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Iwabuchi K, Koyano S, Yagishita S. Simple and clear differentiation of spinocerebellar degenerations: Overview of macroscopic and low-power view findings. Neuropathology 2022; 42:379-393. [PMID: 35859519 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar degenerations (SCDs) are a diverse group of rare and slowly progressive neurological diseases that include spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). They are often inherited, and affect the cerebellum and related pathways. The combination of clinical findings and lesion distribution has been the gold-standard for classifying SCDs. This conventional approach has not been very successful in providing a solid framework shared among researchers because their points of views have been quite variable. After identification of genetic abnormalities, classification was overwhelmed by genotyping, replacing the conventional approach far behind. In this review, we describe a stepwise operational approach that we constructed based only on macroscopic findings without microscopy to classify SCDs into three major groups: pure cerebellar type for SCA6 and SCA31; olivopontocerebellar (OPC) type for SCA1, SCA2, SCA7 and MSA; and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian (DRPL) type for SCA1, SCA3, DRPLA and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Spinocerebellar tract involvement distinguishes SCA1 and SCA3 from DRPLA. Degeneration of the internal segment of the pallidum is accentuated in SCA3 and PSP, while degeneration of the external segment is accentuated in SCA1 and DRPLA. These contrasts are helpful in subdividing OPC and DRPL types to predict their genotypes. Lesion distribution represents disease-specific selective vulnerability, which is readily differentiated macroscopically using our stepwise operational approach. Precise prediction of the major genotypes will provide a basis to understand how genetic abnormalities lead to corresponding phenotypes through disease-specific selective vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shigeru Koyano
- Department of Neurology, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saburo Yagishita
- Department of Pathology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
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2
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Olmos V, Gogia N, Luttik K, Haidery F, Lim J. The extra-cerebellar effects of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1): looking beyond the cerebellum. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:404. [PMID: 35802260 PMCID: PMC9993484 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of nine polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases and is characterized as an adult late-onset, progressive, dominantly inherited genetic disease. SCA1 is caused by an increase in the number of CAG repeats in the ATXN1 gene leading to an expanded polyQ tract in the ATAXIN-1 protein. ATAXIN-1 is broadly expressed throughout the brain. However, until recently, SCA1 research has primarily centered on the cerebellum, given the characteristic cerebellar Purkinje cell loss observed in patients, as well as the progressive motor deficits, including gait and limb incoordination, that SCA1 patients present with. There are, however, also other symptoms such as respiratory problems, cognitive defects and memory impairment, anxiety, and depression observed in SCA1 patients and mouse models, which indicate that there are extra-cerebellar effects of SCA1 that cannot be explained solely through changes in the cerebellar region of the brain alone. The existing gap between human and mouse model studies of extra-cerebellar regions in SCA1 makes it difficult to answer many important questions in the field. This review will cover both the cerebellar and extra-cerebellar effects of SCA1 and highlight the need for further investigations into the impact of mutant ATXN1 expression in these regions. This review will also discuss implications of extra-cerebellar effects not only for SCA1 but other neurodegenerative diseases showing diverse pathology as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Olmos
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Neha Gogia
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Kimberly Luttik
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | | | - Janghoo Lim
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 154E, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Orengo JP, Nitschke L, van der Heijden ME, Ciaburri NA, Orr HT, Zoghbi HY. Reduction of mutant ATXN1 rescues premature death in a conditional SCA1 mouse model. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e154442. [PMID: 35290244 PMCID: PMC9089789 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder. As disease progresses, motor neurons are affected, and their dysfunction contributes toward the inability to maintain proper respiratory function, a major driving force for premature death in SCA1. To investigate the isolated role of motor neurons in SCA1, we created a conditional SCA1 (cSCA1) mouse model. This model suppresses expression of the pathogenic SCA1 allele with a floxed stop cassette. cSCA1 mice crossed to a ubiquitous Cre line recapitulate all the major features of the original SCA1 mouse model; however, they took twice as long to develop. We found that the cSCA1 mice produced less than half of the pathogenic protein compared with the unmodified SCA1 mice at 3 weeks of age. In contrast, restricted expression of the pathogenic SCA1 allele in motor neurons only led to a decreased distance traveled of mice in the open field assay and did not affect body weight or survival. We conclude that a 50% or greater reduction of the mutant protein has a dramatic effect on disease onset and progression; furthermore, we conclude that expression of polyglutamine-expanded ATXN1 at this level specifically in motor neurons is not sufficient to cause premature lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Orengo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and
| | - Larissa Nitschke
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Meike E. van der Heijden
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Ciaburri
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harry T. Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Huda Y. Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
