1
|
Garofalo M, Vansenne F, Sival DA, Verbeek DS. Pathogenetic Insights into Developmental Coordination Disorder Reveal Substantial Overlap with Movement Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1625. [PMID: 38137073 PMCID: PMC10741651 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by non-progressive central motor impairments. Mild movement disorder features have been observed in DCD. Until now, the etiology of DCD has been unclear. Recent studies suggested a genetic substrate in some patients with DCD, but comprehensive knowledge about associated genes and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms is still lacking. In this study, we first identified genes described in the literature in patients with a diagnosis of DCD according to the official diagnostic criteria. Second, we exposed the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of DCD, by investigating tissue- and temporal gene expression patterns and brain-specific biological mechanisms. Third, we explored putative shared pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD and frequent movement disorders with a known genetic component, including ataxia, chorea, dystonia, and myoclonus. We identified 12 genes associated with DCD in the literature, which are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system throughout brain development. These genes are involved in cellular processes, neural signaling, and nervous system development. There was a remarkable overlap (62%) in pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD-associated genes and genes linked with movement disorders. Our findings suggest that some patients might have a genetic etiology of DCD, which could be considered part of a pathogenetic movement disorder spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martinica Garofalo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (D.A.S.)
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Fleur Vansenne
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah A. Sival
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (D.A.S.)
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Dineke S. Verbeek
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
The term SCA refers to a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias. Phenotypically they present as gait ataxia frequently in combination with dysarthria and oculomotor problems. Additional signs and symptoms are common and can include various pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs and intellectual impairment. Genetic causes of SCAs are either repeat expansions within disease genes or common mutations (point mutations, deletions, insertions etc.). Frequently the two types of mutations cause indistinguishable phenotypes (locus heterogeneity). This article focuses on SCAs caused by common mutations. It describes phenotype and genotype of the presently 27 types known and discusses the molecular pathogenesis in those 21 types where the disease gene has been identified. Apart from the dominant types, the article also summarizes findings in a variant caused by mutations in a mitochondrial gene. Possible common disease mechanisms are considered based on findings in the various SCAs described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Müller
- Institute of Human Genetics, JLU-Gießen, Schlangenzahl 14, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang SQ, Fleischer J, Al-Kateb H, Mito Y, Amarillo I, Shinawi M. Intragenic CNTN4 copy number variants associated with a spectrum of neurobehavioral phenotypes. Eur J Med Genet 2019; 63:103736. [PMID: 31422286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Deletions and duplications involving the CNTN4 gene, which encodes for the contactin 4 protein, have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental phenotypes. In this study, we performed clinical and genetic characterization of three individuals from unrelated families with copy number variants (CNV) (one deletion and two duplications) within CNTN4. The patients exhibited cognitive delay (3/3), growth restriction (3/3), motor delay (2/3), and febrile seizure/epilepsy (2/3). In contrast to previous reports, all probands presented with speech apraxia or delay with no diagnosis of ASD. Parental studies for the proband with the deletion and one of the 2 probands with the duplication revealed paternal origin of the CNTN4 CNV. Interestingly, previously documented CNV involving this gene were mostly inherited from unaffected fathers, raising questions regarding reduced penetrance and potential parent-of-origin effect. Our findings are compared with previously reported patients and patients in the DECIPHER database. The speech impairment in the three probands suggests a role for CNTN4 in language development. We discuss potential factors contributing to phenotypic heterogeneity and reduced penetrance and attempt to find possible genotype-phenotype correlation. Larger cohorts are needed for comprehensive and unbiased phenotyping and molecular characterization that may lead to better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of reduced penetrance, variable expressivity, and potential parent-of-origin effect of copy number variants encompassing CNTN4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Fleischer
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Hussam Al-Kateb
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yoshiko Mito
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ina Amarillo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marwan Shinawi
