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Saleh MM, Hamhom AM, Al-Otaibi A, AlGhamdi M, Housawi Y, Aljadhai YI, Alameer S, Almannai M, Jad LA, Alwadei AH, Tabassum S, Alsaman A, AlAsmari A, Al Mutairi F, Althiyab H, Bashiri FA, AlHumaidi S, Alfadhel M, Mink JW, AlHashim A, Faqeih EA. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Saudi Arabia. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 155:149-155. [PMID: 38653183 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) represent a heterogeneous group of inherited metabolic lysosomal disorders characterized by neurodegeneration. This study sought to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of NCLs in Saudi Arabia and determine the most common types in that population. METHODS A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for 63 patients with NCL (55 families) from six tertiary and referral centers in Saudi Arabia between 2008 and 2022. Clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological data as well as genetic diagnoses were reviewed. RESULTS CLN6 was the predominant type, accounting for 45% of cases in 25 families. The most common initial symptoms were speech delay (53%), cognitive decline (50%) and/or gait abnormalities (48%), and seizure (40%). Behavioral symptomatology was observed in 20%, whereas visual impairment was less frequently (9.3%) encountered. Diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was the predominant finding on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Electroencephalography generally revealed background slowing in all patients with generalized epileptiform discharges in 60%. The most common genotype detected was the p.Ser265del variant found in 36% (20 of 55 families). The most rapidly progressive subtypes were CLN2 and CLN6. Two patients with each died at age five years. The earliest age at which a patient was nonambulatory was two years in a patient with CLN14. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest molecularly confirmed NCL cohort study from Saudi Arabia. Characterizing the natural history of specific NLC types can increase understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and distinctive genotype-phenotype characteristics, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment initiation as well as genetic counseling for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Saleh
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim M Hamhom
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Al-Otaibi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak AlGhamdi
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Housawi
- Section of Medical Genetics, Pediatric Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser I Aljadhai
- Department of Neuroimaging and Intervention, Medical Imaging Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seham Alameer
- Department of Pediatric, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almannai
- Genetics and Precision Medicine Department (GPM), King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamyaa A Jad
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Alwadei
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadia Tabassum
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alsaman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali AlAsmari
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuad Al Mutairi
- Genetics and Precision Medicine Department (GPM), King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Althiyab
- Genetics and Precision Medicine Department (GPM), King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Bashiri
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzan AlHumaidi
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Genetics and Precision Medicine Department (GPM), King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Aqeela AlHashim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eissa A Faqeih
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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García Sánchez N, Ugarte Carro E, Prieto-Santamaría L, Rodríguez-González A. Protein sequence analysis in the context of drug repurposing. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:122. [PMID: 38741115 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02531-1] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Drug repurposing speeds up the development of new treatments, being less costly, risky, and time consuming than de novo drug discovery. There are numerous biological elements that contribute to the development of diseases and, as a result, to the repurposing of drugs. METHODS In this article, we analysed the potential role of protein sequences in drug repurposing scenarios. For this purpose, we embedded the protein sequences by performing four state of the art methods and validated their capacity to encapsulate essential biological information through visualization. Then, we compared the differences in sequence distance between protein-drug target pairs of drug repurposing and non - drug repurposing data. Thus, we were able to uncover patterns that define protein sequences in repurposing cases. RESULTS We found statistically significant sequence distance differences between protein pairs in the repurposing data and the rest of protein pairs in non-repurposing data. In this manner, we verified the potential of using numerical representations of sequences to generate repurposing hypotheses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García Sánchez
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, 28223, Spain
| | - Esther Ugarte Carro
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, 28223, Spain
| | - Lucía Prieto-Santamaría
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, 28223, Spain
- ETS de Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, 28660, Spain
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez-González
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, 28223, Spain.
- ETS de Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, 28660, Spain.
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Rodrigues JVA, Lima FASD, Barros DPMD, Franklin GL, Nepomuceno AMT, Braz ADS, Teive HAG, Meira AT. Sjögren: unique surname, two men, four syndromes and one disease. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2024; 82:1-4. [PMID: 38653487 PMCID: PMC11039072 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Henrik and Torsten Sjögren (/'ʃoʊɡrən/ or SHOH-grən) were two Swedish physicians living in the same period, but completely unrelated, except for their notable contributions to Medicine. The first one described keratoconjunctivitis sicca, afterward called Sjögren's syndrome, and a fishing net aspect retinal pigmentation affecting visual acuity, nowadays known as Sjögren reticular dystrophy. The last one contributed to the understanding of Spielmeyer-Sjögren disease, Marinesco-Sjögren, and Sjögren-Larsson syndromes, all related to genetic disorders and neurological symptoms. In this paper, we aim to describe each disorder, in order to avoid any misunderstanding in diagnosis and for historical record.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gustavo Leite Franklin
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Serviço de Neurologia, Curitiba PR, Brazil.
| | | | - Alessandra de Sousa Braz
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Serviço de Reumatologia, João Pessoa PB, Brazil.
| | - Hélio A. G. Teive
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Serviço de Neurologia, Curitiba PR, Brazil.
| | - Alex T. Meira
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Serviço de Neurologia, João Pessoa PB, Brazil.
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Schulz A, Patel N, Brudvig JJ, Stehr F, Weimer JM, Augustine EF. The parent and family impact of CLN3 disease: an observational survey-based study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:125. [PMID: 38500130 PMCID: PMC10949783 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03119-8] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CLN3 disease (also known as CLN3 Batten disease or Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) is a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic mutations in CLN3. While extensive efforts have been undertaken to understand CLN3 disease etiology, pathology, and clinical progression, little is known about the impact of CLN3 disease on parents and caregivers. Here, we investigated CLN3 disease progression, clinical care, and family experiences using semi-structured interviews with 39 parents of individuals with CLN3 disease. Analysis included response categorization by independent observers and quantitative methods. RESULTS Parents reported patterns of disease progression that aligned with previous reports. Insomnia and thought- and mood-related concerns were reported frequently. "Decline in visual acuity" was the first sign/symptom noticed by n = 28 parents (70%). A minority of parents reported "behavioral issues" (n = 5, 12.5%), "communication issues" (n = 3, 7.5%), "cognitive decline" (n = 1, 2.5%), or "seizures" (n = 1, 2.5%) as the first sign/symptom. The mean time from the first signs or symptoms to a diagnosis of CLN3 disease was 2.8 years (SD = 4.1). Misdiagnosis was common, being reported by n = 24 participants (55.8%). Diagnostic tests and treatments were closely aligned with observed symptoms. Desires for improved or stabilized vision (top therapeutic treatment concern for n = 14, 32.6%), cognition (n = 8, 18.6%), and mobility (n = 3, 7%) dominated parental concerns and wishes for therapeutic correction. Family impacts were common, with n = 34 (81%) of respondents reporting a financial impact on the family and n = 20 (46.5%) reporting marital strain related to the disease. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, responses demonstrated clear patterns of disease progression, a strong desire for therapies to treat symptoms related to vision and cognition, and a powerful family impact driven by the unrelenting nature of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nita Patel
- Amicus Therapeutics, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Jon J Brudvig
- Amicus Therapeutics, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Pediatrics & Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - Jill M Weimer
- Amicus Therapeutics, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Pediatrics & Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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Hauptman AJ, Augustine EF, Brown HB. The Psychiatric Care of Children and Young Adults With Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:S0890-8567(24)00060-1. [PMID: 38340894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric neurodegenerative disorders (PNDs), such as juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease, also called Batten disease) and juvenile Huntington disease, are devastating conditions that result in progressive neurological dysfunction and profound medical comorbidities leading to early mortality in children and young adults.1 There are more than 70 PNDs, with a combined estimated prevalence of ∼0.1 in 1,000 live births.2,3 Individuals with PNDs commonly experience complex neuropsychiatric manifestations such as neurocognitive symptoms (dementia), irritability, aggression and self-injury, mood disorders, sensory alterations, and psychosis. Symptoms are dynamic, changing with illness progression, and evolve over time. Effects on patients and families can be devastating, and caregiver burden is enormous.4 We are a group of colleagues with backgrounds in pediatric neuropsychiatry, pediatric neuropalliative care, and pediatric neurology who care for patients together in specialized clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Hauptman
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Erika F Augustine
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Heather B Brown
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Zimmern V, Minassian B. Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Scoping Review of Diagnostic, Phenotypic and Therapeutic Advances. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:171. [PMID: 38397161 PMCID: PMC10888128 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020171] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PME) are a diverse group of disorders that feature both myoclonus and seizures that worsen gradually over a variable timeframe. While each of the disorders is individually rare, they collectively make up a non-trivial portion of the complex epilepsy and myoclonus cases that are seen in tertiary care centers. The last decade has seen substantial progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and, in select disorders, therapies of these diseases. In this scoping review, we examine English language publications from the past decade that address diagnostic, phenotypic, and therapeutic advances in all PMEs. We then highlight the major lessons that have been learned and point out avenues for future investigation that seem promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Zimmern
- Division of Child Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
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Kelly A, Dunne J, Orr C, Lawn N. Adult-onset Kufs disease. Pract Neurol 2024; 24:41-44. [PMID: 37802651 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2022-003652] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
A young man from Pakistan had his first-ever tonic-clonic seizure while playing cricket. Since age 12 years, he had reported involuntary jerks and tremulousness, sometimes with falls, particularly with bright lights. Family history included a brother who developed seizures with myoclonus in his mid-20s and parental consanguinity. Developmental history was normal. Examination identified cognitive impairment with action myoclonus. His clinical presentation raised suspicion of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy. MR scan of the brain showed white matter changes suggesting leucodystrophy with cortical atrophy. Electroencephalogram showed generalised epileptiform abnormalities with photoparoxysmal responses, including at low frequencies (1 Hz). Cortical hyperexcitability was confirmed with giant median somatosensory evoked potentials and long loop reflexes at rest. Multichannel electromyography showed action myoclonus with variable synchronous and asynchronous agonist and antagonist muscle activation with short-burst duration of 25-75 ms, and jerk-locked back-averaging showed premyoclonic potentials consistent with cortical myoclonus. Genetic sequencing identified a homozygous missense variant in the CLN6 gene (c.768C>G p.(Asp256Glu), confirming Kufs disease type A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Kelly
- Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John Dunne
- Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Internal Medicine, The University of Western Australia Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carolyn Orr
- Neurology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lawn
- Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Neurology, Western Australian Adult Epilepsy Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Brima T, Freedman EG, Prinsloo KD, Augustine EF, Adams HR, Wang KH, Mink JW, Shaw LH, Mantel EP, Foxe JJ. Assessing the integrity of auditory sensory memory processing in CLN3 disease (Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Batten disease)): an auditory evoked potential study of the duration-evoked mismatch negativity (MMN). J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:3. [PMID: 38183037 PMCID: PMC10770910 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We interrogated auditory sensory memory capabilities in individuals with CLN3 disease (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), specifically for the feature of "duration" processing. Given decrements in auditory processing abilities associated with later-stage CLN3 disease, we hypothesized that the duration-evoked mismatch negativity (MMN) of the event related potential (ERP) would be a marker of progressively atypical cortical processing in this population, with potential applicability as a brain-based biomarker in clinical trials. METHODS We employed three stimulation rates (fast: 450 ms, medium: 900 ms, slow: 1800 ms), allowing for assessment of the sustainability of the auditory sensory memory trace. The robustness of MMN directly relates to the rate at which the regularly occurring stimulus stream is presented. As presentation rate slows, robustness of the sensory memory trace diminishes. By manipulating presentation rate, the strength of the sensory memory trace is parametrically varied, providing greater sensitivity to detect auditory cortical dysfunction. A secondary hypothesis was that duration-evoked MMN abnormalities in CLN3 disease would be more severe at slower presentation rates, resulting from greater demand on the sensory memory system. RESULTS Data from individuals with CLN3 disease (N = 21; range 6-28 years of age) showed robust MMN responses (i.e., intact auditory sensory memory processes) at the medium stimulation rate. However, at the fastest rate, MMN was significantly reduced, and at the slowest rate, MMN was not detectable in CLN3 disease relative to neurotypical controls (N = 41; ages 6-26 years). CONCLUSIONS Results reveal emerging insufficiencies in this critical auditory perceptual system in individuals with CLN3 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tufikameni Brima
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
| | - Edward G Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kevin D Prinsloo
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Erika F Augustine
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather R Adams
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kuan Hong Wang
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Luke H Shaw
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emma P Mantel
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
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Bremova-Ertl T, Hofmann J, Stucki J, Vossenkaul A, Gautschi M. Inborn Errors of Metabolism with Ataxia: Current and Future Treatment Options. Cells 2023; 12:2314. [PMID: 37759536 PMCID: PMC10527548 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182314] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of hereditary ataxias are caused by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), most of which are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Prompt diagnosis is important because disease-specific therapies may be available. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of metabolic ataxias summarized by disease, highlighting novel clinical trials and emerging therapies with a particular emphasis on first-in-human gene therapies. We present disease-specific treatments if they exist and review the current evidence for symptomatic treatments of these highly heterogeneous diseases (where cerebellar ataxia is part of their phenotype) that aim to improve the disease burden and enhance quality of life. In general, a multimodal and holistic approach to the treatment of cerebellar ataxia, irrespective of etiology, is necessary to offer the best medical care. Physical therapy and speech and occupational therapy are obligatory. Genetic counseling is essential for making informed decisions about family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova-Ertl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Stucki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Anja Vossenkaul
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Centa JL, Stratton MP, Pratt MA, Osterlund Oltmanns JR, Wallace DG, Miller SA, Weimer JM, Hastings ML. Protracted CLN3 Batten disease in mice that genetically model an exon-skipping therapeutic approach. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:15-27. [PMID: 37359347 PMCID: PMC10285469 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations that disrupt open reading frames and cause translation termination are frequent causes of human disease and are difficult to treat due to protein truncation and mRNA degradation by nonsense-mediated decay, leaving few options for traditional drug targeting. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides offer a potential therapeutic solution for diseases caused by disrupted open reading frames by inducing exon skipping to correct the open reading frame. We have recently reported on an exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotide that has a therapeutic effect in a mouse model of CLN3 Batten disease, a fatal pediatric lysosomal storage disease. To validate this therapeutic approach, we generated a mouse model that constitutively expresses the Cln3 spliced isoform induced by the antisense molecule. Behavioral and pathological analyses of these mice demonstrate a less severe phenotype compared with the CLN3 disease mouse model, providing evidence that antisense oligonucleotide-induced exon skipping can have therapeutic efficacy in treating CLN3 Batten disease. This model highlights how protein engineering through RNA splicing modulation can be an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Centa
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Matthew P. Stratton
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | | | - Douglas G. Wallace
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Steven A. Miller
- Psychology Department, College of Health Professionals, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Michelle L. Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Brima T, Freedman EG, Prinsloo KD, Augustine EF, Adams HR, Wang KH, Mink JW, Shaw LH, Mantel EP, Foxe JJ. Assessing the integrity of auditory sensory memory processing in CLN 3 disease (Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Batten disease)): An auditory evoked potential study of the duration-evoked mismatch negativity (MMN). RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3203894. [PMID: 37645970 PMCID: PMC10462191 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3203894/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background We interrogated auditory sensory memory capabilities in individuals with CLN3 disease (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), specifically for the feature of "duration" processing, a critical cue in speech perception. Given decrements in speech and language skills associated with later-stage CLN3 disease, we hypothesized that the duration-evoked mismatch negativity (MMN) of the event related potential (ERP) would be a marker of progressively atypical cortical processing in this population, with potential applicability as a brain-based biomarker in clinical trials. Methods We employed three stimulation rates (fast: 450 ms, medium: 900 ms, slow: 1800 ms), allowing for assessment of the sustainability of the auditory sensory memory trace. The robustness of MMN directly relates to the rate at which the regularly occurring stimulus stream is presented. As presentation rate slows, robustness of the sensory memory trace diminishes. By manipulating presentation rate, the strength of the sensory memory trace is parametrically varied, providing greater sensitivity to detect auditory cortical dysfunction. A secondary hypothesis was that duration-evoked MMN abnormalities in CLN3 disease would be more severe at slower presentation rates, resulting from greater demand on the sensory memory system. Results Data from individuals with CLN3 disease (N=21; range 6-28 years of age) showed robust MMN responses (i.e., intact auditory sensory memory processes) at the medium stimulation rate. However, at the fastest rate, MMN was significantly reduced, and at the slowest rate, MMN was not detectable in CLN3 disease relative to neurotypical controls (N=41; ages 6-26 years). Conclusions Results reveal emerging insufficiencies in this critical auditory perceptual system in individuals with CLN3 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tufikameni Brima
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edward G. Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kevin D. Prinsloo
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Erika F. Augustine
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather R. Adams
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kuan Hong Wang
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Mink
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Luke H. Shaw
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emma P. Mantel
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John J. Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- University of Rochester Batten Center (URBC), Department of Neurology and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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12
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Panjeshahi S, Karimzadeh P, Movafagh A, Ahmadabadi F, Rahimian E, Alijanpour S, Miryounesi M. Clinical and genetic characterization of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) in 29 Iranian patients: identification of 11 novel mutations. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1001-1016. [PMID: 37074398 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02556-y] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases which are considered among the most frequent causes of dementia in childhood worldwide This study aimed to identify the gene variants, molecular etiologies, and clinical features in 23 unrelated Iranian families with NCL. In total, 29 patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, MRI neuroimaging, and electroencephalography (EEG), were recruited for this study. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES), functional prediction, Sanger sequencing, and segregation analysis, we found that 12 patients (41.3%) with mutations in the CLN6 gene, 7 patients (24%) with the TPP1 (CLN2) gene variants, and 4 patients (13.7%) with mutations in the MFSD8 (CLN7) gene. Also, mutations in each of the CLN3 and CLN5 genes were detected in 2 cases and mutations of each PPT1 (CLN1) and CLN8 gene were observed in only 1 separate patient. We identified 18 different mutations, 11 (61%) of which are novel, never have been reported before, and the others have been previously described. The gene variants identified in this study expand the number of published clinical cases and the variant frequency spectrum of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) genes; moreover, the identification of these variants supplies foundational clues for future NCL diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samareh Panjeshahi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Karimzadeh
- Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Pediatric Neurology Department, Mofid Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Movafagh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Ahmadabadi
- Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Pediatric Neurology Department, Mofid Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sahar Alijanpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miryounesi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Wang XQ, Chen CB, Zhao WJ, Fu GB, Zhai Y. Rare adult neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis associated with CLN6 gene mutations: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3533-3541. [PMID: 37383919 PMCID: PMC10294197 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL) can be caused by compound heterozygous recessive mutations in CLN6. The main clinical features of the disease are neurodegeneration, progressive motor dysfunction, seizures, cognitive decline, ataxia, vision loss and premature death.
CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old female presented to our clinic with a 3-year history of limb weakness and gradually experiencing unstable walking. The patient was diagnosed with CLN6 type ANCL after the identification of mutations in the CLN6 gene. The patient was treated with antiepileptic drugs. The patient is under ongoing follow-up. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition has deteriorated, and she is currently unable to care for herself.