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Nishiguchi KM, Aoki M, Nakazawa T, Abe T. Macular degeneration as a common cause of visual loss in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) patients. Ophthalmic Genet 2019; 40:49-53. [DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2019.1571614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koji M. Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Abe
- Division of Clinical Cell Therapy, Center for Translational and Advanced Animal Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Martins Junior CR, Martinez ARM, Vasconcelos IF, de Rezende TJR, Casseb RF, Pedroso JL, Barsottini OGP, Lopes-Cendes Í, França MC. Structural signature in SCA1: clinical correlates, determinants and natural history. J Neurol 2018; 265:2949-2959. [PMID: 30324307 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-9087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in ATXN1, characterized by progressive cerebellar and extracerebellar symptoms. MRI-based studies in SCA1 focused in the cerebellum and connections, but there are few data about supratentorial/spinal damage and its clinical relevance. We have thus designed this multimodal MRI study to uncover the structural signature of SCA1. To accomplish that, a group of 33 patients and 33 age-and gender-matched healthy controls underwent MRI on a 3T scanner. All patients underwent a comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological evaluation. We correlated the structural findings with the clinical features of the disease. In addition, we evaluated the disease progression looking at differences in SCA1 subgroups defined by disease duration. Ataxia and pyramidal signs were the main symptoms. Neuropsychological evaluation disclosed cognitive impairment in 53% with predominant frontotemporal dysfunction. Gray matter analysis unfolded cortical thinning of primary and associative motor areas with more restricted impairment of deep structures. Deep gray matter atrophy was associated with motor handicap and poor cognition skills. White matter integrity loss was diffuse in the brainstem but restricted in supratentorial structures. Cerebellar cortical thinning was found in multiple areas and correlated not only with motor disability but also with verbal fluency. Spinal cord atrophy correlated with motor handicap. Comparison of MRI findings in disease duration-defined subgroups identified a peculiar pattern of progressive degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Roberto Martins Junior
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Campinas, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Alberto Rolim Muro Martinez
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Campinas, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Faber Vasconcelos
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Campinas, 13083-887, Brazil
| | | | - Raphael Fernandes Casseb
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Campinas, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Pedroso
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Íscia Lopes-Cendes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcondes Cavalcante França
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Campinas, 13083-887, Brazil.
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Abe K. [An early history of Japanese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related diseases and the current development]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2018; 58:141-165. [PMID: 29491329 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The present review focuses an early history of Japanese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related diseases and the current development. In relation to foreign previous reports, five topics are introduced and discussed on ALS with dementia, ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC), familial ALS (FALS), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), and multisystem involvement especially in cerebellar system of ALS including ALS/SCA (spinocerebellar ataxia) crossroad mutation Asidan. This review found the great contribution of Japanese reports on the above five topics, and confirmed the great development of ALS-related diseases over the past 120 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Medical School
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Orengo JP, van der Heijden ME, Hao S, Tang J, Orr HT, Zoghbi HY. Motor neuron degeneration correlates with respiratory dysfunction in SCA1. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.032623. [PMID: 29419414 PMCID: PMC5894948 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.032623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is characterized by adult-onset cerebellar degeneration with attendant loss of motor coordination. Bulbar function is eventually impaired and patients typically die from an inability to clear the airway. We investigated whether motor neuron degeneration is at the root of bulbar dysfunction by studying SCA1 knock-in (Atxn1154Q/+) mice. Spinal cord and brainstem motor neurons were assessed in Atxn1154Q/+ mice at 1, 3 and 6 months of age. Specifically, we assessed breathing physiology, diaphragm histology and electromyography, and motor neuron histology and immunohistochemistry. Atxn1154Q/+ mice show progressive neuromuscular respiratory abnormalities, neurogenic changes in the diaphragm, and motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and brainstem. Motor neuron degeneration is accompanied by reactive astrocytosis and accumulation of Atxn1 aggregates in the motor neuron nuclei. This observation correlates with previous findings in SCA1 patient tissue. Atxn1154Q/+ mice develop bulbar dysfunction because of motor neuron degeneration. These findings confirm the Atxn1154Q/+ line as a SCA1 model with face and construct validity for this understudied disease feature. Furthermore, this model is suitable for studying the pathogenic mechanism driving motor neuron degeneration in SCA1 and possibly other degenerative motor neuron diseases. From a clinical standpoint, the data indicate that pulmonary function testing and employment of non-invasive ventilator support could be beneficial in SCA1 patients. The physiological tests used in this study might serve as valuable biomarkers for future therapeutic interventions and clinical trials. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: In this manuscript, we discovered motor neuron degeneration which correlates with respiratory failure in a knock-in mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1).
