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Pottinger TD, Motelow JE, Povysil G, Moreno CAM, Ren Z, Phatnani H, Aitman TJ, Santoyo-Lopez J, Mitsumoto H, Goldstein DB, Harms MB. Rare variant analyses validate known ALS genes in a multi-ethnic population and identifies ANTXR2 as a candidate in PLS. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:651. [PMID: 38951798 PMCID: PMC11218304 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10538-1] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 300,000 people worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive decline of the nervous system that leads to the weakening of muscles which impacts physical function. Approximately, 15% of individuals diagnosed with ALS have a known genetic variant that contributes to their disease. As therapies that slow or prevent symptoms continue to develop, such as antisense oligonucleotides, it is important to discover novel genes that could be targets for treatment. Additionally, as cohorts continue to grow, performing analyses in ALS subtypes, such as primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), becomes possible due to an increase in power. These analyses could highlight novel pathways in disease manifestation. METHODS Building on our previous discoveries using rare variant association analyses, we conducted rare variant burden testing on a substantially larger multi-ethnic cohort of 6,970 ALS patients, 166 PLS patients, and 22,524 controls. We used intolerant domain percentiles based on sub-region Residual Variation Intolerance Score (subRVIS) that have been described previously in conjunction with gene based collapsing approaches to conduct burden testing to identify genes that associate with ALS and PLS. RESULTS A gene based collapsing model showed significant associations with SOD1, TARDBP, and TBK1 (OR = 19.18, p = 3.67 × 10-39; OR = 4.73, p = 2 × 10-10; OR = 2.3, p = 7.49 × 10-9, respectively). These genes have been previously associated with ALS. Additionally, a significant novel control enriched gene, ALKBH3 (p = 4.88 × 10-7), was protective for ALS in this model. An intolerant domain-based collapsing model showed a significant improvement in identifying regions in TARDBP that associated with ALS (OR = 10.08, p = 3.62 × 10-16). Our PLS protein truncating variant collapsing analysis demonstrated significant case enrichment in ANTXR2 (p = 8.38 × 10-6). CONCLUSIONS In a large multi-ethnic cohort of 6,970 ALS patients, collapsing analyses validated known ALS genes and identified a novel potentially protective gene, ALKBH3. A first-ever analysis in 166 patients with PLS found a candidate association with loss-of-function mutations in ANTXR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess D Pottinger
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, 622 West 168 , New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Joshua E Motelow
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gundula Povysil
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Zhong Ren
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew B Harms
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Unlocking the epigenetic symphony: histone acetylation's impact on neurobehavioral change in neurodegenerative disorders. Epigenomics 2024; 16:331-358. [PMID: 38321930 PMCID: PMC10910622 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0428] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent genomics and epigenetic advances have empowered the exploration of DNA/RNA methylation and histone modifications crucial for gene expression in response to stress, aging and disease. Interest in understanding neuronal plasticity's epigenetic mechanisms, influencing brain rewiring amid development, aging and neurodegenerative disorders, continues to grow. Histone acetylation dysregulation, a commonality in diverse brain disorders, has become a therapeutic focus. Histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases have emerged as promising targets for neurodegenerative disorder treatment. This review delves into histone acetylation regulation, potential therapies and future perspectives for disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's. Exploring genetic-environmental interplay through models and studies reveals molecular changes, behavioral insights and early intervention possibilities targeting the epigenome in at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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Pottinger TD, Motelow JE, Povysil G, Moreno CAM, Ren Z, Phatnani H, Aitman TJ, Santoyo-Lopez J, Mitsumoto H, Goldstein DB, Harms MB. Rare variant analyses validate known ALS genes in a multi-ethnic population and identifies ANTXR2 as a candidate in PLS. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3721598. [PMID: 38196621 PMCID: PMC10775375 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3721598/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: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 30,000 people in the United States. It is characterized by the progressive decline of the nervous system that leads to the weakening of muscles which impacts physical function. Approximately, 15% of individuals diagnosed with ALS have a known genetic variant that contributes to their disease. As therapies that slow or prevent symptoms, such as antisense oligonucleotides, continue to develop, it is important to discover novel genes that could be targets for treatment. Additionally, as cohorts continue to grow, performing analyses in ALS subtypes, such as primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), becomes possible due to an increase in power. These analyses could highlight novel pathways in disease manifestation. Methods Building on our previous discoveries using rare variant association analyses, we conducted rare variant burden testing on a substantially larger cohort of 6,970 ALS patients from a large multi-ethnic cohort as well as 166 PLS patients, and 22,524 controls. We used intolerant domain percentiles based on sub-region Residual Variation Intolerance Score (subRVIS) that have been described previously in conjunction with gene based collapsing approaches to conduct burden testing to identify genes that associate with ALS and PLS. Results A gene based collapsing model showed significant associations with SOD1, TARDBP, and TBK1 (OR=19.18, p = 3.67 × 10-39; OR=4.73, p = 2 × 10-10; OR=2.3, p = 7.49 × 10-9, respectively). These genes have been previously associated with ALS. Additionally, a significant novel control enriched gene, ALKBH3 (p = 4.88 × 10-7), was protective for ALS in this model. An intolerant domain based collapsing model showed a significant improvement in identifying regions in TARDBP that associated with ALS (OR=10.08, p = 3.62 × 10-16). Our PLS protein truncating variant collapsing analysis demonstrated significant case enrichment in ANTXR2 (p=8.38 × 10-6). Conclusions In a large multi-ethnic cohort of 6,970 ALS patients, rare variant burden testing validated known ALS genes and identified a novel potentially protective gene, ALKBH3. A first-ever analysis in 166 patients with PLS found a candidate association with loss-of-function mutations in ANTXR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess D. Pottinger
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joshua E. Motelow
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gundula Povysil
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Zhong Ren
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- New York Genome Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Timothy J. Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | | | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - David B. Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Harms
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
