1
|
Vermeulen I, Rodriguez-Alvarez N, François L, Viot D, Poosti F, Aronica E, Dedeurwaerdere S, Barton P, Cillero-Pastor B, Heeren RMA. Spatial omics reveals molecular changes in focal cortical dysplasia type II. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106491. [PMID: 38575092 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents a group of diverse localized cortical lesions that are highly epileptogenic and occur due to abnormal brain development caused by genetic mutations, involving the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These somatic mutations lead to mosaicism in the affected brain, posing challenges to unravel the direct and indirect functional consequences of these mutations. To comprehensively characterize the impact of mTOR mutations on the brain, we employed here a multimodal approach in a preclinical mouse model of FCD type II (Rheb), focusing on spatial omics techniques to define the proteomic and lipidomic changes. Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) combined with fluorescence imaging and label free proteomics, revealed insight into the brain's lipidome and proteome within the FCD type II affected region in the mouse model. MSI visualized disrupted neuronal migration and differential lipid distribution including a reduction in sulfatides in the FCD type II-affected region, which play a role in brain myelination. MSI-guided laser capture microdissection (LMD) was conducted on FCD type II and control regions, followed by label free proteomics, revealing changes in myelination pathways by oligodendrocytes. Surgical resections of FCD type IIb and postmortem human cortex were analyzed by bulk transcriptomics to unravel the interplay between genetic mutations and molecular changes in FCD type II. Our comparative analysis of protein pathways and enriched Gene Ontology pathways related to myelination in the FCD type II-affected mouse model and human FCD type IIb transcriptomics highlights the animal model's translational value. This dual approach, including mouse model proteomics and human transcriptomics strengthens our understanding of the functional consequences arising from somatic mutations in FCD type II, as well as the identification of pathways that may be used as therapeutic strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabeau Vermeulen
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Liesbeth François
- UCB Pharma, Chemin du Foriest 1, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Walloon Region, Belgium
| | - Delphine Viot
- UCB Pharma, Chemin du Foriest 1, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Walloon Region, Belgium
| | - Fariba Poosti
- UCB Pharma, Chemin du Foriest 1, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Walloon Region, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 3, 2103 SW Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Barton
- UCB Pharma, 216 Bath Rd, Slough, SL1 3WE Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Berta Cillero-Pastor
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering (cBITE), MERLN, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ron M A Heeren
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ravizza T, Scheper M, Di Sapia R, Gorter J, Aronica E, Vezzani A. mTOR and neuroinflammation in epilepsy: implications for disease progression and treatment. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:334-350. [PMID: 38531962 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy remains a major health concern as anti-seizure medications frequently fail, and there is currently no treatment to stop or prevent epileptogenesis, the process underlying the onset and progression of epilepsy. The identification of the pathological processes underlying epileptogenesis is instrumental to the development of drugs that may prevent the generation of seizures or control pharmaco-resistant seizures, which affect about 30% of patients. mTOR signalling and neuroinflammation have been recognized as critical pathways that are activated in brain cells in epilepsy. They represent a potential node of biological convergence in structural epilepsies with either a genetic or an acquired aetiology. Interventional studies in animal models and clinical studies give strong support to the involvement of each pathway in epilepsy. In this Review, we focus on available knowledge about the pathophysiological features of mTOR signalling and the neuroinflammatory brain response, and their interactions, in epilepsy. We discuss mitigation strategies for each pathway that display therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical epilepsy. A deeper understanding of these interconnected molecular cascades could enhance our strategies for managing epilepsy. This could pave the way for new treatments to fill the gaps in the development of preventative or disease-modifying drugs, thus overcoming the limitations of current symptomatic medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Ravizza
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Jan Gorter
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karalis V, Wood D, Teaney NA, Sahin M. The role of TSC1 and TSC2 proteins in neuronal axons. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1165-1178. [PMID: 38212374 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 and 2 proteins, TSC1 and TSC2 respectively, participate in a multiprotein complex with a crucial role for the proper development and function of the nervous system. This complex primarily acts as an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, and mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Neurological manifestations of TSC include brain lesions, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability. On the cellular level, the TSC/mTOR signaling axis regulates multiple anabolic and catabolic processes, but it is not clear how these processes contribute to specific neurologic phenotypes. Hence, several studies have aimed to elucidate the role of this signaling pathway in neurons. Of particular interest are axons, as axonal defects are associated with severe neurocognitive impairments. Here, we review findings regarding the role of the TSC1/2 protein complex in axons. Specifically, we will discuss how TSC1/2 canonical and non-canonical functions contribute to the formation and integrity of axonal structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karalis
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Delaney Wood
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole A Teaney
