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Sriretnakumar V, Harripaul R, Kennedy JL, So J. When rare meets common: Treatable genetic diseases are enriched in the general psychiatric population. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63609. [PMID: 38532509 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63609] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mental illnesses are one of the biggest contributors to the global disease burden. Despite the increased recognition, diagnosis and ongoing research of mental health disorders, the etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders are yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, despite many treatment options available, a large subset of the psychiatric patient population is nonresponsive to standard medications and therapies. There has not been a comprehensive study to date examining the burden and impact of treatable genetic disorders (TGDs) that can present with neuropsychiatric features in psychiatric patient populations. In this study, we test the hypothesis that TGDs that present with psychiatric symptoms are more prevalent within psychiatric patient populations compared to the general population by performing targeted next-generation sequencing of 129 genes associated with 108 TGDs in a cohort of 2301 psychiatric patients. In total, 48 putative affected and 180 putative carriers for TGDs were identified, with known or likely pathogenic variants in 79 genes. Despite screening for only 108 genetic disorders, this study showed a two-fold (2.09%) enrichment for genetic disorders within the psychiatric population relative to the estimated 1% cumulative prevalence of all single gene disorders globally. This strongly suggests that the prevalence of these, and most likely all, genetic diseases is greatly underestimated in psychiatric populations. Increasing awareness and ensuring accurate diagnosis of TGDs will open new avenues to targeted treatment for a subset of psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venuja Sriretnakumar
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ricardo Harripaul
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joyce So
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Olszewska DA, Shetty A, Rajalingam R, Rodriguez-Antiguedad J, Hamed M, Huang J, Breza M, Rasheed A, Bahr N, Madoev H, Westenberger A, Trinh J, Lohmann K, Klein C, Marras C, Waln O. Genotype-phenotype relations for episodic ataxia genes: MDSGene systematic review. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3377-3393. [PMID: 37422902 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15969] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most episodic ataxias (EA) are autosomal dominantly inherited and characterized by recurrent attacks of ataxia and other paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal features. EA is often caused by pathogenic variants in the CACNA1A, KCNA1, PDHA1, and SLC1A3 genes, listed as paroxysmal movement disorders (PxMD) by the MDS Task Force on the Nomenclature of Genetic Movement Disorders. Little is known about the genotype-phenotype correlation of the different genetic EA forms. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify individuals affected by an episodic movement disorder harboring pathogenic variants in one of the four genes. We applied the standardized MDSGene literature search and data extraction protocol to summarize the clinical and genetic features. All data are available via the MDSGene protocol and platform on the MDSGene website (https://www.mdsgene.org/). RESULTS Information on 717 patients (CACNA1A: 491, KCNA1: 125, PDHA1: 90, and SLC1A3: 11) carrying 287 different pathogenic variants from 229 papers was identified and summarized. We show the profound phenotypic variability and overlap leading to the absence of frank genotype-phenotype correlation aside from a few key 'red flags'. CONCLUSION Given this overlap, a broad approach to genetic testing using a panel or whole exome or genome approach is most practical in most circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Angelika Olszewska
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aakash Shetty
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rajasumi Rajalingam
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon Rodriguez-Antiguedad
- Movement Disorders Unit and Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques-Sant Pau, Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moath Hamed
- Department of Neurosciences, NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Jana Huang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ashar Rasheed
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natascha Bahr
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Harutyan Madoev
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ana Westenberger
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Joanne Trinh
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Connie Marras
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olga Waln
- Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Kessi M, Chen B, Pang N, Yang L, Peng J, He F, Yin F. The genotype-phenotype correlations of the CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders: a small case series and literature reviews. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1222321. [PMID: 37555011 PMCID: PMC10406136 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1222321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genotype-phenotype correlations of the CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders such as global developmental delay (GDD)/intellectual disability (ID), epileptic encephalopathy (EE), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unknown. We aimed to summarize genotype-phenotype correlations and potential treatment for CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS Six children diagnosed with CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from April 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled. The PubMed database was systematically searched for all reported patients with CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders until February 2023. Thereafter, we divided patients into several groups for comparison. RESULTS Six patients were recruited from our hospital. Three cases presented with epilepsy, five with GDD/ID, five with ataxia, and two with ASD. The variants included p.G701R, p.R279C, p.D1644N, p.Y62C, p.L1422Sfs*8, and p. R1664Q [two gain-of-function (GOF) and four loss-of-function (LOF) variants]. About 187 individuals with GDD/ID harboring 123 variants were found (case series plus data from literature). Of those 123 variants, p.A713T and p.R1664* were recurrent, 37 were LOF, and 7 were GOF. GOF variants were linked with severe-profound GDD/ID while LOF variants were associated with mild-moderate GDD/ID (p = 0.001). The p.A713T variant correlated with severe-profound GDD/ID (p = 0.003). A total of 130 epileptic patients harboring 83 variants were identified. The epileptic manifestations included status epilepticus (n = 64), provoked seizures (n = 49), focal seizures (n = 37), EE (n = 29), absence seizures (n = 26), and myoclonic seizures (n = 10). About 49 (42.20%) patients had controlled seizures while 67 (57.80%) individuals remained with refractory seizures. Status epilepticus correlated with variants located on S4, S5, and S6 (p = 0.000). Among the 83 epilepsy-related variants, 23 were recurrent, 32 were LOF, and 11 were GOF. Status epilepticus was linked with GOF variants (p = 0.000). LOF variants were associated with absence seizures (p = 0.000). Six patients died at an early age (3 months to ≤5 years). We found 18 children with ASD. Thirteen variants including recurrent ones were identified in those 18 cases. GOF changes were more linked to ASD. CONCLUSION The p.A713T variant is linked with severe-profound GDD/ID. More than half of CACNA1A-related epilepsy is refractory. The most common epileptic manifestation is status epilepticus, which correlates with variants located on S4, S5, and S6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hassan A. Episodic Ataxias: Primary and Secondary Etiologies, Treatment, and Classification Approaches. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 37008993 PMCID: PMC10064912 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Episodic ataxia (EA), characterized by recurrent attacks of cerebellar dysfunction, is the manifestation of a group of rare autosomal dominant inherited disorders. EA1 and EA2 are most frequently encountered, caused by mutations in KCNA1 and CACNA1A. EA3-8 are reported in rare families. Advances in genetic testing have broadened the KCNA1 and CACNA1A phenotypes, and detected EA as an unusual presentation of several other genetic disorders. Additionally, there are various secondary causes of EA and mimicking disorders. Together, these can pose diagnostic challenges for neurologists. Methods A systematic literature review was performed in October 2022 for 'episodic ataxia' and 'paroxysmal ataxia', restricted to publications in the last 10 years to focus on recent clinical advances. Clinical, genetic, and treatment characteristics were summarized. Results EA1 and EA2 phenotypes have further broadened. In particular, EA2 may be accompanied by other paroxysmal disorders of childhood with chronic neuropsychiatric features. New treatments for EA2 include dalfampridine and fampridine, in addition to 4-aminopyridine and acetazolamide. There are recent proposals for EA9-10. EA may also be caused by gene mutations associated with chronic ataxias (SCA-14, SCA-27, SCA-42, AOA2, CAPOS), epilepsy syndromes (KCNA2, SCN2A, PRRT2), GLUT-1, mitochondrial disorders (PDHA1, PDHX, ACO2), metabolic disorders (Maple syrup urine disease, Hartnup disease, type I citrullinemia, thiamine and biotin metabolism defects), and others. Secondary causes of EA are more commonly encountered than primary EA (vascular, inflammatory, toxic-metabolic). EA can be misdiagnosed as migraine, peripheral vestibular disorders, anxiety, and functional symptoms. Primary and secondary EA are frequently treatable which should prompt a search for the cause. Discussion EA may be overlooked or misdiagnosed for a variety of reasons, including phenotype-genotype variability and clinical overlap between primary and secondary causes. EA is highly treatable, so it is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of paroxysmal disorders. Classical EA1 and EA2 phenotypes prompt single gene test and treatment pathways. For atypical phenotypes, next generation genetic testing can aid diagnosis and guide treatment. Updated classification systems for EA are discussed which may assist diagnosis and management.
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Indelicato E, Boesch S. CACNA1A-Related Channelopathies: Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Options. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 279:227-248. [PMID: 36592223 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, variants in the Ca2+ channel gene CACNA1A emerged as a frequent aetiology of rare neurological phenotypes sharing a common denominator of variable paroxysmal manifestations and chronic cerebellar dysfunction. The spectrum of paroxysmal manifestations encompasses migraine with hemiplegic aura, episodic ataxia, epilepsy and paroxysmal non-epileptic movement disorders. Additional chronic neurological symptoms range from severe developmental phenotypes in early-onset cases to neurobehavioural disorders and chronic cerebellar ataxia in older children and adults.In the present review we systematically approach the clinical manifestations of CACNA1A variants, delineate genotype-phenotype correlations and elaborate on the emerging concept of an age-dependent phenotypic spectrum in CACNA1A disease. We furthermore reflect on different therapy options available for paroxysmal symptoms in CACNA1A and address open issues to prioritize in the future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Indelicato
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Vithayathil J, Freeman C, Jacobwitz M, Schwartz ES, Agarwal S. Prolonged neurologic deficits with brain MRI changes following ECT in an adolescent with a CACNA1a-related disorder; a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:466. [PMID: 36494636 PMCID: PMC9743018 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat depression and schizophrenia with infrequent use in pediatric patients. We report a case of an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder and acute catatonia that presented with status epilepticus (SE) and prolonged neurologic deficits with unilateral left cerebral edema on imaging following unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the right side, subsequently found to have a CACNA1a pathogenic variant. This case highlights a potential adverse effect of ECT in patients with CACNA1a related disorders. CASE The patient received unilateral ECT to the right side and subsequently had an episode of SE with right-sided hemiplegia for 72 h prior to regaining some function with persistent mild right-hand weakness that persisted for at least 1-2 weeks. A brain MRI 2 days after ECT was unremarkable, but a repeat MRI on day four of admission showed left hemisphere cortical diffusion restriction, increased perfusion and T2 prolongation suggestive of cortical edema. They had whole exome genetic testing sent after discharge that showed a known pathogenic CACNA1a variant (p.I1709T). CACNA1a encodes the P/Q type calcium channels and deleterious variants in this gene result in a channelopathy associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders that include autism spectrum disorder, hemiplegic migraine with unilateral cerebral edema, epileptic encephalopathies, or episodic ataxia syndromes. CONCLUSION A literature review of ECT and neurologic deficits showed that most neurologic deficits resolve within 30 min of ECT. Case reports of prolonged deficits are rare and there are no prior reports of acute MRI changes related to ECT. Thus, the acute deterioration and MRI findings in this patient are likely related to the underlying CACNA1a channelopathy disorder with ECT as a precipitating event. This case report suggests care should be taken when using ECT in patients with pathogenic variants in CACNA1a. Furthermore, it reinforces the utility and importance of expanded genetic testing in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders as findings can provide valuable information that can guide treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Vithayathil
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Colbey Freeman
- grid.411115.10000 0004 0435 0884Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marin Jacobwitz
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Erin Simon Schwartz
- grid.411115.10000 0004 0435 0884Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA ,grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Neuroradiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sonika Agarwal
