1
|
Tai MDS, Gamiz-Arco G, Martinez A. Dopamine synthesis and transport: current and novel therapeutics for parkinsonisms. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1275-1291. [PMID: 38813865 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Parkinsonism is the primary type of movement disorder in adults, encompassing a set of clinical symptoms, including rigidity, tremors, dystonia, bradykinesia, and postural instability. These symptoms are primarily caused by a deficiency in dopamine (DA), an essential neurotransmitter in the brain. Currently, the DA precursor levodopa (synthetic L-DOPA) is the standard medication to treat DA deficiency, but it only addresses symptoms rather than provides a cure. In this review, we provide an overview of disorders associated with DA dysregulation and deficiency, particularly Parkinson's disease and rare inherited disorders leading predominantly to dystonia and/or parkinsonism, even in childhood. Although levodopa is relatively effective for the management of motor dysfunctions, it is less effective for severe forms of parkinsonism and is also associated with side effects and a loss of efficacy over time. We present ongoing efforts to reinforce the effect of levodopa and to develop innovative therapies that target the underlying pathogenic mechanisms affecting DA synthesis and transport, increasing neurotransmission through disease-modifying approaches, such as cell-based therapies, nucleic acid- and protein-based biologics, and small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gloria Gamiz-Arco
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Aurora Martinez
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Translational Research in Parkinson's Disease, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Uenishi E, Seino Y, Nakashima A, Kato K, Kato M, Nagasaki H, Ishikawa K, Izumoto T, Yamamoto M, Takahashi Y, Sugimura Y, Oiso Y, Tsunekawa S. A novel mechanism of idiopathic orthostatic hypotension and hypocatecholaminemia due to autoimmunity against aromatic l-Amino acid decarboxylase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 714:149940. [PMID: 38677008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149940] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common condition. Many potential etiologies of OH have been identified, but in clinical practice the underlying cause of OH is often unknown. In the present study, we identified a novel and extraordinary etiology of OH. We describe a first case of acquired severe OH with syncope, and the female patient had extremely low levels of catecholamines and serotonin in plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Her clinical and biochemical evidence showed a deficiency of the enzyme aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), which converts l-DOPA to dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin, respectively. The consequence of pharmacologic stimulation of catecholaminergic nerves and radionuclide examination revealed her catecholaminergic nerves denervation. Moreover, we found that the patient's serum showed presence of autoantibodies against AADC, and that isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the patient showed cytokine-induced toxicity against AADC. These observations suggest that her autoimmunity against AADC is highly likely to cause toxicity to adrenal medulla and catecholaminergic nerves which contain AADC, resulting in hypocatecholaminemia and severe OH. Administration of vitamin B6, an essential cofactor of AADC, enhanced her residual AADC activity and drastically improved her symptoms. Our data thus provide a new insight into pathogenesis and pathophysiology of OH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eita Uenishi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Uenishi Diabetes and Thyroid Clinic, Komaki, 485-0044, Japan
| | - Yusuke Seino
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akira Nakashima
- Department of Physiology I, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kato
- Functional Medical Imaging, Biomedical Imaging Sciences, Division of Advanced Information Health Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nagasaki
- Department of Physiology I, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kota Ishikawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takako Izumoto
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/ Protective Care for Masticatory Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Sugimura
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yutaka Oiso
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shin Tsunekawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan; Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, 480-1195, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thöny B, Ng J, Kurian MA, Mills P, Martinez A. Mouse models for inherited monoamine neurotransmitter disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:533-550. [PMID: 38168036 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Several mouse models have been developed to study human defects of primary and secondary inherited monoamine neurotransmitter disorders (iMND). As the field continues to expand, current defects in corresponding mouse models include enzymes and a molecular co-chaperone involved in monoamine synthesis and metabolism (PAH, TH, PITX3, AADC, DBH, MAOA, DNAJC6), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) cofactor synthesis and recycling (adGTPCH1/DRD, arGTPCH1, PTPS, SR, DHPR), and vitamin B6 cofactor deficiency (ALDH7A1), as well as defective monoamine neurotransmitter packaging (VMAT1, VMAT2) and reuptake (DAT). No mouse models are available for human DNAJC12 co-chaperone and PNPO-B6 deficiencies, disorders associated with recessive variants that result in decreased stability and function of the aromatic amino acid hydroxylases and decreased neurotransmitter synthesis, respectively. More than one mutant mouse is available for some of these defects, which is invaluable as different variant-specific (knock-in) models may provide more insights into underlying mechanisms of disorders, while complete gene inactivation (knock-out) models often have limitations in terms of recapitulating complex human diseases. While these mouse models have common phenotypic traits also observed in patients, reflecting the defective homeostasis of the monoamine neurotransmitter pathways, they also present with disease-specific manifestations with toxic accumulation or deficiency of specific metabolites related to the specific gene affected. This review provides an overview of the currently available models and may give directions toward selecting existing models or generating new ones to investigate novel pathogenic mechanisms and precision therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Joanne Ng
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Philippa Mills
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aurora Martinez
- Department of Biomedicine and Center for Translational Research in Parkinson's Disease, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sternberg Z. Neurodegenerative Etiology of Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency: a Novel Concept for Expanding Treatment Strategies. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2996-3018. [PMID: 37953352 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03684-2] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC-DY) is caused by one or more mutations in the DDC gene, resulting in the deficit in catecholamines and serotonin neurotransmitters. The disease has limited therapeutic options with relatively poor clinical outcomes. Accumulated evidence suggests the involvement of neurodegenerative mechanisms in the etiology of AADC-DY. In the absence of neurotransmitters' neuroprotective effects, the accumulation and the chronic presence of several neurotoxic metabolites including 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 3-methyldopa, and homocysteine, in the brain of subjects with AADC-DY, promote oxidative stress and reduce the cellular antioxidant and methylation capacities, leading to glial activation and mitochondrial dysfunction, culminating to neuronal injury and death. These pathophysiological processes have the potential to hinder the clinical efficacy of treatments aimed at increasing neurotransmitters' synthesis and or function. This review describes in detail the mechanisms involved in AADC-DY neurodegenerative etiology, highlighting the close similarities with those involved in other neurodegenerative diseases. We then offer novel strategies for the treatment of the disease with the objective to either reduce the level of the metabolites or counteract their prooxidant and neurotoxic effects. These treatment modalities used singly or in combination, early in the course of the disease, will minimize neuronal injury, preserving the functional integrity of neurons, hence improving the clinical outcomes of both conventional and unconventional interventions in AADC-DY. These modalities may not be limited to AADC-DY but also to other metabolic disorders where a specific mutation leads to the accumulation of prooxidant and neurotoxic metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohi Sternberg
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Koshimizu E, Kato M, Misawa K, Uchiyama Y, Tsuchida N, Hamanaka K, Fujita A, Mizuguchi T, Miyatake S, Matsumoto N. Detection of hidden intronic DDC variant in aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency by adaptive sampling. J Hum Genet 2024; 69:153-157. [PMID: 38216729 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an autosomal recessive neurotransmitter disorder caused by pathogenic DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) variants. We previously reported Japanese siblings with AADC deficiency, which was confirmed by the lack of enzyme activity; however, only a heterozygous missense variant was detected. We therefore performed targeted long-read sequencing by adaptive sampling to identify any missing variants. Haplotype phasing and variant calling identified a novel deep intronic variant (c.714+255 C > A), which was predicted to potentially activate the noncanonical splicing acceptor site. Minigene assay revealed that wild-type and c.714+255 C > A alleles had different impacts on splicing. Three transcripts, including the canonical transcript, were detected from the wild-type allele, but only the noncanonical cryptic exon was produced from the variant allele, indicating that c.714+255 C > A was pathogenic. Target long-read sequencing may be used to detect hidden pathogenic variants in unresolved autosomal recessive cases with only one disclosed hit variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Koshimizu
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Misawa
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Uchiyama
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Rare Disease Genomics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naomi Tsuchida
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Rare Disease Genomics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kohei Hamanaka
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Systems Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fujita
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Mizuguchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoko Miyatake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xie Y, Feng X, Tao J, Gao Q, Li Y, Liu X, Xia M, Wang D. Cloning, characterization and specificity of a new aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylases from Bufo bufo gargarizans. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129539. [PMID: 38244737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129539] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its derivative bufotenine, which possess important physiological functions, are the primary active components in the secretions of toad parotid and skin gland. However, the biosynthetic pathway of these substances remains unclear in toads. To characterize toad's Aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC), the key enzyme in the predicted 5-HT derivatives biosynthetic pathway, the full-length cDNA of AADC from Bufo bufo gargarizans (BbgAADC) was cloned from the parotoid gland of B. bufo gargarizans. The recombinant BbgAADC exhibited optimal expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3) containing pCold-BbgAADC after induction for 16 h at 15 °C with 0.3 mM IPTG, resulting in substantial yields of soluble proteins. The enzymological properties of BbgAADC were assessed, and it was determined that the optimal reaction temperature was 37 °C, the optimal pH was 8.6, and the optimum molar ratio of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) to BbgAADC was found to be 3.6:1. Additionally, high substrate specificity was observed, as BbgAADC could catalyze the production of 5-HT from 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) but not dopamine or tryptamine from levodopa or tryptophan, respectively. The Km of the recombinant protein BbgAADC was 0.2918 mM and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) was 1.182 μM·min-1 when 5-HTP was used as substrate. The Kcat was 0.0545 min-1, and Kcat/Km was 0.1868 mM-1·min-1. To elucidate the mechanism of BbgAADC, molecular docking was performed with PLP and 5-HTP, or the external aldimine formed by 5-HTP and PLP. The results indicated that the active sites for BbgAADC to bind with PLP were K303, H192, N300, A148, F309, T246, A273, and T147. W71, Y79, F80, P81, T82, H192, T246, N300, H302, F309, and R477 served as catalytically active sites for the binding of BbgAADC to 5-HTP. Furthermore, R447, W71, S149, N300, A148, and T147 of BbgAADC were involved in the decarboxylation reaction of the aldimine formed by PLP and 5-HTP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yancheng Xie
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Xue Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Jiaqi Tao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Qianhui Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Yue Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China
| | - Mingyu Xia
- School of Life Science and Biological Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi 117004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reischl-Hajiabadi AT, Okun JG, Kohlmüller D, Manukjan G, Hegert S, Durner J, Schuhmann E, Hörster F, Mütze U, Feyh P, Hoffmann GF, Röschinger W, Janzen N, Opladen T. Newborn screening for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency - Strategies, results, and implication for prevalence calculations. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 141:108148. [PMID: 38302374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108148] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, autosomal-recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by variants in dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene, resulting in a severe combined deficiency of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Birth prevalence of AADCD varies by population. In pilot studies, 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) was shown to be a reliable biomarker for AADCD in high-throughput newborn screening (NBS) allowing an early diagnosis and access to gene therapy. To evaluate the usefulness of this method for routine NBS, 3-OMD screening results from the largest three German NBS centers were analyzed. METHODS A prospective, multicenter (n = 3) NBS pilot study evaluated screening for AADCD by quantifying 3-OMD in dried blood spots (DBS) using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). RESULTS In total, 766,660 neonates were screened from January 2021 until June 2023 with 766,647 with unremarkable AADCD NBS (766,443 by 1st-tier analysis and 204 by 2nd-tier analysis) and 13 with positive NBS result recalled for confirmatory diagnostics (recall-rate about 1:59,000). Molecular genetic analysis confirmed AADCD (c.79C > T p.[Arg27Cys] in Exon 2 und c.215 A > C p.[His72Pro] in Exon 3) in one infant. Another individual was highly suspected with AADCD but died before confirmation (overall positive predictive value 0.15). False-positive results were caused by maternal L-Dopa use (n = 2) and prematurity (30th and 36th week of gestation, n = 2). However, in 63% (n = 7) the underlying etiology for false positive results remained unexplained. Estimated birth prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 1:766,660 (95% CI 1:775,194; 1:769,231) to 1:383,330 (95% CI 1:384,615; 1:383,142). The identified child remained asymptomatic until last follow up at the age of 9 months. CONCLUSIONS The proposed screening strategy with 3-OMD detection in DBS is feasible and effective to identify individuals with AADCD. The estimated birth prevalence supports earlier estimations and confirms AADCD as a very rare disorder. Pre-symptomatic identification by NBS allows a disease severity adapted drug support to diminish clinical complications until individuals are old enough for the application of the gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Reischl-Hajiabadi
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Jürgen G Okun
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Dirk Kohlmüller
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | | | | | - Jürgen Durner