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Orengo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shuang Hao
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianrong Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA .,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Extreme lordosis, also called swayback, lowback or softback, can occur as a congenital trait or as a degenerative trait associated with ageing. In this study, the hereditary aspect of congenital swayback was investigated using whole genome association studies of 20 affected and 20 unaffected American Saddlebred (ASB) Horses for 48,165 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A statistically significant association was identified on ECA20 (corrected P=0.017) for SNP BIEC2-532523. Of the 20 affected horses, 17 were homozygous for this SNP when compared to seven homozygotes among the unaffected horses, suggesting a major gene with a recessive mode of inheritance. The result was confirmed by testing an additional 13 affected horses and 166 unaffected horses using 35 SNPs in this region of ECA20 (corrected P=0.036). Combined results for 33 affected horses and 287 non-affected horses allowed identification of a region of homozygosity defined by four SNPs in the region. Based on the haplotype defined by these SNPs, 80% of the 33 affected horses were homozygous, 21% heterozygous and 9% did not possess the haplotype. Among the non-affected horses, 15% were homozygous, 47% heterozygous and 38% did not possess the haplotype. The differences between the two groups were highly significant (P<0.00001). The region defined by this haplotype includes 53 known and predicted genes. Exons from three candidate genes, TRERF1, RUNX2 and CNPY3 were sequenced without finding distinguishing SNPs. The mutation responsible for swayback may lie in other genes or in regulatory regions outside exons. This information can be used by breeders to reduce the occurrence of swayback among their livestock. This condition may serve as a model for investigation of congenital skeletal deformities in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cook
- Department of Veterinary Science, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
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Abstract
While the cerebellum's role in motor function is well recognized, the nature of its concurrent role in cognitive function remains considerably less clear. The current consensus paper gathers diverse views on a variety of important roles played by the cerebellum across a range of cognitive and emotional functions. This paper considers the cerebellum in relation to neurocognitive development, language function, working memory, executive function, and the development of cerebellar internal control models and reflects upon some of the ways in which better understanding the cerebellum's status as a "supervised learning machine" can enrich our ability to understand human function and adaptation. As all contributors agree that the cerebellum plays a role in cognition, there is also an agreement that this conclusion remains highly inferential. Many conclusions about the role of the cerebellum in cognition originate from applying known information about cerebellar contributions to the coordination and quality of movement. These inferences are based on the uniformity of the cerebellum's compositional infrastructure and its apparent modular organization. There is considerable support for this view, based upon observations of patients with pathology within the cerebellum.
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Jhunjhunwala K, Prashanth DK, Netravathi M, Jain S, Purushottam M, Pal PK. Alterations in cortical excitability and central motor conduction time in spinocerebellar ataxias 1, 2 and 3: a comparative study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012; 19:306-11. [PMID: 23219306 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinocerebellar ataxias 1, 2 and 3 (SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3) are CAG repeat disorders. The prevalence of changes in the cortical excitability and central motor conduction time (CMCT) in these disorders is largely unknown, and there are few studies which have compared these findings in the subtypes of SCA. The objectives of this study were to measure the cortical resting motor threshold (RMT) and CMCT using transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3. METHODS The subjects of this study were 32 genetically confirmed patients with SCA (SCA1 = 15, SCA2 = 11, SCA3 = 6). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was performed using a figure-of-eight coil attached to Magstim 200 stimulator. Motor evoked potentials were recorded from first dorsal interosseous at rest. RMT was determined using standard techniques and the CMCT by 'F' wave method. Comparison was made with data from 32 healthy controls. RESULTS Compared to controls, the patients with SCA had significantly higher mean RMT as well as CMCT (RMT: 49.9 ± 9.1 vs. 41.5 ± 6.6, p < 0.0001; CMCT: 7.7 ± 2.3 ms vs. 4.8 ± 0.6 ms; p < 0.0001). When compared separately with the controls, while all the three subtypes of SCAs had significantly prolonged CMCT, only SCA1 and SCA3, but not SCA2 had significantly greater RMT. RMT and CMCT between patients with SCA2 and SCA3, and between SCA1 and SCA3 did not differ significantly, while SCA1 had significantly higher RMT and CMCT than SCA2. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SCA have reduced cortical excitability and prolonged central motor conduction time, which was most evident in SCA1 and least in SCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Jhunjhunwala
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
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Abe K, Ikeda Y, Kurata T, Ohta Y, Manabe Y, Okamoto M, Takamatsu K, Ohta T, Takao Y, Shiro Y, Shoji M, Kamiya T, Kobayashi H, Koizumi A. Cognitive and affective impairments of a novel SCA/MND crossroad mutation Asidan. Eur J Neurol 2012; 19:1070-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2012.03669.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Sequeiros J, Martins S, Silveira I. Epidemiology and population genetics of degenerative ataxias. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 103:227-51. [PMID: 21827892 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-51892-7.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sequeiros
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Portugal.