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang L, Hao Y, Yu P, Cao Z, Zhang J, Zhang X, Chen Y, Zhang H, Gu W. Identification of a Splicing Mutation in ITPR1 via WES in a Chinese Early-Onset Spinocerebellar Ataxia Family. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:294-299. [PMID: 29196976 PMCID: PMC5966481 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type 1 gene (ITPR1) lead to SCA15, SCA16, and SCA29. To date, only a few families with SCA29 have been reported. A three-generation Chinese family including four affected persons and two unaffected persons were enrolled in this study. We conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the proband DNA initially to find the causal gene. We ascertained the family with autosomal dominant type of congenital nonprogressive cerebellar ataxia (CNPCA) associated with delayed motor and cognitive impairment. WES study was performed with two patients and identified c.1207-2A–T transition, in exon 14 of ITPR1, which was a splicing mutation. Sanger sequencing showed that four patients within this family carried the mutation and two unaffected members did not carry it. The results showed that the novel splicing mutation of ITPR1 was the causative gene for SCA29. In conclusion, we identified a novel SCA29 causative splicing mutation of ITPR1 in a Chinese family. We suggest ITPR1 gene analysis shall be a priority for diagnosis of patients with early-onset CNPCA. Our study demonstrated that whole-exome sequencing might rapidly improve the diagnosis of genetic ataxias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hao
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Yu
- Precisionmdx Inc., 6th Floor, 35 Huayuanbeilu, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Cao
- Precisionmdx Inc., 6th Floor, 35 Huayuanbeilu, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Precisionmdx Inc., 6th Floor, 35 Huayuanbeilu, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Gu
- Movement Disorder and Neurogenetics Research Center, Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chatterjee M, Schild D, Teunissen CE. Contactins in the central nervous system: role in health and disease. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:206-216. [PMID: 30530999 PMCID: PMC6301169 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.244776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Contactins are a group of cell adhesion molecules that are mainly expressed in the brain and play pivotal roles in the organization of axonal domains, axonal guidance, neuritogenesis, neuronal development, synapse formation and plasticity, axo-glia interactions and neural regeneration. Contactins comprise a family of six members. Their absence leads to malformed axons and impaired nerve conduction. Contactin mediated protein complex formation is critical for the organization of the axon in early central nervous system development. Mutations and differential expression of contactins have been identified in neuro-developmental or neurological disorders. Taken together, contactins are extensively studied in the context of nervous system development. This review summarizes the physiological roles of all six members of the Contactin family in neurodevelopment as well as their involvement in neurological/neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Chatterjee
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Detlev Schild
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Cellular Biophysics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Excellence Cluster 171, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charlotte E. Teunissen
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A current view on contactin-4, -5, and -6: Implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 81:72-83. [PMID: 28064060 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Contactins (Cntns) are a six-member subgroup of the immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule superfamily (IgCAMs) with pronounced brain expression and function. Recent genetic studies of neuropsychiatric disorders have pinpointed contactin-4 (CNTN4), contactin-5 (CNTN5) and contactin-6 (CNTN6) as candidate genes in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but also in intellectual disability, schizophrenia (SCZ), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), alcohol use disorder (AUD) and anorexia nervosa (AN). This suggests that they have important functions during neurodevelopment. This suggestion is supported by data showing that neurite outgrowth, cell survival and neural circuit formation can be affected by disruption of these genes. Here, we review the current genetic data about their involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders and explore studies on how null mutations affect mouse behavior. Finally, we highlight to role of protein-protein interactions in the potential mechanism of action of Cntn4, -5 and -6 and emphasize that complexes with other membrane proteins may play a role in neuronal developmental functions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tipton PW, Guthrie K, Strongosky A, Reimer R, Wszolek ZK. Spinocerebellar ataxia 15: A phenotypic review and expansion. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2016; 51:86-91. [PMID: 27908616 DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia 15 (SCA15) is a clinically heterogeneous movement disorder characterized by the adult onset of slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. ITPR1 is the SCA15 causative gene. However, despite numerous reports of genetically-confirmed SCA15, phenotypic uncertainty persists. We reviewed the phenotypes of 60 patients for whom SCA15 was confirmed by the presence of a genetic deletion involving ITPR1. The most prevalent symptoms were gait ataxia (88.3%), dysarthria (75.0%), nystagmus (73.3%), and limb ataxia (71.7%). We also present a novel SCA15 phenotype in a woman with an ITPR1 variant found to have hydrocephalus that improved with ventriculoperitoneal shunting. This is the first reported case of hydrocephalus associated with SCA15. In this review, we analyzed previously reported SCA15 phenotypes and present a novel SCA15 phenotype. We also address important considerations for evaluating patients with complex hereditary movement disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip W Tipton
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.
