1
|
Nam S, Von Stein EL, Meador KJ, Levy RJ, Gallentine W, Li Y. Pearls & Oy-sters: Exquisite Response of Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy to a Nicotine Patch. Neurology 2024; 103:e209790. [PMID: 39250747 PMCID: PMC11385953 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), previously known as nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, is characterized by brief (<2 minutes) seizures with abrupt onset and offset and stereotyped focal or generalized hypermotor events occurring predominantly (but not exclusively) from sleep. Clinically, SHE can be challenging to distinguish from psychogenic nonepileptic events or sleep disorders. Up to 30% of SHE cases are drug-resistant, and SHE represents about 10% of drug-resistant surgical epilepsy cases. Although most cases have an unknown etiology, there is a subset of individuals with pathogenic variants in the subunits of n-acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Furthermore, some individuals with nAChR variants are responsive to nicotine. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with SHE, but no pathogenic variant on testing, whose seizures were exquisitely responsive to removal and application of a nicotine patch. This suggests an alternative mechanism of nicotine in the suppression of seizures in individuals with SHE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Nam
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| | - Erica L Von Stein
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| | - Kimford J Meador
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| | - Rebecca J Levy
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| | - William Gallentine
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| | - Yi Li
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ng ACH, Chahine M, Scantlebury MH, Appendino JP. Channelopathies in epilepsy: an overview of clinical presentations, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic insights. J Neurol 2024; 271:3063-3094. [PMID: 38607431 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12352-x] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in genes encoding ion channels are causal for various pediatric and adult neurological conditions. In particular, several epilepsy syndromes have been identified to be caused by specific channelopathies. These encompass a spectrum from self-limited epilepsies to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies spanning genetic and acquired causes. Several of these channelopathies have exquisite responses to specific antiseizure medications (ASMs), while others ASMs may prove ineffective or even worsen seizures. Some channelopathies demonstrate phenotypic pleiotropy and can cause other neurological conditions outside of epilepsy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathophysiology of seizure generation, ion channels implicated in epilepsy, and several genetic epilepsies due to ion channel dysfunction. We outline the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and the current state of basic science and clinical research for these channelopathies. In addition, we briefly look at potential precision therapy approaches emerging for these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta and Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO, Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Morris H Scantlebury
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
| | - Juan P Appendino
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mulkerrin G, Hennessy MJ. Nonsense mutation in DEPDC5 gene in a patient with carbamazepine-responsive focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 27:100683. [PMID: 38983576 PMCID: PMC11231713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
•DEPDC-5 is a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway.•DEPDC-5 mutations can cause sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy.•Drug-refractory epilepsy is common in this cohort.•Carbamazepine-responsiveness in DEPDC-5-related epilepsy is described here.
Collapse
|
4
|
Becchetti A, Grandi LC, Cerina M, Amadeo A. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and epilepsy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 189:106698. [PMID: 36796465 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in understanding the causes of epilepsy, especially the genetic, comprehending the biological mechanisms that lead to the epileptic phenotype remains difficult. A paradigmatic case is constituted by the epilepsies caused by altered neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which exert complex physiological functions in mature as well as developing brain. The ascending cholinergic projections exert potent control of forebrain excitability, and wide evidence implicates nAChR dysregulation as both cause and effect of epileptiform activity. First, tonic-clonic seizures are triggered by administration of high doses of nicotinic agonists, whereas non-convulsive doses have kindling effects. Second, sleep-related epilepsy can be caused by mutations on genes encoding nAChR subunits widely expressed in the forebrain (CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CHRNA2). Third, in animal models of acquired epilepsy, complex time-dependent alterations in cholinergic innervation are observed following repeated seizures. Heteromeric nAChRs are central players in epileptogenesis. Evidence is wide for autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE). Studies of ADSHE-linked nAChR subunits in expression systems suggest that the epileptogenic process is promoted by overactive receptors. Investigation in animal models of ADSHE indicates that expression of mutant nAChRs can lead to lifelong hyperexcitability by altering i) the function of GABAergic populations in the mature neocortex and thalamus, ii) synaptic architecture during synaptogenesis. Understanding the balance of the epileptogenic effects in adult and developing networks is essential to plan rational therapy at different ages. Combining this knowledge with a deeper understanding of the functional and pharmacological properties of individual mutations will advance precision and personalized medicine in nAChR-dependent epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, and NeuroMI (Milan Center of Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy.
| | - Laura Clara Grandi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, and NeuroMI (Milan Center of Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy.
| | - Marta Cerina
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, and NeuroMI (Milan Center of Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy.
