPG, and controls; a cut-off of 121 μm was 100% accurate in diagnosing ARSACS. All macular layers were thicker in ARSACS when compared to healthy controls. RNFL thickness in the inferior sector of the macula positively correlated with SARA scores. CONCLUSIONS Retinal abnormalities are highly specific for ARSACS, and suggest retinal hyperplasia due to abnormal retinal development. OCT may provide potential biomarkers for future clinical trials. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Moura Rezende Filho
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fion Bremner
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - José Luiz Pedroso
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Brainer Clares de Andrade
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilson Marques-Júnior
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando Kok
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M F Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael H Parkinson
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Orlando G Barsottini
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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23
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Bogdanova-Mihaylova P, Chen H, Plapp HM, Gorman C, Alexander MD, McHugh JC, Moran S, Early A, Cassidy L, Lynch T, Murphy SM, Walsh RA. Neurophysiological and ophthalmological findings of SPG7-related spastic ataxia: a phenotype study in an Irish cohort. J Neurol 2021; 268:3897-3907. [PMID: 33774748 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in SPG7 are increasingly identified as a common cause of spastic ataxia. We describe a cohort of Irish patients with recessive SPG7-associated phenotype. METHODS Comprehensive phenotyping was performed with documentation of clinical, neurophysiological, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and genetic data from individuals with SPG7 attending two academic neurology units in Dublin, including the National Ataxia Clinic. RESULTS Thirty-two symptomatic individuals from 25 families were identified. Mean age at onset was 39.1 years (range 12-61), mean disease duration 17.8 years (range 5-45), mean disease severity as quantified with the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia 9/40 (range 3-29). All individuals displayed variable ataxia and spasticity within a spastic-ataxic phenotype, and additional ocular abnormalities. Two had spasmodic dysphonia and three had colour vision deficiency. Brain imaging consistently revealed cerebellar atrophy (n = 29); neurophysiology demonstrated a length-dependent large-fibre axonal neuropathy in 2/27 studied. The commonest variant was c.1529C > T (p.Ala510Val), present in 21 families. Five novel variants were identified. No significant thinning of average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) was demonstrated on OCT (p = 0.61), but temporal quadrant reduction was evident compared to controls (p < 0.05), with significant average and temporal RNFL decline over time. Disease duration, severity and visual acuity were not correlated with RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that recessive SPG7 mutations may account for spastic ataxia with peripheral neuropathy in only a small proportion of patients. RNFL abnormalities with predominant temporal RNFL reduction are common and OCT should be considered part of the routine assessment in spastic ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya Bogdanova-Mihaylova
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
| | - Hongying Chen
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Ciara Gorman
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Michael D Alexander
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland.,Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John C McHugh
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Sharon Moran
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Anne Early
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Cassidy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Timothy Lynch
- Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Health Affairs, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M Murphy
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.,Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard A Walsh
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.,Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Lal V, Mehta S, Takkar A, Ray S. Ophthalmological findings in movement disorders. ANNALS OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/aomd.aomd_35_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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25
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Habibzadeh P, Tabatabaei Z, Inaloo S, Nashatizadeh MM, Synofzik M, Ostovan VR, Faghihi MA. Case Report: Expanding the Genetic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. Front Genet 2020; 11:585136. [PMID: 33414805 PMCID: PMC7784631 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.585136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the SACS gene. Once thought to be limited to Charlevoix–Saguenay region of Quebec, recent evidence has indicated that this disorder is present worldwide. It is classically characterized by the triad of ataxia, pyramidal involvement, and axonal-demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy. However, diverse clinical features have been reported to be associated with this disorder. In this report, we present the first Iranian family affected by ARSACS with unique clinical features (mirror movements, hypokinesia/bradykinesia, and rigidity) harboring a novel deletion mutation in the SACS gene. Our findings expand the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Habibzadeh
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tabatabaei
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soroor Inaloo
- Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Muhammad Mahdi Nashatizadeh
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas, KS, United States
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vahid Reza Ostovan
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Faghihi
- Persian BayanGene Research and Training Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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26
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Mejia-Vergara AJ, Karanjia R, Sadun AA. OCT parameters of the optic nerve head and the retina as surrogate markers of brain volume in a normal population, a pilot study. J Neurol Sci 2020; 420:117213. [PMID: 33271374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of the retinal structures has been described for various neurological diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Brain volume changes, both globally and by area, are associated with some of these same diseases, yet the correlation of OCT and disease is not fully elucidated. Our study looked at normal subjects, at the correlation of OCT measurements and brain volumes, both globally and for specific regions including the pericalcarine grey matter, entorhinal grey matter, and cerebellar volume using a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study design. Thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) as measured by OCT, correlated with volume of the pericalcarine grey matter, when adjusted for age and gender. Similarly, thickness of the ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer complex may be associated with both entorhinal grey matter volumes and total cerebellar volumes, although our pilot study did not reach statistical significance. This suggests that both eye and brain volumes follow a similar trajectory and understanding the inter-relationship of these structures will aid in the analysis of changes seen in disease. Further studies are needed to longitudinally demonstrate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro J Mejia-Vergara
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Oftlamo-Sanitas Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Rustum Karanjia
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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27
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Abkur T, Vijayakumar K, Churchill AJ, Stevens J. Clinical Reasoning: Complex ataxia: Unpicking the threads. Neurology 2020; 95:136-141. [PMID: 32631919 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tarig Abkur
- From the Department of Neurology (T.A., J.S.), Southmead Hospital; Department of Paediatric Neurology (K.V.), University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; School of Medicine (K.V., A.J.C., J.S.), University of Bristol; and Department of Ophthalmology (A.J.C.), Bristol Eye Hospital, UK.
