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Seifert BA, Reddi HV, Kang BE, Bean LJH, Shealy A, Rose NC. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 testing, 2024 revision: A technical standard of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med 2024; 26:101145. [PMID: 38836869 PMCID: PMC11298302 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101145] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a form of muscular dystrophy causing progressive muscle loss and weakness. Although clinical features can manifest at any age, it is the most common form of muscular dystrophy with onset in adulthood. DM1 is an autosomal dominant condition, resulting from an unstable CTG expansion in the 3'-untranslated region of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The age of onset and the severity of the phenotype are roughly correlated with the size of the CTG expansion. Multiple methodologies can be used to diagnose affected individuals with DM1, including polymerase chain reaction, Southern blot, and triplet repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction. Recently, triplet repeat interruptions have been described, which may affect clinical outcomes of a fully-variable allele in DMPK. This document supersedes the Technical Standards and Guidelines for Myotonic Dystrophy originally published in 2009 and reaffirmed in 2015. It is designed for genetic testing professionals who are already familiar with the disease and the methods of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce A Seifert
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Honey V Reddi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Benjamin E Kang
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Amy Shealy
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland, OH
| | - Nancy C Rose
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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2
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van der Sanden B, Neveling K, Pang AWC, Shukor S, Gallagher MD, Burke SL, Kamsteeg EJ, Hastie A, Hoischen A. Optical Genome Mapping for Applications in Repeat Expansion Disorders. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1094. [PMID: 38966883 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1094] [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: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) expansions are associated with more than 60 genetic disorders. The size and stability of these expansions correlate with the severity and age of onset of the disease. Therefore, being able to accurately detect the absolute length of STRs is important. Current diagnostic assays include laborious lab experiments, including repeat-primed PCR and Southern blotting, that still cannot precisely determine the exact length of very long repeat expansions. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to traditional cytogenetic techniques and allows the comprehensive detection of chromosomal aberrations and structural variants >500 bp in length, including insertions, deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and copy number variants. Here, we provide methodological guidance for preparing samples and performing OGM as well as running the analysis pipelines and using the specific repeat expansion workflows to determine the exact repeat length of repeat expansions expanded beyond 500 bp. Together these protocols provide all details needed to analyze the length and stability of any repeat expansion with an expected repeat size difference from the expected wild-type allele of >500 bp. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Genomic ultra-high-molecular-weight DNA isolation, labeling, and staining Basic Protocol 2: Data generation and genome mapping using the Bionano Saphyr® System Basic Protocol 3: Manual De Novo Assembly workflow Basic Protocol 4: Local guided assembly workflow Basic Protocol 5: EnFocus Fragile X workflow Basic Protocol 6: Molecule distance script workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart van der Sanden
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelia Neveling
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Syukri Shukor
- Bionano Genomics Clinical and Scientific Affairs, San Diego, California
| | | | - Stephanie L Burke
- Bionano Genomics Clinical and Scientific Affairs, San Diego, California
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alex Hastie
- Bionano Genomics Clinical and Scientific Affairs, San Diego, California
| | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Expertise Center for Immunodeficiency and Autoinflammation and Radboud Center for Infectious Disease (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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3
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Dolzhenko E, English A, Dashnow H, De Sena Brandine G, Mokveld T, Rowell WJ, Karniski C, Kronenberg Z, Danzi MC, Cheung WA, Bi C, Farrow E, Wenger A, Chua KP, Martínez-Cerdeño V, Bartley TD, Jin P, Nelson DL, Zuchner S, Pastinen T, Quinlan AR, Sedlazeck FJ, Eberle MA. Characterization and visualization of tandem repeats at genome scale. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02057-3. [PMID: 38168995 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Tandem repeat (TR) variation is associated with gene expression changes and numerous rare monogenic diseases. Although long-read sequencing provides accurate full-length sequences and methylation of TRs, there is still a need for computational methods to profile TRs across the genome. Here we introduce the Tandem Repeat Genotyping Tool (TRGT) and an accompanying TR database. TRGT determines the consensus sequences and methylation levels of specified TRs from PacBio HiFi sequencing data. It also reports reads that support each repeat allele. These reads can be subsequently visualized with a companion TR visualization tool. Assessing 937,122 TRs, TRGT showed a Mendelian concordance of 98.38%, allowing a single repeat unit difference. In six samples with known repeat expansions, TRGT detected all expansions while also identifying methylation signals and mosaicism and providing finer repeat length resolution than existing methods. Additionally, we released a database with allele sequences and methylation levels for 937,122 TRs across 100 genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam English
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Harriet Dashnow
- Departments of Human Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Tom Mokveld
- Pacific Biosciences of California, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matt C Danzi
- 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, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Chengpeng Bi
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Emily Farrow
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Aaron Wenger
- Pacific Biosciences of California, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Khi Pin Chua
- Pacific Biosciences of California, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriner's Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Trevor D Bartley
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriner's Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David L Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- 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, USA
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Aaron R Quinlan
- Departments of Human Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fritz J Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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4
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Read JL, Davies KC, Thompson GC, Delatycki MB, Lockhart PJ. Challenges facing repeat expansion identification, characterisation, and the pathway to discovery. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:339-348. [PMID: 37888797 PMCID: PMC10754332 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230019] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Tandem repeat DNA sequences constitute a significant proportion of the human genome. While previously considered to be functionally inert, these sequences are now broadly accepted as important contributors to genetic diversity. However, the polymorphic nature of these sequences can lead to expansion beyond a gene-specific threshold, causing disease. More than 50 pathogenic repeat expansions have been identified to date, many of which have been discovered in the last decade as a result of advances in sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic tools. Commonly utilised diagnostic platforms including Sanger sequencing, capillary array electrophoresis, and Southern blot are generally low throughput and are often unable to accurately determine repeat size, composition, and epigenetic signature, which are important when characterising repeat expansions. The rapid advances in bioinformatic tools designed specifically to interrogate short-read sequencing and the development of long-read single molecule sequencing is enabling a new generation of high throughput testing for repeat expansion disorders. In this review, we discuss some of the challenges surrounding the identification and characterisation of disease-causing repeat expansions and the technological advances that are poised to translate the promise of genomic medicine to individuals and families affected by these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Read
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kayli C Davies
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Genevieve C Thompson
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Lockhart
