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Surdi P, Trivisano M, De Dominicis A, Mercier M, Piscitello LM, Pavia GC, Calabrese C, Cappelletti S, Correale C, Mazzone L, Vigevano F, Specchio N. Unveiling the disease progression in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: Insights from EEG and neuropsychology. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 39287605 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are neurological disorders characterized by developmental impairment and epilepsy. Our study aims to assess disease progression by comparing clinical findings, electroencephalography (EEG), and neuropsychological data from seizure onset to the last follow-up evaluation. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients with genetic DEEs who were followed-up at the epilepsy unit of Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome. We collected information regarding gender, family history, genetic variant, age at onset and at last follow-up, neurological examination, type of seizure, drug resistance, occurrence of status epilepticus, and movement and cognitive and behavioral disorders. We compared EEG background activity, epileptiform abnormalities, and cognitive functions between seizure onset and the last follow-up evaluation using the McNemar-Bowker test (α = 5%). RESULTS A total of 160 patients (94 female) were included. Genetic analysis revealed a spectrum of pathogenic variants, with SCN1A being the most prevalent (25%). The median age at seizure onset and at the last follow-up was 0.37 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.09-0.75) and 8.54 years (IQR: 4.32-14.55), respectively. We documented a statistically significant difference in EEG background activity (p = .017) and cognitive impairment (p = .01) from seizure onset to the last follow-up evaluation. No significant differences were detected for epileptiform abnormalities (p = .2). In addition, high prevalence rates were observed for drug resistance (81.9%), movement disorders (60.6%), behavioral and autism spectrum disorders (45%), neurological deficits (31.3%), and occurrence of status epilepticus (23.1%). SIGNIFICANCE Our study provides evidence that a clinical progression may appear in genetic DEEs, manifesting as development or worsening of cognitive impairment and disruption of EEG background activity. These results highlight the challenging clinical course and the importance of early intervention and personalized care in the management of patients with DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Surdi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela De Dominicis
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mercier
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Maria Piscitello
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Carfì Pavia
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Calabrese
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cappelletti
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Correale
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
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Nieto-Estevez V, Varma P, Mirsadeghi S, Caballero J, Gamero-Alameda S, Hosseini A, Silvosa MJ, Thodeson DM, Lybrand ZR, Giugliano M, Navara C, Hsieh J. Dual effects of ARX poly-alanine mutations in human cortical and interneuron development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.577271. [PMID: 38328230 PMCID: PMC10849640 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.577271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Infantile spasms, with an incidence of 1.6 to 4.5 per 10,000 live births, are a relentless and devastating childhood epilepsy marked by severe seizures but also leads to lifelong intellectual disability. Alarmingly, up to 5% of males with this condition carry a mutation in the Aristaless-related homeobox ( ARX ) gene. Our current lack of human-specific models for developmental epilepsy, coupled with discrepancies between animal studies and human data, underscores the gap in knowledge and urgent need for innovative human models, organoids being one of the best available. Here, we used human neural organoid models, cortical organoids (CO) and ganglionic eminences organoids (GEO) which mimic cortical and interneuron development respectively, to study the consequences of PAE mutations, one of the most prevalent mutation in ARX . ARX PAE produces a decrease expression of ARX in GEOs, and an enhancement in interneuron migration. That accelerated migration is cell autonomously driven, and it can be rescued by inhibiting CXCR4. We also found that PAE mutations result in an early increase in radial glia cells and intermediate progenitor cells, followed by a subsequent loss of cortical neurons at later timepoints. Moreover, ARX expression is upregulated in COs derived from patients at 30 DIV and is associated with alterations in the expression of CDKN1C . Furthermore, ARX PAE assembloids had hyperactivity which were evident at early stages of development. With effective treatments for infantile spasms and developmental epilepsies still elusive, delving into the role of ARX PAE mutations in human brain organoids represents a pivotal step toward uncovering groundbreaking therapeutic strategies.
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Scheffer IE, Zuberi S, Mefford HC, Guerrini R, McTague A. Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:61. [PMID: 39237642 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, the most severe group of epilepsies, are characterized by seizures and frequent epileptiform activity associated with developmental slowing or regression. Onset typically occurs in infancy or childhood and includes many well-defined epilepsy syndromes. Patients have wide-ranging comorbidities including intellectual disability, psychiatric features, such as autism spectrum disorder and behavioural problems, movement and musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal and sleep problems, together with an increased mortality rate. Problems change with age and patients require substantial support throughout life, placing a high psychosocial burden on parents, carers and the community. In many patients, the aetiology can be identified, and a genetic cause is found in >50% of patients using next-generation sequencing technologies. More than 900 genes have been identified as monogenic causes of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and many cell components and processes have been implicated in their pathophysiology, including ion channels and transporters, synaptic proteins, cell signalling and metabolism and epigenetic regulation. Polygenic risk score analyses have shown that common variants also contribute to phenotypic variability. Holistic management, which encompasses antiseizure therapies and care for multimorbidities, is determined both by epilepsy syndrome and aetiology. Identification of the underlying aetiology enables the development of precision medicines to improve the long-term outcome of patients with these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid E Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
- Florey and Murdoch Children's Research Institutes, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sameer Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Paediatric Neurosciences, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather C Mefford
- Center for Paediatric Neurological Disease Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Meyer IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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Yu W, Hill SF, Huang Y, Zhu L, Demetriou Y, Ziobro J, Reger F, Jia X, Mattis J, Meisler MH. Allele-Specific Editing of a Dominant SCN8A Epilepsy Variant Protects against Seizures and Lethality in a Murine Model. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39158034 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) can result from dominant, gain of function variants of neuronal ion channels. More than 450 de novo missense variants of the sodium channel gene SCN8A have been identified in individuals with DEE. METHODS We studied a mouse model carrying the patient Scn8a variant p.Asn1768Asp. An AAV-PHP.eB virus carrying an allele-specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) was administered by intracerebroventricular injection. Cas9 was provided by an inherited transgene. RESULTS Allele-specific disruption of the reading frame of the pathogenic transcript generated out-of-frame indels in 1/4 to 1/3 of transcripts throughout the brain. This editing efficiency was sufficient to rescue lethality and seizures. Neuronal hyperexcitability was reduced in cells expressing the virus. INTERPRETATION The data demonstrate efficient allele-specific editing of a dominant missense variant and support the feasibility of allele-specific therapy for DEE epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Yumei Huang
- Center for Genomic Technologies, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Faith Reger
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Xiaoyan Jia
- Center for Genomic Technologies, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joanna Mattis
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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5
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Zhou Z, Jiao X, Gong P, Niu Y, Xu Z, Zhang G, Zhang Y, Qin J, Yang Z. Clinical features and underlying etiology of children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. J Neurol 2024; 271:5392-5401. [PMID: 39008035 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is characterized by the presence of multiple seizure types and encompasses a heterogenous group of etiologies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the etiological profile of LGS and investigate seizure outcomes based on different clinical variables. METHODS The clinical features, neuroimaging findings, genetic testing and other testing results of LGS patients were systematically reviewed. The identifiable etiology was categorized as either acquired or nonacquired. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to explore the association between clinical variables and seizure outcome at the last follow-up. RESULTS We enrolled 156 patients diagnosed with LGS, of whom 66% were male. The mean age of patients was 34.2 months and the median follow-up duration was 29.5 months (interquartile range = 14-56.25 months). The initial seizure type was epileptic spasm in 61 patients, among which 33 of them met the criteria for infantile epileptic spasm syndrome. All patients underwent neuroimaging test, with 25% falling into the acquired structural category. Etiology could be identified in 84 individuals, including pathogenetic variants found in 34 out of 117 patients with nonacquired etiology. CHD2 mutations were most frequently observed among these pathogenetic variants. At the last follow-up, favorable outcomes were observed in 27 patients. The identification of etiology emerged as a significant determinant influencing LGS outcome; specifically, patients with unknown etiology had a higher likelihood of experiencing favorable outcomes compared to those with known cause (p = 0.041). Early onset age and longer epilepsy duration significantly increased the odds of an unfavorable outcome (p = 0.006 and 0.024). SIGNIFICANCE We present novel data on the clinical and etiological spectrum of LGS, with determined etiology observed in over half of the patients. Epileptic spasms were found to be more prevalent than tonic seizures as seizure onset types in LGS. The presence of a known etiology, earlier age at onset, and longer duration of epilepsy were associated with a poorer long-term epileptological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongpu Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xianru Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Genfu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiong Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Epilepsy Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Dinoi G, Conte E, Palumbo O, Benvenuto M, Coppola MA, Palumbo P, Lastella P, Boccanegra B, Di Muro E, Castori M, Carella M, Sciruicchio V, de Tommaso M, Liantonio A, De Luca A, La Neve A, Imbrici P. The Biallelic Inheritance of Two Novel SCN1A Variants Results in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Levetiracetam. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1698. [PMID: 39200163 PMCID: PMC11351414 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Loss-, gain-of-function and mixed variants in SCN1A (Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel) have been associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders with different severity and drug-responsiveness. Most SCN1A variants are heterozygous changes occurring de novo or dominantly inherited; recessive inheritance has been reported in a few cases. Here, we report a family in which the biallelic inheritance of two novel SCN1A variants, N935Y and H1393Q, occurs in two siblings presenting with drug-responsive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and born to heterozygous asymptomatic parents. To assess the genotype-phenotype correlation and support the treatment choice, HEK 293 cells were transfected with different combinations of the SCN1A WT and mutant cDNAs, and the resulting sodium currents were recorded through whole-cell patch-clamp. Functional studies showed that the N935Y and H1393Q channels and their combinations with the WT (WT + N935Y and WT + H1393Q) had current densities and biophysical properties comparable with those of their respective control conditions. This explains the asymptomatic condition of the probands' parents. The co-expression of the N935Y + H1393Q channels, mimicking the recessive inheritance of the two variants in siblings, showed ~20% reduced current amplitude compared with WT and with parental channels. This mild loss of Nav1.1 function may contribute in part to the disease pathogenesis, although other mechanisms may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Dinoi
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Mario Benvenuto
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Coppola
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Pietro Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Patrizia Lastella
- Centro Sovraziendale Malattie Rare, UOC Medicina Interna Universitaria “C. Frugoni”, AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Brigida Boccanegra
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Ester Di Muro
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimo Carella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (O.P.); (M.B.); (P.P.); (E.D.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Vittorio Sciruicchio
- Children Epilepsy and EEG Center, Ospedale San Paolo di Bari, 70123 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marina de Tommaso
- DiBraiN Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Angela La Neve
- DiBraiN Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (E.C.); (M.A.C.); (B.B.); (A.L.); (A.D.L.)
