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Hernández CA, Peikert K, Qiao M, Darras A, de Wilde JRA, Bos J, Leibowitz M, Galea I, Wagner C, Rab MAE, Walker RH, Hermann A, van Beers EJ, van Wijk R, Kaestner L. Osmotic gradient ektacytometry - a novel diagnostic approach for neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1406969. [PMID: 39091345 PMCID: PMC11292800 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1406969] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The unique red blood cell (RBC) properties that characterize the rare neuroacanthocytosis syndromes (NAS) have prompted the exploration of osmotic gradient ektacytometry (Osmoscan) as a diagnostic tool for these disorders. In this exploratory study, we assessed if Osmoscans can discriminate NAS from other neurodegenerative diseases. Methods A comprehensive assessment was conducted using Osmoscan on a diverse group of patients, including healthy controls (n = 9), neuroacanthocytosis syndrome patients (n = 6, 2 VPS13A and 4 XK disease), Parkinson's disease patients (n = 6), Huntington's disease patients (n = 5), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients (n = 4). Concurrently, we collected and analyzed RBC indices and patients' characteristics. Results Statistically significant changes were observed in NAS patients compared to healthy controls and other conditions, specifically in osmolality at minimal elongation index (Omin), maximal elongation index (EImax), the osmolality at half maximal elongation index in the hyperosmotic part of the curve (Ohyper), and the width of the curve close to the osmolality at maximal elongation index (Omax-width). Discussion This study represents an initial exploration of RBC properties from NAS patients using osmotic gradient ektacytometry. While specific parameters exhibited differences, only Ohyper and Omax-width yielded 100% specificity for other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, unique correlations between Osmoscan parameters and RBC indices in NAS versus controls were identified, such as osmolality at maximal elongation index (Omax) vs. mean cellular hemoglobin content (MCH) and minimal elongation index (EImin) vs. red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Given the limited sample size, further studies are essential to establish diagnostic guidelines based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina A. Hernández
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, trecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Peikert
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- United Neuroscience Campus Lund-Rostock (UNC), Rostock, Germany
| | - Min Qiao
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Heoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Alexis Darras
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jonathan R. A. de Wilde
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, trecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Bos
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, trecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maya Leibowitz
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Galea
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Wagner
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Minke A. E. Rab
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, trecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruth H. Walker
- Department of Neurology, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - Eduard J. van Beers
- Center for Benign Hematology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis - Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Richard van Wijk
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, trecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Heoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Jin S, Sun Z, Fang X, Chen H, Yang W, Wang S, Fan J. A chorea-acanthocytosis patient with novel mutations in the VPS13A gene without acanthocyte. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2057-2061. [PMID: 37985634 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07174-0] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare clinical genetic disorder of the nervous system, which is characterized by choreiform movement disorder, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorders. ChAc is mostly diagnosed based on its typical clinical manifestations and the increased number of acanthocytes in peripheral blood smears. Here, we report a patient, who has the characteristic clinical manifestations of ChAc with limb choreiform movements, involuntary lip and tongue bites, seizures, and emotional instability. However, her blood smear was negative for acanthocytes with scanning electron microscopy. We later identified two novel pathogenic mutations in the patient's vacuolar protein sorting homolog 13 A (VPS13A) on chromosome 9q21 by targeted gene sequencing, and she was definitively diagnosed with "ChAc." After treatment with carbamazepine, haloperidol, the patient's symptoms gradually improved. We consider that an acanthocyte negative blood smear cannot rule out ChAC diagnosis, and genetic testing is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis. Through a review of previous research, it is rare for a patient to have a clear diagnosis of ChAc by genetic testing, but whose blood smear is negative for acanthocytes with electron microscopy. In addition, in this report, we discovered two novel pathogenic mutations, which have not been reported previously, and extended the genetic characteristics of ChAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan District, No.117, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Zhengzhe Sun
- Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan District, No.117, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China.
