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Hertz E, Chen Y, Sidransky E. Gaucher disease provides a unique window into Parkinson disease pathogenesis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:526-540. [PMID: 39107435 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00999-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
An exciting development in the field of neurodegeneration is the association between the rare monogenic disorder Gaucher disease and the common complex disorder Parkinson disease (PD). Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from an inherited deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, encoded by GBA1, which hydrolyses the glycosphingolipids glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine. The observation of parkinsonism in a rare subgroup of individuals with Gaucher disease first directed attention to the role of glucocerebrosidase deficiency in the pathogenesis of PD. PD occurs more frequently in people heterozygous for Gaucher GBA1 mutations, and 3-25% of people with Parkinson disease carry a GBA1 variant. However, only a small percentage of individuals with GBA1 variants develop parkinsonism, suggesting that the penetrance is low. Despite over a decade of intense research in this field, including clinical and radiological evaluations, genetic studies and investigations using model systems, the mechanism underlying GBA1-PD is still being pursued. Insights from this association have emphasized the role of lysosomal pathways in parkinsonism. Furthermore, different therapeutic strategies considered or developed for Gaucher disease can now inform drug development for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Hertz
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ellen Sidransky
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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2
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Azadeh M, Good J, Gunsior M, Kulagina N, Lu Y, McNally J, Myler H, Ni YG, Pelto R, Quadrini KJ, Vrentas C, Yang L. Best Practices for Development and Validation of Enzymatic Activity Assays to Support Drug Development for Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Biomarker Assessment. AAPS J 2024; 26:97. [PMID: 39179710 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00966-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant or dysfunctional cellular enzymes are responsible for a wide range of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disorders. Deficiencies in enzyme level or biofunction may lead to intracellular accumulation of substrate to toxic levels and interfere with overall cellular function, ultimately leading to cell damage, disease, and death. Marketed therapeutic interventions for inherited monogenic enzyme deficiency disorders include enzyme replacement therapy and small molecule chaperones. Novel approaches of in vivo gene therapy and ex vivo cell therapy are under clinical evaluation and provide promising opportunities to expand the number of available disease-modifying treatments. To support the development of these different therapeutics, assays to quantify the functional activity of protein enzymes have gained importance in the diagnosis of disease, assessment of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic response, and evaluation of drug efficacy. In this review, we discuss the technical aspects of enzyme activity assays in the bioanalytical context, including assay design and format as well as the unique challenges and considerations associated with assay development, validation, and life cycle management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Azadeh
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc., Novato, California, USA
| | | | | | - Nadia Kulagina
- Smithers Pharmaceutical Development Services, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Yanmei Lu
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, California, USA
| | | | | | - Yan G Ni
- Passage Bio, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Pelto
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Catherine Vrentas
- Pharmaceutical Product Development, a ThermoFisher Company, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
- , Richmond, Virginia, USA.
| | - Lin Yang
- Regenxbio, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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3
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Rubilar JC, Outeiro TF, Klein AD. The lysosomal β-glucocerebrosidase strikes mitochondria: implications for Parkinson's therapeutics. Brain 2024; 147:2610-2620. [PMID: 38437875 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily known for typical motor features that arise due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the precise molecular aetiology of the disease is still unclear. Several cellular pathways have been linked to Parkinson's disease, including the autophagy-lysosome pathway, α-synuclein aggregation and mitochondrial function. Interestingly, the mechanistic link between GBA1, the gene that encodes for lysosomal β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), and Parkinson's disease lies in the interplay between GCase functions in the lysosome and mitochondria. GCase mutations alter mitochondria-lysosome contact sites. In the lysosome, reduced GCase activity leads to glycosphingolipid build-up, disrupting lysosomal function and autophagy, thereby triggering α-synuclein accumulation. Additionally, α-synuclein aggregates reduce GCase activity, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of lysosomal dysfunction and α-synuclein accumulation. GCase can also be imported into the mitochondria, where it promotes the integrity and function of mitochondrial complex I. Thus, GCase mutations that impair its normal function increase oxidative stress in mitochondria, the compartment where dopamine is oxidized. In turn, the accumulation of oxidized dopamine adducts further impairs GCase activity, creating a second cycle of GCase dysfunction. The oxidative state triggered by GCase dysfunction can also induce mitochondrial DNA damage which, in turn, can cause dopaminergic cell death. In this review, we highlight the pivotal role of GCase in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and discuss promising examples of GCase-based therapeutics, such as gene and enzyme replacement therapies, small molecule chaperones and substrate reduction therapies, among others, as potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Rubilar
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Scientific Employee with an Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrés D Klein
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
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4