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li J, Qi H, Chen Y, Zhu X. Epilepsy and demyelination: Towards a bidirectional relationship. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102588. [PMID: 38378072 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102588] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Demyelination stands out as a prominent feature in individuals with specific types of epilepsy. Concurrently, individuals with demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a greater risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-MS individuals. These bidirectional connections raise the question of whether both pathological conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms. This review focuses on the reciprocal relationship between epilepsy and demyelination diseases. We commence with an overview of the neurological basis of epilepsy and demyelination diseases, followed by an exploration of how our comprehension of these two disorders has evolved in tandem. Additionally, we discuss the potential pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the interactive relationship between these two diseases. A more nuanced understanding of the interplay between epilepsy and demyelination diseases has the potential to unveiling the molecular intricacies of their pathological relationships, paving the way for innovative directions in future clinical management and treatment strategies for these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honggang Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzhou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hsieh CCJ, Lo YC, Wang HH, Shen HY, Chen YY, Lee YC. Amelioration of the brain structural connectivity is accompanied with changes of gut microbiota in a tuberous sclerosis complex mouse model. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38296969 PMCID: PMC10830571 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease that causes benign tumors and dysfunctions in many organs, including the brain. Aside from the brain malformations, many individuals with TSC exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms. Among these symptoms, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common co-morbidities, affecting up to 60% of the population. Past neuroimaging studies strongly suggested that the impairments in brain connectivity contribute to ASD, whether or not TSC-related. Specifically, the tract-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis provides information on the fiber integrity and has been used to study the neuropathological changes in the white matter of TSC patients with ASD symptoms. In our previous study, curcumin, a diet-derived mTOR inhibitor has been shown to effectively mitigate learning and memory deficits and anxiety-like behavior in Tsc2+/- mice via inhibiting astroglial proliferation. Recently, gut microbiota, which is greatly influenced by the diet, has been considered to play an important role in regulating several components of the central nervous system, including glial functions. In this study, we showed that the abnormal social behavior in the Tsc2+/- mice can be ameliorated by the dietary curcumin treatment. Second, using tract-based DTI analysis, we found that the Tsc2+/- mice exhibited altered fractional anisotropy, axial and radial diffusivities of axonal bundles connecting the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, and amygdala, indicating a decreased brain network. Third, the dietary curcumin treatment improved the DTI metrics, in accordance with changes in the gut microbiota composition. At the bacterial phylum level, we showed that the abundances of Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Tenericutes were significantly correlated with the DTI metrics FA, AD, and RD, respectively. Finally, we revealed that the expression of myelin-associated proteins, myelin bassic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP) was increased after the treatment. Overall, we showed a strong correlation between structural connectivity alterations and social behavioral deficits, as well as the diet-dependent changes in gut microbiota composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Shen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chao Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Curatolo P, Scheper M, Emberti Gialloreti L, Specchio N, Aronica E. Is tuberous sclerosis complex-associated autism a preventable and treatable disorder? World J Pediatr 2024; 20:40-53. [PMID: 37878130 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, causing overactivation of the mechanistic (previously referred to as mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in fetal life. The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in several brain processes leading to TSC-related epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre-natal or early post-natal diagnosis of TSC is now possible in a growing number of pre-symptomatic infants. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed for peer-reviewed publications published between January 2010 and April 2023 with the terms "tuberous sclerosis", "autism", or "autism spectrum disorder"," animal models", "preclinical studies", "neurobiology", and "treatment". RESULTS Prospective studies have highlighted that developmental trajectories in TSC infants who were later diagnosed with ASD already show motor, visual and social communication skills in the first year of life delays. Reliable genetic, cellular, electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers can identify pre-symptomatic TSC infants at high risk for having autism and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Preventing epilepsy or improving therapy for seizures associated with prompt and tailored treatment strategies for autism in a sensitive developmental time window could have the potential to mitigate autistic symptoms in infants with TSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Previtali R, Prontera G, Alfei E, Nespoli L, Masnada S, Veggiotti P, Mannarino S. Paradigm shift in the treatment of tuberous sclerosis: Effectiveness of everolimus. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106884. [PMID: 37549757 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disease characterised by abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation that affects multiple organs and can lead to the growth of hamartomas. Tuberous sclerosis complex is caused by the disinhibition of the protein mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). In the past, various therapeutic approaches, even if only symptomatic, have been attempted to improve the clinical effects of this disease. While all of these therapeutic strategies are useful and are still used and indicated, they are symptomatic therapies based on the individual symptoms of the disease and therefore not fully effective in modifying long-term outcomes. A new therapeutic approach is the introduction of allosteric inhibitors of mTORC1, which allow restoration of metabolic homeostasis in mutant cells, potentially eliminating most of the clinical manifestations associated with Tuberous sclerosis complex. Everolimus, a mammalian target of the rapamycin inhibitor, is able to reduce hamartomas, correcting the specific molecular defect that causes Tuberous sclerosis complex. In this review, we report the findings from the literature on the use of everolimus as an effective and safe drug in the treatment of TSC manifestations affecting various organs, from the central nervous system to the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Previtali
