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Libonati L, Cambieri C, Colavito D, Moret F, D'Andrea E, Del Giudice E, Leon A, Inghilleri M, Ceccanti M. Genetics screening in an Italian cohort of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: the importance of early testing and its implication. J Neurol 2024; 271:1921-1936. [PMID: 38112783 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12142-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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an elusive etiology. While environmental factors have been considered, familial ALS cases have raised the possibility of genetic involvement. This genetic connection is increasingly evident, even in patients with sporadic ALS. We allowed access to the genetic test to all patients attending our clinic to identify the prevalence and the role of genetic variants in the development of the disease and to identify patients with potentially treatable forms of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS 194 patients with probable or definite ALS, were enrolled. A comprehensive genetic testing was performed, including sequencing all exons of the SOD1 gene and testing for hexanucleotide intronic repeat expansions (G4C2) in the C9orf72 gene using fluorescent repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR). Whole Exome NGS Sequencing (WES) was performed, followed by an in silico multigene panel targeting neuromuscular diseases, spastic paraplegia, and motor distal neuropathies. We conducted statistical analyses to compare different patient groups. RESULTS Clinically significant pathogenetic variants were detected in 14.43% of cases. The highest prevalence of pathogenetic variants was observed in fALS patients, but a substantial proportion of sALS patients also displayed at least one variant, either pathogenetic or of uncertain significance (VUS). The most observed pathogenetic variant was the expansion of the C9orf72 gene, which was associated with a shorter survival. SOD1 variants were found in 1.6% of fALS and 2.5% of sALS patients. DISCUSSION The study reveals a significant number of ALS patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, with a higher prevalence in familial ALS cases. The expansion of the C9orf72 gene emerges as the most common genetic cause of ALS, affecting familial and sporadic cases. Additionally, SOD1 variants are detected at an unexpectedly higher rate, even in patients without a familial history of ALS, underscoring the crucial role of genetic testing in treatment decisions and potential participation in clinical trials. We also investigated variants in genes such as TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, TBK1, and DNAJC7, shedding light on their potential involvement in ALS. These findings underscore the complexity of interpreting variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and their ethical implications in patient communication and genetic counseling for patients' relatives. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the diverse genetic basis of ALS and advocates for integrating comprehensive genetic testing into diagnostic protocols. The evolving landscape of genetic therapies requires identifying all eligible patients transcending traditional familial boundaries. The presence of VUS highlights the multifaceted nature of ALS genetics, prompting further exploration of complex interactions among genetic variants, environmental factors, and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Colavito
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo D'Andrea
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberta Leon
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Broce IJ, Sirkis DW, Nillo RM, Bonham LW, Lee SE, Miller BL, Castruita PA, Sturm VE, Sugrue LS, Desikan RS, Yokoyama JS. C9orf72 gene networks in the human brain correlate with cortical thickness in C9-FTD and implicate vulnerable cell types. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1258996. [PMID: 38469573 PMCID: PMC10925697 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1258996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) intronic to chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is recognized as the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and ALS-FTD. Identifying genes that show similar regional co-expression patterns to C9orf72 may help identify novel gene targets and biological mechanisms that mediate selective vulnerability to ALS and FTD pathogenesis. Methods We leveraged mRNA expression data in healthy brain from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to evaluate C9orf72 co-expression patterns. To do this, we correlated average C9orf72 expression values in 51 regions across different anatomical divisions (cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum) with average gene expression values for 15,633 protein-coding genes, including 54 genes known to be associated with ALS, FTD, or ALS-FTD. We then performed imaging transcriptomic analyses to evaluate whether the identified C9orf72 co-expressed genes correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in symptomatic C9orf72 pathogenic HRE carriers (n = 19) compared to controls (n = 23). Lastly, we explored whether genes with significant C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic correlations (i.e., "C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic network") were enriched in specific cell populations in the brain and enriched for specific biological and molecular pathways. Results A total of 2,120 genes showed an anatomical distribution of gene expression in the brain similar to C9orf72 and significantly correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in C9orf72 HRE carriers. This C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic network was differentially expressed in cell populations previously implicated in ALS and FTD, including layer 5b cells, cholinergic neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem and medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and was enriched for biological and molecular pathways associated with protein ubiquitination, autophagy, cellular response to DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi vesicle-mediated transport, among others. Conclusion Considered together, we identified a network of C9orf72 associated genes that may influence selective regional and cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris J. Broce
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Daniel W. Sirkis
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ryan M. Nillo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Luke W. Bonham
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Suzee E. Lee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bruce L. Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Patricia A. Castruita
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Virginia E. Sturm
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Leo S. Sugrue
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rahul S. Desikan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Yokoyama
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Broce IJ, Sirkis DW, Nillo RM, Bonham LW, Lee SE, Miller B, Castruita P, Sturm VE, Sugrue LS, Desikan RS, Yokoyama JS. C9orf72 gene networks in the human brain correlate with cortical thickness in C9-FTD and implicate vulnerable cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549377. [PMID: 37503230 PMCID: PMC10370095 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) intronic to chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is recognized as the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and ALS-FTD. Identifying genes that show similar regional co-expression patterns to C9orf72 may help identify novel gene targets and biological mechanisms that mediate selective vulnerability to ALS and FTD pathogenesis. Methods We leveraged mRNA expression data in healthy brain from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to evaluate C9orf72 co-expression patterns. To do this, we correlated average C9orf72 expression values in 51 regions across different anatomical divisions (cortex, subcortex, cerebellum) with average gene expression values for 15,633 protein-coding genes, including 50 genes known to be associated with ALS, FTD, or ALS-FTD. We then evaluated whether the identified C9orf72 co-expressed genes correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in symptomatic C9orf72 pathogenic HRE carriers (n=19). Lastly, we explored whether genes with significant C9orf72 radiogenomic correlations (i.e., 'C9orf72 gene network') were enriched in specific cell populations in the brain and enriched for specific biological and molecular pathways. Results A total of 1,748 genes showed an anatomical distribution of gene expression in the brain similar to C9orf72 and significantly correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in C9orf72 HRE carriers. This C9orf72 gene network was differentially expressed in cell populations previously implicated in ALS and FTD, including layer 5b cells, cholinergic motor neurons in the spinal cord, and medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and was enriched for biological and molecular pathways associated with multiple neurotransmitter systems, protein ubiquitination, autophagy, and MAPK signaling, among others. Conclusions Considered together, we identified a network of C9orf72-associated genes that may influence selective regional and cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris J. Broce
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Daniel W. Sirkis
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ryan M. Nillo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Luke W. Bonham
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Suzee E. Lee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bruce Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Patricia Castruita
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Virginia E. Sturm
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leo S. Sugrue
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rahul S. Desikan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Yokoyama
