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Sambri I, Ferniani M, Ballabio A. Ragopathies and the rising influence of RagGTPases on human diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5812. [PMID: 38987251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RagGTPases (Rags) play an essential role in the regulation of cell metabolism by controlling the activities of both mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and Transcription factor EB (TFEB). Several diseases, herein named ragopathies, are associated to Rags dysfunction. These diseases may be caused by mutations either in genes encoding the Rags, or in their upstream regulators. The resulting phenotypes may encompass a variety of clinical features such as cataract, kidney tubulopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and several types of cancer. In this review, we focus on the key clinical, molecular and physio-pathological features of ragopathies, aiming to shed light on their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sambri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (GEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Ferniani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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2
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Heuvelmans AM, Proietti Onori M, Frega M, de Hoogen JD, Nel E, Elgersma Y, van Woerden GM. Modeling mTORopathy-related epilepsy in cultured murine hippocampal neurons using the multi-electrode array. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114874. [PMID: 38914275 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is a ubiquitous cellular pathway. mTORopathies, a group of disorders characterized by hyperactivity of the mTORC1 pathway, illustrate the prominent role of the mTOR pathway in disease pathology, often profoundly affecting the central nervous system. One of the most debilitating symptoms of mTORopathies is drug-resistant epilepsy, emphasizing the urgent need for a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms to develop novel anti-epileptic drugs. In this study, we explored the multiwell Multi-electrode array (MEA) system as a tool to identify robust network activity parameters in an approach to model mTORopathy-related epilepsy in vitro. To this extent, we cultured mouse primary hippocampal neurons on the multiwell MEA to identify robust network activity phenotypes in mTORC1-hyperactive neuronal networks. mTOR-hyperactivity was induced either through deletion of Tsc1 or overexpression of a constitutively active RHEB variant identified in patients, RHEBp.P37L. mTORC1 dependency of the phenotypes was assessed using rapamycin, and vigabatrin was applied to treat epilepsy-like phenotypes. We show that hyperactivity of the mTORC1 pathway leads to aberrant network activity. In both the Tsc1-KO and RHEB-p.P37L models, we identified changes in network synchronicity, rhythmicity, and burst characteristics. The presence of these phenotypes is prevented upon early treatment with the mTORC1-inhibitor rapamycin. Application of rapamycin in mature neuronal cultures could only partially rescue the network activity phenotypes. Additionally, treatment with the anti-epileptic drug vigabatrin reduced network activity and restored burst characteristics. Taken together, we showed that mTORC1-hyperactive neuronal cultures on the multiwell MEA system present reliable network activity phenotypes that can be used as an assay to explore the potency of new drug treatments targeting epilepsy in mTORopathy patients and may give more insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying epilepsy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M Heuvelmans
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands.
| | - Martina Proietti Onori
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey D de Hoogen
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline Nel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Geeske M van Woerden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 CN, the Netherlands.
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3
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Lee HY, Lin CH, Wang XA, Tsai JD. Neuropsychiatric comorbidities in tuberous sclerosis complex patients with epilepsy: results of the TAND checklist survey. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:973-979. [PMID: 38523222 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-024-02510-3] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In addition to epilepsy, individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) experience a wide range of behavioral, psychiatric, intellectual, academic, and psychosocial problems. They usually exert a large psychological burden on individuals with these illnesses. METHODS This cross-sectional study used TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) checklist interviews conducted at a single medical center. The enrollment of all subjects was > 6 years, and the comorbidities of neurodevelopmental disorders were assessed by clinical psychologists before enrollment. To assess the spectrum of TAND, the TAND checklist was applied as stated in the protocol, and the responses to the TAND checklist were evaluated by clinical psychologists. RESULTS In the behavioral concerns of patients with TSC without epilepsy, those with epilepsy had excessive shyness, language delay, lack of eye contact, rigid behavior, inattentiveness, and restlessness. In psychiatric disorders, autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are significantly correlated with epilepsy history. Diminished academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics skills, are significantly associated with epilepsy history. For intellectual ability, TSC patients without epilepsy is associated normal intelligence level. Among neuropsychological skills, deficits in attention, dual tasking/multi-tasking, visuospatial tasking, and executive skills are significantly associated with epilepsy history. CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy in patients with TSC contributes to comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition to epilepsy evaluation, it is crucial to evaluate the heterogeneous spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders using a standard checklist during the annual clinical follow-up of patients with TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hom-Yi Lee
- Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Room of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Lin
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Paediatrics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Xing-An Wang
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Paediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Dau Tsai
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Paediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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4
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Fila M, Przyslo L, Derwich M, Pawlowska E, Blasiak J. Potential of focal cortical dysplasia in migraine pathogenesis. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae158. [PMID: 38615241 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae158] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasias are abnormalities of the cerebral cortex associated with an elevated risk of neurological disturbances. Cortical spreading depolarization/depression is a correlate of migraine aura/headache and a trigger of migraine pain mechanisms. However, cortical spreading depolarization/depression is associated with cortical structural changes, which can be classified as transient focal cortical dysplasias. Migraine is reported to be associated with changes in various brain structures, including malformations and lesions in the cortex. Such malformations may be related to focal cortical dysplasias, which may play a role in migraine pathogenesis. Results obtained so far suggest that focal cortical dysplasias may belong to the causes and consequences of migraine. Certain focal cortical dysplasias may lower the threshold of cortical excitability and facilitate the action of migraine triggers. Migraine prevalence in epileptic patients is higher than in the general population, and focal cortical dysplasias are an established element of epilepsy pathogenesis. In this narrative/hypothesis review, we present mainly information on cortical structural changes in migraine, but studies on structural alterations in deep white matter and other brain regions are also presented. We develop the hypothesis that focal cortical dysplasias may be causally associated with migraine and link pathogeneses of migraine and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Łódzkie, Poland
| | - Lukasz Przyslo
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Łódzkie, Poland
| | - Marcin Derwich
- Department of Developmental Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 90-647 Lodz, Łódzkie, Poland
| | - Ezbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Developmental Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 90-647 Lodz, Łódzkie, Poland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Mazovian Academy in Plock, Plac Generała Dabrowskiego 2, 09-420 Plock, Mazowieckie, Poland
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Man A, Di Scipio M, Grewal S, Suk Y, Trinari E, Ejaz R, Whitney R. The Genetics of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Related mTORopathies: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:332. [PMID: 38540392 PMCID: PMC10970281 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030332] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway serves as a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Upregulation of the mTOR pathway has been shown to cause malformations of cortical development, medically refractory epilepsies, and neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively described as mTORopathies. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) serves as the prototypical mTORopathy. Characterized by the development of benign tumors in multiple organs, pathogenic variants in TSC1 or TSC2 disrupt the TSC protein complex, a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway. Variants in critical domains of the TSC complex, especially in the catalytic TSC2 subunit, correlate with increased disease severity. Variants in less crucial exons and non-coding regions, as well as those undetectable with conventional testing, may lead to milder phenotypes. Despite the assumption of complete penetrance, expressivity varies within families, and certain variants delay disease onset with milder neurological effects. Understanding these genotype-phenotype correlations is crucial for effective clinical management. Notably, 15% of patients have no mutation identified by conventional genetic testing, with the majority of cases postulated to be caused by somatic TSC1/TSC2 variants which present complex diagnostic challenges. Advancements in genetic testing, prenatal screening, and precision medicine hold promise for changing the diagnostic and treatment paradigm for TSC and related mTORopathies. Herein, we explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of TSC and other mTORopathies, emphasizing contemporary genetic methods in understanding and diagnosing the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Man
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Matteo Di Scipio
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shan Grewal
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Yujin Suk
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elisabetta Trinari
- Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Resham Ejaz
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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6
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Ivanova I, Shen K. Structures and Functions of the Human GATOR1 Complex. Subcell Biochem 2024; 104:269-294. [PMID: 38963491 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58843-3_12] [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: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells coordinate available nutrients with their growth through the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, in which numerous evolutionarily conserved protein complexes survey and transmit nutrient inputs toward mTORC1. mTORC1 integrates these inputs and activates downstream anabolic or catabolic programs that are in tune with cellular needs, effectively maintaining metabolic homeostasis. The GAP activity toward Rags-1 (GATOR1) protein complex is a critical negative regulator of the mTORC1 pathway and, in the absence of amino acid inputs, is activated to turn off mTORC1 signaling. GATOR1-mediated inhibition of mTORC1 signaling is tightly regulated by an ensemble of protein complexes that antagonize or promote its activity in response to the cellular nutrient environment. Structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies of the GATOR1 complex and its interactors have advanced our understanding of how it regulates cellular metabolism when amino acids are limited. Here, we review the current research with a focus on GATOR1 structure, its enzymatic mechanism, and the growing group of proteins that regulate its activity. Finally, we discuss the implication of GATOR1 dysregulation in physiology and human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilina Ivanova
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kuang Shen
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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7
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Riley VA, Shankar V, Holmberg JC, Sokolov AM, Neckles VN, Williams K, Lyman R, Mackay TF, Feliciano DM. Tsc2 coordinates neuroprogenitor differentiation. iScience 2023; 26:108442. [PMID: 38107199 PMCID: PMC10724693 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) of the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) generate numerous cell types. The uncoupling of mRNA transcript availability and translation occurs during the progression from stem to differentiated states. The mTORC1 kinase pathway acutely controls proteins that regulate mRNA translation. Inhibiting mTORC1 during differentiation is hypothesized to be critical for brain development since somatic mutations of mTORC1 regulators perturb brain architecture. Inactivating mutations of TSC1 or TSC2 genes cause tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC patients have growths near the striatum and ventricles. Here, it is demonstrated that V-SVZ NSC Tsc2 inactivation causes striatal hamartomas. Tsc2 removal altered translation factors, translatomes, and translational efficiency. Single nuclei RNA sequencing following in vivo loss of Tsc2 revealed changes in NSC activation states. The inability to decouple mRNA transcript availability and translation delayed differentiation leading to the retention of immature phenotypes in hamartomas. Taken together, Tsc2 is required for translational repression and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A. Riley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Vijay Shankar
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | | | - Aidan M. Sokolov
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | | | - Kaitlyn Williams
- Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (CUGBF), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Rachel Lyman
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Trudy F.C. Mackay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - David M. Feliciano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
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8