| | - Huaizhen Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan District, No.117, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Wenming Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan District, No.117, Meishan Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinwei Fan
- Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Schon KR, O'Donovan DG, Briggs M, Rowe JB, Wijesekera L, Chinnery PF, van den Ameele J. Multisystem pathology in McLeod syndrome. Neuropathology 2024; 44:109-114. [PMID: 37438874 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
We present a comprehensive characterization of clinical, neuropathological, and multisystem features of a man with genetically confirmed McLeod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome, including video and autopsy findings. A 61-year-old man presented with a movement disorder and behavioral change. Examination showed dystonic choreiform movements in all four limbs, reduced deep-tendon reflexes, and wide-based gait. He had oromandibular dyskinesia causing severe dysphagia. Elevated serum creatinine kinase (CK) was first noted in his thirties, but investigations, including muscle biopsy at that time, were inconclusive. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white matter volume loss, atrophic basal ganglia, and chronic small vessel ischemia. Despite raised CK, electromyography did not show myopathic changes. Exome gene panel testing was negative, but targeted genetic analysis revealed a hemizygous pathogenic variant in the XK gene c.895C > T p.(Gln299Ter), consistent with a diagnosis of McLeod syndrome. The patient died of sepsis, and autopsy showed astrocytic gliosis and atrophy of the basal ganglia, diffuse iron deposition in the putamen, and mild Alzheimer's pathology. Muscle pathology was indicative of mild chronic neurogenic atrophy without overt myopathic features. He had non-specific cardiomyopathy and splenomegaly. McLeod syndrome is an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by X-linked recessive mutations in the XK gene. Diagnosis has management implications since patients are at risk of severe transfusion reactions and cardiac complications. When a clinical diagnosis is suspected, candidate genes should be interrogated rather than solely relying on exome panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Schon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- East Anglian Medical Genetics Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dominic G O'Donovan
- Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mayen Briggs
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lokesh Wijesekera
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick F Chinnery
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jelle van den Ameele
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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John T, Kaestner L, Wagner C, Darras A. Early stage of erythrocyte sedimentation rate test: Fracture of a high-volume-fraction gel. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgad416. [PMID: 38145245 PMCID: PMC10735292 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a clinical parameter used as a nonspecific marker for inflammation, and recent studies have shown that it is linked to the collapse of the gel formed by red blood cells (RBCs) at physiological hematocrits (i.e. RBC volume fraction). Previous research has suggested that the observation of a slower initial dynamics is related to the formation of fractures in the gel. Moreover, RBC gels present specific properties due to the anisotropic shape and flexibility of the RBCs. Namely, the onset of the collapse is reached earlier and the settling velocity of the gel increases with increasing attraction between the RBCs, while the gel of spherical particles shows the opposite trend. Here, we report experimental observations of the gel structure during the onset of the collapse. We suggest an equation modeling this initial process as fracturing of the gel. We demonstrate that this equation provides a model for the motion of the interface between blood plasma and the RBC gel, along the whole time span. We also observe that the increase in the attraction between the RBCs modifies the density of fractures in the gel, which explains why the gel displays an earlier onset when the aggregation energy between the RBCs increases. Our work uncovers the detailed physical mechanism underlying the ESR and provides insights into the fracture dynamics of an RBC gel. These results can improve the accuracy of clinical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas John
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken 66123, Germany
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken 66123, Germany
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Christian Wagner
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken 66123, Germany
- Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg L-1511, Luxembourg
| | - Alexis Darras
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken 66123, Germany
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5
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Tsilifis C, Torppa T, Williams EJ, Albert MH, Hauck F, Soncini E, Kang E, Malech H, Schuetz C, von Bernuth H, Slatter MA, Gennery AR. Allogeneic HSCT for Symptomatic Female X-linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease Carriers. J Clin Immunol 2023; 43:1964-1973. [PMID: 37620741 PMCID: PMC10661721 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01570-z] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (XL-CGD) is an inherited disorder of superoxide production, causing failure to generate the oxidative burst in phagocytes. It is characterized by invasive bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and chronic autoimmune disease. While XL-CGD carriers were previously assumed to be healthy, a range of clinical manifestations with significant morbidity have recently been described in a subgroup of carriers with impaired neutrophil oxidative burst due to skewed lyonization. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard curative treatment for CGD but has rarely been reported in individual symptomatic carriers to date. We undertook a retrospective international survey of outcome of HSCT for symptomatic XL-CGD carriers. Seven symptomatic female XL-CGD carriers aged 1-56 years underwent HSCT in four centers, indicated for severe and recurrent infection, colitis, and autoimmunity. Two patients died from transplant-related complications, following donor engraftment and restoration of oxidative burst. All surviving patients demonstrated resolution of their neutrophil oxidative burst defect with concordant reduction in infection and inflammatory symptoms and freedom from further immunosuppressive therapy. In conclusion, allogeneic HSCT may cure the phagocyte defect in symptomatic XL-CGD carriers and improve their recurrent and disabling infective and inflammatory symptoms but risks transplant-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christo Tsilifis
- Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Ward 3, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Tuulia Torppa
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eleri J Williams
- Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Ward 3, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Michael H Albert
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Hauck
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Elena Soncini
- Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Children's Hospital ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Kang
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Harry Malech
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Horst von Bernuth
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology, and Critical Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mary A Slatter
- Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Ward 3, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew R Gennery
- Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Great North Children's Hospital, Ward 3, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Chaudhari S, Ware AP, Jasti DB, Gorthi SP, Acharya LP, Bhat M, Mallya S, Satyamoorthy K. Exome sequencing of choreoacanthocytosis reveals novel mutations in VPS13A and co-mutation in modifier gene(s). Mol Genet Genomics 2023; 298:965-976. [PMID: 37209156 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02032-2] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Choreoacanthocytosis, one of the forms of neuroacanthocytosis, is caused by mutations in vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein A (VPS13A), and is often misdiagnosed with other form of neuroacanthocytosis with discrete genetic defects. The phenotypic variations among the patients with VPS13A mutations significantly obfuscates the understanding of the disease and treatment strategies. In this study, two unrelated cases were identified, exhibiting the core phenotype of neuroacanthocytosis but with considerable clinical heterogeneity. Case 1 presented with an additional Parkinsonism phenotype, whereas seizures were evident in case 2. To decipher the genetic basis, whole exome sequencing followed by validation with Sanger sequencing was performed. A known homozygous pathogenic nonsense mutation (c.799C > T; p.R267X) in exon 11 of the VPS13A gene was identified in case 1 that resulted in a truncated protein. A novel missense mutation (c.9263T > G; p.M3088R) in exon 69 of VPS13A identified in case 2 was predicted as pathogenic. In silico analysis of the p.M3088R mutation at the C-terminus of VPS13A suggests a loss of interaction with TOMM40 and may disrupt mitochondrial localization. We also observed an increase in mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in case 2. Mutation analysis revealed benign heterozygous variants in interacting partners of VPS13A such as VAPA in case 1. Our study confirmed the cases as ChAc and identified the novel homozygous variant of VPS13A (c.9263T > G; p.M3088R) within the mutation spectrum of VPS13A-associated ChAc. Furthermore, mutations in VPS13A and co-mutations in its potential interacting partner(s) might contribute to the diverse clinical manifestations of ChAc, which requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Chaudhari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Akshay Pramod Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Dushyanth Babu Jasti
- Department of Neurology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sankar Prasad Gorthi
- Department of Neurology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
- Department of Neurology, Bharati Hospital and Research Center, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Hospital, Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411043, India
| | - Lavanya Prakash Acharya
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Manoj Bhat
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sandeep Mallya
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Peikert K, Danek A. VPS13 Forum Proceedings: XK, XK-Related and VPS13 Proteins in Membrane Lipid Dynamics. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2023; 6:25152564231156994. [PMID: 37366410 PMCID: PMC10243564 DOI: 10.1177/25152564231156994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the pandemic interrupted the series of biannual International Neuroacanthocytosis Meetings that brought together clinicians, scientists, and patient groups to share research into a small group of devastating genetic diseases that combine both acanthocytosis (deformed red blood cells) and neurodegeneration with movement disorders. This Meeting Report describes talks at the 5th VPS13 Forum in January 2022, one of a series of online meetings held to fill the gap. The meeting addressed the basic biology of two key proteins implicated in chorea-acanthocytosis (mutations in VPS13A) and McLeod syndrome (mutations in XK). In a remarkable confluence of ideas, the speakers described different aspects of a single functional unit that comprises of VPS13A and XK proteins working together. Conditions caused by VPS13 (A-D) gene family mutations and related genes, such as XK, previously footnote knowledge, seem to turn central for a novel disease paradigm: bulk lipid transfer disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Peikert