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Liu Y, Andreucci A, Iwamoto N, Yin Y, Yang H, Liu F, Bulychev A, Hu XS, Lin X, Lamore S, Patil S, Mohapatra S, Purcell-Estabrook E, Taborn K, Dale E, Vargeese C. Preclinical evaluation of WVE-004, aninvestigational stereopure oligonucleotide forthe treatment of C9orf72-associated ALS or FTD. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:558-570. [PMID: 35592494 PMCID: PMC9092894 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A large hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion in the first intronic region of C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how the repeat expansion drives disease, and we hypothesize that a variant-selective approach, in which transcripts affected by the repeat expansion are preferentially decreased, has the potential to address most of them. We report a stereopure antisense oligonucleotide, WVE-004, that executes this variant-selective mechanism of action. WVE-004 dose-dependently and selectively reduces repeat-containing transcripts in patient-derived motor neurons carrying a C9orf72-repeat expansion, as well as in the spinal cord and cortex of C9 BAC transgenic mice. In mice, selective transcript knockdown was accompanied by substantial decreases in dipeptide-repeat proteins, which are pathological biomarkers associated with the repeat expansion, and by preservation of healthy C9orf72 protein expression. These in vivo effects were durable, persisting for at least 6 months. These data support the advancement of WVE-004 as an investigational stereopure antisense oligonucleotide targeting C9orf72 for the treatment of C9orf72-associated ALS or FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjing Liu
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Amy Andreucci
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Naoki Iwamoto
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yuan Yin
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Hailin Yang
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Fangjun Liu
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexey Bulychev
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Xiao Shelley Hu
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Xuena Lin
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sarah Lamore
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Saurabh Patil
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin Taborn
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Elena Dale
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Chandra Vargeese
- Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Genetic analysis in Chinese patients with familial or young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:2579-2587. [PMID: 34564799 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate the genetic characteristics in patients with familial or young-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Chinese center. METHODS Patients with familial or young-onset (age of onset < 45 years old) ALS were reviewed. The clinical data was collected. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the disease-associated variants. Single-nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions were further predicted with silico tools and compared to the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database, Exome Aggregation Consortium, and the 1000 Genomes Project. The evolutionary conservations were estimated, and the structures of proteins were constructed by Swiss-Model server. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the misfolded SOD1 protein. RESULTS Three familial ALS and 5 young-onset ALS were enrolled. Genetic analysis identified related variants of SOD1 (4/6, 66.7%), FUS (1/6, 16.7%), and NEK1 (1/6, 16.7%) in 6 patients. Three of them were familial probands (3/3, 100%), and the others were sporadic young-onset patients (3/5, 60%). NEK1 c.290G > A mutation (NM_012224.2 exon4) in a patient with familial ALS and SOD1 c.362A > G mutation (NM_000454 exon5) in a young-onset ALS patient were novel. The novel mutations were predicted to be deleterious, affected evolutionarily highly conserved amino acid residue and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mutated site and its surrounding amino acid residues. Misfolded SOD1 protein was identified in patient with SOD1 c.362A > G mutation. CONCLUSIONS Two novel mutations were detected in our patients. Patients with familial or young-onset ALS often carried related gene mutations, and genetic sequencing should be thus routinely performed.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Lobar Degenerations: Similarities in Genetic Background. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030509. [PMID: 33805659 PMCID: PMC7998502 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal progressive degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) clinically, morphologically, and genetically. Although many distinct mutations in various genes are known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it remains poorly understood how they selectively impact motor neuron biology and whether they converge on common pathways to cause neuronal degeneration. Many of the gene mutations are in proteins that share similar functions. They can be grouped into those associated with cell axon dynamics and those associated with cellular phagocytic machinery, namely protein aggregation and metabolism, apoptosis, and intracellular nucleic acid transport. Analysis of pathways implicated by mutant ALS genes has provided new insights into the pathogenesis of both familial forms of ALS (fALS) and sporadic forms (sALS), although, regrettably, this has not yet yielded definitive treatments. Many genes play an important role, with TARDBP, SQSTM1, VCP, FUS, TBK1, CHCHD10, and most importantly, C9orf72 being critical genetic players in these neurological disorders. In this mini-review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms of these two diseases.
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Pattamatta A, Nguyen L, Olafson HR, Scotti MM, Laboissonniere LA, Richardson J, Berglund JA, Zu T, Wang ET, Ranum LPW. Repeat length increases disease penetrance and severity in C9orf72 ALS/FTD BAC transgenic mice. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3900-3918. [PMID: 33378537 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C9orf72 ALS/FTD patients show remarkable clinical heterogeneity, but the complex biology of the repeat expansion mutation has limited our understanding of the disease. BAC transgenic mice were used to better understand the molecular mechanisms and repeat length effects of C9orf72 ALS/FTD. Genetic analyses of these mice demonstrate that the BAC transgene and not integration site effects cause ALS/FTD phenotypes. Transcriptomic changes in cell proliferation, inflammation and neuronal pathways are found late in disease and alternative splicing changes provide early molecular markers that worsen with disease progression. Isogenic sublines of mice with 800, 500 or 50 G4C2 repeats generated from the single-copy C9-500 line show longer repeats result in earlier onset, increased disease penetrance and increased levels of RNA foci and dipeptide RAN protein aggregates. These data demonstrate G4C2 repeat length is an important driver of disease and identify alternative splicing changes as early biomarkers of C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Pattamatta
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lien Nguyen
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Hailey R Olafson
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marina M Scotti
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lauren A Laboissonniere
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jared Richardson
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,RNA Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Tao Zu
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Colllege of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Fixel Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Ungaro C, Sprovieri T, Morello G, Perrone B, Spampinato AG, Simone IL, Trojsi F, Monsurrò MR, Spataro R, La Bella V, Andò S, Cavallaro S, Conforti FL. Genetic investigation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in south Italy: a two-decade analysis. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 99:99.e7-99.e14. [PMID: 32951934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. In the majority of cases, ALS is sporadic, whereas familial forms occur in less than 10% of patients. Herein, we present the results of molecular analyses performed in a large cohort of Italian ALS patients, focusing on novel and already described variations in ALS-linked genes. Our analysis revealed that more than 10% of tested patients carried a mutation in one of the major ALS genes, with C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion being the most common mutation. In addition, our study confirmed a significant association between ALS patients carrying the ATNX-1 intermediate repeat and the pathological C9orf72 expansion, supporting the involvement of this risk factor in neuronal degeneration. Overall, our study broadens the known mutational spectrum in ALS and provides new insights for a more accurate view of the genetic pattern of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Ungaro
- Department of Earth and Environment, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution (IIA), National Research Council (CNR), Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Teresa Sprovieri
- Department of Earth and Environment, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution (IIA), National Research Council (CNR), Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Giovanna Morello
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Antonio Gianmaria Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Isabella Laura Simone
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center SUN-FISM, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Monsurrò
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center SUN-FISM, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo La Bella
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy; Centro Sanitario, Università della Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy.