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Olfson E, Lebowitz ER, Hommel G, Pashankar N, Silverman WK, Fernandez TV. Whole-exome DNA sequencing in childhood anxiety disorders identifies rare de novo damaging coding variants. Depress Anxiety 2022; 39:474-484. [PMID: 35312124 PMCID: PMC9246845 DOI: 10.1002/da.23251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic factors contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, yet few risk genes have been previously identified. One genomic approach that has achieved success in identifying risk genes in related childhood neuropsychiatric conditions is investigations of de novo variants, which has yet to be leveraged in childhood anxiety disorders. METHODS We performed whole-exome DNA sequencing in 76 parent-child trios (68 trios after quality control) recruited from a childhood anxiety disorder clinic and compared rates of rare and ultra-rare de novo variants with 790 previously sequenced control trios (783 trios after quality control). We then explored overlap with risk genes for other neuropsychiatric conditions and enrichment in biologic pathways. RESULTS Rare and ultra-rare de novo likely gene disrupting and predicted damaging missense genetic variants are enriched in anxiety disorder probands compared with controls (rare variant rate ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-3.34, p = .03; ultra-rare variant rate ratio 2.59, 95% CI: 1.35-4.70, p = .008). These de novo damaging variants occur in individuals with a variety of childhood anxiety disorders and impact genes that have been associated with other neuropsychiatric conditions. Exploratory network analyses reveal enrichment of deleterious variants in canonical biological pathways. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide a path for identifying risk genes and promising biologic pathways in childhood anxiety disorders by de novo genetic variant detection. Our results suggest the discovery potential of applying this approach in larger anxiety disorder cohorts to advance our understanding of the underlying biology of these common and debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Olfson
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Eli R. Lebowitz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT
| | - Grace Hommel
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT
| | - Neha Pashankar
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT
| | - Wendy K. Silverman
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT
| | - Thomas V. Fernandez
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Indelicato E, Raccagni C, Runer S, Hannink J, Nachbauer W, Eigentler A, Amprosi M, Wenning G, Boesch S. Instrumented gait analysis defines the walking signature of CACNA1A disorders. J Neurol 2022; 269:2941-2947. [PMID: 34755206 PMCID: PMC9120104 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait disturbances are a frequent symptom in CACNA1A disorders. Even though, data about their severity and progression are lacking and no CACNA1A-specific scale or assessment for gait is available. METHODS We applied a gait assessment protocol in 20 ambulatory patients with genetically confirmed CACNA1A disorders and 39 matched healthy controls. An instrumented gait analysis (IGA) was performed by means of wearable sensors in basal condition and after a treadmill/cycloergometer challenge in selected cases. RESULTS CACNA1A patients displayed lower gait speed, shorter steps with increased step length variability, a reduced landing acceleration as well as a reduced range of ankle motion compared to controls. Furthermore, gait-width in patients with episodic CACNA1A disorders was narrower as compared to controls. In one patient experiencing mild episodic symptoms after the treadmill challenge, the IGA was able to detect a deterioration over all gait parameters. CONCLUSIONS In CACNA1A patients, the IGA with wearable sensors unravels specific gait signatures which are not detectable at naked eye. These features (narrow-based gait, lower landing acceleration) distinguish these patients from other ataxic disorders and may be target of focused rehabilitative interventions. IGA can potentially be applied to monitor the neurological fluctuations associated with CACNA1A disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Indelicato
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cecilia Raccagni
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Regional General Hospital, Lorenz Boehler Strasse 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Sarah Runer
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julius Hannink
- Portablies HealthCare Technologies GmbH, Henkestr. 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Nachbauer
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Eigentler
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Amprosi
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor Wenning
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Cerebellum and Emotion Memory. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1378:53-73. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99550-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Reversing frontal disinhibition rescues behavioural deficits in models of CACNA1A-associated neurodevelopment disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7225-7246. [PMID: 34127816 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CACNA1A deletions cause epilepsy, ataxia, and a range of neurocognitive deficits, including inattention, impulsivity, intellectual deficiency and autism. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we generated mice carrying a targeted Cacna1a deletion restricted to parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neurons (PVCre;Cacna1ac/+) or to cortical pyramidal cells (PC) (Emx1Cre;Cacna1ac/+). GABA release from PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons (PV-INs) is reduced in PVCre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants, resulting in impulsivity, cognitive rigidity and inattention. By contrast, the deletion of Cacna1a in PCs does not impact cortical excitability or behaviour in Emx1Cre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants. A targeted Cacna1a deletion in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) results in reversal learning deficits while a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) deletion impairs selective attention. These deficits can be rescued by the selective chemogenetic activation of cortical PV-INs in the OFC or mPFC of PVCre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants. Thus, Cacna1a haploinsufficiency disrupts perisomatic inhibition in frontal cortical circuits, leading to a range of potentially reversible neurocognitive deficits.
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The complexities of CACNA1A in clinical neurogenetics. J Neurol 2021; 269:3094-3108. [PMID: 34806130 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Variants in CACNA1A are classically related to episodic ataxia type 2, familial hemiplegic migraine type 1, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Over the years, CACNA1A has been associated with a broader spectrum of phenotypes. Targeted analysis and unbiased sequencing of CACNA1A result not only in clear molecular diagnoses, but also in large numbers of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), or likely pathogenic variants with a phenotype that does not directly match the CACNA1A spectrum. Over the last years, targeted and clinical exome sequencing in our center has identified 41 CACNA1A variants. Ultimately, variants were considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic in 23 cases, with most phenotypes ranging from episodic or progressive ataxia to more complex ataxia syndromes, as well as intellectual disability and epilepsy. In two cases, the causality of the variant was discarded based on non-segregation or an alternative diagnosis. In the remaining 16 cases, the variant was classified as uncertain, due to lack of opportunities for segregation analysis or uncertain association with a non-classic phenotype. Phenotypic variability and the large number of VUS make CACNA1A a challenging gene for neurogenetic diagnostics. Accessible functional read-outs are clearly needed, especially in cases with a non-classic phenotype.