| | - Alida Amadeo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, Milano 20133, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo Y, Miao Q, Zhang Y, Wang C, Liang M, Li X, Qiu W, Shi G, Zhai Q, Chen Z. A novel missense creatine mutant of CaBP4, c.464G>A (p.G155D), associated with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), reduces the expression of CaBP4. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:396-402. [PMID: 35378956 PMCID: PMC8976675 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CaBP4 encodes Ca2+-binding protein 4, a neuronal Ca2+-binding protein that participates in many cellular processes by regulating the concentration of free Ca2+ ions. De novo CaBP4 variants have been identified as a cause of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). However, we recently reported a 4-generation pedigree with 11 individuals diagnosed with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) that were validated with only one novel missense mutation, c.464G>A (p.G155D), in CaBP4. De novo CaBP4 variants have never been reported to be related with ADNFLE. This study aimed to identify whether c.464G>A (p.G155D) in CaBP4 reduced the expression of CaBP4. METHODS In vitro experiments using recombinant protein expressed in human neuron cells were utilized in this study. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the effect of c.464G>A on CaBP4 mRNA expression. Western blot was performed to assess the effect of c.464G>A on CaBP4 protein expression. RESULTS According to the RT-PCR and Western blot results, c.464G>A (p.G155D) was associated with an increased expression of CaBP4 mRNA and a reduced expression of CaBP4 protein. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal that c.464G>A (p.G155D) in CaBP4 reduced the expression of CaBP4 by reducing the stability of the CaBP4 protein. Mutations in the CaBP4 gene may be associated with ADNFLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiong Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinfei Miao
- Department of Neurology Rehabilitation, Guangdong Maternal and Child Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjuan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueping Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Weifeng Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Gangan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongxiang Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Neuroscience, Guangzhou, China.,Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng JJ, Zhang TY, Liu HT, Huang ZX, Teng JM, Deng JX, Zhong JG, Qian X, Sheng XW, Ding JQ, He SQ, Zhao X, Ji WD, Qi DF, Li W, Zhang M. Cytisine Exerts an Anti-Epileptic Effect via α7nAChRs in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706225. [PMID: 34248648 PMCID: PMC8263902 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706225] [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: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common chronic neurological disease that is often invulnerable to anti-epileptic drugs. Increasing data have demonstrated that acetylcholine (ACh) and cholinergic neurotransmission are involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Cytisine, a full agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) and a partial agonist of α4β2nAChRs, has been widely applied for smoking cessation and has shown neuroprotection in neurological diseases. However, whether cytisine plays a role in treating TLE has not yet been determined. Experimental Approach: In this study, cytisine was injected intraperitoneally into pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats for three weeks. Alpha-bungarotoxin (α-bgt), a specific α7nAChR antagonist, was used to evaluate the mechanism of action of cytisine. Rats were assayed for the occurrence of seizures and cognitive function by video surveillance and Morris water maze. Hippocampal injuries and synaptic structure were assessed by Nissl staining and Golgi staining. Furthermore, levels of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ACh, and α7nAChRs were measured. Results: Cytisine significantly reduced seizures and hippocampal damage while improving cognition and inhibiting synaptic remodeling in TLE rats. Additionally, cytisine decreased glutamate levels without altering GABA levels, and increased ACh levels and α7nAChR expression in the hippocampi of TLE rats. α-bgt antagonized the above-mentioned effects of cytisine treatment. Conclusion and Implications: Taken together, these findings indicate that cytisine exerted an anti-epileptic and neuroprotective effect in TLE rats via activation of α7nAChRs, which was associated with a decrease in glutamate levels, inhibition of synaptic remodeling, and improvement of cholinergic transmission in the hippocampus. Hence, our findings not only suggest that cytisine represents a promising anti-epileptic drug, but provides evidence of α7nAChRs as a novel therapeutic target for TLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Teng-Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Mei Teng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xian Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Gui Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Qian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Wen Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Qiang Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Qiao He
- Department of Pharmacy, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Dong Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Feng Qi
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hop-ital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Tan B, Wang Y, Chen Z. Cholinergic Signaling, Neural Excitability, and Epilepsy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082258. [PMID: 33924731 PMCID: PMC8070422 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures with neuronal hyperexcitability. Apart from the classical imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic transmission and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acidergic transmission, cumulative evidence suggest that cholinergic signaling is crucially involved in the modulation of neural excitability and epilepsy. In this review, we briefly describe the distribution of cholinergic neurons, muscarinic, and nicotinic receptors in the central nervous system and their relationship with neural excitability. Then, we summarize the findings from experimental and clinical research on the role of cholinergic signaling in epilepsy. Furthermore, we provide some perspectives on future investigation to reveal the precise role of the cholinergic system in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.W.); (B.T.)
| | - Bei Tan
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.W.); (B.T.)