CONCLUSION There is presently no effective treatment for ANCL. However, early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sanya People’s Hospital, West China (Sanya) Hospital, Sichuan University, Sanya 572000, Hainan Province, China
| | - Chuan-Bi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanya Women and Children’s Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Sanya 572000, Hainan Province, China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570100, Hainan Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Fu
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Western Central Hospital, Danzhou 571799, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yu Zhai
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Western Central Hospital, Danzhou 571799, Hainan Province, China
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14
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Ikari N, Arakawa H. Identification of a mitochondrial targeting sequence in cathepsin D and its localization in mitochondria. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 655:25-34. [PMID: 36921448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.016] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin D (CTSD) is a major lysosomal protease harboring an N-terminal signal peptide (amino acids 1-20) to enable vesicular transport from endoplasmic reticulum to lysosomes. Here, we report the possibility of a mitochondrial targeting sequence and mitochondrial localization of CTSD in cells. Live-cell imaging analysis with C-terminal enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged CTSD (EGFP-CTSD) indicated that CTSD localizes to mitochondria. CTSD amino acids 21-35 are responsible for its mitochondrial localization, which exhibit typical features of mitochondrial targeting sequences, and are evolutionarily conserved. A proteinase K protection assay and sucrose gradient analysis showed that a small population of endogenous CTSD molecules exists in mitochondria. These results suggest that CTSD is a dual-targeted protein that may localize in both lysosomes and mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Ikari
- Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Arakawa
- Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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15
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Emerging Perspectives on Gene Therapy Delivery for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121979. [PMID: 36556200 PMCID: PMC9788053 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD), are a group of heterogeneous diseases that mainly affect central nervous system (CNS) functions. A subset of NDDs exhibit CNS dysfunction and muscle degeneration, as observed in Gangliosidosis 1 (GM1) and late stages of PD. Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of diseases in which patients show primary progressive muscle weaknesses, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Pompe disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). NDDs and NMDs typically have a genetic component, which affects the physiological functioning of critical cellular processes, leading to pathogenesis. Currently, there is no cure or efficient treatment for most of these diseases. More than 200 clinical trials have been completed or are currently underway in order to establish safety, tolerability, and efficacy of promising gene therapy approaches. Thus, gene therapy-based therapeutics, including viral or non-viral delivery, are very appealing for the treatment of NDDs and NMDs. In particular, adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) are an attractive option for gene therapy for NDDs and NMDs. However, limitations have been identified after systemic delivery, including the suboptimal capacity of these therapies to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), degradation of the particles during the delivery, high reactivity of the patient's immune system during the treatment, and the potential need for redosing. To circumvent these limitations, several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested intrathecal (IT) delivery to target the CNS and peripheral organs via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF administration can vastly improve the delivery of small molecules and drugs to the brain and spinal cord as compared to systemic delivery. Here, we review AAV biology and vector design elements, different therapeutic routes of administration, and highlight CSF delivery as an attractive route of administration. We discuss the different aspects of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as pathogenesis, the landscape of mutations, and the biological processes associated with the disease. We also describe the hallmarks of NDDs and NMDs as well as discuss current therapeutic approaches and clinical progress in viral and non-viral gene therapy and enzyme replacement strategies for those diseases.
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16
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Ostergaard JR, Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. Top-down and bottom-up propagation of disease in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1061363. [PMID: 36438942 PMCID: PMC9692088 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1061363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs) may be considered distinct neurodegenerative disorders with separate underlying molecular causes resulting from monogenetic mutations. An alternative hypothesis is to consider the NCLs as related diseases that share lipofuscin pathobiology as the common core feature, but otherwise distinguished by different a) initial anatomic location, and b) disease propagation. Methods We have tested this hypothesis by comparing known differences in symptomatology and pathology of the CLN1 phenotype caused by complete loss of PPT1 function (i.e., the classical infantile form) and of the classical juvenile CLN3 phenotype. These two forms of NCL represent early onset and rapidly progressing vs. late onset and slowly progressing disease modalities respectively. Results Despite displaying similar pathological endpoints, the clinical phenotypes and the evidence of imaging and postmortem studies reveal strikingly different time courses and distributions of disease propagation. Data from CLN1 disease are indicative of disease propagation from the body, with early effects within the spinal cord and subsequently within the brainstem, the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and retina. In contrast, the retina appears to be the most vulnerable organ in CLN3, and the site where pathology is first present. Pathology subsequently is present in the occipital connectome of the CLN3 brain, followed by a top-down propagation in which cerebral and cerebellar atrophy in early adolescence is followed by involvement of the peripheral nerves in later adolescence/early twenties, with the extrapyramidal system also affected during this time course. Discussion The propagation of disease in these two NCLs therefore has much in common with the “Brain-first” vs. “Body-first” models of alpha-synuclein propagation in Parkinson's disease. CLN1 disease represents a “Body-first” or bottom-up disease propagation and CLN3 disease having a “Brain-first” and top-down propagation. It is noteworthy that the varied phenotypes of CLN1 disease, whether it starts in infancy (infantile form) or later in childhood (juvenile form), still fit with our proposed hypothesis of a bottom-up disease propagation in CLN1. Likewise, in protracted CLN3 disease, where both cognitive and motor declines are delayed, the initial manifestations of disease are also seen in the outer retinal layers, i.e., identical to classical Juvenile NCL disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Ostergaard
- Department of Child and Adolescencet, Centre for Rare Diseases, Aarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: John R. Ostergaard
| | - Hemanth R. Nelvagal
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
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17
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Holmes AD, White KA, Pratt MA, Johnson TB, Likhite S, Meyer K, Weimer JM. Sex-split analysis of pathology and motor-behavioral outcomes in a mouse model of CLN8-Batten disease reveals an increased disease burden and trajectory in female Cln8 mnd mice. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:411. [PMID: 36369162 PMCID: PMC9652919 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02564-7] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CLN8-Batten disease (CLN8 disease) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized phenotypically by progressive deterioration of motor and cognitive abilities, visual symptoms, epileptic seizures, and premature death. Mutations in CLN8 results in characteristic Batten disease symptoms and brain-wide pathology including accumulation of lysosomal storage material, gliosis, and neurodegeneration. Recent investigations of other subforms of Batten disease (CLN1, CLN3, CLN6) have emphasized the influence of biological sex on disease and treatment outcomes; however, little is known about sex differences in the CLN8 subtype. To determine the impact of sex on CLN8 disease burden and progression, we utilized a Cln8mnd mouse model to measure the impact and progression of histopathological and behavioral outcomes between sexes. RESULTS Several notable sex differences were observed in the presentation of brain pathology, including Cln8mnd female mice consistently presenting with greater GFAP+ astrocytosis and CD68+ microgliosis in the somatosensory cortex, ventral posteromedial/ventral posterolateral nuclei of the thalamus, striatum, and hippocampus when compared to Cln8mnd male mice. Furthermore, sex differences in motor-behavioral assessments revealed Cln8mnd female mice experience poorer motor performance and earlier death than their male counterparts. Cln8mnd mice treated with an AAV9-mediated gene therapy were also examined to assess sex differences on therapeutics outcomes, which revealed no appreciable differences between the sexes when responding to the therapy. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results provide further evidence of biologic sex as a modifier of Batten disease progression and outcome, thus warranting consideration when conducting investigations and monitoring therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Holmes
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA ,grid.267169.d0000 0001 2293 1795Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Katherine A. White
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Tyler B. Johnson
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA ,grid.261331.40000 0001 2285 7943Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- grid.430154.70000 0004 5914 2142Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 E 60Th St N, Sioux Falls, SD USA ,grid.267169.d0000 0001 2293 1795Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD USA
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18
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Rowe AA, Chen X, Nettesheim ER, Issioui Y, Dong T, Hu Y, Messahel S, Kayani SN, Gray SJ, Wert KJ. Long-term progression of retinal degeneration in a preclinical model of CLN7 Batten disease as a baseline for testing clinical therapeutics. EBioMedicine 2022; 85:104314. [PMID: 36374771 PMCID: PMC9626557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Batten disease is characterized by cognitive and motor impairment, retinal degeneration, and seizures leading to premature death. Recent studies have shown efficacy for a gene therapy approach for CLN7 Batten disease. This gene therapy approach is promising to treat cognitive and motor impairment, but is not likely to delay vision loss. Additionally, the natural progression of retinal degeneration in CLN7 Batten disease patients is not well-known. METHODS We performed visual examinations on five patients with CLN7 Batten disease and found that patients were far progressed in degeneration within their first five years of life. To better understand the disease progression, we characterized the retina of a preclinical mouse model of CLN7 Batten disease, through the age at which mice present with paralysis and premature death. FINDINGS We found that this preclinical model shows signs of photoreceptor to bipolar synaptic defects early, and displays rod-cone dystrophy with late loss of bipolar cells. This vision loss could be followed not only via histology, but using clinical live imaging similar to that used in human patients. INTERPRETATION Natural history studies of rare paediatric neurodegenerative conditions are complicated by the rapid degeneration and limited availability of patients. Characterization of degeneration in the preclinical model allows for future experiments to better understand the mechanisms underlying the retinal disease progression in order to find therapeutics to treat patients, as well as to evaluate these therapeutic options for future human clinical trials. FUNDING Van Sickle Family Foundation Inc., NIHP30EY030413, Morton Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust and 5T32GM131945-03.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Emily R Nettesheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yacine Issioui
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuhui Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Souad Messahel
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Saima N Kayani
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Children's Health, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Katherine J Wert
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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19
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Ben Younes T, Kraoua I, Snanoudj S, Klaa H, Benrhouma H, Rouissi A, Caillaud C, Chaabouni M, Miladi N, Bekri S, Ben Youssef-Turki I. Neuronal ceroïd-lipofuscinosis: Clinical, electroencephalographic, imaging, and genetic study of a maghrebian series. Clin Genet 2022; 102:157-160. [PMID: 35796208 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Our study included 13 patients diagnosed with neuronal ceroidlipofuscinosis. It is a group of rare genetically-determined neurodegenerativediseases characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. brain MRI andelectroencephalogram facilitate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thouraya Ben Younes
- LR 18SP04 and Department of Child Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ichraf Kraoua
- LR 18SP04 and Department of Child Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sarah Snanoudj
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1245, CHU Rouen, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Hedia Klaa
- LR 18SP04 and Department of Child Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanene Benrhouma
- LR 18SP04 and Department of Child Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Aida Rouissi
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Catherine Caillaud
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Chaabouni
- LGC genetics-Laboratory of medical analyzes and human genetics, Jasmins Medical Center, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Najoua Miladi
- Neuropediatrics medical office, Maghreb Medical, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Soumeya Bekri
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1245, CHU Rouen, Normandie University, Rouen, France
| | - Ilhem Ben Youssef-Turki
- LR 18SP04 and Department of Child Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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20
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Recent Insight into the Genetic Basis, Clinical Features, and Diagnostic Methods for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105729. [PMID: 35628533 PMCID: PMC9145894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of rare, inherited, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders that affect children and adults. They are traditionally grouped together, based on shared clinical symptoms and pathological ground. To date, 13 autosomal recessive gene variants, as well as one autosomal dominant gene variant, of NCL have been described. These genes encode a variety of proteins, whose functions have not been fully defined; most are lysosomal enzymes, transmembrane proteins of the lysosome, or other organelles. Common symptoms of NCLs include the progressive loss of vision, mental and motor deterioration, epileptic seizures, premature death, and, in rare adult-onset cases, dementia. Depending on the mutation, these symptoms can vary, with respect to the severity and onset of symptoms by age. Currently, all forms of NCL are fatal, and no curative treatments are available. Herein, we provide an overview to summarize the current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, genetics, and clinical manifestation of these conditions, as well as the approach to diagnosis.