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Donato SD, Mariotti C, Taroni F. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 103:399-421. [PMID: 21827903 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-51892-7.00025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one out of nine polyglutamine diseases, a group of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases present only in humans. SCA1, the first autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) to be genetically characterized, is caused by the expansion of a CAG triplet repeat located in the N-terminal coding region of the disease-causing gene ATX1 located on chromosome 6p23: the mutation results in the production of a mutant protein, dubbed ataxin-1, with a longer-than-normal polyglutamine stretch. The predominant effect of the mutation is thought to be a toxic gain-of-function of the aberrant protein, and longer expansions are associated with earlier onset and more severe disease in subsequent generations. The most common presentation of SCA1 is dominant ataxia 'plus', characterized by cerebellar dysfunctions variably associated with slow saccades, ophthalmoplegia, pyramidal and extrapyramidal features, mild to moderate dementia, amyotrophy, and peripheral neuropathy. Its diagnostic pathological feature is olivopontocerebellar atrophy and degeneration predominantly affects the Purkinje cells and the dentate nuclei of the cerebellum. Pathogenesis is mainly attributed to the toxic effect of mutant ataxin-1, which localizes into the nucleus and, through restricted and aberrant protein-protein interactions, causes putative dysfunctional gene transcription in target cells which leads to late-onset cell dysfunction and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Donato
- UO Biochimica e Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
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van Gaalen J, Giunti P, van de Warrenburg BP. Movement disorders in spinocerebellar ataxias. Mov Disord 2011; 26:792-800. [PMID: 21370272 DOI: 10.1002/mds.23584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) can present with a large variety of noncerebellar symptoms, including movement disorders. In fact, movement disorders are frequent in many of the various SCA subtypes, and they can be the presenting, dominant, or even isolated disease feature. When combined with cerebellar ataxia, the occurrence of a specific movement disorder can provide a clue toward the underlying genotype. There are reasons to believe that for some coexisting movement disorders, the cerebellar pathology itself is the culprit, for example, in the case of cortical myoclonus and perhaps dystonia. However, movement disorders in SCAs are more likely related to extracerebellar pathology, and imaging and neuropathological data indeed show involvement of other parts of the motor system (substantia nigra, striatum, pallidum, motor cortex) in some SCA subtypes. When confronted with a patient with an isolated movement disorder, that is, without ataxia, there is currently no reason to routinely screen for SCA gene mutations, the only exceptions being SCA2 in autosomal dominant parkinsonism (particularly in Asian patients) and SCA17 in the case of a Huntington's disease-like presentation without an HTT mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith van Gaalen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Abe K, Itoyama Y. Psychological consequences of genetic testing for spinocerebellar ataxia in the Japanese. Eur J Neurol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.1997.tb00411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Koefoed P, Nielsen JE, Hasholt L, Jensen PKA, Fenger K, Sørensen SA. The molecular diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 in patients with ataxia. Eur J Neurol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.1997.tb00410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Takahashi A. Chapter 47: history of clinical neurology in Japan. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2010; 95:769-779. [PMID: 19892150 DOI: 10.1016/s0072-9752(08)02147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Gifu, Japan
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Watanabe H, Tanaka F, Matsumoto M, Doyu M, Ando T, Mitsuma T, Sobue G. Frequency analysis of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias in Japanese patients and clinical characterization of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Clin Genet 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.1998.tb02575.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Seven neurodegenerative disorders are known to be caused by unstable expansions of the trinucleotide CAG within human genes, and more will be discovered in the coming years. These disorders share some clinical similarities, as well as some differences, which are summarized here. These diseases have unusual clinical genetic properties related to the dynamic nature of CAG repeat expansions, including instability of the repeat expansion in meiosis, particularly male meiosis; a strong correlation between onset age and size of the repeat expansion; anticipation (earlier disease onset in succeeding generations); new mutations arising from unstable, mutable alleles with a high-normal CAG repeat number; and reduced penetrance for alleles in the low-affected range. Much more remains to be learned about the molecular biology and clinical pathophysiology of this new class of genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Nance
- Department of Neurology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Apart from motor control the cerebellum has been implicated in higher cortical functions such as memory, fronto-executive functions, visuoconstructive skills and emotion. Clinical descriptions of hereditary ataxias mention cognitive impairment to a variable extent. Systematic neuropsychological studies are limited. Regarding the neuropathological pattern in different SCA types, cognitive deficits in hereditary ataxias are not likely to be contingent upon cerebellar degeneration but to result from disruption of cerebrocerebellar circuitries at various levels in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bürk
- Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, and Institute of Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany.