- Labor Becker MVZ GbR, Newborn Screening Unit, Munich, Germany.; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Goethestr. 70, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Hörster
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Ulrike Mütze
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Patrik Feyh
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany
| | - Wulf Röschinger
- Labor Becker MVZ GbR, Newborn Screening Unit, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Janzen
- Screening-Labor Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany; Division of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Children and Adolescents, Kinder- und Jugendkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Opladen
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Santa Paola S, Di Blasi FD, Borgione E, Lo Giudice M, Giuliano M, Pettinato R, Di Stefano V, Brighina F, Lupica A, Scuderi C. Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency: A Genetic Screening in Sicilian Patients with Neurological Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:134. [PMID: 38275615 PMCID: PMC10815063 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010134] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by AADC deficiency, an enzyme encoded by the DDC gene. Since the enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of serotonin and dopamine, its deficiency determines the lack of these neurotransmitters, but also of norepinephrine and epinephrine. Onset is early and the key signs are hypotonia, movement disorders (oculogyric crises, dystonia and hypokinesia), developmental delay and autonomic dysfunction. Taiwan is the site of a potential founder variant (IVS6+4A>T) with a predicted incidence of 1/32,000 births, while only 261 patients with this deficit have been described worldwide. Actually, the number of affected persons could be greater, given that the spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad and still little known. In our study we selected 350 unrelated patients presenting with different neurological disorders including heterogeneous neuromuscular disorders, cognitive deficit, behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorder, for which the underlying etiology had not yet been identified. Molecular investigation of the DDC gene was carried out with the aim of identifying affected patients and/or carriers. Our study shows a high frequency of carriers (2.57%) in Sicilian subjects with neurological deficits, with a higher concentration in northern and eastern Sicily. Assuming these data as representative of the general Sicilian population, the risk may be comparable to some rare diseases included in the newborn screening programs such as spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Santa Paola
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | | | - Eugenia Borgione
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Mariangela Lo Giudice
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Marika Giuliano
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Rosa Pettinato
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Carmela Scuderi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee HM, Mercimek-Andrews S, Horvath G, Marchese D, Poulin RE, Krolick A, Tierney KL, Turna J, Wei J, Hwu WL. A position statement on the post gene-therapy rehabilitation of aromatic I-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:17. [PMID: 38238766 PMCID: PMC10797739 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder of monoamine neurotransmitter synthesis that presents with a range of symptoms, including motor dysfunction and limited attainment of developmental motor milestones. The approval of eladocagene exuparvovec, a gene therapy for AADC deficiency with demonstrated efficacy for motor improvements, now expands the range of motor outcomes possible for patients with this disorder. However, recommendations and guidelines for therapy following treatment with gene therapy are lacking. To ensure patients can reach their full potential following treatment with gene therapy, it is essential they receive rehabilitation therapies designed specifically with their impairments and goals in mind. Therefore, we highlight specific rehabilitative needs of patients following gene therapy and propose a set of recommendations for the post-treatment period based on collective experiences of therapists, physicians, and caregivers treating and caring for patients with AADC deficiency who have been treated with gene therapy. These recommendations include a focus on periods of intensive therapy, facilitating active movements, training for functional abilities, cognitive and communication training, parent/caregiver empowerment, collaboration between therapists and caregivers to develop in-home programs, and the incorporation of supplemental forms of therapy that patients and their families may find more enjoyable and engaging. Many of these rehabilitative strategies may be employed prior to gene therapy. However, these recommendations will be valuable for therapists, caregivers, and wider treatment teams as they prepare for the post-treatment journey with these patients. Furthermore, the considerations and recommendations presented here may prove beneficial outside the AADC deficiency community as gene therapies and other treatments are developed and approved for other rare diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 8, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100226, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Linong St. Beitou Dist, No. 155, Sec. 2, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Saadet Mercimek-Andrews
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, 8613 114 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Gabriella Horvath
- Division of Biochemical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Diana Marchese
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Richard E Poulin
- Thai-Chinese International School, 101/177 Moo 7 Soi Mooban Bangpleenives, Prasertsin Road, Bangplee Yai, Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
| | - Alexis Krolick
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Kati-Lyn Tierney
- Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jasmine Turna
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080, USA
| | - Judy Wei
- Ruamrudee International School, 6 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 184, Khwaeng Min Buri, Min Buri, Bangkok, 10510, Thailand
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 8, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100226, Taiwan.
- Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, 2 Yude Road, 404, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thys L, Meuwissen M, Janssens K, Beysen D. Novel presentation of AADC deficiency as a mild phenotype with exercise-induced dystonic crises: A case report. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23746. [PMID: 38192810 PMCID: PMC10772193 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the DDC gene; approximately 140 patients have been described worldwide. AADC deficiency is characterised by a combined deficiency of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline and noradrenaline causing a highly variable phenotype with developmental delay, early-onset hypotonia, movement disorders and autonomic symptoms. We expand the phenotype of this neurometabolic disorder by reporting on a paediatric patient with a mild phenotype with atypical exercise-induced dystonic crises, a feature that has not been described in AADC deficiency up till now. Additionally, we also present a second patient with typical characteristics and a severe phenotype. The diagnosis in both patients was confirmed by the presence of a homozygous pathogenic variant in the DDC gene and reduced AADC enzyme plasma activity. The use of whole exome sequencing-based strategies has played a crucial role in diagnosing these two patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liene Thys
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marije Meuwissen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp, Edegem, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Katrien Janssens
- Department of Medical Genetics, Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp, Edegem, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Diane Beysen
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abdik E, Çakır T. Transcriptome-based biomarker prediction for Parkinson's disease using genome-scale metabolic modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:585. [PMID: 38182712 PMCID: PMC10770157 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51034-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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Identification of PD biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and to develop target-based therapeutic agents. Integrative analysis of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) and omics data provides a computational approach for the prediction of metabolite biomarkers. Here, we applied the TIMBR (Transcriptionally Inferred Metabolic Biomarker Response) algorithm and two modified versions of TIMBR to investigate potential metabolite biomarkers for PD. To this end, we mapped thirteen post-mortem PD transcriptome datasets from the substantia nigra region onto Human-GEM. We considered a metabolite as a candidate biomarker if its production was predicted to be more efficient by a TIMBR-family algorithm in control or PD case for the majority of the datasets. Different metrics based on well-known PD-related metabolite alterations, PD-associated pathways, and a list of 25 high-confidence PD metabolite biomarkers compiled from the literature were used to compare the prediction performance of the three algorithms tested. The modified algorithm with the highest prediction power based on the metrics was called TAMBOOR, TrAnscriptome-based Metabolite Biomarkers by On-Off Reactions, which was introduced for the first time in this study. TAMBOOR performed better in terms of capturing well-known pathway alterations and metabolite secretion changes in PD. Therefore, our tool has a strong potential to be used for the prediction of novel diagnostic biomarkers for human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ecehan Abdik
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Çakır
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chu WS, Ng J, Waddington SN, Kurian MA. Gene therapy for neurotransmitter-related disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:176-191. [PMID: 38221762 PMCID: PMC11108624 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12697] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Inborn errors of neurotransmitter (NT) metabolism are a group of rare, heterogenous diseases with predominant neurological features, such as movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and developmental delay. Clinical overlap with other disorders has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and some conditions are refractory to oral pharmacotherapies. Gene therapies have been developed and translated to clinics for paediatric inborn errors of metabolism, with 38 interventional clinical trials ongoing to date. Furthermore, efforts in restoring dopamine synthesis and neurotransmission through viral gene therapy have been developed for Parkinson's disease. Along with the recent European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval of an AAV2 gene supplementation therapy for AADC deficiency, promising efficacy and safety profiles can be achieved in this group of diseases. In this review, we present preclinical and clinical advances to address NT-related diseases, and summarise potential challenges that require careful considerations for NT gene therapy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wing Sum Chu
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Manju A. Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cursio I, Siliquini S, Carducci C, Bisello G, Mastrangelo M, Leuzzi V, Bertoldi M, Marini C. Case report: Childhood epilepsy and borderline intellectual functioning hiding an AADC deficiency disorder associated with compound heterozygous DDC gene pathogenic variants. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1284339. [PMID: 38116105 PMCID: PMC10729769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1284339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder leading to severe combined serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine deficiency. We report on a female patient with borderline functioning and sporadic clear-cut focal to bilateral seizures from age 10 years. A neuropsychological assessment highlighted a mild impairment in executive functions, affecting attention span and visual-spatial abilities. Following the diagnosis of epilepsy with a presumed genetic etiology, we applied a diagnostic approach inclusive of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel, which uncovered two variants in trans in the DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) gene underlying an AADC deficiency. This compound heterozygous genotype was associated with a mild reduction of homovanillic acid, a low level of the norepinephrine catabolite, and a significant reduction of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in cerebrospinal fluid. Remarkably, 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) and 5-hydroxytryptophan were instead increased. During the genetically guided re-evaluation process, some mild signs of dysautonomic dysfunction (nasal congestion, abnormal sweating, hypotension and fainting, excessive sleepiness, small hands and feet, and increased levels of prolactin, tiredness, and fatigue), more typical of AADC deficiency, were evaluated with new insight. Of the two AADC variants, the R347Q has already been characterized as a loss-of-function with severe catalytic impairments, while the novel L391P variant has been predicted to have a less severe impact. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that the amino acid substitution may affect affinity for the PLP coenzyme. Thus, the genotype corresponds to a phenotype with mild and late-onset symptoms, of which seizures were the clinical sign, leading to medical attention. This case report expands the spectrum of AADC deficiency phenotypes to encompass a less-disabling clinical condition including borderline cognitive functioning, drug-responsive epilepsy, and mild autonomic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Cursio
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. Salesi, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Siliquini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. Salesi, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bisello
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Mastrangelo
- Department of Women/Child Health and Urological Science, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. Salesi, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Park JE, Lee T, Ha K, Cho EH, Ki CS. Carrier frequency and incidence of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: a gnomAD-based study. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1764-1770. [PMID: 37286773 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an autosomal recessive neurotransmitter metabolism disorder and is clinically characterized by infancy hypotonia, ophthalmic crisis, and developmental delay. With the emergence of gene therapy for AADC deficiency, accurate prediction of AADC deficiency is required. This study aimed to analyze the carrier frequency and expected incidence of AADC deficiency using exome data from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). METHODS We analyzed 125,748 exomes from gnomAD, including 9197 East Asian exomes, for the DDC gene. All identified variants were classified according to the 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. RESULTS The worldwide carrier frequency of AADC deficiency was 0.17%; the highest frequency was observed in East Asians at 0.78%, and the lowest was in Latinos at 0.07%. The estimated incidence of AADC deficiency was 1 in 1,374,129 worldwide and 1 in 65,266 in East Asians. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that East Asians have a higher carrier frequency of AADC deficiency than other ethnic groups. The variant spectrum of DDC genes in East Asian populations differed greatly from those of other ethnic groups. Our data will serve as a reference for further investigation of AADC deficiency. IMPACT This study analyzed exome data from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) to estimate the carrier frequency and expected incidence of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The article provides updated carrier frequency and incidence estimates for AADC deficiency, particularly in East Asian populations, and emphasizes the significant differences in the variant spectrum of DDC genes in this population compared to other ethnic groups. The study provides important information for accurate prediction and early diagnosis of AADC deficiency, particularly in high-risk populations, and may aid in the development of more effective targeted screening programs and gene therapies for this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Eun Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Republic of Korea.