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21
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Rossini L, Durante C, Marzollo A, Biffi A. New Indications for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy in Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Front Oncol 2022; 12:885639. [PMID: 35646708 PMCID: PMC9136164 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.885639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogenous group of disorders due to genetically determined deficits of lysosomal enzymes. The specific molecular mechanism and disease phenotype depends on the type of storage material. Several disorders affect the brain resulting in severe clinical manifestations that substantially impact the expectancy and quality of life. Current treatment modalities for LSDs include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from allogeneic healthy donors, but are available for a limited number of disorders and lack efficacy on several clinical manifestations. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC GT) based on integrating lentiviral vectors resulted in robust clinical benefit when administered to patients affected by Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, for whom it is now available as a registered medicinal product. More recently, HSC GT has also shown promising results in Hurler syndrome patients. Here, we discuss possible novel HSC GT indications that are currently under development. If these novel drugs will prove effective, they might represent a new standard of care for these disorders, but several challenges will need to be addresses, including defining and possibly expanding the patient population for whom HSC GT could be efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rossini
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Durante
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Marzollo
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Fondazione Citta’ della Speranza, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Division, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Padua University, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Biffi,
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22
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Honingh AK, Kruithof YL, Kuper WFE, van Hasselt PM, Sterkenburg PS. Towards Understanding Behaviour and Emotions of Children with CLN3 Disease (Batten Disease): Patterns, Problems and Support for Child and Family. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105895. [PMID: 35627432 PMCID: PMC9141744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The juvenile variant of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease/Batten disease) is a rare progressive brain disease in children and young adults, characterized by vision loss, decline in cognitive and motor capacities and epilepsy. Children with CLN3 disease often show disturbed behaviour and emotions. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the behaviour and emotions of children with CLN3 disease and to examine the support that the children and their parents are receiving. A combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis was used to analyse patient files and parent interviews. Using a framework analysis approach a codebook was developed, the sources were coded and the data were analysed. The analysis resulted in overviews of (1) typical behaviour and emotions of children as a consequence of CLN3 disease, (2) the support children with CLN3 disease receive, (3) the support parents of these children receive, and (4) the problems these parents face. For a few children their visual, physical or cognitive deterioration was found to lead to specific emotions and behaviour. The quantitative analysis showed that anxiety was reported for all children. The presented overviews on support contain tacit knowledge of health care professionals that has been made explicit by this study. The overviews may provide a lead to adaptable support-modules for children with CLN3 disease and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline K. Honingh
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yvonne L. Kruithof
- Special Education Visually Impaired Children, Bartiméus, 3703 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands;
| | - Willemijn F. E. Kuper
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.F.E.K.); (P.M.v.H.)
| | - Peter M. van Hasselt
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.F.E.K.); (P.M.v.H.)
| | - Paula S. Sterkenburg
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Special Education Visually Impaired Children, Bartiméus, 3703 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands;
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23
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Rus CM, Weissensteiner T, Pereira C, Susnea I, Danquah BD, Morales Torres G, Rocha ME, Cozma C, Saravanakumar D, Mannepalli S, Kandaswamy KK, Di Bucchianico S, Zimmermann R, Rolfs A, Bauer P, Beetz C. Clinical and genetic characterization of a cohort of 97 CLN6 patients tested at a single center. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:179. [PMID: 35505348 PMCID: PMC9066917 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02288-8] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ceroid lipofuscinoses neuronal 6 (CLN6) disease belongs to the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), complex and genetically heterogeneous disorders with wide geographical and phenotypic variation. The first clinical signs usually appear between 18 months and 8 years, but examples of later-onset have also been reported. Common manifestations include ataxia, seizures, vision impairment, and developmental regression. Because these are shared by other neurological diseases, identification of CLN6 genetic variants is imperative for early diagnosis. Results We present one of the largest cohorts to date of genetically diagnosed CLN6 patients screened at a single center. In total 97 subjects, originating from 20 countries were screened between 2010 and 2020. They comprised 86 late-infantile, eight juvenile, and three adult-onset cases (two patients with Kufs disease type A, and one with teenage progressive myoclonic epilepsy). The male to female ratio was 1.06: 1.00. The age at referral was between six months and 33 years. The time from disease onset to referral ranged from less than 1 month to 8.3 years. The clinical phenotype consisted of a combination of symptoms, as reported before. We characterized a total of 45 distinct variants defining 45 distinct genotypes. Twenty-four were novel variants, some with distinct geographic associations. Remarkably, c.257A > G (p.H86R) was present in five out of 23 unrelated Egyptian individuals but in no patients from other countries. The most common genotype was homozygosity for the c.794_796del in-frame deletion. It was present in about one-third of CLN6 patients (28 unrelated cases, and 2 familial cases), all with late-infantile onset. Variants with a high likelihood of causing loss of CLN6 function were found in 21% of cases and made up 33% of all distinct variants. Forty-four percent of variants were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. Conclusions Our study significantly expands the number of published clinical cases and the mutational spectrum of disease-associated CLN6 variants, especially for the Middle Eastern and North African regions. We confirm previous observations regarding the most prevalent symptoms and recommend including CLN6 in the genetic diagnosis of patients presenting with early-onset abnormalities of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina-Marcela Rus
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany. .,Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Cozma
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Dr.-Lorenz-Weg 2, 18059, Rostock, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany.,Arcensus GmbH, Goethestrasse 20, 18055, Rostock, Germany
| | - Peter Bauer
- Centogene GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18057, Rostock, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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24
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Sabitha KR, Chandran D, Shetty AK, Upadhya D. Delineating the neuropathology of lysosomal storage diseases using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:221-238. [PMID: 35316126 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are inherited metabolic diseases caused due to deficiency of lysosomal enzymes, essential for the normal development of the brain and other organs. Approximately two-thirds of the patients suffering from LSD exhibit neurological deficits and impose an escalating challenge to the medical and scientific field. The advent of iPSC technology has aided researchers in efficiently generating functional neuronal and non-neuronal cells through directed differentiation protocols, as well as in decoding the cellular, subcellular and molecular defects associated with LSDs using two-dimensional cultures and cerebral organoid models. This review highlights the information assembled from patient-derived iPSCs on neurodevelopmental and neuropathological defects identified in LSDs. Multiple studies have identified neural progenitor cell migration and differentiation defects, substrate accumulation, axon growth and myelination defects, impaired calcium homeostasis and altered electrophysiological properties, using patient-derived iPSCs. In addition, these studies have also uncovered defective lysosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, autophagy and vesicle trafficking and signaling pathways, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, blood brain barrier dysfunction, neurodegeneration, gliosis, altered transcriptomes in LSDs. The review also discusses the therapeutic applications such as drug discovery, repurposing of drugs, synergistic effects of drugs, targeted molecular therapies, gene therapy, and transplantation applications of mutation corrected lines identified using patient-derived iPSCs for different LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Sabitha
- Kasturba Medical College Manipal, 29224, Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India;
| | - Divya Chandran
- Kasturba Medical College Manipal, 29224, Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India;
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Texas A&M University College Station, 14736, College of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, College Station, Texas, United States;
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Kasturba Medical College Manipal, 29224, Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India;
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25
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Simonati A, Williams RE. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Multifaceted Approach to the Clinical Issues, an Overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811686. [PMID: 35359645 PMCID: PMC8961688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art in the field of childhood Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders. These are genetic diseases associated with the formation of toxic endo-lysosomal storage. Following a brief historical review of the evolution of NCL definition, a clinically-oriented approach is used describing how the early symptoms and signs affecting motor, visual, cognitive domains, and including seizures, may lead clinicians to a rapid molecular diagnosis, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey commonly observed. We go on to focus on recent advances in NCL research and summarize contributions to knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NCL. We describe the large variety of experimental models which have aided this research, as well as the most recent technological developments which have shed light on the main mechanisms involved in the cellular pathology, such as apoptosis and autophagy. The search for innovative therapies is described. Translation of experimental data into therapeutic approaches is being established for several of the NCLs, and one drug is now commercially available. Lastly, we show the importance of palliative care and symptomatic treatments which are still the main therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Departments of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, AOUI-VR, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Simonati
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Children's Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Ruth E. Williams
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26