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Sánchez Marín JP, Sienes Bailo P, Lahoz Alonso R, Capablo Liesa JL, Gazulla Abio J, Giménez Muñoz JA, Modrego Pardo PJ, Pardiñas Barón B, Izquierdo Álvarez S. Myotonic dystrophy type 1: 13 years of experience at a tertiary hospital. Clinical and epidemiological study and genotype-phenotype correlation. Neurologia 2023; 38:530-540. [PMID: 37437658 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2023.07.001] [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: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a disease with great phenotypic variety, in our region is unknown. This study aims to estimate the incidence of DM1 at our hospital (a reference centre in Aragon, Spain) and to identify the characteristics of our population (genotype-phenotype correlation). METHODS Retrospective, descriptive study of 459 patients classified according to the number of CTG repeats, as follows: normal (5-35), premutation (36-50), protomutation (51-80), small expansions (81-150), intermediate expansions (151-1000), and large expansions (> 1000). Furthermore, according to clinical phenotype, patients were categorised as unaffected (5-50 CTG repeats), mild form or asymptomatic (51-150), classical form (151-1000), and severe form (> 1000). RESULTS The incidence of DM1 was 20.61 cases per million person-years (95% CI, 19.59-21.63). An inverse correlation was observed between the number of CTG repeats and the age at genetic diagnosis (ρ = -0.547; 95% CI, -0.610 to -0.375; P < .001). CTG5 was the most frequent polymorphic allele in healthy individuals. Of all patients with DM1, 28.3% presented the mild or asymptomatic form, 59.1% the classical form, and 12.6% the severe form. Inheritance was maternal in 35.1% of cases, paternal in 59.4%, and uncertain in 5.5%. In mild forms, frontal balding in men was the most prevalent phenotypic trait, as well as myotonia and cataracts, while in the classical form, ptosis, facial weakness, voice and pronunciation alterations, myotonia, and fatigue/sleepiness were most frequent. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of DM1 in Aragon is significant. Multidisciplinary study of the phenotype of patients with DM1 is key to early diagnosis and personalised management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Sánchez Marín
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - P Sienes Bailo
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - R Lahoz Alonso
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J L Capablo Liesa
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Gazulla Abio
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; Neurología, Centro Médico de Especialidades Ramón y Cajal, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - P J Modrego Pardo
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - B Pardiñas Barón
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - S Izquierdo Álvarez
- Sección de Genética Clínica, Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
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6
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Conte TC, Duran-Bishop G, Orfi Z, Mokhtari I, Deprez A, Côté I, Molina T, Kim TY, Tellier L, Roussel MP, Maggiorani D, Benabdallah B, Leclerc S, Feulner L, Pellerito O, Mathieu J, Andelfinger G, Gagnon C, Beauséjour C, McGraw S, Duchesne E, Dumont NA. Clearance of defective muscle stem cells by senolytics restores myogenesis in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4033. [PMID: 37468473 PMCID: PMC10356779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39663-3] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle stem cells, the engine of muscle repair, are affected in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1); however, the underlying molecular mechanism and the impact on the disease severity are still elusive. Here, we show using patients' samples that muscle stem cells/myoblasts exhibit signs of cellular senescence in vitro and in situ. Single cell RNAseq uncovers a subset of senescent myoblasts expressing high levels of genes related to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We show that the levels of interleukin-6, a prominent SASP cytokine, in the serum of DM1 patients correlate with muscle weakness and functional capacity limitations. Drug screening revealed that the senolytic BCL-XL inhibitor (A1155463) can specifically remove senescent DM1 myoblasts by inducing their apoptosis. Clearance of senescent cells reduced the expression of SASP, which rescued the proliferation and differentiation capacity of DM1 myoblasts in vitro and enhanced their engraftment following transplantation in vivo. Altogether, this study identifies the pathogenic mechanism associated with muscle stem cell defects in DM1 and opens a therapeutic avenue that targets these defective cells to restore myogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita C Conte
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilberto Duran-Bishop
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zakaria Orfi
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Inès Mokhtari
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Alyson Deprez
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Côté
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas Molina
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tae-Yeon Kim
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of microbiology, infectiology and immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lydia Tellier
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Roussel
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Damien Maggiorani
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Lara Feulner
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jean Mathieu
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada
- CHU Sherbrooke Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cynthia Gagnon
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada
- CHU Sherbrooke Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Christian Beauséjour
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of pharmacology and physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge McGraw
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elise Duchesne
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada.
- Neuromuscular diseases interdisciplinary research group (GRIMN), Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, Saguenay, QC, Canada.
| | - Nicolas A Dumont
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- School of rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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7
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Visconti VV, Macrì E, D'Apice MR, Centofanti F, Massa R, Novelli G, Botta A. In Cis Effect of DMPK Expanded Alleles in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patients Carrying Variant Repeats at 5' and 3' Ends of the CTG Array. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10129. [PMID: 37373276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210129] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disease caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of DMPK gene. DM1 alleles containing non-CTG variant repeats (VRs) have been described, with uncertain molecular and clinical consequences. The expanded trinucleotide array is flanked by two CpG islands, and the presence of VRs could confer an additional level of epigenetic variability. This study aims to investigate the association between VR-containing DMPK alleles, parental inheritance and methylation pattern of the DM1 locus. The DM1 mutation has been characterized in 20 patients using a combination of SR-PCR, TP-PCR, modified TP-PCR and LR-PCR. Non-CTG motifs have been confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The methylation pattern of the DM1 locus was determined by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We characterized 7 patients with VRs within the CTG tract at 5' end and 13 patients carrying non-CTG sequences at 3' end of the DM1 expansion. DMPK alleles with VRs at 5' end or 3' end were invariably unmethylated upstream of the CTG expansion. Interestingly, DM1 patients with VRs at the 3' end showed higher methylation levels in the downstream island of the CTG repeat tract, preferentially when the disease allele was maternally inherited. Our results suggest a potential correlation between VRs, parental origin of the mutation and methylation pattern of the DMPK expanded alleles. A differential CpG methylation status could play a role in the phenotypic variability of DM1 patients, representing a potentially useful diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Veronica Visconti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Macrì
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria D'Apice
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Tor Vergata Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Centofanti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massa
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Annalisa Botta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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8