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Levitin MO, Rawlins LE, Sanchez-Andrade G, Arshad OA, Collins SC, Sawiak SJ, Iffland PH, Andersson MHL, Bupp C, Cambridge EL, Coomber EL, Ellis I, Herkert JC, Ironfield H, Jory L, Kretz PF, Kant SG, Neaverson A, Nibbeling E, Rowley C, Relton E, Sanderson M, Scott EM, Stewart H, Shuen AY, Schreiber J, Tuck L, Tonks J, Terkelsen T, van Ravenswaaij-Arts C, Vasudevan P, Wenger O, Wright M, Day A, Hunter A, Patel M, Lelliott CJ, Crino PB, Yalcin B, Crosby AH, Baple EL, Logan DW, Hurles ME, Gerety SS. Models of KPTN-related disorder implicate mTOR signalling in cognitive and overgrowth phenotypes. Brain 2023; 146:4766-4783. [PMID: 37437211 PMCID: PMC10629792 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
KPTN-related disorder is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with germline variants in KPTN (previously known as kaptin), a component of the mTOR regulatory complex KICSTOR. To gain further insights into the pathogenesis of KPTN-related disorder, we analysed mouse knockout and human stem cell KPTN loss-of-function models. Kptn -/- mice display many of the key KPTN-related disorder phenotypes, including brain overgrowth, behavioural abnormalities, and cognitive deficits. By assessment of affected individuals, we have identified widespread cognitive deficits (n = 6) and postnatal onset of brain overgrowth (n = 19). By analysing head size data from their parents (n = 24), we have identified a previously unrecognized KPTN dosage-sensitivity, resulting in increased head circumference in heterozygous carriers of pathogenic KPTN variants. Molecular and structural analysis of Kptn-/- mice revealed pathological changes, including differences in brain size, shape and cell numbers primarily due to abnormal postnatal brain development. Both the mouse and differentiated induced pluripotent stem cell models of the disorder display transcriptional and biochemical evidence for altered mTOR pathway signalling, supporting the role of KPTN in regulating mTORC1. By treatment in our KPTN mouse model, we found that the increased mTOR signalling downstream of KPTN is rapamycin sensitive, highlighting possible therapeutic avenues with currently available mTOR inhibitors. These findings place KPTN-related disorder in the broader group of mTORC1-related disorders affecting brain structure, cognitive function and network integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Levitin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Evox Therapeutics Limited, Oxford OX4 4HG, UK
| | - Lettie E Rawlins
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX1 2ED, UK
| | | | - Osama A Arshad
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Stephan C Collins
- INSERM Unit 1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon 21078, France
| | - Stephen J Sawiak
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Phillip H Iffland
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Malin H L Andersson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Caleb Bupp
- Spectrum Health, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Emma L Cambridge
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Eve L Coomber
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ian Ellis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L14 5AB, UK
| | - Johanna C Herkert
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Holly Ironfield
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Logan Jory
- Haven Clinical Psychology Practice Ltd, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9HP, UK
| | | | - Sarina G Kant
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Neaverson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Esther Nibbeling
- Laboratory for Diagnostic Genome Analysis, Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Rowley
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Emily Relton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Mark Sanderson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ethan M Scott
- New Leaf Center, Clinic for Special Children, Mount Eaton, OH 44659, USA
| | - Helen Stewart
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7HE, UK
| | - Andrew Y Shuen
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - John Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - Liz Tuck
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - James Tonks
- Haven Clinical Psychology Practice Ltd, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9HP, UK
| | - Thorkild Terkelsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Conny van Ravenswaaij-Arts
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Pradeep Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Olivia Wenger
- New Leaf Center, Clinic for Special Children, Mount Eaton, OH 44659, USA
| | - Michael Wright
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew Day
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Qkine Ltd., Cambridge CB5 8HW, UK
| | - Adam Hunter
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Minal Patel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Christopher J Lelliott
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- INSERM Unit 1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon 21078, France
| | - Andrew H Crosby
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Emma L Baple
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Medical Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX1 2ED, UK
| | - Darren W Logan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Matthew E Hurles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sebastian S Gerety
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
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9
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Abdolrahmani M, Mirazi N, Hosseini A. Effect of Duvelisib, a Selective PI3K Inhibitor on Seizure Activity in Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Convulsions Animal Model. Neurosci Insights 2023; 18:26331055231198013. [PMID: 37720697 PMCID: PMC10503276 DOI: 10.1177/26331055231198013] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, which is caused by abnormal brain activity. A wide variety of studies have shown the importance of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in epilepsy pathogenesis. Duvelisib (DUV) is a selective inhibitor of PI3K. The present study investigated the anticonvulsant potential of DUV in a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g, 8 weeks old) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with DUV at different doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, or vehicle 30 minutes prior to PTZ (70 mg/kg, IP) treatment. Based on Racine's scale, behavioral seizures were assessed. The results showed that pretreatment with DUV prolonged the seizure stages according to the Racine scale, significantly decreased the duration of general tonic-clonic seizure and reduced the number of myoclonic jerks (P < .05). In conclusion, we found that PI3K antagonist DUV significantly reduced PTZ-induced seizures, indicating that DUV exerts an anticonvulsant effect by inhibiting PI3K signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Abdolrahmani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Naser Mirazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Abdolkarim Hosseini
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Nguyen LH, Sharma M, Bordey A. 4E-BP1 expression in embryonic postmitotic neurons mitigates mTORC1-induced cortical malformations and behavioral seizure severity but does not prevent epilepsy in mice. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1257056. [PMID: 37680968 PMCID: PMC10480503 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1257056] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway during neurodevelopment leads to focal cortical malformations associated with intractable seizures. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulated cap-dependent translation downstream of mTORC1 contributes to cytoarchitectural abnormalities and seizure activity. Here, we examined whether reducing cap-dependent translation by expressing a constitutively active form of the translational repressor, 4E-BP1, downstream of mTORC1 would prevent the development of cortical malformations and seizures. 4E-BP1CA was expressed embryonically either in radial glia (neural progenitor cells) that generate cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons or in migrating neurons destined to layer 2/3 using a conditional expression system. In both conditions, 4E-BP1CA expression reduced mTORC1-induced neuronal hypertrophy and alleviated cortical mislamination, but a subset of ectopic neurons persisted in the deep layers and the white matter. Despite the above improvements, 4E-BP1CA expression in radial glia had no effects on seizure frequency and further exacerbated behavioral seizure severity associated with mTORC1 hyperactivation. In contrast, conditional 4E-BP1CA expression in migratory neurons mitigated the severity of behavioral seizures but the seizure frequency remained unchanged. These findings advise against targeting 4E-BPs by 4E-BP1CA expression during embryonic development for seizure prevention and suggest the presence of a development-dependent role for 4E-BPs in mTORC1-induced epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Manas Sharma
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Angelique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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11
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Zhao W, Xie C, Zhang X, Liu J, Liu J, Xia Z. Advances in the mTOR signaling pathway and its inhibitor rapamycin in epilepsy. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2995. [PMID: 37221133 PMCID: PMC10275542 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is one of the most common and serious brain syndromes and has adverse consequences on a patient's neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social wellbeing, thereby threatening their quality of life. Some patients with epilepsy experience poor treatment effects due to the unclear pathophysiological mechanisms of the syndrome. Dysregulation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is thought to play an important role in the onset and progression of some epilepsies. METHODS This review summarizes the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and the prospects for the use of mTOR inhibitors. RESULTS The mTOR pathway functions as a vital mediator in epilepsy development through diverse mechanisms, indicating that the it has great potential as an effective target for epilepsy therapy. The excessive activation of mTOR signaling pathway leads to structural changes in neurons, inhibits autophagy, exacerbates neuron damage, affects mossy fiber sprouting, enhances neuronal excitability, increases neuroinflammation, and is closely associated with tau upregulation in epilepsy. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that mTOR inhibitors exhibit significant antiepileptic effects in both clinical applications and animal models. Specifically, rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of TOR, reduces the intensity and frequency of seizures. Clinical studies in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex have shown that rapamycin has the function of reducing seizures and improving this disease. Everolimus, a chemically modified derivative of rapamycin, has been approved as an added treatment to other antiepileptic medicines. Further explorations are needed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and application value of mTOR inhibitors in epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the mTOR signaling pathway provides a promising prospect for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Cong Xie
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular MedicineMedical Research CenterShandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jinzhi Liu
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
- Department of NeurologyLiaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical UniversityLiaochengChina
- Department of GerontologyCheeloo College of MedicineShandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Geriatric NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of NeurologyLiaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical UniversityLiaochengChina
- Department of NeurologyCheeloo College of MedicineLiaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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Auvin S, Baulac S. mTOR-therapy and targeted treatment opportunities in mTOR-related epilepsies associated with cortical malformations. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:337-344. [PMID: 36906459 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.12.007] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is now well documented in several neurodevelopmental disorders associated with epilepsy. Mutations of mTOR pathway genes are involved in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) as well as in a range of cortical malformations from hemimegalencephaly (HME) to type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD II), leading to the concept of "mTORopathies" (mTOR pathway-related malformations). This suggests that mTOR inhibitors (notably rapamycin (sirolimus), and everolimus) could be used as antiseizure medication. In this review, we provide an overview of pharmacological treatments targeting the mTOR pathway for epilepsy based on lectures from the ILAE French Chapter meeting in October 2022 in Grenoble. There is strong preclinical evidence for the antiseizure effects of mTOR inhibitors in TSC and cortical malformation mouse models. There are also open studies on the antiseizure effects of mTOR inhibitors, as well as one phase III study showing the antiseizure effect of everolimus in TSC patients. Finally, we discuss to which extent mTOR inhibitors might have properties beyond the antiseizure effect on associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. We also discuss a new way of treatment on the mTOR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Auvin
- Service de neurologie pédiatrique, EpiCARE ERN membre, Hôpital Robert Debré, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Paris-Cité, Inserm NeuroDiderot, Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
| | - S Baulac
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
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14
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Mohammadi E, Nikbakht F, Vazifekhah S, Babae JF, Jogataei MT. Evaluation the cognition-improvement effects of N-acetyl cysteine in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy in rat. Behav Brain Res 2023; 440:114263. [PMID: 36563904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114263] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Memory impairment is a critical issue in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Neuronal loss within the hippocampus and recurrent seizures may cause cognitive impairment in TLE. N -acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine that is currently being investigated due to its protective effects on neurodegenerative disorders. NAC was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 8 days (7-day pretreatment and 1-day post-surgery). Neuronal viability, mTOR protein level, and spatial memory were detected in the kainite temporal epilepsy model via Nissl staining, western blot method, and Morris water maze task, respectively. Results showed that NAC delayed seizure activity and ameliorated memory deficit induced by Kainic acid. Histological analysis showed that NAC significantly increased the number of intact neurons in CA3 and hilar areas of the hippocampus following the induction of epilepsy. NAC also modulated the mTOR protein level 5 days after epilepsy compared to the KA-induced group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NAC improved memory impairment via anticonvulsant and neuroprotective activity and, in all probability, by lowering the level of mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekram Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Farnaz Nikbakht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran.