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Roggenbuck J, Eubank BHF, Wright J, Harms MB, Kolb SJ. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for ALS genetic testing and counseling. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2074-2091. [PMID: 37691292 PMCID: PMC10646996 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene discovery, ongoing gene therapy trials, and patient demand have driven increased use of ALS genetic testing. Despite this progress, the offer of genetic testing to persons with ALS is not yet "standard of care." Our primary goal is to develop clinical ALS genetic counseling and testing guidelines to improve and standardize genetic counseling and testing practice among neurologists, genetic counselors or any provider caring for persons with ALS. METHODS Core clinical questions were identified and a rapid review performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P) 2015 method. Guideline recommendations were drafted and the strength of evidence for each recommendation was assessed by combining two systems: the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) System and the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP). A modified Delphi approach was used to reach consensus among a group of content experts for each guideline statement. RESULTS A total of 35 guideline statements were developed. In summary, all persons with ALS should be offered single-step genetic testing, consisting of a C9orf72 assay, along with sequencing of SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP, at a minimum. The key education and genetic risk assessments that should be provided before and after testing are delineated. Specific guidance regarding testing methods and reporting for C9orf72 and other genes is provided for commercial laboratories. INTERPRETATION These evidence-based, consensus guidelines will support all stakeholders in the ALS community in navigating benefits and challenges of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Roggenbuck
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal MedicineThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Breda H. F. Eubank
- Health & Physical Education Department, Faculty of Health, Community, & EducationMount Royal University4825 Mount Royal Gate SWCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Joshua Wright
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Matthew B. Harms
- Department of NeurologyColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & PharmacologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
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Early Signs of Neuroinflammation in the Postnatal Wobbler Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022:10.1007/s10571-022-01294-5. [PMID: 36219378 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Wobbler mouse is an accepted model of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The spinal cord of clinically symptomatic animals (3-5 months old) shows vacuolar motoneuron degeneration, inflammation, and gliosis accompanied by motor impairment. However, data are not conclusive concerning pathological changes appearing early after birth. To answer this question, we used postnatal day (PND) 6 genotyped Wobbler pups to determine abnormalities of glia and neurons at this early age period in the spinal cord. We found astrogliosis, microgliosis with morphophenotypic changes pointing to active ameboid microglia, enhanced expression of the proinflammatory markers TLR4, NFkB, TNF, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The astrocytic enzyme glutamine synthase and the glutamate-aspartate transporter GLAST were also reduced in PND 6 Wobbler pups, suggesting excitotoxicity due to impaired glutamate homeostasis. At the neuronal level, PND 6 Wobblers showed swollen soma, increased choline acetyltransferase immunofluorescence staining, and low expression of the neuronal nuclear antigen NeuN. However, vacuolated motoneurons, a typical signature of older clinically symptomatic Wobbler mice, were absent in the spinal cord of PND 6 Wobblers. The results suggest predominance of neuroinflammation and abnormalities of microglia and astrocytes at this early period of Wobbler life, accompanied by some neuronal changes. Data support the non-cell autonomous hypothesis of the Wobbler disorder, and bring useful information with regard to intervening molecular inflammatory mechanisms at the beginning stage of human motoneuron degenerative diseases.
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Shi G, Shao S, Zhou J, Huang K, Bi FF. Urinary p75 ECD levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:438-445. [PMID: 34726989 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1990345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective: p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, its role is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ALS and the extracellular domain of p75NTR(p75ECD) in urine. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using keywords in the PubMed, Embase, Science, and the Cochrane Library, and identified five case control studies, with the latest date of search being 18 April 2021. Results: The results showed that urinary p75ECD levels were significantly higher in patients with ALS compared to non-neurological control (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 4.18, 95% CI [2.525, 6.990], p < 0.001), and other neurological diseases (WMD = 6.005, 95% CI [1.596, 10.414], p = 0.008). Increased urinary p75ECD levels were inversely associated with ALSFRS-R in ALS patients (r = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.43, -0.21], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Given the associations between p75ECD and ALS found in this meta-analysis, urinary p75ECD levels have potential to be used as a diagnostic biomarker and a progression indicator in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.,Xiangya school of medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.,Xiangya school of medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Jinxia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.,Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Bi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
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Miller C, Apple S, Paige JS, Grabowsky T, Shukla O, Agnese W, Merrill C. Current and Future Projections of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the United States Using Administrative Claims Data. Neuroepidemiology 2021; 55:275-285. [PMID: 34153964 DOI: 10.1159/000515203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various methodologies have been reported to assess the real-world epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and geographical distribution of ALS using administrative claims data and to model future trends in ALS epidemiology. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of deidentified administrative claims data for >100 million patients, using 2 separate databases (IBM MarketScan Research Databases and Symphony Health Integrated DataVerse [IDV]), to identify patients with ALS. We evaluated disease prevalence, annual incidence, age- and population-controlled geographical distribution, and expected future trends. RESULTS From 2013 to 2017, we identified 7,316 and 35,208 ALS patients from the MarketScan databases and IDV, respectively. Average annual incidence estimates were 1.48 and 1.37 per 100,000 and point prevalence estimates were 6.85 and 5.16 per 100,000 and in the United States for the MarketScan databases and IDV, respectively. Predictive modeling estimates are reported out to the year 2060 and demonstrate an increasing trend in both incident and prevalent cases. CONCLUSIONS This study provides incidence and prevalence estimates as well as geographical distribution for what the authors believe to be the largest ALS population studied to date. By using 2 separate administrative claims data sets, confidence in our estimates is increased. Future projections based on either database demonstrate an increase in ALS cases, which has also been seen in other large-scale ALS studies. These results can be used to help improve the allocation of healthcare resources in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Miller