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Morales F, Corrales E, Vásquez M, Zhang B, Fernández H, Alvarado F, Cortés S, Santamaría-Ulloa C, Initiative-Mmdbdi MMDBD, Krahe R, Monckton DG. Individual-specific levels of CTG•CAG somatic instability are shared across multiple tissues in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:621-631. [PMID: 36099027 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac231] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a complex disease caused by a genetically unstable CTG repeat expansion in the 3'-untranslated region of the DMPK gene. Age-dependent, tissue-specific somatic instability has confounded genotype-phenotype associations, but growing evidence suggests that it also contributes directly toward disease progression. Using a well-characterized clinical cohort of DM1 patients from Costa Rica, we quantified somatic instability in blood, buccal cells, skin and skeletal muscle. Whilst skeletal muscle showed the largest expansions, modal allele lengths in skin were also very large and frequently exceeded 2000 CTG repeats. Similarly, the degree of somatic expansion in blood, muscle and skin were associated with each other. Notably, we found that the degree of somatic expansion in skin was highly predictive of that in skeletal muscle. More importantly, we established that individuals whose repeat expanded more rapidly than expected in one tissue (after correction for progenitor allele length and age) also expanded more rapidly than expected in other tissues. We also provide evidence suggesting that individuals in whom the repeat expanded more rapidly than expected in skeletal muscle have an earlier age at onset than expected (after correction for the progenitor allele length). Pyrosequencing analyses of the genomic DNA flanking the CTG repeat revealed that the degree of methylation in muscle was well predicted by the muscle modal allele length and age, but that neither methylation of the flanking DNA nor levels of DMPK sense and anti-sense transcripts could obviously explain individual- or tissue-specific patterns of somatic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Morales
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Eyleen Corrales
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Melissa Vásquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Baili Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Huberth Fernández
- Hospital Calderón Guardia/Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Alvarado
- Hospital Calderón Guardia/Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Sergio Cortés
- Hospital Calderón Guardia/Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Ralf Krahe
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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9
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Taylor A, Barros D, Gobet N, Schuepbach T, McAllister B, Aeschbach L, Randall E, Trofimenko E, Heuchan E, Barszcz P, Ciosi M, Morgan J, Hafford-Tear N, Davidson A, Massey T, Monckton D, Jones L, network REGISTRYH, Xenarios I, Dion V. Repeat Detector: versatile sizing of expanded tandem repeats and identification of interrupted alleles from targeted DNA sequencing. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac089. [PMID: 36478959 PMCID: PMC9719798 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted DNA sequencing approaches will improve how the size of short tandem repeats is measured for diagnostic tests and preclinical studies. The expansion of these sequences causes dozens of disorders, with longer tracts generally leading to a more severe disease. Interrupted alleles are sometimes present within repeats and can alter disease manifestation. Determining repeat size mosaicism and identifying interruptions in targeted sequencing datasets remains a major challenge. This is in part because standard alignment tools are ill-suited for repetitive and unstable sequences. To address this, we have developed Repeat Detector (RD), a deterministic profile weighting algorithm for counting repeats in targeted sequencing data. We tested RD using blood-derived DNA samples from Huntington's disease and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy patients sequenced using either Illumina MiSeq or Pacific Biosciences single-molecule, real-time sequencing platforms. RD was highly accurate in determining repeat sizes of 609 blood-derived samples from Huntington's disease individuals and did not require prior knowledge of the flanking sequences. Furthermore, RD can be used to identify alleles with interruptions and provide a measure of repeat instability within an individual. RD is therefore highly versatile and may find applications in the diagnosis of expanded repeat disorders and in the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysha S Taylor
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Dinis Barros
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nastassia Gobet
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Schuepbach
- Vital-IT Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Newbiologix, Ch. De la corniche 6-8, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Branduff McAllister
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lorene Aeschbach
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma L Randall
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Evgeniya Trofimenko
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des biomolécules, LBM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Eleanor R Heuchan
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Paula Barszcz
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ciosi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Davidson Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Joanne Morgan
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | | | - Alice E Davidson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Thomas H Massey
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Darren G Monckton
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Davidson Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Lesley Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | | | - Ioannis Xenarios
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Génopode, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Health2030 Genome Center, Ch des Mines 14, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Dion
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) are genetic disorders affecting skeletal and smooth muscle, heart, brain, eyes, and other organs. The multisystem involvement and disease variability of myotonic dystrophy have presented challenges for clinical care and research. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of the disease. In addition, recent advances in characterizing the diverse clinical manifestations and variability of the disease are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Studies of the multisystem involvement of myotonic dystrophy, including the most lethal cardiac and respiratory manifestations and their molecular underpinnings, expand our understanding of the myotonic dystrophy phenotype. Advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of both types of myotonic dystrophy, providing opportunities for developing targeted therapeutics, some of which have entered clinical trials in DM1. SUMMARY Continued efforts focus on advancing our molecular and clinical understanding of DM1 and DM2. Accurately measuring and monitoring the diverse and variable clinical manifestations of myotonic dystrophy in clinic and in research is important to provide adequate care, prevent complications, and find treatments that improve symptoms and life quality.
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11
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Identification of a CCG-Enriched Expanded Allele in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Using Amplification-Free Long-Read Sequencing. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:1143-1154. [PMID: 36084803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) exhibits highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion reaching up to 4000 CTG. The clinical variability depends on CTG repeat number, CNG repeat interruptions, and somatic mosaicism. Currently, none of these factors are simultaneously and accurately determined due to the limitations of gold standard methods used in clinical and research laboratories. An amplicon method for targeting the DMPK locus using single-molecule real-time sequencing was recently developed to accurately analyze expanded alleles. However, amplicon-based sequencing still depends on PCR, and the inherent bias toward preferential amplification of smaller repeats can be problematic in DM1. Thus, an amplification-free long-read sequencing method was developed by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in DM1. This method was used to sequence the DMPK locus in patients with CTG repeat expansion ranging from 130 to >1000 CTG. We showed that elimination of PCR amplification improves the accuracy of measurement of inherited repeat number and somatic repeat variations, two key factors in DM1 severity and age at onset. For the first time, an expansion composed of >85% CCG repeats was identified by using this innovative method in a DM1 family with an atypical clinical profile. No-amplification targeted sequencing represents a promising method that can overcome research and diagnosis shortcomings, with translational implications for clinical and genetic counseling in DM1.
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12
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Abstract
Roughly 3% of the human genome consists of microsatellites or tracts of short tandem repeats (STRs). These STRs are often unstable, undergoing high-frequency expansions (increases) or contractions (decreases) in the number of repeat units. Some microsatellite instability (MSI) is seen at multiple STRs within a single cell and is associated with certain types of cancer. A second form of MSI is characterised by expansion of a single gene-specific STR and such expansions are responsible for a group of 40+ human genetic disorders known as the repeat expansion diseases (REDs). While the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway prevents genome-wide MSI, emerging evidence suggests that some MMR factors are directly involved in generating expansions in the REDs. Thus, MMR suppresses some forms of expansion while some MMR factors promote expansion in other contexts. This review will cover what is known about the paradoxical effect of MMR on microsatellite expansion in mammalian cells.