| | | | | | - Eun Hye Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hwu W, Hsu R, Li M, Lee H, Chen H, Lee N, Chien Y. Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in Taiwan. JIMD Rep 2023; 64:387-392. [PMID: 37701332 PMCID: PMC10494508 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare inherited disorder that affects neurotransmitter biosynthesis. A DDC founder mutation c.714 + 4A > T (IVS6 + 4A > T) is prevalent in the Chinese population. This study investigated the epidemiology of AADC deficiency in Taiwan by analyzing data from National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), a central institution for diagnosing and treating the disease. From January 2000 to March 2023, 77 patients with AADC deficiency visited NTUH. Among them, eight were international patients seeking a second opinion, and another two had one or both non-Chinese parents; all others were ethnically Chinese. The c.714 + 4A > T mutation accounted for 85% of all mutated alleles, and 94% of patients exhibited a severe phenotype. Of the 77 patients, 31 received gene therapy at a mean age of 3.76 years (1.62-8.49) through clinical trials, and their current ages were significantly older than those of the remaining patients. Although the combined incidence of AADC deficiency in this study (1:66491 for 2004 and later) was lower than that reported in newborn screening (1:31997 to 1:42662), case surges coincided with the launch of clinical trials and the implementation of newborn screening. Currently, many young patients are awaiting for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuh‐Liang Hwu
- Department of PediatricsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichung CityTaiwan
| | - Rai‐Hseng Hsu
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Mei‐Hsin Li
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hui‐Min Lee
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hui‐An Chen
- Department of PediatricsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ni‐Chung Lee
- Department of PediatricsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yin‐Hsiu Chien
- Department of PediatricsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Medical GeneticsNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen PW, Hwu WL, Lee NC, Chien YH. Streamlined determination of 3-O-methyldopa in dried blood spots: Prospective screening for aromatic l-amino-acid decarboxylase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107687. [PMID: 37635029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107687] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency diagnosis is often delayed by low disease awareness and specific laboratory examinations. We demonstrated that an elevated concentration of L-dopa metabolite 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) in dried blood spots could be integrated into a newborn screening program to detect AADC deficiency. METHODS DBS samples for amino acid and acylcarnitine analysis using NeoBase™2 reagents were also analyzed for the 3-OMD concentration using 13C6-phenylalanine as an internal standard. For samples exceeding the pre-defined cutoffs, an additional spot was punched from the original filter paper for second-tier 3-OMD measurement by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS/MS assay. Newborns with a 3-OMD concentration exceeding 500 ng/mL were referred for confirmatory testing. RESULTS From Feb. 2020 to Dec. 2022, 157,371 newborns were screened for AADC deficiency. Eight newborns exhibited an elevated 3-OMD concentration (839-5170 ng/mL). Among them, six newborns were confirmed to carry two pathogenic DDC variants, indicating an incidence of AADC deficiency of ∼1:26,000 (95% confidence interval: 1 in 12,021 to 1 in 57,228). During the follow-up period, all six patients developed typical symptoms of AADC deficiency. CONCLUSION The screening for 3-OMD, a target for AADC deficiency, could be easily integrated into the existing newborn screening programs and facilitate the future application for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Wen Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatric, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chung Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatric, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatric, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Himmelreich N, Bertoldi M, Alfadhel M, Alghamdi MA, Anikster Y, Bao X, Bashiri FA, Zeev BB, Bisello G, Ceylan AC, Chien YH, Choy YS, Elsea SH, Flint L, García-Cazorla À, Gijavanekar C, Gümüş EY, Hamad MH, Hişmi B, Honzik T, Kuseyri Hübschmann O, Hwu WL, Ibáñez-Micó S, Jeltsch K, Juliá-Palacios N, Kasapkara ÇS, Kurian MA, Kusmierska K, Liu N, Ngu LH, Odom JD, Ong WP, Opladen T, Oppeboen M, Pearl PL, Pérez B, Pons R, Rygiel AM, Shien TE, Spaull R, Sykut-Cegielska J, Tabarki B, Tangeraas T, Thöny B, Wassenberg T, Wen Y, Yakob Y, Yin JGC, Zeman J, Blau N. Corrigendum to: Prevalence of DDC genotypes in patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and in silico prediction of structural protein changes. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 139:107647. [PMID: 37453860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nastassja Himmelreich
- Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center and Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Medical Genomic Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Genetics and Precision Medicine Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Ali Alghamdi
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yair Anikster
- Metabolic Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Childrens Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Xinhua Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fahad A Bashiri
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology, Safra Pediatric Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Giovanni Bisello
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ahmet Cevdet Ceylan
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Department of Medical Genetics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics & Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Sarah H Elsea
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Àngels García-Cazorla
- Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charul Gijavanekar
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emel Yılmaz Gümüş
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muddathir H Hamad
- Neurology Division, Pediatric Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Burcu Hişmi
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tomas Honzik
- Dept. of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oya Kuseyri Hübschmann
- Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center and Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics & Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kathrin Jeltsch
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalia Juliá-Palacios
- Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Çiğdem Seher Kasapkara
- Department of Pediatric Metabolism, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL GOS-Institute of Child Health & Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Kusmierska
- Department of Screening and Metabolic Diagnostics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ning Liu
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lock Hock Ngu
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - John D Odom
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Winnie Peitee Ong
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Thomas Opladen
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mari Oppeboen
- Children's Department, Division of Child Neurology and Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Belén Pérez
- Centro de Diagnostico de Enfermedades Moleculares, CIBERER, IdiPAZ, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Pons
- First Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Agnieszka Magdalena Rygiel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tan Ee Shien
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Robert Spaull
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL GOS-Institute of Child Health & Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jolanta Sykut-Cegielska
- Department of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Paediatrics, The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brahim Tabarki
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Trine Tangeraas
- Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Beat Thöny
- Divisions of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yongxin Wen
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusnita Yakob
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Specialised Diagnostics Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Jasmine Goh Chew Yin
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jiri Zeman
- Dept. of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nenad Blau
- Divisions of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Himmelreich N, Bertoldi M, Alfadhel M, Alghamdi MA, Anikster Y, Bao X, Bashiri FA, Zeev BB, Bisello G, Ceylan AC, Chien YH, Choy YS, Elsea SH, Flint L, García-Cazorla À, Gijavanekar C, Gümüş EY, Hamad MH, Hişmi B, Honzik T, Hübschmann OK, Hwu WL, Ibáñez-Micó S, Jeltsch K, Juliá-Palacios N, Kasapkara ÇS, Kurian MA, Kusmierska K, Liu N, Ngu LH, Odom JD, Ong WP, Opladen T, Oppeboen M, Pearl PL, Pérez B, Pons R, Rygiel AM, Shien TE, Spaull R, Sykut-Cegielska J, Tabarki B, Tangeraas T, Thöny B, Wassenberg T, Wen Y, Yakob Y, Yin JGC, Zeman J, Blau N. Prevalence of DDC genotypes in patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and in silico prediction of structural protein changes. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 139:107624. [PMID: 37348148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting the biosynthesis of dopamine, a precursor of both norepinephrine and epinephrine, and serotonin. Diagnosis is based on the analysis of CSF or plasma metabolites, AADC activity in plasma and genetic testing for variants in the DDC gene. The exact prevalence of AADC deficiency, the number of patients, and the variant and genotype prevalence are not known. Here, we present the DDC variant (n = 143) and genotype (n = 151) prevalence of 348 patients with AADC deficiency, 121 of whom were previously not reported. In addition, we report 26 new DDC variants, classify them according to the ACMG/AMP/ACGS recommendations for pathogenicity and score them based on the predicted structural effect. The splice variant c.714+4A>T, with a founder effect in Taiwan and China, was the most common variant (allele frequency = 32.4%), and c.[714+4A>T];[714+4A>T] was the most common genotype (genotype frequency = 21.3%). Approximately 90% of genotypes had variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, while 7% had one VUS allele and 3% had two VUS alleles. Only one benign variant was reported. Homozygous and compound heterozygous genotypes were interpreted in terms of AADC protein and categorized as: i) devoid of full-length AADC, ii) bearing one type of AADC homodimeric variant or iii) producing an AADC protein population composed of two homodimeric and one heterodimeric variant. Based on structural features, a score was attributed for all homodimers, and a tentative prediction was advanced for the heterodimer. Almost all AADC protein variants were pathogenic or likely pathogenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nastassja Himmelreich
- Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center and Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Medical Genomic Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Genetics and Precision Medicine Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Ali Alghamdi
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yair Anikster
- Metabolic Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Childrens Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Xinhua Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fahad A Bashiri
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology, Safra Pediatric Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Giovanni Bisello
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ahmet Cevdet Ceylan
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Department of Medical Genetics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics & Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Sarah H Elsea
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Àngels García-Cazorla
- Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charul Gijavanekar
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emel Yılmaz Gümüş
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muddathir H Hamad
- Neurology Division, Pediatric Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Burcu Hişmi
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tomas Honzik
- Dept. of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oya Kuseyri Hübschmann
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics & Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kathrin Jeltsch
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalia Juliá-Palacios
- Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Çiğdem Seher Kasapkara
- Department of Pediatric Metabolism, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL GOS-Institute of Child Health & Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Kusmierska
- Department of Screening and Metabolic Diagnostics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ning Liu
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lock Hock Ngu
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - John D Odom
- Dept. of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Winnie Peitee Ong
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Thomas Opladen
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mari Oppeboen
- Children's Department, Division of Child Neurology and Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Belén Pérez
- Centro de Diagnostico de Enfermedades Moleculares, CIBERER, IdiPAZ, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Pons