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Chen HC, Wang J, Liu Q, Shyr Y. A domain damage index to prioritizing the pathogenicity of missense variants. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1503-1517. [PMID: 34350656 PMCID: PMC8511099 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prioritizing causal variants is one major challenge for the clinical application of sequencing data. Prompted by the observation that 74.3% of missense pathogenic variants locate in protein domains, we developed an approach named domain damage index (DDI). DDI identifies protein domains depleted of rare missense variations in the general population, which can be further used as a metric to prioritize variants. DDI is significantly correlated with phylogenetic conservation, variant-level metrics, and reported pathogenicity. DDI achieved great performance for distinguishing pathogenic variants from benign ones in three benchmark datasets. The combination of DDI with the other two best approaches improved the performance of each individual method considerably, suggesting DDI provides a powerful and complementary way of variant prioritization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yu Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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13
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Arteche-López A, Álvarez-Mora MI, Sánchez Calvin MT, Lezana Rosales JM, Palma Milla C, Gómez Rodríguez MJ, Gomez Manjón I, Blázquez A, Juarez Rufián A, Ramos Gómez P, Sierra Tomillo O, Hidalgo Mayoral I, Pérez de la Fuente R, Posada Rodríguez IJ, González Granado LI, Martin MA, Quesada-Espinosa JF, Moreno-García M. Biallelic variants in genes previously associated with dominant inheritance: CACNA1A, RET and SLC20A2. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1520-1526. [PMID: 34267336 PMCID: PMC8484357 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of families with co-dominant or recessive inheritance has been described in several genes previously associated with dominant inheritance. Those recessive families displayed similar, more severe, or even completely different phenotypes to their dominant counterparts. We report the first patients harboring homozygous disease-related variants in three genes that were previously associated with dominant inheritance: a loss-of-function variant in the CACNA1A gene and two missense variants in the RET and SLC20A2 genes, respectively. All patients presented with a more severe clinical phenotype than the corresponding typical dominant form. We suggest that co-dominant or recessive inheritance for these three genes could explain the phenotypic differences from those documented in their cognate dominant phenotypes. Our results reinforce that geneticists should be aware of the possible different forms of inheritance in genes when WES variant interpretation is performed. We also evidence the need to refine phenotypes and inheritance patterns associated with genes in order to avoid failures during WES analysis and thus, raising the WES diagnostic capacity in the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arteche-López
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - MI. Álvarez-Mora
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain ,grid.428756.a0000 0004 0412 0974Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and Fundació Clínic per la Recerca Biomèdica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - MT. Sánchez Calvin
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - JM. Lezana Rosales
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Palma Milla
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. J. Gómez Rodríguez
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - I. Gomez Manjón
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Blázquez
- Mitochondrial and Neurometabolic Diseases Lab. Biochemistry Department, ‘12 de Octubre’ Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Juarez Rufián
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - P. Ramos Gómez
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - O. Sierra Tomillo
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - I. Hidalgo Mayoral
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Pérez de la Fuente
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - IJ. Posada Rodríguez
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Neurology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - LI. González Granado
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Pediatrics Department, Immunodeficiency Unit, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain ,grid.4795.f0000 0001 2157 7667Complutense University School of Medicine. Madrid, Spain and ‘12 de Octubre’ Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Martin
- Mitochondrial and Neurometabolic Diseases Lab. Biochemistry Department, ‘12 de Octubre’ Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - JF. Quesada-Espinosa
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Moreno-García
- grid.144756.50000 0001 1945 5329Genetics Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Manickam AH, Ramasamy S. Mutations in the Voltage Dependent Calcium Channel CACNA1A (P/Q type alpha 1A subunit) Causing Neurological Disorders - An Overview. Neurol India 2021; 69:808-816. [PMID: 34507393 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.325378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The voltage-dependent calcium channel α1 subunit (CACNA1A) gene plays a major role in neuronal communication. Mutation in this gene results in altered Ca2+ ion influx that modify the neurotransmitter release resulting in the development of various neurological disorders like hemiplegic migraine with cortical spreading depression, epilepsy, episodic ataxia type 2, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Objective This review aimed in portraying the frequent mutations in CACNA1A gene causing hemiplegic migraine with cortical spreading depression, epilepsy, episodic ataxia type 2 and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Methodology A systematic search has been adopted in various databases using the keywords "Calcium channel," "migraine," "epilepsy," "episodic ataxia," and "spinocerebellar ataxia" for writing this review that collectively focuses on mutations in the CACNA1A gene causing the common neurological diseases from 1975 to 2019. Conclusion Every type of mutation has its own signature in gene functioning and understanding them might aid knowing more in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agaath Hedina Manickam
- Molecular Genetics and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivasamy Ramasamy
- Molecular Genetics and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Harvey S, King MD, Gorman KM. Paroxysmal Movement Disorders. Front Neurol 2021; 12:659064. [PMID: 34177764 PMCID: PMC8232056 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.659064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal movement disorders (PxMDs) are a clinical and genetically heterogeneous group of movement disorders characterized by episodic involuntary movements (dystonia, dyskinesia, chorea and/or ataxia). Historically, PxMDs were classified clinically (triggers and characteristics of the movements) and this directed single-gene testing. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), how we classify and investigate PxMDs has been transformed. Next-generation sequencing has enabled new gene discovery (RHOBTB2, TBC1D24), expansion of phenotypes in known PxMDs genes and a better understanding of disease mechanisms. However, PxMDs exhibit phenotypic pleiotropy and genetic heterogeneity, making it challenging to predict genotype based on the clinical phenotype. For example, paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is most commonly associated with variants in PRRT2 but also variants identified in PNKD, SCN8A, and SCL2A1. There are no radiological or biochemical biomarkers to differentiate genetic causes. Even with NGS, diagnosis rates are variable, ranging from 11 to 51% depending on the cohort studied and technology employed. Thus, a large proportion of patients remain undiagnosed compared to other neurological disorders such as epilepsy, highlighting the need for further genomic research in PxMDs. Whole-genome sequencing, deep-sequencing, copy number variant analysis, detection of deep-intronic variants, mosaicism and repeat expansions, will improve diagnostic rates. Identifying the underlying genetic cause has a significant impact on patient care, modification of treatment, long-term prognostication and genetic counseling. This paper provides an update on the genetics of PxMDs, description of PxMDs classified according to causative gene rather than clinical phenotype, highlighting key clinical features and providing an algorithm for genetic testing of PxMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Harvey
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary D King
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen M Gorman