| | - Kimberly Guthrie
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.
| | - Audrey Strongosky
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.
| | - Ronald Reimer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zuko A, Kleijer KTE, Oguro-Ando A, Kas MJH, van Daalen E, van der Zwaag B, Burbach JPH. Contactins in the neurobiology of autism. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 719:63-74. [PMID: 23872404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a disease of brain plasticity. Inspiring work of Willem Hendrik Gispen on neuronal plasticity has stimulated us to investigate gene defects in autism and the consequences for brain development. The central process in the pathogenesis of autism is local dendritic mRNA translation which is dependent on axodendritic communication. Hence, most autism-related gene products (i) are part of the protein synthesis machinery itself, (ii) are components of the mTOR signal transduction pathway, or (iii) shape synaptic activity and plasticity. Accordingly, prototype drugs have been recognized that interfere with these pathways. The contactin (CNTN) family of Ig cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) harbours at least three members that have genetically been implicated in autism: CNTN4, CNTN5, and CNTN6. In this chapter we review the genetic and neurobiological data underpinning their role in normal and abnormal development of brain systems, and the consequences for behavior. Although data on each of these CNTNs are far from complete, we tentatively conclude that these three contactins play roles in brain development in a critical phase of establishing brain systems and their plasticity. They modulate neuronal activities, such as neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, survival, guidance of projections and terminal branching of axons in forming neural circuits. Current research on these CNTNs concentrate on the neurobiological mechanism of their developmental functions. A future task will be to establish if proposed pharmacological strategies to counteract ASD-related symptomes can also be applied to reversal of phenotypes caused by genetic defects in these CNTN genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amila Zuko
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel T E Kleijer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van Daalen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, UMC Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kasumu A, Bezprozvanny I. Deranged calcium signaling in Purkinje cells and pathogenesis in spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2) and other ataxias. THE CEREBELLUM 2012; 11:630-9. [PMID: 20480274 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-010-0182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of more than 30 autosomal-dominant genetic and neurodegenerative disorders. SCAs are generally characterized by progressive ataxia and cerebellar atrophy. Although all SCA patients present with the phenotypic overlap of cerebellar atrophy and ataxia, 17 different gene loci have so far been implicated as culprits in these SCAs. It is not currently understood how mutations in these 17 proteins lead to the cerebellar atrophy and ataxia. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been studied in SCAs but there is yet to be a promising target for successful treatment of SCAs. Emerging research suggests that a fundamental cellular signaling pathway is disrupted by a majority of these mutated genes, which could explain the characteristic death of Purkinje cells, cerebellar atrophy, and ataxia that occur in many SCAs. We propose that mutations in SCA genes cause disruptions in multiple cellular pathways but the characteristic SCA pathogenesis does not begin until calcium signaling pathways are disrupted in cerebellar Purkinje cells either as a result of an excitotoxic increase or a compensatory suppression of calcium signaling. We argue that disruptions in Purkinje cell calcium signaling lead to initial cerebellar dysfunction and ataxic sympoms and eventually proceed to Purkinje cell death. Here, we discuss a calcium hypothesis of Purkinje cell neurodegeneration in SCAs by primarily focusing on an example of spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2). We will also present evidence linking deranged calcium signaling to the pathogenesis of other SCAs (SCA1, 3, 5, 6, 14, 15/16) that lead to significant Purkinje cell dysfunction and loss in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adebimpe Kasumu