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13
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Molecular Therapies for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: From Small Drugs to Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094622. [PMID: 35563013 PMCID: PMC9101876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy affecting many different body tissues, predominantly skeletal and cardiac muscles and the central nervous system. The expansion of CTG repeats in the DM1 protein-kinase (DMPK) gene is the genetic cause of the disease. The pathogenetic mechanisms are mainly mediated by the production of a toxic expanded CUG transcript from the DMPK gene. With the availability of new knowledge, disease models, and technical tools, much progress has been made in the discovery of altered pathways and in the potential of therapeutic intervention, making the path to the clinic a closer reality. In this review, we describe and discuss the molecular therapeutic strategies for DM1, which are designed to directly target the CTG genomic tract, the expanded CUG transcript or downstream signaling molecules.
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14
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de Pontual L, Tomé S. Overview of the Complex Relationship between Epigenetics Markers, CTG Repeat Instability and Symptoms in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073477. [PMID: 35408837 PMCID: PMC8998570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the trinucleotide repeat disorders, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is one of the most complex neuromuscular diseases caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. DM1 patients exhibit high variability in the dynamics of CTG repeat instability and in the manifestations and progression of the disease. The largest expanded alleles are generally associated with the earliest and most severe clinical form. However, CTG repeat length alone is not sufficient to predict disease severity and progression, suggesting the involvement of other factors. Several data support the role of epigenetic alterations in clinical and genetic variability. By highlighting epigenetic alterations in DM1, this review provides a new avenue on how these changes can serve as biomarkers to predict clinical features and the mutation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphanie Tomé
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-42-16-57-16; Fax: +33-1-42-16-57-00
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15
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Myotonic Dystrophies: A Genetic Overview. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020367. [PMID: 35205411 PMCID: PMC8872148 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophies (DM) are the most common muscular dystrophies in adults, which can affect other non-skeletal muscle organs such as the heart, brain and gastrointestinal system. There are two genetically distinct types of myotonic dystrophy: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), both dominantly inherited with significant overlap in clinical manifestations. DM1 results from CTG repeat expansions in the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of the DMPK (dystrophia myotonica protein kinase) gene on chromosome 19, while DM2 is caused by CCTG repeat expansions in intron 1 of the CNBP (cellular nucleic acid-binding protein) gene on chromosome 3. Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology, especially in the field of RNA biology, have allowed better understanding of the potential pathomechanisms involved in DM. In this review article, core clinical features and genetics of DM are presented followed by a discussion on the current postulated pathomechanisms and therapeutic approaches used in DM, including the ones currently in human clinical trial phase.
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16
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Characteristics of myotonic dystrophy patients in the national registry of Japan. J Neurol Sci 2022; 432:120080. [PMID: 34923335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120080] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophies (DM) are inherited autosomal dominant disorders affecting multiple organs. Currently available therapeutics for DM are limited; therefore, a patient registry is essential for therapeutic development and success of clinical trials targeting the diseases. We have developed a nationwide DM registry in Japan under the Registry of Muscular Dystrophy (Remudy). The registration process was patient-initiated; however, physicians certified the clinical information. The dataset includes all Naarden and TREAT-NMD core datasets and additional items covering major DM clinical features. As of March 2020, we enrolled 976 patients with genetically confirmed DM. The majority (99.9%) of these patients had DM1, with 11.4% having the congenital form. However, 1 patient had DM2. Upon classifying 969 symptomatic DM1 patients based on their age at onset, an earlier onset was associated with a longer CTG repeat length. Myotonia was the most frequent symptom, followed by hand disability, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. The frequency of hand disabilities, constipation, and visual disturbances was higher for patients with congenital DM. According to a multiple regression analysis of objective clinical measurements related to prognosis and activities of daily living, CTG repeat length strongly influenced the grip strength, forced vital capacity, and QRS time in an electrocardiogram. However, the grip strength was only modestly related to disease duration. This report will shed light on the Japanese national DM registry, which has recruited a significant number of patients. The registry will provide invaluable data for planning clinical trials and improving the standard of care for patients.
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17
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Molecular and Clinical Implications of Variant Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010354. [PMID: 35008780 PMCID: PMC8745394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is one of the most variable monogenic diseases at phenotypic, genetic, and epigenetic level. The disease is multi-systemic with the age at onset ranging from birth to late age. The underlying mutation is an unstable expansion of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene, varying in size from 50 to >1000 repeats. Generally, large expansions are associated with an earlier age at onset. Additionally, the most severe, congenital DM1 form is typically associated with local DNA methylation. Genetic variability of DM1 mutation is further increased by its structural variations due to presence of other repeats (e.g., CCG, CTC, CAG). These variant repeats or repeat interruptions seem to confer an additional level of epigenetic variability since local DNA methylation is frequently associated with variant CCG repeats independently of the expansion size. The effect of repeat interruptions on DM1 molecular pathogenesis is not investigated enough. Studies on patients indicate their stabilizing effect on DMPK expansions because no congenital cases were described in patients with repeat interruptions, and the age at onset is frequently later than expected. Here, we review the clinical relevance of repeat interruptions in DM1 and genetic and epigenetic characteristics of interrupted DMPK expansions based on patient studies.