| | - Somayeh Vazifekhah
- Department of Basic Sciences, Sari Branch. Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Javad Fahanik Babae
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Taghi Jogataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center and Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
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15
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Transition from Animal-Based to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)-Based Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040538. [PMID: 36831205 PMCID: PMC9954744 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arise from the disruption of highly coordinated mechanisms underlying brain development, which results in impaired sensory, motor and/or cognitive functions. Although rodent models have offered very relevant insights to the field, the translation of findings to clinics, particularly regarding therapeutic approaches for these diseases, remains challenging. Part of the explanation for this failure may be the genetic differences-some targets not being conserved between species-and, most importantly, the differences in regulation of gene expression. This prompts the use of human-derived models to study NDDS. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) added a new suitable alternative to overcome species limitations, allowing for the study of human neuronal development while maintaining the genetic background of the donor patient. Several hIPSC models of NDDs already proved their worth by mimicking several pathological phenotypes found in humans. In this review, we highlight the utility of hIPSCs to pave new paths for NDD research and development of new therapeutic tools, summarize the challenges and advances of hIPSC-culture and neuronal differentiation protocols and discuss the best way to take advantage of these models, illustrating this with examples of success for some NDDs.
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16
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Fang X, Jiang H, Zhang X, Zhang L. Editorial: mTOR pathway malfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1131002. [PMID: 36733825 PMCID: PMC9887305 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1131002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinqi Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States,*Correspondence: Longbo Zhang ✉
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17
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Xie M, Wang X, Duan Z, Luan G. Low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors: Tumor spectrum and diagnosis based on genetic alterations. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1071314. [PMID: 36699536 PMCID: PMC9868944 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1071314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors can always result in seizures when involving the cortical neurons or their circuits, and they were found to be one of the most common etiologies of intractable focal seizures. The low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors (LEAT), as a special group of brain tumors associated with seizures, share common clinicopathological features, such as seizure onsets at a young age, a predilection for involving the temporal lobe, and an almost benign course, including a rather slow growth pattern and thus a long-term history of seizures. Ganglioglioma (GG) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) are the typical representatives of LEATs. Surgical treatments with complete resection of tumors and related epileptogenic zones are deemed the optimal way to achieve postoperative seizure control and lifetime recurrence-free survival in patients with LEATs. Although the term LEAT was originally introduced in 2003, debates on the tumor spectrum and the diagnosis or classification of LEAT entities are still confusing among epileptologists and neuropathologists. In this review, we would further discuss these questions, especially based on the updated classification of central nervous system tumors in the WHO fifth edition and the latest molecular genetic findings of tumor entities in LEAT entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingguo Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiongfei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zejun Duan
- Department of Pathology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoming Luan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Guoming Luan,
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18
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Erro R, Magrinelli F, Bhatia KP. Paroxysmal movement disorders: Paroxysmal dyskinesia and episodic ataxia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:347-365. [PMID: 37620078 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Paroxysmal movement disorders have traditionally been classified into paroxysmal dyskinesia (PxD), which consists in attacks of involuntary movements (mainly dystonia and/or chorea) without loss of consciousness, and episodic ataxia (EA), which features spells of cerebellar dysfunction with or without interictal neurological manifestations. In this chapter, PxD will be discussed first according to the trigger-based classification, thus reviewing clinical, genetic, and molecular features of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia, and paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia. EA will be presented thereafter according to their designated gene or genetic locus. Clinicogenetic similarities among paroxysmal movement disorders have progressively emerged, which are herein highlighted along with growing evidence that their pathomechanisms overlap those of epilepsy and migraine. Advances in our comprehension of the biological pathways underlying paroxysmal movement disorders, which involve ion channels as well as proteins associated with the vesical synaptic cycle or implicated in neuronal energy metabolism, may represent the cornerstone for defining a shared pathophysiologic framework and developing target-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Erro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Magrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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19
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Kong X, Shu X, Wang J, Liu D, Ni Y, Zhao W, Wang L, Gao Z, Chen J, Yang B, Guo X, Wang Z. Fine-tuning of mTOR signaling by the UBE4B-KLHL22 E3 ubiquitin ligase cascade in brain development. Development 2022; 149:286123. [PMID: 36440598 PMCID: PMC9845739 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is pivotal for establishment of brain architecture. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is associated with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we demonstrate that the UBE4B-KLHL22 E3 ubiquitin ligase cascade regulates mTOR activity in neurodevelopment. In a mouse model with UBE4B conditionally deleted in the nervous system, animals display severe growth defects, spontaneous seizures and premature death. Loss of UBE4B in the brains of mutant mice results in depletion of neural precursor cells and impairment of neurogenesis. Mechanistically, UBE4B polyubiquitylates and degrades KLHL22, an E3 ligase previously shown to degrade the GATOR1 component DEPDC5. Deletion of UBE4B causes upregulation of KLHL22 and hyperactivation of mTOR, leading to defective proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells. Suppression of KLHL22 expression reverses the elevated activity of mTOR caused by acute local deletion of UBE4B. Prenatal treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rescues neurogenesis defects in Ube4b mutant mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that UBE4B and KLHL22 are essential for maintenance and differentiation of the precursor pool through fine-tuning of mTOR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxing Kong
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Shu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jiachuan Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China,Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Dandan Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yingchun Ni
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiqi Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lebo Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhihua Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China,Authors for correspondence (; ; )
| | - Xing Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China,Authors for correspondence (; ; )
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,Authors for correspondence (; ; )
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20
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Focal cortical dysplasia as a cause of epilepsy: The current evidence of associated genes and future therapeutic treatments. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2022.101635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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21
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Iffland PH, Everett ME, Cobb-Pitstick KM, Bowser LE, Barnes AE, Babus JK, Romanowski AJ, Baybis M, Elziny S, Puffenberger EG, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Poulopoulos A, Carson VJ, Crino PB. NPRL3 loss alters neuronal morphology, mTOR localization, cortical lamination and seizure threshold. Brain 2022; 145:3872-3885. [PMID: 35136953 PMCID: PMC10200289 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3), a component of the GATOR1 complex within the mTOR pathway, are associated with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Little is known about the effects of NPRL3 loss on neuronal mTOR signalling and morphology, or cerebral cortical development and seizure susceptibility. We report the clinical phenotypic spectrum of a founder NPRL3 pedigree (c.349delG, p.Glu117LysFS; n = 133) among Old Order Mennonites dating to 1727. Next, as a strategy to define the role of NPRL3 in cortical development, CRISPR/Cas9 Nprl3 knockout in Neuro2a cells in vitro and in foetal mouse brain in vivo was used to assess the effects of Nprl3 knockout on mTOR activation, subcellular mTOR localization, nutrient signalling, cell morphology and aggregation, cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture and network integrity. The NPRL3 pedigree exhibited an epilepsy penetrance of 28% and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes with a range of epilepsy semiologies, i.e. focal or generalized onset, brain imaging abnormalities, i.e. polymicrogyria, focal cortical dysplasia or normal imaging, and EEG findings, e.g. focal, multi-focal or generalized spikes, focal or generalized slowing. Whole exome analysis comparing a seizure-free group (n = 37) to those with epilepsy (n = 24) to search for gene modifiers for epilepsy did not identify a unique genetic modifier that explained the variability in seizure penetrance in this cohort. Nprl3 knockout in vitro caused mTOR pathway hyperactivation, cell soma enlargement and the formation of cellular aggregates seen in time-lapse videos that were prevented with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin or torin1. In Nprl3 knockout cells, mTOR remained localized on the lysosome in a constitutively active conformation, as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and 4E-BP1 proteins, even under nutrient starvation (amino acid-free) conditions, demonstrating that Nprl3 loss decouples mTOR activation from neuronal metabolic state. To model human malformations of cortical development associated with NPRL3 variants, we created a focal Nprl3 knockout in foetal mouse cortex by in utero electroporation and found altered cortical lamination and white matter heterotopic neurons, effects which were prevented with rapamycin treatment. EEG recordings showed network hyperexcitability and reduced seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol treatment. NPRL3 variants are linked to a highly variable clinical phenotype which we propose results from mTOR-dependent effects on cell structure, cortical development and network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Iffland