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 15 (SCA15), first described in 2001, is a slowly progressive, relatively pure dominantly inherited ataxia. Six pedigrees have been reported to date, in Anglo-Celtic and Japanese populations. Other than notably slow progression, its main distinguishing characteristic is tremor, often affecting the head, which is seen in about half of affecteds and which may be the presenting feature. Neuroradiology shows cerebellar atrophy, particularly affecting the anterior and dorsal vermis. SCA15 is due to various deletions of the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor 1 gene (ITPR1) on the distal short arm of chromosome 3. The potential of point mutations in ITPR1 to cause SCA15 is not yet confirmed. "SCA16" has now been shown to be due to an ITPR1 mutation, and has now been subsumed into SCA15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University (Alfred Hospital Campus), Melbourne, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Whaley NR, Fujioka S, Wszolek ZK. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type I: a review of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011; 6:33. [PMID: 21619691 PMCID: PMC3123548 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-6-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) is a type of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) characterized by ataxia with other neurological signs, including oculomotor disturbances, cognitive deficits, pyramidal and extrapyramidal dysfunction, bulbar, spinal and peripheral nervous system involvement. The global prevalence of this disease is not known. The most common type I ADCA is SCA3 followed by SCA2, SCA1, and SCA8, in descending order. Founder effects no doubt contribute to the variable prevalence between populations. Onset is usually in adulthood but cases of presentation in childhood have been reported. Clinical features vary depending on the SCA subtype but by definition include ataxia associated with other neurological manifestations. The clinical spectrum ranges from pure cerebellar signs to constellations including spinal cord and peripheral nerve disease, cognitive impairment, cerebellar or supranuclear ophthalmologic signs, psychiatric problems, and seizures. Cerebellar ataxia can affect virtually any body part causing movement abnormalities. Gait, truncal, and limb ataxia are often the most obvious cerebellar findings though nystagmus, saccadic abnormalities, and dysarthria are usually associated. To date, 21 subtypes have been identified: SCA1-SCA4, SCA8, SCA10, SCA12-SCA14, SCA15/16, SCA17-SCA23, SCA25, SCA27, SCA28 and dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). Type I ADCA can be further divided based on the proposed pathogenetic mechanism into 3 subclasses: subclass 1 includes type I ADCA caused by CAG repeat expansions such as SCA1-SCA3, SCA17, and DRPLA, subclass 2 includes trinucleotide repeat expansions that fall outside of the protein-coding regions of the disease gene including SCA8, SCA10 and SCA12. Subclass 3 contains disorders caused by specific gene deletions, missense mutation, and nonsense mutation and includes SCA13, SCA14, SCA15/16, SCA27 and SCA28. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, genetic molecular testing, and exclusion of other diseases. Differential diagnosis is broad and includes secondary ataxias caused by drug or toxic effects, nutritional deficiencies, endocrinopathies, infections and post-infection states, structural abnormalities, paraneoplastic conditions and certain neurodegenerative disorders. Given the autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, genetic counseling is essential and best performed in specialized genetic clinics. There are currently no known effective treatments to modify disease progression. Care is therefore supportive. Occupational and physical therapy for gait dysfunction and speech therapy for dysarthria is essential. Prognosis is variable depending on the type of ADCA and even among kindreds.