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18
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Visconti VV, Centofanti F, Fittipaldi S, Macrì E, Novelli G, Botta A. Epigenetics of Myotonic Dystrophies: A Minireview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212594. [PMID: 34830473 PMCID: PMC8623789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2) are two multisystemic autosomal dominant disorders with clinical and genetic similarities. The prevailing paradigm for DMs is that they are mediated by an in trans toxic RNA mechanism, triggered by untranslated CTG and CCTG repeat expansions in the DMPK and CNBP genes for DM1 and DM2, respectively. Nevertheless, increasing evidences suggest that epigenetics can also play a role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. In this review, we discuss the available information on epigenetic mechanisms that could contribute to the DMs outcome and progression. Changes in DNA cytosine methylation, chromatin remodeling and expression of regulatory noncoding RNAs are described, with the intent of depicting an epigenetic signature of DMs. Epigenetic biomarkers have a strong potential for clinical application since they could be used as targets for therapeutic interventions avoiding changes in DNA sequences. Moreover, understanding their clinical significance may serve as a diagnostic indicator in genetic counselling in order to improve genotype–phenotype correlations in DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Veronica Visconti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
| | - Federica Centofanti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
| | - Simona Fittipaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
| | - Elisa Macrì
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
- IRCCS (Institute for Treatment and Research) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Annalisa Botta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Medical Genetics Section, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.V.V.); (F.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-6-7259-6078
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19
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Wenninger S. Online Surveys Are a Useful Additional Tool in Combination with Clinical Assessments to Easily Assess Demographic and Clinical Data. Eur Neurol 2021; 85:74-76. [PMID: 34749358 DOI: 10.1159/000519773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Wenninger
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Klinikum Munich, Munich, Germany
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20
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De Serres-Bérard T, Pierre M, Chahine M, Puymirat J. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying brain alterations and cognitive impairment in congenital myotonic dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 160:105532. [PMID: 34655747 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105532] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic and heterogeneous disorder caused by the expansion of CTG repeats in the 3' UTR of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. There is a congenital form (CDM1) of the disease characterized by severe hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency as well as developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. CDM1 infants manifest important brain structure abnormalities present from birth while, in contrast, older patients with adult-onset DM1 often present neurodegenerative features and milder progressive cognitive deficits. Promising therapies targeting central molecular mechanisms contributing to the symptoms of adult-onset DM1 are currently in development, but their relevance for treating cognitive impairment in CDM1, which seems to be a partially distinct neurodevelopmental disorder, remain to be elucidated. Here, we provide an update on the clinical presentation of CDM1 and review recent in vitro and in vivo models that have provided meaningful insights on its consequences in development, with a particular focus on the brain. We discuss how enhanced toxic gain-of-function of the mutated DMPK transcripts with larger CUG repeats and the resulting dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins may affect the developing cortex in utero. Because the methylation of CpG islets flanking the trinucleotide repeats has emerged as a strong biomarker of CDM1, we highlight the need to investigate the tissue-specific impacts of these chromatin modifications in the brain. Finally, we outline promising potential therapeutic treatments for CDM1 and propose future in vitro and in vivo models with great potential to shed light on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiéry De Serres-Bérard
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marion Pierre
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
| | - Jack Puymirat
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
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21
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Morales F, Vásquez M, Corrales E, Vindas-Smith R, Santamaría-Ulloa C, Zhang B, Sirito M, Estecio MR, Krahe R, Monckton DG. Longitudinal increases in somatic mosaicism of the expanded CTG repeat in myotonic dystrophy type 1 are associated with variation in age-at-onset. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2496-2507. [PMID: 32601694 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), somatic mosaicism of the (CTG)n repeat expansion is age-dependent, tissue-specific and expansion-biased. These features contribute toward variation in disease severity and confound genotype-to-phenotype analyses. To investigate how the (CTG)n repeat expansion changes over time, we collected three longitudinal blood DNA samples separated by 8-15 years and used small pool and single-molecule PCR in 43 DM1 patients. We used the lower boundary of the allele length distribution as the best estimate for the inherited progenitor allele length (ePAL), which is itself the best predictor of disease severity. Although in most patients the lower boundary of the allele length distribution was conserved over time, in many this estimate also increased with age, suggesting samples for research studies and clinical trials should be obtained as early as possible. As expected, the modal allele length increased over time, driven primarily by ePAL, age-at-sampling and the time interval. As expected, small expansions <100 repeats did not expand as rapidly as larger alleles. However, the rate of expansion of very large alleles was not obviously proportionally higher. This may, at least in part, be a result of the allele length-dependent increase in large contractions that we also observed. We also determined that individual-specific variation in the increase of modal allele length over time not accounted for by ePAL, age-at-sampling and time was inversely associated with individual-specific variation in age-at-onset not accounted for by ePAL, further highlighting somatic expansion as a therapeutic target in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Morales
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Melissa Vásquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Eyleen Corrales
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Rebeca Vindas-Smith
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Baili Zhang
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mario Sirito
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marcos R Estecio
- Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ralf Krahe
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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22
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Hintze S, Mensel R, Knaier L, Schoser B, Meinke P. CTG-Repeat Detection in Primary Human Myoblasts of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:686735. [PMID: 34262431 PMCID: PMC8274452 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.686735] [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: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder caused by unstable CTG-repeat expansions in the DMPK gene. Tissue mosaicism has been described for the length of these repeat expansions. The most obvious affected tissue is skeletal muscle, making it the first target for therapy development. To date there is no approved therapy despite some existing approaches. Thus, there is the demand to further advance therapeutic developments, which will in return require several well-characterized preclinical tools and model systems. Here we describe a modified method to identify the CTG-repeat length in primary human myoblasts isolated from DM1 patients that requires less genomic DNA and avoids radioactive labeling. Using this method, we show that primary human DM1 myoblast cultures represent a population of cells with different CTG-repeat length. Comparing DNA from the identical muscle biopsy specimen, the range of CTG-repeat length in the myoblast culture is within the same range of the muscle biopsy specimen. In conclusion, primary human DM1 myoblast cultures are a well-suited model to investigate certain aspects of the DM1 pathology. They are a useful platform to perform first-line investigations of preclinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hintze
- Department of Neurology, LMU Klinikum, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Raphaela Mensel
- Department of Neurology, LMU Klinikum, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Knaier
- Department of Neurology, LMU Klinikum, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, LMU Klinikum, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Meinke
- Department of Neurology, LMU Klinikum, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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23
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Sánchez Marín JP, Sienes Bailo P, Lahoz Alonso R, Capablo Liesa JL, Gazulla Abio J, Giménez Muñoz JA, Modrego Pardo PJ, Pardiñas Barón B, Izquierdo Álvarez S. Myotonic dystrophy type1: 13years of experience at a tertiary hospital. Clinical and epidemiological study and genotype-phenotype correlation. Neurologia 2021; 38:S0213-4853(21)00050-5. [PMID: 33972121 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of myotonic dystrophy type1 (DM1), a disease with great phenotypic variety, in our region is unknown. This study aims to estimate the incidence of DM1 at our hospital (a reference centre in Aragon, Spain) and to identify the characteristics of our population (genotype-phenotype correlation). METHODS Retrospective, descriptive study of 459 patients classified according to the number of CTG repeats, as follows: normal (5-35), premutation (36-50), protomutation (51-80), small expansions (81-150), intermediate expansions (151-1000), and large expansions (>1000). Furthermore, according to clinical phenotype, patients were categorised as unaffected (5-50 CTG repeats), mild form or asymptomatic (51-150), classical form (151-1000), and severe form (>1000). RESULTS The incidence of DM1 was 20.61 cases per million person-years (95%CI: 19.59-21.63). An inverse correlation was observed between the number of CTG repeats and the age at genetic diagnosis (ρ=-0.547; 95%CI: -0.610 to -0.375; P<.001). CTG5 was the most frequent polymorphic allele in healthy individuals. Of all patients with DM1, 28.3% presented the mild or asymptomatic form, 59.1% the classical form, and 12.6% the severe form. Inheritance was maternal in 35.1% of cases, paternal in 59.4%, and uncertain in 5.5%. In mild forms, frontal balding in men was the most prevalent phenotypic trait, as well as myotonia and cataracts, while in the classical form, ptosis, facial weakness, voice and pronunciation alterations, myotonia, and fatigue/sleepiness were most frequent. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of DM1 in Aragon is significant. Multidisciplinary study of the phenotype of patients with DM1 is key to early diagnosis and personalised management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Sánchez Marín
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - P Sienes Bailo
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España.