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Nicolaou P, Tanteles GA, Votsi C, Zamba-Papanicolaou E, Papacostas SS, Christodoulou K, Christou YP. A Novel CLN6 Variant Associated With Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Patients With Absence of Visual Loss as a Presenting Feature. Front Genet 2021; 12:746101. [PMID: 34868216 PMCID: PMC8640139 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.746101] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also known as Batten disease, are a group of autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders that are characterized by neurodegeneration, progressive cognitive decline, motor impairment, ataxia, loss of vision, seizures, and premature death. To date, pathogenic variants in more than 13 genes have been associated with NCLs. CLN6 encodes an endoplasmic reticulum non-glycosylated transmembrane protein, which is involved in lysosomal acidification. Mutations in CLN6 cause late-infantile juvenile NCL (JNCL) adult-onset NCL, and Kufs disease. Members from two available families with JNCL were clinically evaluated, and samples were collected from consenting individuals. The molecular investigation was performed by whole-exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and family segregation analysis. Furthermore, in silico prediction analysis and structural modeling of the identified CLN6 variants were performed. We report clinical and genetic findings of three patients from two Greek-Cypriot families (families 915 and 926) with JNCL. All patients were males, and the first symptoms appeared at the age of 6 years. The proband of family 926 presented with loss of motor abilities, ataxia, spasticity, seizure, and epilepsy. The proband of family 915 had ataxia, spasticity, dysarthria, dystonia, and intellectual disability. Both probands did not show initial signs of vision and/or hearing loss. Molecular analysis of family 926 revealed two CLN6 biallelic variants: the novel, de novo p.Tyr295Cys and the known p.Arg136His variants. In family 915, both patients were homozygous for the p.Arg136His CLN6 variant. Prediction analysis of the two CLN6 variants characterized them as probably damaging and disease-causing. Structural modeling of the variants predicted that they probably cause protein structural differentiation. In conclusion, we describe two unrelated Cypriot families with JNCL. Both families had variants in the CLN6 gene; however, they presented with slightly different symptoms, and notably none of the patients has loss of vision. In silico prediction and structural analyses indicate that both variants are most likely pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Nicolaou
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George A Tanteles
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Votsi
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleni Zamba-Papanicolaou
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Savvas S Papacostas
- Department of Neurobiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Yiolanda-Panayiota Christou
- Department of Neurobiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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27
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Duz MB. A novel CLN5 mutation in Turkish patient with variant late-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and recurrent fractures that causes severe morbidity. Neurocase 2021; 27:437-440. [PMID: 34678132 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1993264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is characterized by ataxia, epilepsy, mental and motor deterioration, and visual loss. The phenotype of patients is highly heterogeneous. We report a patient with late-infantile-onset psychomotor retardation, visual loss, seizure, movement disorder, and recurrent bone fractures. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous c.1113_1116del, p.Y371fs mutation in CLN5. No variant was detected associated with simple bone cyst. While NCL disease is difficult disease in itself, recurrent fractures significantly increased morbidity. This case report contributes to genotypic spectrum of CLN5 and emphasizes clinical importance of Turkish patients with CLN5 mutations, and non-NCL factors/diseases can adversely affect morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bugrahan Duz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
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28
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Domowicz MS, Chan WC, Claudio-Vázquez P, Gonzalez T, Schwartz NB. Brain transcriptome analysis of a CLN2 mouse model as a function of disease progression. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:262. [PMID: 34749772 PMCID: PMC8576919 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, (NCLs or Batten disease) are a group of inherited, early onset, fatal neurodegenerative diseases associated with mutations in 13 genes. All forms of the disease are characterized by lysosomal accumulation of fluorescent storage material, as well as profound neurodegeneration, but the relationship of the various genes’ function to a single biological process is not obvious. In this study, we used a well-characterized mouse model of classical late infantile NCL (cLINCL) in which the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (Tpp1) gene is disrupted by gene targeting, resulting in loss of detectable TPP1 activity and leading to progressive neurological phenotypes including ataxia, increased motor deficiency, and early death. Methods In order to identify genes and pathways that may contribute to progression of the neurodegenerative process, we analyzed forebrain/midbrain and cerebellar transcriptional differences at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months of age in control and TPP1-deficient mice by global RNA-sequencing. Results Progressive neurodegenerative inflammatory responses involving microglia, astrocytes and endothelial cells were observed, accompanied by activation of leukocyte extravasation signals and upregulation of nitric oxide production and reactive oxygen species. Several astrocytic (i.e., Gfap, C4b, Osmr, Serpina3n) and microglial (i.e., Ctss, Itgb2, Itgax, Lyz2) genes were identified as strong markers for assessing disease progression as they showed increased levels of expression in vivo over time. Furthermore, transient increased expression of choroid plexus genes was observed at 2 months in the lateral and fourth ventricle, highlighting an early role for the choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid in the disease pathology. Based on these gene expression changes, we concluded that neuroinflammation starts, for the most part, after 2 months in the Tpp1−/− brain and that activation of microglia and astrocytes occur more rapidly in cerebellum than in the rest of the brain; confirming increased severity of inflammation in this region. Conclusions These findings have led to a better understanding of cLINCL pathological onset and progression, which may aid in development of future therapeutic treatments for this disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02302-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Domowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5058, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Patricia Claudio-Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5058, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Tatiana Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5058, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Nancy B Schwartz
- Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5058, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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29
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Corrêa T, Feltes BC, Giugliani R, Matte U. Disruption of morphogenic and growth pathways in lysosomal storage diseases. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1521. [PMID: 34730292 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The lysosome achieved a new protagonism that highlights its multiple cellular functions, such as in the catabolism of complex substrates, nutrient sensing, and signaling pathways implicated in cell metabolism and growth. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) cause lysosomal accumulation of substrates and deficiency in trafficking of macromolecules. The substrate accumulation can impact one or several pathways which contribute to cell damage. Autophagy impairment and immune response are widely studied, but less attention is paid to morphogenic and growth pathways and its impact on the pathophysiology of LSDs. Hedgehog pathway is affected with abnormal expression and changes in distribution of protein levels, and a reduced number and length of primary cilia. Moreover, growth pathways are identified with delay in reactivation of mTOR that deregulate termination of autophagy and reformation of lysosomes. Insulin resistance caused by changes in lipids rafts has been described in different LSDs. While the genetic and biochemical bases of deficient proteins in LSDs are well understood, the secondary molecular mechanisms that disrupt wider biological processes associated with LSDs are only now becoming clearer. Therefore, we explored how specific signaling pathways can be related to specific LSDs, showing that a system medicine approach could be a valuable tool for the better understanding of LSD pathogenesis. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Corrêa
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Gene Therapy Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruno C Feltes
- Department of Theoretical Informatics, Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Roberto Giugliani
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ursula Matte
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Gene Therapy Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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30
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Masten MC, Corre C, Paciorkowski AR, Vierhile A, Adams HR, Vermilion J, Zimmerman GA, Augustine EF, Mink JW. A diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:1453-1462. [PMID: 34453334 PMCID: PMC9248362 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, diagnostic testing for genetic diseases has evolved, leading to variable diagnostic certainty for individuals included in long-term natural history studies. Using genotype and phenotype data from an ongoing natural history study of CLN3 disease, we developed a hierarchical diagnostic confidence scheme with three major classes: Definite, Probable, or Possible CLN3 disease. An additional level, CLN3 Disease PLUS, includes individuals with CLN3 disease plus an additional disorder with a separate etiology that substantially affects the phenotype. Within the Definite and Probable CLN3 disease classes, we further divided individuals into subclasses based on phenotype. After assigning participants to classes, we performed a blinded reclassification to assess the reliability of this scheme. A total of 134 individuals with suspected CLN3 disease were classified: 100 as Definite, 21 as Probable, and 7 as Possible. Six individuals were classified as CLN3-PLUS. Phenotypes included the classical juvenile-onset syndromic phenotype, a "vision loss only" phenotype, and an atypical syndromic phenotype. Some individuals were too young to fully classify phenotype. Test-retest reliability showed 96% agreement. We created a reliable diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease that has excellent face validity. This scheme has implications for clinical research in CLN3 and other rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux C. Masten
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Camille Corre
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Amy Vierhile
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Heather R. Adams
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Vermilion
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Grace A. Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Erika F. Augustine
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Mink
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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31
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Morsy A, Carmona AV, Trippier PC. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Phenotypic Screening in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206235. [PMID: 34684815 PMCID: PMC8538546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare, fatal, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. Numerous genes (CLN1–CLN8, CLN10–CLN14) were identified in which mutations can lead to NCL; however, the underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. Despite this, the NCLs share some of the same features and symptoms but vary in respect to severity and onset of symptoms by age. Some common symptoms include the progressive loss of vision, mental and motor deterioration, epileptic seizures, premature death, and in the rare adult-onset, dementia. Currently, all forms of NCL are fatal, and no curative treatments are available. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into any cell type of the human body. Cells reprogrammed from a patient have the advantage of acquiring disease pathogenesis along with recapitulation of disease-associated phenotypes. They serve as practical model systems to shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide a phenotypic screening platform to enable drug discovery. Herein, we provide an overview of available iPSC models for a number of different NCLs. More specifically, we highlight findings in these models that may spur target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Angelica V. Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Paul C. Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Correspondence:
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Augustine EF, Adams HR, de Los Reyes E, Drago K, Frazier M, Guelbert N, Laine M, Levin T, Mink JW, Nickel M, Peifer D, Schulz A, Simonati A, Topcu M, Turunen JA, Williams R, Wirrell EC, King S. Management of CLN1 Disease: International Clinical Consensus. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 120:38-51. [PMID: 34000449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CLN1 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1) is a rare, genetic, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) enzyme deficiency. Clinical features include developmental delay, psychomotor regression, seizures, ataxia, movement disorders, visual impairment, and early death. In general, the later the age at symptom onset, the more protracted the disease course. We sought to evaluate current evidence and to develop expert practice consensus to support clinicians who have not previously encountered patients with this rare disease. METHODS We searched the literature for guidelines and evidence to support clinical practice recommendations. We surveyed CLN1 disease experts and caregivers regarding their experiences and recommendations, and a meeting of experts was conducted to ascertain points of consensus and clinical practice differences. RESULTS We found a limited evidence base for treatment and no clinical management guidelines specific to CLN1 disease. Fifteen CLN1 disease experts and 39 caregivers responded to the surveys, and 14 experts met to develop consensus-based recommendations. The resulting management recommendations are uniquely informed by family perspectives, due to the inclusion of caregiver and advocate perspectives. A family-centered approach is supported, and individualized, multidisciplinary care is emphasized in the recommendations. Ascertainment of the specific CLN1 disease phenotype (infantile-, late infantile-, juvenile-, or adult-onset) is of key importance in informing the anticipated clinical course, prognosis, and care needs. Goals and strategies should be periodically reevaluated and adapted to patients' current needs, with a primary aim of optimizing patient and family quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika F Augustine
- Department of Neurology and Neurogenetics, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
| | - Heather R Adams
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Emily de Los Reyes
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | - Norberto Guelbert
- Metabolic Diseases Section, Children's Hospital of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Minna Laine
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanya Levin
- Medical Writing Consultant, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | - Meral Topcu
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Joni A Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruth Williams
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Epilepsy and Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Smirnov VM, Nassisi M, Solis Hernandez C, Méjécase C, El Shamieh S, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Meunier I, Andrieu C, Defoort-Dhellemmes S, Mohand-Said S, Sahel JA, Audo I, Zeitz C. Retinal Phenotype of Patients With Isolated Retinal Degeneration Due to CLN3 Pathogenic Variants in a French Retinitis Pigmentosa Cohort. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:278-291. [PMID: 33507216 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance Biallelic variants in CLN3 lead to a spectrum of diseases, ranging from severe neurodegeneration with retinal involvement (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) to retina-restricted conditions. Objective To provide a detailed description of the retinal phenotype of patients with isolated retinal degeneration harboring biallelic CLN3 pathogenic variants and to attempt a phenotype-genotype correlation associated with this gene defect. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included patients carrying biallelic CLN3 variants extracted from a cohort of patients with inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) investigated at the National Reference Center for Rare Ocular Diseases of the Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts from December 2007 to August 2020. Data were analyzed from October 2019 to August 2020. Main Outcome and Measures Functional (best-corrected visual acuity, visual field, color vision, and full-field electroretinogram), morphological (multimodal retinal imaging), and clinical data from patients were collected and analyzed. Gene defect was identified by either next-generation sequencing or whole-exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and cosegregation analysis. Results Of 1533 included patients, 843 (55.0%) were women and 690 (45.0%) were men. A total of 15 cases from 11 unrelated families harboring biallelic CLN3 variants were identified. All patients presented with nonsyndromic IRD. Two distinct patterns of retinal disease could be identified: a mild rod-cone degeneration of middle-age onset (n = 6; legal blindness threshold reached by 70s) and a severe retinal degeneration with early macular atrophic changes (n = 9; legal blindness threshold reached by 40s). Eleven distinct pathogenic variants were detected, of which 4 were novel. All but 1, p.(Arg405Trp), CLN3 point variants and their genotypic associations were clearly distinct between juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and retina-restricted disease. Mild and severe forms of retina-restricted CLN3-linked IRDs also had different genetic background. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest CLN3 should be included in next-generation sequencing panels when investigating patients with nonsyndromic rod-cone dystrophy. These results document phenotype-genotype correlations associated with specific variants in CLN3. However, caution seems warranted regarding the potential neurological outcome if a pathogenic variant in CLN3 is detected in a case of presumed isolated IRD for the onset of neurological symptoms could be delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily M Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Université de Lille, Faculté de Médecine, Lille, France.,Exploration de la Vision et Neuro-Ophtalmologie, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Cyntia Solis Hernandez
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Méjécase
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Said El Shamieh
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christel Condroyer
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Aline Antonio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences Montpellier, INSERM U1051, University of Monpellier, Montpellier, France.,National Center for Rare Genetic Retinal Dystrophies, Hôpital Guy de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Camille Andrieu
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | | | - Saddek Mohand-Said
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.,Académie des Sciences, Institut de France, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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Mole SE, Schulz A, Badoe E, Berkovic SF, de Los Reyes EC, Dulz S, Gissen P, Guelbert N, Lourenco CM, Mason HL, Mink JW, Murphy N, Nickel M, Olaya JE, Scarpa M, Scheffer IE, Simonati A, Specchio N, Von Löbbecke I, Wang RY, Williams RE. Guidelines on the diagnosis, clinical assessments, treatment and management for CLN2 disease patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:185. [PMID: 33882967 PMCID: PMC8059011 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01813-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CLN2 disease (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2) is an ultra-rare, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease, caused by an enzyme deficiency of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1). Lack of disease awareness and the non-specificity of presenting symptoms often leads to delayed diagnosis. These guidelines provide robust evidence-based, expert-agreed recommendations on the risks/benefits of disease-modifying treatments and the medical interventions used to manage this condition. Methods An expert mapping tool process was developed ranking multidisciplinary professionals, with knowledge of CLN2 disease, diagnostic or management experience of CLN2 disease, or family support professionals. Individuals were sequentially approached to identify two chairs, ensuring that the process was transparent and unbiased. A systematic literature review of published evidence using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance was independently and simultaneously conducted to develop key statements based upon the strength of the publications. Clinical care statements formed the basis of an international modified Delphi consensus determination process using the virtual meeting (Within3) online platform which requested experts to agree or disagree with any changes. Statements reaching the consensus mark became the guiding statements within this manuscript, which were subsequently assessed against the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREEII) criteria. Results Twenty-one international experts from 7 different specialities, including a patient advocate, were identified. Fifty-three guideline statements were developed covering 13 domains: General Description and Statements, Diagnostics, Clinical Recommendations and Management, Assessments, Interventions and Treatment, Additional Care Considerations, Social Care Considerations, Pain Management, Epilepsy / Seizures, Nutritional Care Interventions, Respiratory Health, Sleep and Rest, and End of Life Care. Consensus was reached after a single round of voting, with one exception which was revised, and agreed by 100% of the SC and achieved 80% consensus in the second voting round. The overall AGREE II assessment score obtained for the development of the guidelines was 5.7 (where 1 represents the lowest quality, and 7 represents the highest quality). Conclusion This program provides robust evidence- and consensus-driven guidelines that can be used by all healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with CLN2 disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. This addresses the clinical need to complement other information available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01813-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Schulz
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eben Badoe
- Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Austin Health Victoria, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Simon Dulz
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Gissen
- University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Charles M Lourenco
- Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Riberirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Jonathan W Mink
- Golisano Childrens' Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Noreen Murphy
- Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA), Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joffre E Olaya
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, CA, USA
| | - Maurizio Scarpa
- Regional Coordinating Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health Victoria, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.,Royal Children's Hospital, Florey and Murdoch Children's Research Institutes, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Raymond Y Wang
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, CA, USA
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35
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Himmelrich MD, Pritchard JM, Gutierrez C, Dutta TLM. Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity following status epilepticus in a 22-year-old with Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: A case report. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 15:100427. [PMID: 33681754 PMCID: PMC7930356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100427] [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: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Late sequalae of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis are seen in older patients. Status epilepticus may incite paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity in JNCL. PSH may be clinically confused with seizures in JNCL complicated by epilepsy. PSH can be found in a patient with JNCL without infection or inciting factors.