Collapse
|
12
|
Nanomechanics of Ig-like domains of human contactin (BIG-2). J Mol Model 2011; 17:2313-23. [PMID: 21445711 PMCID: PMC3168757 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-011-1010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Contactins are modular extracellular cell matrix proteins that are present in the brain, and they are responsible for the proper development and functioning of neurons. They contain six immunoglobulin-like IgC2 domains and four fibronectin type III repeats. The interactions of contactin with other proteins are poorly understood. The mechanical properties of all IgC2 domains of human contactin 4 were studied using a steered molecular dynamics approach and CHARMM force field with an explicit TIP3P water environment on a 10-ns timescale. Force spectra of all domains were determined computationally and the nanomechanical unfolding process is described. The domains show different mechanical stabilities. The calculated maxima of the unfolding force are in the range of 900–1700 pN at a loading rate of 7 N/s. Our data indicate that critical regions of IgC2 domains 2 and 3, which are responsible for interactions with tyrosine phosphatases and are important in nervous system development, are affected by even weak mechanical stretching. Thus, tensions present in the cell may modulate cellular activities related to contactin function. The present data should facilitate the interpretation of atomic force microscope single-molecule spectra of numerous proteins with similar IgC2 motives. The general fold of IgC2 domains of contactin 4 protein. Vectors show directions of pulling forces applied in mechanical unfolding computer experiments. ![]()
Collapse
|
13
|
Cottrell CE, Bir N, Varga E, Alvarez CE, Bouyain S, Zernzach R, Thrush DL, Evans J, Trimarchi M, Butter EM, Cunningham D, Gastier-Foster JM, McBride KL, Herman GE. Contactin 4 as an autism susceptibility locus. Autism Res 2011; 4:189-99. [PMID: 21308999 DOI: 10.1002/aur.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Structural and sequence variation have been described in several members of the contactin (CNTN) and contactin-associated protein (CNTNAP) gene families in association with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Using array comparative genome hybridization (CGH), we identified a maternally inherited ∼535 kb deletion at 3p26.3 encompassing the 5' end of the contactin 4 gene (CNTN4) in a patient with autism. Based on this finding and previous reports implicating genomic rearrangements of CNTN4 in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and 3p- microdeletion syndrome, we undertook sequencing of the coding regions of the gene in a local ASD cohort in comparison with a set of controls. Unique missense variants were identified in 4 of 75 unrelated individuals with ASD, as well as in 1 of 107 controls. All of the amino acid substitutions were nonsynonomous, occurred at evolutionarily conserved positions, and were, thus, felt likely to be deleterious. However, these data did not reach statistical significance, nor did the variants segregate with disease within all of the ASD families. Finally, there was no detectable difference in binding of two of the variants to the interacting protein PTPRG in vitro. Thus, additional larger studies will be necessary to determine whether CNTN4 functions as an autism susceptibility locus in combination with other genetic and/or environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Cottrell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bezprozvanny I. Role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in pathogenesis of Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxias. Neurochem Res 2011; 36:1186-97. [PMID: 21210219 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-010-0393-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorders. HD is caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the amino-terminal region of a protein huntingtin (Htt) and primarily affects medium spiny striatal neurons (MSN). Many SCAs are caused by polyQ-expansion in ataxin proteins and primarily affect cerebellar Purkinje cells. The reasons for neuronal dysfunction and death in HD and SCAs remain poorly understood and no cure is available for the patients. Our laboratory discovered that mutant huntingtin, ataxin-2 and ataxin-3 proteins specifically bind to the carboxy-terminal region of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1), an intracellular Ca(2+) release channel. Moreover, we found that association of mutant huntingtin or ataxins with IP(3)R1 causes sensitization of IP(3)R1 to activation by IP(3) in planar lipid bilayers and in neuronal cells. These results suggested that deranged neuronal Ca(2+) signaling might play an important role in pathogenesis of HD, SCA2 and SCA3. In support of this idea, we demonstrated a connection between abnormal Ca(2+) signaling and neuronal cell death in experiments with HD, SCA2 and SCA3 transgenic mouse models. Additional data in the literature indicate that abnormal neuronal Ca(2+) signaling may also play an important role in pathogenesis of SCAl, SCA5, SCA6, SCA14 and SCA15/16. Based on these results I propose that IP(3)R and other Ca(2+) signaling proteins should be considered as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of HD and SCAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Department of Physiology, ND12.200AA, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9040, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Spears MD, Melton S, Mao Q, Payne D, Rakheja D, Hatanpaa KJ, Burns DK, Sequeiros J, Alonso I. Ataxia and Progressive Encephalopathy in a 4-Year-Old Girl. Lab Med 2010. [DOI: 10.1309/lmsgol1i3u5qtwrs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
