1
|
Christen M, Gregor KM, Böttcher-Künneke A, Lombardo MS, Baumgärtner W, Jagannathan V, Puff C, Leeb T. Intragenic MFSD8 duplication and histopathological findings in a rabbit with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Anim Genet 2024; 55:588-598. [PMID: 38712841 DOI: 10.1111/age.13441] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders of early life in humans. Disease-causing variants have been described for 13 different NCL genes. In this study, a refined pathological characterization of a female rabbit with progressive neurological signs reminiscent of NCL was performed. Cytoplasmic pigment present in neurons was weakly positive with Sudan black B and autofluorescent. Immunohistology revealed astrogliosis, microgliosis and axonal degeneration. During the subsequent genetic investigation, the genome of the affected rabbit was sequenced and examined for private variants in NCL candidate genes. The analysis revealed a homozygous ~10.7 kb genomic duplication on chromosome 15 comprising parts of the MFSD8 gene, NC_013683.1:g.103,727,963_103,738,667dup. The duplication harbors two internal protein coding exons and is predicted to introduce a premature stop codon into the transcript, truncating ~50% of the wild-type MFSD8 open reading frame encoding the major facilitator superfamily domain containing protein 8, XP_002717309.2:p.(Glu235Leufs*23). Biallelic loss-of-function variants in MFSD8 have been described to cause NCL7 in human patients, dogs and a single cat. The available clinical and pathological data, together with current knowledge about MFSD8 variants and their functional impact in other species, point to the MFSD8 duplication as a likely causative defect for the observed phenotype in the affected rabbit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Christen
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina M Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Mara S Lombardo
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pervin S, Islam MS, Tada N, Tsutsui T, Rahman MM, Yabuki A, Tacharina MR, Rakib TM, Maki S, Yamato O. Screening and Carrier Rate of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Chihuahua Dogs in Japan. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1210. [PMID: 35565635 PMCID: PMC9106037 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare lethal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases that occur in a range of dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. Recently, a homozygous single base-pair deletion (c.846delT), which causes a frame shift generating a premature stop codon (p.Phe282Leufs13*) in the canine CLN7/MFSD8 gene, has been identified as a causative mutation for NCL in Chihuahuas. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of the mutant allele and/or carrier rate of NCL in Chihuahuas in Japan using a newly designed real-time PCR assay. Samples of saliva were randomly collected from 1007 Chihuahua puppies during physical examinations prior to the transportation to pet shops. Screening results revealed a carrier rate of 1.29%, indicating a mutant allele frequency (0.00645) that is considered sufficiently high to warrant measures for the control and prevention of this lethal disease. The genotyping assay designed in this study could make a valuable contribution to the control and prevention of NCL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaj Pervin
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Md Shafiqul Islam
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Naomi Tada
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Japan Institute of Small Animal Reproduction (Bio Art), 3-16-9 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0047, Japan;
| | - Toshihiko Tsutsui
- Japan Institute of Small Animal Reproduction (Bio Art), 3-16-9 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0047, Japan;
| | - Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Akira Yabuki
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Martia Rani Tacharina
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Campus C, Jl. Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Tofazzal Md Rakib
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Shinichiro Maki
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Osamu Yamato
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (S.P.); (M.S.I.); (N.T.); (M.M.R.); (A.Y.); (M.R.T.); (T.M.R.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Campus C, Jl. Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Katz ML, Buckley RM, Biegen V, O'Brien DP, Johnson GC, Warren WC, Lyons LA. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in a Domestic Cat Associated with a DNA Sequence Variant That Creates a Premature Stop Codon in CLN6. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2741-2751. [PMID: 32518081 PMCID: PMC7407459 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A neutered male domestic medium-haired cat presented at a veterinary neurology clinic at 20 months of age due to progressive neurological signs that included visual impairment, focal myoclonus, and frequent severe generalized seizures that were refractory to treatment with phenobarbital. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse global brain atrophy. Due to the severity and frequency of its seizures, the cat was euthanized at 22 months of age. Microscopic examination of the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and brainstem revealed pronounced intracellular accumulations of autofluorescent storage material and inflammation in all 3 brain regions. Ultrastructural examination of the storage material indicated that it consisted almost completely of tightly-packed membrane-like material. The clinical signs and neuropathology strongly suggested that the cat suffered from a form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Whole exome sequence analysis was performed on genomic DNA from the affected cat. Comparison of the sequence data to whole exome sequence data from 39 unaffected cats and whole genome sequence data from an additional 195 unaffected cats revealed a homozygous variant in CLN6 that was unique to the affected cat. This variant was predicted to cause a stop gain in the transcript due to a guanine to adenine transition (ENSFCAT00000025909:c.668G > A; XM_003987007.5:c.668G > A) and was the sole loss of function variant detected. CLN6 variants in other species, including humans, dogs, and sheep, are associated with the CLN6 form of NCL. Based on the affected cat's clinical signs, neuropathology and molecular genetic analysis, we conclude that the cat's disorder resulted from the loss of function of CLN6. This study is only the second to identify the molecular genetic basis of a feline NCL. Other cats exhibiting similar signs can now be screened for the CLN6 variant. This could lead to establishment of a feline model of CLN6 disease that could be used in therapeutic intervention studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Katz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory and Department of Ophthalmology,
| | | | | | | | | | - Wesley C Warren
- Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO and
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Takaichi Y, Chambers JK, Kok MK, Uchiyama H, Haritani M, Hasegawa D, Nakayama H, Uchida K. Feline Niemann-Pick Disease With a Novel Mutation of SMPD1 Gene. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:559-564. [PMID: 32347185 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820921810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A 4-month-old female mixed-breed cat showed gait disturbance and eventual dysstasia with intention tremor and died at 14 months of age. Postmortem histological analysis revealed degeneration of neuronal cells, alveolar epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and renal tubular epithelial cells. Infiltration of macrophages was observed in the nervous system and visceral organs. The cytoplasm of neuronal cells was filled with Luxol fast blue (LFB)-negative and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-negative granules, and the cytoplasm of macrophages was LFB-positive and PAS-negative. Ultrastructurally, concentric deposits were observed in the brain and visceral organs. Genetic and biochemical analysis revealed a nonsense mutation (c.1017G>A) in the SMPD1 gene, a decrease of SMPD1 mRNA expression, and reduced acid sphingomyelinase immunoreactivity. Therefore, this cat was diagnosed as having Niemann-Pick disease with a mutation in the SMPD1 gene, a syndrome analogous to human Niemann-Pick disease type A.
Collapse
|
5
|
Guevar J, Hug P, Giebels F, Durand A, Jagannathan V, Leeb T. A major facilitator superfamily domain 8 frameshift variant in a cat with suspected neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:289-293. [PMID: 31860737 PMCID: PMC6979099 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2‐year‐old male domestic shorthair cat was presented for a progressive history of abnormal posture, behavior, and mentation. Menace response was absent bilaterally, and generalized tremors were identified on neurological examination. A neuroanatomical diagnosis of diffuse brain dysfunction was made. A neurodegenerative disorder was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging findings further supported the clinical suspicion. Whole‐genome sequencing of the affected cat with filtering of variants against a database of unaffected cats was performed. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing followed by genotyping of a control population. Two homozygous private (unique to individual or families and therefore absent from the breed‐matched controlled population) protein‐changing variants in the major facilitator superfamily domain 8 (MFSD8) gene, a known candidate gene for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 7 (CLN7), were identified. The affected cat was homozygous for the alternative allele at both variants. This is the first report of a pathogenic alteration of the MFSD8 gene in a cat strongly suspected to have CLN7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guevar
- Division of Clinical Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petra Hug
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Felix Giebels
- Division of Clinical Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexane Durand
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qahwash M, Heller HLB. Seizure etiologic classification and long-term outcome for cats with juvenile-onset seizures. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 253:763-767. [PMID: 30179086 DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.6.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify seizure etiologic classification for cats that developed seizures at < 12 months of age and describe the long-term outcome of affected cats. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 15 client-owned cats with seizures that began at < 12 months of age. PROCEDURES Information on each cat was obtained from the medical records, veterinarians, and owners. Inclusion required an onset of seizures before 12 months of age and a complete medical record, including a final diagnosis. RESULTS 7 of the 15 cats had structural epilepsy, 4 had idiopathic epilepsy, and 4 had reactive seizures. Median age at seizure onset was 27 weeks (range, 0.4 to 41 weeks). Cluster seizures were reported in 6 cats, and status epilepticus was reported in 2. Age at the onset of seizures, presence of cluster seizures, and seizure semiology (ie, generalized vs focal seizures) were not significantly associated with seizure etiologic classification. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that cats that developed seizures at < 12 months of age were more likely to have structural epilepsy than idiopathic epilepsy or reactive seizures. Therefore, advanced diagnostic imaging is recommended in cats with juvenile-onset seizures if metabolic and toxic causes are excluded.