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Huang Q, Chan KY, Wu J, Botticello-Romero NR, Zheng Q, Lou S, Keyes C, Svanbergsson A, Johnston J, Mills A, Lin CY, Brauer PP, Clouse G, Pacouret S, Harvey JW, Beddow T, Hurley JK, Tobey IG, Powell M, Chen AT, Barry AJ, Eid FE, Chan YA, Deverman BE. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human transferrin receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. Science 2024; 384:1220-1227. [PMID: 38753766 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm8386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Developing vehicles that efficiently deliver genes throughout the human central nervous system (CNS) will broaden the range of treatable genetic diseases. We engineered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, BI-hTFR1, that binds human transferrin receptor (TfR1), a protein expressed on the blood-brain barrier. BI-hTFR1 was actively transported across human brain endothelial cells and, relative to AAV9, provided 40 to 50 times greater reporter expression in the CNS of human TFRC knockin mice. The enhanced tropism was CNS-specific and absent in wild-type mice. When used to deliver GBA1, mutations of which cause Gaucher disease and are linked to Parkinson's disease, BI-hTFR1 substantially increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid glucocerebrosidase activity compared with AAV9. These findings establish BI-hTFR1 as a potential vector for human CNS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jason Wu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Nuria R Botticello-Romero
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Shan Lou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Allan Mills
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Chin-Yen Lin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Pamela P Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - John W Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jenna K Hurley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Andrew J Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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Painous C, Fernández M, Pérez J, de Mena L, Cámara A, Compta Y. Fluid and tissue biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: Immunodetection or seed amplification? Central or peripheral? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 121:105968. [PMID: 38168618 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades there have been meaningful developments on biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, extensively (but not solely) focusing on their proteinopathic nature. Accordingly, in Alzheimer's disease determination of levels of total and phosphorylated tau (τ and p-τ, usually p-τ181) along with amyloid-beta1-42 (Aβ1-42) by immunodetection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and currently even in peripheral blood, have been widely accepted and introduced to routine diagnosis. In the case of Parkinson's disease, α-synuclein as a potential biomarker (both for diagnosis and progression tracking) has proved more elusive under the immunodetection approach. In recent years, the emergence of the so-called seed amplification assays is proving to be a game-changer, with mounting evidence under different technical approaches and using a variety of biofluids or tissues, yielding promising diagnostic accuracies. Currently the least invasive but at once more reliable source of biosamples and techniques are being sought. Here we overview these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Painous
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Fernández
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jesica Pérez
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lorena de Mena
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana Cámara
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yaroslau Compta
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Lab of Parkinson Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders - Clinical and Experimental Research, IDIBAPS, Institut de Neurociències UBNeuro, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Pitz V, Makarious MB, Bandres-Ciga S, Iwaki H, Singleton AB, Nalls M, Heilbron K, Blauwendraat C. Analysis of rare Parkinson's disease variants in millions of people. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:11. [PMID: 38191580 PMCID: PMC10774311 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00608-8] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Although many rare variants have been reportedly associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), many have not been replicated or have failed to replicate. Here, we conduct a large-scale replication of rare PD variants. We assessed a total of 27,590 PD cases, 6701 PD proxies, and 3,106,080 controls from three data sets: 23andMe, Inc., UK Biobank, and AMP-PD. Based on well-known PD genes, 834 variants of interest were selected from the ClinVar annotated 23andMe dataset. We performed a meta-analysis using summary statistics of all three studies. The meta-analysis resulted in five significant variants after Bonferroni correction, including variants in GBA1 and LRRK2. Another eight variants are strong candidate variants for their association with PD. Here, we provide the largest rare variant meta-analysis to date, providing information on confirmed and newly identified variants for their association with PD using several large databases. Additionally we also show the complexities of studying rare variants in large-scale cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Pitz
- Integrative Neurogenomics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Mary B Makarious
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UCL Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Bandres-Ciga
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hirotaka Iwaki
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Data Tecnica International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew B Singleton
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mike Nalls
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Data Tecnica International, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Cornelis Blauwendraat
- Integrative Neurogenomics Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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Pal G, Corcos DM, Metman LV, Israel Z, Bergman H, Arkadir D. Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease with GBA1 Pathogenic Variants. Mov Disord 2023; 38:2155-2162. [PMID: 37916476 PMCID: PMC10990226 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic subtyping of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may assist in predicting the cognitive and motor outcomes of subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). Practical questions were recently raised with the emergence of new data regarding suboptimal cognitive outcomes after STN-DBS in individuals with PD associated with pathogenic variants in glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA1-PD). However, a variety of gaps and controversies remain. (1) Does STN-DBS truly accelerate cognitive deterioration in GBA1-PD? If so, what is the clinical significance of this acceleration? (2) How should the overall risk-to-benefit ratio of STN-DBS in GBA1-PD be established? (3) If STN-DBS has a negative effect on cognition in GBA1-PD, how can this effect be minimized? (4) Should PD patients be genetically tested before STN-DBS? (5) How should GBA1-PD patients considering STN-DBS be counseled? We aim to summarize the currently available relevant data and detail the gaps and controversies that exist pertaining to these questions. In the absence of evidence-based data, all authors strongly agree that clinicians should not categorically deny DBS to PD patients based solely on genotype (GBA1 status). We suggest that PD patients considering DBS may be offered genetic testing for GBA1, where available and feasible, so the potential risks and benefits of STN-DBS can be properly weighed by both the patient and clinician. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Pal