- HVH Precision Analytics LL, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen Apple
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Oodaye Shukla
- HVH Precision Analytics LL, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wendy Agnese
- Formerly Employed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
| | - Charlotte Merrill
- Formerly Employed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
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Corcia P, Camu W, Brulard C, Marouillat S, Couratier P, Camdessanché JP, Cintas P, Verschueren A, Soriani MH, Desnuelle C, Fleury MC, Guy N, Cassereau J, Viader F, Pittion-Vouyovitch S, Danel V, Kolev I, Le Masson G, Beltran S, Salachas F, Bernard E, Pradat PF, Blasco H, Lanznaster D, Hergesheimer R, Laumonnier F, Andres CR, Meininger V, Vourc'h P. Effect of familial clustering in the genetic screening of 235 French ALS families. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:479-484. [PMID: 33408239 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether the familial clustering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases and the phenotype of the disease may help identify the pathogenic genes involved. METHODS We conducted a targeted next-generation sequencing analysis on 235 French familial ALS (FALS), unrelated probands to identify mutations in 30 genes linked to the disease. The genealogy, that is, number of cases and generations with ALS, gender, age, site of onset and the duration of the disease were analysed. RESULTS Regarding the number of generations, 49 pedigrees had only one affected generation, 152 had two affected generations and 34 had at least three affected generations. Among the 149 pedigrees (63.4%) for which a deleterious variant was found, an abnormal G4C2 expansion in C9orf72 was found in 98 cases as well as SOD1, TARBP or FUS mutations in 30, 9 and 7 cases, respectively. Considering pedigrees from the number of generations, abnormal G4C2 expansion in C9orf72 was more frequent in pedigrees with pairs of affected ALS cases, which represented 65.2% of our cohort. SOD1 mutation involved all types of pedigrees. No TARDBP nor FUS mutation was present in monogenerational pedigrees. TARDBP mutation predominated in bigenerational pedigrees with at least three cases and FUS mutation in multigenerational pedigrees with more than seven cases, on average, and with an age of onset younger than 45 years. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that familial clustering, phenotypes and genotypes are interconnected in FALS, and thus it might be possible to target the genetic screening from the familial architecture and the phenotype of ALS cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Corcia
- ALS Centre, Department of Neurology, CHU Tours, Tours, Centre, France .,UMR 1253 Imaging and Brain, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | - William Camu
- Montpellier 2 University, Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
| | - Celine Brulard
- UMR 1253 Imaging and Brain, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | | | - Philippe Couratier
- ALS Center, Departement of neurology, CHU Limoges, Limoges, Limousin, France.,UMR-S 1094 NET, Limoges, France
| | | | - Pascal Cintas
- Neurology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France
| | - Annie Verschueren
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires et de la SLA, Marseille Public University Hospital System, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azu, France
| | | | - Claude Desnuelle
- Centre de reference des maladies neuromusculaires SLA, Neurosciences department, CHU Nice, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azu, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Veronique Danel
- Medical Pharmacology, Lille University Hospital Center, Lille, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Ivan Kolev
- Hospital Centre Saint Brieuc, Saint Brieuc, Bretagne, France
| | - Gwendal Le Masson
- Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Stephane Beltran
- ALS Center, Francois-Rabelais University, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | - Francois Salachas
- ALS Center, Neurology, Hopital Universitaire Pitie Salpetriere, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Emilien Bernard
- University Hospital Centre Lyon, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Fédération de Neurologie, Centre Référent SLA, Hopital Universitaire Pitie Salpetriere, Paris, Île-de-France, France.,CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale (LIB), Université Pierre et Marie Curie Faculté de Médecine, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Université Francois-Rabelais de Tours, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France.,Neurogenetics and Neurometabolomics, Imagerie et cerveau, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | - Christian R Andres
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Université Francois-Rabelais de Tours, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
| | - Vincent Meininger
- Neurogenetics and Neurometabolomics, Imagerie et cerveau, Tours, France
| | - Patrick Vourc'h
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Université Francois-Rabelais de Tours, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
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Histone Methylation Regulation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094654. [PMID: 33925016 PMCID: PMC8125694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances achieved with molecular biology and genomics technologies have permitted investigators to discover epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, which are critical for gene expression in almost all tissues and in brain health and disease. These advances have influenced much interest in understanding the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders. Although these disorders diverge in their fundamental causes and pathophysiology, several involve the dysregulation of histone methylation-mediated gene expression. Interestingly, epigenetic remodeling via histone methylation in specific brain regions has been suggested to play a critical function in the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, including that related to neurodegenerative diseases. Prominently, epigenetic dysregulation currently brings considerable interest as an essential player in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and drugs of abuse, including alcohol abuse disorder, where it may facilitate connections between genetic and environmental risk factors or directly influence disease-specific pathological factors. We have discussed the current state of histone methylation, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives for these disorders. While not somatically heritable, the enzymes responsible for histone methylation regulation, such as histone methyltransferases and demethylases in neurons, are dynamic and reversible. They have become promising potential therapeutic targets to treat or prevent several neurodegenerative disorders. These findings, along with clinical data, may provide links between molecular-level changes and behavioral differences and provide novel avenues through which the epigenome may be targeted early on in people at risk for neurodegenerative disorders.