- First Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Agnieszka Magdalena Rygiel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tan Ee Shien
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Robert Spaull
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL GOS-Institute of Child Health & Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jolanta Sykut-Cegielska
- Department of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Paediatrics, The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brahim Tabarki
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Trine Tangeraas
- Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Beat Thöny
- Divisions of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yongxin Wen
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusnita Yakob
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Specialised Diagnostics Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Jasmine Goh Chew Yin
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jiri Zeman
- Dept. of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nenad Blau
- Divisions of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Riva A, Iacomino M, Piccardo C, Franceschetti L, Franchini R, Baroni A, Minetti C, Bisello G, Zara F, Scala M, Striano P, Bertoldi M. Exome sequencing data screening to identify undiagnosed Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 673:131-136. [PMID: 37385007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the DDC gene and mainly characterized by developmental delay, hypotonia, and oculogyric crises. Early diagnosis is crucial for correct patient management; however, many patients remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to the rarity and clinical heterogeneity of the disorder especially in the milder forms. Here, we applied exome sequencing approach by screening 2000 paediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders to identify possible new AADC variants and AADC deficiency patients. We identified five distinct DDC variants in two unrelated individuals. Patient #1 harboured two compound heterozygous DDC variants: c.436-12T > C and c.435 + 24A>C and presented with psychomotor delay, tonic spasms, and hyperreactivity. Patient #2 had three homozygous AADC variants: c.1385G > A; p.Arg462Gln, c.234C > T; p.Ala78 = , and c.201 + 37A > G and presented with developmental delay and myoclonic seizures. The variants were classified as benign class I variants and therefore non-causative according to the ACMG/AMP guidelines. Since the AADC protein is a structural and functional obligate homodimer, we evaluated the possible AADC polypeptide chain combinations in the two patients and determined the effects resulting from the amino acid substitution Arg462Gln. Our patients carrying DDC variants presented clinical manifestations not precisely overlapped to the classical symptoms exhibited by the most severe AADC deficiency cases. However, screening data derived from exome sequencing in patients featuring wide-range symptoms related to neurodevelopmental disorders may help to identify AADC deficiency patients, especially when applied to larger cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Piccardo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Franchini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Minetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bisello
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tokatly Latzer I, Pearl PL. Treatment of neurometabolic epilepsies: Overview and recent advances. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109181. [PMID: 37001467 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The rarity and heterogeneity of neurometabolic diseases make it challenging to reach evidence-based principles for their specific treatments. Indeed, current treatments for many of these diseases remain symptomatic and supportive. However, an ongoing scientific and medical revolution has led to dramatic breakthroughs in molecular sciences and genetics, revealing precise pathophysiologic mechanisms. Accordingly, this has led to significant progress in the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at treating epilepsy resulting from these conditions, as well as their other manifestations. We overview recent notable treatment advancements, from vitamins, trace minerals, and diets to unique medications targeting the elemental pathophysiology at a molecular or cellular level, including enzyme replacement therapy, enzyme enhancing therapy, antisense oligonucleotide therapy, stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itay Tokatly Latzer
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
François‐Heude M, Poulen G, Flamand Roze E, Nguyen Morel M, Gras D, Roch‐Toreilles I, Quintard A, Baroux G, Meyer P, Coubes P, Milesi C, Cambonie G, Baleine J, Sola C, Delye B, Dimopoulou E, Sanchez S, Gasnier M, Touati S, Zamora A, Pontal D, Leboucq N, Kouyoumdjian V, Lebasnier A, Sanquer S, Mariano‐Goulart D, Roujeau T, Roubertie A. Intraputaminal Gene Delivery in Two Patients with Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:811-818. [PMID: 37205256 PMCID: PMC10187009 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, early-onset, dyskinetic encephalopathy mostly reflecting a defective synthesis of brain dopamine and serotonin. Intracerebral gene delivery (GD) provided a significant improvement among AADCD patients (mean age, ≤6 years). OBJECTIVE We describe the clinical, biological, and imaging evolution of two AADCD patients ages >10 years after GD. METHODS Eladocagene exuparvovec, a recombinant adeno-associated virus containing the human complimentary DNA encoding the AADC enzyme, was administered into bilateral putamen by stereotactic surgery. RESULTS Eighteen months after GD, patients showed improvement in motor, cognitive and behavioral function, and in quality of life. Cerebral l-6-[18F] fluoro-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine uptake was increased at 1 month, persisting at 1 year compared to baseline. CONCLUSION Two patients with a severe form of AADCD had an objective motor and non-motor benefit from eladocagene exuparvovec injection even when treated after the age of 10 years, as in the seminal study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaetan Poulen
- Département de NeurochirurgieCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Emmanuel Flamand Roze
- Assistance Publique ‐ Hôpitaux de Paris CHU Pitié‐SalpêtrièreDMU Neurosciences et Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau et de la MoelleParisFrance
| | - Marie‐Ange Nguyen Morel
- Service de Neurologie PédiatriqueHôpital Couple Mère Enfant, CHU Grenoble AlpesLa TroncheFrance
| | - Domitille Gras
- U1141 Neurodiderot, Équipe 5 inDev, Inserm, CEA, UP, UNIACT, Neurospin, Joliot, DRF, CEA‐SaclayParisFrance
| | | | | | | | - Pierre Meyer
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- PhyMedExp, CNRS, INSERM, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Philippe Coubes
- Département de NeurochirurgieCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Christophe Milesi
- Département de Réanimation PédiatriqueCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Gilles Cambonie
- Département de Réanimation PédiatriqueCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Julien Baleine
- Département de Réanimation PédiatriqueCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Chrystelle Sola
- Département d'Anesthésie‐RéanimationCHU Montpellier; Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Bénédicte Delye
- Département d'Anesthésie‐RéanimationCHU Gui de ChauliacMontpellierFrance
| | - Evgenia Dimopoulou
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Stéphanie Sanchez
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | | | - Souad Touati
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Alberto Zamora
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Daniel Pontal
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Nicolas Leboucq
- Département de NeuroradiologieCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | | | - Adrien Lebasnier
- Département de Médecine NucléaireCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | | | | | - Thomas Roujeau
- Département de NeurochirurgieCHU MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Agathe Roubertie
- CHU Montpellier, Département de NeuropédiatrieUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- INM, Univ Montpellier, INSERM U 1298MontpellierFrance
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abukhaled M, Al Muqbil M, Alghamdi MA, Hundallah K, Suleiman J, Ben-Omran T, Alfadhel M, Almannai M, Alsaleh R, Tabarki B. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in countries in the Middle East: a case series and literature review. Eur J Pediatr 2023:10.1007/s00431-023-04886-5. [PMID: 36928758 PMCID: PMC10257624 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder that can lead to severe physical and developmental impairment. This report includes 16 patients from the Middle East and is the largest series of patients with confirmed AADC deficiency from this region reported to date. The patients displayed a range of signs and symptoms at presentation and almost all failed to reach major motor milestones. Missed and delayed diagnoses were common leading to the late introduction of targeted treatments. Eight unique variants were identified in the DDC gene, including six missense and two intronic variants. A previously undescribed variant was identified: an intronic variant between exons 13 and 14 (c.1243-10A>G). The patients were mostly treated with currently recommended medications, including dopamine agonists, vitamin B6, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. One patient responded well, but treatment outcomes were otherwise mostly limited to mild symptomatic improvements. Five patients had died by the time of data collection, confirming that the condition is associated with premature mortality. There is an urgent need for earlier diagnosis, particularly given the potential for gene therapy as a transformative treatment for AADC deficiency when provided at an early age. Conclusions: Delays in the diagnosis of AADC deficiency are common. There is an urgent need for earlier diagnosis, particularly given the potential for gene therapy as a transformative treatment for AADC deficiency when provided at an early age. What is Known: • Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is a rare neurometabolic disorder that can lead to severe physical and developmental impairment. • Currently recommended medications provide mostly mild symptomatic improvements. What is New: • The clinical presentation of sixteen patients with confirmed AADC deficiency varied considerably and almost all failed to reach major motor milestones. • There is an urgent need for earlier diagnosis, given the potential for gene therapy as a transformative treatment for AADC deficiency when provided at an early age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Musaad Abukhaled
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, (KFSH-RC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Al Muqbil
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Ali Alghamdi
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Hundallah
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehan Suleiman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tawfeg Ben-Omran
- Sidra Medicine and Research Center, Doha, Qatar.,Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Department of Genetics and Precision Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Genomic Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almannai
- Department of Genetics and Precision Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Genomic Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Brahim Tabarki
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Compton DR, DeMarco SJ, Yalamanchili P. AAV2-hAADC (Eladocagene Exuparvovec) Biodistribution and Expression: Superiority of Intraputaminal versus Intracerebroventricular and Intrathecal (Lumbar) Routes of Administration. Int J Toxicol 2023; 42:135-145. [PMID: 36472076 DOI: 10.1177/10915818221144424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is a genetic disorder of enzyme loss with decreased neurotransmitter synthesis, and it is characterized by symptoms of impaired motor development and cognitive function, hypotonia, dystonia, and oculogyric crises. Though symptomatic severity varies, the majority of patients experience severe motor impairments, including an inability to sit, stand, or walk. One approved therapy for Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency involves intraputaminal delivery of an adeno-associated virus packaging the human Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase enzyme (hAADC) cDNA. The objective of this study in monkeys was to determine the acceptability of ICV/IT as minimally invasive dosing options by evaluating hAADC biodistribution and expression following intraputaminal, intracerebroventricular (ICV), or intrathecal (IT, lumbar) administration. Results show that all routes produced comparable CSF transgene levels and were well-tolerated. The intraputaminal route yielded the highest levels of transgene-derived mRNA expression in the putamen, caudate, and globus pallidus, while expression levels in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG, a target of special toxicological concern) were undetectable. In contrast, the highest transgene levels in ICV/IT groups were observed in the spinal cord and DRG, but levels were too low to result in expression in the putamen, caudate, and globus pallidus. Unlike ICV/IT, the intraputaminal route produced no transgene in blood, suggesting a lower likelihood of off-target toxicities. Additionally, intraputaminal dosing resulted in the lowest anti-AAV2 antibody (anti-drug antibody) levels. Together, these data demonstrate the superiority of intraputaminal administration over ICV/IT routes in achieving AAV2-hAADC transgene DNA distribution and mRNA expression in target therapeutic areas while minimizing risk of toxicity.