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Prontera
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Alfei
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Nespoli
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Pediatric, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Masnada
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Veggiotti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Savina Mannarino
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Pediatric, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bychkova E, Dorofeeva M, Levov A, Kislyakov A, Karandasheva K, Strelnikov V, Anoshkin K. Specific Features of Focal Cortical Dysplasia in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3977-3996. [PMID: 37232723 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050254] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex present with cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric impairments, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and drug-resistant epilepsy. It has been shown that these disorders are associated with the presence of cortical tubers. Tuberous sclerosis complex results from inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, resulting in hyperactivation of the mTOR signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, proliferation, survival, and autophagy. TSC1 and TSC2 are classified as tumor suppressor genes and function according to Knudson's two-hit hypothesis, which requires both alleles to be damaged for tumor formation. However, a second-hit mutation is a rare event in cortical tubers. This suggests that the molecular mechanism of cortical tuber formation may be more complicated and requires further research. This review highlights the issues of molecular genetics and genotype-phenotype correlations, considers histopathological characteristics and the mechanism of morphogenesis of cortical tubers, and also presents data on the relationship between these formations and the development of neurological manifestations, as well as treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Bychkova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye Street 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova Street 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Dorofeeva
- Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Taldomskaya 2, 125412 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Levov
- Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital, 4th Dobryninsky Lane, 1/9, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kislyakov
- Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital, 4th Dobryninsky Lane, 1/9, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir Strelnikov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye Street 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill Anoshkin
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye Street 1, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Advances in the genetics and neuropathology of tuberous sclerosis complex: edging closer to targeted therapy. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:843-856. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
10
|
Coban G, Gumeler E, Parlak S, Konuskan B, Karakaya J, Yalnizoglu D, Anlar B, Oguz KK. Synthetic MRI in children with tuberous sclerosis complex. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:115. [PMID: 35796889 PMCID: PMC9263007 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01219-2] [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: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The generation of numerous sequences and quantitative data in a short scanning time is the most potential advantage of Synthetic MRI (SyMRI). We aimed to test detection of the tubers and to determine underlying tissue characteristics, and morphometric alterations in the brain of pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients, using SyMRI. Methods Conventional brain MRI (cMRI) and SyMRI were prospectively obtained from 10 TSC patients and 18 healthy control subjects (HCs). Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated tubers on both scans. Additionally, automatically segmented volume calculation and myelin quantification, including the subcortical part of the tubers and normal-appearing brain parenchyma (NABP) of patients, were carried out using SyMRI. Results The cMRI and SyMRI comparison showed a very good correlation on the detection of the tubers (k = 0.82–0.94). Automatic segmentation of Non-gray matter/white matter/cerebrospinal fluid (Non), %Non/brain parenchymal volume, and %Non/intracranial volume was significantly higher; however, %Myelin/intracranial volume and %Myelin/brain parenchymal volume were significantly lower in the TSC patients (p < 0.05). The proton density values were significantly increased, and myelin fraction volume and myelin-correlated compound values were significantly decreased in the NABP in TSC patients on myelin maps (p < 0.05). The white-matter volume, myelin and white-matter fractional volume, longitudinal relaxation rate, transverse relaxation rate, and myelin-correlated compound values were significantly decreased in the subcortical part of tubers on quantification maps (p < 0.001) in TSC patients. Conclusion SyMRI enables the detection of cortical tubers and is a developing tool in the quantification of morphometric and tissue alterations in pediatric TSC patients with a rational scanning time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13244-022-01219-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokcen Coban
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ekim Gumeler
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Safak Parlak
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bahadir Konuskan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jale Karakaya
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yalnizoglu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Banu Anlar
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kader K Oguz