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10
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Johansen M, Svenstrup K, Mortensen Ó, Andorsdóttir G, Á Steig B, Joensen P, Hansen T, Petersen MS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Faroe Islands - a genealogical study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:571-575. [PMID: 32885668 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1813311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the Faroe Islands, a clustering of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was observed on the geographically isolated island, Suðuroy. This study aims to estimate the frequency of familial ALS (fALS) in the Faroes including 43 patients diagnosed with ALS. Patients with fALS were identified through medical records and the Faroese Multi Generation Register. Firstly, fALS was recognized when occurring between first- or second-degree relatives. Secondly, families and individuals with fALS were recognized through pedigrees (≥3 cases within 3 generations). The prevalence of ALS was 3 times higher in Suðuroy compared to the nationwide prevalence. The frequency of fALS was at least 14% (n = 6) and mean survival time was 1.7 years shorter for fALS compared to sporatic ALS (p = 0.01. SD = 0.5, range 1.0-2.2). This study is suggestive of familial clustering in excess of expected for ALS and supports a genetic contribution to ALS in the Faroe Islands albeit environmental exposure within families cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malan Johansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, the Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Kirsten Svenstrup
- Neurological Department, University Hospital Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ólavur Mortensen
- The Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | - Bjarni Á Steig
- General Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Poul Joensen
- Department of Medicine and Neurophysiological Laboratory, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Torben Hansen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section of Metabolic Genetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, the Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
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Cobos SN, Bennett SA, Torrente MP. The impact of histone post-translational modifications in neurodegenerative diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1982-1991. [PMID: 30352259 PMCID: PMC6475498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Every year, neurodegenerative disorders take more than 5000 lives in the US alone. Cures have not yet been found for many of the multitude of neuropathies. The majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) cases have no known genetic basis. Thus, it is evident that contemporary genetic approaches have failed to explain the etiology or etiologies of ALS/FTD and PD. Recent investigations have explored the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in disease development. Epigenetics comprises heritable changes in gene utilization that are not derived from changes in the genome. A main epigenetic mechanism involves the post-translational modification of histones. Increased knowledge of the epigenomic landscape of neurodegenerative diseases would not only further our understanding of the disease pathologies, but also lead to the development of treatments able to halt their progress. Here, we review recent advances on the association of histone post-translational modifications with ALS, FTD, PD and several ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Cobos
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Seth A Bennett
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mariana P Torrente
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York 10016, United States.
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12
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Zucchi E, Ticozzi N, Mandrioli J. Psychiatric Symptoms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Beyond a Motor Neuron Disorder. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:175. [PMID: 30914912 PMCID: PMC6421303 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The historical view that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as a pure motor disorder has been increasingly challenged by the discovery of cognitive and behavioral changes in the spectrum of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Less recognized and still significant comorbidities that ALS patients may present are prior or concomitant psychiatric illness, such as psychosis and schizophrenia, or mood disorders. These non-motor symptoms disturbances have a close time relationship with disease onset, may constitute part of a larger framework of network disruption in motor neuron disorders, and may impact ALS patients and families, with regards to ethical choices and end-of-life decisions. This review aims at identifying the most common psychiatric alterations related to ALS and its prognosis, looking at a common genetic background and shared structural brain pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Modena, St. Agostino- Estense Hospital, Modena, Italy
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13
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Safety and Efficacy of Rituximab in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Observational Study. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:9084759. [PMID: 30539030 PMCID: PMC6260423 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9084759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in multiple sclerosis in a clinical practice setting. Methods Clinical data for all adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with off-label rituximab at a single MS center in Lebanon between March 2008 and April 2017 were retrospectively collected from medical charts. The main efficacy outcomes assessed were annualized relapse rate (ARR) and proportion of patients free from relapses, disability progression, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity. Results A total of 89 rituximab-treated patients were included: 59 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and 30 progressive MS (PMS). Patients were treated with 1000 or 2000 mg rituximab IV every 6-12 months for a mean duration of 22.2 ± 24.8 months. The subjects were 65.2% females with a mean age of 40.5 ± 12.3 years and a mean disease duration of 7.9 ± 6.2 years. During treatment, the ARR decreased from 1.07 at baseline to 0.11 in RRMS (p < 0.0001) and from 0.25 to 0.16 in PMS patients (p = 0.593). The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) remained unchanged in both RRMS and PMS patients. Between baseline and the last follow-up, the percent of patients free from any new MRI lesions increased from 18.6% to 92.6% in the RRMS group and from 43.3% to 82% in the PMS group. No evidence of disease activity (NEDA) was achieved in 74% of patients at 1 year of treatment. A total of 64 adverse events (AEs) (71.9%) were recorded with the most common being infusion-related reactions in 25.8% of patients, all mild in nature. Two of our rituximab-treated patients experienced serious AEs requiring surgical interventions: pyoderma gangrenosum vaginalis with perianal abscess and fistula and an increase in the size of a meningioma. No case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was detected. Conclusion In our real-world cohort, rituximab was well-tolerated and effective in reducing relapse rate and disability progression in relapsing-remitting and progressive MS patients.