16
|
Manderson EN, Birch AH, Shen Z, Mes-Masson AM, Provencher D, Tonin PN. Molecular Genetic Analysis of a Cell Adhesion Molecule With Homology to L1CAM, Contactin 6, and Contactin 4 Candidate Chromosome 3p26pter Tumor Suppressor Genes in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2009; 19:513-25. [DOI: 10.1111/igc.0b013e3181a3cd38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
|
17
|
Prakash S, Malhotra M. Recent Advancements in Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Molecules in Neurodegenerative Disease–-Spinocerebellar Ataxia–-Opportunities and Challenges. Drug Target Insights 2008. [DOI: 10.4137/dti.s378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satya Prakash
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Artificial Cells and Organs Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Meenakshi Malhotra
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Artificial Cells and Organs Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kaneko-Goto T, Yoshihara SI, Miyazaki H, Yoshihara Y. BIG-2 mediates olfactory axon convergence to target glomeruli. Neuron 2008; 57:834-46. [PMID: 18367085 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory sensory neurons expressing a given odorant receptor converge axons onto a few topographically fixed glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, leading to establishment of the odor map. Here, we report that BIG-2/contactin-4, an axonal glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is expressed in a subpopulation of mouse olfactory sensory neurons. A mosaic pattern of glomerular arrangement is observed with strongly BIG-2-positive, weakly positive, and negative axon terminals in the olfactory bulb, which is overlapping but not identical with those of Kirrel2 and ephrin-A5. There is a close correlation between the BIG-2 expression level and the odorant receptor choice in individual sensory neurons. In BIG-2-deficient mice, olfactory sensory neurons expressing a given odorant receptor frequently innervate multiple glomeruli at ectopic locations. These results suggest that BIG-2 is one of the axon guidance molecules crucial for the formation and maintenance of functional odor map in the olfactory bulb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Kaneko-Goto
- Laboratory for Neurobiology of Synapse, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tanaka E, Maruyama H, Morino H, Nakajima E, Kawakami H. The CNTN4 c.4256C>T mutation is rare in Japanese with inherited spinocerebellar ataxia. J Neurol Sci 2007; 266:180-1. [PMID: 17915252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2007] [Revised: 08/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To confirm the incidence of SCA16 in Japan, we screened DNA samples from a number of patients of ataxia of unknown etiology for the substitution. We examined a total of 323 DNA samples from Japanese patients with inherited spinocerebellar ataxia. We found no 317-base pair band in the patients with ataxia of unknown etiology. It seemed that this mutation (c.4256C>T) is rare in Japanese patients with inherited spinocerebellar ataxia. Mutations in other populations should be analyzed. Pathological examinations and molecular biological examinations are needed to confirm that this mutation is a true cause of SCA16.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Bio-Medical Informatics, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Basri R, Yabe I, Soma H, Sasaki H. Spectrum and prevalence of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan: a study of 113 Japanese families. J Hum Genet 2007; 52:848-855. [PMID: 17805477 DOI: 10.1007/s10038-007-0182-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) is a genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. To shed further light on the clinical and genetic spectrum of ADCA in Japan, we conducted a study to determine the frequency of a new variety of different subtypes of SCAs among ADCA patients. This current study was carried out from April 1999 to December 2006 on the basis of patients with symptoms and signs of ADCA disorders. PCR and/or direct sequencing were evaluated in a total of 113 families. Among them, 35 families were found to have the mutation associated with SCA6, 30 with SCA3, 11 with SCA1, five with SCA2, five with DRPLA, and one with SCA14. We also detected the heterozygous -16C --> T single nucleotide substitution within the puratrophin-1 gene responsible for 16q22.1-linked ADCA in ten families. In this study, unusual varieties of SCA, including 27, 13, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, and 16 were not found. Of the 113 patients, 14% had as yet unidentified ADCA mutations. The present study validates the prevalence of genetically distinct ADCA subtypes based on ethnic origin and geographical variation, and shows that 16q-linked ADCA has strong hereditary effects in patients with ADCAs in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rehana Basri