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.W.); (B.T.)
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (Z.C.); Tel.: +86-5718-661-8660 (Z.C.)
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.W.); (B.T.)
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (Z.C.); Tel.: +86-5718-661-8660 (Z.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Okada M. Can rodent models elucidate the pathomechanisms of genetic epilepsy? Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1620-1639. [PMID: 33689168 PMCID: PMC9291625 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE; previously autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, ADNFLE), originally reported in 1994, was the first distinct genetic epilepsy shown to be caused by CHNRA4 mutation. In the past two decades, we have identified several functional abnormalities of mutant ion channels and their associated transmissions using several experiments involving single-cell and genetic animal (rodent) models. Currently, epileptologists understand that functional abnormalities underlying epileptogenesis/ictogenesis in humans and rodents are more complicated than previously believed and that the function of mutant molecules alone cannot contribute to the development of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis but play important roles in the development of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis through formation of abnormalities in various other transmission systems before epilepsy onset. Based on our recent findings using genetic rat ADSHE models, harbouring Chrna4 mutant, corresponding to human S284L-mutant CRHNA4, this review proposes a hypothesis associated with tripartite synaptic transmission in ADSHE pathomechanisms induced by mutant ACh receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nicotinic Receptors in Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120907. [PMID: 33255633 PMCID: PMC7761363 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is characterized by hyperkinetic focal seizures, mainly arising in the neocortex during non-rapid eye movements (NREM) sleep. The familial form is autosomal dominant SHE (ADSHE), which can be caused by mutations in genes encoding subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), Na+-gated K+ channels, as well as non-channel signaling proteins, such as components of the gap activity toward rags 1 (GATOR1) macromolecular complex. The causative genes may have different roles in developing and mature brains. Under this respect, nicotinic receptors are paradigmatic, as different pathophysiological roles are exerted by distinct nAChR subunits in adult and developing brains. The widest evidence concerns α4 and β2 subunits. These participate in heteromeric nAChRs that are major modulators of excitability in mature neocortical circuits as well as regulate postnatal synaptogenesis. However, growing evidence implicates mutant α2 subunits in ADSHE, which poses interpretive difficulties as very little is known about the function of α2-containing (α2*) nAChRs in the human brain. Planning rational therapy must consider that pharmacological treatment could have different effects on synaptic maturation and adult excitability. We discuss recent attempts towards precision medicine in the mature brain and possible approaches to target developmental stages. These issues have general relevance in epilepsy treatment, as the pathogenesis of genetic epilepsies is increasingly recognized to involve developmental alterations.
Collapse
|
10
|
Barot N. Networks in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2020; 31:319-324. [PMID: 32475482 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects about 1% of the general population. Frontal lobe epilepsy is the second most common focal epilepsy accounting for nearly 25% of medically refractory epilepsies. This paper reviews frontal lobe epilepsy from a perspective of a network disease that may help us to understand epilepsy from the microscale of genes, to local neuronal circuits, to the macrolevel of a whole-brain network. Surgical interventions, such as ablation and resection act by removing the active target nodes in the network, while responsive neurostimulation and vagus nerve stimulation act by modulating networks at the local neuronal circuit level and whole-brain level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niravkumar Barot
- University of Pittsburgh, Kaufmann Medical Building, 3471 Fifth Avenues, Suite 810, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asioli GM, Rossi S, Bisulli F, Licchetta L, Tinuper P, Provini F. Therapy in Sleep-Related Hypermotor Epilepsy (SHE). Curr Treat Options Neurol 2020; 22:1. [PMID: 31997091 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-020-0610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss current options and new advances in the treatment of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), focusing on pharmacological and surgical treatments. RECENT FINDINGS Carbamazepine (CBZ) has traditionally been regarded as the first-line treatment option in SHE patients. In patients showing an unsatisfactory response to monotherapy, topiramate (TPM), lacosamide (LCM) and acetazolamide (ACZ) could be reasonable add-on strategies. The increasing understanding of the role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in SHE pathophysiology has led to the evaluation of compounds able to modulate this receptor system, including nicotine patches and fenofibrate. Despite polytherapy with two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), about one-third of SHE patients suffer from drug-resistant seizures. In selected drug-resistant patients, epilepsy surgery is a therapeutic approach that offers high probability of recovery, with up to two-third of patients becoming seizure-free after resection of the epileptogenic zone. An evidence-based approach from randomized placebo-controlled trials in SHE patients is lacking, and current treatment recommendations are based only on case reports and small series. Furthermore, most of these case reports and case series involve patients with a known genetic defect, which only accounts for a small proportion of SHE patients. Therefore, a prospective study in a large cohort of sporadic SHE patients is necessary in order to provide clinicians with an evidence-based treatment for this rare form of epilepsy. An early and effective anti-epileptic treatment is mandatory for SHE patients, in order to prevent the risk of increasing seizure frequency throughout the disease course with relevant impact on patients' cognitive profile and daytime performances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gian Maria Asioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Rossi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Licchetta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Provini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Via Altura, 3, 40123, Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Garibotto V, Wissmeyer M, Giavri Z, Goldstein R, Seimbille Y, Seeck M, Ratib O, Haller S, Picard F. Nicotinic receptor abnormalities as a biomarker in idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 46:385-395. [PMID: 30269157 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-018-4175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations of cholinergic neuronal nicotinic receptors have been identified in the autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), associated with changes on PET images using [18F]-F-85380-A (F-A-85380), an α4β2 nicotinic receptor ligand. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential changes in nicotinic receptor availability in other types of epilepsy. METHODS We included 34 male participants, 12 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), 10 with non-lesional diurnal focal epilepsy, and 12 age-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent PET/CT using F-A-85380 and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), 3D T1 MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). F-A-85380 and FDG images were compared with the control group using a voxel-wise (SPM12) and a volumes of interest (VOI) analysis. RESULTS In the group of patients with IGE, the voxel-wise and VOI analyses showed a significant increase of F-A-85380 ratio index of binding potential (BPRI, corresponding to the receptor availability) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), without structural changes on MRI. At an individual level, F-A-85380 BPRI increase in the ACC could distinguish IGE patients from controls and from patients with focal epilepsy with good accuracy. CONCLUSIONS We observed focal changes of density/availability of nicotinic receptors in IGE, namely an increase in the ACC. These data suggest that the modulation of α4β2 nicotinic receptors plays a role not only in ADNFLE, but also in other genetic epileptic syndromes such as IGE and could serve as a biomarker of epilepsy syndromes with a genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Garibotto
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Wissmeyer
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Zoi Giavri
- Advantis Medical Imaging, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Goldstein
- EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Yann Seimbille
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Margitta Seeck
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Osman Ratib
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Sven Haller
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,CIRD - Centre d'Imagerie Rive Droite, Rue Chantepoulet 21, 1201, Genève, Switzerland.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabienne Picard
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland. .,EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Menghi V, Bisulli F, Tinuper P, Nobili L. Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy: prevalence, impact and management strategies. Nat Sci Sleep 2018; 10:317-326. [PMID: 30349413 PMCID: PMC6186898 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s152624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), previously called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE), is a focal epilepsy characterized by asymmetric tonic/dystonic posturing and/or complex hyperkinetic seizures occurring mostly during sleep. SHE fulfills the definition of rare disease with an estimated minimum prevalence of 1.8/100,000 individuals, and it represents about 10% of drug-resistant surgical cases. Although SHE and autosomal-dominant SHE (ADSHE) have been considered benign epileptic conditions for a long time, emerging data have shed light on the severity of this disorder and some peculiar features can impact negatively on the quality of life of SHE patients. In fact, seizure frequency can be very high, resulting in nocturnal sleep fragmentation with possible diurnal consequences such as excessive sleepiness and fatigue. Moreover, recent studies, adopting a systematic neuropsychological assessment, have shown deficits in memory, executive functions and visuo-spatial abilities in almost half of SHE patients. Intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders have also been reported in some genetic forms. SHE may also exert a negative effect on health-related quality of life, especially in domains pertaining to a patient's role in the family, social context and patient's illness experience. Despite a good response to pharmacological treatment, especially with carbamazepine, 30% of SHE patients suffer from drug-resistant seizures. Finally, recent studies suggest a poor prognosis in a high percentage of SHE patients with a 20.4% cumulative probability of achieving terminal remission at 10 years from onset. For selected drug-resistant SHE patients, epilepsy surgery is the only treatment offering high probability of recovery, both for seizures and for epilepsy-related sleep alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Menghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- "Claudio Munari" Center for Epilepsy Surgery, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy, .,Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), IRCCS, Giannina Gaslini Institute, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Reyes-Parada M, Iturriaga-Vasquez P. The development of novel polypharmacological agents targeting the multiple binding sites of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:969-81. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1227317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
15
|
Ghasemi M, Hadipour-Niktarash A. Pathologic role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in epileptic disorders: implication for pharmacological interventions. Rev Neurosci 2016; 26:199-223. [PMID: 25565544 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2014-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may play a key role in the pathophysiology of some neurological diseases such as epilepsy. Based on genetic studies in patients with epileptic disorders worldwide and animal models of seizure, it has been demonstrated that nAChR activity is altered in some specific types of epilepsy, including autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Neuronal nAChR antagonists also have antiepileptic effects in pre-clinical studies. There is some evidence that conventional antiepileptic drugs may affect neuronal nAChR function. In this review, we re-examine the evidence for the involvement of nAChRs in the pathophysiology of some epileptic disorders, especially ADNFLE and JME, and provide an overview of nAChR antagonists that have been evaluated in animal models of seizure.