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14
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Majumder V, Gregory JM, Barria MA, Green A, Pal S. TDP-43 as a potential biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:90. [PMID: 29954341 PMCID: PMC6027783 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are incurable, progressive and fatal neurodegenerative diseases with patients variably affected clinically by motor, behavior, and cognitive deficits. The accumulation of an RNA-binding protein, TDP-43, is the most significant pathological finding in approximately 95% of ALS cases and 50% of FTD cases, and discovery of this common pathological signature, together with an increasing understanding of the shared genetic basis of these disorders, has led to FTD and ALS being considered as part of a single disease continuum. Given the widespread aggregation and accumulation of TDP-43 in FTD-ALS spectrum disorder, TDP-43 may have potential as a biomarker in these diseases. Methods We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic utility of TDP-43 detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with FTD-ALS spectrum disorder. Results From seven studies, our results demonstrate that patients with ALS have a statistically significantly higher level of TDP-43 in CSF (effect size 0.64, 95% CI: 0.1–1.19, p = 0.02). Conclusions These data suggest promise for the use of CSF TDP-43 as a biomarker for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Majumder
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Marcelo A Barria
- National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit, Bryan Matthews Building, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alison Green
- National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit, Bryan Matthews Building, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit, Bryan Matthews Building, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
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15
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Anderson RE, Hanson HA, Thai D, Zhang C, Presson AP, Aston KI, Carrell DT, Smith KR, Hotaling JM. Do paternal semen parameters influence the birth weight or BMI of the offspring? A study from the Utah Population Database. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:793-799. [PMID: 29549543 PMCID: PMC5984892 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the role of individual semen parameters on the offspring birth weight and body mass index (BMI) from a population of men evaluated in an assisted reproduction technology (ART) clinic compared to fertile controls. METHODS We performed a retrospective study using a cohort with fertile, age-matched controls of men evaluated with semen analysis at the University of Utah Andrology Clinic from 1996 to 2011 and Intermountain Healthcare from 2002 to 2011. We use the offspring from both our sub-fertile cohort and controls using the Utah Population Database. The two main outcomes of interest were offspring birth weight and adolescent BMI. RESULTS The offspring of men with impaired sperm parameters had significantly lower birth weight compared to fertile control offspring. Low-concentration offspring weighed 158 g less (95% CI - 278~- 38; p = 0.01), low total count weighed 172 g less (95% CI - 294~- 51; p = 0.005), and low total motility weighed 155 g less (95% CI - 241~- 69; p < 0.001) compared to those of the controls. When we controlled for the use of ART within the sub-fertile group, we found that there was a significant trend of increasing birth weight across levels of total motile count and total sperm count compared to the azoospermic group. We did not find any consistent significant differences between the subject and control adolescence BMI based on semen parameters. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations within our population-based dataset, we found that poor quality semen analysis parameters pointed towards an association with low birth weight in the offspring of sub-fertile men compared to the offspring of normal fertile controls. However, in contrast to studies of ART effects on offspring, we did not find evidence of long-term associations between semen quality and offspring BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross E Anderson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Heidi A Hanson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Diana Thai
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Chong Zhang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Angela P Presson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Ken R Smith
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East Rm #3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
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16
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Hogden A, Crook A. Patient-centered decision making in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: where are we? Neurodegener Dis Manag 2017; 7:377-386. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2017-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Developments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research and care delivery have created new arenas, and new dilemmas, for patients’ decision making. This review explores three aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient-centered care and decision making: patient-centered service delivery through the expanding multidisciplinary team; decision making for genetic testing and the implications of undergoing testing; and development of user-designed decision support tools to help patients and families make decisions as their choices become more complex. Until a cure is found, well-timed and effective decision making will rely on patient and family preferences to guide them through an increasingly complicated disease landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hogden
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashley Crook
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Ebbert MTW, Ross CA, Pregent LJ, Lank RJ, Zhang C, Katzman RB, Jansen-West K, Song Y, da Rocha EL, Palmucci C, Desaro P, Robertson AE, Caputo AM, Dickson DW, Boylan KB, Rademakers R, Ordog T, Li H, Belzil VV. Conserved DNA methylation combined with differential frontal cortex and cerebellar expression distinguishes C9orf72-associated and sporadic ALS, and implicates SERPINA1 in disease. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:715-728. [PMID: 28808785 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We previously found C9orf72-associated (c9ALS) and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) brain transcriptomes comprise thousands of defects, among which, some are likely key contributors to ALS pathogenesis. We have now generated complementary methylome data and combine these two data sets to perform a comprehensive "multi-omic" analysis to clarify the molecular mechanisms initiating RNA misregulation in ALS. We found that c9ALS and sALS patients have generally distinct but overlapping methylome profiles, and that the c9ALS- and sALS-affected genes and pathways have similar biological functions, indicating conserved pathobiology in disease. Our results strongly implicate SERPINA1 in both C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers and non-carriers, where expression levels are greatly increased in both patient groups across the frontal cortex and cerebellum. SERPINA1 expression is particularly pronounced in C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers for both brain regions, where SERPINA1 levels are strictly down regulated across most human tissues, including the brain, except liver and blood, and are not measurable in E18 mouse brain. The altered biological networks we identified contain critical molecular players known to contribute to ALS pathology, which also interact with SERPINA1. Our comprehensive combined methylation and transcription study identifies new genes and highlights that direct genetic and epigenetic changes contribute to c9ALS and sALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T W Ebbert
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Christian A Ross
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Luc J Pregent
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rebecca J Lank
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Rebecca B Katzman
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yuping Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla Palmucci
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Pamela Desaro
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Amelia E Robertson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ana M Caputo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Kevin B Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Epigenomics Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Physiology and Medical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Veronique V Belzil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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18
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Crook A, Williams K, Adams L, Blair I, Rowe DB. Predictive genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia: genetic counselling considerations. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:475-485. [PMID: 28585888 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1332079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Once a gene mutation that is causal of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is identified in a family, relatives may decide to undergo predictive genetic testing to determine whether they are at risk of developing disease. Recent advances in gene discovery have led to a pressing need to better understand the implications of predictive genetic testing. Here we review the uptake of genetic counselling, predictive and reproductive testing, and the factors that impact the decision to undergo testing, for consideration in clinical practice. The literature suggests that the factors impacting the decision to undergo testing are complex due to the nature of these diseases, absence of available preventative medical treatment and variable age of onset in mutation carriers. Gaining further insight into the decision-making process and the impact of testing is critical as we seek to develop best-practice guidelines for predictive testing for familial ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Crook