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Muthaffar OY, Alazhary NW, Alyazidi AS, Alsubaie MA, Bahowarth SY, Odeh NB, Bamaga AK. Clinical description and evaluation of 30 pediatric patients with ultra-rare diseases: A multicenter study with real-world data from Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307454. [PMID: 39024300 PMCID: PMC11257271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advancement of next-generation sequencing, clinicians are now able to detect ultra-rare mutations that are barely encountered by the majority of physicians. Ultra-rare and rare diseases cumulatively acquire a prevalence equivalent to type 2 diabetes with 80% being genetic in origin and more prevalent among high consanguinity communities including Saudi Arabia. The challenge of these diseases is the ability to predict their prevalence and define clear phenotypic features. METHODS This is a non-interventional retrospective multicenter study. We included pediatric patients with a pathogenic variant designated as ultra-rare according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's criteria. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of all patients were collected and analyzed using multinomial regression models. RESULTS We included 30 patients. Their mean age of diagnosis was 16.77 months (range 3-96 months) and their current age was 8.83 years (range = 2-15 years). Eleven patients were females and 19 were males. The majority were of Arab ethnicity (96.77%). Twelve patients were West-Saudis and 8 patients were South-Saudis. SCN1A mutation was reported among 19 patients. Other mutations included SZT2, ROGDI, PRF1, ATP1A3, and SHANK3. The heterozygous mutation was reported among 67.86%. Twenty-nine patients experienced seizures with GTC being the most frequently reported semiology. The mean response to ASMs was 45.50% (range 0-100%). CONCLUSION The results suggest that ultra-rare diseases must be viewed as a distinct category from rare diseases with potential demographic and clinical hallmarks. Additional objective and descriptive criteria to detect such cases are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Y. Muthaffar
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura W. Alazhary
- Department of General Pediatric, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas S. Alyazidi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Nour B. Odeh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed K. Bamaga
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Merolla A, Michetti C, Moschetta M, Vacca F, Ciano L, Emionite L, Astigiano S, Romei A, Horenkamp S, Berglund K, Gross RE, Cesca F, Colombo E, Benfenati F. A pH-sensitive closed-loop nanomachine to control hyperexcitability at the single neuron level. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5609. [PMID: 38965228 PMCID: PMC11224301 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49941-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects 1% of the general population and 30% of patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs. Although optogenetics is an efficient antiepileptic strategy, the difficulty of illuminating deep brain areas poses translational challenges. Thus, the search of alternative light sources is strongly needed. Here, we develop pH-sensitive inhibitory luminopsin (pHIL), a closed-loop chemo-optogenetic nanomachine composed of a luciferase-based light generator, a fluorescent sensor of intracellular pH (E2GFP), and an optogenetic actuator (halorhodopsin) for silencing neuronal activity. Stimulated by coelenterazine, pHIL experiences bioluminescence resonance energy transfer between luciferase and E2GFP which, under conditions of acidic pH, activates halorhodopsin. In primary neurons, pHIL senses the intracellular pH drop associated with hyperactivity and optogenetically aborts paroxysmal activity elicited by the administration of convulsants. The expression of pHIL in hippocampal pyramidal neurons is effective in decreasing duration and increasing latency of pilocarpine-induced tonic-clonic seizures upon in vivo coelenterazine administration, without affecting higher brain functions. The same treatment is effective in markedly decreasing seizure manifestations in a murine model of genetic epilepsy. The results indicate that pHIL represents a potentially promising closed-loop chemo-optogenetic strategy to treat drug-refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Merolla
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Horenkamp
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Capitano F, Kuchenbuch M, Lavigne J, Chaptoukaev H, Zuluaga MA, Lorenzi M, Nabbout R, Mantegazza M. Preictal dysfunctions of inhibitory interneurons paradoxically lead to their rebound hyperactivity and to low-voltage-fast onset seizures in Dravet syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316364121. [PMID: 38809712 PMCID: PMC11161744 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316364121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsies have numerous specific mechanisms. The understanding of neural dynamics leading to seizures is important for disclosing pathological mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches. We investigated electrographic activities and neural dynamics leading to convulsive seizures in patients and mouse models of Dravet syndrome (DS), a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in which hypoexcitability of GABAergic neurons is considered to be the main dysfunction. We analyzed EEGs from DS patients carrying a SCN1A pathogenic variant, as well as epidural electrocorticograms, hippocampal local field potentials, and hippocampal single-unit neuronal activities in Scn1a+/- and Scn1aRH/+ DS mice. Strikingly, most seizures had low-voltage-fast onset in both patients and mice, which is thought to be generated by hyperactivity of GABAergic interneurons, the opposite of the main pathological mechanism of DS. Analyzing single-unit recordings, we observed that temporal disorganization of the firing of putative interneurons in the period immediately before the seizure (preictal) precedes the increase of their activity at seizure onset, together with the entire neuronal network. Moreover, we found early signatures of the preictal period in the spectral features of hippocampal and cortical field potential of Scn1a mice and of patients' EEG, which are consistent with the dysfunctions that we observed in single neurons and that allowed seizure prediction. Therefore, the perturbed preictal activity of interneurons leads to their hyperactivity at the onset of generalized seizures, which have low-voltage-fast features that are similar to those observed in other epilepsies and are triggered by hyperactivity of GABAergic neurons. Preictal spectral features may be used as predictive seizure biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Capitano
- University Cote d’Azur, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- Inserm U1323, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06650, France
| | - Mathieu Kuchenbuch
- Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris75015, France
- Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Inserm UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris75015, France
| | - Jennifer Lavigne
- University Cote d’Azur, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- Inserm U1323, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06650, France
| | | | | | - Marco Lorenzi
- University Cote d’Azur, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- Epione Research team, Inria Center of Université Côte d’Azur, Biot-Sophia Antipolis06410, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris75015, France
- Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Inserm UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris75015, France
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- University Cote d’Azur, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06560, France
- Inserm U1323, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis06650, France
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10
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Amin S, Møller RS, Aledo‐Serrano A, Arzimanoglou A, Bager P, Jóźwiak S, Kluger GJ, López‐Cabeza S, Nabbout R, Partridge C, Schubert‐Bast S, Specchio N, Kälviäinen R. Providing quality care for people with CDKL5 deficiency disorder: A European expert panel opinion on the patient journey. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:832-849. [PMID: 38450883 PMCID: PMC11145618 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by variants in the CDKL5 gene. The disorder is characterized by intractable early-onset seizures, severe neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, motor disabilities, cerebral (cortical) visual impairment and microcephaly. With no disease-modifying therapies available for CDD, treatment is symptomatic with an initial focus on seizure control. Another unmet need in the management of people with CDD is the lack of evidence to aid standardized care and guideline development. To address this gap, experts in CDD and representatives from patient advocacy groups from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom convened to form an Expert Working Group. The aim was to provide an expert opinion consensus on how to ensure quality care in routine clinical practice within the European setting, including in settings with limited experience or resources for multidisciplinary care of CDD and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. By means of one-to-one interviews around the current treatment landscape in CDD, insights from the Expert Working Group were collated and developed into a Europe-specific patient journey for individuals with CDD, which was later validated by the group. Further discussions followed to gain consensus of opinions on challenges and potential solutions for achieving quality care in this setting. The panel recognized the benefit of early genetic testing, a holistic personalized approach to seizure control (taking into consideration various factors such as concomitant medications and comorbidities), and age- and comorbidity-dependent multidisciplinary care for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life. However, their insights and experiences also highlighted much disparity in management approaches and resources across different European countries. Development of standardized European recommendations is required to align realistic diagnostic criteria, treatment goals, and management approaches that can be adapted for different settings. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation with a broad range of symptoms apparent from early childhood, including epileptic seizures that do not respond to medication and severe delays in development. Due to the lack of guidance on managing CDD, international experts and patient advocates discussed best practices in the care of people with CDD in Europe. The panel agreed that early testing, a personalized approach to managing seizures, and access to care from different disciplines are beneficial. Development of guidelines to ensure that care is standardized would also be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Amin
- University Hospitals BristolBristolUK
| | - Rikke S. Møller
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre, FiladelfiaDianalundDenmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Angel Aledo‐Serrano
- Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University HospitalVithas Hospital GroupMadridSpain
| | | | | | | | - Gerhard Josef Kluger
- Epilepsy Center for Children and AdolescentsVogtareuthGermany
- Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | | | - Rima Nabbout
- Necker‐Enfants Malades HospitalUniversité Paris Cité, Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | | | - Susanne Schubert‐Bast
- Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryEpilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐MainGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
- University Children's HospitalGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | | | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- University of Eastern Finland and Epilepsy CenterKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
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11
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang Q, Han F. The Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in the Molecular Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis and Targeted Therapy. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:621-634. [PMID: 38564049 PMCID: PMC11127907 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01193-3] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a multifaceted neurological syndrome characterized by recurrent, spontaneous, and synchronous seizures. The pathogenesis of epilepsy, known as epileptogenesis, involves intricate changes in neurons, neuroglia, and endothelium, leading to structural and functional disorders within neurovascular units and culminating in the development of spontaneous epilepsy. Although current research on epilepsy treatments primarily centers around anti-seizure drugs, it is imperative to seek effective interventions capable of disrupting epileptogenesis. To this end, a comprehensive exploration of the changes and the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis holds the promise of identifying vital biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets. Emphasizing early diagnosis and timely intervention is paramount, as it stands to significantly improve patient prognosis and alleviate the socioeconomic burden. In this review, we highlight the changes and molecular mechanisms of the neurovascular unit in epileptogenesis and provide a theoretical basis for identifying biomarkers and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Liu
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 211166, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yanming Zhao
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 211166, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 211166, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Feng Han
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 210019, China.
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12
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Guerrini R, Conti V. Epileptic encephalopathies and progressive neurodegeneration. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:363-367. [PMID: 38582661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Developmental encephalopathies (DE), epileptic encephalopathies (EE) and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by early-onset, often severe epileptic seizures, developmental delay, or regression and have multiple etiologies. Classical nosology in child neurology distinguished progressive and nonprogressive conditions. A progressive course with global cognitive worsening in DEE is usually attributed to severe seizures and electroencephalographic abnormalities whose deleterious effects interfere with developmental processes both in an apparently healthy brain and in an anatomically compromised one. Next generation sequencing and functional studies have helped identifying and characterizing clinical conditions, each with a broad spectrum of clinical and anatomic severity corresponding to a variable level of neurodegeneration, such that both a rapidly progressive course and considerably milder phenotypes with no obvious deterioration can be configured with mutations in the same gene. In this mini review, we present examples of genetic DEE that draw connections between neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - V Conti
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
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13
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Glasscock E. Newly Identified KCNA3 Gene Variants Put the "Excite"-ment Back in Kv1.3 Channelopathy. Epilepsy Curr 2024; 24:200-202. [PMID: 38898907 PMCID: PMC11185207 DOI: 10.1177/15357597241234244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
De Novo Variants in KCNA3 Cause Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Soldovieri MV, Ambrosino P, Mosca I, Servettini I, Pietrunti F, Belperio G; KCNA3 Study Group; Syrbe S, Taglialatela M, Lemke JR. Ann Neurol . 2024;95(2):365-376. doi:10.1002/ana.26826 . PMID: 37964487 Objective: Variants in several potassium channel genes, including KCNA1 and KCNA2, cause Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs). We investigated whether variants in KCNA3, another mammalian homologue of the Drosophila shaker family and encoding for Kv1.3 subunits, can cause DEE. Methods: Genetic analysis of study individuals was performed by routine exome or genome sequencing, usually of parent-offspring trios. Phenotyping was performed via a standard clinical questionnaire. Currents from wild-type and/or mutant Kv1.3 subunits were investigated by whole-cell patch-clamp upon their heterologous expression. Results: Fourteen individuals, each carrying a de novo heterozygous missense variant in KCNA3, were identified. Most (12/14; 86%) had DEE with marked speech delay with or without motor delay, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder. Functional analysis of Kv1.3 channels carrying each variant revealed heterogeneous functional changes, ranging from “pure” loss-of-function (LoF) effects due to faster inactivation kinetics, depolarized voltage-dependence of activation, slower activation kinetics, increased current inactivation, reduced or absent currents with or without dominant-negative effects, to “mixed” loss- and gain-of-function (GoF) effects. Compared to controls, Kv1.3 currents in lymphoblasts from 1 of the proband displayed functional changes similar to those observed upon heterologous expression of channels carrying the same variant. The antidepressant drug fluoxetine inhibited with similar potency the currents from wild-type and 1 of the Kv1.3 GoF variant. Interpretation: We describe a novel association of de novo missense variants in KCNA3 with a human DEE and provide evidence that fluoxetine might represent a potential targeted treatment for individuals carrying variants with significant GoF effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Glasscock
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University
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14
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Stafstrom CE. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 Deficiency Disorder: A Calcium Channelopathy? Epilepsy Curr 2024; 24:191-193. [PMID: 38898903 PMCID: PMC11185205 DOI: 10.1177/15357597241249045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy-Linked Kinase CDKL5 Phosphorylates Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Cav2.3, Altering Inactivation Kinetics and Neuronal Excitability Sampedro-Castañeda M, Baltussen LL, Lopes AT, Qiu Y, Sirvio L, Mihaylov SR, Claxton S, Richardson JC, Lignani G, Ultanir SK. Nat Commun . 2023;14(1):7830. doi:10.1038/s41467-023-43475-w Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of rare childhood disorders characterized by severe epilepsy and cognitive deficits. Numerous DEE genes have been discovered thanks to advances in genomic diagnosis, yet putative molecular links between these disorders are unknown. CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD, DEE2), one of the most common genetic epilepsies, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the brain enriched kinase CDKL5. To elucidate CDKL5 function, we looked for CDKL5 substrates using a SILAC-based phosphoproteomic screen. We identified the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel Cav2.3 (encoded by CACNA1E) as a physiological target of CDKL5 in mice and humans. Recombinant channel electrophysiology and interdisciplinary characterization of Cav2.3 phosphomutant mice revealed that loss of Cav2.3 phosphorylation leads to channel gain-of-function via slower inactivation and enhanced cholinergic stimulation, resulting in increased neuronal excitability. Our results thus show that CDD is partly a channelopathy. The properties of unphosphorylated Cav2.3 closely resemble those described for CACNA1E gain-of-function mutations causing DEE69, a disorder sharing clinical features with CDD. We show that these two single-gene diseases are mechanistically related and could be ameliorated with Cav2.3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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15
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Song T, Deng J, Chen C, Wang X, Han T, Wang X, Fang T, Tian X, Fang F. Long-term effectiveness and tolerability of ketogenic diet therapy in patients with genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy onset within the first 6 months of life. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:643-652. [PMID: 38235958 PMCID: PMC10984301 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12899] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) associated with genetic etiology which onset within the first 6 months of life, and to explore the association between response to KDT and genotype/clinical parameters. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with genetic DEE who started KDT at Beijing Children's Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. RESULTS A total of 32 patients were included, involving 14 pathogenic or likely pathogenic single genes, and 16 (50.0%) patients had sodium/potassium channel gene variants. The median age at onset of epilepsy was 1.0 (IQR: 0.1, 3.0) months. The median age at initiation of KDT was 10.0 (IQR: 5.3, 13.8) months and the median duration of maintenance was 14.0 (IQR: 7.0, 26.5) months, with a mean blood β-hydroxybutyrate of 2.49 ± 0.62 mmol/L. During the maintenance period of KDT, 26 (81.3%) patients had a ≥50% reduction of seizure frequency, of which 12 (37.5%) patients achieved seizure freedom. Better responses were observed in patients with STXBP1 variants, with four out of five patients achieving seizure freedom. There were no statistically differences in the age of onset, duration of epilepsy before KDT, blood ketone values, or the presence of ion channel gene variants between the seizure-free patients and the others. The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal side effects, which occurred in 21 patients (65.6%), but all were mild and easily corrected. Only one patient discontinued KDT due to nephrolithiasis. SIGNIFICANCE KDT is effective in treating early onset genetic DEE, and no statistically significant relationship has been found between genotype and effectiveness in this study. KDT is well tolerated in most young patients, with mild and reversible gastrointestinal side effects being the most common, but usually not the reason to discontinue KDT. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study evaluated the response and side effects of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) in patients who had seizures within the first 6 months of life, and were diagnosed with genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a type of severe epilepsy with developmental delay caused by gene variants. Thirty-two patients involving 14 gene variants who started KDT at Beijing Children's Hospital between were included. KDT was effective in treating early onset genetic DEE in this cohort, and patients with STXBP1 variants responded better; however, no statistically significant relationship was found between gene variant and response. Most young patients tolerated KDT well, with mild and reversible gastrointestinal side effects being the most common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Song