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Perrone B, Conforti FL. Common mutations of interest in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: how common are common mutations in ALS genes? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:703-714. [PMID: 32497448 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1779060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease predominantly affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Diagnosis of this devastating pathology is very difficult because the high degree of clinical heterogeneity with which it occurs and until now, no truly effective treatment exists. AREAS COVERED Molecular diagnosis may be a valuable tool for dissecting out ALS complex heterogeneity and for identifying new molecular mechanisms underlying the characteristic selective degeneration and death of motor neurons. To date, pathogenic variants in ALS genes are known to be present in up to 70% of familial and 10% of apparently sporadic ALS cases and can be associated with risks for ALS only or risks for other neurodegenerative diseases. This paper shows the procedure currently used in diagnostic laboratories to investigate most frequent mutations in ALS and evaluating the utility of involved molecular techniques as potential tools to discriminate 'common mutations' in ALS patients. EXPERT OPINION Genetic testing may allow for establishing an accurate pathological diagnosis and a more precise stratification of patient groups in future drug trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria , Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria , Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
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10
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Logroscino G, Piccininni M, Marin B, Nichols E, Abd-Allah F, Abdelalim A, Alahdab F, Asgedom SW, Awasthi A, Chaiah Y, Daryani A, Do HP, Dubey M, Elbaz A, Eskandarieh S, Farhadi F, Farzadfar F, Fereshtehnejad SM, Fernandes E, Filip I, Foreman KJ, Gebre AK, Gnedovskaya EV, Hamidi S, Hay SI, Irvani SSN, Ji JS, Kasaeian A, Kim YJ, Mantovani LG, Mashamba-Thompson TP, Mehndiratta MM, Mokdad AH, Nagel G, Nguyen TH, Nixon MR, Olagunju AT, Owolabi MO, Piradov MA, Qorbani M, Radfar A, Reiner RC, Sahraian MA, Sarvi S, Sharif M, Temsah O, Tran BX, Truong NT, Venketasubramanian N, Winkler AS, Yimer EM, Feigin VL, Vos T, Murray CJL. Global, regional, and national burden of motor neuron diseases 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:1083-1097. [PMID: 30409709 PMCID: PMC6234315 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30404-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how prevalence, incidence, and mortality of motor neuron diseases change over time and by location is crucial for understanding the causes of these disorders and for health-care planning. Our aim was to produce estimates of incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for motor neuron diseases for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2016 as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2016. METHODS The motor neuron diseases included in this study were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and pseudobulbar palsy. Incidence, prevalence, and DALYs were estimated using a Bayesian meta-regression model. We analysed 14 165 site-years of vital registration cause of death data using the GBD 2016 cause of death ensemble model. The 84 risk factors quantified in GBD 2016 were tested for an association with incidence or death from motor neuron diseases. We also explored the relationship between Socio-demographic Index (SDI; a compound measure of income per capita, education, and fertility) and age-standardised DALYs of motor neuron diseases. FINDINGS In 2016, globally, 330 918 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 299 522-367 254) individuals had a motor neuron disease. Motor neuron diseases have caused 926 090 (881 566-961 758) DALYs and 34 325 (33 051-35 364) deaths in 2016. The worldwide all-age prevalence was 4·5 (4·1-5·0) per 100 000 people, with an increase in age-standardised prevalence of 4·5% (3·4-5·7) over the study period. The all-age incidence was 0·78 (95% UI 0·71-0·86) per 100 000 person-years. No risk factor analysed in GBD showed an association with motor neuron disease incidence. The largest age-standardised prevalence was in high SDI regions: high-income North America (16·8, 95% UI 15·8-16·9), Australasia (14·7, 13·5-16·1), and western Europe (12·9, 11·7-14·1). However, the prevalence and incidence were lower than expected based on SDI in high-income Asia Pacific. INTERPRETATION Motor neuron diseases have low prevalence and incidence, but cause severe disability with a high fatality rate. Incidence of motor neuron diseases has geographical heterogeneity, which is not explained by any risk factors quantified in GBD, suggesting other unmeasured risk factors might have a role. Between 1990 and 2016, the burden of motor neuron diseases has increased substantially. The estimates presented here, as well as future estimates based on data from a greater number of countries, will be important in the planning of services for people with motor neuron diseases worldwide. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Lamp M, Origone P, Geroldi A, Verdiani S, Gotta F, Caponnetto C, Devigili G, Verriello L, Scialò C, Cabona C, Canosa A, Vanni I, Bellone E, Eleopra R, Mandich P. Twenty years of molecular analyses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: genetic landscape of Italian patients. Neurobiol Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps clinically with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Investigations of the 10% of ALS cases that are transmitted as dominant traits have revealed numerous gene mutations and variants that either cause these disorders or influence their clinical phenotype. The evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS has illuminated broad themes in the molecular pathophysiology of both familial and sporadic ALS and FTD. These central themes encompass disturbances of protein homeostasis, alterations in the biology of RNA binding proteins, and defects in cytoskeletal dynamics, as well as numerous downstream pathophysiological events. Together, these findings from ALS genetics provide new insight into therapies that target genetically distinct subsets of ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
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Abstract
Repeat expansions in the promoter region of C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related disorders of the ALS/frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) spectrum. Remarkable clinical heterogeneity among patients with a repeat expansion has been observed, and genetic anticipation over different generations has been suggested. Genetic factors modifying the clinical phenotype have been proposed, including genetic variation in other known disease genes, the genomic context of the C9orf72 repeat, and expanded repeat size, which has been estimated between 45 and several thousand units. The role of variability in normal and expanded repeat sizes for disease risk and clinical phenotype is under debate. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed, including loss of function, RNA toxicity, and dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein toxicity resulting from abnormal translation of the expanded repeat, but the major mechanism is yet unclear.
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Farhan SMK, Gendron TF, Petrucelli L, Hegele RA, Strong MJ. OPTN p.Met468Arg and ATXN2 intermediate length polyQ extension in families with C9orf72 mediated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:75-85. [PMID: 29080331 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have ascertained two families affected with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in which they both carry a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, specifically in individuals who also presented with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). While some reports attribute this phenotypic heterogeneity to the C9orf72 expansion alone, we screened for additional genetic variation in known ALS-FTD genes that may also contribute to or modify the phenotypes. We performed genetic testing consisting of C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion, ATXN2 polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion, and targeted next generation sequencing using the ONDRISeq, a gene panel consisting of 80 genes known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, FTD, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular cognitive impairment. In addition to the C9orf72 expansion, we observed an ATXN2 polyQ intermediate length expansion, and OPTN p.Met468Arg in patients who exhibited ALS and FTD or bvFTD. We conclude that the C9orf72 expansion likely explains much of the ALS-FTD phenotype; however, inheritance of these additional variants likely modifies the disease course and may provide further evidence for biologically relevant oligogenic inheritance in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sali M K Farhan
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Robert A Hegele
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Daniel DC, Johnson EM. PURA, the gene encoding Pur-alpha, member of an ancient nucleic acid-binding protein family with mammalian neurological functions. Gene 2017; 643:133-143. [PMID: 29221753 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The PURA gene encodes Pur-alpha, a 322 amino acid protein with repeated nucleic acid binding domains that are highly conserved from bacteria through humans. PUR genes with a single copy of this domain have been detected so far in spirochetes and bacteroides. Lower eukaryotes possess one copy of the PUR gene, whereas chordates possess 1 to 4 PUR family members. Human PUR genes encode Pur-alpha (Pura), Pur-beta (Purb) and two forms of Pur-gamma (Purg). Pur-alpha is a protein that binds specific DNA and RNA sequence elements. Human PURA, located at chromosome band 5q31, is under complex control of three promoters. The entire protein coding sequence of PURA is contiguous within a single exon. Several studies have found that overexpression or microinjection of Pura inhibits anchorage-independent growth of oncogenically transformed cells and blocks proliferation at either G1-S or G2-M checkpoints. Effects on the cell cycle may be mediated by interaction of Pura with cellular proteins including Cyclin/Cdk complexes and the Rb tumor suppressor protein. PURA knockout mice die shortly after birth with effects on brain and hematopoietic development. In humans environmentally induced heterozygous deletions of PURA have been implicated in forms of myelodysplastic syndrome and progression to acute myelogenous leukemia. Pura plays a role in AIDS through association with the HIV-1 protein, Tat. In the brain Tat and Pura association in glial cells activates transcription and replication of JC polyomavirus, the agent causing the demyelination disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Tat and Pura also act to stimulate replication of the HIV-1 RNA genome. In neurons Pura accompanies mRNA transcripts to sites of translation in dendrites. Microdeletions in the PURA locus have been implicated in several neurological disorders. De novo PURA mutations have been related to a spectrum of phenotypes indicating a potential PURA syndrome. The nucleic acid, G-rich Pura binding element is amplified as expanded polynucleotide repeats in several brain diseases including fragile X syndrome and a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/fronto-temporal dementia. Throughout evolution the Pura protein plays a critical role in survival, based on conservation of its nucleic acid binding properties. These Pura properties have been adapted in higher organisms to the as yet unfathomable development of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne C Daniel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Edward M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
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16
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Giannoccaro MP, Bartoletti-Stella A, Piras S, Pession A, De Massis P, Oppi F, Stanzani-Maserati M, Pasini E, Baiardi S, Avoni P, Parchi P, Liguori R, Capellari S. Multiple variants in families with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia related to C9orf72 repeat expansion: further observations on their oligogenic nature. J Neurol 2017. [PMID: 28620717 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The C9orf72 repeat expansion (RE) is one of the most frequent causative mutations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, it is still unclear how the C9orf72 RE can lead to a heterogeneous phenotype. Several reports have shown the coexistence of mutations in multiple ALS/FTD causative genes in the same family, suggesting an oligogenic etiology for ALS and FTD. Our aim was to investigate this phenomenon in an Italian group of ALS/FTD pedigrees carrying the C9orf72 RE. We included 11 subjects from 11 pedigrees with ALS/FTD and the C9orf72 RE. Mutation screening of FUS, SOD1 and TARDBP genes was performed by direct sequencing. A dementia-specific custom-designed targeted next-generation sequencing panel was used for screening dementia-associated genes mutations. We found genetic variants in additional ALS or dementia-related genes in four pedigrees, including the p.V47A variant in the TYROBP gene. As a group, double mutation carriers displayed a tendency toward a younger age at onset and a higher frequency of positive familiar history and of parkinsonism. Our observation supports the hypothesis that the co-presence of mutations in different genes may be relevant for the clinical expression of ALS/FTD and of their oligogenic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Giannoccaro
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Bartoletti-Stella
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento Neuroscienze, psicologia, area del farmaco e salute del bambino, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Piras
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pession
- UOC Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Oncologiche, via Altura, 3, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Federico Oppi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elena Pasini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Baiardi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Avoni
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy.