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
| | - Daniel M. Corcos
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Leo Verhagen Metman
- Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zvi Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagai Bergman
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel–Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University–Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Arkadir
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Vijiaratnam N, Foltynie T. How should we be using biomarkers in trials of disease modification in Parkinson's disease? Brain 2023; 146:4845-4869. [PMID: 37536279 PMCID: PMC10690028 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent validation of the α-synuclein seed amplification assay as a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease has formed the backbone for a proposed staging system for incorporation in Parkinson's disease clinical studies and trials. The routine use of this biomarker should greatly aid in the accuracy of diagnosis during recruitment of Parkinson's disease patients into trials (as distinct from patients with non-Parkinson's disease parkinsonism or non-Parkinson's disease tremors). There remain, however, further challenges in the pursuit of biomarkers for clinical trials of disease modifying agents in Parkinson's disease, namely: optimizing the distinction between different α-synucleinopathies; the selection of subgroups most likely to benefit from a candidate disease modifying agent; a sensitive means of confirming target engagement; and the early prediction of longer-term clinical benefit. For example, levels of CSF proteins such as the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase may assist in prognostication or allow enrichment of appropriate patients into disease modifying trials of agents with this enzyme as the target; the presence of coexisting Alzheimer's disease-like pathology (detectable through CSF levels of amyloid-β42 and tau) can predict subsequent cognitive decline; imaging techniques such as free-water or neuromelanin MRI may objectively track decline in Parkinson's disease even in its later stages. The exploitation of additional biomarkers to the α-synuclein seed amplification assay will, therefore, greatly add to our ability to plan trials and assess the disease modifying properties of interventions. The choice of which biomarker(s) to use in the context of disease modifying clinical trials will depend on the intervention, the stage (at risk, premotor, motor, complex) of the population recruited and the aims of the trial. The progress already made lends hope that panels of fluid biomarkers in tandem with structural or functional imaging may provide sensitive and objective methods of confirming that an intervention is modifying a key pathophysiological process of Parkinson's disease. However, correlation with clinical progression does not necessarily equate to causation, and the ongoing validation of quantitative biomarkers will depend on insightful clinical-genetic-pathophysiological comparisons incorporating longitudinal biomarker changes from those at genetic risk with evidence of onset of the pathophysiology and those at each stage of manifest clinical Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosen Vijiaratnam
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Thomas Foltynie
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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9
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Colucci F, Avenali M, De Micco R, Fusar Poli M, Cerri S, Stanziano M, Bacila A, Cuconato G, Franco V, Franciotta D, Ghezzi C, Gastaldi M, Elia AE, Romito L, Devigili G, Leta V, Garavaglia B, Golfrè Andreasi N, Cazzaniga F, Reale C, Galandra C, Germani G, Mitrotti P, Ongari G, Palmieri I, Picascia M, Pichiecchio A, Verri M, Esposito F, Cirillo M, Di Nardo F, Aloisio S, Siciliano M, Prioni S, Amami P, Piacentini S, Bruzzone MG, Grisoli M, Moda F, Eleopra R, Tessitore A, Valente EM, Cilia R. Ambroxol as a disease-modifying treatment to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in GBA-associated Parkinson's disease: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial. The AMBITIOUS study protocol. BMJ Neurol Open 2023; 5:e000535. [PMID: 38027469 PMCID: PMC10679992 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous mutations in the GBA gene, encoding the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the most frequent genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). GBA-related PD (GBA-PD) patients have higher risk of dementia and reduced survival than non-carriers. Preclinical studies and one open-label trial in humans demonstrated that the chaperone ambroxol (ABX) increases GCase levels and modulates α-synuclein levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods and analysis In this multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial, we randomise patients with GBA-PD in a 1:1 ratio to either oral ABX 1.2 g/day or placebo. The duration of treatment is 52 weeks. Each participant is assessed at baseline and weeks 12, 26, 38, 52 and 78. Changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score and the frequency of mild cognitive impairment and dementia between baseline and weeks 52 are the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures include changes in validated scales/questionnaires assessing motor and non-motor symptoms. Neuroimaging features and CSF neurodegeneration markers are used as surrogate markers of disease progression. GCase activity, ABX and α-synuclein levels are also analysed in blood and CSF. A repeated-measures analysis of variance will be used for elaborating results. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat. Ethics and dissemination The study and protocols have been approved by the ethics committee of centres. The study is conducted according to good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki. The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Trial registration numbers NCT05287503, EudraCT 2021-004565-13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Colucci
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micol Avenali
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosita De Micco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fusar Poli
- Neuropsychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Mario Stanziano
- Neuroradiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giada Cuconato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Franco