| | - Kayal Vijayakumar
- From the Department of Neurology (T.A., J.S.), Southmead Hospital; Department of Paediatric Neurology (K.V.), University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; School of Medicine (K.V., A.J.C., J.S.), University of Bristol; and Department of Ophthalmology (A.J.C.), Bristol Eye Hospital, UK
| | - Amanda J Churchill
- From the Department of Neurology (T.A., J.S.), Southmead Hospital; Department of Paediatric Neurology (K.V.), University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; School of Medicine (K.V., A.J.C., J.S.), University of Bristol; and Department of Ophthalmology (A.J.C.), Bristol Eye Hospital, UK
| | - James Stevens
- From the Department of Neurology (T.A., J.S.), Southmead Hospital; Department of Paediatric Neurology (K.V.), University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; School of Medicine (K.V., A.J.C., J.S.), University of Bristol; and Department of Ophthalmology (A.J.C.), Bristol Eye Hospital, UK
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28
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and related disorders are the commonest group of inherited neuromuscular diseases and represent a heterogeneous group of disorders. This review will cover recent advances in genetic diagnosis and the evolving genetic and phenotype landscape of this disease group. We will review recent evidence of the increasingly recognized phenotypic overlap with other neurodegenerative conditions including hereditary spastic paraplegia, hereditary ataxias and mitochondrial diseases and highlight the importance of deep phenotyping to inform genetic diagnosis and prognosis. RECENT FINDINGS Through whole exome sequencing and multicentre collaboration new genes are being identified as causal for CMT expanding the genetic heterogeneity of this condition. In addition, an increasing number of variants have been identified in genes known to cause complex inherited diseases in which the peripheral neuropathy is part of the disorder and may be the presenting feature. The recent discovery of a repeat expansion in the RFC1 gene in cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome highlights the prevalence of late-onset recessive conditions which have historically been considered to cause early-onset disease. SUMMARY CMT is an evolving field with considerable phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity and deep phenotyping remains a cornerstone in contemporary CMT diagnostics.
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29
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Rudenskaya GE, Kadnikova VA, Ryzhkova OP. [Spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay: the first Russian case report and literature review]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:85-91. [PMID: 32307416 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202012002185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease related to SACS gene and characterized by cerebellar, pyramidal and some other signs. The disease was delineated in Quebec, where it cumulates due to founder effect and has similar phenotype with very early onset. ARSACS in other populations is more variable. The first Russian case of ARSACS in a 37-year-old woman, an only patient in a Lak (one of Dagestan ethnicities) family, is presented. Along with main typical features, she had atypical late disease onset (in 32 years) and moderate cognitive decline. MPS-panel 'hereditary paraplegias' detected an earlier reported homo- or hemizygous mutation c.72276C>T (p.Arg2426Stop) in SACS exon 10.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V A Kadnikova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - O P Ryzhkova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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30
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de Freitas JL, Rezende Filho FM, Sallum JM, França MC, Pedroso JL, Barsottini OG. Ophthalmological changes in hereditary spastic paraplegia and other genetic diseases with spastic paraplegia. J Neurol Sci 2020; 409:116620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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31
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Thomas-Black GJ, Parkinson MH, Bremner F, Giunti P. Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in Friedreich's ataxia: a biomarker for trials? Brain 2019; 142:e23. [PMID: 31081508 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert J Thomas-Black
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS trust, London, UK.,UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Micheal H Parkinson
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS trust, London, UK.,UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fion Bremner
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS trust, London, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS trust, London, UK.,UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, UK
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32
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Rezende Filho FM, Parkinson MH, Pedroso JL, Poh R, Faber I, Lourenço CM, Júnior WM, França Junior MC, Kok F, Sallum JMF, Giunti P, Barsottini OGP. Clinical, ophthalmological, imaging and genetic features in Brazilian patients with ARSACS. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 62:148-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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33
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Kuchay RAH, Mir YR, Zeng X, Hassan A, Musarrat J, Parwez I, Kernstock C, Traschütz A, Synofzik M. ARSACS as a Worldwide Disease: Novel SACS Mutations Identified in a Consanguineous Family from the Remote Tribal Jammu and Kashmir Region in India. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:807-812. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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34