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17
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Moreno F, Indakoetxea B, Barandiaran M, Caballero MC, Gorostidi A, Calafell F, Gabilondo A, Tainta M, Zulaica M, Martí Massó JF, López de Munain A, Sánchez-Juan P, Lee SE. The unexpected co-occurrence of GRN and MAPT p.A152T in Basque families: Clinical and pathological characteristics. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178093. [PMID: 28594853 PMCID: PMC5464560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of the c.709-1G>A GRN mutation and the p.A152T MAPT variant has been identified in 18 Basque families affected by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We aimed to investigate the influence of the p.A152T MAPT variant on the clinical and neuropathological features of these Basque GRN families. METHODS AND FINDINGS We compared clinical characteristics of 14 patients who carried the c.709-1G>A GRN mutation (GRN+/A152T-) with 21 patients who carried both the c.709-1G>A GRN mutation and the p.A152T MAPT variant (GRN+/A152T+). Neuropsychological data (n = 17) and plasma progranulin levels (n = 23) were compared between groups, and 7 subjects underwent neuropathological studies. We genotyped six short tandem repeat markers in the two largest families. By the analysis of linkage disequilibrium decay in the haplotype block we estimated the time when the first ancestor to carry both genetic variants emerged. GRN+/A152T+ and GRN+/A152T- patients shared similar clinical and neuropsychological features and plasma progranulin levels. All were diagnosed with an FTD disorder, including behavioral variant FTD or non fluent / agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia, and shared a similar pattern of neuropsychological deficits, predominantly in executive function, memory, and language. All seven participants with available brain autopsies (6 GRN+/A152T+, 1 GRN+/A152T-) showed frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (type A classification), which is characteristic of GRN carriers. Additionally, all seven showed mild to moderate tau inclusion burden: five cases lacked β-amyloid pathology and two cases had Alzheimer's pathology. The co-occurrence of both genes within one individual is recent, with the birth of the first GRN+/A152T+ individual estimated to be within the last 50 generations (95% probability). CONCLUSIONS In our sample, the p.A152T MAPT variant does not appear to show a discernible influence on the clinical phenotype of GRN carriers. Whether p.A152T confers a greater than expected propensity for tau pathology in these GRN carriers remains an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermin Moreno
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Begoña Indakoetxea
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Myriam Barandiaran
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - María Cristina Caballero
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain
- Brain Bank Hospital Universitario Donostia, from the Basque Biobank for Research (OEHUN), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ana Gorostidi
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Francesc Calafell
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alazne Gabilondo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Bidasoa, Irun, Spain
| | - Mikel Tainta
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - José F. Martí Massó
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad del País Vasco UPV-EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Area, Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad del País Vasco UPV-EHU, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Pascual Sánchez-Juan
- Neurology Service and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ‘Marqués de Valdecilla’ University Hospital, University of Cantabria, Institute for Research ‘Marqués de Valdecilla’ (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Suzee E. Lee
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
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Morgan S, Shatunov A, Sproviero W, Jones AR, Shoai M, Hughes D, Al Khleifat A, Malaspina A, Morrison KE, Shaw PJ, Shaw CE, Sidle K, Orrell RW, Fratta P, Hardy J, Pittman A, Al-Chalabi A. A comprehensive analysis of rare genetic variation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the UK. Brain 2017; 140:1611-1618. [PMID: 28430856 PMCID: PMC5445258 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons. About 25 genes have been verified as relevant to the disease process, with rare and common variation implicated. We used next generation sequencing and repeat sizing to comprehensively assay genetic variation in a panel of known amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genes in 1126 patient samples and 613 controls. About 10% of patients were predicted to carry a pathological expansion of the C9orf72 gene. We found an increased burden of rare variants in patients within the untranslated regions of known disease-causing genes, driven by SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, VCP, OPTN and UBQLN2. We found 11 patients (1%) carried more than one pathogenic variant (P = 0.001) consistent with an oligogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These findings show that the genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is complex and that variation in the regulatory regions of associated genes may be important in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morgan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - William Sproviero
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Ashley R. Jones
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Maryam Shoai
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Deborah Hughes
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, North-East London and Essex Regional Motor Neuron Disease Care Centre, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Karen E. Morrison
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP801 University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SiTraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Katie Sidle
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Richard W. Orrell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Alan Pittman
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
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McCann EP, Williams KL, Fifita JA, Tarr IS, O'Connor J, Rowe DB, Nicholson GA, Blair IP. The genotype-phenotype landscape of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Australia. Clin Genet 2017; 92:259-266. [PMID: 28105640 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous fatal neurodegenerative disease. Around 10% of ALS cases are hereditary. ALS gene discoveries have provided most of our understanding of disease pathogenesis. We aimed to describe the genetic landscape of ALS in Australia by assessing 1013 Australian ALS patients for known ALS mutations by direct sequencing, whole exome sequencing or repeat primed polymerase chain reaction. Age of disease onset and disease duration were used for genotype-phenotype correlations. We report 60.8% of Australian ALS families in this cohort harbour a known ALS mutation. Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 accounted for 40.6% of families and 2.9% of sporadic patients. We also report ALS families with mutations in SOD1 (13.7%), FUS (2.4%), TARDBP (1.9%), UBQLN2 (.9%), OPTN (.5%), TBK1 (.5%) and CCNF (.5%). We present genotype-phenotype correlations between these genes as well as between gene mutations. Notably, C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion positive patients experienced significantly later disease onset than ALS mutation patients. Among SOD1 families, p.I114T positive patients had significantly later onset and longer survival. Our report highlights a unique spectrum of ALS gene frequencies among patients from the Australian population, and further, provides correlations between specific ALS mutations with disease onset and/or duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P McCann
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - K L Williams
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - J A Fifita
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - I S Tarr
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - J O'Connor
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - D B Rowe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - G A Nicholson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Concord, Australia
| | - I P Blair
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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20