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Bohne P, Mourabit DBE, Josten M, Mark MD. Cognitive deficits in episodic Ataxia type 2 mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1811-1832. [PMID: 34077522 PMCID: PMC8444449 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by motor incoordination, paroxysmal dystonia, vertigo, nystagmus and more recently cognitive deficits. To date over 100 mutations in the CACNA1A gene have been identified in EA2 patients leading to a loss of P/Q-type channel activity, dysfunction of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) and motor incoordination. To determine if the cerebellum is contributing to these cognitive deficits, we examined 2 different EA2 mouse models for cognition impairments where CACNA1A was removed specifically from cerebellar Purkinje or granule cells postnatally. Both mutant mouse models showed anxiolytic behavior to lighted, open areas in the open field and light/dark place preference tests but enhanced anxiousness in the novel suppressed feeding test. However, EA2 mice continued to show augmented latencies in the light/dark preference test and when the arena was divided into 2 dark zones in the dark/dark preference test. Moreover, increased latencies were also displayed in the novel object recognition test, indicating that EA2 mice are indecisive and anxious to explore new territories and objects and may have memory recognition deficits. Exposure to a foreign mouse led to deficiencies in attention and sniffing as well as social and genital sniffing were observed. These data suggest that postnatal removal of the P/Q type calcium channel from the cerebellum regulates neuronal activity involved in anxiety, memory, decision making and social interactions. Our EA2 mice will provide a model to identify the mechanisms and therapeutic agents underlying cognitive and psychiatric disorders seen in EA2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Bohne
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Mareike Josten
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie D Mark
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
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17
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Ko PY, Glass IA, Crandall S, Weiss A, Dorschner MO, Kelly JP, Phillips JO, Lopez J. Two Missense CACNA1A Variants in a Single Family with Variable Neurobehavioral, Cerebellar, Epileptic, and Oculomotor Features. Neuropediatrics 2021; 52:186-191. [PMID: 33445191 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe two novel missense variants in CACNA1A segregating in a family with variable severity of ataxia/oculomotor dysfunction, neurobehavioral impairments, and epilepsy. The most severe outcome occurred in a compound heterozygous proband, which could represent variable expression of the paternal allele or biallelic modulation of calcium channel function. Acetazolamide and lamotrigine were effective for seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Yi Ko
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Ian A Glass
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Suzanne Crandall
- Department of Neurology, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Avery Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Michael O Dorschner
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - John P Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - James O Phillips
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jonathan Lopez
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
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18
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Kessi M, Chen B, Peng J, Yan F, Yang L, Yin F. Calcium channelopathies and intellectual disability: a systematic review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:219. [PMID: 33985586 PMCID: PMC8120735 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01850-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium ions are involved in several human cellular processes including corticogenesis, transcription, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the relationship between calcium channelopathies (CCs) and intellectual disability (ID)/global developmental delay (GDD) has been poorly investigated. We hypothesised that CCs play a major role in the development of ID/GDD and that both gain- and loss-of-function variants of calcium channel genes can induce ID/GDD. As a result, we performed a systematic review to investigate the contribution of CCs, potential mechanisms underlying their involvement in ID/GDD, advancements in cell and animal models, treatments, brain anomalies in patients with CCs, and the existing gaps in the knowledge. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, ClinVar, OMIM, ClinGen, Gene Reviews, DECIPHER and LOVD databases to search for articles/records published before March 2021. The following search strategies were employed: ID and calcium channel, mental retardation and calcium channel, GDD and calcium channel, developmental delay and calcium channel. MAIN BODY A total of 59 reports describing 159 cases were found in PubMed, Embase, ClinVar, and LOVD databases. Variations in ten calcium channel genes including CACNA1A, CACNA1C, CACNA1I, CACNA1H, CACNA1D, CACNA2D1, CACNA2D2, CACNA1E, CACNA1F, and CACNA1G were found to be associated with ID/GDD. Most variants exhibited gain-of-function effect. Severe to profound ID/GDD was observed more for the cases with gain-of-function variants as compared to those with loss-of-function. CACNA1E, CACNA1G, CACNA1F, CACNA2D2 and CACNA1A associated with more severe phenotype. Furthermore, 157 copy number variations (CNVs) spanning calcium genes were identified in DECIPHER database. The leading genes included CACNA1C, CACNA1A, and CACNA1E. Overall, the underlying mechanisms included gain- and/ or loss-of-function, alteration in kinetics (activation, inactivation) and dominant-negative effects of truncated forms of alpha1 subunits. Forty of the identified cases featured cerebellar atrophy. We identified only a few cell and animal studies that focused on the mechanisms of ID/GDD in relation to CCs. There is a scarcity of studies on treatment options for ID/GDD both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that CCs play a major role in ID/GDD. While both gain- and loss-of-function variants are associated with ID/GDD, the mechanisms underlying their involvement need further scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangling Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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19
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Martínez-Monseny AF, Edo A, Casas-Alba D, Izquierdo-Serra M, Bolasell M, Conejo D, Martorell L, Muchart J, Carrera L, Ortez CI, Nascimento A, Oliva B, Fernández-Fernández JM, Serrano M. CACNA1A Mutations Causing Early Onset Ataxia: Profiling Clinical, Dysmorphic and Structural-Functional Findings. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105180. [PMID: 34068417 PMCID: PMC8153625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore-forming α1A subunit of the voltage-gated CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel, essential in neurotransmission, especially in Purkinje cells. Mutations in CACNA1A result in great clinical heterogeneity with progressive symptoms, paroxysmal events or both. During infancy, clinical and neuroimaging findings may be unspecific, and no dysmorphic features have been reported. We present the clinical, radiological and evolutionary features of three patients with congenital ataxia, one of them carrying a new variant. We report the structural localization of variants and their expected functional consequences. There was an improvement in cerebellar syndrome over time despite a cerebellar atrophy progression, inconsistent response to acetazolamide and positive response to methylphenidate. The patients shared distinctive facial gestalt: oval face, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures and narrow nasal bridge. The two α1A affected residues are fully conserved throughout evolution and among the whole human CaV channel family. They contribute to the channel pore and the voltage sensor segment. According to structural data analysis and available functional characterization, they are expected to exert gain- (F1394L) and loss-of-function (R1664Q/R1669Q) effect, respectively. Among the CACNA1A-related phenotypes, our results suggest that non-progressive congenital ataxia is associated with developmental delay and dysmorphic features, constituting a recognizable syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F. Martínez-Monseny
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.M.-M.); (D.C.-A.); (M.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Albert Edo
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.E.); (M.I.-S.)
| | - Dídac Casas-Alba
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.M.-M.); (D.C.-A.); (M.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Mercè Izquierdo-Serra
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.E.); (M.I.-S.)
| | - Mercè Bolasell
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.M.-M.); (D.C.-A.); (M.B.); (L.M.)
| | - David Conejo
- Pediatric Department, Complejo Asistencial de Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Loreto Martorell
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, Institut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.M.-M.); (D.C.-A.); (M.B.); (L.M.)
- U-703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; (C.I.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Jordi Muchart
- Pediatric Radiology Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Laura Carrera
- Neuropediatric Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Carlos I. Ortez
- U-703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; (C.I.O.); (A.N.)