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21
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Ohta Y, Hayashi T, Nagai M, Okamoto M, Nagotani S, Nagano I, Ohmori N, Takehisa Y, Murakami T, Shoji M, Kamiya T, Abe K. Two cases of spinocerebellar ataxia accompanied by involvement of the skeletal motor neuron system and bulbar palsy. Intern Med 2007; 46:751-5. [PMID: 17541229 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report two patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) with cranial and spinal motor neuron involvement. They initially presented with cerebellar ataxia, followed by bulbar palsy and limb motor neuron sign. One of the patients had a brother with allied disorder. SCA type 1 (SCA1), SCA3 and SCA6 have been reported to involve the motor neuron system, but they were excluded by DNA analyses in the present two patients. These two patients may form a distinct disease entity among SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Ohta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, Okayama University.
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22
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Dragasević NT, Culjković B, Klein C, Ristić A, Keckarević M, Topisirović I, Vukosavić S, Svetel M, Kock N, Stefanova E, Romac S, Kostić VS. Frequency analysis and clinical characterization of different types of spinocerebellar ataxia in Serbian patients. Mov Disord 2006; 21:187-91. [PMID: 16149098 DOI: 10.1002/mds.20687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The relative frequencies of different spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) vary widely among different ethnic groups, presumably due to a founder effect. We investigated the relative prevalence of SCA1-3, 6-8, 12, 17; dentate-rubro-pallidoluysian atrophy; and Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) in Serbian patients with adult-onset (>20 years of age) hereditary and sporadic SCAs, and compared clinical features of patients with genetically confirmed SCAs. A total of 108 patients from 54 families (38 apparently dominant [ADCA] and 16 apparently recessive) with adult-onset hereditary ataxia and 75 apparently sporadic patients were assessed. Of 38 families with ADCA, 13 (34%) were positive for an expansion in an SCA1 and 5 families (13%) for an expansion in an SCA2 allele. In 20 families (53%), no expansions have been identified in any of the analyzed genes. Gaze palsy, spasticity, and hyperreflexia were significantly more common in SCA1, whereas slow saccades, hypotonia, hyporeflexia, and dystonia prevailed in SCA2 patients. Among the 16 families with an apparently recessive mode of ataxia inheritance, 4 (25%) were identified as having the FRDA mutation. Ataxia-causing mutations were identified in 8 (10.6%) of patients with apparently sporadic adult-onset ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa T Dragasević
- Institute of Neurology CCS, Medical School, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
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23
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Bryer A, Krause A, Bill P, Davids V, Bryant D, Butler J, Heckmann J, Ramesar R, Greenberg J. The hereditary adult-onset ataxias in South Africa. J Neurol Sci 2004; 216:47-54. [PMID: 14607302 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(03)00209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is little data on the spectrum and frequencies of the autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) from the African continent. We undertook a large prospective population-based study over a 10-year period in South Africa (SA). Affected persons were clinically evaluated, and the molecular analysis for the SCA1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 expansions was undertaken. Of the 54 SA families with dominant ataxia, SCA1 accounted for 40.7%, SCA2 for 13%, SCA3 for 3.7%, SCA6 for 1.9%, SCA7 for 22.2% and 18.5% were negative for all these mutations. The frequency of the SCA1 and SCA7 expansions in SA represents one of the highest frequencies for these expansions reported in any country. In this study, the SCA7 mutations have only been found in SA families of Black ethnic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Bryer
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa.
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24
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Maruyama H, Izumi Y, Morino H, Oda M, Toji H, Nakamura S, Kawakami H. Difference in disease-free survival curve and regional distribution according to subtype of spinocerebellar ataxia: a study of 1,286 Japanese patients. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 2002; 114:578-83. [PMID: 12116198 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.10514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Expansions of trinucleotide repeats have been discovered in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, and 17, Machado-Joseph disease (MJD/SCA3), and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). However, the frequency of familial SCA in Japan remains unclear. The number of trinucleotide repeats was determined for 1,286 patients. Three hundred and thirty families (523 cases) were autosomal dominant group (A), and 165 families were positive for family history but not autosomal dominant group (B), while the remaining 598 cases were the sporadic group (C). The frequency of SCA subtypes in autosomal dominant group was: 1) 5.5% for SCA1; 2) 2.4% for SCA2; 3) 27.6% for MJD/SCA3; 4) 25.5% for SCA6; 5) 0.3% for SCA17; and 6) 7.3% for DRPLA. Abnormal expansion of SCA12 was not detected. Another 31.5% of the patients in the autosomal dominant group had unknown genetic abnormalities. Within group B, SCA6 was the most prominent and within the sporadic group MJD/SCA3 and SCA6 were the most common subtypes observed. The disease-free survival curve of SCA6 was different from that of other SCAs and the mean age at onset for SCA6 was found to be later than that of the other types. Regional differences were observed in the relative rate of SCA subtypes. MJD/SCA3 appears more common in the Kanto and Kyushu districts of Japan, whereas SCA6 is most common in the Chugoku district. In order to establish an effective social welfare system for SCA patients, clinical course and regional differences in the prevalence of SCA subtypes must be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Maruyama