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Chunhong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Tongli Han
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Tie Fang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojuan Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
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Cui F, Wulan T, Zhang Q, Zhang VW, Jiang Y. Identification of a novel KCNT2 variant in a family with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: a case report and literature review. Front Genet 2024; 15:1371282. [PMID: 38510274 PMCID: PMC10951377 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1371282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases characterized mainly by developmental delay/intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy. Researchers have identified variations in the KCNT2 gene (OMIM* 610044) as the cause of DEE type 57 (MIM# 617771). Case presentation: We report in this study a 46-year-old woman who presented with early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, hypertrichosis, coarse facial features, and short stature. Besides, there were four other affected individuals in her family history, including two elder brothers, a younger brother, and their mother. We collected blood samples from the proband, her two affected brothers, and her clinically normal daughter for genetic analysis. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant in the KCNT2 gene (NM_198503: c.188G>A, p.Arg63His) in the proband and her two affected brothers, while her daughter did not carry this variant. Furthermore, we reviewed all 25 patients identified in the literature with KCNT2 variants and compared their phenotypes. Conclusion: Epilepsy and intellectual disability/developmental delay occur in almost all patients with KCNT2 variants. KCNT2-relevant DEEs partially overlap with the clinical phenotypes of KATP channel diseases, particularly in hypertrichosis and distinctive coarse facial features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengji Cui
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Tuoya Wulan
- Department of Reproduction, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | | | | | - Yuhua Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
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17
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Schoenen S, Verbeeck J, Koletzko L, Brambilla I, Kuchenbuch M, Dirani M, Zimmermann G, Dette H, Hilgers RD, Molenberghs G, Nabbout R. Istore: a project on innovative statistical methodologies to improve rare diseases clinical trials in limited populations. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:96. [PMID: 38431612 PMCID: PMC10909280 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The conduct of rare disease clinical trials is still hampered by methodological problems. The number of patients suffering from a rare condition is variable, but may be very small and unfortunately statistical problems for small and finite populations have received less consideration. This paper describes the outline of the iSTORE project, its ambitions, and its methodological approaches. METHODS In very small populations, methodological challenges exacerbate. iSTORE's ambition is to develop a comprehensive perspective on natural history course modelling through multiple endpoint methodologies, subgroup similarity identification, and improving level of evidence. RESULTS The methodological approaches cover methods for sound scientific modeling of natural history course data, showing similarity between subgroups, defining, and analyzing multiple endpoints and quantifying the level of evidence in multiple endpoint trials that are often hampered by bias. CONCLUSION Through its expected results, iSTORE will contribute to the rare diseases research field by providing an approach to better inform about and thus being able to plan a clinical trial. The methodological derivations can be synchronized and transferability will be outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schoenen
- Institute of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johan Verbeeck
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lukas Koletzko
- Institute of Statistics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Isabella Brambilla
- Dravet Italia Onlus - European Patient Advocacy Group (ePAG) EpiCARE, 37100, Verona, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies, University of Verona, Via S. Francesco, 22, 37129, Verona, Italy
| | - Mathieu Kuchenbuch
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maya Dirani
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Holger Dette
- Institute of Statistics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hilgers
- Institute of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
- I-BioStat, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
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18
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Cavirani B, Spagnoli C, Caraffi SG, Cavalli A, Cesaroni CA, Cutillo G, De Giorgis V, Frattini D, Marchetti GB, Masnada S, Peron A, Rizzi S, Varesio C, Spaccini L, Vignoli A, Canevini MP, Veggiotti P, Garavelli L, Fusco C. Genetic Epilepsies and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies with Early Onset: A Multicenter Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1248. [PMID: 38279250 PMCID: PMC10816990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021248] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetic causes of epilepsies and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) with onset in early childhood are increasingly recognized. Their outcomes vary from benign to severe disability. In this paper, we wished to retrospectively review the clinical, genetic, EEG, neuroimaging, and outcome data of patients experiencing the onset of epilepsy in the first three years of life, diagnosed and followed up in four Italian epilepsy centres (Epilepsy Centre of San Paolo University Hospital in Milan, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit of AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Pediatric Neurology Unit of Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, and Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia). We included 168 patients (104 with monogenic conditions, 45 with copy number variations (CNVs) or chromosomal abnormalities, and 19 with variants of unknown significance), who had been followed up for a mean of 14.75 years. We found a high occurrence of generalized seizures at onset, drug resistance, abnormal neurological examination, global developmental delay and intellectual disability, and behavioural and psychiatric comorbidities. We also documented differing presentations between monogenic issues versus CNVs and chromosomal conditions, as well as atypical/rare phenotypes. Genetic early-childhood-onset epilepsies and DEE show a very wide phenotypic and genotypic spectrum, with a high risk of complex neurological and neuropsychiatric phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Cavirani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Azienda USL di Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Stefano Giuseppe Caraffi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Anna Cavalli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Gianni Cutillo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (S.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Valentina De Giorgis
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.D.G.); (C.V.)
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatriy, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, ERN-Epicare, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Giulia Bruna Marchetti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Woman-Child-Newborn Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Silvia Masnada
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (S.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Angela Peron
- Medical Genetics, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.D.G.); (C.V.)
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatriy, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, ERN-Epicare, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luigina Spaccini
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit-Epilepsy Center, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Canevini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit-Epilepsy Center, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Veggiotti
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (S.M.); (P.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.A.C.); (D.F.); (S.R.); (C.F.)
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Vetri L, Calì F, Saccone S, Vinci M, Chiavetta NV, Carotenuto M, Roccella M, Costanza C, Elia M. Whole Exome Sequencing as a First-Line Molecular Genetic Test in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1146. [PMID: 38256219 PMCID: PMC10816140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are severe neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by recurrent, usually early-onset, epileptic seizures accompanied by developmental impairment often related to both underlying genetic etiology and abnormal epileptiform activity. Today, next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) allow us to sequence large portions of DNA quickly and with low costs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of whole-exome sequencing (WES) as a first-line molecular genetic test in a sample of subjects with DEEs characterized by early-onset drug-resistant epilepsies, associated with global developmental delay and/or intellectual disability (ID). We performed 82 WESs, identifying 35 pathogenic variants with a detection rate of 43%. The identified variants were highlighted on 29 different genes including, 3 new candidate genes (KCNC2, STXBP6, DHRS9) for DEEs never identified before. In total, 23 out of 35 (66%) de novo variants were identified. The most frequently identified type of inheritance was autosomal dominant de novo (60%) followed by autosomal recessive in homozygosity (17%) and heterozygosity (11%), autosomal dominant inherited from parental mosaicism (6%) and X-linked dominant de novo (6%). The most frequent mutations identified were missense (75%) followed by frameshift deletions (16%), frameshift duplications (5%), and splicing mutations (3%). Considering the results obtained in the present study we support the use of WES as a form of first-line molecular genetic testing in DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (L.V.); (M.V.); (N.V.C.); (M.E.)
| | - Francesco Calì
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (L.V.); (M.V.); (N.V.C.); (M.E.)
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Mirella Vinci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (L.V.); (M.V.); (N.V.C.); (M.E.)
| | | | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90141 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Carola Costanza
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90141 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (L.V.); (M.V.); (N.V.C.); (M.E.)