- Neuropediatric Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andrés Nascimento
- U-703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; (C.I.O.); (A.N.)
- Neuropediatric Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Baldo Oliva
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - José M. Fernández-Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.E.); (M.I.-S.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.F.-F.); (M.S.); Tel.: +34-93-3160854 (J.M.F.-F.); +34-93-253-2100 (M.S.)
| | - Mercedes Serrano
- U-703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; (C.I.O.); (A.N.)
- Neuropediatric Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (J.M.F.-F.); (M.S.); Tel.: +34-93-3160854 (J.M.F.-F.); +34-93-253-2100 (M.S.)
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20
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Striessnig J. Voltage-Gated Ca 2+-Channel α1-Subunit de novo Missense Mutations: Gain or Loss of Function - Implications for Potential Therapies. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:634760. [PMID: 33746731 PMCID: PMC7966529 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.634760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes our current knowledge of human disease-relevant genetic variants within the family of voltage gated Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ channelopathies cover a wide spectrum of diseases including epilepsies, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, developmental delay, cerebellar ataxias and degeneration, severe cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, eye disease and endocrine disorders such as congential hyperinsulinism and hyperaldosteronism. A special focus will be on the rapidly increasing number of de novo missense mutations identified in the pore-forming α1-subunits with next generation sequencing studies of well-defined patient cohorts. In contrast to likely gene disrupting mutations these can not only cause a channel loss-of-function but can also induce typical functional changes permitting enhanced channel activity and Ca2+ signaling. Such gain-of-function mutations could represent therapeutic targets for mutation-specific therapy of Ca2+-channelopathies with existing or novel Ca2+-channel inhibitors. Moreover, many pathogenic mutations affect positive charges in the voltage sensors with the potential to form gating-pore currents through voltage sensors. If confirmed in functional studies, specific blockers of gating-pore currents could also be of therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Striessnig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Indelicato E, Boesch S. From Genotype to Phenotype: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of CACNA1A Variants in the Era of Next Generation Sequencing. Front Neurol 2021; 12:639994. [PMID: 33737904 PMCID: PMC7960780 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.639994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channel dysfunction is a key pathological substrate of episodic neurological disorders. A classical gene associated to paroxysmal movement disorders is CACNA1A, which codes for the pore-forming subunit of the neuronal calcium channel P/Q. Non-polyglutamine CACNA1A variants underlie familial hemiplegic ataxia type 1 (FHM1) and episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). Classical paroxysmal manifestations of FHM1 are migraine attacks preceded by motor aura consisting of hemiparesis, aphasia, and disturbances of consciousness until coma. Patients with EA2 suffer of recurrent episodes of vertigo, unbalance, diplopia, and vomiting. Beyond these typical presentations, several reports highlighted manifold clinical features associated with P/Q channelopathies, from chronic progressive cerebellar ataxia to epilepsy and psychiatric disturbances. These manifestations may often outlast the burden of classical episodic symptoms leading to pitfalls in the diagnostic work-up. Lately, the spreading of next generation sequencing techniques linked de novo CACNA1A variants to an even broader phenotypic spectrum including early developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, epileptic encephalopathy, and early onset paroxysmal dystonia. The age-dependency represents a striking new aspect of these phenotypes und highlights a pivotal role for P/Q channels in the development of the central nervous system in a defined time window. While several reviews addressed the clinical presentation and treatment of FHM1 and EA2, an overview of the newly described age-dependent manifestations is lacking. In this Mini-Review we present a clinical update, delineate genotype-phenotype correlations as well as summarize evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the expanded phenotype associated with CACNA1A variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Indelicato E, Unterberger I, Nachbauer W, Eigentler A, Amprosi M, Zeiner F, Haberlandt E, Kaml M, Gizewski E, Boesch S. The electrophysiological footprint of CACNA1A disorders. J Neurol 2021; 268:2493-2505. [PMID: 33544220 PMCID: PMC8217028 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives CACNA1A variants underlie three neurological disorders: familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). EEG is applied to study their episodic manifestations, but findings in the intervals did not gain attention up to date. Methods We analyzed repeated EEG recordings performed between 1994 and 2019 in a large cohort of genetically confirmed CACNA1A patients. EEG findings were compared with those of CACNA1A-negative phenocopies. A review of the related literature was performed. Results 85 EEG recordings from 38 patients (19 EA2, 14 FHM1, 5 SCA6) were analyzed. Baseline EEG was abnormal in 55% of cases (12 EA2, 9 FHM1). The most common finding was a lateralized intermittent slowing, mainly affecting the temporal region. Slowing was more pronounced after a recent attack but was consistently detected in the majority of patients also during the follow-up. Interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) were detected in eight patients (7 EA2,1 FHM1). EEG abnormalities and especially IEDs were significantly associated with younger age at examination (16 ± 9 vs 43 ± 21 years in those without epileptic changes, p = 0.003) and with earlier onset of disease (1 (1–2) vs 12 (5–45) years, p = 0.0009). EEG findings in CACNA1A-negative phenocopies (n = 15) were largely unremarkable (p = 0.03 in the comparison with CACNA1A patients). Conclusions EEG abnormalities between attacks are highly prevalent in episodic CACNA1A disorders and especially associated with younger age at examination and earlier disease onset. Our findings underpin an age-dependent effect of CACNA1A variants, with a more severe impairment when P/Q channel dysfunction manifests early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Indelicato
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris Unterberger
- Epileptology Division, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Nachbauer
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Eigentler
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Amprosi
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fiona Zeiner
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Edda Haberlandt
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, City Hospital, Dornbirn, Austria
| | - Manuela Kaml
- Epileptology Division, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elke Gizewski