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Robinson J, Uzun O, Loh NR, Harris IR, Woolley TE, Harwood AJ, Gardner JF, Syed YA. The association of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, congenital heart and renal defects in a tuberous sclerosis complex patient cohort. BMC Med 2022; 20:123. [PMID: 35440050 PMCID: PMC9019964 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multi-system genetic disorder characterised by the presence of benign tumours throughout multiple organs including the brain, kidneys, heart, liver, eyes, lungs and skin, in addition to neurological and neuropsychiatric complications. Intracardiac tumour (rhabdomyoma), neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and kidney disorders (KD) are common manifestations of TSC and have been linked with TSC1 and TSC2 loss-of-function mutations independently, but the dynamic relationship between these organ manifestations remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to characterise the nature of the relationship specifically between these three organs' manifestations in TSC1 and TSC2 mutation patients. METHODS Clinical data gathered from TSC patients across South Wales registered with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAV UHB) between 1990 and 2020 were analysed retrospectively to evaluate abnormalities in the heart, brain and kidney development. TSC-related abnormalities such as tumour prevalence, location and size were analysed for each organ in addition to neuropsychiatric involvement and were compared between TSC1 and TSC2 mutant genotypes. Lastly, statistical co-occurrence between organ manifestations co-morbidity was quantified, and trajectories of disease progression throughout organs were modelled. RESULTS This study found a significantly greater mutational frequency at the TSC2 locus in the cohort in comparison to TSC1. An equal proportion of male and female patients were observed in this group and by meta-analysis of previous studies. No significant difference in characterisation of heart involvement was observed between TSC1 and TSC2 patients. Brain involvement was seen with increased severity in TSC2 patients, characterised by a greater prevalence of cortical tubers and communication disorders. Renal pathology was further enhanced in TSC2 patients, marked by increased bilateral angiomyolipoma prevalence. Furthermore, co-occurrence of NDDs and KDs was the most positively correlated out of investigated manifestations, regardless of genotype. Analysis of disease trajectories revealed a more diverse clinical outcome for TSC2 patients: however, a chronological association of rhabdomyoma, NDD and KD was most frequently observed for TSC1 patients. CONCLUSIONS This study marks the first empirical investigation of the co-morbidity between congenital heart defects (CHD), NDDs, and KDs in TSC1 and TSC2 patients. This remains a unique first step towards the characterisation of the dynamic role between genetics, heart function, brain function and kidney function during the early development in the context of TSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Robinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Orhan Uzun
- University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Ne Ron Loh
- University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.,Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK
| | - Isabelle Rose Harris
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Thomas E Woolley
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Adrian J Harwood
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | | | - Yasir Ahmed Syed
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK. .,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hajtovic S, LoPresti MA, Zhang L, Katlowitz KA, Kizek DJ, Lam S. The role of vagus nerve stimulation in genetic etiologies of drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2022:1-14. [PMID: 35303699 DOI: 10.3171/2022.1.peds222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) affects many children. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may improve seizure control; however, its role in children with genetic etiologies of epilepsy is not well described. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to examine the effectiveness of VNS in this cohort. METHODS In January 2021, the authors performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS/Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to investigate the impact of VNS on seizure outcomes in children with genetic etiologies of epilepsy. Primary outcomes included seizure freedom rate, ≥ 90% seizure reduction rate, and ≥ 50% seizure reduction rate. Secondary outcomes were seizure severity and quality of life (QOL), including cognitive, functional, and behavioral outcomes. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS The authors identified 125 articles, of which 47 with 216 nonduplicate patients were analyzed. Common diagnoses were Dravet syndrome (DS) (92/216 patients [42.6%]) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) (63/216 [29.2%]). Seizure freedom was not reported in any patient with DS; the pooled proportion (95% CI) of patients with ≥ 50% seizure reduction was 41% (21%-58%). Secondary cognitive outcomes of VNS were variable in DS patients, but these patients demonstrated benefits in seizure duration and status epilepticus. In TSC patients, the pooled (95% CI) seizure freedom rate was 40% (12%-71%), ≥ 90% seizure reduction rate was 31% (8%-56%), and ≥ 50% reduction rate was 68% (48%-91%). Regarding the secondary outcomes of VNS in TSC patients, several studies reported decreased seizure severity and improved QOL outcomes. There was limited evidence regarding the use of VNS to treat patients with other genetic etiologies of epilepsy, such as mitochondrial disease, Rett syndrome, Doose syndrome, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, Aicardi syndrome, Angelman syndrome, ring chromosome 20 syndrome, and lissencephaly; variable responses were reported in a limited number of cases. CONCLUSIONS The authors conducted a systematic review of VNS outcomes in children with genetic etiologies of DRE. Among the most studied conditions, patients with TSC had substantial seizure reduction and improvements in QOL, whereas those with DS had less robust seizure reduction. Increased testing, diagnosis, and long-term follow-up studies are necessary to better characterize VNS response in these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabastian Hajtovic
- 1Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, City College of New York, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Melissa A LoPresti
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Lu Zhang
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kalman A Katlowitz
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Dominic J Kizek
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Sandi Lam