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20
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Mir A, Song Y, Lee H, Nadeali Z, Tabatabaiefar MA. A novel de novo frameshift variant in the CHD2 gene related to intellectual and developmental disability, seizures and speech problems. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2305. [PMID: 37877434 PMCID: PMC10767600 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 2 (CHD2) is a member of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling family of proteins, which are critical for the assembly and regulation of chromatin. De novo variants and deletions in the CHD2 gene have been associated with childhood-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathies type 94 (DEE 94). This study reports a novel deleterious de novo heterozygous frameshift insertion variant in the CHD2 gene. METHODS The causative variant was diagnosed using whole-exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analysis were applied to confirm the candidate variant. Multiple in silico analysis tools were employed to interpret the variant using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. RESULTS A de novo deleterious variant, NM_001271.4:c.1570dup (NP_001262.3:p.Ser524PhefsTer30), in the CHD2 gene, was identified in a 16-year-old boy with an intellectual and developmental disability, seizures and speech problems. The de novo occurrence of the variant was confirmed by segregation analysis in the family. CONCLUSION The findings of this study expand the existing knowledge of variants of the CHD2 gene and provide a detailed phenotype associated with this gene. These data could have implications for genetic diagnosis and counselling in similar conditions. Moreover, this information could be useful for therapeutic purposes, including the proper administration of medication to control epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Mir
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Yongjun Song
- Division of Medical Genetics3Billion IncSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hane Lee
- Division of Medical Genetics3Billion IncSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Zakiye Nadeali
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Mohammad Amin Tabatabaiefar
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable DiseaseIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
- GenTArget Corp (GTAC), Deputy of Research and TechnologyIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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21
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Smith J, Richerson G, Kouchi H, Duprat F, Mantegazza M, Bezin L, Rheims S. Are we there yet? A critical evaluation of sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy models. Epilepsia 2024; 65:9-25. [PMID: 37914406 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Although animal models have helped to elaborate meaningful hypotheses about the pathophysiology of sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), specific prevention strategies are still lacking, potentially reflecting the limitations of these models and the intrinsic difficulties of investigating SUDEP. The interpretation of preclinical data and their translation to diagnostic and therapeutic developments in patients thus require a high level of confidence in their relevance to model the human situation. Preclinical models of SUDEP are heterogeneous and include rodent and nonrodent species. A critical aspect is whether the animals have isolated seizures exclusively induced by a specific trigger, such as models where seizures are elicited by electrical stimulation, pharmacological intervention, or DBA mouse strains, or whether they suffer from epilepsy with spontaneous seizures, with or without spontaneous SUDEP, either of nongenetic epilepsy etiology or from genetically based developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. All these models have advantages and potential disadvantages, but it is important to be aware of these limitations to interpret data appropriately in a translational perspective. The majority of models with spontaneous seizures are of a genetic basis, whereas SUDEP cases with a genetic basis represent only a small proportion of the total number. In almost all models, cardiorespiratory arrest occurs during the course of the seizure, contrary to that in patients observed at the time of death, potentially raising the issue of whether we are studying models of SUDEP or models of periseizure death. However, some of these limitations are impossible to avoid and can in part be dependent on specific features of SUDEP, which may be difficult to model. Several preclinical tools are available to address certain gaps in SUDEP pathophysiology, which can be used to further validate current preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Smith
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon 1 University), Lyon, France
| | - George Richerson
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hayet Kouchi
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon 1 University), Lyon, France
| | - Fabrice Duprat
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon 1 University), Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon 1 University), Lyon, France
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
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22
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Rudenskaya GE, Guseva DM, Shatokhina OL, Kadnikova VA, Filatova AY, Skoblov MY, Ryzhkova OP. [Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy produced by the ATP1A2 mutation]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:133-138. [PMID: 39072579 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124061133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
A case of DEE98, a rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy related to previously reported the de novo missense mutation p.Arg908Gln in the ATP1A2 gene, is described. A girl examined first time in 11 months had microcephaly, severe mental and motor delay, strabismus, spastic paraparesis and pachypolymicrogyria on brain MRI that is atypical for DEE98. Epilepsy with polymorphic seizures started at the age of 15 months. There was a remission lasting 9 months, after which seizures renewed. DEE98 was diagnosed at the age of 2 years 9 months by exome sequencing verified by trio Sanger sequencing. Another finding from high-throughput exome sequencing were two previously undescribed heterozygous variants of uncertain pathogenicity in the SPART gene, which causes autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 20 (SPG20); Sanger sequencing confirmed the trans position of the variants. The common clinical sign with typical SPG20 was early spastic paraparesis with contractures; other symptoms did not coincide. Considering the phenotypic diversity of SPG20 and the possibility of a combination of two independent diseases, we performed an additional study of the pathogenicity of SPART variants at the mRNA level: pathogenicity was not confirmed, and there were no grounds to diagnose SPG20.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Rudenskaya
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - D M Guseva
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - O L Shatokhina
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - V A Kadnikova
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Yu Filatova
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Yu Skoblov
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - O P Ryzhkova
- Bochkov Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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Shen W, Flamm C, Delahanty AJ, Casteel E, Biven M, DeLeeuw MB, Poliquin S, Nwosu G, Randhave K, Kang JQ. 4-Phenylbutyrate promoted wild-type γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor trafficking, reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitigated seizures in Gabrg2 +/Q390X mice associated with Dravet syndrome. Epilepsia 2024; 65:204-217. [PMID: 37746768 PMCID: PMC10842976 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor subunit gene mutations are major causes of various epilepsy syndromes, including severe kinds such as Dravet syndrome. Although the GABAA receptor is a major target for antiseizure medications, treating GABAA receptor mutations with receptor channel modulators is ineffective. Here, we determined the effect of a novel treatment with 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) in Gabrg2+/Q390X knockin mice associated with Dravet syndrome. METHODS We used biochemistry in conjunction with differential tagging of the wild-type and the mutant alleles, live brain slice surface biotinylation, microsome isolation, patch-clamp whole-cell recordings, and video-monitoring synchronized electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in Gabrg2+/Q390X mice to determine the effect of PBA in vitro with recombinant GABAA receptors and in vivo with knockin mice. RESULTS We found that PBA reduced the mutant γ2(Q390X) subunit protein aggregates, enhanced the wild-type GABAA receptor subunits' trafficking, and increased the membrane expression of the wild-type receptors. PBA increased the current amplitude of GABA-evoked current in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and the neurons bearing the γ2(Q390X) subunit protein. PBA also proved to reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by the mutant γ2(Q390X) subunit protein, as well as mitigating seizures and EEG abnormalities in the Gabrg2+/Q390X mice. SIGNIFICANCE This research has unveiled a promising and innovative approach for treating epilepsy linked to GABAA receptor mutations through an unconventional antiseizure mechanism. Rather than directly modulating the affected mutant channel, PBA facilitates the folding and transportation of wild-type receptor subunits to the cell membrane and synapse. Combining these findings with our previous study, which demonstrated PBA's efficacy in restoring GABA transporter 1 (encoded by SLC6A1) function, we propose that PBA holds significant potential for a wide range of genetic epilepsies. Its ability to target shared molecular pathways involving mutant protein ER retention and impaired protein membrane trafficking suggests broad application in treating such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Carson Flamm
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Aiden J Delahanty
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Emmett Casteel
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Marshall Biven
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Melissa B DeLeeuw
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Gerald Nwosu
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Karishma Randhave
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Hu J, Liu J, Guo C, Duan Y, Liu C, Tan Y, Pan Y. Clinical report and genetic analysis of a Chinese patient with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy associated with novel biallelic variants in the ST3GAL3 gene. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2322. [PMID: 37938134 PMCID: PMC10767576 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defects in the Golgi enzyme beta-galactoside-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase-III (ST3Gal-III) caused by biallelic ST3GAL3 gene variants are associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders. Although ST3GAL3 gene variants have been linked to developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy 15 (DEE15), their presence has only been reported in nine patients; however, the real frequency may be masked by insufficient screening. METHODS Phenotypic information was collected from a male patient with severe psychomotor developmental delay and epileptic seizures, and genetic testing was done using whole exome sequencing. A molecular dynamics simulation analysis was performed to assess the potential impacts of the identified ST3GAL3 variants on the ST3Gal-III protein function, and a literature review was conducted to compare this case with previously described cases and assess disease manifestation and genetic characteristics. RESULTS The patient inherited compound heterozygous ST3GAL3 gene variants, NM_006279.5:c.809G>A (p.Arg270Gln) and c.921dupG (p.Thr308fs*8). Neither variant had been previously reported in the general population. The p.Arg270Gln variant disrupted a hydrogen bond in the simulated ST3Gal-III protein structure. Among 25 patients with ST3GAL3 gene defects, eight ST3GAL3 gene variants were identified, and five variants had DEE signs. CONCLUSION Patients with DEE15 may have novel ST3GAL3 gene variants, and this study may be the first clinical report of their occurrence in a Chinese patient. These variants should be considered when evaluating patients presenting with unexplained early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, severe developmental delay, and/or intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Hu