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | | | - Allan E Barnes
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Janice K Babus
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Andrea J Romanowski
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marianna Baybis
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Soad Elziny
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Peter B Crino
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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22
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Chen Y, Zhu J, Zhang D, Han L, Wang J, Yang W. Refractory psychiatric symptoms and seizure associated with Dandy-Walker syndrome: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31421. [PMID: 36401431 PMCID: PMC9678574 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a group of brain malformations which occasionally accompanied by psychotic symptoms. The co-occurrence of DWS and epilepsy in children is quite rare. CASE DESCRIPTION We reported a 14-year-old male who presented with a 8-month history of inconsistent upper limb tremor and accidental seizure. The MRI showed the typical alterations of DWS: cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, vermian hypoplasia, enlarged posterior fossa. He received the ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) placement for hydrocephalus and had a symptom-free period for 8 days. Then he experienced a recurrence of involuntary upper limb tremor and behavior disturbance after decreasing the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 150 to 130 mm Hg. After being treated with Olanzapine 10 mg/d, Clonazepam 3 mg/qn and Valproate acid (VPA) 500 mg/bid for nearly a month, his mental status and psychotic symptoms fluctuated. A search of Pub Med showed little report of hydrocephalus and DWS comorbidity with seizure and psychosis. Here we presented the whole process of a rare disease from the very beginning with all his symptoms, examinations and treatments. CONCLUSION VPS placement surgery at an earlier stage may be an effective way to avoid inevitable brain damage so as to improve the clinical outcomes for patients with DWS. Continued treatment with regard to DWS condition may include shunt placement, but it mainly focus on developmental concerns, with occupational and physical therapy along with ongoing supportive psychotherapy to improve the coping skills and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Chen
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Junhong Zhu
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
- * Correspondence: Di Zhang, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan 430012, China (e-mail: )
| | - Li Han
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
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23
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Rodent Models of Audiogenic Epilepsy: Genetic Aspects, Advantages, Current Problems and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112934. [PMID: 36428502 PMCID: PMC9687921 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of epilepsy are of great importance in epileptology. They are used to study the mechanisms of epileptogenesis, and search for new genes and regulatory pathways involved in the development of epilepsy as well as screening new antiepileptic drugs. Today, many methods of modeling epilepsy in animals are used, including electroconvulsive, pharmacological in intact animals, and genetic, with the predisposition for spontaneous or refractory epileptic seizures. Due to the simplicity of manipulation and universality, genetic models of audiogenic epilepsy in rodents stand out among this diversity. We tried to combine data on the genetics of audiogenic epilepsy in rodents, the relevance of various models of audiogenic epilepsy to certain epileptic syndromes in humans, and the advantages of using of rodent strains predisposed to audiogenic epilepsy in current epileptology.
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24
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Nakhal MM, Aburuz S, Sadek B, Akour A. Repurposing SGLT2 Inhibitors for Neurological Disorders: A Focus on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2022; 27:7174. [PMID: 36364000 PMCID: PMC9653623 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a substantially increasing incidence rate. It is characterized by repetitive behavior, learning difficulties, deficits in social communication, and interactions. Numerous medications, dietary supplements, and behavioral treatments have been recommended for the management of this condition, however, there is no cure yet. Recent studies have examined the therapeutic potential of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in neurodevelopmental diseases, based on their proved anti-inflammatory effects, such as downregulating the expression of several proteins, including the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1). Furthermore, numerous previous studies revealed the potential of the SGLT2 inhibitors to provide antioxidant effects, due to their ability to reduce the generation of free radicals and upregulating the antioxidant systems, such as glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB). These properties have led to significant improvements in the neurologic outcomes of multiple experimental disease models, including cerebral oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus and ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and epilepsy. Such diseases have mutual biomarkers with ASD, which potentially could be a link to fill the gap of the literature studying the potential of repurposing the SGLT2 inhibitors' use in ameliorating the symptoms of ASD. This review will look at the impact of the SGLT2 inhibitors on neurodevelopmental disorders on the various models, including humans, rats, and mice, with a focus on the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin. Furthermore, this review will discuss how SGLT2 inhibitors regulate the ASD biomarkers, based on the clinical evidence supporting their functions as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Moutaz Nakhal
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salahdein Aburuz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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25
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Hyder Pottoo F, Salahuddin M, Khan FA, Albaqshi BT, Gomaa MS, Abdulla FS, AlHajri N, Alomary MN. Trio-Drug Combination of Sodium Valproate, Baclofen and Thymoquinone Exhibits Synergistic Anticonvulsant Effects in Rats and Neuro-Protective Effects in HEK-293 Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4350-4366. [PMID: 36286014 PMCID: PMC9601194 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder, with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) providing relief from hyper-excitability of neurons, but largely failing to restrain neurodegeneration. We investigated a progressive preclinical trial in rats, whereby the test drugs; sodium valproate (SVP; 150 and 300 mg/kg), baclofen (BFN; 5 and 10 mg/kg), and thymoquinone (THQ; 40 and 80 mg/kg) were administered (i.p, once/day for 15 days) alone, and as low dose combinations, and subsequently tested for antiseizure and neuroprotective potential using electrical stimulation of neurons by Maximal electroshock (MES). The seizure stages were monitored, and hippocampal levels of m-TOR, IL-1β, IL-6 were measured. Hippocampal histopathology was also performed. Invitro and Insilco studies were run to counter-confirm the results from rodent studies. We report the synergistic effect of trio-drug combination; SVP (150 mg/kg), BFN (5 mg/kg) and THQ (40 mg/kg) against generalized seizures. The Insilco results revealed that trio-drug combination binds the Akt active site as a supramolecular complex, which could have served as a delivery system that affects the penetration and the binding to the new target. The potential energy of the ternary complex in the Akt active site after dynamics simulation was found to be -370.426 Kcal/mol, while the supramolecular ternary complex alone was -38.732 Kcal/mol, with a potential energy difference of -331.694 Kcal/mol, which favors the supramolecular ternary complex at Akt active site binding. In addition, the said combination increased cell viability by 267% and reduced morphological changes induced by Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in HEK-293 cells, which indicates the neuroprotective property of said combination. To conclude, we are the first to report the anti-convulsant and neuroprotective potential of the trio-drug combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Salahuddin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdos Alam Khan
- Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Batool Taleb Albaqshi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. Gomaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima S. Abdulla
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noora AlHajri
- Department of Medicine, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad N. Alomary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, Kind Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Lai D, Gade M, Yang E, Koh HY, Lu J, Walley NM, Buckley AF, Sands TT, Akman CI, Mikati MA, McKhann GM, Goldman JE, Canoll P, Alexander AL, Park KL, Von Allmen GK, Rodziyevska O, Bhattacharjee MB, Lidov HGW, Vogel H, Grant GA, Porter BE, Poduri AH, Crino PB, Heinzen EL. Somatic variants in diverse genes leads to a spectrum of focal cortical malformations. Brain 2022; 145:2704-2720. [PMID: 35441233 PMCID: PMC9612793 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-zygotically acquired genetic variants, or somatic variants, that arise during cortical development have emerged as important causes of focal epilepsies, particularly those due to malformations of cortical development. Pathogenic somatic variants have been identified in many genes within the PI3K-AKT-mTOR-signalling pathway in individuals with hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia (type II), and more recently in SLC35A2 in individuals with focal cortical dysplasia (type I) or non-dysplastic epileptic cortex. Given the expanding role of somatic variants across different brain malformations, we sought to delineate the landscape of somatic variants in a large cohort of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery with hemimegalencephaly or focal cortical dysplasia. We evaluated samples from 123 children with hemimegalencephaly (n = 16), focal cortical dysplasia type I and related phenotypes (n = 48), focal cortical dysplasia type II (n = 44), or focal cortical dysplasia type III (n = 15). We performed high-depth exome sequencing in brain tissue-derived DNA from each case and identified somatic single nucleotide, indel and large copy number variants. In 75% of individuals with hemimegalencephaly and 29% with focal cortical dysplasia type II, we identified pathogenic variants in PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway genes. Four of 48 cases with focal cortical dysplasia type I (8%) had a likely pathogenic variant in SLC35A2. While no other gene had multiple disease-causing somatic variants across the focal cortical dysplasia type I cohort, four individuals in this group had a single pathogenic or likely pathogenic somatic variant in CASK, KRAS, NF1 and NIPBL, genes previously associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. No rare pathogenic or likely pathogenic somatic variants in any neurological disease genes like those identified in the focal cortical dysplasia type I cohort were found in 63 neurologically normal controls (P = 0.017), suggesting a role for these novel variants. We also identified a somatic loss-of-function variant in the known epilepsy gene, PCDH19, present in a small number of alleles in the dysplastic tissue from a female patient with focal cortical dysplasia IIIa with hippocampal sclerosis. In contrast to focal cortical dysplasia type II, neither focal cortical dysplasia type I nor III had somatic variants in genes that converge on a unifying biological pathway, suggesting greater genetic heterogeneity compared to type II. Importantly, we demonstrate that focal cortical dysplasia types I, II and III are associated with somatic gene variants across a broad range of genes, many associated with epilepsy in clinical syndromes caused by germline variants, as well as including some not previously associated with radiographically evident cortical brain malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulcie Lai
- Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Meethila Gade
- Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hyun Yong Koh
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jinfeng Lu
- Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nicole M Walley
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Anne F Buckley
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tristan T Sands
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cigdem I Akman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mohamad A Mikati
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.,Division of Pediatric Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Guy M McKhann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - James E Goldman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Allyson L Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristen L Park
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Gretchen K Von Allmen
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Olga Rodziyevska
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Hart G W Lidov
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hannes Vogel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gerald A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brenda E Porter
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Annapurna H Poduri
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Erin L Heinzen
- Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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27
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Umanah GKE, Abalde-Atristain L, Khan MR, Mitra J, Dar MA, Chang M, Tangella K, McNamara A, Bennett S, Chen R, Aggarwal V, Cortes M, Worley PF, Ha T, Dawson TM, Dawson VL. AAA + ATPase Thorase inhibits mTOR signaling through the disassembly of the mTOR complex 1. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4836. [PMID: 35977929 PMCID: PMC9385847 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signals through the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and the mTOR complex 2 to maintain cellular and organismal homeostasis. Failure to finely tune mTOR activity results in metabolic dysregulation and disease. While there is substantial understanding of the molecular events leading mTORC1 activation at the lysosome, remarkably little is known about what terminates mTORC1 signaling. Here, we show that the AAA + ATPase Thorase directly binds mTOR, thereby orchestrating the disassembly and inactivation of mTORC1. Thorase disrupts the association of mTOR to Raptor at the mitochondria-lysosome interface and this action is sensitive to amino acids. Lack of Thorase causes accumulation of mTOR-Raptor complexes and altered mTORC1 disassembly/re-assembly dynamics upon changes in amino acid availability. The resulting excessive mTORC1 can be counteracted with rapamycin in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we reveal Thorase as a key component of the mTOR pathway that disassembles and thus inhibits mTORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- George K E Umanah
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Leire Abalde-Atristain
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Mohammed Repon Khan
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jaba Mitra
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mohamad Aasif Dar
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Melissa Chang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kavya Tangella
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Amy McNamara
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Samuel Bennett
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rong Chen
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vasudha Aggarwal
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marisol Cortes
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Paul F Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Departments of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, JHU Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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28
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Kakish D, Tominna M, Krishnan A. Hemimegalencephaly: Evolution From an Atypical Focal Early Appearance on Fetal MRI to More Conventional MR Findings. Cureus 2022; 14:e27976. [PMID: 36120272 PMCID: PMC9468183 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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29
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Genetic pathogenesis of the epileptogenic lesions in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Therapeutic targeting of the mTOR pathway. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:107713. [PMID: 33431351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disease due to the mutation in one of the two genes TSC1 and TSC2, affecting several organs and systems and carrying a significant risk of early onset and refractory seizures. The pathogenesis of this complex disorder is now well known, with most of TSC-related manifestations being a consequence of the overactivation of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) complex. The discovery of this underlying mechanism paved the way for the use of a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors including rapamycin and everolimus and specifically targeting this pathway. Rapamycin has been widely used in different animal models of TSC-related epilepsy and proved to be able not only to suppress seizures but also to prevent the development of epilepsy, thus demonstrating an antiepileptogenic potential. In some models, it also showed some benefit on neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with TSC. Everolimus has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medical Agency for the treatment of refractory seizures associated with TSC starting from the age of 2 years. It demonstrated a clear benefit when compared to placebo on reducing the frequency of different seizure types and exerting a higher effect in younger children. In conclusion, mTOR cascade can be a potentially major cause of TSC-associated epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disability, and additional research should investigate if early suppression of abnormal mTOR signal with mTOR inhibitors before seizure onset can be a more efficient approach and an effective antiepileptogenic and disease-modifying strategy in infants with TSC.
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30
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Dentel B, Angeles-Perez L, Ren C, Jakkamsetti V, Holley AJ, Caballero D, Oh E, Gibson J, Pascual JM, Huber KM, Tu BP, Tsai PT. Increased glycine contributes to synaptic dysfunction and early mortality in Nprl2 seizure model. iScience 2022; 25:104334. [PMID: 35602938 PMCID: PMC9118754 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies for epilepsies associated with the mTORC1 signaling negative regulator GATOR1 are lacking. NPRL2 is a subunit of the GATOR1 complex and mutations in GATOR1 subunits, including NPRL2, are associated with epilepsy. To delineate the mechanisms underlying NPRL2-related epilepsies, we created a mouse (Mus musculus) model with neocortical loss of Nprl2. Mutant mice have increased mTORC1 signaling and exhibit spontaneous seizures. They also display abnormal synaptic function characterized by increased evoked and spontaneous EPSC and decreased evoked and spontaneous IPSC frequencies, respectively. Proteomic and metabolomics studies of Nprl2 mutants revealed alterations in known epilepsy-implicated proteins and metabolic pathways, including increases in the neurotransmitter, glycine. Furthermore, glycine actions on the NMDA receptor contribute to the electrophysiological and survival phenotypes of these mice. Taken together, in this neuronal Nprl2 model, we delineate underlying molecular, metabolic, and electrophysiological mechanisms contributing to mTORC1-related epilepsy, providing potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Dentel
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | | | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Vikram Jakkamsetti
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Andrew J. Holley
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Daniel Caballero
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Juan M. Pascual
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Peter T. Tsai
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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31
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Novel role of the synaptic scaffold protein Dlgap4 in ventricular surface integrity and neuronal migration during cortical development. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2746. [PMID: 35585091 PMCID: PMC9117333 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30443-z] [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: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcortical heterotopias are malformations associated with epilepsy and intellectual disability, characterized by the presence of ectopic neurons in the white matter. Mouse and human heterotopia mutations were identified in the microtubule-binding protein Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1, EML1. Further exploring pathological mechanisms, we identified a patient with an EML1-like phenotype and a novel genetic variation in DLGAP4. The protein belongs to a membrane-associated guanylate kinase family known to function in glutamate synapses. We showed that DLGAP4 is strongly expressed in the mouse ventricular zone (VZ) from early corticogenesis, and interacts with key VZ proteins including EML1. In utero electroporation of Dlgap4 knockdown (KD) and overexpression constructs revealed a ventricular surface phenotype including changes in progenitor cell dynamics, morphology, proliferation and neuronal migration defects. The Dlgap4 KD phenotype was rescued by wild-type but not mutant DLGAP4. Dlgap4 is required for the organization of radial glial cell adherens junction components and actin cytoskeleton dynamics at the apical domain, as well as during neuronal migration. Finally, Dlgap4 heterozygous knockout (KO) mice also show developmental defects in the dorsal telencephalon. We hence identify a synapse-related scaffold protein with pleiotropic functions, influencing the integrity of the developing cerebral cortex.