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Kelly Williams
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Lorel Adams
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Ian Blair
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
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19
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Anderson RE, Hanson HA, Lowrance WT, Redshaw J, Oottamasathien S, Schaeffer A, Johnstone E, Aston KI, Carrell DT, Cartwright P, Smith KR, Hotaling JM. Childhood Cancer Risk in the Siblings and Cousins of Men with Poor Semen Quality. J Urol 2017; 197:898-905. [PMID: 28131504 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.09.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor semen quality is associated with reduced somatic health and increased cancer risk. Infertility and cancer are increasingly being linked by epidemiologists and basic scientists. We sought to identify semen parameters associated with an increased childhood cancer risk in the family members of subfertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study in men from the SHARE (Subfertility Heath and Assisted Reproduction) study who underwent semen analysis between 1994 and 2011. We used fertile population controls from the Utah Population Data Base. Our primary outcome was the risk of any childhood (18 years or younger) cancer in the siblings and cousins of men who underwent semen analysis compared to fertile, age matched controls. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to test the association between semen quality and childhood cancer incidence. RESULTS We selected 10,511 men with complete semen analysis and an equal number of fertile controls. These men had a total of 63,891 siblings and 327,753 cousins. A total of 170 and 958 childhood cancers were identified in siblings and cousins, respectively. The 3 most common cancers diagnosed in siblings were acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 37, brain cancer in 35 and Hodgkin lymphoma in 15. Oligozoospermia was associated with a twofold increased risk of any childhood cancer and a threefold increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the siblings of subfertile men compared to fertile controls (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.18-3.69 vs HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.11-8.46). CONCLUSIONS Siblings of men with oligozoospermia are at increased risk for any-site cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This suggests a shared genetic/epigenetic insult or an environmental exposure that merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross E Anderson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Heidi A Hanson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - William T Lowrance
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jeffrey Redshaw
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Siam Oottamasathien
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Anthony Schaeffer
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Erica Johnstone
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Patrick Cartwright
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ken R Smith
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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20
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Black HA, Leighton DJ, Cleary EM, Rose E, Stephenson L, Colville S, Ross D, Warner J, Porteous M, Gorrie GH, Swingler R, Goldstein D, Harms MB, Connick P, Pal S, Aitman TJ, Chandran S. Genetic epidemiology of motor neuron disease-associated variants in the Scottish population. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 51:178.e11-178.e20. [PMID: 28089114 PMCID: PMC5302213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Genetic understanding of motor neuron disease (MND) has evolved greatly in the past 10 years, including the recent identification of association between MND and variants in TBK1 and NEK1. Our aim was to determine the frequency of pathogenic variants in known MND genes and to assess whether variants in TBK1 and NEK1 contribute to the burden of MND in the Scottish population. SOD1, TARDBP, OPTN, TBK1, and NEK1 were sequenced in 441 cases and 400 controls. In addition to 44 cases known to carry a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, we identified 31 cases and 2 controls that carried a loss-of-function or pathogenic variant. Loss-of-function variants were found in TBK1 in 3 cases and no controls and, separately, in NEK1 in 3 cases and no controls. This study provides an accurate description of the genetic epidemiology of MND in Scotland and provides support for the contribution of both TBK1 and NEK1 to MND susceptibility in the Scottish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Black
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Danielle J Leighton
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine M Cleary
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elaine Rose
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura Stephenson
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shuna Colville
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Ross
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jon Warner
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary Porteous
- South East Scotland Genetics Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - George H Gorrie
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert Swingler
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Matthew B Harms
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Peter Connick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Timothy J Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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21
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Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Have High Interest in and Limited Access to Genetic Testing. J Genet Couns 2016; 26:604-611. [PMID: 27761850 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-016-0034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is widely available, it is unknown what proportion of patients with ALS have access to genetic counseling and testing, and patient attitudes towards ALS genetic testing have not been studied. We conducted a national survey of ALS patients enrolled in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which consisted of multiple choice questions and two 12 item Likert scale series assessing respondents' experience with and attitude toward genetic testing. The survey had an 8 % response rate, with 449 completed responses. Genetic testing was offered to 33.4 % and completed by 67.1 % of those offered. A minority of respondents (12.5 %) saw a genetic counselor, and were much more likely to be offered genetic testing (p = 0.0001). Respondents with a family history of ALS (8.4 %) were more likely to be offered testing (p = 0.0001) and complete testing (p = 0.05). Respondents with a family history of ALS were more likely to report a favorable attitude towards genetic testing (p = 0.0003), as were respondents who saw a genetic counselor (p = 0.02). The majority of respondents (82.7 %) felt that genetic testing should be offered to all patients with ALS. Our results indicate that ALS patients may have limited access to genetic testing, but perceive benefit from this service. Development of practice guidelines for genetic testing in ALS, to include the routine offer of genetic counseling, may result in broader and more consistent access to these services.
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ALS and FTD: an epigenetic perspective. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:487-502. [PMID: 27282474 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two fatal neurodegenerative diseases seen in comorbidity in up to 50 % of cases. Despite tremendous efforts over the last two decades, no biomarkers or effective therapeutics have been identified to prevent, decelerate, or stop neuronal death in patients. While the identification of multiple mutations in more than two dozen genes elucidated the involvement of several mechanisms in the pathogenesis of both diseases, identifying the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72, the most common genetic abnormality in ALS and FTD, opened the door to the discovery of several novel pathogenic biological routes, including chromatin remodeling and transcriptome alteration. Epigenetic processes regulate DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription, and chromatin conformation, which in turn further dictate transcriptional regulation and protein translation. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional epigenetic regulation is mediated by enzymes and chromatin-modifying complexes that control DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA editing. While the alteration of DNA methylation and histone modification has recently been reported in ALS and FTD, the assessment of epigenetic involvement in both diseases is still at an early stage, and the involvement of multiple epigenetic players still needs to be evaluated. As the epigenome serves as a way to alter genetic information not only during aging, but also following environmental signals, epigenetic mechanisms might play a central role in initiating ALS and FTD, especially for sporadic cases. Here, we provide a review of what is currently known about altered epigenetic processes in both ALS and FTD and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic mechanisms. As approximately 85 % of ALS and FTD cases are still genetically unexplained, epigenetic therapeutics explored for other diseases might represent a profitable direction for the field.