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Black HA, Leighton DJ, Cleary EM, Rose E, Stephenson L, Colville S, Ross D, Warner J, Porteous M, Gorrie GH, Swingler R, Goldstein D, Harms MB, Connick P, Pal S, Aitman TJ, Chandran S. Genetic epidemiology of motor neuron disease-associated variants in the Scottish population. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 51:178.e11-178.e20. [PMID: 28089114 PMCID: PMC5302213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Genetic understanding of motor neuron disease (MND) has evolved greatly in the past 10 years, including the recent identification of association between MND and variants in TBK1 and NEK1. Our aim was to determine the frequency of pathogenic variants in known MND genes and to assess whether variants in TBK1 and NEK1 contribute to the burden of MND in the Scottish population. SOD1, TARDBP, OPTN, TBK1, and NEK1 were sequenced in 441 cases and 400 controls. In addition to 44 cases known to carry a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, we identified 31 cases and 2 controls that carried a loss-of-function or pathogenic variant. Loss-of-function variants were found in TBK1 in 3 cases and no controls and, separately, in NEK1 in 3 cases and no controls. This study provides an accurate description of the genetic epidemiology of MND in Scotland and provides support for the contribution of both TBK1 and NEK1 to MND susceptibility in the Scottish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Black
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Danielle J Leighton
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine M Cleary
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine Rose
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Stephenson
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shuna Colville
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Ross
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jon Warner
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary Porteous
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - George H Gorrie
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert Swingler
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Matthew B Harms
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Peter Connick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Timothy J Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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21
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Chadi G, Maximino JR, Jorge FMDH, Borba FCD, Gilio JM, Callegaro D, Lopes CG, Santos SND, Rebelo GNS. Genetic analysis of patients with familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Brazilian Research Center. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:249-255. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1254245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Chadi
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ruivo Maximino
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fabrício Castro de Borba
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Meire Gilio
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dagoberto Callegaro
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Galvão Lopes
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samantha Nakamura Dos Santos
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Chi S, Jiang T, Tan L, Yu JT. Distinct neurological disorders with C9orf72 mutations: genetics, pathogenesis, and therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 66:127-42. [PMID: 27139021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The G4C2 repeat expansion within C9orf72 has been recently identified as the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This mutation has also been detected in a variety of other neurological diseases with distinct clinical manifestations. The exact mechanisms of how this mutation leads to the wide spectrum of clinical syndromes remain unknown. A series of molecular changes together with some potential modifiers may play a key role. Nucleolar stress, nucleocytoplasmic transport defect, oxidative damage, inhibited stress granules assembly, activated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inhibited proteasome activity are mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additional mutations, epigenetic modifiers, and repeat size are potential modifiers that modulate specific phenotypes on the basis of the molecular changes. Here, we summarize distinct C9orf72-related neurological disorders and their corresponding neuropathological changes. Then, we elucidate the existing molecular knowledge and the potential modifiers. Finally, we detail the main target of treatment aiming at controlling expanded RNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Chi
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Teng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Large-scale screening in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis identifies genetic modifiers in C9orf72 repeat carriers. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 39:220.e9-15. [PMID: 26777436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered to be a complex disease with multiple genetic risk factors contributing to the pathogenesis. Identification of genetic risk factors that co-occur frequently could provide relevant insight into underlying mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration. To dissect the genetic architecture of sporadic ALS, we undertook a large sequencing study in 755 apparently sporadic ALS cases and 959 controls, analyzing 10 ALS genes: SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP, FUS, ANG, CHMP2B, ATXN2, NIPA1, SMN1, and UNC13A. We observed sporadic cases with multiple genetic risk variants in 4.1% compared with 1.3% in controls. The overall difference was not in excess of what is to be expected by chance (binomial test, p = 0.59). We did, however, observe a higher frequency than expected of C9orf72 repeat carriers with co-occurring susceptibility variants (ATXN2, NIPA1, and SMN1; p = 0.001), which is mainly because of the co-occurrence of NIPA1 repeats in 15% of C9orf72 repeat carriers (p = 0.006).
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24
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ATNX2 is not a regulatory gene in Italian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with C9ORF72 GGGGCC expansion. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 39:218.e5-8. [PMID: 26733254 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.11.027] [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] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are indications that both familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and sporadic ALS phenotype and prognosis are partly regulated by genetic and environmental factors, supporting the theory that ALS is a multifactorial disease. The aim of this article was to assess the role of ATXN2 intermediate length repeats in a large series of Italian and Sardinian ALS patients and controls carrying a pathogenetic C9ORF72 GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat. A total of 1972 ALS cases were identified through the database of the Italian ALS Genetic consortium, a collaborative effort including 18 ALS centers throughout Italy. The study population included: (1) 276 Italian and 57 Sardinian ALS cases who carried the C9ORF72 expansion; (2) 1340 Italian and 299 Sardinian ALS cases not carrying the C9ORF72 expansion. A total of healthy 1043 controls were also assessed. Most Italian and Sardinian cases and controls were homozygous for 22/22 or 23/23 repeats or heterozygous for 22/23 repeats of the ATXN2 gene. ATXN2 intermediate length repeats alleles (≥28) were detected in 3 (0.6%) Italian ALS cases carrying the C9ORF72 expansion, in none of the Sardinian ALS cases carrying the expansion, in 60 (4.3%) Italian cases not carrying the expansion, and in 6 (2.0%) Sardinian ALS cases without C9ORF72 expansion. Intermediate length repeat alleles were found in 12 (1.5%) Italian controls and 1 (0.84%) Sardinian controls. Therefore, ALS patients with C9ORF72 expansion showed a lower frequency of ATXN2 polyQ intermediate length repeats than both controls (Italian cases, p = 0.137; Sardinian cases, p = 0.0001) and ALS patients without C9ORF72 expansion (Italian cases, p = 0.005; Sardinian cases, p = 0.178). In our large study on Italian and Sardinian ALS patients with C9ORF72 GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion, compared to age-, gender- and ethnic-matched controls, ATXN2 polyQ intermediate length does not represent a modifier of ALS risk, differently from non-C9ORF72 mutated patients.