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32
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Gourmaud S, Stewart DA, Irwin DJ, Roberts N, Barbour AJ, Eberwine G, O’Brien WT, Vassar R, Talos DM, Jensen FE. The role of mTORC1 activation in seizure-induced exacerbation of Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2022; 145:324-339. [PMID: 34264340 PMCID: PMC9126019 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of seizures is 10-fold higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease than the general population, yet the mechanisms underlying this susceptibility and the effects of these seizures are poorly understood. To elucidate the proposed bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer's disease and seizures, we studied human brain samples (n = 34) from patients with Alzheimer's disease and found that those with a history of seizures (n = 14) had increased amyloid-β and tau pathology, with upregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, compared with patients without a known history of seizures (n = 20). To establish whether seizures accelerate the progression of Alzheimer's disease, we induced chronic hyperexcitability in the five times familial Alzheimer's disease mouse model by kindling with the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazol and observed that the mouse model exhibited more severe seizures than the wild-type. Furthermore, kindled seizures exacerbated later cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and mTOR complex 1 activation. Finally, we demonstrated that the administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin following kindled seizures rescued enhanced remote and long-term memory deficits associated with earlier kindling and prevented seizure-induced increases in Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. These data demonstrated an important link between chronic hyperexcitability and progressive Alzheimer's disease pathology and suggest a mechanism whereby rapamycin may serve as an adjunct therapy to attenuate progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gourmaud
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A Stewart
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - David J Irwin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas Roberts
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aaron J Barbour
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Grace Eberwine
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William T O’Brien
- Neurobehavior Testing Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Delia M Talos
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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33
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Daněk J, Danačíková Š, Kala D, Svoboda J, Kapoor S, Pošusta A, Folbergrová J, Tauchmannová K, Mráček T, Otáhal J. Sulforaphane Ameliorates Metabolic Changes Associated With Status Epilepticus in Immature Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:855161. [PMID: 35370554 PMCID: PMC8965559 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.855161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a common paediatric emergency with the highest incidence in the neonatal period and is a well-known epileptogenic insult. As previously established in various experimental and human studies, SE induces long-term alterations to brain metabolism, alterations that directly contribute to the development of epilepsy. To influence these changes, organic isothiocyanate compound sulforaphane (SFN) has been used in the present study for its known effect of enhancing antioxidative, cytoprotective, and metabolic cellular properties via the Nrf2 pathway. We have explored the effect of SFN in a model of acquired epilepsy induced by Li-Cl pilocarpine in immature rats (12 days old). Energy metabolites PCr, ATP, glucose, glycogen, and lactate were determined by enzymatic fluorimetric methods during the acute phase of SE. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot (WB) analysis. Neuronal death was scored on the FluoroJadeB stained brain sections harvested 24 h after SE. To assess the effect of SFN on glucose metabolism we have performed a series of 18F-DG μCT/PET recordings 1 h, 1 day, and 3 weeks after the induction of SE. Responses of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to electrical stimulation and their influence by SFN were evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). We have demonstrated that the Nrf2 pathway is upregulated in the CNS of immature rats after SFN treatment. In the animals that had undergone SE, SFN was responsible for lowering glucose uptake in most regions 1 h after the induction of SE. Moreover, SFN partially reversed hypometabolism observed after 24 h and achieved full reversal at approximately 3 weeks after SE. Since no difference in cell death was observed in SFN treated group, these changes cannot be attributed to differences in neurodegeneration. SFN per se did not affect the glucose uptake at any given time point suggesting that SFN improves endogenous CNS ability to adapt to the epileptogenic insult. Furthermore, we had discovered that SFN improves blood flow and accelerates CBF response to electrical stimulation. Our findings suggest that SFN improves metabolic changes induced by SE which have been identified during epileptogenesis in various animal models of acquired epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Daněk
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Šárka Danačíková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Kala
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sonam Kapoor
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Antonín Pošusta
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Tomáš Mráček
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jakub Otáhal,
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Movahedpour A, Vakili O, Khalifeh M, Mousavi P, Mahmoodzadeh A, Taheri-Anganeh M, Razmeh S, Shabaninejad Z, Yousefi F, Behrouj H, Ghasemi H, Khatami SH. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and traumatic brain injury: A novel insight into targeted therapy. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:232-247. [PMID: 35258097 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most concerning health issues in which the normal brain function may be disrupted as a result of a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Loss of consciousness, amnesia, focal neurological defects, alteration in mental state, and destructive diseases of the nervous system such as cognitive impairment, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the early loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. TBI is a major risk factor for Parkinson's disease. Existing therapeutic approaches have not been often effective, indicating the necessity of discovering more efficient therapeutic targets. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway responds to different environmental cues to modulate a large number of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, survival, protein synthesis, autophagy, and cell metabolism. Moreover, mTOR has been reported to affect the regeneration of the injured nerves throughout the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, recent evaluations have revealed that mTOR inhibitors could be potential targets to defeat a group of neurological disorders, and thus, a number of clinical trials are investigating their efficacy in treating dementia, autism, epilepsy, stroke, and brain injury, as irritating neurological defects. The current review describes the interplay between mTOR signaling and major CNS-related disorders (esp. neurodegenerative diseases), as well as the mTOR signaling-TBI relationship. It also aims to discuss the promising therapeutic capacities of mTOR inhibitors during the TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Khalifeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Mahmoodzadeh
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saeed Razmeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Zahra Shabaninejad
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Behrouj
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | | | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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35
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Jaiswal V, Hanif M, Sarfraz Z, Nepal G, Naz S, Mukherjee D, Ruxmohan S. Hemimegalencephaly: A rare congenital malformation of cortical development. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e05238. [PMID: 34976397 PMCID: PMC8684578 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5238] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemimegalencephaly is a rare congenital malformation of cortical development usually associated with developmental delay and refractory epilepsy that sooner or later require hemispherectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sidra Naz
- Larkin Community HospitalSouth MiamiFloridaUSA
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36
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Nguyen LH, Xu Y, Mahadeo T, Zhang L, Lin TV, Born HA, Anderson AE, Bordey A. Expression of 4E-BP1 in juvenile mice alleviates mTOR-induced neuronal dysfunction and epilepsy. Brain 2021; 145:1310-1325. [PMID: 34849602 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway during fetal neurodevelopment alters neuron structure and function, leading to focal malformation of cortical development (FMCD) and intractable epilepsy. Recent evidence suggests a role for dysregulated cap-dependent translation downstream of mTOR in the formation of FMCD and seizures. However, it is unknown whether modifying translation once the developmental pathologies are established can reverse neuronal abnormalities and seizures. Addressing these issues is crucial with regards to therapeutics since these neurodevelopmental disorders are predominantly diagnosed during childhood, when patients present with symptoms. Here, we report increased phosphorylation of the mTOR effector and translational repressor, 4E-BP1, in patient FMCD tissue and in a mouse model of FMCD. Using temporally regulated conditional gene expression systems, we found that expression of a constitutively active form of 4E-BP1 that resists phosphorylation by mTOR in juvenile mice reduced neuronal cytomegaly and corrected several neuronal electrophysiological alterations, including depolarized resting membrane potential, irregular firing pattern, and aberrant expression of HCN4 channels. Further, 4E-BP1 expression in juvenile FMCD mice after epilepsy onset resulted in improved cortical spectral activity and decreased spontaneous seizure frequency in adults. Overall, our study uncovered a remarkable plasticity of the juvenile brain that facilitates novel therapeutic opportunities to treat FMCD-related epilepsy during childhood with potentially long-lasting effects in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Youfen Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Travorn Mahadeo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Tiffany V Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Heather A Born
- Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital; Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anne E Anderson
- Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital; Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Angélique Bordey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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37
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Pottoo FH, Salahuddin M, Khan FA, AL Dhamen MA, Alsaeed WJ, Gomaa MS, Vatte C, Alomary MN. Combinatorial Regimen of Carbamazepine and Imipramine Exhibits Synergism against Grandmal Epilepsy in Rats: Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1204. [PMID: 34832986 PMCID: PMC8624327 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes recurring seizures. Thirty-five percent of patients remain refractory, with a higher prevalence of depression. We investigated the anticonvulsant efficacy of carbamazepine (CBZ; 20 and 50 mg/kg), imipramine (IMI; 10 and 20 mg/kg) alone, and as a low dose combination. This preclinical investigation included dosing of rats for 14 days followed by elicitation of electroshock on the last day of treatment. Along with behavioral monitoring, the rat hippocampus was processed for quantification of mTOR, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The histopathological analysis of rat hippocampus was performed to ascertain neuroprotection. In vitro studies and in silico studies were also conducted. We found that the low dose combinatorial therapy of CBZ (20 mg/kg) + IMI (10 mg/kg) exhibits synergism (p < 0.001) in abrogation of maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions/tonic hind limb extension (THLE), by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and weakening of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal. The combination also exhibits cooperative binding at the Akt. As far as neuroprotection is concerned, the said combination increased cell viability by 166.37% compared to Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) treated HEK-293 cells. Thus, the combination of CBZ (20 mg/kg) + IMI (10 mg/kg) is a fruitful combination therapy to elevate seizure threshold and provide neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.D.); (W.J.A.)
| | - Mohammed Salahuddin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Firdos Alam Khan
- Department of Stem cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Marwa Abdullah AL Dhamen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.D.); (W.J.A.)
| | - Walaa Jafar Alsaeed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.D.); (W.J.A.)