Collapse
|
24
|
Mastrangelo M, Tolve M, Artiola C, Bove R, Carducci C, Carducci C, Angeloni A, Pisani F, Leuzzi V. Phenotypes and Genotypes of Inherited Disorders of Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitter Metabolism. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020263. [PMID: 36833190 PMCID: PMC9957200 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism are genetically determined conditions resulting in dysfunctions or lack of enzymes involved in the synthesis, degradation, or transport of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline/noradrenaline, and their metabolites or defects of their cofactor or chaperone biosynthesis. They represent a group of treatable diseases presenting with complex patterns of movement disorders (dystonia, oculogyric crises, severe/hypokinetic syndrome, myoclonic jerks, and tremors) associated with a delay in the emergence of postural reactions, global development delay, and autonomic dysregulation. The earlier the disease manifests, the more severe and widespread the impaired motor functions. Diagnosis mainly depends on measuring neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid that may address the genetic confirmation. Correlations between the severity of phenotypes and genotypes may vary remarkably among the different diseases. Traditional pharmacological strategies are not disease-modifying in most cases. Gene therapy has provided promising results in patients with DYT-DDC and in vitro models of DYT/PARK-SLC6A3. The rarity of these diseases, combined with limited knowledge of their clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic features, frequently leads to misdiagnosis or significant diagnostic delays. This review provides updates on these aspects with a final outlook on future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Tolve
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Artiola
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Bove
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-649972930; Fax: +39-64440232
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Younger DS. Neonatal and infantile hypotonia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:401-423. [PMID: 37562880 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying etiology of neonatal and infantile hypotonia can be divided into primary peripheral and central nervous system and acquired or genetic disorders. The approach to identifying the likeliest cause of hypotonia begins with a bedside assessment followed by a careful review of the birth history and early development and family pedigree and obtaining available genetic studies and age- and disease-appropriate laboratory investigations. Until about a decade ago, the main goal was to identify the clinical signs and a battery of basic investigations including electrophysiology to confirm or exclude a given neuromuscular disorder, however the availability of whole-exome sequencing and next generation sequencing and transcriptome sequencing has simplified the identification of specific underlying genetic defect and improved the accuracy of diagnosis in many related Mendelian disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Boulghobra A, Bonose M. Quantification of Monoamine Neurotransmitter Metabolites and Cofactors in Cerebrospinal Fluid: State-of-the-Art. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36476251 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2022.2151833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism are rare diseases characterized by nonspecific neurological symptoms. These symptoms appear in early childhood and correspond to movement disorders, epilepsy, sleep disorders and/or mental disability. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers have been identified and validated to allow specific diagnosis of these diseases. Biomarkers of inborn errors of monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites are divided in two groups: monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites and pterins. Biomarkers quantification in cerebrospinal fluid is based on high-performance liquid chromatography separation coupled to electrochemical detection, fluorescence detection, or mass spectrometry. The following article reviews the advances in the proposed routine methods for the measurement of these analytes in cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of this review is to compare the various proposed methods in terms of sample preparation, chromatographic conditions and detection modes. Despite the broad range of proposed methods, quantification of inborn errors of monoamine neurotransmitter biomarkers remains a great challenge, given the complexity of biological fluids and the low amounts of analytes that are present in cerebrospinal fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Boulghobra
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, UMR8000, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Myriam Bonose
- Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, UMR8000, 91405 Orsay, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Himmelreich N, Montioli R, Garbade SF, Kopesky J, Elsea SH, Carducci C, Voltattorni CB, Blau N. Spectrum of DDC variants causing aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and pathogenicity interpretation using ACMG-AMP/ACGS recommendations. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:359-381. [PMID: 36427457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.11.003] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in dopa decarboxylase (DDC), the gene encoding the aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme, lead to a severe deficiency of neurotransmitters, resulting in neurological, neuromuscular, and behavioral manifestations clinically characterized by developmental delays, oculogyric crises, dystonia, and severe neurologic dysfunction in infancy. Historically, therapy has been aimed at compensating for neurotransmitter abnormalities, but response to pharmacologic therapy varies, and in most cases, the therapy shows little or no benefit. A novel human DDC gene therapy was recently approved in the European Union that targets the underlying genetic cause of the disorder, providing a new treatment option for patients with AADC deficiency. However, the applicability of human DDC gene therapy depends on the ability of laboratories and clinicians to interpret the results of genetic testing accurately enough to diagnose the patient. An accurate interpretation of genetic variants depends in turn on expert-guided curation of locus-specific databases. The purpose of this research was to identify previously uncharacterized DDC variants that are of pathologic significance in AADC deficiency as well as characterize and curate variants of unknown significance (VUSs) to further advance the diagnostic accuracy of genetic testing for this condition. DDC variants were identified using existing databases and the literature. The pathogenicity of the variants was classified using modified American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology/Association for Clinical Genomic Science (ACMG-AMP/ACGS) criteria. To improve the current variant interpretation recommendations, in silico variant interpretation tools were combined with structural 3D modeling of protein variants and applied comparative analysis to predict the impact of the variant on protein function. A total of 422 variants were identified (http://biopku.org/home/pnddb.asp). Variants were identified on nearly all introns and exons of the DDC gene, as well as the 3' and 5' untranslated regions. The largest percentage of the identified variants (48%) were classified as missense variants. The molecular effects of these missense variants were then predicted, and the pathogenicity of each was classified using a number of variant effect predictors. Using ACMG-AMP/ACGS criteria, 7% of variants were classified as pathogenic, 32% as likely pathogenic, 58% as VUSs of varying subclassifications, 1% as likely benign, and 1% as benign. For 101 out of 108 reported genotypes, at least one allele was classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. In silico variant pathogenicity interpretation tools, combined with structural 3D modeling of variant proteins and applied comparative analysis, have improved the current DDC variant interpretation recommendations, particularly of VUSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nastassja Himmelreich
- Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center and Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Montioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center and Centre for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jeffrey Kopesky
- Medical Affairs, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, USA.
| | - Sarah H Elsea
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Carla Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carla B Voltattorni
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Nenad Blau
- Divisions of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Clinical Features in Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency: A Systematic Review. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:2210555. [PMID: 36268467 PMCID: PMC9578880 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2210555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare congenital autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by pathogenic homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer of the human AADC gene into the putamina has become available. This systematic review on PubMed, Scopus databases, and other sources is aimed at describing the AADC whole phenotypic spectrum in order to facilitate its early diagnosis. Literature reviews, original articles, retrospective and comparative studies, large case series, case reports, and short communications were considered. A database was set up using Microsoft Excel to collect clinical, molecular, biochemical, and therapeutic data. By analysing 261 patients from 41 papers with molecular and/or biochemical diagnosis of AADC deficiency for which individuality could be determined with certainty, we found symptom onset to occur in the first 6 months of life in 93% of cases. Hypotonia and developmental delay are cardinal signs, reported as present in 73.9% and 72% of cases, respectively. Oculogyric crises were seen in 67% of patients while hypokinesia in 42% and ptosis in 26%. Dysautonomic features have been revealed in 53% and gastrointestinal symptoms in 19% of cases. With 37% and 30% of patients reported being affected by sleep and behavioural disorders, it seems to be commoner than previously acknowledged. Although reporting bias cannot be excluded, there is still a need for comprehensive clinical descriptions of symptoms at onset and during follow-up. In fact, our review suggests that most of the neurological and extraneurological symptoms and signs reported, although quite frequent in this condition, are not pathognomonic, and therefore, ADCC deficiency can remain an underdiscovered disorder.