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Center for Rare Movement Disorders Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Gur-Hartman T, Berkowitz O, Yosovich K, Roubertie A, Zanni G, Macaya A, Heimer G, Dueñas BP, Sival DA, Pode-Shakked B, López-Laso E, Humbertclaude V, Riant F, Bosco L, Cayron LB, Nissenkorn A, Nicita F, Bertini E, Hassin S, Ben Zeev B, Zerem A, Libzon S, Lev D, Linder I, Lerman-Sagie T, Blumkin L. Clinical phenotypes of infantile onset CACNA1A-related disorder. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 30:144-154. [PMID: 33349592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CACNA1A-related disorders present with persistent progressive and non-progressive cerebellar ataxia and paroxysmal events: epileptic seizures and non-epileptic attacks. These phenotypes overlap and co-exist in the majority of patients. OBJECTIVE To describe phenotypes in infantile onset CACNA1A-related disorder and to explore intra-familial variations and genotype-phenotype correlations. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was a multicenter international collaboration. A retrospective chart review of CACNA1A patients was performed. Clinical, radiological, and genetic data were collected and analyzed in 47 patients with infantile-onset disorder. RESULTS Paroxysmal non-epileptic events (PNEE) were observed in 68% of infants, with paroxysmal tonic upward gaze (PTU) noticed in 47% of infants. Congenital cerebellar ataxia (CCA) was diagnosed in 51% of patients including four patients with developmental delay and only one neurological sign. PNEEs were found in 63% of patients at follow-up, with episodic ataxia (EA) in 40% of the sample. Cerebellar ataxia was found in 58% of the patients at follow-up. Four patients had epilepsy in infancy and nine in childhood. Seven infants had febrile convulsions, three of which developed epilepsy later; all three patients had CCA. Cognitive difficulties were demonstrated in 70% of the children. Cerebellar atrophy was found in only one infant but was depicted in 64% of MRIs after age two. CONCLUSIONS Nearly all of the infants had CCA, PNEE or both. Cognitive difficulties were frequent and appeared to be associated with CCA. Epilepsy was more frequent after age two. Febrile convulsions in association with CCA may indicate risk of epilepsy in later childhood. Brain MRI was normal in infancy. There were no genotype-phenotype correlations found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Gur-Hartman
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Pediatric Movement Disorders Service, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Oren Berkowitz
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Keren Yosovich
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Agathe Roubertie
- Departement de Neuropediatrie, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfons Macaya
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Pediatric Neurology Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gali Heimer
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Belén Pérez Dueñas
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Pediatric Neurology Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Pode-Shakked
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; The Institute for Rare Diseases, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital; Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eduardo López-Laso
- University Hospital Reina Sofía, Pediatric Neurology Unit, IMIBIC and CIBERER, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Véronique Humbertclaude
- Service de Médecine Psychologique Enfants et Adolescents, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Riant
- AP-HP, GH Saint Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand Widal, Service de Génétique Moléculaire Neurovasculaire, Paris, France
| | - Luca Bosco
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Francesco Nicita
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Sharon Hassin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Movement Disorders Institute and Department of Neurology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ayelet Zerem
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit TASMC, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | | | - Dorit Lev
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Institute of Medical Genetics, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Ilan Linder
- Pediatric Epilepsy & Neurology Service, Barzilay Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Tally Lerman-Sagie
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Lubov Blumkin
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Pediatric Movement Disorders Service, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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Yeow SQZ, Loh KWZ, Soong TW. Calcium Channel Splice Variants and Their Effects in Brain and Cardiovascular Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:67-86. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Jaudon F, Baldassari S, Musante I, Thalhammer A, Zara F, Cingolani LA. Targeting Alternative Splicing as a Potential Therapy for Episodic Ataxia Type 2. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E332. [PMID: 32899500 PMCID: PMC7555146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder characterized by paroxysmal attacks of ataxia, vertigo, and nausea that usually last hours to days. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in CACNA1A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α1 subunit of P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Although pharmacological treatments, such as acetazolamide and 4-aminopyridine, exist for EA2, they do not reduce or control the symptoms in all patients. CACNA1A is heavily spliced and some of the identified EA2 mutations are predicted to disrupt selective isoforms of this gene. Modulating splicing of CACNA1A may therefore represent a promising new strategy to develop improved EA2 therapies. Because RNA splicing is dysregulated in many other genetic diseases, several tools, such as antisense oligonucleotides, trans-splicing, and CRISPR-based strategies, have been developed for medical purposes. Here, we review splicing-based strategies used for genetic disorders, including those for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular dystrophy, and frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, and discuss their potential applicability to EA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (S.B.); (I.M.); (F.Z.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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Nardello R, Plicato G, Mangano GD, Gennaro E, Mangano S, Brighina F, Raieli V, Fontana A. Two distinct phenotypes, hemiplegic migraine and episodic Ataxia type 2, caused by a novel common CACNA1A variant. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:155. [PMID: 32336275 PMCID: PMC7183684 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01704-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the genetic and environmental factors responsible for phenotype variability in a family carrying a novel CACNA1A missense mutation. Mutations in the CACNA1A gene were identified as responsible for at least three autosomal dominant disorders: FHM1 (Familial Hemiplegic Migraine), EA2 (Episodic Ataxia type 2), and SCA6 (Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6). Overlapping clinical features within individuals of some families sharing the same CACNA1A mutation are not infrequent. Conversely, reports with distinct phenotypes within the same family associated with a common CACNA1A mutation are very rare. Case presentation A clinical, molecular, neuroradiological, neuropsychological, and neurophysiological study was carried out in proband and his carrier mother. The new heterozygous missense variant c.4262G > A (p.Arg1421Gln) in the CACNA1A gene was detected in the two affected family members. The proband showed a complex clinical presentation characterized by developmental delay, poor motor coordination, hemiplegic migraine attacks, behavioral dysregulation, and EEG abnormalities. The mother showed typical episodic ataxia attacks during infancy with no other comorbidities and mild cerebellar signs at present neurological evaluation. Conclusions The proband and his mother exhibit two distinct clinical phenotypes. It can be hypothesized that other unknown modifying genes and/or environmental factors may cooperate to generate the wide intrafamilial variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Plicato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Gennaro
- UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Umana, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Raieli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department, Di Cristina - ARNAS Civico Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Fontana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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27