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Chunguang Guo
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Yaqin Duan
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Chunlei Liu
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Yaqiong Tan
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of RehabilitationHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
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25
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Sampedro-Castañeda M, Baltussen LL, Lopes AT, Qiu Y, Sirvio L, Mihaylov SR, Claxton S, Richardson JC, Lignani G, Ultanir SK. Epilepsy-linked kinase CDKL5 phosphorylates voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3, altering inactivation kinetics and neuronal excitability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7830. [PMID: 38081835 PMCID: PMC10713615 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43475-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of rare childhood disorders characterized by severe epilepsy and cognitive deficits. Numerous DEE genes have been discovered thanks to advances in genomic diagnosis, yet putative molecular links between these disorders are unknown. CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD, DEE2), one of the most common genetic epilepsies, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the brain-enriched kinase CDKL5. To elucidate CDKL5 function, we looked for CDKL5 substrates using a SILAC-based phosphoproteomic screen. We identified the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel Cav2.3 (encoded by CACNA1E) as a physiological target of CDKL5 in mice and humans. Recombinant channel electrophysiology and interdisciplinary characterization of Cav2.3 phosphomutant mice revealed that loss of Cav2.3 phosphorylation leads to channel gain-of-function via slower inactivation and enhanced cholinergic stimulation, resulting in increased neuronal excitability. Our results thus show that CDD is partly a channelopathy. The properties of unphosphorylated Cav2.3 closely resemble those described for CACNA1E gain-of-function mutations causing DEE69, a disorder sharing clinical features with CDD. We show that these two single-gene diseases are mechanistically related and could be ameliorated with Cav2.3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas L Baltussen
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (VIB-KU Leuven), Department of Neurosciences, ON5 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - André T Lopes
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Yichen Qiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Liina Sirvio
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Simeon R Mihaylov
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Suzanne Claxton
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jill C Richardson
- Neuroscience, MSD Research Laboratories, 120 Moorgate, London, EC2M 6UR, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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Jiruska P, Freestone D, Gnatkovsky V, Wang Y. An update on the seizures beget seizures theory. Epilepsia 2023; 64 Suppl 3:S13-S24. [PMID: 37466948 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Seizures beget seizures is a longstanding theory that proposed that seizure activity can impact the structural and functional properties of the brain circuits in ways that contribute to epilepsy progression and the future occurrence of seizures. Originally proposed by Gowers, this theory continues to be quoted in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. We critically review the existing data and observations on the consequences of recurrent seizures on brain networks and highlight a range of factors that speak for and against the theory. The existing literature demonstrates clearly that ictal activity, especially if recurrent, induces molecular, structural, and functional changes including cell loss, connectivity reorganization, changes in neuronal behavior, and metabolic alterations. These changes have the potential to modify the seizure threshold, contribute to disease progression, and recruit wider areas of the epileptic network into epileptic activity. Repeated seizure activity may, thus, act as a pathological positive-feedback mechanism that increases seizure likelihood. On the other hand, the time course of self-limited epilepsies and the presence of seizure remission in two thirds of epilepsy cases and various chronic epilepsy models oppose the theory. Experimental work showed that seizures could induce neural changes that increase the seizure threshold and decrease the risk of a subsequent seizure. Due to the complex nature of epilepsies, it is wrong to consider only seizures as the key factor responsible for disease progression. Epilepsy worsening can be attributed to the various forms of interictal epileptiform activity or underlying disease mechanisms. Although seizure activity can negatively impact brain structure and function, the "seizures beget seizures" theory should not be used dogmatically but with extreme caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premysl Jiruska
- Department of Physiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vadym Gnatkovsky
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yujiang Wang
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Bortolami A, Sesti F. Ion channels in neurodevelopment: lessons from the Integrin-KCNB1 channel complex. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2365-2369. [PMID: 37282454 PMCID: PMC10360111 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels modulate cellular excitability by regulating ionic fluxes across biological membranes. Pathogenic mutations in ion channel genes give rise to epileptic disorders that are among the most frequent neurological diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Epilepsies are triggered by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory conductances. However, pathogenic mutations in the same allele can give rise to loss-of-function and/or gain-of-function variants, all able to trigger epilepsy. Furthermore, certain alleles are associated with brain malformations even in the absence of a clear electrical phenotype. This body of evidence argues that the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of ion channels are more diverse than originally thought. Studies focusing on ion channels in prenatal cortical development have shed light on this apparent paradox. The picture that emerges is that ion channels play crucial roles in landmark neurodevelopmental processes, including neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, and synapse formation. Thus, pathogenic channel mutants can not only cause epileptic disorders by altering excitability, but further, by inducing morphological and synaptic abnormalities that are initiated during neocortex formation and may persist into the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bortolami
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Federico Sesti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Domínguez-Carral J, Ludlam WG, Segarra MJ, Marti MF, Balsells S, Muchart J, Petrović DČ, Espinoza I, Ortigoza-Escobar JD, Martemyanov KA. Severity of GNAO1-Related Disorder Correlates with Changes in G-Protein Function. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:987-1004. [PMID: 37548038 PMCID: PMC10681096 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GNAO1-related disorders (OMIM #615473 and #617493), caused by variants in the GNAO1 gene, are characterized by developmental delay or intellectual disability, hypotonia, movement disorders, and epilepsy. Neither a genotype-phenotype correlation nor a clear severity score have been established for this disorder. The objective of this prospective and retrospective observational study was to develop a severity score for GNAO1-related disorders, and to delineate the correlation between the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical severity. METHODS A total of 16 individuals with GNAO1-related disorders harboring 12 distinct missense variants, including four novel variants (p.K46R, p.T48I, p.R209P, and p.L235P), were examined with repeated clinical assessments, video-electroencephalogram monitoring, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. The molecular pathology of each variant was delineated using a molecular deconvoluting platform. RESULTS The patients displayed a wide variability in the severity of their symptoms. This heterogeneity was well represented in the GNAO1-related disorders severity score, with a broad range of results. Patients with the same variant had comparable severity scores, indicating that differences in disease profiles are not due to interpatient variability, but rather, to unique disease mechanisms. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between clinical severity scores and molecular mechanisms. INTERPRETATION The clinical score proposed here provides further insight into the correlation between pathophysiology and phenotypic severity in GNAO1-related disorders. We found that each variant has a unique profile of clinical phenotypes and pathological molecular mechanisms. These findings will contribute to better understanding GNAO1-related disorders. Additionally, the severity score will facilitate standardization of patients categorization and assessment of response to therapies in development. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:987-1004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Domínguez-Carral
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Child Neurology, Institut de
Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - William Grant Ludlam
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF
Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida,
Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | | | | | - Sol Balsells
- Department of Statistics Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de
Déu Barcelona Spain
| | - Jordi Muchart
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hospital Sant Joan de
Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Iván Espinoza
- Pediatric Neurology Department, Hospital Nacional Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Juan Dario Ortigoza-Escobar
- Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Child Neurology,
Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu
- U-703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases
(CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological
Diseases (ERN-RND), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kirill A. Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF
Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida,
Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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Zahra A, Liu R, Wang J, Wu J. Identifying the mechanism of action of the Kv7 channel opener, retigabine in the treatment of epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3819-3825. [PMID: 37442907 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures caused by high levels of neuronal excitability in the brain. Voltage-sensitive K+ channels (Kv) of the Kv7 (KCNQ) family encoded by the KCNQ gene are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, i.e., KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels mediate M-currents to inhibit neuronal excitability and reduce transmitter release throughout the nervous system. Thus, as a positive allosteric modulator (or opener) of KCNQ channels, retigabine has been the only clinically approved anti-seizure medication that acts on the KCNQ channels. This review discusses the biochemical mechanisms about how retigabine acts on Kv7 channels, significance in neuronal pathophysiology, preclinical efficacy, and clinical stage of development. Additional efforts are being made to emphasize the possible benefits and drawbacks of retigabine compared to currently available medications for treatment-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqeela Zahra
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Loushi Rd, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Department of Zoology, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, 51310, Pakistan
| | - Ru Liu
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Loushi Rd, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Loushi Rd, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Beijing, 100070, China.