The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) refers to a group of rare neurolipidosis disorders characterized by progressive blindness, deterioration of speech and motor function, cognitive decline, behavior problems, seizures, and premature death. We report a case of a 22-year-old man with CLN3 variant, homozygous NCL (aka Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) complicated by epilepsy who presented with episodes of recurrent seizure-like activity following status epilepticus, but now without electrographic correlate. Episodes were accompanied by tachycardia, diaphoresis, hypertension, and a fearful facial expression likely representing paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH), and improved with administration of propranolol. It is possible that status epilepticus provoked these episodes of PSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly D Himmelrich
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer M Pritchard
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Camilo Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tara L M Dutta
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD, USA
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36
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Bunk J, Prieto Huarcaya S, Drobny A, Dobert JP, Walther L, Rose-John S, Arnold P, Zunke F. Cathepsin D Variants Associated With Neurodegenerative Diseases Show Dysregulated Functionality and Modified α-Synuclein Degradation Properties. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:581805. [PMID: 33681191 PMCID: PMC7928348 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.581805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin D (CTSD) is a lysosomal protease important for the degradation of various substrates, including disease-associated proteins like α-synuclein (a-syn), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau, all of which tend to aggregate if not efficiently degraded. Hence, it is not surprising that genetic variants within the CTSD gene have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease (PD, AD), as well as the lysosomal storage disorder neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type-10 (NCL10). Although recent studies have shown the molecular dependence of substrate degradation via CTSD within autophagic pathways, only little is known about the precise role of lysosomal CTSD function in disease development. We here performed biochemical, cellular and structural analyses of eleven disease-causing CTSD point mutations found in genomic sequencing data of patients to understand their role in neurodegeneration. These CTSD variants were analyzed for cellular localization, maturation and enzymatic activity in overexpression analyses. Moreover, for PD-associated mutants, intracellular degradation of a-syn was monitored. In summary, our results suggest that NCL10-associated CTSD variants are significantly impaired in lysosomal maturation and enzymatic activity, whereas the AD- and PD-associated variants seemed rather unaffected, indicating normal maturation, and lysosomal presence. Interestingly, a PD-associated CTSD variant (A239V) exhibited increased enzymatic activity accompanied by enhanced a-syn degradation. By structural analyses of this mutant utilizing molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), we identified a structural change within a loop adjacent to the catalytic center leading to a higher flexibility and potentially accelerated substrate exchange rates. Our data sheds light onto the role of CTSD in disease development and helps to understand the structural regulation of enzymatic function, which could be utilized for targeted CTSD activation. Because of the degradative function of CTSD, this enzyme is especially interesting for therapeutic strategies tackling protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josina Bunk
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susy Prieto Huarcaya
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alice Drobny
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Dobert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lina Walther
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Institute of Anatomy, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friederike Zunke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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37
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Dev N, Kumar R, Sharma S, Sharma MC. Batten's disease: A seizure disorder's battle for diagnosis. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 24:953-955. [PMID: 35359518 PMCID: PMC8965944 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_769_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Kaur R, Balaini N, Sharma S, Sharma SK. Lafora body disease: a case of progressive myoclonic epilepsy. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:e236971. [PMID: 33370974 PMCID: PMC7757443 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-236971] [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] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a progressive neurological disorder. Unfortunately, until now, no definitive curative treatment exists; however, it is of utmost importance to identify patients with PME. The underlying aetiology can be pinpointed if methodological clinical evaluation is performed, followed by subsequent genetic testing. We report a case of PME that was diagnosed as Lafora body disease. This case emphasises that, suspecting and identifying PME is important so as to start appropriate treatment and reduce the probability of morbidity and prognosticate the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjot Kaur
- Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
| | | | - Sudhir Sharma
- Neurology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases that together represent the most common cause of dementia in children. Phenotypically, patients have visual impairment, cognitive and motor decline, epilepsy, and premature death. A primary challenge is to halt and/or reverse these diseases, towards which developments in potential effective therapies are encouraging. Many treatments, including enzyme replacement therapy (for CLN1 and CLN2 diseases), stem-cell therapy (for CLN1, CLN2, and CLN8 diseases), gene therapy vector (for CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, CLN5, CLN6, CLN7, CLN10, and CLN11 diseases), and pharmacological drugs (for CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, and CLN6 diseases) have been evaluated for safety and efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Currently, cerliponase alpha for CLN2 disease is the only approved therapy for NCL. Lacking is any study of potential treatments for CLN4, CLN9, CLN12, CLN13 or CLN14 diseases. This review provides an overview of genetics for each CLN disease, and we discuss the current understanding from pre-clinical and clinical study of potential therapeutics. Various therapeutic interventions have been studied in many experimental animal models. Combination of treatments may be useful to slow or even halt disease progression; however, few therapies are unlikely to even partially reverse the disease and a complete reversal is currently improbable. Early diagnosis to allow initiation of therapy, when indicated, during asymptomatic stages is more important than ever.
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40
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Ortigoza-Escobar JD. A Proposed Diagnostic Algorithm for Inborn Errors of Metabolism Presenting With Movements Disorders. Front Neurol 2020; 11:582160. [PMID: 33281718 PMCID: PMC7691570 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.582160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited metabolic diseases or inborn errors of metabolism frequently manifest with both hyperkinetic (dystonia, chorea, myoclonus, ataxia, tremor, etc.) and hypokinetic (rigid-akinetic syndrome) movement disorders. The diagnosis of these diseases is in many cases difficult, because the same movement disorder can be caused by several diseases. Through a literature review, two hundred and thirty one inborn errors of metabolism presenting with movement disorders have been identified. Fifty-one percent of these diseases exhibits two or more movement disorders, of which ataxia and dystonia are the most frequent. Taking into account the wide range of these disorders, a methodical evaluation system needs to be stablished. This work proposes a six-step diagnostic algorithm for the identification of inborn errors of metabolism presenting with movement disorders comprising red flags, characterization of the movement disorders phenotype (type of movement disorder, age and nature of onset, distribution and temporal pattern) and other neurological and non-neurological signs, minimal biochemical investigation to diagnose treatable diseases, radiological patterns, genetic testing and ultimately, symptomatic, and disease-specific treatment. As a strong action, it is emphasized not to miss any treatable inborn error of metabolism through the algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Darío Ortigoza-Escobar
- Movement Disorders Unit, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER-ISCIII and European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Barcelona, Spain
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41
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Kinarivala N, Morsy A, Patel R, Carmona AV, Sajib MS, Raut S, Mikelis CM, Al-Ahmad A, Trippier PC. An iPSC-Derived Neuron Model of CLN3 Disease Facilitates Small Molecule Phenotypic Screening. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:931-947. [PMID: 33073192 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of rare lysosomal storage disorders. The most common form of NCL occurs in children harboring a mutation in the CLN3 gene. This form is lethal with no existing cure or treatment beyond symptomatic relief. The pathophysiology of CLN3 disease is complex and poorly understood, with current in vivo and in vitro models failing to identify pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention. This study reports the characterization of the first CLN3 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived model of the blood-brain barrier and establishes the suitability of an iPSC-derived neuron model of the disease to facilitate compound screening. Upon differentiation, hallmarks of CLN3 disease are apparent, including lipofuscin and subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and attenuated Bcl-2 expression. The model led to the identification of small molecules that cleared subunit c accumulation by mTOR-independent modulation of autophagy, conferred protective effects through induction of Bcl-2 and rescued mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Kinarivala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Ronak Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Angelica V Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Md Sanaullah Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Snehal Raut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Abraham Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas 79106, United States.,UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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Huber RJ. Molecular networking in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: insights from mammalian models and the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:64. [PMID: 32430003 PMCID: PMC7238602 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, belong to a family of neurological disorders that cause blindness, seizures, loss of motor function and cognitive ability, and premature death. There are 13 different subtypes of NCL that are associated with mutations in 13 genetically distinct genes (CLN1-CLN8, CLN10-CLN14). Similar clinical and pathological profiles of the different NCL subtypes suggest that common disease mechanisms may be involved. As a result, there have been many efforts to determine how NCL proteins are connected at the cellular level. A main driving force for NCL research has been the utilization of mammalian and non-mammalian cellular models to study the mechanisms underlying the disease. One non-mammalian model that has provided significant insight into NCL protein function is the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Accumulated data from Dictyostelium and mammalian cells show that NCL proteins display similar localizations, have common binding partners, and regulate the expression and activities of one another. In addition, genetic models of NCL display similar phenotypes. This review integrates findings from Dictyostelium and mammalian models of NCL to highlight our understanding of the molecular networking of NCL proteins. The goal here is to help set the stage for future work to reveal the cellular mechanisms underlying the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 0G2, Canada.
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Kozina AA, Okuneva EG, Baryshnikova NV, Kondakova OB, Nikolaeva EA, Fedoniuk ID, Mikhailova SV, Krasnenko AY, Stetsenko IF, Plotnikov NA, Klimchuk OI, Popov YV, Surkova EI, Shatalov PA, Rakitko AS, Ilinsky VV. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in the Russian population: Two novel mutations and the prevalence of heterozygous carriers. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1228. [PMID: 32412666 PMCID: PMC7336735 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by an accumulation of lipofuscin in the body's tissues. NCLs are associated with variable age of onset and progressive symptoms including seizures, psychomotor decline, and loss of vision. Methods We describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of four Russian patients with NCL (one female and three males, with ages ranging from 4 to 5 years). The clinical features of these patients include cognitive and motor deterioration, seizures, stereotypies, and magnetic resonance imaging signs of brain atrophy. Exome sequencing was performed to identify the genetic variants of patients with NCL. Additionally, we tested 6,396 healthy Russians for NCL alleles. Results We identified five distinct mutations in four NCL‐associated genes of which two mutations are novel. These include a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the CLN6 gene, a compound heterozygous missense mutation in the KCTD7 gene, and previously known mutations in KCTD7, TPP1, and MFSD8 genes. Furthermore, we estimated the Russian population carrier frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in 13 genes associated with different types of NCL. Conclusion Our study expands the spectrum of mutations in lipofuscinosis. This is the first study to describe the molecular basis of NCLs in Russia and has profound and numerous clinical implications for diagnosis, genetic counseling, genotype–phenotype correlations, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya A Kozina
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Natalia V Baryshnikova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Genotek Ltd., Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga B Kondakova
- Scientific and Practical Centre of Pediatric Psychoneurology of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Nikolaeva
- Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter A Shatalov
- Genotek Ltd., Moscow, Russia.,Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Rakitko
- Genotek Ltd., Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valery V Ilinsky
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Genotek Ltd., Moscow, Russia.,Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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Domowicz MS, Chan WC, Claudio-Vázquez P, Henry JG, Ware CB, Andrade J, Dawson G, Schwartz NB. Global Brain Transcriptome Analysis of a Tpp1 Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Mouse Model. ASN Neuro 2020; 11:1759091419843393. [PMID: 31003587 PMCID: PMC6475859 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419843393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, homozygous mutations in the TPP1 gene results in loss
of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzymatic activity, leading to late infantile
neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses disease. Using a mouse model that targets the
Tpp1 gene and recapitulates the pathology and clinical
features of the human disease, we analyzed end-stage (4 months) transcriptional
changes associated with lack of TPP1 activity. Using RNA sequencing technology,
Tpp1 expression changes in the forebrain/midbrain and
cerebellum of 4-month-old homozygotes were compared with strain-related
controls. Transcriptional changes were found in 510 and 1,550 gene transcripts
in forebrain/midbrain and cerebellum, respectively, from
Tpp1-deficient brain tissues when compared with age-matched
controls. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes using the Ingenuity™
pathway software, revealed increased neuroinflammation activity in microglia and
astrocytes that could lead to neuronal dysfunction, particularly in the
cerebellum. We also observed upregulation in the production of nitric oxide and
reactive oxygen species; activation of leukocyte extravasation signals and
complement pathways; and downregulation of major transcription factors involved
in control of circadian rhythm. Several of these expression changes were
confirmed by independent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological
analysis by mRNA in situ hybridization, which allowed for an
in-depth anatomical analysis of the pathology and provided independent
confirmation of at least two of the major networks affected in this model. The
identification of differentially expressed genes has revealed new lines of
investigation for this complex disorder that may lead to novel therapeutic
targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Domowicz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Judith G Henry
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher B Ware
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- 2 Center for Research Informatics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Glyn Dawson
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy B Schwartz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA.,3 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
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Masten MC, Williams JD, Vermilion J, Adams HR, Vierhile A, Collins A, Marshall FJ, Augustine EF, Mink JW. The CLN3 Disease Staging System: A new tool for clinical research in Batten disease. Neurology 2020; 94:e2436-e2440. [PMID: 32300063 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a disease-specific staging system for CLN3 disease and to test the hypothesis that salient and discrete clinical features of CLN3 disease may be used to define disease stages by analyzed data from an 18-year-long natural history study. METHODS A proposed staging system, the CLN3 Staging System (CLN3SS), was based on salient and clinically meaningful endpoints. The relationships between stage and age, stage and Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS) physical severity score, and stage and UBDRS capability impairment subscale scores were determined. We used t tests to determine whether the stages were significantly different from each other on the basis of age and scores. RESULTS Data were analyzed from 322 evaluations in 108 individuals. There were significant differences among the stages based on age and severity scores. For individuals with longitudinal data, no individual reverted to a less severe stage over time. CONCLUSION The CLN3SS is a disease-specific staging system that can be used to classify individuals into specific strata based on age and disease severity. The CLN3SS has potential applications in clinical trials for cohort stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux C Masten
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY.