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7. Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8368, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yabe
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7. Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8368, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Soma
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7. Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8368, Japan
| | - Hidenao Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7. Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8368, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
van de Leemput J, Chandran J, Knight MA, Holtzclaw LA, Scholz S, Cookson MR, Houlden H, Gwinn-Hardy K, Fung HC, Lin X, Hernandez D, Simon-Sanchez J, Wood NW, Giunti P, Rafferty I, Hardy J, Storey E, Gardner RJM, Forrest SM, Fisher EMC, Russell JT, Cai H, Singleton AB. Deletion at ITPR1 underlies ataxia in mice and spinocerebellar ataxia 15 in humans. PLoS Genet 2007; 3:e108. [PMID: 17590087 PMCID: PMC1892049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0030108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We observed a severe autosomal recessive movement disorder in mice used within our laboratory. We pursued a series of experiments to define the genetic lesion underlying this disorder and to identify a cognate disease in humans with mutation at the same locus. Through linkage and sequence analysis we show here that this disorder is caused by a homozygous in-frame 18-bp deletion in Itpr1 (Itpr1Δ18/Δ18), encoding inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor 1. A previously reported spontaneous Itpr1 mutation in mice causes a phenotype identical to that observed here. In both models in-frame deletion within Itpr1 leads to a decrease in the normally high level of Itpr1 expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Spinocerebellar ataxia 15 (SCA15), a human autosomal dominant disorder, maps to the genomic region containing ITPR1; however, to date no causal mutations had been identified. Because ataxia is a prominent feature in Itpr1 mutant mice, we performed a series of experiments to test the hypothesis that mutation at ITPR1 may be the cause of SCA15. We show here that heterozygous deletion of the 5′ part of the ITPR1 gene, encompassing exons 1–10, 1–40, and 1–44 in three studied families, underlies SCA15 in humans. We have identified a spontaneous in-frame deletion mutation in the gene Itpr1 that causes a recessive movement disorder in mice. In an attempt to define whether any similar disease occurs in humans we performed a literature search for diseases linked to the human chromosomal region containing ITPR1. We identified the disease spinocerebellar ataxia 15 as linked to this region. High-density genomic analysis of affected members from three families revealed that disease in these patients was caused by deletion of a large portion of the region containing ITPR1. We show here that this mutation results in a dramatic reduction in ITPR1 in cells from these patients. These data show convincingly that ITPR1 deletion underlies spinocerebellar ataxia 15 in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce van de Leemput
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayanth Chandran
- Transgenics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Melanie A Knight
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynne A Holtzclaw
- Section on Cell Biology and Signal Transduction, National Institute on Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sonja Scholz
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina Gwinn-Hardy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hon-Chung Fung
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xian Lin
- Transgenics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dena Hernandez
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Javier Simon-Sanchez
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Unitat de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nick W Wood
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Rafferty
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John Hardy
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Genetic Health Services Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R. J. McKinlay Gardner
- Genetic Health Services Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan M Forrest
- Australian Genome Research Facility, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M. C Fisher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - James T Russell
- Section on Cell Biology and Signal Transduction, National Institute on Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew B Singleton
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|