Collapse
|
29
|
Bergkvist M, Stephens C, Schilling T, Wang A, Yu X, Goodwin E, Golden L, Kristensen A, Klein M. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: a systematic review. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl-2022-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To gain greater knowledge regarding the natural history of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, a genetic disorder that causes severe deficits in motor and cognitive development. Materials & methods: A systematic literature review was performed of all case reports and clinical studies published through December 2019 of patients with AADC deficiency. The data were summarized descriptively. Results: The search identified 94 publications that described 237 unique patients. Mean (standard deviation) age at diagnosis was 3.2 (±5.7) years and 16 deaths were reported. Most patients (57%) received the standard of care therapies, which showed limited efficacy in this patient population. Conclusion: AADC deficiency is a devastating disease and prospectively defined natural history studies are warranted to further understand this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antonia Wang
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
| | - Xiaojin Yu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
| | | | - Lee Golden
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
| | | | - Matthew Klein
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang H, Li J, Zhou J, Dai L, Ding C, Li M, Feng W, Fang F, Ren X, Wang X. Oculogyric crisis mimicked epilepsy in a Chinese aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase-deficiency patient: A case report. Front Neurol 2022; 13:919583. [PMID: 36119679 PMCID: PMC9481412 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.919583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder with heterogeneous phenotype, including hypotonia, movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and developmental delay. Here, we reported a Chinese patient with AADCD who was initially misdiagnosed with epilepsy.Case presentationThe proband was a 4-month-old Chinese girl, representing hypotonia, episodes of oculogyric crises with dystonia, and delayed developmental milestones. The patient was first misdiagnosed with epilepsy because of the similarity between episodes of oculogyric crisis and epileptic seizure. The accurate diagnosis of AADCD was established through analysis of neurotransmitters in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The genetic test confirmed the patient carried novel compound heterozygous mutations in the DDC gene:c.419G>A and c.1375C>T.ConclusionThis study reported a patient with AADCD who was initially misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Two novel missense mutations in the DDC gene were identified from the patient and her family. Little infants with epileptic-like attacks should consider AADCD. An accurate diagnosis of AADCD is essential for drug choice and patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Dai
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changhong Ding
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Li
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weixing Feng
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotun Ren
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohui Wang
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Saberian S, Rowan P, Hammes F, Patel P, Fernandez-Cortes F, Buesch K, Beitia Ortiz de Zarate I. Burden of illness of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: a survey of physicians in Southern Europe. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:1115-1123. [PMID: 35575170 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2078097] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) is an ultra-rare genetic neurometabolic disorder caused by mutations in the DDC gene. OBJECTIVE This retrospective, noninterventional study was designed to describe the burden of AADCd including the associated healthcare resource utilization in Southern Europe. METHODS Eleven clinicians completed a patient case study survey for patients with AADCd currently or previously under their care, followed by an interview with each clinician to assess healthcare resource utilization, patient characteristics, and symptoms. RESULTS Clinicians provided data for 20 patients with AADCd, of whom 60% were male. All patients experienced movement disorders, 90% exhibited developmental delay, 85% reported sleeping problems, and 80% experienced gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms varied with disease severity. Patients with AADCd received care from more than 16 different specialists including both medical and paramedical healthcare professionals. Hospitalizations and visits to accident and emergency departments were also frequent. CONCLUSION In terms of symptoms and healthcare resource utilization, the burden of illness of AADCd is substantial. This study provides insights into several aspects of the disease that are difficult to ascertain from published case reports.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bisello G, Kusmierska K, Verbeek MM, Sykut-Cegielska J, Willemsen MAAP, Wevers RA, Szymańska K, Poznanski J, Drozak J, Wertheim-Tysarowska K, Rygiel AM, Bertoldi M. The novel P330L pathogenic variant of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase maps on the catalytic flexible loop underlying its crucial role. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:305. [PMID: 35593933 PMCID: PMC9121088 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04343-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare monogenic disease, often fatal in the first decade, causing severe intellectual disability, movement disorders and autonomic dysfunction. It is due to mutations in the gene coding for the AADC enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin. Using whole exome sequencing, we have identified a novel homozygous c.989C > T (p.Pro330Leu) variant of AADC causing AADC deficiency. Pro330 is part of an essential structural and functional element: the flexible catalytic loop suggested to cover the active site as a lid and properly position the catalytic residues. Our investigations provide evidence that Pro330 concurs in the achievement of an optimal catalytic competence. Through a combination of bioinformatic approaches, dynamic light scattering measurements, limited proteolysis experiments, spectroscopic and in solution analyses, we demonstrate that the substitution of Pro330 with Leu, although not determining gross conformational changes, results in an enzymatic species that is highly affected in catalysis with a decarboxylase catalytic efficiency decreased by 674- and 194-fold for the two aromatic substrates. This defect does not lead to active site structural disassembling, nor to the inability to bind the pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) cofactor. The molecular basis for the pathogenic effect of this variant is rather due to a mispositioning of the catalytically competent external aldimine intermediate, as corroborated by spectroscopic analyses and pH dependence of the kinetic parameters. Altogether, we determined the structural basis for the severity of the manifestation of AADC deficiency in this patient and discussed the rationale for a precision therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Bisello
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Kusmierska
- Department of Screening and Metabolic Diagnostics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcel M Verbeek
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Cente, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanta Sykut-Cegielska
- Department of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Paediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michèl A A P Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A Wevers
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Cente, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Krystyna Szymańska
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Poznanski
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Drozak
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Saleh DA, Attia AAEM. Shedding light on the phenotypic–genotypic correlation of rare treatable and potentially treatable pediatric movement disorders. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00286-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Advances in genetic science have led to the identification of many rare treatable pediatric movements disorders (MDs). We explored the phenotypic–genotypic spectrum of pediatric patients presenting with MDs. By this, we aimed at raising awareness about such rare disorders, especially in our region. Over the past 3 years, we reviewed the demographic data, clinical profile, molecular genetics and other diagnostic workups of pediatric patients presenting with MDs.
Results
Twelve patients were identified; however, only six patients were genetically confirmed. The phenomenology of MDs ranged from paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (1 patient), exercise-induced dyskinesia (2 patients), ataxia (2 patients) and dystonia (2 patients). Whole-exome sequencing in addition to the functional studies for some patients revealed a specific genetic diagnosis being responsible for their MDs. The genetic diagnosis of our patients included infantile convulsions and paroxysmal choreoathetosis syndrome and episodic ataxia due to “pathogenic homozygous mutation of PRRT2 gene,” glucose transporter type 1 deficiency-exercise induced dyskinesia due to “De Novo pathogenic heterozygous missense mutation of exon 4 of SLC2A1 gene,” aromatic L amino acid decarboxylase deficiency due to “pathogenic homozygous mutation of the DDC gene,” myopathy with extrapyramidal signs due to “likely pathogenic homozygous mutations of the MICU1 gene,” mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency due to “homozygous variant of uncertain significance (VUS) of HADHB gene” and glutaric aciduria II with serine deficiency due to “homozygous VUS for both ETFDH and PHGDH genes.” After receiving the treatment as per recognized treatment protocols, two patients showed complete resolution of symptoms and the rest showed variable responses.
Conclusion
Identifying the genetic etiology of our patients guided us to provide either disease-specific treatment or redirected our management plan. Hence, highlighting the value of molecular genetic analysis to avoid the diagnostic odyssey and identify treatable MDs.
Collapse
|
34
|
Kakavand B. Dizziness, Syncope, and Autonomic Dysfunction in Children. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2022.101512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
35
|
McCarthy A, Black C. Anaesthesia management of a child with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Anaesth Rep 2022; 10:e12152. [PMID: 35233534 PMCID: PMC8861587 DOI: 10.1002/anr3.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in a lack of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. It is characterised by developmental delay, severe hypotonia and autonomic disturbance. In patients with this condition, catecholamine deficiency and autonomic dysfunction, resulting in haemodynamic instability under anaesthesia is a primary concern. There is increased sensitivity to exogenous catecholamines and indirect acting agents, such as ephedrine, are ineffective. Hypoglycaemia, difficult airway status and drug interactions such as with monoamine oxidase inhibitors are also of concern, and these patients are at risk of dystonic crises peri-operatively. A 6-year-old boy with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency presented for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Following multidisciplinary discussion, we elected to provide general anaesthesia with a propofol target-controlled infusion, which proceeded without incident. In this report, we describe the precautions taken in this case, and discuss the provision of general anaesthesia for children with rare neurometabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. McCarthy
- Department of AnaesthesiaChildren’s Health Ireland at CrumlinDublinIreland
| | - C. Black
- Department of AnaesthesiaChildren’s Health Ireland at CrumlinDublinIreland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tai CH, Lee NC, Chien YH, Byrne BJ, Muramatsu SI, Tseng SH, Hwu WL. Long-term efficacy and safety of eladocagene exuparvovec in patients with AADC deficiency. Mol Ther 2022; 30:509-518. [PMID: 34763085 PMCID: PMC8822132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency results in decreased neurotransmitter levels and severe motor dysfunction. Twenty-six patients without head control received bilateral intraputaminal infusions of a recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 vector containing the human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase gene (eladocagene exuparvovec) and have completed 1-year evaluations. Rapid improvements in motor and cognitive function occurred within 12 months after gene therapy and were sustained during follow-up for >5 years. An increase in dopamine production was demonstrated by positron emission tomography and neurotransmitter analysis. Patient symptoms (mood, sweating, temperature, and oculogyric crises), patient growth, and patient caretaker quality of life improved. Although improvements were observed in all treated participants, younger age was associated with greater improvement. There were no treatment-associated brain injuries, and most adverse events were related to underlying disease. Post-surgery complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage were managed with standard of care. Most patients experienced mild to moderate dyskinesia that resolved in a few months. These observations suggest that eladocagene exuparvovec treatment for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency provides durable and meaningful benefits with a favorable safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hwei Tai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chung Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Powell Gene Therapy Center and Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shin-Ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Center for Innovation, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan,Center for Gene & Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sheng-Hong Tseng