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Krivoshein AV. Anticonvulsants Based on the α-Substituted Amide Group Pharmacophore Bind to and Inhibit Function of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:316-26. [PMID: 26741746 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the antiepileptic properties of α-substituted lactams, acetamides, and cyclic imides have been known for over 60 years, the mechanism by which they act remains unclear. I report here that these compounds bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and inhibit its function. Using transient kinetic measurements with functionally active, nondesensitized receptors, I have discovered that (i) α-substituted lactams and cyclic imides are noncompetitive inhibitors of heteromeric subtypes (such as α4β2 and α3β4) of neuronal nAChRs and (ii) the binding affinity of these compounds toward the nAChR correlates with their potency in preventing maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions in mice. Based on the hypothesis that α-substituted amide group is the essential pharmacophore of these drugs, I found and tested a simple compound, 2-phenylbutyramide. This compound indeed inhibits nAChR and shows good anticonvulsant activity in mice. Molecular docking simulations suggest that α-substituted lactams, acetamides, and cyclic imides bind to the same sites on the extracellular domain of the receptor. These new findings indicate that inhibition of brain nAChRs may play an important role in the action of these antiepileptic drugs, a role that has not been previously recognized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arcadius V. Krivoshein
- Department of Basic and Social
Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 106
New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Multiple binding sites in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: An opportunity for polypharmacolgy. Pharmacol Res 2015; 101:9-17. [PMID: 26318763 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
For decades, the development of selective compounds has been the main goal for chemists and biologists involved in drug discovery. However, diverse lines of evidence indicate that polypharmacological agents, i.e. those that act simultaneously at various protein targets, might show better profiles than selective ligands, regarding both efficacy and side effects. On the other hand, the availability of the crystal structure of different receptors allows a detailed analysis of the main interactions between drugs and receptors in a specific binding site. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) constitute a large and diverse family of ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) that, as a product of its modulation, regulate neurotransmitter release, which in turns produce a global neuromodulation of the central nervous system. nAChRs are pentameric protein complexes in such a way that expression of compatible subunits can lead to various receptor assemblies or subtypes. The agonist binding site, located at the extracellular region, exhibits different properties depending on the subunits that conform the receptor. In the last years, it has been recognized that nAChRs could also contain one or more allosteric sites which could bind non-classical nicotinic ligands including several therapeutically useful drugs. The presence of multiple binding sites in nAChRs offers an interesting possibility for the development of novel polypharmacological agents with a wide spectrum of actions.
Collapse
|
19
|
Becchetti A, Aracri P, Meneghini S, Brusco S, Amadeo A. The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Front Physiol 2015; 6:22. [PMID: 25717303 PMCID: PMC4324070 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is a focal epilepsy with attacks typically arising in the frontal lobe during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It is characterized by clusters of complex and stereotyped hypermotor seizures, frequently accompanied by sudden arousals. Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms may be also observed. Approximately 12% of the ADNFLE families carry mutations on genes coding for subunits of the heteromeric neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). This is consistent with the widespread expression of these receptors, particularly the α4β2* subtype, in the neocortex and thalamus. However, understanding how mutant nAChRs lead to partial frontal epilepsy is far from being straightforward because of the complexity of the cholinergic regulation in both developing and mature brains. The relation with the sleep-waking cycle must be also explained. We discuss some possible pathogenetic mechanisms in the light of recent advances about the nAChR role in prefrontal regions as well as the studies carried out in murine models of ADNFLE. Functional evidence points to alterations in prefrontal GABA release, and the synaptic unbalance probably arises during the cortical circuit maturation. Although most of the available functional evidence concerns mutations on nAChR subunit genes, other genes have been recently implicated in the disease, such as KCNT1 (coding for a Na+-dependent K+ channel), DEPD5 (Disheveled, Egl-10 and Pleckstrin Domain-containing protein 5), and CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone). Overall, the uncertainties about both the etiology and the pathogenesis of ADNFLE point to the current gaps in our knowledge the regulation of neuronal networks in the cerebral cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences and NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Aracri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences and NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Meneghini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences and NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Brusco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences and NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Alida Amadeo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gullo F, Manfredi I, Lecchi M, Casari G, Wanke E, Becchetti A. Multi-electrode array study of neuronal cultures expressing nicotinic β2-V287L subunits, linked to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. An in vitro model of spontaneous epilepsy. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:87. [PMID: 25104926 PMCID: PMC4109561 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is a partial sleep-related epilepsy which can be caused by mutant neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). We applied multi-electrode array (MEA) recording methods to study the spontaneous firing activity of neocortical cultures obtained from mice expressing or not (WT) an ADNFLE-linked nAChR subunit (β2-V287L). More than 100,000 up-states were recorded during experiments sampling from several thousand neurons. Data were analyzed by using a fast sliding-window procedure which computes histograms of the up-state durations. Differently from the WT, cultures expressing β2-V287L displayed long (10–32 s) synaptic-induced up-state firing events. The occurrence of such long up-states was prevented by both negative (gabazine, penicillin G) and positive (benzodiazepines) modulators of GABAA receptors. Carbamazepine (CBZ), a drug of choice in ADNFLE patients, also inhibited the long up-states at micromolar concentrations. In cultures expressing β2-V287L, no significant effect was observed on the action potential waveform either in the absence or in the presence of pharmacological treatment. Our results show that some aspects of the spontaneous hyperexcitability displayed by a murine model of a human channelopathy can be reproduced in neuronal cultures. In particular, our cultures represent an in vitro chronic model of spontaneous epileptiform activity, i.e., not requiring pre-treatment with convulsants. This opens the way to the study in vitro of the role of β2-V287L on synaptic formation. Moreover, our neocortical cultures on MEA platforms allow to determine the effects of prolonged pharmacological treatment on spontaneous network hyperexcitability (which is impossible in the short-living brain slices). Methods such as the one we illustrate in the present paper should also considerably facilitate the preliminary screening of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), thereby reducing the number of in vivo experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gullo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Manfredi
- Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milano, Italy
| | - Marzia Lecchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Casari
- Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milano, Italy
| | - Enzo Wanke
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Avanzini G, Franceschetti S, Avoni P, Liguori R. Molecular biology of channelopathies: impact on diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 4:519-39. [PMID: 15853547 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.4.3.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Channelopathies are genetically determined ion channel alterations that lead to acute and transient symptoms in subjects who otherwise appear to be normal. This article reviews the recent progression of biomolecular studies that have clarified the mechanisms by which gene mutations may result in alterations of excitable tissues responsible for episodic neurological, neuromuscular and cardiac disorders, defined as channelopathies. The development of technologies capable of testing pharmacological agents in vitro on mutated channels expressed in cell lines makes it possible to define a more rational use of the available drugs acting on ion channels, and to design new molecules specifically targeted to known channel dysfunctions and new ones that could be identified by future genetic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Avanzini
- Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Becchetti A. Neuronal nicotinic receptors in sleep-related epilepsy: studies in integrative biology. ISRN BIOCHEMISTRY 2012; 2012:262941. [PMID: 25969754 PMCID: PMC4392997 DOI: 10.5402/2012/262941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although Mendelian diseases are rare, when considered one by one, overall they constitute a significant social burden. Besides the medical aspects, they propose us one of the most general biological problems. Given the simplest physiological perturbation of an organism, that is, a single gene mutation, how do its effects percolate through the hierarchical biological levels to determine the pathogenesis? And how robust is the physiological system to this perturbation? To solve these problems, the study of genetic epilepsies caused by mutant ion channels presents special advantages, as it can exploit the full range of modern experimental methods. These allow to extend the functional analysis from single channels to whole brains. An instructive example is autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), which can be caused by mutations in neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In vitro, such mutations often produce hyperfunctional receptors, at least in heterozygous condition. However, understanding how this leads to sleep-related frontal epilepsy is all but straightforward. Several available animal models are helping us to determine the effects of ADNFLE mutations on the mammalian brain. Because of the complexity of the cholinergic regulation in both developing and mature brains, several pathogenic mechanisms are possible, which also present different therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zerem A, Nishri D, Yosef Y, Blumkin L, Lev D, Leshinsky-Silver E, Kivity S, Lerman-Sagie T. Resolution of epileptic encephalopathy following treatment with transdermal nicotine. Epilepsia 2012; 54:e13-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03715.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
25
|
Lemoine D, Jiang R, Taly A, Chataigneau T, Specht A, Grutter T. Ligand-gated ion channels: new insights into neurological disorders and ligand recognition. Chem Rev 2012; 112:6285-318. [PMID: 22988962 DOI: 10.1021/cr3000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damien Lemoine
- Laboratoire de Biophysicochimie des Récepteurs Canaux, UMR 7199 CNRS, Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg , 67400 Illkirch, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Similar response to anti-epileptic medications among epileptic siblings. Epilepsy Res 2012; 98:187-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