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Anderson RE, Hanson HA, Patel DP, Johnstone E, Aston KI, Carrell DT, Lowrance WT, Smith KR, Hotaling JM. Cancer risk in first- and second-degree relatives of men with poor semen quality. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:731-8. [PMID: 27336212 PMCID: PMC5617641 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To further characterize the association of male infertility with health risks by evaluating semen quality and cancer risk in family members. DESIGN Retrospective, cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 12,889 men undergoing SA and 12,889 fertile control subjects that had first-degree relative (FDR) data (n = 130,689) and 8,032 men with SA and 8,032 fertile control subjects with complete second-degree relative (SDR) data (n = 247,204) were identified through the UPDB. An equal number of fertile population control subjects were matched. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Adult all-site, testicular, thyroid, breast, prostate, melanoma, bladder, ovarian, and kidney cancer diagnoses in FDRs and SDRs. RESULT(S) The FDRs of men with SA had a 52% increased risk of testicular cancer compared with the FDRs of fertile population control subjects. There was no significant difference in testicular cancer risk for the SDRs based on any of the semen parameters. The FDRs and SDRs of azoospermic men had a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer compared with fertile population control subjects. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest a link between male infertility and selected cancer risk in relatives. This highlights the possibilities of shared biologic mechanisms between the two diseases, exposure to environmental factors, and an increased level of genetic and/or epigenetic burden in subfertile men and their relatives that may be associated with risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross E Anderson
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Heidi A Hanson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Darshan P Patel
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Erica Johnstone
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - William T Lowrance
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ken R Smith
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Genetic testing and genetic counseling for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an update for clinicians. Genet Med 2016; 19:267-274. [DOI: 10.1038/gim.2016.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Zufiría M, Gil-Bea FJ, Fernández-Torrón R, Poza JJ, Muñoz-Blanco JL, Rojas-García R, Riancho J, López de Munain A. ALS: A bucket of genes, environment, metabolism and unknown ingredients. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 142:104-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gibson SB, Abbott D, Farnham JM, Thai KK, McLean H, Figueroa KP, Bromberg MB, Pulst SM, Cannon-Albright L. Population-based risks for cancer in patients with ALS. Neurology 2016; 87:289-94. [PMID: 27170569 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the risks for cancer (overall and site-specific) in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort. METHODS In this observational longitudinal study, ALS and cancer cases were identified in a computerized Utah genealogy database (Utah Population Database) linked to a statewide cancer registry and death certificates. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated as the ratio of observed to expected number of cancers. Site-specific rates for cancer were estimated within the Utah Population Database; sex, birth year (5-year range), and birth state (Utah or not) cohorts were used to estimate the expected number of cancers among ALS cases. To account for an overall shortened lifespan, Cox regression was used to include years at risk in estimation of cancer risks for ALS cases. RESULTS An overall decreased hazard (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80, p = 0.014, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.96) was found for cancer of any site in 1,081 deceased patients with ALS. A decreased hazard was found for lung cancer (HR 0.23, p = 0.002, CI 0.05-0.63). An increased hazard was found for salivary (HR 5.27, p = 0.041, 95% CI 1.09-15.40) and testicular (HR 3.82, p = 0.042, 95% CI 1.06-9.62) cancers. A nonsignificant hazard was observed for cutaneous malignant melanoma (HR 1.62, p = 0.12, 95% CI 0.88-2.71) for which increased risk has previously been reported. CONCLUSIONS Using a unique population database, the overall risk of cancer of any site was found to be significantly reduced in cases with ALS, as was the risk of lung cancer. Significantly increased risk was observed for salivary and testicular cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer B Gibson
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Diana Abbott
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - James M Farnham
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Khanh K Thai
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Hailey McLean
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Karla P Figueroa
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mark B Bromberg
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Lisa Cannon-Albright
- From the Department of Neurology (S.B.G., K.P.F., M.B.B., S.M.P.) and Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine (D.A., J.M.F., K.K.T., L.C.-A.), University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; College of Behavioral and Social Science (H.M.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT.
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Familiality analysis of provoked vestibulodynia treated by vestibulectomy supports genetic predisposition. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:609.e1-7. [PMID: 26627726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provoked vestibulodynia is a poorly understood disease that affects 8-15% of women in their lifetime. There is significant inflammation and nerve growth in vestibular biopsies from affected women treated by vestibulectomy compared with matched female population controls without vestibulodynia. The triggers leading to this neurogenic inflammation are unknown, but they are likely multifactorial. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine whether vestibulodynia is more common in close and distantly related female relatives of women diagnosed with the disease and those specifically treated by vestibulectomy. Excess familial clustering would support a potential genetic predisposition for vestibulodynia and warrant further studies to isolate risk alleles. STUDY DESIGN Using population-based genealogy linked to University of Utah Hospital CPT coded data, we estimated the relative risk of vestibulectomy in female relatives of affected women. We also compared the average pairwise relatedness of cases to the expected relatedness of the population and identified high-disease-burden pedigrees. RESULTS A total of 183 potential vestibulectomy probands were identified using CPT codes. The relative risk of vestibulectomy was elevated in first-degree (20 [6.6-47], P < .00001), second-degree (4.5 [0.5-16], P = .07), and third-degree female relatives (3.4 [1.2-8.8], P = .03). Seventy of these 183 CPT-based probands had available clinical history to confirm a diagnosis of moderate to severe vestibulodynia. Notably, this smaller group of confirmed probands (n = 70) revealed a similar familiality in first-degree (54 [17.5-126], P < .00001), second-degree (19.7 [2.4-71], P = .005), and third-degree relatives (12 [3.3-31], P = .0004), despite less statistical power for analysis. Overall, the average pairwise relatedness of affected women was significantly higher than expected (P < .001) and a number of high-disease-burden Utah families were identified. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that vestibulodynia treated by vestibulectomy has a genetic predisposition. Future studies will identify candidate genes by linkage analysis in affected families and sequencing of distantly related probands.