| | - R Lahoz Alonso
- Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - J L Capablo Liesa
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - J Gazulla Abio
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Neurología, Centro Médico de Especialidades Ramón y Cajal, Zaragoza, España
| | | | - P J Modrego Pardo
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - B Pardiñas Barón
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - S Izquierdo Álvarez
- Sección de Genética Clínica, Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
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Wenninger S, Cumming SA, Gutschmidt K, Okkersen K, Jimenez-Moreno AC, Daidj F, Lochmüller H, Hogarth F, Knoop H, Bassez G, Monckton DG, van Engelen BGM, Schoser B. Associations Between Variant Repeat Interruptions and Clinical Outcomes in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e572. [PMID: 33884298 PMCID: PMC8054967 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the association between variant repeat (VR) interruptions in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and clinical symptoms and outcome measures after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. Methods Adult patients with DM1 were recruited within the OPTIMISTIC trial (NCT02118779). Disease-related history, current clinical symptoms and comorbidities, functional assessments, and disease- and health-related questionnaires were obtained at baseline and after 5 and 10 months. After genetic analysis, we assessed the association between the presence of VR interruptions and clinical symptoms' long-term outcomes and compared the effects of CBT in patients with and without VR interruptions. Core trial outcome measures analyzed were: 6-minute walking test, DM1-Activ-C, Checklist Individual Strength Fatigue Score, Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index, McGill-Pain questionnaire, and Beck Depression inventory—fast screen. Blood samples for DNA testing were obtained at the baseline visit for determining CTG length and detection of VR interruptions. Results VR interruptions were detectable in 21/250 patients (8.4%)—12 were assigned to the standard-of-care group (control group) and 9 to the CBT group. Patients with VR interruptions were significantly older when the first medical problem occurred and had a significantly shorter disease duration at baseline. We found a tendency toward a milder disease severity in patients with VR interruptions, especially in ventilation status, mobility, and cardiac symptoms. Changes in clinical outcome measures after CBT were not associated with the presence of VR interruptions. Conclusions The presence of VR interruptions is associated with a later onset of the disease and a milder phenotype. However, based on the OPTIMISTIC trial data, the presence of VR interruptions was not associated with significant changes on outcome measures after CBT intervention. Trial Registration Information ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02118779.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Wenninger
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina Gutschmidt
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees Okkersen
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aura Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ferroudja Daidj
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona Hogarth
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Bassez
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Baziel G M van Engelen
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology (S.W., K.G., B.S.), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.G.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (K.O., B.G.M.v.E.), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Genetic Medicine (A.C.J.-M.), Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Neuromuscular Reference Centre (F.D., G.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders (H.L.), University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany; Center for Genomic Regulation (H.L.), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain; Tayside Clinical Trials Unit (F.H.), The University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and Department of Medical Psychology (H.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Mangin A, de Pontual L, Tsai YC, Monteil L, Nizon M, Boisseau P, Mercier S, Ziegle J, Harting J, Heiner C, Gourdon G, Tomé S. Robust Detection of Somatic Mosaicism and Repeat Interruptions by Long-Read Targeted Sequencing in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2616. [PMID: 33807660 PMCID: PMC7962047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most complex and variable trinucleotide repeat disorder caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion, reaching up to 4000 CTG in the most severe cases. The genetic and clinical variability of DM1 depend on the sex and age of the transmitting parent, but also on the CTG repeat number, presence of repeat interruptions and/or on the degree of somatic instability. Currently, it is difficult to simultaneously and accurately determine these contributing factors in DM1 patients due to the limitations of gold standard methods used in molecular diagnostics and research laboratories. Our study showed the efficiency of the latest PacBio long-read sequencing technology to sequence large CTG trinucleotides, detect multiple and single repeat interruptions and estimate the levels of somatic mosaicism in DM1 patients carrying complex CTG repeat expansions inaccessible to most methods. Using this innovative approach, we revealed the existence of de novo CCG interruptions associated with CTG stabilization/contraction across generations in a new DM1 family. We also demonstrated that our method is suitable to sequence the DM1 locus and measure somatic mosaicism in DM1 families carrying more than 1000 pure CTG repeats. Better characterization of expanded alleles in DM1 patients can significantly improve prognosis and genetic counseling, not only in DM1 but also for other tandem DNA repeat disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Mangin
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (A.M.); (L.d.P.); (G.G.)
- Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Laure de Pontual
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (A.M.); (L.d.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Yu-Chih Tsai
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (Y.-C.T.); (J.Z.); (J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - Laetitia Monteil
- Genetics Department of the Hospital of Toulouse, F-31059 Toulouse, France;
| | - Mathilde Nizon
- CHU de Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-44000 Nantes, France; (M.N.); (P.B.)
| | - Pierre Boisseau
- CHU de Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-44000 Nantes, France; (M.N.); (P.B.)
| | - Sandra Mercier
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Janet Ziegle
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (Y.-C.T.); (J.Z.); (J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - John Harting
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (Y.-C.T.); (J.Z.); (J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - Cheryl Heiner
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (Y.-C.T.); (J.Z.); (J.H.); (C.H.)
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (A.M.); (L.d.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Stéphanie Tomé
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (A.M.); (L.d.P.); (G.G.)