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Auvin S, Galanopoulou AS, Moshé SL, Potschka H, Rocha L, Walker MC. Revisiting the concept of drug-resistant epilepsy: A TASK1 report of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2891-2908. [PMID: 37676719 PMCID: PMC10836613 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite progress in the development of anti-seizure medications (ASMs), one third of people with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The working definition of DRE, proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in 2010, helped identify individuals who might benefit from presurgical evaluation early on. As the incidence of DRE remains high, the TASK1 workgroup on DRE of the ILAE/American Epilepsy Society (AES) Joint Translational Task Force discussed the heterogeneity and complexity of its presentation and mechanisms, the confounders in drawing mechanistic insights when testing treatment responses, and barriers in modeling DRE across the lifespan and translating across species. We propose that it is necessary to revisit the current definition of DRE, in order to transform the preclinical and clinical research of mechanisms and biomarkers, to identify novel, effective, precise, pharmacologic treatments, allowing for earlier recognition of drug resistance and individualized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Auvin
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Paediatric Neurology, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, EpiCARE ERN Member, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- University Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Montefiore/Einstein Epilepsy Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Montefiore/Einstein Epilepsy Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Pharmacobiology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Balestrini S, Mei D, Sisodiya SM, Guerrini R. Steps to Improve Precision Medicine in Epilepsy. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:661-672. [PMID: 37755653 PMCID: PMC10590329 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Precision medicine is an old concept, but it is not widely applied across human health conditions as yet. Numerous attempts have been made to apply precision medicine in epilepsy, this has been based on a better understanding of aetiological mechanisms and deconstructing disease into multiple biological subsets. The scope of precision medicine is to provide effective strategies for treating individual patients with specific agent(s) that are likely to work best based on the causal biological make-up. We provide an overview of the main applications of precision medicine in epilepsy, including the current limitations and pitfalls, and propose potential strategies for implementation and to achieve a higher rate of success in patient care. Such strategies include establishing a definition of precision medicine and its outcomes; learning from past experiences, from failures and from other fields (e.g. oncology); using appropriate precision medicine strategies (e.g. drug repurposing versus traditional drug discovery process); and using adequate methods to assess efficacy (e.g. randomised controlled trials versus alternative trial designs). Although the progress of diagnostic techniques now allows comprehensive characterisation of each individual epilepsy condition from a molecular, biological, structural and clinical perspective, there remain challenges in the integration of individual data in clinical practice to achieve effective applications of precision medicine in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Balestrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCSS, Florence, Italy
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - D Mei
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCSS, Florence, Italy
| | - S M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCSS, Florence, Italy.
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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32
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Geng G, Hu W, Meng Y, Zhang H, Zhang H, Chen C, Zhang Y, Gao Z, Liu Y, Shi J. Vagus nerve stimulation for treating developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in young children. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1191831. [PMID: 37928141 PMCID: PMC10624125 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1191831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical variables that might predict the outcome of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy and identify the risk factors for poor long-term outcome. Patients and methods We retrospectively studied 32 consecutive children with drug-resistant DEE who had undergone VNS surgery from April 2019 to July 2021, which were not suitable for corpus callosotomy. In spite of combining valproic acid, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, topiramate, etc. (standard anti-seizure medicine available in China) it has not been possible to effectively reduce seizures in the population we investigate (Cannabidiol and brivaracetam were not available in China). A responder was defined as a frequency reduction decrease > 50%. Seizure freedom was defined as freedom from seizures for at least 6 months. Sex, electroencephalograph (EEG) group, neurodevelopment, time lag, gene mutation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and epilepsy syndrome were analyzed with Fisher's exact test, The age at onset and age at VNS therapy were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test, statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. And used the effect size to correction. Results Among the 32 patients, the median age at VNS implantation was 4.7 years (range: 1-12 years). At the most recent follow-up, five children (15.6%) were seizure-free and 22 (68.8%) were responders. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the responders were significantly associated with mild development delay/intellectual disability (p = 0.044; phi coefficient = 0.357) and a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.022; phi coefficient = -0.405). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated that a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.049) and DEE without epileptic spasm (ES) (p = 0.012) were statistically significant (p = 0.030). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DEE with ES had significant predictive value for poor long-term outcome (p = 0.014, hazard ratio = 5.433, confidence interval = 1.402-21.058). Conclusions Our study suggested that VNS was a generally effective adjunct treatment for DEE. Although the predictive factors for VNS efficacy remain unclear, it should be emphasized that patients with ES are not suitable candidates for epilepsy surgery. Further investigations are needed to validate the present results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifu Geng
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wandong Hu
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yao Meng
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanmei Chen
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqing Zhang
- Pediatric Health Care Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zaifen Gao
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianguo Shi
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Wan L, Yu D, Li Z, Liu X, Liang Y, Yan H, Zhu G, Zhang B, Yang G. RARS1-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:867-876. [PMID: 37186453 PMCID: PMC10472388 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biallelic variants of RARS1, a gene that encodes the cytoplasmic tRNA synthetase for arginine (ArgRS), are associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, such as hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-9 and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). This study aimed to better understand the RARS1 biallelic mutations and the associated phenotypes, particularly in patients with DEE. METHODS We identified two patients with RARS1 biallelic mutations and functionally validated these mutations in vitro. Furthermore, we performed a review of the literature. RESULTS Two patients with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy were found to have RARS1 biallelic variants (Patient 1: c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) and c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His); Patient 2: homozygous variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val)). Patient 2 had a severe clinical manifestation of DEE. A review of the literature identified 27 patients from five studies. Among the 29 patients, intellectual disability, developmental delay, and hypomyelination were the common symptoms, while 13 of them exhibited DEE and malformations of cortical development. Of the 25 variants identified, c.5A>G (p.Asp2Gly) was identified in 10 patients. ArgRS protein expression and stability were substantially reduced in the two newly identified patients. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with RARS1 biallelic mutations frequently exhibit DEE, a severe phenotype, along with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Besides its effects on the white matter, this mutation also influences cortical development. Moreover, the variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val), c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His), and c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) are pathogenic and affect the expression of ArgRS by reducing the protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of PediatricsWest China Second Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhichao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Xinting Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Huimin Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, ICCTR Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Boston Children's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolMassachusettsBostonUSA
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of PediatricsMedical School of Chinese People’s Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second School of Clinical MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Rusina E, Simonti M, Duprat F, Cestèle S, Mantegazza M. Voltage-gated sodium channels in genetic epilepsy: up and down of excitability. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37654020 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed a wide range of studies investigating genetic variants of voltage-gated sodium (NaV ) channels, which are involved in a broad spectrum of diseases, including several types of epilepsy. We have reviewed here phenotypes and pathological mechanisms of genetic epilepsies caused by variants in NaV α and β subunits, as well as of some relevant interacting proteins (FGF12/FHF1, PRRT2, and Ankyrin-G). Notably, variants of all these genes can induce either gain- or loss-of-function of NaV leading to either neuronal hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability. We present the results of functional studies obtained with different experimental models, highlighting that they should be interpreted considering the features of the experimental system used. These systems are models, but they have allowed us to better understand pathophysiological issues, ameliorate diagnostics, orientate genetic counseling, and select/develop therapies within a precision medicine framework. These studies have also allowed us to gain insights into the physiological roles of different NaV channels and of the cells that express them. Overall, our review shows the progress that has been made, but also the need for further studies on aspects that have not yet been clarified. Finally, we conclude by highlighting some significant themes of general interest that can be gleaned from the results of the work of the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniia Rusina
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Martina Simonti
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Fabrice Duprat
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Sandrine Cestèle
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
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35
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Lenge M, Balestrini S, Mei D, Macconi L, Caligiuri ME, Cuccarini V, Aquino D, Mazzi F, d’Incerti L, Darra F, Bernardina BD, Guerrini R. Morphometry and network-based atrophy patterns in SCN1A-related Dravet syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9532-9541. [PMID: 37344172 PMCID: PMC10431750 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A gene (MIM#182389) are among the most clinically relevant epilepsy-related genetic mutations and present variable phenotypes, from the milder genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus to Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Qualitative neuroimaging studies have identified malformations of cortical development in some patients and mild atrophic changes, partially confirmed by quantitative studies. Precise correlations between MRI findings and clinical variables have not been addressed. We used morphometric methods and network-based models to detect abnormal brain structural patterns in 34 patients with SCN1A-related epilepsy, including 22 with Dravet syndrome. By measuring the morphometric characteristics of the cortical mantle and volume of subcortical structures, we found bilateral atrophic changes in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the temporo-limbic cortex (P-value < 0.05). By correlating atrophic patterns with brain connectivity profiles, we found the region of the hippocampal formation as the epicenter of the structural changes. We also observed that Dravet syndrome was associated with more severe atrophy patterns with respect to the genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus phenotype (r = -0.0613, P-value = 0.03), thus suggesting that both the underlying mutation and seizure severity contribute to determine atrophic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lenge
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Balestrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Macconi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Caligiuri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Grecia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Cuccarini
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Aquino
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mazzi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico d’Incerti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine University of Verona, 37100, Verona, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine University of Verona, 37100, Verona, Italy
- Pediatric Epilepsy Research Center (CREP), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37100, Verona, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
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Sterlini B, Franchi F, Morinelli L, Corradi B, Parodi C, Albini M, Bianchi A, Marte A, Baldelli P, Alberini G, Maragliano L, Valente P, Benfenati F, Corradi A. Missense mutations in the membrane domain of PRRT2 affect its interaction with Nav1.2 voltage-gated sodium channels. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106177. [PMID: 37271286 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PRRT2 is a neuronal protein that controls neuronal excitability and network stability by modulating voltage-gated Na+ channel (Nav). PRRT2 pathogenic variants cause pleiotropic syndromes including epilepsy, paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and episodic ataxia attributable to loss-of-function pathogenetic mechanism. Based on the evidence that the transmembrane domain of PRRT2 interacts with Nav1.2/1.6, we focused on eight missense mutations located within the domain that show expression and membrane localization similar to the wild-type protein. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the mutants do not alter the structural stability of the PRRT2 membrane domain and preserve its conformation. Using affinity assays, we found that the A320V and V286M mutants displayed respectively decreased and increased binding to Nav1.2. Accordingly, surface biotinylation showed an increased Nav1.2 surface exposure induced by the A320V mutant. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the lack of modulation of Nav1.2 biophysical properties by the A320V mutant with a loss-of-function phenotype, while the V286M mutant displayed a gain-of-function with respect to wild-type PRRT2 with a more pronounced left-shift of the inactivation kinetics and delayed recovery from inactivation. The data confirm the key role played by the PRRT2-Nav interaction in the pathogenesis of the PRRT2-linked disorders and suggest an involvement of the A320 and V286 residues in the interaction site. Given the similar clinical phenotype caused by the two mutations, we speculate that circuit instability and paroxysmal manifestations may arise when PRRT2 function is outside the physiological range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Francesca Franchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Lisastella Morinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Beatrice Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Chiara Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Martina Albini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bianchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Giulio Alberini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, Genova 16132, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy.