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan
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25
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Kumagai Y, Sugiura Y, Shimoji S, Kumagai T, Tochikubo S, Yamamoto T. Incidence of genetic subgroups of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia in Fukushima Prefecture. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2001; 195:85-91. [PMID: 11846212 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.195.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of each type of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) was genetically determined in Fukushima Prefecture, and the results were compared to those in other areas of Japan. The genetic analyses were done in 29 patients with dominant SCA and 5 patients with SCA with negative family history. Machado-Joseph disease was identified in 41.3% of the cases, SCA6 17.2%, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) 6.9% and unknown 34.5%. The incidence is clearly different from those of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures as SCA1 has not been identified in our region, and is in fact similar to that of Hokuriku or Kanto Provinces. An apparent difference in the incidence of each SCA may be attributed to the historical and geographic regional difference in the distribution of inhabitants and also to the small size of the SCA population we have so far investigated. In addition, 2 of the 3 genetically identified DRPLA in this study were not clinically diagnosed, and one of them was thought to be sporadic. Late onset DRPLA may thus be misdiagnosed to other disease categories, when dementia was not apparent at the time of onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Kumagai
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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26
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Namekawa M, Takiyama Y, Ando Y, Sakoe K, Muramatsu SI, Fujimoto KI, Nishizawa M, Nakano I. Choreiform movements in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. J Neurol Sci 2001; 187:103-6. [PMID: 11440752 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(01)00527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe the unusual case of a 51-year-old woman with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) who showed choreiform movements in addition to cerebellar ataxia. To date, extrapyramidal signs including involuntary movements have been rarely reported in SCA1. Surface electromyogram in our patient revealed grouped discharges whose duration was longer than that of chorea observed in HD, indicating that the involuntary movements represented choreoathetosis rather than pure chorea. These choreiform movements have not been seen in non-hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia. Therefore, if "sporadic" cases of cerebellar ataxia show such movements, the possibility of genetic origin of the ataxia is high and a surveillance of various forms of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia including SCA1 is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Namekawa
- Department of Neurology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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27
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Marzouki N, Belal S, Benhamida C, Benlemlih M, Hentati F. Genetic analysis of early onset cerebellar ataxia with retained tendon reflexes in four Tunisian families. Clin Genet 2001; 59:257-62. [PMID: 11298681 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2001.590407.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias comprise a poorly understood group of inherited degenerative neurological diseases. Attempts to classify hereditary ataxias on the basis of the neurological features or specific clinical signs such as tendon reflex changes have proven to be unsatisfactory. Early onset cerebellar ataxia (EOCA) is generally inherited as an autosomal-recessive trait. Thus far, we do not have accurate answers to several questions about its classification. However, significant clinical heterogeneity observed in four Tunisian families with typical EOCA clinical features reinforces the hypothesis of genetic heterogeneity underlying this phenotype. We have demonstrated that three of the four families studied were not linked to Friedreich's ataxia (FA), vitamin E deficiency ataxia (AVED), and autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) loci. The fourth family showed homozygosity for a large pathological expansion of GAA repeat in all patients, the parents being heterozygous for this mutation. We have also noted, in the case of the family studied, that there was instability in the transmission of the mutation, along with a phenomenon of anticipation comparable to that observed in dominant triplet repeat diseases. EOCA is thus clinically indistinguishable from FA, yet genetically independent of all known candidate genes. Genetic mapping is required for research into the causal gene and an understanding of the disease's physiopathologic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Marzouki
- Labratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Université Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculté des Sciences, Fes, Morocco.