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26
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Koscik TR, van der Plas E, Gutmann L, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Magnotta V, Shields RK, Nopoulos PC. White matter microstructure relates to motor outcomes in myotonic dystrophy type 1 independently of disease duration and genetic burden. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4886. [PMID: 33649422 PMCID: PMC7921687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84520-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in white matter (WM) integrity and motor symptoms are among the most robust and reproducible features of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). In the present study, we investigate whether WM integrity, obtained from diffusion-weighted MRI, corresponds to quantifiable motor outcomes (e.g., fine motor skills and grip strength) and patient-reported, subjective motor deficits. Critically, we explore these relationships in the context of other potentially causative variables, including: disease duration, elapsed time since motor symptom onset; and genetic burden, the number of excessive CTG repeats causing DM1. We found that fractional anisotropy (a measure of WM integrity) throughout the cerebrum was the strongest predictor of grip strength independently of disease duration and genetic burden, while radial diffusivity predicted fine motor skill (peg board performance). Axial diffusivity did not predict motor outcomes. Our results are consistent with the notion that systemic degradation of WM in DM1 mediates the relationship between DM1 progression and genetic burden with motor outcomes of the disease. Our results suggest that tracking changes in WM integrity over time may be a valuable biomarker for tracking therapeutic interventions, such as future gene therapies, for DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Richard K Shields
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
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27
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Monckton DG. The Contribution of Somatic Expansion of the CAG Repeat to Symptomatic Development in Huntington's Disease: A Historical Perspective. J Huntingtons Dis 2021; 10:7-33. [PMID: 33579863 PMCID: PMC7990401 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-200429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery in the early 1990s of the expansion of unstable simple sequence repeats as the causative mutation for a number of inherited human disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD), opened up a new era of human genetics and provided explanations for some old problems. In particular, an inverse association between the number of repeats inherited and age at onset, and unprecedented levels of germline instability, biased toward further expansion, provided an explanation for the wide symptomatic variability and anticipation observed in HD and many of these disorders. The repeats were also revealed to be somatically unstable in a process that is expansion-biased, age-dependent and tissue-specific, features that are now increasingly recognised as contributory to the age-dependence, progressive nature and tissue specificity of the symptoms of HD, and at least some related disorders. With much of the data deriving from affected individuals, and model systems, somatic expansions have been revealed to arise in a cell division-independent manner in critical target tissues via a mechanism involving key components of the DNA mismatch repair pathway. These insights have opened new approaches to thinking about how the disease could be treated by suppressing somatic expansion and revealed novel protein targets for intervention. Exciting times lie ahead in turning these insights into novel therapies for HD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren G. Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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28
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Breton É, Légaré C, Overend G, Guay SP, Monckton D, Mathieu J, Gagnon C, Richer L, Gallais B, Bouchard L. DNA methylation at the DMPK gene locus is associated with cognitive functions in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2051-2064. [PMID: 33301350 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by an unstable trinucleotide (CTG) expansion at the DMPK gene locus. Cognitive dysfunctions are often observed in the condition. We investigated the association between DMPK blood DNA methylation (DNAm) and cognitive functions in DM1, considering expansion length and variant repeats (VRs). Method: Data were obtained from 115 adult-onset DM1 patients. Molecular analyses consisted of pyrosequencing, small pool PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Cognitive functions were assessed by validated neuropsychological tests. Results: For patients without VRs (n = 103), blood DNAm at baseline independently contributed to predict cognitive functions 9 years later. Patients with VRs (n = 12) had different DNAm and cognitive profiles. Conclusion: DNAm allows to better understand DM1-related cognitive dysfunction etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Édith Breton
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada
| | - Cécilia Légaré
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada
| | - Gayle Overend
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon-Pierre Guay
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Darren Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Mathieu
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Cynthia Gagnon
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Louis Richer
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Saguenay, Québec G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Gallais
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada.,ÉCOBES - Recherche et transfert, Cégep de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7W2, Canada
| | - Luigi Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Department of Medical Biology, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
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Antisense oligonucleotide and adjuvant exercise therapy reverse fatigue in old mice with myotonic dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:393-405. [PMID: 33473325 PMCID: PMC7787993 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) identify chronic fatigue as the most debilitating symptom, which manifests in part as prolonged recovery after exercise. Clinical features of DM1 result from pathogenic gain-of-function activity of transcripts containing an expanded microsatellite CUG repeat (CUGexp). In DM1 mice, therapies targeting the CUGexp transcripts correct the molecular phenotype, reverse myotonia, and improve muscle pathology. However, the effect of targeted molecular therapies on fatigue in DM1 is unknown. Here, we use two mouse models of DM1, age-matched wild-type controls, an exercise-activity assay, electrical impedance myography, and therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to show that exaggerated exercise-induced fatigue progresses with age, is unrelated to muscle fiber size, and persists despite correction of the molecular phenotype for 3 months. In old DM1 mice, ASO treatment combined with an exercise training regimen consisting of treadmill walking 30 min per day 6 days per week for 3 months reverse all measures of fatigue. Exercise training without ASO therapy improves some measures of fatigue without correction of the molecular pathology. Our results highlight a key limitation of ASO monotherapy for this clinically important feature and support the development of moderate-intensity exercise as an adjuvant for targeted molecular therapies of DM1.
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30
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Wenninger S, Stahl K, Montagnese F, Schoser B. Utility and Results from a Patient-Reported Online Survey in Myotonic Dystrophies Types 1 and 2. Eur Neurol 2020; 83:523-533. [PMID: 33120389 DOI: 10.1159/000511237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myotonic dystrophies (DMs) are the most frequent autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorders in adults. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of an online survey in a rare disease as well as to assess and compare the onset and the progression of clinical symptoms in patients with myotonic dystrophy types 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2). METHODS We conducted a patient's reported online survey assessing demographics, disease-related symptoms (age of onset, first symptom, time of diagnosis, current symptoms, inheritance, and family history) combined with capturing current symptoms by validated questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of open, closed, single- and multiple-choice questions. Multiple answers were possible in some cases. Patients with genetically confirmed DM1 or DM2 who were registered in the German DM registry or the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V. - Diagnostic Group for DMs were invited to participate in this online survey. We calculated descriptive and exploratory analysis, where applicable. RESULTS Out of 677 data sets from respondents, 394 were suitable for final analysis, containing completed questionnaires from 207 DM1 (56% female) and 187 DM2 patients (71% female). The median age of onset was 28 years for DM1 and 35 years for DM2. Muscular symptoms were most frequently reported as the first symptom. The onset of myotonia was earlier than the onset of muscle weakness in both DM1 and DM2. Forty-four percent of patients with DM1 and one-third of patients with DM2 indicated muscle weakness as the first symptom. Patients with DM1 were significantly younger when experiencing muscle weakness as first symptom. Fatigue was only mentioned by a small fraction of patients as a first symptom but increased significantly in the course of the disease. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of cataracts, cardiac symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms between DM1 and DM2. Falls were reported almost equally in both groups, and most of the patients reported 2-3 falls within the past year. DISCUSSION Overall, as our results are consistent with the results of clinical studies and online registries, it can be assumed that this type of systematic gathering of data from patients with rare diseases is useful and provides realistic and appropriate results. Due to the nature of online surveys and the absence of an assessor, some uncertainty remains. Furthermore, survey frauds cannot be completely excluded. An additional clinical assessment could confirm the given information and will improve the utility and validity of reported symptoms participants provide in online surveys. Therefore, we recommend a combination of data collecting by online surveys and clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Wenninger