Collapse
|
7
|
White C, Mortier J, Verin R, Maddox T, Goncalves R, Sanchez-Masian D. MRI findings of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a cat. JFMS Open Rep 2018. [PMID: 29531776 PMCID: PMC5843104 DOI: 10.1177/2055116918757330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 2-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital with a 2 week history of altered mentation, blindness and focal epileptic seizures. MRI examination revealed generalised cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, diffuse T2-weighted hyperintensity of the white matter and meningeal thickening. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was confirmed on post-mortem examination. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of the MRI findings of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a cat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal White
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Jeremy Mortier
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Thomas Maddox
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Rita Goncalves
- Leahurst Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Katz ML, Rustad E, Robinson GO, Whiting REH, Student JT, Coates JR, Narfstrom K. Canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: Promising models for preclinical testing of therapeutic interventions. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:277-287. [PMID: 28860089 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are devastating inherited progressive neurodegenerative diseases, with most forms having a childhood onset of clinical signs. The NCLs are characterized by progressive cognitive and motor decline, vision loss, seizures, respiratory and swallowing impairment, and ultimately premature death. Different forms of NCL result from mutations in at least 13 genes. The clinical signs of some forms overlap significantly, so genetic testing is the only way to definitively determine which form an individual patient suffers from. At present, an effective treatment is available for only one form of NCL. Evidence of NCL has been documented in over 20 canine breeds and in mixed-breed dogs. To date, 12 mutations in 8 different genes orthologous to the human NCL genes have been found to underlie NCL in a variety of dog breeds. A Dachshund model with a null mutation in one of these genes is being utilized to investigate potential therapeutic interventions, including enzyme replacement and gene therapies. Demonstration of the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in this model led to successful completion of human clinical trials of this treatment. Further research into the other canine NCLs, with in-depth characterization and understanding of the disease processes, will likely lead to the development of successful therapeutic interventions for additional forms of NCL, for both human patients and animals with these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Katz
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
| | - Eline Rustad
- Blue Star Animal Hospital, Göteborg 417 07, Sweden
| | - Grace O Robinson
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Rebecca E H Whiting
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Student
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kristina Narfstrom
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterise feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS). METHODS An online questionnaire was developed to capture information from owners with cats suffering from FARS. This was collated with the medical records from the primary veterinarian. Ninety-six cats were included. RESULTS Myoclonic seizures were one of the cardinal signs of this syndrome (90/96), frequently occurring prior to generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) in this population. Other features include a late onset (median 15 years) and absence seizures (6/96), with most seizures triggered by high-frequency sounds amid occasional spontaneous seizures (up to 20%). Half the population (48/96) had hearing impairment or were deaf. One-third of cats (35/96) had concurrent diseases, most likely reflecting the age distribution. Birmans were strongly represented (30/96). Levetiracetam gave good seizure control. The course of the epilepsy was non-progressive in the majority (68/96), with an improvement over time in some (23/96). Only 33/96 and 11/90 owners, respectively, felt the GTCSs and myoclonic seizures affected their cat's quality of life (QoL). Despite this, many owners (50/96) reported a slow decline in their cat's health, becoming less responsive (43/50), not jumping (41/50), becoming uncoordinated or weak in the pelvic limbs (24/50) and exhibiting dramatic weight loss (39/50). These signs were exclusively reported in cats experiencing seizures for >2 years, with 42/50 owners stating these signs affected their cat's QoL. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In gathering data on audiogenic seizures in cats, we have identified a new epilepsy syndrome named FARS with a geriatric onset. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential genetic predispositions to this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lowrie
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Robert J Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | | | - Laurent Garosi
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|