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28
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Onodera Y, Aoki M, Tsuda T, Kato H, Nagata T, Kameya T, Abe K, Itoyama Y. High prevalence of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) in an isolated region of Japan. J Neurol Sci 2000; 178:153-8. [PMID: 11018707 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(00)00390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant cerebeller ataxias (ADCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders that differ in both the clinical manifestations and modes of inheritance. At present, eight different genes causing ADCAs have been found: spinocerebeller ataxia type 1 (SCA1), SCA2, SCA3/Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), SCA6, SCA7, SCA8, SCA12 and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). The relative prevalence of each mutation varies according to race and native place. We studied 117 unrelated ADCA families that originated from the Tohoku District in the northernmost part of Honshu Island in Japan (mainly Miyagi Prefecture in the central part of Tohoku District). The SCA1 mutation was the most frequent among the known disorders (24.8% of all such families). The relative prevalence of SCA1 in the Tohoku District is very high compared with the values already reported from other regions in the world. Because the population of this area had seldom moved, the alleles with SCA1 mutations (including alleles with an intermediate CAG repeat number) are assumed to have been present in this area for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, 980-8574, Sendai, Japan
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29
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Frontali M, Novelletto A, Annesi G, Jodice C. CAG repeat instability, cryptic sequence variation and pathogeneticity: evidence from different loci. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 1999; 354:1089-94. [PMID: 10434311 PMCID: PMC1692606 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.1999.0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different aspects of expanded polyglutamine tracts and of their pathogenetic role are taken into consideration here. (i) The (CAG)n length of wild-type alleles of the Huntington disease gene was analysed in instability-prone tumour tissue from colon cancer patients to test whether the process leading to the elongation of alleles towards the expansion range involves single-unit stepwise mutations or larger jumps. The analysis showed that length changes of a single unit had a relatively low frequency. (ii) The observation of an expanded spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)1 allele with an unusual pattern of multiple CAT interruptions showed that cryptic sequence variations are critical not only for sequence length stability but also for the expression of the disease phenotype. (iii) Small expansions of the (CAG)n sequence at the CACNA1A gene have been reported as causing SCA6. The analysis of families with SCA6 and episodic ataxia type 2 showed that these phenotypes are, in fact, expressions of the same disorder caused either by point mutations or by small (CAG)n expansions. A gain of function has been hypothesized for all proteins containing an expanded polyglutamine stretch, including the alpha 1A subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel type P/Q coded by the CACNA1A gene. Because point mutations at the same gene with similar phenotypic consequences are highly unlikely to have this effect, an alternative common pathogenetic mechanism for all these mutations, including small expansions, can be hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Frontali
- Istituto di Medicina Sperimentale, CNR, Roma, Italy.
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30
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Di Donato S. The complex clinical and genetic classification of inherited ataxias. I. Dominant ataxias. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES 1998; 19:335-43. [PMID: 10935827 DOI: 10.1007/bf02341779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The clinical classification of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCAs) is intricate due to the variable and unpredictable association of signs and symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) deterioration during the life of a patient. However, for many purposes, particularly patient management, clinical systematics is the most useful method for labelling patients; in some instances there is no basis for any more fundamental classification of phenotypes. On the other hand, recent molecular-genetic approaches to dominant ataxias have had a profound impact in nosology, diagnostic procedures and the management of patients, since they are based on the fact that all mendelian neurological diseases can be precisely classified according to the locus involved as well as the particular mutant allele at that locus. Therefore, a clinical and genetic classification of dominant ataxias is herewith proposed as the best nosographical choice. Clinical, neuropathological, genetic, and pathogenetic aspects of ADCAs are reviewed and discussed to help the clinical neurologist guide diagnostic procedures and manage ataxic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Di Donato
- National Neurological Institute C. Besta, Milan, Italy
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31
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Shizuka M, Watanabe M, Ikeda Y, Mizushima K, Kanai M, Tsuda T, Abe K, Okamoto K, Shoji M. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6: CAG trinucleotide expansion, clinical characteristics and sperm analysis. Eur J Neurol 1998. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.1998.540381.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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32
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Mizushima K, Watanabe M, Abe K, Aoki M, Itoyama Y, Shizuka M, Okamoto K, Shoji M. Analysis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 in Gunma Prefecture in Japan: CAG trinucleotide expansion and clinical characteristics. J Neurol Sci 1998; 156:180-5. [PMID: 9588855 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(98)00040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed 13 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) in seven unrelated families who live in Gunma Prefecture, Japan (population approx. 2,000,000), and documented the clinical and molecular properties correlated with the CAG repeat expansion. Twelve of the 13 patients and one presymptomatic female were genetically examined, and the CAG repeat number of the expanded and normal alleles was 40.8+/-4.8 (mean+/-S.D., n=13) and 22+/-0 (n=13), respectively. The repeat size of the expanded alleles was inversely correlated with the patients' age at onset. Paternal anticipation was observed, accompanied by an increase of the CAG repeat size. The patients presented here were clinically characterized by a relatively higher frequency of slow saccades, hyporeflexia, hypotonia, and tremor. A number of peaks in the expanded allele on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed the presence of cell mosaicism in SCA2 as well. In Gunma Prefecture, SCA2, Machado-Joseph disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 are almost equally present and at higher frequencies than spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and hereditary dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy, which are rare. Thus, the difference of frequency of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias may be present in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mizushima