| | - Justin D Williams
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Jennifer Vermilion
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Heather R Adams
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Amy Vierhile
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Alyssa Collins
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Frederick J Marshall
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Erika F Augustine
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- From the Departments of Neurology (M.C.M., J.D.W., J.V., H.R.A., A.V., A.C., F.J.M., E.F.A., J.W.M.), Neuroscience (J.W.M.), and Pediatrics (J.V., H.R.A., E.F.A., J.W.M.) and Center for Health and Technology (E.F.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and University of Rochester School of Nursing (A.V.), NY
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Johnson TB, Brudvig JJ, Lehtimäki KK, Cain JT, White KA, Bragge T, Rytkönen J, Huhtala T, Timm D, Vihma M, Puoliväli JT, Poutiainen P, Nurmi A, Weimer JM. A multimodal approach to identify clinically relevant biomarkers to comprehensively monitor disease progression in a mouse model of pediatric neurodegenerative disease. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 189:101789. [PMID: 32198061 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While research has accelerated the development of new treatments for pediatric neurodegenerative disorders, the ability to demonstrate the long-term efficacy of these therapies has been hindered by the lack of convincing, noninvasive methods for tracking disease progression both in animal models and in human clinical trials. Here, we unveil a new translational platform for tracking disease progression in an animal model of a pediatric neurodegenerative disorder, CLN6-Batten disease. Instead of looking at a handful of parameters or a single "needle in a haystack", we embrace the idea that disease progression, in mice and patients alike, is a diverse phenomenon best characterized by a combination of relevant biomarkers. Thus, we employed a multi-modal quantitative approach where 144 parameters were longitudinally monitored to allow for individual variability. We use a range of noninvasive neuroimaging modalities and kinematic gait analysis, all methods that parallel those commonly used in the clinic, followed by a powerful statistical platform to identify key progressive anatomical and metabolic changes that correlate strongly with the progression of pathological and behavioral deficits. This innovative, highly sensitive platform can be used as a powerful tool for preclinical studies on neurodegenerative diseases, and provides proof-of-principle for use as a potentially translatable tool for clinicians in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jon J Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | | | - Jacob T Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Timo Bragge
- Discovery Research Services, Charles River, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Rytkönen
- Discovery Research Services, Charles River, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuulia Huhtala
- Discovery Research Services, Charles River, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Derek Timm
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Maria Vihma
- Discovery Research Services, Charles River, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Pekka Poutiainen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Nurmi
- Discovery Research Services, Charles River, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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Nunes A, Meira J, Cunha C, Veiga M, Magalhães APSD, Málaga DR, Giugliani R, Leão EKE. A Case Report on the Challenging Diagnosis of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 (CLN2). JOURNAL OF INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM AND SCREENING 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/2326-4594-jiems-2020-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Meira
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil; Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Giugliani
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Nelvagal HR, Cooper JD. An update on the progress of preclinical models for guiding therapeutic management of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1703672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Ramesh Nelvagal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of genetics and genomics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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Rosenberg JB, Chen A, Kaminsky SM, Crystal RG, Sondhi D. Advances in the Treatment of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019; 7:473-500. [PMID: 33365208 PMCID: PMC7755158 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1684258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) represent a class of neurodegenerative disorders involving defective lysosomal processing enzymes or receptors, leading to lysosomal storage disorders, typically characterized by observation of cognitive and visual impairments, epileptic seizures, ataxia, and deterioration of motor skills. Recent success of a biologic (Brineura®) for the treatment of neurologic manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) has led to renewed interest in therapeutics for NCL, with the goal of ablating or reversing the impact of these devastating disorders. Despite complex challenges associated with CNS therapy, many treatment modalities have been evaluated, including enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and small molecule pharmacotherapy. Because the clinical endpoints for the evaluation of candidate therapies are complex and often reliant on subjective clinical scales, the development of quantitative biomarkers for NCLs has become an apparent necessity for the validation of potential treatments. We will discuss the latest findings in the search for relevant biomarkers for assessing disease progression. For this review, we will focus primarily on recent pre-clinical and clinical developments for treatments to halt or cure these NCL diseases. Continued development of current therapies and discovery of newer modalities will be essential for successful therapeutics for NCL. AREAS COVERED The reader will be introduced to the NCL subtypes, natural histories, experimental animal models, and biomarkers for NCL progression; challenges and different therapeutic approaches, and the latest pre-clinical and clinical research for therapeutic development for the various NCLs. This review corresponds to the literatures covering the years from 1968 to mid-2019, but primarily addresses pre-clinical and clinical developments for the treatment of NCL disease in the last decade and as a follow-up to our 2013 review of the same topic in this journal. EXPERT OPINION Much progress has been made in the treatment of neurologic diseases, such as the NCLs, including better animal models and improved therapeutics with better survival outcomes. Encouraging results are being reported at symposiums and in the literature, with multiple therapeutics reaching the clinical trial stage for the NCLs. The potential for a cure could be at hand after many years of trial and error in the preclinical studies. The clinical development of enzyme replacement therapy (Brineura® for CLN2), immunosuppression (CellCept® for CLN3), and gene therapy vectors (for CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, and CLN6) are providing encouragement to families that have a child afflicted with NCL. We believe that successful therapies in the future may involve the combination of two or more therapeutic modalities to provide therapeutic benefit especially as the patients grow older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Rosenberg
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Alvin Chen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Wright GA, Georgiou M, Robson AG, Ali N, Kalhoro A, Holthaus SK, Pontikos N, Oluonye N, de Carvalho ER, Neveu MM, Weleber RG, Michaelides M. Juvenile Batten Disease (CLN3): Detailed Ocular Phenotype, Novel Observations, Delayed Diagnosis, Masquerades, and Prospects for Therapy. Ophthalmol Retina 2019; 4:433-445. [PMID: 31926949 PMCID: PMC7479512 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the retinal phenotype of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), highlight delayed and mistaken diagnosis, and propose an algorithm for early identification. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Eight children (5 female) with JNCL. Methods Review of clinical notes, retinal imaging including fundus autofluorescence and OCT, electroretinography (ERG), and both microscopy and molecular genetic testing. Main Outcome Measurements Demographic data, signs and symptoms, visual acuity (VA), fundus autofluorescence and OCT findings, ERG phenotype, and microscopy/molecular genetics. Results Participants presented with rapid bilateral vision loss over 1 to 18 months, with mean VA deteriorating from 0.44 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range, 0.20–1.78 logMAR) at baseline to 1.34 logMAR (0.30 logMAR - light perception) at last follow-up. Age of onset ranged from 3 to 7 years (mean, 5.3 years). The age at diagnosis of JNCL ranged from 7 to 10 years (mean, 8.3 years). Six children displayed eccentric fixation, and 6 children had cognitive or neurologic signs at the time of diagnosis (75%). Seven patients had bilateral bull’s-eye maculopathy at presentation. Coats-like exudative vasculopathy, not previously reported in JNCL, was observed in 1 patient. OCT imaging revealed near complete loss of outer retinal layers and marked atrophy of the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers at the central macula. An electronegative ERG was present in 4 patients (50%), but with additional a-wave reduction, there was an undetectable ERG in the remaining 4 patients. Blood film microscopy revealed vacuolated lymphocytes, and electron microscopy showed lysosomal (fingerprint) inclusions in all 8 patients. Conclusions In a young child with bilateral rapidly progressive vision loss and macular disturbance, blood film microscopy to detect vacuolated lymphocytes is a rapid, readily accessible, and sensitive screening test for JNCL. Early suspicion of JNCL can be aided by detailed directed history and high-resolution retinal imaging, with subsequent targeted microscopy/genetic testing. Early diagnosis is critical to ensure appropriate management, counseling, support, and social care for children and their families. Furthermore, although potential therapies for this group of disorders are in early-phase clinical trial, realistic expectations are that successful intervention will be most effective when initiated at the earliest stage of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve A Wright
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony G Robson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naser Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sm Kleine Holthaus
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Magella M Neveu
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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