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sato A, Tominaga K, Iwatani Y, Kato Y, Wataya-Kaneda M, Makita K, Nemoto K, Taniike M, Kagitani-Shimono K. Abnormal White Matter Microstructure in the Limbic System Is Associated With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Neurol 2022; 13:782479. [PMID: 35359647 PMCID: PMC8963953 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.782479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease that arises from TSC1 or TSC2 abnormalities and induces the overactivation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathways. The neurological symptoms of TSC include epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Although TAND affects TSC patients' quality of life, the specific region in the brain associated with TAND remains unknown. We examined the association between white matter microstructural abnormalities and TAND, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).MethodsA total of 19 subjects with TSC and 24 age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were performed to assess group differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between the TSC and control groups. Atlas-based association analysis was performed to reveal TAND-related white matter in subjects with TSC. Multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between TAND and the DTI parameters; FA and mean diffusivity in seven target regions and projection fibers.ResultsThe TBSS showed significantly reduced FA in the right hemisphere and particularly in the inferior frontal occipital fasciculus (IFOF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), uncinate fasciculus (UF), and genu of corpus callosum (CC) in the TSC group relative to the control group. In the association analysis, intellectual disability was widely associated with all target regions. In contrast, behavioral problems and autistic features were associated with the limbic system white matter and anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) and CC.ConclusionThe disruption of white matter integrity may induce underconnectivity between cortical and subcortical regions. These findings suggest that TANDs are not the result of an abnormality in a specific brain region, but rather caused by connectivity dysfunction as a network disorder. This study indicates that abnormal white matter connectivity including the limbic system is relevant to TAND. The analysis of brain and behavior relationship is a feasible approach to reveal TAND related white matter and neural networks. TAND should be carefully assessed and treated at an early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Sato
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tominaga
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Iwatani
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Kato
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mari Wataya-Kaneda
- Division of Health Science, Department of Neurocutaneous Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kai Makita
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nemoto
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masako Taniike
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hulshof HM, Kuijf HJ, Kotulska K, Curatolo P, Weschke B, Riney K, Krsek P, Feucht M, Nabbout R, Lagae L, Jansen A, Otte WM, Lequin MH, Sijko K, Benvenuto A, Hertzberg C, Benova B, Scholl T, De Ridder J, Aronica EA, Kwiatkowski DJ, Jozwiak S, Jurkiewicz E, Braun K, Jansen FE. Association of Early MRI Characteristics With Subsequent Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Neurology 2022; 98:e1216-e1225. [PMID: 35101906 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Multiple factors have been found to contribute to the high risk of epilepsy in infants with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), including evolution of EEG abnormalities, TSC gene mutation and MRI characteristics. The aim of the present prospective multi-center study was to: 1) identify early MRI biomarkers of epilepsy in infants with TSC aged < 6 months and before seizure onset, and 2) associate these MRI biomarkers with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. The study was part of the EPISTOP project. METHODS We evaluated brain MRIs performed in infants with TSC younger than 6 months of age. We used harmonized MRI-protocols across centers and children were monitored closely with neuropsychological evaluation, and serial video EEG. MRI characteristics defined as tubers, radial migration lines, white matter abnormalities, cysts, calcifications, subependymal nodules (SEN) and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) were visually evaluated and lesions were detected semi-automatically. Lesion to brain volume ratios were calculated and associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years. RESULTS Lesions were assessed on MRIs from 77 TSC infants, 62 MRIs were sufficient for volume analysis. The presence of tubers and higher tuber-brain ratios were associated with the development of clinical seizures, independently of TSC gene mutation and preventive treatment. Furthermore, higher tuber-brain ratios were associated with lower cognitive and motor development quotients at two years, independently of TSC gene mutation and presence of epilepsy. DISCUSSION In infants with TSC, there is a significant association between characteristic TSC lesions detected on early brain MRI and development of clinical seizures, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes in the first two years of life. According to our results, early brain MRI findings may guide clinical care for young children with TSC. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that in infants with TSC, there is a significant association between characteristic TSC lesions on early brain MRI and the development of clinical seizures and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the first two years of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wim M Otte
- Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Lequin
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kamil Sijko
- Instytut Pomnik-Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE
| | | | | | | | | | | | - EleonoraM A Aronica
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Jurkiewicz
- Instytut Pomnik-Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE
| | - Kees Braun
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE
| | - Floor E Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anaby D, Shrot S, Belenky E, Ben-Zeev B, Tzadok M. Neurite density of white matter significantly correlates with tuberous sclerosis complex disease severity. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 35:103085. [PMID: 35780663 PMCID: PMC9421460 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-brain white matter neurite density significantly reduces with TSC severity. A white matter quantification may be important for the evaluation of TSC patients. Low neurite density clusters are larger in severe TSC patients. Neurite density is an accurate MRI metric for the evaluation of TSC white-matter.
