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Ma Q, Chen G, Li Y, Guo Z, Zhang X. The molecular genetics of PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in the malformations of cortical development. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101021. [PMID: 39006182 PMCID: PMC11245990 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a group of developmental disorders characterized by abnormal cortical structures caused by genetic or harmful environmental factors. Many kinds of MCD are caused by genetic variation. MCD is the common cause of intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. With rapid advances in imaging and sequencing technologies, the diagnostic rate of MCD has been increasing, and many potential genes causing MCD have been successively identified. However, the high genetic heterogeneity of MCD makes it challenging to understand the molecular pathogenesis of MCD and to identify effective targeted drugs. Thus, in this review, we outline important events of cortical development. Then we illustrate the progress of molecular genetic studies about MCD focusing on the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Finally, we briefly discuss the diagnostic methods, disease models, and therapeutic strategies for MCD. The information will facilitate further research on MCD. Understanding the role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in MCD could lead to a novel strategy for treating MCD-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ma
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Ying Li
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
| | - Zhenming Guo
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China
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Yang D, Wang J, Qin Z, Feng J, Mao C, Chen Y, Huang X, Ruan Y. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of NPRL3-related epilepsy: Two case reports and literature review. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:33-40. [PMID: 37902097 PMCID: PMC10839296 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12856] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3) has been reported to play a role in seizure onset. The principal manifestation of NPRL3-related epilepsy is a range of epilepsy-associated syndromes, such as familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF), sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The association between phenotype and genotype of NPRL3 mutations remains inadequately described. This study aimed to explore the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy. We reported two novel NPRL3 variants in two unrelated epilepsy cases, including a nonsense (c.1174C > T, p.Gln392*) and a missense variant (c.1322C > T, p.Thr441Met). Following a review of the literature, a total of 116 cases of NPRL3-related epilepsy were assessed, mostly with nonsense and frameshift mutations. Our findings suggest that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibit variable clinical manifestations. In addition, it may be worthwhile to consider theexistence of NPRL3 mutations in epilepsy patients with a family history. This study provides useful information for the treatment and prognosis by expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy by reporting two cases with different novel variants. Following a review of the literature, it was observed that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibited a variability of clinical manifestations. Also, patients carrying nonsense mutations are frequently prone to drug resistance and other severe comorbidities such as developmental delay, but more cases need to be collected to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Yang
- Ruikang Clinical Medical CollegeGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningChina
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Zailong Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Genetic and Metabolic Central LaboratoryGuangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention InstituteNanningChina
| | - Juntan Feng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Chengyun Mao
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yuyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yiyan Ruan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
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Canavati C, Sherill-Rofe D, Kamal L, Bloch I, Zahdeh F, Sharon E, Terespolsky B, Allan IA, Rabie G, Kawas M, Kassem H, Avraham KB, Renbaum P, Levy-Lahad E, Kanaan M, Tabach Y. Using multi-scale genomics to associate poorly annotated genes with rare diseases. Genome Med 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38178268 PMCID: PMC10765705 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly transformed the landscape of identifying disease-causing genes associated with genetic disorders. However, a substantial portion of sequenced patients remains undiagnosed. This may be attributed not only to the challenges posed by harder-to-detect variants, such as non-coding and structural variations but also to the existence of variants in genes not previously associated with the patient's clinical phenotype. This study introduces EvORanker, an algorithm that integrates unbiased data from 1,028 eukaryotic genomes to link mutated genes to clinical phenotypes. METHODS EvORanker utilizes clinical data, multi-scale phylogenetic profiling, and other omics data to prioritize disease-associated genes. It was evaluated on solved exomes and simulated genomes, compared with existing methods, and applied to 6260 knockout genes with mouse phenotypes lacking human associations. Additionally, EvORanker was made accessible as a user-friendly web tool. RESULTS In the analyzed exomic cohort, EvORanker accurately identified the "true" disease gene as the top candidate in 69% of cases and within the top 5 candidates in 95% of cases, consistent with results from the simulated dataset. Notably, EvORanker outperformed existing methods, particularly for poorly annotated genes. In the case of the 6260 knockout genes with mouse phenotypes, EvORanker linked 41% of these genes to observed human disease phenotypes. Furthermore, in two unsolved cases, EvORanker successfully identified DLGAP2 and LPCAT3 as disease candidates for previously uncharacterized genetic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS We highlight clade-based phylogenetic profiling as a powerful systematic approach for prioritizing potential disease genes. Our study showcases the efficacy of EvORanker in associating poorly annotated genes to disease phenotypes observed in patients. The EvORanker server is freely available at https://ccanavati.shinyapps.io/EvORanker/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Canavati
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Dana Sherill-Rofe
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Lara Kamal
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Palestine
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Idit Bloch
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Fouad Zahdeh
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91031, Israel
| | - Elad Sharon
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Batel Terespolsky
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91031, Israel
| | - Islam Abu Allan
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Grace Rabie
- Hereditary Research Laboratory and Department of Life Sciences, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, 72372, Palestine
| | - Mariana Kawas
- Hereditary Research Laboratory and Department of Life Sciences, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, 72372, Palestine
| | - Hanin Kassem
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Karen B Avraham
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Paul Renbaum
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91031, Israel
| | - Ephrat Levy-Lahad
- Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91031, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel
| | - Moien Kanaan
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah, Palestine
- Hereditary Research Laboratory and Department of Life Sciences, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, 72372, Palestine
| | - Yuval Tabach
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research - Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112102, Israel.