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Lindquist BE, Timbie C, Voskobiynyk Y, Paz JT. Thalamocortical circuits in generalized epilepsy: Pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106094. [PMID: 36990364 PMCID: PMC10192143 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Generalized epilepsy affects 24 million people globally; at least 25% of cases remain medically refractory. The thalamus, with widespread connections throughout the brain, plays a critical role in generalized epilepsy. The intrinsic properties of thalamic neurons and the synaptic connections between populations of neurons in the nucleus reticularis thalami and thalamocortical relay nuclei help generate different firing patterns that influence brain states. In particular, transitions from tonic firing to highly synchronized burst firing mode in thalamic neurons can cause seizures that rapidly generalize and cause altered awareness and unconsciousness. Here, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of how thalamic activity is regulated and discuss the gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of generalized epilepsy syndromes. Elucidating the role of the thalamus in generalized epilepsy syndromes may lead to new opportunities to better treat pharmaco-resistant generalized epilepsy by thalamic modulation and dietary therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta E Lindquist
- UCSF Department of Neurology, Division of Neurocritical Care, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Epilepsy, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, United States of America
| | - Clare Timbie
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Epilepsy, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, United States of America
| | - Yuliya Voskobiynyk
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, United States of America
| | - Jeanne T Paz
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, United States of America; UCSF Department of Neurology, United States of America; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, UCSF, United States of America.
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38
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Franchi F, Marte A, Corradi B, Sterlini B, Alberini G, Romei A, De Fusco A, Vogel A, Maragliano L, Baldelli P, Corradi A, Valente P, Benfenati F. The intramembrane COOH-terminal domain of PRRT2 regulates voltage-dependent Na + channels. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104632. [PMID: 36958475 PMCID: PMC10164911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) is the single causative gene for pleiotropic paroxysmal syndromes including epilepsy, kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia and migraine. PRRT2 is a neuron-specific type-2 membrane protein with a COOH-terminal intramembrane domain and a long proline-rich NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region. A large array of experimental data indicates that PRRT2 is a neuron stability gene that negatively controls intrinsic excitability by regulating surface membrane localization and biophysical properties of voltage-dependent Na+ channels Nav1.2 and Nav1.6, but not Nav1.1. To further investigate the regulatory role of PRRT2, we studied the structural features of this membrane protein with molecular dynamics simulations, and its structure-function relationships with Nav1.2 channels by biochemical and electrophysiological techniques. We found that the intramembrane COOH-terminal region maintains a stable conformation over time, with the first transmembrane domain forming a helix-loop-helix motif within the bilayer. The unstructured NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region bound to the Nav1.2 better than the isolated COOH-terminal intramembrane domain, mimicking full-length PRRT2, while the COOH-terminal intramembrane domain was able to modulate Na+ current and channel biophysical properties, still maintaining the striking specificity for Nav1.2 vs Nav1.1. channels. The results identify PRRT2 as a dual-domain protein in which the NH2-terminal cytoplasmic region acts as a binding antenna for Na+ channels, while the COOH-terminal membrane domain regulates channel exposure on the membrane and its biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Franchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Corradi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulio Alberini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alexander Vogel
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;.
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Kashio M, Tominaga M. Role of novel de novo gain-of-function TRPM3 mutations in a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell Calcium 2023; 110:102704. [PMID: 36804759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Kashio
- Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Thermal Biology Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Makoto Tominaga
- Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Thermal Biology Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan.
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40
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Bauer J, Devinsky O, Rothermel M, Koch H. Autonomic dysfunction in epilepsy mouse models with implications for SUDEP research. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1040648. [PMID: 36686527 PMCID: PMC9853197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy has a high prevalence and can severely impair quality of life and increase the risk of premature death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in drug-resistant epilepsy and most often results from respiratory and cardiac impairments due to brainstem dysfunction. Epileptic activity can spread widely, influencing neuronal activity in regions outside the epileptic network. The brainstem controls cardiorespiratory activity and arousal and reciprocally connects to cortical, diencephalic, and spinal cord areas. Epileptic activity can propagate trans-synaptically or via spreading depression (SD) to alter brainstem functions and cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mechanisms by which seizures propagate to or otherwise impair brainstem function and trigger the cascading effects that cause SUDEP are poorly understood. We review insights from mouse models combined with new techniques to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy and SUDEP. These techniques include in vivo, ex vivo, invasive and non-invasive methods in anesthetized and awake mice. Optogenetics combined with electrophysiological and optical manipulation and recording methods offer unique opportunities to study neuronal mechanisms under normal conditions, during and after non-fatal seizures, and in SUDEP. These combined approaches can advance our understanding of brainstem pathophysiology associated with seizures and SUDEP and may suggest strategies to prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bauer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,*Correspondence: Henner Koch ✉
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41
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Bertocchi I, Cambiaghi M, Hasan MT. Advances toward precision therapeutics for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1140679. [PMID: 37090807 PMCID: PMC10115946 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1140679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are childhood syndromes of severe epilepsy associated with cognitive and behavioral disorders. Of note, epileptic seizures represent only a part, although substantial, of the clinical spectrum. Whether the epileptiform activity per se accounts for developmental and intellectual disabilities is still unclear. In a few cases, seizures can be alleviated by antiseizure medication (ASM). However, the major comorbid features associated remain unsolved, including psychiatric disorders such as autism-like and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like behavior. Not surprisingly, the number of genes known to be involved is continuously growing, and genetically engineered rodent models are valuable tools for investigating the impact of gene mutations on local and distributed brain circuits. Despite the inconsistencies and problems arising in the generation and validation of the different preclinical models, those are unique and precious tools to identify new molecular targets, and essential to provide prospects for effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bertocchi
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Institute of Neuroscience Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Torino, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ilaria Bertocchi,
| | - Marco Cambiaghi
- Department Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mazahir T. Hasan
- Laboratory of Brain Circuits Therapeutics, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Ikerbasque – Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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42
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Moschetta M, Ravasenga T, De Fusco A, Maragliano L, Aprile D, Orlando M, Sacchetti S, Casagrande S, Lignani G, Fassio A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. Ca 2+ binding to synapsin I regulates resting Ca 2+ and recovery from synaptic depression in nerve terminals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:600. [PMID: 36409372 PMCID: PMC9678998 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Synapsin I (SynI) is a synaptic vesicle (SV)-associated phosphoprotein that modulates neurotransmission by controlling SV trafficking. The SynI C-domain contains a highly conserved ATP binding site mediating SynI oligomerization and SV clustering and an adjacent main Ca2+ binding site, whose physiological role is unexplored. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the E373K point mutation irreversibly deletes Ca2+ binding to SynI, still allowing ATP binding, but inducing a destabilization of the SynI oligomerization interface. Here, we analyzed the effects of this mutation on neurotransmitter release and short-term plasticity in excitatory and inhibitory synapses from primary hippocampal neurons. Patch-clamp recordings showed an increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that was totally occluded by exogenous Ca2+ chelators and associated with a constitutive increase in resting terminal Ca2+ concentrations. Evoked EPSC amplitude was also reduced, due to a decreased readily releasable pool (RRP) size. Moreover, in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, we observed a marked impaired recovery from synaptic depression, associated with impaired RRP refilling and depletion of the recycling pool of SVs. Our study identifies SynI as a novel Ca2+ buffer in excitatory terminals. Blocking Ca2+ binding to SynI results in higher constitutive Ca2+ levels that increase the probability of spontaneous release and disperse SVs. This causes a decreased size of the RRP and an impaired recovery from depression due to the failure of SV reclustering after sustained high-frequency stimulation. The results indicate a physiological role of Ca2+ binding to SynI in the regulation of SV clustering and trafficking in nerve terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ravasenga
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: High-Definition Disease Modelling Lab, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Orlando
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: Charitè Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvio Sacchetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: Queens Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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