Objective To assess whether white matter (WM) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) derived measures correlate with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) disease severity. Cohort and methods A multi-shell diffusion protocol was added to the clinical MRI brain scans of thirteen patients including 6 males and 7 females with a mean ± std age of 17.2 ± 5.8 years. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were generated from DTI and neurite density index (NDI), orientation dispersion index (ODI) and free water index (fiso) were generated from NODDI. A clinical score was determined for each patient according to the existence of epilepsy, developmental delay, autism or psychiatric disorders. Whole-brain segmented WM was averaged for each parametric map and 3 group k-means clustering was performed on the NDI and FA maps. MRI quantitative parameters were correlated with the clinical scores. Results Segmented whole brain WM averages of MD and NDI values showed significant negative (p = 0.0058) and positive (p = 0.0092) correlations with the clinical scores, respectively. Additionally, the contribution of the low and high NDI-based clusters to the whole brain WM significantly correlated with the clinical scores (p = 0.03 and p = 0.00047, respectively). No correlation was found when the clusters were based on the FA maps. Conclusion Advanced diffusion MRI of TSC patients revealed widespread WM alterations. Neurite density showed significant correlations with disease severity and is therefore suggested to reflect an underlying biological process in TSC WM. The quantification of WM alterations by advanced diffusion MRI may be an additional biomarker for TSC and may be advantageous as a complementary MR protocol for the evaluation of TSC patients.
Collapse
|
16
|
Gruber VE, Luinenburg MJ, Colleselli K, Endmayr V, Anink JJ, Zimmer TS, Jansen F, Gosselaar P, Coras R, Scholl T, Blumcke I, Pimentel J, Hainfellner JA, Höftberger R, Rössler K, Feucht M, van Scheppingen J, Aronica E, Mühlebner A. Increased expression of complement components in tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia type 2B brain lesions. Epilepsia 2021; 63:364-374. [PMID: 34904712 PMCID: PMC9299842 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective Increasing evidence supports the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms to the neurological manifestations of epileptogenic developmental pathologies linked to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway dysregulation (mTORopathies), such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern and cellular distribution of the complement factors C1q and C3 in resected cortical tissue of clinically well‐characterized patients with TSC and FCD2B. Methods We applied immunohistochemistry in TSC (n = 29) and FCD2B (n = 32) samples and compared them to autopsy and biopsy controls (n = 27). Furthermore, protein expression was observed via Western blot, and for descriptive colocalization studies immunofluorescence double labeling was performed. Results Protein expression for C3 was significantly upregulated in TSC and FCD2B white and gray matter lesions compared to controls. Staining of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin showed a remarkable increase in the white matter of both TSC and FCD2B. Furthermore, confocal imaging revealed colocalization of complement factors with astroglial, microglial, neuronal, and abnormal cells in various patterns. Significance Our results demonstrate that the prominent activation of the complement pathway represents a common pathological hallmark of TSC and FCD2B, suggesting that complement overactivation may play a role in these mTORopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katrin Colleselli
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasper J Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Till S Zimmer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Floor Jansen
- Department of Child Neurology, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Gosselaar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theresa Scholl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingmar Blumcke
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - José Pimentel
- Department of Neurology, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Johannes A Hainfellner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Rössler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martha Feucht
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jackelien van Scheppingen
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Epilepsy Institutes of the Netherlands Foundation, Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Parlak S, Coban G, Gumeler E, Karakaya J, Soylemezoglu F, Tezer I, Bilginer B, Saygi S, Oguz KK. Reduced myelin in patients with isolated hippocampal sclerosis as assessed by SyMRI. Neuroradiology 2021; 64:99-107. [PMID: 34611716 PMCID: PMC8492040 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Synthetic MRI (SyMRI) enables to quantify brain tissue and morphometry. We aimed to investigate the WM and myelin alterations in patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) with SyMRI. Methods Adult patients with isolated unilateral HS and age-matched control subjects (CSs) were included in this study. The SyMRI sequence QRAPMASTER in the coronal plane perpendicular to the hippocampi was obtained from the whole brain. Automatic segmentation of the whole brain was processed by SyMRI Diagnostic software (Version 11.2). Two neuroradiologists also performed quantitative analyses independently from symmetrical 14 ROIs placed in temporal and extratemporal WM, hippocampi, and amygdalae in both hemispheres. Results Sixteen patients (F/M = 6/10, mean age = 32.5 ± 11.3 years; right/left HS: 8/8) and 10 CSs (F/M = 5/5, mean age = 30.7 ± 7 years) were included. Left HS patients had significantly lower myelin and WM volumes than CSs (p < .05). Myelin was reduced significantly in the ipsilateral temporal lobe of patients than CSs, greater in left HS (p < .05). Histopathological examination including luxol fast blue stain also revealed myelin pallor in all of 6 patients who were operated. Ipsilateral temporal pole and sub-insular WM had significantly reduced myelin than the corresponding contralateral regions in patients (p < .05). No significant difference was found in WM values. GM values were significantly lower in hippocampi in patients than CSs (p < .05). Conclusion SyMRI revealed myelin reduction in the ipsilateral temporal lobe and sub-insular WM of patients with HS. Whether this finding correlates with electrophysiological features and SyMRI could serve as lateralization of temporal lobe epilepsy need to be investigated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00234-021-02824-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safak Parlak