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Hu J, Gao X, Chen L, Kan Y, Du Z, Xin S, Ji W, Yu Q, Cao L. Identification of two rare NPRL3 variants in two Chinese families with familial focal epilepsy with variable foci 3: NGS analysis with literature review. Front Genet 2023; 13:1054567. [PMID: 36685832 PMCID: PMC9852884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1054567] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The GAP Activity Towards Rags 1 (GATOR1) complex, which includes DEPDC5, NPRL2, and NPRL3, plays a key role in epilepsy. It has been reported that focal epilepsy is associated with mutations in the NPRL3 gene in some cases. We report two rare mutations in the NPRL3 gene in two unrelated Chinese families with focal epilepsy in this study. Methods: The proband and her brother in family E1 first experienced seizures at 1.5 and 6 years of age, respectively. Despite resection of epileptogenic foci, she still suffered recurrent seizures. The first seizure of a 20-year-old male proband in family E2 occurred when he was 2 years old. To identify pathogenic variants in these families, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA from peripheral blood. Results: In family E1, the trio-WES analysis of the proband and her brother without apparent structural brain abnormalities identified a heterozygous variant in the NPRL3 gene (c.954C>A, p.Y318*, NM_001077350.3). In family E2, the proband carried a heterozygous NPRL3 mutation (c.1545-1G>C, NM_001077350.3). Surprisingly, the mothers of the two probands each carried the variants, but neither had an attack. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the mutation (c.954C>A) was in the highly conserved amino acid residues of NPRL3, which affected the α-helix of NPRL3 protein, leading to a truncated protein. The splice variant (c.1545-1G>C) resulted in the loss of the last exon of the NPRL3 gene. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a foundation for diagnosing NPRL3-related epilepsy by enriching their genotypes and phenotypes and help us identify the genetic etiologies of epilepsy in these two families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Hu
- Department of Neurology, Zibo Changguo Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xueping Gao
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Longchang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Zibo Changguo Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Yuling Kan
- Central Laboratory, Binzhou People’s Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoli Du
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | | | - Wenkai Ji
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co, Ltd, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Department of Neurology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Lili Cao,
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Zhang H, Deng J, Wang X, Chen C, Chen S, Dai L, Fang F. Clinical phenotypic and genotypic characterization of NPRL3-related epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1113747. [PMID: 36937533 PMCID: PMC10018541 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1113747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As one of the assembly factors of the GATOR1 protein complex in the mechanism of rapamycin pathway, NPRL3 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype in patients with NPRL3-related epilepsy has not been clarified. Methods A total of 11 Chinese children with NPRL3-related epilepsy were identified through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The data from the clinical presentation, laboratory data, brain imaging findings, genetic results, and treatment methods were collected. All previously reported cases with NPRL3-related epilepsy were collected and reviewed through PubMed search. Results Among the 11 children, eight have not been reported, and two of them presented infantile spasms (ISs) as a new phenotype of NPRL3-related epilepsy. In addition, WES identified five frameshift mutations, three nonsense mutations, two missense mutations, and one exon deletion. Based on bioinformatics analysis, it was found that two missense mutation sites were highly conserved, and the c.400G>A mutation site of the NPRL3 gene caused the alteration of the protein structure. To date, 88 patients have been reported with NPRL3-related defects, including our 11 cases. The most common presentations were sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), and temporal lobe epilepsy. A majority of patients (70%) presented normal neuroimaging results, and focal cortical dysplasia was the most common neuroimaging abnormality (62.5%). Among the NPRL3 gene mutations, loss of function (nonsense mutations, frameshift mutations, and exons deletion) was the most common genetic variation (75%). For 73% of patients with NPRL3-related epilepsy, monotherapy of sodium channel blockers was effective. Surgery was effective for 75% of children with neuroimaging abnormalities. Two cases unresponsive to surgery or anti-seizure medications were treated with ketogenic diets (KD), which were effective. One case was treated with rapamycin at an early stage of epilepsy, which was effective as well. Conclusion NPRL3-related epilepsy has high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. SHE and FLE are the most common clinical presentations. Furthermore, ISs are the new phenotypes of NPRL3-related epilepsy, while the variants c.275G>A, c.745G>A, and c.1270C>T may be the most common NPRL3 gene mutations. Sodium channel blockers, surgery, KD, and rapamycin may be the potential treatments for these patients. Our study expanded the clinical and genetic spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy and provided important information for the precise treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhua Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Dai
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang
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Li Y, Zhao X, Wang S, Xu K, Zhao X, Huang S, Zhu S. A Novel Loss-of-Function Mutation in the NPRL3 Gene Identified in Chinese Familial Focal Epilepsy with Variable Foci. Front Genet 2021; 12:766354. [PMID: 34868250 PMCID: PMC8633433 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.766354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by partial epilepsy with variable foci. In this study, we report a six-generation with segregation of the mutation present in four generations Chinese family presenting with focal epilepsy with variable foci. Whole exome sequencing confirms a novel pathogenic mutation in the NPRL3 gene (c316C>T; p. Q106*). PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were conducted to analyze the gene transcription, protein expression, and subcellular localization of NPRL3 and related signaling molecules in peripheral blood cells from family members. As compared with healthy family members, both mRNA level and protein expression of NPRL3 are decreased in peripheral blood cells of the mutation carrier. In addition, the expression of downstream molecular Phospho-p70 S6 kinase (P-s6k) are increased consequently. Our findings expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the NPRL3-associated epilepsy and reveal the mechanisms of mTOR pathway signaling and GATOR1 pathogenesis in focal epilepsies, providing exciting potential for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, further in vitro and animal experiments are still needed to evaluate the role of NPRL3 loss-of-function mutation in epileptogensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suiqiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Fan X, Chen Y, Lu J, Li W, Li X, Guo H, Chen Q, Yang Y, Xia H. AS3MT Polymorphism: A Risk Factor for Epilepsy Susceptibility and Adverse Drug Reactions to Valproic Acid and Oxcarbazepine Treatment in Children From South China. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:705297. [PMID: 34899152 PMCID: PMC8661122 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.705297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder characterized by intractable seizures, involving genetic factors. There is a need to develop reliable genetic markers to predict the risk of epilepsy and design effective therapies. Arsenite methyltransferase (AS3MT) catalyzes the biomethylation of arsenic and hence regulates arsenic metabolism. AS3MT variation has been linked to the progression of various diseases including schizophrenia and attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder. Whether genetic polymorphism of AS3MT contributes to epilepsy remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association of AS3MT gene polymorphism with susceptibility to epilepsy in children from south China. We also explored the effect of AS3MT variation on the safety of antiepileptic drugs. Genotypic analysis for AS3MT rs7085104 was performed using samples from a Chinese cohort of 200 epileptic children and 244 healthy individuals. The results revealed a genetic association of AS3MT rs7085104 with susceptibility to pediatric epilepsy. Mutant homozygous GG genotype exhibited a lower susceptibility to childhood epilepsy than AA genotype. Carriers of AS3MT rs7085104 AA genotype exhibited a higher risk of digestive adverse drug reactions (dADRs) in children when treated with valproic acid (VPA) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). Additionally, bioinformatics analysis identified eight AS3MT target genes related to epilepsy and three AS3MT-associated genes in VPA-related dADRs. The effects of AS3MT on epilepsy might involve multiple targets including CNNM2, CACNB2, TRIM26, MTHFR, GSTM1, CYP17A1, NT5C2, and YBX3. This study reveals that AS3MT may be a new gene contributing to epileptogenesis. Hence, analysis of AS3MT polymorphisms will help to evaluate susceptibility to pediatric epilepsy and drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Fan
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuna Chen
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jieluan Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhou Li
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Li
- Shenzhen Nanshan District Shekou People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanxia Yang
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hanbing Xia
- Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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Moloney PB, Cavalleri GL, Delanty N. Epilepsy in the mTORopathies: opportunities for precision medicine. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab222. [PMID: 34632383 PMCID: PMC8495134 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab222] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway serves as a ubiquitous regulator of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation and survival. The main cellular activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin cascade funnels through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, which is inhibited by rapamycin, a macrolide compound produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding upstream regulators of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 cause epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem disorder caused by mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin regulators TSC1 or TSC2, with prominent neurological manifestations including epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia and neuropsychiatric disorders. Focal cortical dysplasia type II results from somatic brain mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activators MTOR, AKT3, PIK3CA and RHEB and is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3 code for subunits of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity towards Rags 1 complex (GATOR1), the principal amino acid-sensing regulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Germline pathogenic variants in GATOR1 genes cause non-lesional focal epilepsies and epilepsies associated with malformations of cortical development. Collectively, the mTORopathies are characterized by excessive mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation and drug-resistant epilepsy. In the first large-scale precision medicine trial in a genetically mediated epilepsy, everolimus (a synthetic analogue of rapamycin) was effective at reducing seizure frequency in people with tuberous sclerosis complex. Rapamycin reduced seizures in rodent models of DEPDC5-related epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia type II. This review outlines a personalized medicine approach to the management of epilepsies in the mTORopathies. We advocate for early diagnostic sequencing of mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway genes in drug-resistant epilepsy, as identification of a pathogenic variant may point to an occult dysplasia in apparently non-lesional epilepsy or may uncover important prognostic information including, an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in the GATORopathies or favourable epilepsy surgery outcomes in focal cortical dysplasia type II due to somatic brain mutations. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic application of mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors for drug-resistant seizures in GATOR1-related epilepsies and focal cortical dysplasia type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Moloney
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Gianpiero L Cavalleri
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
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