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Humbertclaude V, Riant F, Krams B, Zimmermann V, Nagot N, Annequin D, Echenne B, Tournier-Lasserve E, Roubertie A. Cognitive impairment in children with CACNA1A mutations. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:330-337. [PMID: 31115040 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the clinico-radiological phenotype of children with a CACNA1A mutation and to precisely evaluate their learning ability and cognitive status. METHOD Children between the ages of 3 and 18 years harboring a pathogenic CACNA1A mutation associated with episodic ataxia, hemiplegic migraine, benign paroxysmal torticollis, benign paroxysmal vertigo, or benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data concerning psychomotor development, academic performance, educational management, clinical examination at inclusion, and brain imaging were collected. Cognitive assessment was performed using age-standardized scales. RESULTS Eighteen patients (nine males, nine females; mean age at inclusion: 11y 7mo [SD 4y 5mo; range 3y-17y 11mo]) from 14 families were enrolled. Eleven patients displayed the coexistence or consecutive occurrence of more than one type of episodic event. Nine patients exhibited abnormal neurological examination at inclusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebellar atrophy in five patients. Psychomotor development was delayed in nine patients and academic difficulties were reported by the parents in 15 patients; nine patients were in special education. Impairment of intellectual function was assessed in six of the 12 patients with interpretable Full-scale IQ scores and was more frequent when cerebellar atrophy was present on MRI. INTERPRETATION Cognitive impairment is commonly associated with CACNA1A mutations. We suggest that CACNA1A-associated phenotype should be considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Cognitive disabilities and academic difficulties are common in children with CACNA1A mutations associated with episodic syndromes. Cognitive function ranges from normal to moderate intellectual disorder in wheelchair-dependent children. Patients with vermian atrophy are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Humbertclaude
- Service de Médecine Psychologique Enfants et Adolescents, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Riant
- Laboratoire de Génétique, Groupe hospitalier Lariboisière-Fernand Widal AP-HP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR-S740, Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Krams
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Nicolas Nagot
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Daniel Annequin
- Centre de la Migraine de l'Enfant, Hôpital Trousseau, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Echenne
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Elisabeth Tournier-Lasserve
- Laboratoire de Génétique, Groupe hospitalier Lariboisière-Fernand Widal AP-HP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR-S740, Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Agathe Roubertie
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France.,INSERM U 1051, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Tyagi S, Ribera AB, Bannister RA. Zebrafish as a Model System for the Study of Severe Ca V2.1 (α 1A) Channelopathies. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 12:329. [PMID: 32116539 PMCID: PMC7018710 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The P/Q-type CaV2.1 channel regulates neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) and many central synapses. CACNA1A encodes the pore-containing α1A subunit of CaV2.1 channels. In humans, de novo CACNA1A mutations result in a wide spectrum of neurological, neuromuscular, and movement disorders, such as familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), as well as a more recently discovered class of more severe disorders, which are characterized by ataxia, hypotonia, cerebellar atrophy, and cognitive/developmental delay. Heterologous expression of CaV2.1 channels has allowed for an understanding of the consequences of CACNA1A missense mutations on channel function. In contrast, a mechanistic understanding of how specific CACNA1A mutations lead in vivo to the resultant phenotypes is lacking. In this review, we present the zebrafish as a model to both study in vivo mechanisms of CACNA1A mutations that result in synaptic and behavioral defects and to screen for effective drug therapies to combat these and other CaV2.1 channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Tyagi
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Angeles B Ribera
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Roger A Bannister
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Poupore N, Strat D, Mackey T, Nathaniel TI. The Association Between an Antecedent of Transient Ischemic Attack Prior to Onset of Stroke and Functional Ambulatory Outcome. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2020; 26:1076029620906867. [PMID: 32122158 PMCID: PMC7288839 DOI: 10.1177/1076029620906867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific clinical risk factors linked to transient ischemic attack (TIA) could affect functional ambulatory outcome following thrombolytic therapy in patients having ischemic stroke with a prior TIA (TIA-ischemic stroke). This issue was investigated in this study. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 6379 ischemic stroke patients of which 1387 presented with an antecedent TIA prior to onset of stroke. We used logistic regression model to identify demographic and clinical risk factors that are associated with functional ambulatory outcome in patients with TIA-ischemic stroke treated with thrombolytic therapy. RESULTS In a population of TIA-ischemic stroke who received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, patients with a history of stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 3.229, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.494-6.98, P = .003) were associated with increasing odds of improvement in functional ambulation, while the female gender (OR = 0.462, 95% CI = 0.223-0.956, P = .037) was associated with reducing odds of improvement. In the non-TIA group, dyslipidemia (OR = 1.351, 95% CI = 1.026-1.781, P = .032) and blood glucose (OR = 1.003, 95% CI = 1.0-1.005, P = .041) were associated with the increasing odds of improvement while older patients (OR = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.98-0.999, P = .029) with heart failure (OR = 0.513, 95% CI = 0.326-0.808, P = .004) and higher lipid level (OR = 0.834, 95% CI = 0.728-0.955, P = .009) were associated with reducing odds of improvement in ambulation. CONCLUSION In a population of TIA-ischemic stroke with thrombolytic therapy and a clearly defined TIA without focal ischemic injury, regardless of associated clinical risk factors, a TIA prior to a stroke is not associated with reducing odds of improved ambulatory outcome, except in female patients with TIA-ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Poupore
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Dan Strat
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Tristan Mackey
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
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Andrade A, Brennecke A, Mallat S, Brown J, Gomez-Rivadeneira J, Czepiel N, Londrigan L. Genetic Associations between Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3537. [PMID: 31331039 PMCID: PMC6679227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are mental, behavioral or emotional disorders. These conditions are prevalent, one in four adults suffer from any type of psychiatric disorders world-wide. It has always been observed that psychiatric disorders have a genetic component, however, new methods to sequence full genomes of large cohorts have identified with high precision genetic risk loci for these conditions. Psychiatric disorders include, but are not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Several risk loci for psychiatric disorders fall within genes that encode for voltage-gated calcium channels (CaVs). Calcium entering through CaVs is crucial for multiple neuronal processes. In this review, we will summarize recent findings that link CaVs and their auxiliary subunits to psychiatric disorders. First, we will provide a general overview of CaVs structure, classification, function, expression and pharmacology. Next, we will summarize tools to study risk loci associated with psychiatric disorders. We will examine functional studies of risk variations in CaV genes when available. Finally, we will review pharmacological evidence of the use of CaV modulators to treat psychiatric disorders. Our review will be of interest for those studying pathophysiological aspects of CaVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Andrade
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
| | - Ashton Brennecke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Shayna Mallat
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Julian Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | | | - Natalie Czepiel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Laura Londrigan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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