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Emanuele Elia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Romito
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Grazia Devigili
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Leta
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
- Parkinson's Centre of Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Barbara Garavaglia
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Nico Golfrè Andreasi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Cazzaniga
- Unit of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Reale
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mattia Verri
- Neuroradiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Cirillo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Di Nardo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Aloisio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mattia Siciliano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Prioni
- Neuropsychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Amami
- Neuropsychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Sylvie Piacentini
- Neuropsychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Neuroradiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Grisoli
- Neuroradiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Unit of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tessitore
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Cilia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
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10
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Yang D, Xie H, Wu S, Ying C, Chen Y, Ge Y, Yao R, Li K, Jiang Z, Chen G. Neurofilament light chain as a mediator between LRRK2 mutation and dementia in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:132. [PMID: 37699957 PMCID: PMC10497522 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels have been associated with dementia in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). To examine the baseline and longitudinal changes in NfL levels in GBA-PD, SNCA-PD, and LRRK2-PD and further investigate the association between these genetic mutations, NfL, and dementia in PD. We analyzed data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), including 184 healthy controls (HC) and 617 PD categorized as iPD (n = 381), LRRK2-PD (n = 142), GBA-PD (n = 76) and SNCA-PD (n = 18). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) or linear mixed-effect models were used to compare the baseline or dynamic NfL levels between groups. We then explored the relationship between genetic mutations, serum NfL levels, and conversion to dementia using mediation analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, SNCA-PD exhibited higher baseline serum NfL levels than iPD. Regarding longitudinal changes, SNCA-PD showed the highest increase rate in estimated NfL levels (2.43 pg/mL per year), while LRRK2-PD experienced the slowest increase rate (0.52 pg/mL per year). Mediation analysis indicated that higher estimated NfL level changes were associated with faster cognitive decline (β = 0.591, p = 0.026). Specifically, the relationship between LRRK2 and dementia was mediated by the estimated NfL level change (β = -0.717, p < 0.05). Longitudinal changes in serum NfL levels may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, compared to iPD, the slower progression of dementia in LRRK2-PD may be partially attributed to a slower increase in NfL levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Haobo Xie
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenxin Ying
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqun Chen
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yaoying Ge
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruotong Yao
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangyong Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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11
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Oftedal L, Lange J, Pedersen KF, Erga AH, Dalen I, Tysnes OB, Alves G, Maple-Grødem J. Early GCase activity is a predictor of long-term cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:41. [PMID: 37635244 PMCID: PMC10463992 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Linn Oftedal
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Johannes Lange
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kenn Freddy Pedersen
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Aleksander Hagen Erga
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Research, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ole-Bjørn Tysnes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5053, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guido Alves
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jodi Maple-Grødem
- Centre for Movement Disorders, Centre for Brain Health, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011, Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4021, Stavanger, Norway.
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12
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Aldridge CM. Low Glucocerebrosidase Activity Predicts Dementia in Parkinson Disease: Less Is Not More! Neurology 2023; 100:169-170. [PMID: 36257707 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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13
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Artusi CA, Lopiano L. Should we offer deep brain stimulation to Parkinson's disease patients with GBA mutations? Front Neurol 2023; 14:1158977. [PMID: 37122287 PMCID: PMC10140495 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1158977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who are carriers of glucosylceramidase β1 (GBA1) gene mutations typically have an earlier age at onset and a more aggressive disease course, with a higher burden of neuropsychological issues. The use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in PD patients with disabling motor fluctuations and absence of dementia is a widespread therapeutic option, often with good results in terms of improvement in activities of daily living and quality of life. Although all PD patients, when fulfilling the common selection criteria for DBS, can benefit from this intervention, some studies have raised attention toward the fact that PD patients who are carriers of GBA1 variants may have a worse DBS outcome possibly due to an accelerated progression of cognitive decline. From this viewpoint, we summarize the current literature, highlighting the knowledge gaps and proposing suggestions for further research as well as for clinical practice in this timeframe of uncertainty related to using DBS in PD patients who are carriers of GBA1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Alberto Artusi
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SC Neurologia 2U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Alberto Artusi,
| | - Leonardo Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SC Neurologia 2U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
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