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany,
| | - Kristina Stahl
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Federica Montagnese
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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31
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Miller JN, van der Plas E, Hamilton M, Koscik TR, Gutmann L, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Nopoulos PC. Variant repeats within the DMPK CTG expansion protect function in myotonic dystrophy type 1. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 6:e504. [PMID: 32851192 PMCID: PMC7428360 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective We tested the hypothesis that variant repeat interruptions (RIs) within the DMPK CTG repeat tract lead to milder symptoms compared with pure repeats (PRs) in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods We evaluated motor, neurocognitive, and behavioral outcomes in a group of 6 participants with DM1 with RI compared with a case-matched sample of 12 participants with DM1 with PR and a case-matched sample of 12 unaffected healthy comparison participants (UA). Results In every measure, the RI participants were intermediate between UA and PR participants. For muscle strength, the RI group was significantly less impaired than the PR group. For measures of Full Scale IQ, depression, and sleepiness, all 3 groups were significantly different from each other with UA > RI > PR in order of impairment. The RI group was different from unaffected, but not significantly different from PR (UA > RI = PR) in apathy and working memory. Finally, in finger tapping and processing speed, RI did not differ from UA comparisons, but PR had significantly lower scores than the UA comparisons (UA = RI > PR). Conclusions Our results support the notion that patients affected by DM1 with RI demonstrate a milder phenotype with the same pattern of deficits as those with PR indicating a similar disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Mark Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
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32
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Wansink DG, Gourdon G, van Engelen BGM, Schoser B. 248th ENMC International Workshop: Myotonic dystrophies: Molecular approaches for clinical purposes, framing a European molecular research network, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, 11-13 October 2019. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:521-531. [PMID: 32417002 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Derick G Wansink
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Inserm UMR 974, Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Association Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Baziel G M van Engelen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GC Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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33
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Landfeldt E, Nikolenko N, Jimenez-Moreno C, Cumming S, Monckton DG, Faber CG, Merkies ISJ, Gorman G, Turner C, Lochmüller H. Activities of daily living in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 141:380-387. [PMID: 31889295 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this cross-sectional, observational study was to investigate performance of activities of daily living in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). MATERIALS AND METHODS Adults with genetically confirmed DM1 were recruited from Newcastle University (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (London, UK). Data on activities of daily living were recorded through the DM1-ActivC (scale scores range between 0 and 100, where a higher/lower score indicates a higher/lower ability). RESULTS Our sample comprised 192 patients with DM1 (mean age: 46 years; 51% female). Patients reported most difficulties with running, carrying and putting down heavy objects, and standing on one leg, and least difficulties with eating soup, washing upper body, and taking a shower. Irrespective of the disease duration (mean: 20 years), most patients were able to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (eg personal hygiene and grooming, showering, eating, cleaning and shopping), with the exception of functional mobility/transfer tasks (eg walking uphill and running). The mean DM1-ActivC total score was estimated at 71 (95% CI: 68-74). Estimated progenitor cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat length and age explained 27% of the variance in DM1-ActivC total scores (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We show that DM1 impairs performance of activities of daily living, in particular those requiring a high degree of muscle strength, stability and coordination. Yet, across the evolution of the disease, the majority of patients will still be able to independently perform most basic and instrumental activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Landfeldt
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikoletta Nikolenko
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S J Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Curaçao Medical Centre, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Grainne Gorman
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | - Chris Turner
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Queen Square Department of Neuromuscular Disease, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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34
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Kurkiewicz A, Cooper A, McIlwaine E, Cumming SA, Adam B, Krahe R, Puymirat J, Schoser B, Timchenko L, Ashizawa T, Thornton CA, Rogers S, McClure JD, Monckton DG. Towards development of a statistical framework to evaluate myotonic dystrophy type 1 mRNA biomarkers in the context of a clinical trial. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231000. [PMID: 32287265 PMCID: PMC7156058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare genetic disorder, characterised by muscular dystrophy, myotonia, and other symptoms. DM1 is caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3'-untranslated region of DMPK. Longer CTG expansions are associated with greater symptom severity and earlier age at onset. The primary mechanism of pathogenesis is thought to be mediated by a gain of function of the CUG-containing RNA, that leads to trans-dysregulation of RNA metabolism of many other genes. Specifically, the alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA) of many genes is known to be disrupted. In the context of clinical trials of emerging DM1 treatments, it is important to be able to objectively quantify treatment efficacy at the level of molecular biomarkers. We show how previously described candidate mRNA biomarkers can be used to model an effective reduction in CTG length, using modern high-dimensional statistics (machine learning), and a blood and muscle mRNA microarray dataset. We show how this model could be used to detect treatment effects in the context of a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kurkiewicz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anneli Cooper
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily McIlwaine
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Cumming
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Berit Adam
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Krahe
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jack Puymirat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, CHUL Medical Research Centre, University of Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lubov Timchenko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hosptial, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Charles A. Thornton
- University of Rochester, Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Simon Rogers
- School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John D. McClure
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Darren G. Monckton
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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35
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Tomé S, Gourdon G. DM1 Phenotype Variability and Triplet Repeat Instability: Challenges in the Development of New Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020457. [PMID: 31936870 PMCID: PMC7014087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex neuromuscular disease caused by an unstable cytosine thymine guanine (CTG) repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. This disease is characterized by high clinical and genetic variability, leading to some difficulties in the diagnosis and prognosis of DM1. Better understanding the origin of this variability is important for developing new challenging therapies and, in particular, for progressing on the path of personalized treatments. Here, we reviewed CTG triplet repeat instability and its modifiers as an important source of phenotypic variability in patients with DM1.
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36
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Lanni S, Pearson CE. Molecular genetics of congenital myotonic dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104533. [PMID: 31326502 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disease showing strong genetic anticipation, and is caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat tract in the 3'-UTR of the DMPK gene. Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy (CDM1) represents the most severe form of the disease, with prenatal onset, symptoms distinct from adult onset DM1, and a high rate of perinatal mortality. CDM1 is usually associated with very large CTG expansions, but this correlation is not absolute and cannot explain the distinct clinical features and the strong bias for maternal transmission. This review focuses upon the molecular and epigenetic factors that modulate disease severity and might be responsible for CDM1. Changes in the epigenetic status of the DM1 locus and in gene expression have recently been observed. Increasing evidence supports a role of a CTCF binding motif as a cis-element, upstream of the DMPK CTG tract, whereby CpG methylation of this site regulates the interaction of the insulator protein CTCF as a modulating trans-factor responsible for the inheritance and expression of CDM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Lanni
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay Street, Toronto M5G 0A4, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher E Pearson
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay Street, Toronto M5G 0A4, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Program of Molecular Genetics, Canada.
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