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author: Wuh-Liang Hwu, Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zapała B, Stefura T, Piwowar M, Czekalska S, Zawada M, Hadasik M, Solnica B, Rudzińska-Bar M. The Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Monoamine Oxidase B, Dopamine D2 Receptor, and DOPA Decarboxylase Receptors Among Patients Treated for Parkinson's Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:812-819. [PMID: 35044623 PMCID: PMC8986734 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-01966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between selected variants of genes related to dopamine metabolism pathways and the risk of and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This prospective cohort study was conducted in one academic teaching hospital. The study was conducted on 126 patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Blood samples were collected to conduct a genotyping of MAOB, DRD1, DRD2, and DDC genes. Genotype and allele frequencies of MAOB (rs1799836) variants were not associated with the course of PD. Genotype and allele frequencies of DRD2 (rs2283265) variants were associated with risk of dementia (p = 0.001) and resulted in parts II and III of the UPDRS scale (p = 0.001). Genotype and allele frequencies of DRD2 (rs1076560) variants were associated with risk of dementia (p = 0.001) and resulted in parts II and III of the UPDRS scale (p = 0.001). Genotype and allele frequencies of DDC (rs921451) variants were not associated with the course of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zapała
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
| | | | - Monika Piwowar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Czekalska
- Department of Hematology Diagnostics and Genetics, The University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zawada
- Department of Hematology Diagnostics and Genetics, The University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Hadasik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Solnica
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abukhaled M, Alrakaf L, Aldhalaan H, Al Yamani S. Case report: Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in three patient cases from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1016239. [PMID: 36727005 PMCID: PMC9885213 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1016239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an ultra-rare and often severe neurometabolic disorder resulting from variants in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene. A timely diagnosis is critical to prevent secondary complications, promote development, and optimize outcomes from future innovative treatment options, such as gene therapy. This article describes three patients with AADC deficiency managed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). All three patients had homozygous variants within the DDC gene, including one novel gene variant (c.245G > A, p.Arg82Glu), and presented with symptoms from birth. In all cases, a diagnostic delay was observed owing to non-specific signs and symptoms, a lack of disease awareness among primary care physicians, and delays associated with outsourcing of genetic tests. All three patients were managed by a multidisciplinary team at a specialist tertiary center. Clinical outcomes for all three cases were poor, with one patient passing away at 3 years of age and the other two patients continuing to experience substantial disability and poor quality of life. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and improve diagnostic testing for rare diseases such as AADC deficiency in the KSA in order to improve outcomes, particularly as innovative disease-targeting therapies become available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Musaad Abukhaled
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Alrakaf
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Aldhalaan
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suad Al Yamani
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Aquilina K, Chakrapani A, Carr L, Kurian MA, Hargrave D. Convection-Enhanced Delivery in Children: Techniques and Applications. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2022; 45:199-228. [PMID: 35976451 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99166-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since its first description in 1994, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has become a reliable method of administering drugs directly into the brain parenchyma. More predictable and effective than simple diffusion, CED bypasses the challenging boundary of the blood brain barrier, which has frustrated many attempts at delivering large molecules or polymers into the brain parenchyma. Although most of the clinical work with CED has been carried out on adults with incurable neoplasms, principally glioblastoma multiforme, an increasing number of studies have recognized its potential for paediatric applications, which now include treatment of currently incurable brain tumours such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), as well as metabolic and neurotransmitter diseases. The roadmap for the development of hardware and use of pharmacological agents in CED has been well-established, and some neurosurgical centres throughout the world have successfully undertaken clinical trials, admittedly mostly early phase, on the basis of in vitro, small animal and large animal pre-clinical foundations. However, the clinical efficacy of CED, although theoretically logical, has yet to be unequivocally demonstrated in a clinical trial; this applies particularly to neuro-oncology.This review aims to provide a broad description of the current knowledge of CED as applied to children. It reviews published studies of paediatric CED in the context of its wider history and developments and underlines the challenges related to the development of hardware, the selection of pharmacological agents, and gene therapy. It also reviews the difficulties related to the development of clinical trials involving CED and looks towards its potential disease-modifying opportunities in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Aquilina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
| | - A Chakrapani
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Carr
- Department of Neurology and Neurodisability, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - M A Kurian
- Department of Neurology and Neurodisability, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Neurogenetics Group, Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - D Hargrave
- Cancer Group, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Babiker MOE, Kurian MA, Suleiman J. Case report: First case report of an Emirati child with a novel gene variant causing aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:964201. [PMID: 36110109 PMCID: PMC9468477 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.964201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare, neurometabolic disorder resulting from biallelic mutations in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene. This is the first reported case of AADC deficiency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and describes an Emirati male patient who presented in the first few months of life with a severe phenotype of global hypotonia, developmental delay and oculogyric crisis. Following whole exome sequencing, a novel homozygous mutation in the DDC gene (c.1144G>T, p.Val382Phe) was reported and the patient underwent further testing, after which a diagnosis of AADC deficiency was confirmed. This mutation has not been previously described, but the clinical phenotype and corresponding biochemical profile confirmed that it is a pathogenic variant. The patient is currently managed at a tertiary referral center in the UAE and is treated in accordance with published guidance on AADC deficiency, including the recommended medical therapy combined with multidisciplinary care from a team of specialists. Some symptomatic improvements have been reported but at 5 years of age the patient continues to exhibit profound developmental delay, oculogyric crisis and is prone to recurrent respiratory infections. In order to improve outcomes for patients with AADC deficiency in the Middle Eastern region, there is an urgent need to raise the index of clinical suspicion, particularly among primary care physicians, pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists, and to improve access to diagnostic testing. This is particularly relevant at the current time, given the ongoing development of potentially disease-modifying gene therapy for AADC deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O E Babiker
- Neurosciences Centre, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jehan Suleiman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hasegawa Y, Nishi E, Mishima Y, Sakaguchi T, Sekiguchi F, Miyake N, Kojima K, Osaka H, Matsumoto N, Okamoto N. Novel variants in aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency: Case report of sisters with mild phenotype. Brain Dev 2021; 43:1023-1028. [PMID: 34481663 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, caused by a pathogenic variant in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene, is a rare neurometabolic disorder in which catecholamine and serotonin are not synthesized. From a large number of reports, it has been recognized that most affected patients show severe developmental delay in a bedridden state and are unable to speak. On the other hand, patients with a mild phenotype with AADC deficiency have been reported, but they number only a few cases. Therefore, the variation of phenotypes of the disease appears to be broad, and it may be challenging to diagnose an atypical phenotype as AADC deficiency. CASE REPORT We report novel compound heterozygous variants in DDC (c.202G > A and c.254C > T) in two sisters, whose main complaint was mild developmental delay, by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Additionally, we describe their clinical features and provide an image that shows the variants located at different sites responsible for the catalysis of AADC in a three-dimensional structure. The patients were prescribed a Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor after diagnosis. INTERPRETATION Our cases indicate that a comprehensive genomic approach helps to diagnose AADC deficiency with atypical features, and underscore the significance of understanding the variations of this disorder for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Hasegawa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan.
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Yuko Mishima
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sakaguchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Futoshi Sekiguchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Karin Kojima
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Osaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Skrobanski H, Williams K, Werner C, O'Neill S, Buesch K, Acaster S. The impact of caring for an individual with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency: a qualitative study and the development of a conceptual model. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:1821-1828. [PMID: 34259573 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1955668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, associated with a wide range of symptoms and functional issues, such as profound motor impairment and learning disability. Most individuals with AADC deficiency are completely dependent on their caregivers. This study explored the impact of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with AADC deficiency in Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States. An interview guide was developed with input from clinical experts and caregivers and included questions on the impact of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. Interviews were conducted by telephone/videoconference and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Fourteen caregivers took part who provided care to 13 individuals with AADC deficiency aged 1-15 years. Caregivers reported that their lives centred around the individual with AADC deficiency, due to their need for 24-hour care and regular healthcare appointments. They reported both proximal impacts (impact on time, planning, physical health and emotional wellbeing), and distal impacts (impact on social/leisure activities, relationships, work and finances). These concepts and relationships were illustrated in a conceptual model. CONCLUSIONS This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of caring for an individual with AADC deficiency. Caregivers reported that caring had a substantial multifaceted impact on their lives. These findings highlight the importance of considering the caregiver experience when evaluating the burden of AADC deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Skrobanski
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Williams
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Werner
- Global Medical Affairs, PTC Therapeutics Germany GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sian O'Neill
- Patient Engagement EMEA, PTC Therapeutics International Limited, Ireland
| | - Katharina Buesch
- Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, PTC Therapeutics Switzerland GmbH, Steinhausen/Zug, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Acaster
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Insights into the expanding phenotypic spectrum of inherited disorders of biogenic amines. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5529. [PMID: 34545092 PMCID: PMC8452745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism are rare neurodevelopmental diseases presenting with movement disorders and global developmental delay. This study presents the results of the first standardized deep phenotyping approach and describes the clinical and biochemical presentation at disease onset as well as diagnostic approaches of 275 patients from the registry of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders. The results reveal an increased rate of prematurity, a high risk for being small for gestational age and for congenital microcephaly in some disorders. Age at diagnosis and the diagnostic delay are influenced by the diagnostic methods applied and by disease-specific symptoms. The timepoint of investigation was also a significant factor: delay to diagnosis has decreased in recent years, possibly due to novel diagnostic approaches or raised awareness. Although each disorder has a specific biochemical pattern, we observed confounding exceptions to the rule. The data provide comprehensive insights into the phenotypic spectrum of neurotransmitter disorders. Inherited disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism represent a group of rare neurometabolic diseases characterized by movement disorders and developmental delay. Here, the authors report a standardized evaluation of a registry of 275 patients from 42 countries, and highlight an evolving phenotypic spectrum of this disease group and factors influencing diagnostic processes.