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25
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Pottier C, Bieniek KF, Finch N, van de Vorst M, Baker M, Perkersen R, Brown P, Ravenscroft T, van Blitterswijk M, Nicholson AM, DeTure M, Knopman DS, Josephs KA, Parisi JE, Petersen RC, Boylan KB, Boeve BF, Graff-Radford NR, Veltman JA, Gilissen C, Murray ME, Dickson DW, Rademakers R. Whole-genome sequencing reveals important role for TBK1 and OPTN mutations in frontotemporal lobar degeneration without motor neuron disease. Acta Neuropathol 2015; 130:77-92. [PMID: 25943890 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP) is the most common pathology associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Repeat expansions in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) and mutations in progranulin (GRN) are the major known genetic causes of FTLD-TDP; however, the genetic etiology in the majority of FTLD-TDP remains unexplained. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing in 104 pathologically confirmed FTLD-TDP patients from the Mayo Clinic brain bank negative for C9ORF72 and GRN mutations and report on the contribution of rare single nucleotide and copy number variants in 21 known neurodegenerative disease genes. Interestingly, we identified 5 patients (4.8 %) with variants in optineurin (OPTN) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) that are predicted to be highly pathogenic, including two double mutants. Case A was a compound heterozygote for mutations in OPTN, carrying the p.Q235* nonsense and p.A481V missense mutation in trans, while case B carried a deletion of OPTN exons 13-15 (p.Gly538Glufs*27) and a loss-of-function mutation (p.Arg117*) in TBK1. Cases C-E carried heterozygous missense mutations in TBK1, including the p.Glu696Lys mutation which was previously reported in two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and is located in the OPTN binding domain. Quantitative mRNA expression and protein analysis in cerebellar tissue showed a striking reduction of OPTN and/or TBK1 expression in 4 out of 5 patients supporting pathogenicity in these specific patients and suggesting a loss-of-function disease mechanism. Importantly, neuropathologic examination showed FTLD-TDP type A in the absence of motor neuron disease in 3 pathogenic mutation carriers. In conclusion, we highlight TBK1 as an important cause of pure FTLD-TDP, identify the first OPTN mutations in FTLD-TDP, and suggest a potential oligogenic basis for at least a subset of FTLD-TDP patients. Our data further add to the growing body of evidence linking ALS and FTD and suggest a key role for the OPTN/TBK1 pathway in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Pottier
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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26
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Marangi G, Traynor BJ. Genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new genetic analysis methodologies entailing new opportunities and challenges. Brain Res 2015; 1607:75-93. [PMID: 25316630 PMCID: PMC5916786 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being increasingly understood. In this far-reaching review, we examine what is currently known about ALS genetics and how these genes were initially identified. We also discuss the various types of mutations that might underlie this fatal neurodegenerative condition and outline some of the strategies that might be useful in untangling them. These include expansions of short repeat sequences, common and low-frequency genetic variations, de novo mutations, epigenetic changes, somatic mutations, epistasis, oligogenic and polygenic hypotheses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marangi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Roma, Italy.
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Defining the genetic connection linking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Trends Genet 2015; 31:263-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Novel TARDBP sequence variant and C9ORF72 repeat expansion in a family with frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2015; 28:190-3. [PMID: 22892647 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e318266fae5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a genetically heterogenous syndrome and has been associated most recently with a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9ORF72 gene. Pathogenic TDP-43 gene (TARDBP) mutations have been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but the role of TARDBP mutations in FTLD is more contradictory. To investigate the role of TARDBP mutations in a clinical series of Finnish FTLD patients, we sequenced TARDBP exons 1 to 6 in 77 FTLD patients. No evident pathogenic mutations were found. We identified a novel heterozygous c.876_878delCAG sequence variant in 2 related patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia without amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The variant is predicted to cause an amino acid deletion of serine at position 292 (p.Ser292del). However, p.Ser292del was also found in 1 healthy middle-aged control. Interestingly, both patients carried the C9ORF72 expansion. Therefore, the TARDBP variant p.Ser292del might be considered a rare polymorphism and the C9ORF72 repeat expansion the actual disease-causing mutation in the family. Our results suggest that TARDBP mutations are a rare cause of FTLD. However, the interaction of several genetic factors needs to be taken into account when investigating neurodegenerative diseases.
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30
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Origone P, Accardo J, Verdiani S, Lamp M, Arnaldi D, Bellone E, Picco A, Morbelli S, Mandich P, Nobili F. Neuroimaging features in C9orf72 and TARDBP double mutation with FTD phenotype. Neurocase 2015; 21:529-34. [PMID: 25138285 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2014.951057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that morphological and functional neuroimaging may help to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to behavioral disturbances in patients with genetic or sporadic frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The C9orf72 expansion was found in association with the N267S TARDBP mutation in two siblings with behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD). In one of them with very mild dementia, MRI showed symmetric atrophy of temporal, inferolateral and orbital frontal cortex, while [18F]FDG-PET disclosed more extended hypometabolism in dorsolateral and inferolateral frontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and caudate nucleus. Hypometabolism in right lateral and orbital frontal cortex was confirmed also in comparison with a group of sporadic bvFTD patients. These findings appear as the neuroimaging hallmark of double C9orf72 and TARDBP gene mutation with a bvFTD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Origone
- a Department of Internal Medicine , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
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31
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Buratti E. Functional Significance of TDP-43 Mutations in Disease. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2015; 91:1-53. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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32
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Dissection of genetic factors associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol 2014; 262 Pt B:91-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Borghero G, Pugliatti M, Marrosu F, Marrosu MG, Murru MR, Floris G, Cannas A, Parish LD, Occhineri P, Cau TB, Loi D, Ticca A, Traccis S, Manera U, Canosa A, Moglia C, Calvo A, Barberis M, Brunetti M, Pliner HA, Renton AE, Nalls MA, Traynor BJ, Restagno G, Chiò A. Genetic architecture of ALS in Sardinia. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:2882.e7-2882.e12. [PMID: 25123918 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Conserved populations, such as Sardinians, displaying elevated rates of familial or sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) provide unique information on the genetics of the disease. Our aim was to describe the genetic profile of a consecutive series of ALS patients of Sardinian ancestry. All ALS patients of Sardinian ancestry, identified between 2008 and 2013 through the Italian ALS Genetic Consortium, were eligible to be included in the study. Patients and controls underwent the analysis of TARDBP, C9ORF72, SOD1, and FUS genes. Genetic mutations were identified in 155 out of 375 Sardinian ALS cases (41.3%), more commonly the p.A382T and p.G295S mutations of TARDBP and the GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9ORF72. One patient had both p.G295S and p.A382T mutations of TARDBP and 8 carried both the heterozygous p.A382T mutation of TARDBP and a repeat expansion of C9ORF72. Patients carrying the p.A382T and the p.G295S mutations of TARDBP and the C9ORF72 repeat expansion shared distinct haplotypes across these loci. Patients with cooccurrence of C9ORF72 and TARDBP p.A382T missense mutation had a significantly lower age at onset and shorter survival. More than 40% of all cases on the island of Sardinia carry a mutation of an ALS-related gene, representing the highest percentage of ALS cases genetically explained outside of Scandinavia. Clinical phenotypes associated with different genetic mutations show some distinctive characteristics, but the heterogeneity between and among families carrying the same mutations implies that ALS manifestation is influenced by other genetic and nongenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Borghero
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesco Marrosu
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rita Murru
- Multiple Sclerosis Center Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Floris
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonino Cannas
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Leslie D Parish
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Occhineri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Tea B Cau
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale n. 2, Olbia-Tempio, Italy
| | - Daniela Loi
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale n. 2, Olbia-Tempio, Italy
| | - Anna Ticca
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliera San Francesco, Nuoro, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Manera
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Rehabilitation and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Barberis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Maura Brunetti
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Hannah A Pliner
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alan E Renton
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mike A Nalls
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute of Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabriella Restagno
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Center, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Rehabilitation and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute of Torino (NIT), Turin, Italy.