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Gokcen Coban
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ekim Gumeler
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jale Karakaya
- Department of Biostatistics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Soylemezoglu
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Irsel Tezer
- Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcak Bilginer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Saygi
- Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kader K Oguz
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gruber V, Lang J, Endmayr V, Diehm R, Pimpel B, Glatter S, Anink JJ, Bongaarts A, Luinenburg MJ, Reinten RJ, van der Wel N, Larsen P, Hainfellner JA, Rössler K, Aronica E, Scholl T, Mühlebner A, Feucht M. Impaired myelin production due to an intrinsic failure of oligodendrocytes in mTORpathies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:812-825. [PMID: 34173252 PMCID: PMC8518586 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We aim to evaluate if the myelin pathology observed in epilepsy-associated focal cortical dysplasia type 2B (FCD2B) and-histologically indistinguishable-cortical tubers of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is primarily related to the underlying malformation or constitutes a secondary phenomenon due to the toxic microenvironment created by epileptic seizures. We also aim to investigate the possible beneficial effect of the mTOR pathway regulator everolimus on white matter pathology. METHODS Primary mixed glial cell cultures derived from epilepsy surgery specimens of one TSC and seven FCD2B patients were grown on polycaprolactone fibre matrices and analysed using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Unaffected white matter from three age-matched epilepsy patients with mild malformations of cortical development (mMCD) and one with FCD3D served as controls. Additionally, TSC2 knock-out was performed using an oligodendroglial cell line. Myelination capacities of nanofibre grown cells in an inflammatory environment after mTOR-inhibitor treatment with everolimus were further investigated. RESULTS Reduced oligodendroglial turnover, directly related to a lower myelin content was found in the patients' primary cells. In our culture model of myelination dynamics, primary cells grown under 'inflammatory condition' showed decreased myelination, that was repaired by treatment with everolimus. CONCLUSIONS Results obtained in patient-derived primary oligodendroglial and TSC2 knock-out cells suggest that maturation of oligodendroglia and production of a proper myelin sheath seem to be impaired as a result of mTOR pathway disturbance. Hence, oligodendroglial pathology may reflect a more direct effect of the abnormal genetic programme rather than to be an inactive bystander of chronic epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria‐Elisabeth Gruber
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Judith Lang
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Robert Diehm
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Birgit Pimpel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Sarah Glatter
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Jasper J. Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Anika Bongaarts
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mark J. Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Roy J. Reinten
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nicole van der Wel
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Per Larsen
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Johannes A. Hainfellner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Karl Rössler
- Department of NeurosurgeryMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN)HeemstedeThe Netherlands
| | - Theresa Scholl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Martha Feucht
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna – Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCAREViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Synaptic Alterations in a Transgenic Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810058. [PMID: 34576223 PMCID: PMC8466868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810058] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, multi-system genetic disease with serious neurological and mental symptoms, including autism. Mutations in the TSC1/TSC2 genes lead to the overactivation of mTOR signalling, which is also linked to nonsyndromic autism. Our aim was to analyse synaptic pathology in a transgenic model of TSC: two-month-old male B6;129S4-Tsc2tm1Djk/J mice with Tsc2 haploinsufficiency. Significant brain-region-dependent alterations in the expression of several synaptic proteins were identified. The most prominent changes were observed in the immunoreactivity of presynaptic VAMP1/2 (ca. 50% increase) and phospho-synapsin-1 (Ser62/67) (ca. 80% increase). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated serious ultrastructural abnormalities in synapses such as a blurred structure of synaptic density and a significantly increased number of synaptic vesicles. The impairment of synaptic mitochondrial ultrastructure was represented by excessive elongation, swelling, and blurred crista contours. Polyribosomes in the cytoplasm and swollen Golgi apparatus suggest possible impairment of protein metabolism. Moreover, the delamination of myelin and the presence of vacuolar structures in the cell nucleus were observed. We also report that Tsc2+/- mice displayed increased brain weights and sizes. The behavioural analysis demonstrated the impairment of memory function, as established in the novel object recognition test. To summarise, our data indicate serious synaptic impairment in the brains of male Tsc2+/- mice.