| | - Mohamed S. Gomaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Chittibabu Vatte
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad N. Alomary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, Kind Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 1982, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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38
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Ishida S, Zhao D, Sawada Y, Hiraoka Y, Mashimo T, Tanaka K. Dorsal telencephalon-specific Nprl2- and Nprl3-knockout mice: novel mouse models for GATORopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1519-1530. [PMID: 34965576 PMCID: PMC9071434 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent genetic cause of focal epilepsies is variations in the GAP activity toward RAGs 1 complex genes DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5), nitrogen permease regulator 2-like protein (NPRL2) and nitrogen permease regulator 3-like protein (NPRL3). Because these variations are frequent and associated with a broad spectrum of focal epilepsies, a unique pathology categorized as GATORopathy can be conceptualized. Animal models recapitulating the clinical features of patients are essential to decipher GATORopathy. Although several genetically modified animal models recapitulate DEPDC5-related epilepsy, no models have been reported for NPRL2- or NPRL3-related epilepsies. Here, we conditionally deleted Nprl2 and Nprl3 from the dorsal telencephalon in mice [Emx1cre/+; Nprl2f/f (Nprl2-cKO) and Emx1cre/+; Nprl3f/f (Nprl3-cKO)] and compared their phenotypes with Nprl2+/−, Nprl3+/− and Emx1cre/+; Depdc5f/f (Depdc5-cKO) mice. Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice recapitulated the major abnormal features of patients—spontaneous seizures, and dysmorphic enlarged neuronal cells with increased mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling—similar to Depdc5-cKO mice. Chronic postnatal rapamycin administration dramatically prolonged the survival period and inhibited seizure occurrence but not enlarged neuronal cells in Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice. However, the benefit of rapamycin after withdrawal was less durable in Nprl2- and Nprl3-cKO mice compared with Depdc5-cKO mice. Further studies using these conditional knockout mice will be useful for understanding GATORopathy and for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Ishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Di Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuta Sawada
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, MRI, TMDU, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Center for Brain Integration Research (CBIR), TMDU, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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Guerrini R, Balestrini S, Wirrell EC, Walker MC. Monogenic Epilepsies: Disease Mechanisms, Clinical Phenotypes, and Targeted Therapies. Neurology 2021; 97:817-831. [PMID: 34493617 PMCID: PMC10336826 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A monogenic etiology can be identified in up to 40% of people with severe epilepsy. To address earlier and more appropriate treatment strategies, clinicians are required to know the implications that specific genetic causes might have on pathophysiology, natural history, comorbidities, and treatment choices. In this narrative review, we summarize concepts on the genetic epilepsies based on the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and present the current knowledge on treatment options based on evidence provided by controlled trials or studies with lower classification of evidence. Overall, evidence robust enough to guide antiseizure medication (ASM) choices in genetic epilepsies remains limited to the more frequent conditions for which controlled trials and observational studies have been possible. Most monogenic disorders are very rare and ASM choices for them are still based on inferences drawn from observational studies and early, often anecdotal, experiences with precision therapies. Precision medicine remains applicable to only a narrow number of patients with monogenic epilepsies and may target only part of the actual functional defects. Phenotypic heterogeneity is remarkable, and some genetic mutations activate epileptogenesis through their developmental effects, which may not be reversed postnatally. Other genes seem to have pure functional consequences on excitability, acting through either loss- or gain-of-function effects, and these may have opposite treatment implications. In addition, the functional consequences of missense mutations may be difficult to predict, making precision treatment approaches considerably more complex than estimated by deterministic interpretations. Knowledge of genetic etiologies can influence the approach to surgical treatment of focal epilepsies. Identification of germline mutations in specific genes contraindicates surgery while mutations in other genes do not. Identification, quantification, and functional characterization of specific somatic mutations before surgery using CSF liquid biopsy or after surgery in brain specimens will likely be integrated in planning surgical strategies and reintervention after a first unsuccessful surgery as initial evidence suggests that mutational load may correlate with the epileptogenic zone. Promising future directions include gene manipulation by DNA or mRNA targeting; although most are still far from clinical use, some are in early phase clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Guerrini
- From the Neuroscience Department (R.G., S.B.), Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (S.B., M.C.W.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (S.B.), Buckinghamshire, UK; and Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy (E.C.W.), Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Simona Balestrini
- From the Neuroscience Department (R.G., S.B.), Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (S.B., M.C.W.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (S.B.), Buckinghamshire, UK; and Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy (E.C.W.), Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- From the Neuroscience Department (R.G., S.B.), Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (S.B., M.C.W.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (S.B.), Buckinghamshire, UK; and Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy (E.C.W.), Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Matthew C Walker
- From the Neuroscience Department (R.G., S.B.), Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (S.B., M.C.W.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (S.B.), Buckinghamshire, UK; and Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy (E.C.W.), Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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40
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Korotkov A, Sim NS, Luinenburg MJ, Anink JJ, van Scheppingen J, Zimmer TS, Bongaarts A, Broekaart DWM, Mijnsbergen C, Jansen FE, Van Hecke W, Spliet WGM, van Rijen PC, Feucht M, Hainfellner JA, Kršek P, Zamecnik J, Crino PB, Kotulska K, Lagae L, Jansen AC, Kwiatkowski DJ, Jozwiak S, Curatolo P, Mühlebner A, Lee JH, Mills JD, van Vliet EA, Aronica E. MicroRNA-34a activation in tuberous sclerosis complex during early brain development may lead to impaired corticogenesis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:796-811. [PMID: 33942341 PMCID: PMC8519131 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway. Neurodevelopmental disorders, frequently present in TSC, are linked to cortical tubers in the brain. We previously reported microRNA-34a (miR-34a) among the most upregulated miRs in tubers. Here, we characterised miR-34a expression in tubers with the focus on the early brain development and assessed the regulation of mTORC1 pathway and corticogenesis by miR-34a. METHODS We analysed the expression of miR-34a in resected cortical tubers (n = 37) compared with autopsy-derived control tissue (n = 27). The effect of miR-34a overexpression on corticogenesis was assessed in mice at E18. The regulation of the mTORC1 pathway and the expression of the bioinformatically predicted target genes were assessed in primary astrocyte cultures from three patients with TSC and in SH-SY5Y cells following miR-34a transfection. RESULTS The peak of miR-34a overexpression in tubers was observed during infancy, concomitant with the presence of pathological markers, particularly in giant cells and dysmorphic neurons. miR-34a was also strongly expressed in foetal TSC cortex. Overexpression of miR-34a in mouse embryos decreased the percentage of cells migrated to the cortical plate. The transfection of miR-34a mimic in TSC astrocytes negatively regulated mTORC1 and decreased the expression of the target genes RAS related (RRAS) and NOTCH1. CONCLUSIONS MicroRNA-34a is most highly overexpressed in tubers during foetal and early postnatal brain development. miR-34a can negatively regulate mTORC1; however, it may also contribute to abnormal corticogenesis in TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Korotkov
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nam Suk Sim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Mark J. Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jasper J. Anink
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jackelien van Scheppingen
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of NeuroimmunologyNetherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Till S. Zimmer
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Anika Bongaarts
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Diede W. M. Broekaart
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Caroline Mijnsbergen
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Floor E. Jansen
- Department of Paediatric NeurologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Wim Van Hecke
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Wim G. M. Spliet
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Peter C. van Rijen
- University Medical CenterBrain CentreRudolf Magnus Institute for NeuroscienceUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Martha Feucht
- Department of PediatricsMedical University ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Pavel Kršek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University HospitalPragueCzech Republic
| | - Josef Zamecnik
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University HospitalPragueCzech Republic
| | - Peter B. Crino
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and EpileptologyThe Children's Memorial Health InstituteWarsawPoland
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration‐Section Pediatric NeurologyUniversity Hospitals KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Anna C. Jansen
- Pediatric Neurology UnitUniversitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | | | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Department of Neurology and EpileptologyThe Children's Memorial Health InstituteWarsawPoland
- Department of Child NeurologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry UnitSystems Medicine DepartmentTor Vergata UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jeong H. Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonRepublic of Korea
- SoVarGen, IncDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - James D. Mills
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Chalfont Centre for EpilepsyChalfont St PeterUK
| | - Erwin A. van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Center for NeuroscienceSwammerdam Institute for Life SciencesUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) PathologyAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen NederlandHeemstedeThe Netherlands
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Chalkiadaki K, Statoulla E, Markou M, Bellou S, Bagli E, Fotsis T, Murphy C, Gkogkas CG. Translational control in neurovascular brain development. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211088. [PMID: 34659781 PMCID: PMC8511748 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The human brain carries out complex tasks and higher functions and is crucial for organismal survival, as it senses both intrinsic and extrinsic environments. Proper brain development relies on the orchestrated development of different precursor cells, which will give rise to the plethora of mature brain cell-types. Within this process, neuronal cells develop closely to and in coordination with vascular cells (endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes) in a bilateral communication process that relies on neuronal activity, attractive or repulsive guidance cues for both cell types and on tight-regulation of gene expression. Translational control is a master regulator of the gene-expression pathway and in particular for neuronal and ECs, it can be localized in developmentally relevant (axon growth cone, endothelial tip cell) and mature compartments (synapses, axons). Herein, we will review mechanisms of translational control relevant to brain development in neurons and ECs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Elpida Statoulla
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Markou
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sofia Bellou
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Bagli
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodore Fotsis
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Carol Murphy
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos G. Gkogkas
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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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.
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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
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Mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analysis reveals altered lipid profile in brain tissues resected from patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Epilepsy Res 2021; 177:106773. [PMID: 34564036 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a common pathology responsible for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Failure to precisely localize the epileptogenic zones (EZs) is a major reason for poor surgical outcome in FCD. Currently, there are no molecular or cellular biomarkers available which can aid in defining the EZs in FCD. Phospholipid alterations between healthy and malignant tumor tissues are reported and have been used for marking tumor margins. In this study, we utilize liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to identify altered lipids in resected brain specimens from FCD patients compared to non-epileptic controls. Based on these results, we propose that a similar approach utilizing unique lipid mass spectra can be used for defining the EZs in FCD. The observed distinct lipid mass spectra of cortical tissues from FCD patients could be used for real-time guidance during surgery as well as for ex vivo examination of resected tissues for diagnostic purposes.
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Cellular, molecular, and therapeutic characterization of pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19102. [PMID: 34580351 PMCID: PMC8476594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models have expanded our understanding of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, translating these to cell-specific druggable hypotheses is not explored. Herein, we conducted an integrative insilico-analysis of an available transcriptomics dataset obtained from animals with pilocarpine-induced-TLE. A set of 119 genes with subtle-to-moderate impact predicted most forms of epilepsy with ~ 97% accuracy and characteristically mapped to upregulated homeostatic and downregulated synaptic pathways. The deconvolution of cellular proportions revealed opposing changes in diverse cell types. The proportion of nonneuronal cells increased whereas that of interneurons, except for those expressing vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip), decreased, and pyramidal neurons of the cornu-ammonis (CA) subfields showed the highest variation in proportion. A probabilistic Bayesian-network demonstrated an aberrant and oscillating physiological interaction between nonneuronal cells involved in the blood–brain-barrier and Vip interneurons in driving seizures, and their role was evaluated insilico using transcriptomic changes induced by valproic-acid, which showed opposing effects in the two cell-types. Additionally, we revealed novel epileptic and antiepileptic mechanisms and predicted drugs using causal inference, outperforming the present drug repurposing approaches. These well-powered findings not only expand the understanding of TLE and seizure oscillation, but also provide predictive biomarkers of epilepsy, cellular and causal micro-circuitry changes associated with it, and a drug-discovery method focusing on these events.