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Lashley T, Rohrer JD, Mahoney C, Gordon E, Beck J, Mead S, Warren J, Rossor M, Revesz T. A pathogenic progranulin mutation and C9orf72 repeat expansion in a family with frontotemporal dementia. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 40:502-13. [PMID: 24286341 PMCID: PMC4260146 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the second most common form of young onset dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD). An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance is present in around 25-50% of FTLD cases indicating a strong genetic component. Major pathogenic mutations of FTLD have been demonstrated independently in the progranulin (GRN) gene and the C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion repeat. In this study we present a family that have been identified as carrying both a GRN Cys31fs mutation and the C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion repeat. METHODS In the present study we describe the clinical and genetic details of family members and pathological features of two family members that have come to post-mortem. RESULTS The mean age at disease onset was 57 years (48-61 years) and mean duration 4 years (2-7 years). The most common presenting syndrome was behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. Brain imaging from available cases showed a symmetrical pattern of atrophy particularly affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. Pathologically two cases were classified as FTLD-TDP type A with TDP-43 positive inclusions, with additional p62-positive 'star-like' inclusions found in the hippocampal formation and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS The type and distribution of the pathological lesions in these two cases were in keeping with FTLD cases carrying only the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat. However the driving force of the pathological process may be either pathogenic mutation or a combination of both converging on a singular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | | | - Colin Mahoney
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | | | - Jon Beck
- MRC Prion Unit, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | - Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | - Jason Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | - Martin Rossor
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
| | - Tamas Revesz
- Queen Square Brain Bank, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of NeurologyLondon, UK
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Chiò A, Battistini S, Calvo A, Caponnetto C, Conforti FL, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Sabatelli M, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A, Lunetta C, Pintor GL, Salvi F, Bartolomei I, Quattrone A, Gambardella A, Logroscino G, Simone I, Pisano F, Spataro R, La Bella V, Colletti T, Mancardi G, Origone P, Sola P, Borghero G, Marrosu F, Marrosu MG, Murru MR, Floris G, Cannas A, Piras V, Costantino E, Pani C, Sotgiu MA, Pugliatti M, Parish LD, Cossu P, Ticca A, Rodolico C, Portaro S, Ricci C, Moglia C, Ossola I, Brunetti M, Barberis M, Canosa A, Cammarosano S, Bertuzzo D, Fuda G, Ilardi A, Manera U, Pastore I, Sproviero W, Logullo F, Tanel R, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A. Genetic counselling in ALS: facts, uncertainties and clinical suggestions. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014; 85:478-85. [PMID: 23833266 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-305546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The clinical approach to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been largely modified by the identification of novel genes, the detection of gene mutations in apparently sporadic patients, and the discovery of the strict genetic and clinical relation between ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As a consequence, clinicians are increasingly facing the dilemma on how to handle genetic counselling and testing both for ALS patients and their relatives. On the basis of existing literature on genetics of ALS and of other late-onset life-threatening disorders, we propose clinical suggestions to enable neurologists to provide optimal clinical and genetic counselling to patients and families. Genetic testing should be offered to ALS patients who have a first-degree or second-degree relative with ALS, FTD or both, and should be discussed with, but not offered to, all other ALS patients, with special emphasis on its major uncertainties. Presently, genetic testing should not be proposed to asymptomatic at-risk subjects, unless they request it or are enrolled in research programmes. Genetic counselling in ALS should take into account the uncertainties about the pathogenicity and penetrance of some genetic mutations; the possible presence of mutations of different genes in the same individual; the poor genotypic/phenotypic correlation in most ALS genes; and the phenotypic pleiotropy of some genes. Though psychological, social and ethical implications of genetic testing are still relatively unexplored in ALS, we recommend multidisciplinary counselling that addresses all relevant issues, including disclosure of tests results to family members and the risk for genetic discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Torino, and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, , Torino, Italy
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Targeted high-throughput sequencing identifies a TARDBP mutation as a cause of early-onset FTD without motor neuron disease. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:1212.e1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Yokoyama JS, Sirkis DW, Miller BL. C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeats in behavioral and motor neuron disease: clinical heterogeneity and pathological diversity. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2014; 3:1-18. [PMID: 24753999 PMCID: PMC3986607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a predominantly behavioral disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease of motor neurons. The primary objectives of this review are to highlight the clinical heterogeneity associated with C9ORF72 pathogenic expansion and identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying selective vulnerability of distinct neural populations. The proposed mechanisms by which C9ORF72 expansion causes behavioral and motor neuron disease highlight the emerging role of impaired RNA and protein homeostasis in a spectrum of neurodegeneration and strengthen the biological connection between FTD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel W Sirkis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, CA, USA
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Mignarri A, Battistini S, Tomai Pitinca ML, Monti L, Burroni L, Ginanneschi F, Ricci C, Bavazzano A, Federico A, Restagno G, Dotti MT. Double trouble? Progranulin mutation and C9ORF72 repeat expansion in a case of primary non-fluent aphasia. J Neurol Sci 2014; 341:176-8. [PMID: 24703252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mignarri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Battistini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Monti
- Unit of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Burroni
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera di Siena, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Restagno
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dotti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
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Proudfoot M, Gutowski NJ, Edbauer D, Hilton DA, Stephens M, Rankin J, Mackenzie IRA. Early dipeptide repeat pathology in a frontotemporal dementia kindred with C9ORF72 mutation and intellectual disability. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 127:451-8. [PMID: 24445903 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Familial cases of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) provide an opportunity to study the pathophysiology of this clinically diverse condition. The C9ORF72 mutation is the most common cause of familial FTD, recent pathological descriptions challenge existing TDP-43 based hypotheses of sporadic FTD pathogenesis. Non-ATG dependent translation of the hexanucleotide expansion into aggregating dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins may represent a novel pathomechanism. We report detection of the DPR aggregates very early in C9ORF72 FTD development and also describe childhood intellectual disability as a clinical feature preceding dementia. The index case presented with psychiatric symptoms, progressing into typical FTD. Autopsy revealed extensive neuronal DPR aggregates but only minimal TDP-43 pathology. Her intellectually disabled elder son, also carrying the C9ORF72 mutation, died aged 26 years and at autopsy only DPR aggregates without TDP-43 were found. A second son also has intellectual disability, his C9ORF72 status is unknown, but chromosomal microarray revealed no other cause of disability. These cases both extend the existing phenotype of C9ORF72 mutation and highlight the potential significance of DPR translation early in disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Proudfoot
- Department of Neurology, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK,
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Renton AE, Chiò A, Traynor BJ. State of play in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:17-23. [PMID: 24369373 PMCID: PMC4544832 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1135] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in unraveling the genetic etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of adult-onset motor neuron disease and the third most common neurodegenerative disease overall. Here we review genes implicated in the pathogenesis of motor neuron degeneration and how this new information is changing the way we think about this fatal disorder. Specifically, we summarize current literature of the major genes underlying ALS, SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, OPTN, VCP, UBQLN2, C9ORF72 and PFN1, and evaluate the information being gleaned from genome-wide association studies. We also outline emerging themes in ALS research, such as next-generation sequencing approaches to identify de novo mutations, the genetic convergence of familial and sporadic ALS, the proposed oligogenic basis for the disease, and how each new genetic discovery is broadening the phenotype associated with the clinical entity we know as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan E Renton