- Department of Neurology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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33
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Maurer DJ, Benzow KA, Schut LJ, Ranum LP, Livingston DM. Comparison of expanded CAG repeat tracts in sperm and lymphocyte DNA from Machado Joseph disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type I patients. Hum Mutat 1998; Suppl 1:S74-7. [PMID: 9452047 DOI: 10.1002/humu.1380110126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D J Maurer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455, USA
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34
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Andrew SE, Goldberg YP, Hayden MR. Rethinking genotype and phenotype correlations in polyglutamine expansion disorders. Hum Mol Genet 1997; 6:2005-10. [PMID: 9328463 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/6.12.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S E Andrew
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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35
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Abstract
Clinical and molecular analyses of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) were performed. In the present study, a Japanese family of AD with an Ala285Val substitution in exon 8 of the presenilin-1 (PS-1) gene was found. This family was characterized by relatively late onset (mean age at 50 years) in familial AD with PS-1 gene mutation and by absence of myoclonus, seizure or paratonia. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) study showed marked linear signal abnormalities in white matter of parietoocctipital lobes, suggesting a presence of cortical amyloid angiopathy of the patient with PS-1 gene mutation. Clinical characteristics of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) with four different missense point mutations in exons 2, 4, and 5 of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene were reported. Although features of progressive neurogenic muscular atrophy was common in patients of these families, patients of each family showed characteristic clinical features. Although lower motor sign was evident in all cases, hyperreflexia varied from 0 to 100% among patients with the different mutations, and Babinski sign was not observed in any cases. Bulbar palsy was frequent with a mutation, but not present with another mutation. SOD activity of red blood cells was generally reduced with minor variations. CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion was analyzed in 25 families with hereditary ataxia of Menzel type in the northeast of Japan. Twenty of 38 patients in 12 families had expanded allele for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Study of the number of CAG repeats in various tissues showed no differences in the repeat length in lymphocytes, muscle or brain; sperm, however, showed an obvious expansion. This may be a clue to a possible mechanism for the molecular basis of paternal anticipation of the disease. These results suggest that clinical features of some familial cases of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, ALS, and SCA1 are well correlated with their genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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36
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Yagishita S, Inoue M. Clinicopathology of spinocerebellar degeneration: its correlation to the unstable CAG repeat of the affected gene. Pathol Int 1997; 47:1-15. [PMID: 9051687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1997.tb04429.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The recent advances in gene analysis have greatly facilitated the classification of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Analyses of linkage in large families with SCA have assigned gene foci to at least 8 chromosomes. One gene is located in the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p22-p23) and causes spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). A gene in the long arm of chromosome 14 (14q24.3-q32) underlies Machado-Joseph disease (MJD). A third gene locus is assigned to the short arm of chromosome 12 (12p2-pter) causing dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). The gene for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is located in the 12q23-24. Subsequently, a sporadic counterpart of hereditary olivopontocerebellar atrophy of the Menzel type is clearly defined, and all the syndromes (non-hereditary olivopontocerebellar atrophy, striatonigral degeneration and Shy-Drager syndrome) are now lumped under the term of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions appear to be specific for and diagnostic of MSA. As the clinical features in SCA are variable and often appear to overlap with one another, which makes accurate classification difficult if not possible, the genotype is required for their unequivocal classification. However, major neuropathological features clearly distinguish SCA1 from SCA3/ MJD cases; the medial segment of the globus pallidus and intermediolateral column lesions in SCA3/MJD, and inferior olive and cerebellar cortical degeneration in SCA1. It has been stated that neurodegeneration in SCA3/MJD is more homogeneous than in SCA1 or SCA2 and that degeneration of the pallidoluysian system is not present in the latter. The pertinent pathology in each of the three types of SCA is illustrated. The background of clinicopathology and genetic analysis of dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yagishita
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center, Japan
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37
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Matsumura R, Takayanagi T, Murata K, Futamura N, Fujimoto Y. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias in the Kinki area of Japan. THE JAPANESE JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS 1996; 41:399-406. [PMID: 9088110 DOI: 10.1007/bf01876330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. Recently, among the ataxias, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy have been found to be caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat in the coding region of the disease genes. We have analyzed the CAG repeats of 67 patients from 47 families with dominantly inherited ataxia who lived in the Kinki area of Japan. The following results were obtained. First, 31 patients from 22 families were found to be positive for the MJD repeat expansion, indicating that MJD is the most common dominantly inherited ataxia in the Kinki area of Japan. Second, no SCA1 repeat expansion was found among the families studied. This presents a striking contrast to the fact that there are many families with SCA1 in Hokkaido and the Tohoku area of Japan. These findings suggest geographic variation in autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Matsumura
- Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Japan
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38
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Abe K, Kameya T, Tobita M, Konno H, Itoyama Y. Molecular and clinical analysis on muscle wasting in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Muscle Nerve 1996; 19:900-2. [PMID: 8965846 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199607)19:7<900::aid-mus14>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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