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zimmer TS, Broekaart DWM, Luinenburg M, Mijnsbergen C, Anink JJ, Sim NS, Michailidou I, Jansen FE, van Rijen PC, Lee JH, François L, van Eyll J, Dedeurwaerdere S, van Vliet EA, Mühlebner A, Mills JD, Aronica E. Balloon cells promote immune system activation in focal cortical dysplasia type 2b. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:826-839. [PMID: 34003514 PMCID: PMC8518746 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is an epileptogenic malformation of the neocortex associated with somatic mutations in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Histopathologically, FCD 2 is subdivided into FCD 2a and FCD 2b, the only discriminator being the presence of balloon cells (BCs) in FCD 2b. While pro‐epileptogenic immune system activation and inflammatory responses are commonly detected in both subtypes, it is unknown what contextual role BCs play. Methods The present study employed RNA sequencing of surgically resected brain tissue from FCD 2a (n = 11) and FCD 2b (n = 20) patients compared to autopsy control (n = 9) focusing on three immune system processes: adaptive immunity, innate immunity and cytokine production. This analysis was followed by immunohistochemistry on a clinically well‐characterised FCD 2 cohort. Results Differential expression analysis revealed stronger expression of components of innate immunity, adaptive immunity and cytokine production in FCD 2b than in FCD 2a, particularly complement activation and antigen presentation. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed these findings, with strong expression of leukocyte antigen I and II in FCD 2b as compared to FCD 2a. Moreover, T‐lymphocyte tissue infiltration was elevated in FCD 2b. Expression of markers of immune system activation in FCD 2b was concentrated in subcortical white matter. Lastly, antigen presentation was strongly correlated with BC load in FCD 2b lesions. Conclusion We conclude that, next to mutation‐driven mTOR activation and seizure activity, BCs are crucial drivers of inflammation in FCD 2b. Our findings indicate that therapies targeting inflammation may be beneficial in FCD 2b.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diede W M Broekaart
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Mijnsbergen
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper J Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nam Suk Sim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Iliana Michailidou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Floor E Jansen
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C van Rijen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Center, Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeong Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,SoVarGen, Inc, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Liesbeth François
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Jonathan van Eyll
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Dedeurwaerdere
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erwin A van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK.,Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nishiyama A, Serwanski DR, Pfeiffer F. Many roles for oligodendrocyte precursor cells in physiology and pathology. Neuropathology 2021; 41:161-173. [PMID: 33913208 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12732] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are a fourth resident glial cell population in the mammalian central nervous system. They are evenly distributed throughout the gray and white matter and continue to proliferate and generate new oligodendrocytes (OLs) throughout life. They were understudied until a few decades ago when immunolabeling for NG2 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha revealed cells that are distinct from mature OLs, astrocytes, neurons, and microglia. In this review, we provide a summary of the known properties of OPCs with some historical background, followed by highlights from recent studies that suggest new roles for OPCs in certain pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Nishiyama
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,The Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - David R Serwanski
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Friederike Pfeiffer
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de Curtis M, Garbelli R, Uva L. A hypothesis for the role of axon demyelination in seizure generation. Epilepsia 2021; 62:583-595. [PMID: 33493363 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Loss of myelin and altered oligodendrocyte distribution in the cerebral cortex are commonly observed both in postsurgical tissue derived from different focal epilepsies (such as focal cortical dysplasias and tuberous sclerosis) and in animal models of focal epilepsy. Moreover, seizures are a frequent symptom in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and in animal models of demyelination and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. Finally, the excessive activity reported in demyelinated axons may promote hyperexcitability. We hypothesize that the extracellular potassium rise generated during epileptiform activity may be amplified by the presence of axons without appropriate myelin coating and by alterations in oligodendrocyte function. This process could facilitate the triggering of recurrent spontaneous seizures in areas of altered myelination and could result in further demyelination, thus promoting epileptogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Garbelli
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Uva
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|