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- 1] Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. [2] Department of Neurology, Brain Sciences Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Current insights into the C9orf72 repeat expansion diseases of the FTLD/ALS spectrum. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:450-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ingre C, Landers JE, Rizik N, Volk AE, Akimoto C, Birve A, Hübers A, Keagle PJ, Piotrowska K, Press R, Andersen PM, Ludolph AC, Weishaupt JH. A novel phosphorylation site mutation in profilin 1 revealed in a large screen of US, Nordic, and German amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia cohorts. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:1708.e1-6. [PMID: 23141414 PMCID: PMC6591725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Profilin 1 is a central regulator of actin dynamics. Mutations in the gene profilin 1 (PFN1) have very recently been shown to be the cause of a subgroup of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we performed a large screen of US, Nordic, and German familial and sporadic ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTLD) patients for PFN1 mutations to get further insight into the spectrum and pathogenic relevance of this gene for the complete ALS/FTLD continuum. Four hundred twelve familial and 260 sporadic ALS cases and 16 ALS/FTLD cases from Germany, the Nordic countries, and the United States were screened for PFN1 mutations. Phenotypes of patients carrying PFN1 mutations were studied. In a German ALS family we identified the novel heterozygous PFN1 mutation p.Thr109Met, which was absent in controls. This novel mutation abrogates a phosphorylation site in profilin 1. The recently described p.Gln117Gly sequence variant was found in another familial ALS patient from the United States. The ALS patients with mutations in PFN1 displayed spinal onset motor neuron disease without overt cognitive involvement. PFN1 mutations were absent in patients with motor neuron disease and dementia, and in patients with only FTLD. We provide further evidence that PFN1 mutations can cause ALS as a Mendelian dominant trait. Patients carrying PFN1 mutations reported so far represent the "classic" ALS end of the ALS-FTLD spectrum. The novel p.Thr109Met mutation provides additional proof-of-principle that mutant proteins involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics can cause motor neuron degeneration. Moreover, this new mutation suggests that fine-tuning of actin polymerization by phosphorylation of profilin 1 might be necessary for motor neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ingre
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, The Karolinske University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John E. Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Naji Rizik
- Department of Neurology Ulm University Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Chizuru Akimoto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Birve
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Pamela J. Keagle
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rayomand Press
- Department of Neurology, The Karolinske University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Munch Andersen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Neurology Ulm University Ulm, Germany
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How do C9ORF72 repeat expansions cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia: can we learn from other noncoding repeat expansion disorders? Curr Opin Neurol 2013; 25:689-700. [PMID: 23160421 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32835a3efb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to describe disease mechanisms by which chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) repeat expansions could lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and to discuss these diseases in relation to other noncoding repeat expansion disorders. RECENT FINDINGS ALS and FTD are complex neurodegenerative disorders with a considerable clinical and pathological overlap, and this overlap is further substantiated by the recent discovery of C9ORF72 repeat expansions. These repeat expansions are currently the most important genetic cause of familial ALS and FTD, accounting for approximately 34.2 and 25.9% of the cases. Clinical phenotypes associated with these repeat expansions are highly variable, and combinations with mutations in other ALS-associated and/or FTD-associated genes may contribute to this pleiotropy. It is challenging, however, to diagnose patients with C9ORF72 expansions, not only because of large repeat sizes, but also due to somatic heterogeneity. Most other noncoding repeat expansion disorders share an RNA gain-of-function disease mechanism, a mechanism that could underlie the development of ALS and/or FTD as well. SUMMARY The discovery of C9ORF72 repeat expansions provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD and highlights the importance of noncoding repeat expansions and RNA toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Dobson-Stone C, Hallupp M, Loy CT, Thompson EM, Haan E, Sue CM, Panegyres PK, Razquin C, Seijo-Martínez M, Rene R, Gascon J, Campdelacreu J, Schmoll B, Volk AE, Brooks WS, Schofield PR, Pastor P, Kwok JBJ. C9ORF72 repeat expansion in Australian and Spanish frontotemporal dementia patients. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56899. [PMID: 23437264 PMCID: PMC3577667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 has been established as a common cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, the minimum repeat number necessary for disease pathogenesis is not known. The aims of our study were to determine the frequency of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion in two FTD patient collections (one Australian and one Spanish, combined n = 190), to examine C9ORF72 expansion allele length in a subset of FTD patients, and to examine C9ORF72 allele length in ‘non-expansion’ patients (those with <30 repeats). The C9ORF72 repeat expansion was detected in 5–17% of patients (21–41% of familial FTD patients). For one family, the expansion was present in the proband but absent in the mother, who was diagnosed with dementia at age 68. No association was found between C9ORF72 non-expanded allele length and age of onset and in the Spanish sample mean allele length was shorter in cases than in controls. Southern blotting analysis revealed that one of the nine ‘expansion-positive’ patients examined, who had neuropathologically confirmed frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology, harboured an ‘intermediate’ allele with a mean size of only ∼65 repeats. Our study indicates that the C9ORF72 repeat expansion accounts for a significant proportion of Australian and Spanish FTD cases. However, C9ORF72 allele length does not influence the age at onset of ‘non-expansion’ FTD patients in the series examined. Expansion of the C9ORF72 allele to as little as ∼65 repeats may be sufficient to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Dobson-Stone
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Clement T. Loy
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Huntington Disease Service, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M. Thompson
- South Australia Clinical Genetics Service, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Eric Haan
- South Australia Clinical Genetics Service, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carolyn M. Sue
- Department of Neurogenetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Cristina Razquin
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Division of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Ramon Rene
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gascon
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Birgit Schmoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - William S. Brooks
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter R. Schofield
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pau Pastor
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Division of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra School of Medicine, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - John B. J. Kwok
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Vucic S, Nicholson GA, Chio A, Kiernan MC. Apparent anticipation in SOD1 familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:452-6. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.764569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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VAPB and C9orf72 mutations in 1 familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2950.e1-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Pugliatti M, Parish LD, Cossu P, Leoni S, Ticca A, Saddi MV, Ortu E, Traccis S, Borghero G, Puddu R, Chiò A, Pirina P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, insular Italy, 1995-2009. J Neurol 2012; 260:572-9. [PMID: 23052600 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent genetic studies suggest a Sardinian type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Thus, ALS incidence, prevalence and survival were investigated in a large population of Sardinians aimed to disclose population-specific patterns and their temporal changes. This is a population-based incidence and prevalence study in northern and central Sardinia, insular Italy (over 700,000 population). Incidence rates were computed for the time interval 1995-2009 and by quinquennia. Prevalence was computed for prevalence days 31 December 2004 and 2009. Onset-based survival for 1995-2009 is also reported. All ALS patients (El Escorial Criteria) in the study area were retrospectively included. The ALS crude incidence from 2005-2009 was 2.5 (95 % CIs: 0.1, 4.9), 3.4 in men and 1.6 in women. Onset occurred most often between the age of 65-74 years in men and 55-64 years in women. The ALS incidence tended to increase over the period 1995-2009. The mean age at onset was 61.7 years with no difference based on gender, varying significantly from 59.9 years in 1995-1999 to 63.9 years in 2005-2009. On December 31, 2009, the ALS crude prevalence was 10.8 per 100,000 (95 % CIs: 8.6, 13.1), 13.8 in men and 8.0 in women, whereas it was 6.3 per 100,000 (95 % CIs: 4.1, 8.6) on December 31, 2004 (M:F ratio of 0.95). Mean survival from onset was 37.0 months, with no difference based on gender, and a tendency to decrease during the period 1995-2009, in relation to type and age of onset. The population-based incidence and prevalence data of ALS in Sardinians indicate an increase of the disease occurrence over the past 40 years, providing support for a population-specific variant of ALS in Sardinia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Pugliatti
- Dip. di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Neurologia, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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