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Savica R, Cannon-Albright LA, Pulst S. Familial aggregation of Parkinson disease in Utah: A population-based analysis using death certificates. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2016; 2:e65. [PMID: 27123483 PMCID: PMC4830204 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To describe clustering of death from Parkinson disease (PD) in relatives in a large US study. Methods: We analyzed the Utah Population Database resource, which includes genealogy data of more than 2.7 million individuals linked to 519,061 individuals with a Utah death certificate (DC). We identified individuals whose DC included PD as a cause of death using ICD coding. In those individuals whose Utah DC listed PD as a cause of death, the relative risk (RR) of death with PD was determined among close and distant relatives using sex-, birth year–, and birthplace-specific rates. Results: We identified 4,031 individuals whose DC indicated PD. Among 18,127 first-degree relatives of probands with a Utah DC, the RR of death with PD was significantly increased (RR = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61–2.04). The RR of death with PD was also significantly increased among 40,546 second-degree relatives with a Utah DC (RR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.29–1.60) and among 93,398 third-degree relatives with a Utah DC (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.18). Conclusions: Significant evidence for excess familial clustering was observed for PD deaths. The excess familial clustering and the significantly elevated RRs for PD among close and distant relatives strongly support a genetic contribution to PD mortality. These results confirm and expand the results of previous studies of PD by quantifying the risk of PD death among more distant relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Savica
- Department of Neurology (R.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (L.A.C.-A.), Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Neurology (R.S., S.P.), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.A.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Lisa A Cannon-Albright
- Department of Neurology (R.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (L.A.C.-A.), Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Neurology (R.S., S.P.), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.A.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stefan Pulst
- Department of Neurology (R.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (L.A.C.-A.), Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Neurology (R.S., S.P.), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; and George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (L.A.C.-A.), Salt Lake City, UT
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Wagner L, Rechtman L, Jordan H, Ritsick M, Sanchez M, Sorenson E, Kaye W. State and metropolitan area-based amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) surveillance. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 17:128-34. [PMID: 26399278 PMCID: PMC4732418 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1074699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to develop state and metropolitan area-based surveillance projects to describe the characteristics of those with ALS and to assist with evaluating the completeness of the National ALS Registry. Because the literature suggested that ethnic/racial minorities have lower incidence of ALS, three state and eight metropolitan areas were selected to over-represent ethnic/racial minorities to have a sufficient number of minority patients. Project activities relied on reports from medical providers and medical records abstraction. The project areas represented approximately 27% of the U.S. population. The combined racial and ethnic distribution of these areas is 64.4% white, 16.0% African-American, 6.7% Asian, and 28.3% Hispanic. Most neurologists did not diagnose or provide care for ALS patients. The number of unique patients reported was close to expected (5883 vs. 6673). Age and gender distribution of patients was similar to the literature. The crude average annual incidence rate was 1.52 per 100,000 person-years, CI 1.44–1.61, and the 2009 prevalence rate was 3.84 per 100,000 population, CI 3.70–3.97. In conclusion, this study represents the largest number of clinically diagnosed ALS patients reported by neurologists in the U.S. Comparison of these data with those in the National ALS Registry will help evaluate the completeness of administrative databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Wagner
- a McKing Consulting Corporation , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
| | | | - Heather Jordan
- a McKing Consulting Corporation , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
| | - Maggie Ritsick
- a McKing Consulting Corporation , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
| | - Marchelle Sanchez
- b Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
| | | | - Wendy Kaye
- a McKing Consulting Corporation , Atlanta, Georgia , USA
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Parkin Kullmann JA, Hayes S, Wang MX, Pamphlett R. Designing an Internationally Accessible Web-Based Questionnaire to Discover Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2015; 4:e96. [PMID: 26239255 PMCID: PMC4705359 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.4840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a typical survival of three to five years. Epidemiological studies using paper-based questionnaires in individual countries or continents have failed to find widely accepted risk factors for the disease. The advantages of online versus paper-based questionnaires have been extensively reviewed, but few online epidemiological studies into human neurodegenerative diseases have so far been undertaken. Objective To design a Web-based questionnaire to identify environmental risk factors for ALS and enable international comparisons of these risk factors. Methods A Web-based epidemiological questionnaire for ALS has been developed based on experience gained from administering a previous continent-wide paper-based questionnaire for this disease. New and modified questions have been added from our previous paper-based questionnaire, from literature searches, and from validated ALS questionnaires supplied by other investigators. New criteria to allow the separation of familial and sporadic ALS cases have been included. The questionnaire addresses many risk factors that have already been proposed for ALS, as well as a number that have not yet been rigorously examined. To encourage participation, responses are collected anonymously and no personally identifiable information is requested. The survey is being translated into a number of languages which will allow many people around the world to read and answer it in their own language. Results After the questionnaire had been online for 4 months, it had 379 respondents compared to only 46 respondents for the same initial period using a paper-based questionnaire. The average age of the first 379 web questionnaire respondents was 54 years compared to the average age of 60 years for the first 379 paper questionnaire respondents. The questionnaire is soon to be promoted in a number of countries through ALS associations and disease registries. Conclusions Web-based questionnaires are a time- and resource-efficient method for performing large epidemiological studies of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. The ability to compare risk factors between different countries using the same analysis tool will be of particular value for finding robust risk factors that underlie ALS.
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Logroscino G, Tortelli R, Rizzo G, Marin B, Preux PM, Malaspina A. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Aging-Related Disease. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13670-015-0127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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