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45
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Wang T, Zhou M, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Peng G. ubtor Mutation Causes Motor Hyperactivity by Activating mTOR Signaling in Zebrafish. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1658-1670. [PMID: 34309811 PMCID: PMC8643380 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00755-z] [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: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling governs important physiological and pathological processes key to cellular life. Loss of mTOR negative regulators and subsequent over-activation of mTOR signaling are major causes underlying epileptic encephalopathy. Our previous studies showed that UBTOR/KIAA1024/MINAR1 acts as a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, but whether UBTOR plays a role in neurological diseases remains largely unknown. We therefore examined a zebrafish model and found that ubtor disruption caused increased spontaneous embryonic movement and neuronal activity in spinal interneurons, as well as the expected hyperactivation of mTOR signaling in early zebrafish embryos. In addition, mutant ubtor larvae showed increased sensitivity to the convulsant pentylenetetrazol, and both the motor activity and the neuronal activity were up-regulated. These phenotypic abnormalities in zebrafish embryos and larvae were rescued by treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Taken together, our findings show that ubtor regulates motor hyperactivity and epilepsy-like behaviors by elevating neuronal activity and activating mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingshan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cuizhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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46
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The genomics of ecological flexibility, large brains, and long lives in capuchin monkeys revealed with fecalFACS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2010632118. [PMID: 33574059 PMCID: PMC7896301 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010632118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Surviving challenging environments, living long lives, and engaging in complex cognitive processes are hallmark human characteristics. Similar traits have evolved in parallel in capuchin monkeys, but their genetic underpinnings remain unexplored. We developed and annotated a reference assembly for white-faced capuchin monkeys to explore the evolution of these phenotypes. By comparing populations of capuchins inhabiting rainforest versus dry forests with seasonal droughts, we detected selection in genes associated with kidney function, muscular wasting, and metabolism, suggesting adaptation to periodic resource scarcity. When comparing capuchins to other mammals, we identified evidence of selection in multiple genes implicated in longevity and brain development. Our research was facilitated by our method to generate high- and low-coverage genomes from noninvasive biomaterials. Ecological flexibility, extended lifespans, and large brains have long intrigued evolutionary biologists, and comparative genomics offers an efficient and effective tool for generating new insights into the evolution of such traits. Studies of capuchin monkeys are particularly well situated to shed light on the selective pressures and genetic underpinnings of local adaptation to diverse habitats, longevity, and brain development. Distributed widely across Central and South America, they are inventive and extractive foragers, known for their sensorimotor intelligence. Capuchins have among the largest relative brain size of any monkey and a lifespan that exceeds 50 y, despite their small (3 to 5 kg) body size. We assemble and annotate a de novo reference genome for Cebus imitator. Through high-depth sequencing of DNA derived from blood, various tissues, and feces via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (fecalFACS) to isolate monkey epithelial cells, we compared genomes of capuchin populations from tropical dry forests and lowland rainforests and identified population divergence in genes involved in water balance, kidney function, and metabolism. Through a comparative genomics approach spanning a wide diversity of mammals, we identified genes under positive selection associated with longevity and brain development. Additionally, we provide a technological advancement in the use of noninvasive genomics for studies of free-ranging mammals. Our intra- and interspecific comparative study of capuchin genomics provides insights into processes underlying local adaptation to diverse and physiologically challenging environments, as well as the molecular basis of brain evolution and longevity.
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47
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Zhang L, Huang T, Teaw S, Nguyen LH, Hsieh LS, Gong X, Burns LH, Bordey A. Filamin A inhibition reduces seizure activity in a mouse model of focal cortical malformations. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/531/eaay0289. [PMID: 32075941 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy treatments for patients with mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) disorders, such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII), are urgently needed. In these patients, the presence of focal cortical malformations is associated with the occurrence of lifelong epilepsy, leading to severe neurological comorbidities. Here, we show that the expression of the actin cross-linking protein filamin A (FLNA) is increased in resected cortical tissue that is responsible for seizures in patients with FCDII and in mice modeling TSC and FCDII with mutations in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) pathway genes. Normalizing FLNA expression in these mice through genetic knockdown limited cell misplacement and neuronal dysmorphogenesis, two hallmarks of focal cortical malformations. In addition, Flna knockdown reduced seizure frequency independently of mTOR signaling. Treating mice with a small molecule targeting FLNA, PTI-125, before the onset of seizures alleviated neuronal abnormalities and reduced seizure frequency compared to vehicle-treated mice. In addition, the treatment was also effective when injected after seizure onset in juvenile and adult mice. These data suggest that targeting FLNA with either short hairpin RNAs or the small molecule PTI-125 might be effective in reducing seizures in patients with TSC and FCDII bearing mutations in PI3K-Rheb pathway genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbo Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Tianxiang Huang
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shannon Teaw
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Lena H Nguyen
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Lawrence S Hsieh
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Xuan Gong
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | | | - Angélique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.
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The Role of KRAS Mutations in Cortical Malformation and Epilepsy Surgery: A Novel Report of Nevus Sebaceous Syndrome and Review of the Literature. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060793. [PMID: 34208656 PMCID: PMC8234150 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rare nevus sebaceous (NS) syndrome (NSS) includes cortical malformations and drug-resistant epilepsy. Somatic RAS-pathway genetic variants are pathogenetic in NS, but not yet described within the brain of patients with NSS. We report on a 5-year-old boy with mild psychomotor delay. A brown-yellow linear skin lesion suggestive of NS in the left temporo-occipital area was evident at birth. Epileptic spasms presented at aged six months. EEG showed continuous left temporo-occipital epileptiform abnormalities. Brain MRI revealed a similarly located diffuse cortical malformation with temporal pole volume reduction and a small hippocampus. We performed a left temporo-occipital resection with histopathological diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia type Ia in the occipital region and hippocampal sclerosis type 1. Three years after surgery, he is seizure-and drug-free (Engel class Ia) and showed cognitive improvement. Genetic examination of brain and skin specimens revealed the c.35G > T (p.Gly12Val) KRAS somatic missense mutation. Literature review suggests epilepsy surgery in patients with NSS is highly efficacious, with 73% probability of seizure freedom. The few histological analyses reported evidenced disorganized cortex, occasionally with cytomegalic neurons. This is the first reported association of a KRAS genetic variant with cortical malformations associated with epilepsy, and suggests a possible genetic substrate for hippocampal sclerosis.
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49
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Ong C, Damisah EC, Gruenbaum SE, Dhaher R, Deng Y, Sandhu MRS, Zaveri HP, Spencer DD, Eid T. Increased branched-chain amino acids at baseline and hours before a spontaneous seizure in the human epileptic brain. Epilepsia 2021; 62:e88-e97. [PMID: 33949690 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to monitor the extracellular brain chemistry dynamics at baseline and in relation to spontaneous seizures in human patients with refractory epilepsy. Thirty patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy underwent intracranial electroencephalography and concurrent brain microdialysis for up to 8 continuous days. Extracellular brain glutamate, glutamine, and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine, and isoleucine were quantified in the dialysis samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Extracellular BCAAs and glutamate were chronically elevated at baseline by approximately 1.5-3-fold in brain regions of seizure onset and propagation versus regions not involved by seizures. Moreover, isoleucine increased significantly above baseline as early as 3 h before a spontaneous seizure. BCAAs play important roles in glutamatergic neurotransmission, mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Because all of these processes have been implicated in epilepsy, the results suggest a novel role of BCAAs in the pathogenesis of spontaneous seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Roni Dhaher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Hitten P Zaveri
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dennis D Spencer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Miyamoto S, Kato M, Hiraide T, Shiohama T, Goto T, Hojo A, Ebata A, Suzuki M, Kobayashi K, Chong PF, Kira R, Matsushita HB, Ikeda H, Hoshino K, Matsufuji M, Moriyama N, Furuyama M, Yamamoto T, Nakashima M, Saitsu H. Comprehensive genetic analysis confers high diagnostic yield in 16 Japanese patients with corpus callosum anomalies. J Hum Genet 2021; 66:1061-1068. [PMID: 33958710 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Corpus callosum anomalies (CCA) is a common congenital brain anomaly with various etiologies. Although one of the most important etiologies is genetic factors, the genetic background of CCA is heterogenous and diverse types of variants are likely to be causative. In this study, we analyzed 16 Japanese patients with corpus callosum anomalies to delineate clinical features and the genetic background of CCAs. We observed the common phenotypes accompanied by CCAs: intellectual disability (100%), motor developmental delay (93.8%), seizures (60%), and facial dysmorphisms (50%). Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed colpocephaly (enlarged posterior horn of the lateral ventricles, 84.6%) and enlarged supracerebellar cistern (41.7%). Whole exome sequencing revealed genetic alterations in 9 of the 16 patients (56.3%), including 8 de novo alterations (2 copy number variants and variants in ARID1B, CDK8, HIVEP2, and TCF4) and a recessive variant of TBCK. De novo ARID1B variants were identified in three unrelated individuals, suggesting that ARID1B variants are major genetic causes of CCAs. A de novo TCF4 variant and somatic mosaic deletion at 18q21.31-qter encompassing TCF4 suggest an association of TCF4 abnormalities with CCAs. This study, which analyzes CCA patients usung whole exome sequencing, demonstrates that comprehensive genetic analysis would be useful for investigating various causal variants of CCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Hiraide
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tadashi Shiohama
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduated School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomohide Goto
- Division of Neurology, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akira Hojo
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akio Ebata
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kozue Kobayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Pin Fee Chong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Department of Pediatrics, National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hoshino
- Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Matsufuji
- Department of Pediatrics, Minami Kyushu National Hospital, Aira, Japan
| | - Nobuko Moriyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachinaka General Hospital, Hitachinaka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Furuyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Okitama Public General Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
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