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de Silva R, Greenfield J, Cook A, Bonney H, Vallortigara J, Hunt B, Giunti P. Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of the progressive ataxias. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:51. [PMID: 30786918 PMCID: PMC6381619 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive ataxias are a group of rare and complicated neurological disorders, knowledge of which is often poor among healthcare professionals (HCPs). The patient support group Ataxia UK, recognising the lack of awareness of this group of conditions, has developed medical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ataxia. Although ataxia can be a symptom of many common conditions, the focus here is on the progressive ataxias, and include hereditary ataxia (e.g. spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA)), idiopathic sporadic cerebellar ataxia, and specific neurodegenerative disorders in which ataxia is the dominant symptom (e.g. cerebellar variant of multiple systems atrophy (MSA-C)). Over 100 different disorders can lead to ataxia, so diagnosis can be challenging. Although there are no disease-modifying treatments for most of these entities, many aspects of the conditions are treatable, and their identification by HCPs is vital. The early diagnosis and management of the (currently) few reversible causes are also of paramount importance. More than 30 UK health professionals with experience in the field contributed to the guidelines, their input reflecting their respective clinical expertise in various aspects of ataxia diagnosis and management. They reviewed the published literature in their fields, and provided summaries on “best” practice, including the grading of evidence available for interventions, using the Guideline International Network (GIN) criteria, in the relevant sections. A Guideline Development Group, consisting of ataxia specialist neurologists and representatives of Ataxia UK (including patients and carers), reviewed all sections, produced recommendations with levels of evidence, and discussed modifications (where necessary) with contributors until consensus was reached. Where no specific published data existed, recommendations were based on data related to similar conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis) and/or expert opinion. The guidelines aim to assist HCPs when caring for patients with progressive ataxia, indicate evidence-based (where it exists) and best practice, and act overall as a useful resource for clinicians involved in managing ataxic patients. They do, however, also highlight the urgent need to develop effective disease-modifying treatments, and, given the large number of recommendations based on “good practice points”, emphasise the need for further research to provide evidence for effective symptomatic therapies. These guidelines are aimed predominantly at HCPs in secondary care (such as general neurologists, clinical geneticists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, etc.) who provide care for individuals with progressive ataxia and their families, and not ataxia specialists. It is a useful, practical tool to forward to HCPs at the time referrals are made for on-going care, for example in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajith de Silva
- Department of Neurology, Essex Centre for Neurological Sciences, Queen's Hospital, Romford, RM7 0AG, UK
| | | | - Arron Cook
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Queen Sqaure Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | | | - Barry Hunt
- Ataxia UK, 12 Broadbent Close, London, N6 5JW, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, UCL Queen Sqaure Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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35
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Ricca I, Morani F, Bacci GM, Nesti C, Caputo R, Tessa A, Santorelli FM. Clinical and molecular studies in two new cases of ARSACS. Neurogenetics 2019; 20:45-49. [PMID: 30680480 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-019-00564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the association of spastic ataxia and sensorimotor neuropathy. Additional features include retinal changes and cognitive impairment. Today, next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques are allowing the rapid identification of a growing number of missense variants, even in less typical forms of the disease, but the pathogenic significance of these changes is often difficult to establish on the basis of classic bioinformatics criteria and genotype/phenotype correlations. Herein, we describe two novel cases of missense mutations in SACS. The two individuals were identified during the genetic screening of a large cohort of patients with inherited ataxias. We discuss how protein studies and specialized ophthalmological investigations could represent useful pointers for the interpretation of genetic data. Combination of these tools with NGS for rapid genotyping might help to identify new true ARSACS cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Ricca
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2 Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Morani
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2 Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Nesti
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2 Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tessa
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2 Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2 Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy.
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36
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Rezende Filho FM, Pedroso JL, Barsottini OGP. An Unusual Fundus Finding in a Teenage Girl. JAMA Neurol 2018; 75:1566-1567. [PMID: 30326009 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.3108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Moura Rezende Filho
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Pedroso
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Orlando G Póvoas Barsottini
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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