28
|
Poza JJ. The genetics of focal epilepsies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 107:153-161. [PMID: 22938969 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52898-8.00009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Poza
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Reymond JL, van Deursen R, Bertrand D. What we have learned from crystal structures of proteins to receptor function. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1521-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
31
|
García-Morales I, Delgado RT, Falip M, Campos D, García ME, Gil-Nagel A. Early clinical experience with lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and nocturnal seizures. Seizure 2011; 20:801-4. [PMID: 21917484 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study reports the early experience with lacosamide (LCM) as adjunctive therapy in Spanish patients with refractory focal epilepsy. Sixty patients (mean age 38.3 years, 54% women, mean epilepsy duration 27.2 years, mean seizure rate 9.7/month, and 28% with mainly nocturnal seizures) taking ≥2 antiepileptic drugs (mean 2.2) were included. LCM maintenance doses were 200, 300, 400, and 500mg/day in 31, 16, 10, and 3 patients, respectively. Patients were followed up for 13-24 months. Twenty-eight patients (47%) reported a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. A ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was reported by 65% and 40% of patients in the nocturnal seizure and diurnal seizure subgroups, respectively (p>0.05). Of the 28 responders, 2 achieved stable periods of seizure freedom of 6 and 11 months after starting LCM. Twenty patients (33%) reported drug-related adverse events (AEs); the most common was dizziness (16 patients). LCM was withdrawn in 8 patients (13%). There were no serious AEs. These results support the efficacy and safety of adjunctive LCM in patients with partial-onset seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene García-Morales
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Primary Sleep Disorders and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Nonepileptic Events in Adults With Epilepsy From the Perspective of Sleep Specialists. J Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 28:120-40. [DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e3182120fed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
33
|
|
34
|
Różycka A, Dorszewska J, Jagodziński PP. Zaburzenia czynności kanałów jonowych w patogenezie padaczek idiopatycznych. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2011; 45:42-56. [PMID: 21384293 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3843(14)60059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
35
|
Abstract
Continuing to discover how the brain works is one of the great challenges ahead of us. Although understanding the brain anatomy and its functional organization provided a first and indispensable foundation, it became clear that a static view was insufficient. To understand the complexity of neuronal communication, it is necessary to examine the chemical nature of the neurotransmission and, using the example of the acetylcholine receptors, follow the different layers of networks that can be distinguished. The natural alkaloid nicotine contained in tobacco leaves acts as an agonist with a subclass of acetylcholine receptors, and provides an interesting tool to approach brain functions. Analysis of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are ligand gated channels, revealed that these receptors are expressed at different critical locations on the neurons including the synaptic boutons, neurites, cell bodies, and even on the axons. These receptors can modulate the activity at the microcircuit synaptic level, in the cell processing of information, and, by acting on the velocity of action potential, the synchrony of communication between brain areas. These actions at multiple levels of brain organization provide an example of the complexity of brain neurocircuitry and an illustration of the relevance of this knowledge for psychiatry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bertrand
- Dept of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland; HiQScreen SARL, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Steinlein OK. Gene polymorphisms and their role in epilepsy treatment and prognosis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2010; 382:109-18. [PMID: 20556360 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-010-0531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human genome carries an enormous number of genetic variants, many of them of functional consequence. In epilepsy, they are likely to be involved in drug-specific treatment efficacy, unwanted or even toxic drug reactions, teratogenic risks in pregnancy as well as in the long-term prognosis of patients with epilepsy. As in many other disorders with a complex genetic background, the associated genetic variants that could be verified successfully in replication studies are still only a few. However, new techniques and improved research strategies are likely to increase their number in the foreseeable future, although at a much slower pace as initially expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ortrud K Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Goethestr. 29, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Di Resta C, Ambrosi P, Curia G, Becchetti A. Effect of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine on wild-type and mutant neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors linked to nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 643:13-20. [PMID: 20561518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 04/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Carbamazepine (5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide) and oxcarbazepine (10,11-dihydro-10-oxo-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide) are widely used for the treatment of partial epilepsy. Recent work indicates that these drugs, in addition to targeting voltage-gated Na(+) channels, can modulate ligand-gated channels. These compounds appear to be particularly effective for treatment of nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, which can be caused by mutant neuronal nicotinic receptors. We compared the effects of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine on heteromeric nicotinic receptors to better understand the underlying mechanism of the effect of these drugs in epileptic patients. Receptors were expressed in cell lines and studied by patch-clamp methods at -60 mV. For alpha2beta4 receptors activated with 100 microM nicotine, IC(50) for carbamazepine was 49 microM. Receptors in which alpha2 was substituted with alpha2-I279 N, linked to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, had an IC(50) of 21 microM. For oxcarbazepine, the IC(50) was larger than 500 microM for wild-type receptors and approximately 100 microM for mutant receptors. A similar inhibition was observed in the presence of 10 microM nicotine, indicating a non-competitive mechanism. The monohydroxy derivative (MHD) of oxcarbazepine, clinically the most relevant compound, was tested on both alpha2beta4 and alpha4beta2 receptors, to obtain a broader view of its possible physiological effects. At the typical concentration present in blood (100 microM), MHD produced an approximate 40% channel block on alpha4beta2, but no significant effect on alpha2beta4 receptors. Oxcarbazepine and MHD retarded the channel deactivation, suggesting that these compounds produce open channel block. These results may explain the particular efficacy of these drugs in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Resta
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Steinlein OK, Bertrand D. Nicotinic receptor channelopathies and epilepsy. Pflugers Arch 2009; 460:495-503. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-009-0766-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
39
|
Hoda JC, Wanischeck M, Bertrand D, Steinlein OK. Pleiotropic functional effects of the first epilepsy-associated mutation in the humanCHRNA2gene. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:1599-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
40
|
D'hoedt D, Bertrand D. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: an overview on drug discovery. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 13:395-411. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220902841045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
41
|
From ion channels to complex networks: Magic bullet versus magic shotgun approaches to anticonvulsant pharmacotherapy. Med Hypotheses 2009; 72:297-305. [PMID: 19046822 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 08/05/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
42
|
Löscher W, Klotz U, Zimprich F, Schmidt D. The clinical impact of pharmacogenetics on the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsia 2009; 50:1-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
43
|
Aspetti genetici delle epilessie. Neurologia 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(09)70509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
44
|
Foldvary-Schaefer N, Grigg-Damberger M. Sleep and Epilepsy. Sleep Med Clin 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2008.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
45
|
Affiliation(s)
- Brian B. Spear
- Pharmacogenetics Department, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F. Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre,
West Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre,
West Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Affiliation(s)
- Madeliene Grigg-Damberger
- University of New Mexico Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory, Pediatric Sleep Medicine Services, University of New Mexico Sleep Disorders Center. USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Montagna P, Provini F, Bisulli F, Tinuper P. Nocturnal epileptic seizures versus the arousal parasomnias. SOMNOLOGIE 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-008-0333-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
49
|
Fedi M, Bach LA, Berkovic SF, Willoughby JO, Scheffer IE, Reutens DC. Association of a nicotinic receptor mutation with reduced height and blunted physostigmine-stimulated growth hormone release. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:634-7. [PMID: 18042647 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsatile GH secretion from the anterior pituitary is a key mediator of human growth regulation and is affected by a number of genetic and environmental factors. Activation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors promotes GH release, but the role of these receptors in growth regulation is unknown. AIM Our aim was to assess the effect of a mutation in the alpha4 subunit of the nACh receptor on cholinergic-mediated GH release. METHODS Forty-one healthy volunteers (24 male, age 36.2 +/- 12.2 yr, mean +/- sd) and 13 subjects with the alpha4-Ser248Phe mutation (four male, age 43.2 +/- 16.8 yr) were studied. Serum levels of GH, LH, FSH, prolactin, TSH, free T(4), and cortisol were measured at baseline and at regular intervals after infusion of physostigmine. Height and weight were recorded in all participants as well as from additional family members with (n = 11, four male) and without (n = 16, seven male) the mutation. RESULTS Subjects with the mutation were shorter (1.62 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.72 +/- 0.09 m, P < 0.05) and had a greater body mass index (31 +/- 6 vs. 24 +/- 3 kg/m(2), P < 0.05) than healthy volunteers and unaffected members of the pedigree. In controls, physostigmine markedly increased the serum levels of GH (mean increase, +732%). In contrast, the response to physostigmine was markedly blunted in subjects with the mutation (+104%, P > 0.2 vs. control). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a role of the nACh receptor in human growth regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fedi
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Camerino DC, Desaphy JF, Tricarico D, Pierno S, Liantonio A. Therapeutic Approaches to Ion Channel Diseases. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2008; 64:81-145. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(08)00804-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|