Collapse
|
44
|
Williams K, Skrobanski H, Werner C, O'Neill S, Buesch K, Acaster S. Symptoms and impact of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency: a qualitative study and the development of a patient-centred conceptual model. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:1353-1361. [PMID: 34042550 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1932449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare neurological condition, with an estimated global prevalence of 1:32,000 to 1:90,000 live births. AADC deficiency is associated with a range of symptoms and functional impairments, but these have not previously been explored qualitatively. This study aimed to understand the symptoms of AADC deficiency and its impact on individuals' health-related quality of life. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with AADC deficiency in Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United States. An interview guide was developed with input from clinical experts and caregivers, and explored the symptoms and impacts of AADC deficiency. Interviews were conducted by telephone and were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and saturation was recorded. RESULTS Fourteen caregivers took part, who provided care to 13 individuals with AADC deficiency aged 1-15 years. All individuals had impaired motor function, which was attributed to low muscle tone and muscle weakness. The level of motor function varied considerably, ranging from no motor function (no head control) to being able to take a few steps without support. Other impairments included cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, movement disorders (e.g. oculogyric crises), gastrointestinal symptoms, eating difficulties, fatigue and sleep disruption. Most individuals were completely dependent on their caregivers for all aspects of their lives. This limited function had a negative impact on their ability to socialise with their peers and on their emotional wellbeing. These concepts and relationships are illustrated in a conceptual model, and moderating factors (e.g. physiotherapy and medication) are discussed. CONCLUSION This is the first qualitative study to report on the experience of living with AADC deficiency. Caregivers report individuals with AADC deficiency experience a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments, which have a substantial impact on their health-related quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Williams
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, UK
| | - Hanna Skrobanski
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, UK
| | - Christian Werner
- Global Medical Affairs, PTC Therapeutics Germany GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sian O'Neill
- Patient Engagement EMEA, PTC Therapeutics International Limited, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katharina Buesch
- Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, PTC Therapeutics Switzerland GmbH, Steinhausen/Zug, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Acaster
- Patient-Centred Outcomes Research, Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gene therapy for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency by MR-guided direct delivery of AAV2-AADC to midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4251. [PMID: 34253733 PMCID: PMC8275582 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficient synthesis of dopamine and serotonin. It presents in early infancy, and causes severe developmental disability and lifelong motor, behavioral, and autonomic symptoms including oculogyric crises (OGC), sleep disorder, and mood disturbance. We investigated the safety and efficacy of delivery of a viral vector expressing AADC (AAV2-hAADC) to the midbrain in children with AADC deficiency (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02852213). Seven (7) children, aged 4–9 years underwent convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of AAV2-hAADC to the bilateral substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) (total infusion volume: 80 µL per hemisphere) in 2 dose cohorts: 1.3 × 1011 vg (n = 3), and 4.2 × 1011 vg (n = 4). Primary aims were to demonstrate the safety of the procedure and document biomarker evidence of restoration of brain AADC activity. Secondary aims were to assess clinical improvement in symptoms and motor function. Direct bilateral infusion of AAV2-hAADC was safe, well-tolerated and achieved target coverage of 98% and 70% of the SN and VTA, respectively. Dopamine metabolism was increased in all subjects and FDOPA uptake was enhanced within the midbrain and the striatum. OGC resolved completely in 6 of 7 subjects by Month 3 post-surgery. Twelve (12) months after surgery, 6/7 subjects gained normal head control and 4/7 could sit independently. At 18 months, 2 subjects could walk with 2-hand support. Both the primary and secondary endpoints of the study were met. Midbrain gene delivery in children with AADC deficiency is feasible and safe, and leads to clinical improvements in symptoms and motor function. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Here the authors describe a clinical trial of MR-guided delivery of AAV2-AADC for the treatment of AADC.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kuseyri Hübschmann O, Mohr A, Friedman J, Manti F, Horvath G, Cortès-Saladelafont E, Mercimek-Andrews S, Yildiz Y, Pons R, Kulhánek J, Oppebøen M, Koht JA, Podzamczer-Valls I, Domingo-Jimenez R, Ibáñez S, Alcoverro-Fortuny O, Gómez-Alemany T, de Castro P, Alfonsi C, Zafeiriou DI, López-Laso E, Guder P, Santer R, Honzík T, Hoffmann GF, Garbade SF, Sivri HS, Leuzzi V, Jeltsch K, García-Cazorla A, Opladen T, Harting I. Brain MR patterns in inherited disorders of monoamine neurotransmitters: An analysis of 70 patients. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:1070-1082. [PMID: 33443316 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inherited monoamine neurotransmitter disorders (iMNDs) are rare disorders with clinical manifestations ranging from mild infantile hypotonia, movement disorders to early infantile severe encephalopathy. Neuroimaging has been reported as non-specific. We systematically analyzed brain MRIs in order to characterize and better understand neuroimaging changes and to re-evaluate the diagnostic role of brain MRI in iMNDs. 81 MRIs of 70 patients (0.1-52.9 years, 39 patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies, 31 with primary disorders of monoamine metabolism) were retrospectively analyzed and clinical records reviewed. 33/70 patients had MRI changes, most commonly atrophy (n = 24). Eight patients, six with dihydropteridine reductase deficiency (DHPR), had a common pattern of bilateral parieto-occipital and to a lesser extent frontal and/or cerebellar changes in arterial watershed zones. Two patients imaged after acute severe encephalopathy had signs of profound hypoxic-ischemic injury and a combination of deep gray matter and watershed injury (aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADCD), tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency (THD)). Four patients had myelination delay (AADCD; THD); two had changes characteristic of post-infantile onset neuronal disease (AADCD, monoamine oxidase A deficiency), and nine T2-hyperintensity of central tegmental tracts. iMNDs are associated with MRI patterns consistent with chronic effects of a neuronal disorder and signs of repetitive injury to cerebral and cerebellar watershed areas, in particular in DHPRD. These will be helpful in the (neuroradiological) differential diagnosis of children with unknown disorders and monitoring of iMNDs. We hypothesize that deficiency of catecholamines and/or tetrahydrobiopterin increase the incidence of and the CNS susceptibility to vascular dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oya Kuseyri Hübschmann
- Department of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Mohr
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Friedman
- UCSD Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics; Rady Children's Hospital Division of Neurology, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Filippo Manti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Horvath
- University of British Columbia, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Biochemical Genetics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elisenda Cortès-Saladelafont
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol and Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Saadet Mercimek-Andrews
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yilmaz Yildiz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Metabolism, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Roser Pons
- First Department of Pediatrics of the University of Athens, Aghia Sofia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Jan Kulhánek
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mari Oppebøen
- Children's Department, Division of Child Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Inés Podzamczer-Valls
- Department of Neurology, Neurometabolic Unit, and Synaptic Metabolism Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosario Domingo-Jimenez
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Madrid, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, CIBERER-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Ibáñez
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Alcoverro-Fortuny
- Service of Psychiatry, Hospital Benito Menni - Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Gómez-Alemany
- Service of Psychiatry, Hospital Benito Menni - Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro de Castro
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Chiara Alfonsi
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitrios I Zafeiriou
- Child Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics, 1st Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eduardo López-Laso
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Reina Sofía, IMIBIC and CIBERER, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Tomáš Honzík
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Department of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Department of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H Serap Sivri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Metabolism, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Kathrin Jeltsch
- Department of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angeles García-Cazorla
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Opladen
- Department of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inga Harting
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Moskaleva PV, Shnayder NA, Nasyrova RF. [Association of polymorphic variants of DDC (AADC), AANAT and ASMT genes encoding enzymes for melatonin synthesis with the higher risk of neuropsychiatric disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:151-157. [PMID: 34184492 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is the most well-known regulator of the circadian rhythms of all living organisms and the main substrate synthesized at night. There are 4 stages in the synthesis of melatonin. This review focuses on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages. The review is aimed at analyzing publications on molecular genetic association studies on the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the DDC (AADC), AANAT and ASMT genes encoding melatonin synthesis enzymes in the pathogenesis of socially significant neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. The authors analyzed the available full-text articles from several databases, as well as materials from electronic resources. Search depth was 15 years. The analysis of these studies over the past decade show the association of some SNPs of the studied genes with the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders such as delayed sleep phase disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, migraine, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, bipolar-affective disorder, schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P V Moskaleva
- Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - N A Shnayder
- Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - R F Nasyrova
- Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ling TK, Wong KC, Chan CY, Lau NKC, Law CY, Lee HCH, Lai CK, Chong YK, Yau KCE, Cheung KM, Ko CH, Fung CW, Lee LK, Wong SSN, Mak CM, Chan AYW, Tam S, Lam CW. Urine organic acid as the first clue towards aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency in a high prevalence area. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 521:40-44. [PMID: 34161777 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.06.025] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is a rare neurometabolic disease due to impaired decarboxylation of neurotransmitter precursors to its active form. CASE We retrospectively reviewed 8 cases from 2008 to 2019 with cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter analysis performed at our centre. All cases had an elevated urine vanillactic acid and, in most cases, with N-acetylvanilalanine detected. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed low downstream metabolites vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid but high 3-O-methyl-L-DOPA, 5-hydroxytryptophan. Cerebrospinal fluid pterins were normal. Genotyping in DDC confirms the diagnosis. Urine organic acid analysis provided the first clue to diagnosis in four of the cases, which then triggered cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter and genetic analysis. We also developed a diagnostic decision support system to assist the interpretation of the mass spectrometry data from urine organic acids. CONCLUSIONS Urine organic acid could be essential in guiding subsequent investigations for the diagnosis of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. We propose to screen suspected cases first with urine organic acids, specifically looking for vanillactic acid and N-acetylvanilalanine. Suggestive findings should be followed with target analysis for c.714 + 4A > T in ethnically Chinese patients. The assistive tool allowed expedite interpretation of profile data generated from urine organic acids analysis. It may also reduce interpreter's bias when peaks of interest are minor peaks in the spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsz-Ki Ling
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Chung Wong
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Candace Yim Chan
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Chun-Yiu Law
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Chi-Kong Lai
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yeow-Kuan Chong
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Cheong Eric Yau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Ming Cheung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Hung Ko
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk-Wing Fung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lai-Ka Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheila Suet-Na Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chloe M Mak
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Albert Yan-Wo Chan
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sidney Tam
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching-Wan Lam
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China; Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cherian A, Paramasivan NK, Divya KP. Dopa-responsive dystonia, DRD-plus and DRD look-alike: a pragmatic review. Acta Neurol Belg 2021; 121:613-623. [PMID: 33453040 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-020-01574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) and DRD plus are diseases of the dopamine pathway with sizeable genetic diversity and myriad presentations. DRD has onset in childhood or adolescence with focal dystonia, commonly affecting lower limb, diurnal fluctuations with evening worsening of symptoms and a demonstrable sleep benefit. DRD "plus" has "atypical features" which include infantile onset, psychomotor delay, cognitive abnormalities, oculogyric crisis, seizures, irritability, spasticity, hypotonia, ptosis, hyperthermia and cerebellar dysfunction. Neurodegeneration, however, is not a feature of either DRD or DRD-plus disorders. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a key cofactor, deficiency leads to inadequate dopamine and serotonin synthesis. Norepinephrine deficiency may coexist, depending on the enzyme defect. Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is a clue for BH4 paucity. However, HPA is conspicuously absent in autosomal-dominant guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 deficiency and sepiapterin reductase deficiency. DRD look-alike is a group of neurodegenerative disorders involving the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, which could present with dystonia responsive to dopaminergic drugs or neurodegenerative or non-neurodegenerative disorders without involving the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system yet responsive to levodopa. Although levodopa is the mainstay of therapy, response to this drug can be unsatisfactory in DRD plus and DRD look-alike and other drugs are tried. Simultaneous management of HPA leads to remarkable improvement in both motor and cognitive functions. The aim of this review is to help neurology practitioners in treating patients with DRD, DRD-plus and DRD look-alike as many of them have excellent outcome with appropriate therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajith Cherian
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Naveen Kumar Paramasivan
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - K P Divya
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kubaski F, Herbst ZM, Pereira DA, Silva C, Chen C, Hwu PW, van der Linden H, Lourenço CM, Giugliani R. Evaluation of 3- O-methyldopa as a biomarker for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency in 7 Brazilian cases. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 27:100744. [PMID: 33763332 PMCID: PMC7973244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADCD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder, caused by biallelic mutations in the DDC gene, that impairs the synthesis or metabolism of neurotransmitters leading to severe motor dysfunction. The main clinical signs are oculogyric crisis, hypotonia, hypokinesia, and dystonia. The biochemical diagnosis can be performed in cerebrospinal fluid by neurotransmitter analysis, which requires an invasive lumbar puncture, and the sample needs to be shipped frozen to a reference laboratory, usually across a country border. Measurement of AADC activity in plasma is also possible, but available in a few labs globally. 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) is a catabolic product of L-dopa and it is elevated in patients with AADC deficiency. The quantification of 3-OMD can be performed in dried blood spots (DBS), a sample that could be shipped at room temperature. 3-OMD levels of AADCD patients and controls were quantified in DBS by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. DBS samples from 7 Brazilian patients previously diagnosed with AADCD were used to validate the 3-OMD quantification as a screening procedure for this condition. All AADCD patients had at least a four-fold increase of 3-OMD. Thus, 3-OMD seems to be a reliable marker for AADCD, with potential use also in the newborn screening of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francyne Kubaski
- PPGBM, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- INAGEMP, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Biodiscovery Research Group, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- DRBrasil Research Group, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Camilo Silva
- Waters Technologies do Brasil Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Giugliani
- PPGBM, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- INAGEMP, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Biodiscovery Research Group, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- DRBrasil Research Group, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|