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section
“Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of
Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences
Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- United Neuroscience Campus Lund-Rostock
(UNC), Rostock site, Rostock, Germany
| | - Adrian Danek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital,
LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
(Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE), Research Site Munich, Munich,
Germany
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Kaminska J, Soczewka P, Rzepnikowska W, Zoladek T. Yeast as a Model to Find New Drugs and Drug Targets for VPS13-Dependent Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095106. [PMID: 35563497 PMCID: PMC9104724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human VPS13A-D genes result in rare neurological diseases, including chorea-acanthocytosis. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood, and no effective treatment is available. As VPS13 genes are evolutionarily conserved, the effects of the pathogenic mutations could be studied in model organisms, including yeast, where one VPS13 gene is present. In this review, we summarize advancements obtained using yeast. In recent studies, vps13Δ and vps13-I2749 yeast mutants, which are models of chorea-acanthocytosis, were used to screen for multicopy and chemical suppressors. Two of the suppressors, a fragment of the MYO3 and RCN2 genes, act by downregulating calcineurin activity. In addition, vps13Δ suppression was achieved by using calcineurin inhibitors. The other group of multicopy suppressors were genes: FET4, encoding iron transporter, and CTR1, CTR3 and CCC2, encoding copper transporters. Mechanisms of their suppression rely on causing an increase in the intracellular iron content. Moreover, among the identified chemical suppressors were copper ionophores, which require a functional iron uptake system for activity, and flavonoids, which bind iron. These findings point at areas for further investigation in a higher eukaryotic model of VPS13-related diseases and to new therapeutic targets: calcium signalling and copper and iron homeostasis. Furthermore, the identified drugs are interesting candidates for drug repurposing for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Piotr Soczewka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Zoladek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Recktenwald SM, Lopes MGM, Peter S, Hof S, Simionato G, Peikert K, Hermann A, Danek A, van Bentum K, Eichler H, Wagner C, Quint S, Kaestner L. Erysense, a Lab-on-a-Chip-Based Point-of-Care Device to Evaluate Red Blood Cell Flow Properties With Multiple Clinical Applications. Front Physiol 2022; 13:884690. [PMID: 35574449 PMCID: PMC9091344 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.884690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In many medical disciplines, red blood cells are discovered to be biomarkers since they "experience" various conditions in basically all organs of the body. Classical examples are diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. However, recently the red blood cell distribution width (RDW), is often referred to, as an unspecific parameter/marker (e.g., for cardiac events or in oncological studies). The measurement of RDW requires venous blood samples to perform the complete blood cell count (CBC). Here, we introduce Erysense, a lab-on-a-chip-based point-of-care device, to evaluate red blood cell flow properties. The capillary chip technology in combination with algorithms based on artificial neural networks allows the detection of very subtle changes in the red blood cell morphology. This flow-based method closely resembles in vivo conditions and blood sample volumes in the sub-microliter range are sufficient. We provide clinical examples for potential applications of Erysense as a diagnostic tool [here: neuroacanthocytosis syndromes (NAS)] and as cellular quality control for red blood cells [here: hemodiafiltration (HDF) and erythrocyte concentrate (EC) storage]. Due to the wide range of the applicable flow velocities (0.1-10 mm/s) different mechanical properties of the red blood cells can be addressed with Erysense providing the opportunity for differential diagnosis/judgments. Due to these versatile properties, we anticipate the value of Erysense for further diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic applications including but not limited to diabetes, iron deficiency, COVID-19, rheumatism, various red blood cell disorders and anemia, as well as inflammation-based diseases including sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelle G. M. Lopes
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Cysmic GmbH, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Stephana Peter
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hof
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Greta Simionato
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Campus University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Peikert
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- DZNE, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Adrian Danek
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Eichler
- Institute for Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Saarland University and Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Christian Wagner
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Stephan Quint
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Cysmic GmbH, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
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10
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Gassner C, Wagner FF. Blood Groups and Their Correlation with Hereditary Disease. Transfus Med Hemother 2022; 49:1-3. [PMID: 35221862 PMCID: PMC8832200 DOI: 10.1159/000521418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gassner
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Triesen, Liechtenstein
| | - Franz F. Wagner
- German Red Cross Blood Service NSTOB, Springe, Germany
- MVZ am Clementinenkrankenhaus, Springe, Germany
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