1
|
Kumar M, Tyagi N, Faruq M. The molecular mechanisms of spinocerebellar ataxias for DNA repeat expansion in disease. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:289-312. [PMID: 37668011 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative disorders which commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. They cause muscle incoordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of nervous system. Out of all the characterized (>50) SCAs, 14 SCAs are caused due to microsatellite repeat expansion mutations. Repeat expansions can result in toxic protein gain-of-function, protein loss-of-function, and/or RNA gain-of-function effects. The location and the nature of mutation modulate the underlying disease pathophysiology resulting in varying disease manifestations. Potential toxic effects of these mutations likely affect key major cellular processes such as transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial functioning, ion channel dysfunction and synaptic transmission. Involvement of several common pathways suggests interlinked function of genes implicated in the disease pathogenesis. A better understanding of the shared and distinct molecular pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases is required to develop targeted therapeutic tools and interventions for disease management. The prime focus of this review is to elaborate on how expanded 'CAG' repeats contribute to the common modes of neurotoxicity and their possible therapeutic targets in management of such devastating disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Nishu Tyagi
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carr JJ, Lalara J, Lalara G, Smith M, Quaill J, Clough AR, Lowell A, Barker RN. What is the best way to keep walking and moving around for individuals with Machado-Joseph disease? A scoping review through the lens of Aboriginal families with Machado-Joseph disease in the Top End of Australia. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032092. [PMID: 31575582 PMCID: PMC6797313 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is the most common spinocerebellar ataxia worldwide. Prevalence is highest in affected remote Aboriginal communities of the Top End of Australia. Aboriginal families with MJD from Groote Eylandt believe 'staying strong on the inside and outside' works best to keep them walking and moving around, in accordance with six key domains that form the 'Staying Strong' Framework. The aim of this current study was to review the literature to: (1) map the range of interventions/strategies that have been explored to promote walking and moving around (functional mobility) for individuals with MJD and; (2) align these interventions to the 'Staying Strong' Framework described by Aboriginal families with MJD. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Searches were conducted in July 2018 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane Databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Peer-reviewed studies that (1) included adolescents/adults with MJD, (2) explored the effects of any intervention on mobility and (3) included a measure of mobility, function and/or ataxia were included in the review. RESULTS Thirty studies were included. Few studies involved participants with MJD alone (12/30). Most studies explored interventions that aligned with two 'Staying Strong' Framework domains, 'exercising your body' (n=13) and 'searching for good medicine' (n=17). Few studies aligned with the domains having 'something important to do' (n=2) or 'keeping yourself happy' (n=2). No studies aligned with the domains 'going country' or 'families helping each other'. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for interventions to promote mobility that align with the 'Staying Strong' Framework were focused on staying strong on the outside (physically) with little reflection on staying strong on the inside (emotionally, mentally and spiritually). Findings suggest future research is required to investigate the benefits of lifestyle activity programmes that address both physical and psychosocial well-being for families with MJD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Carr
- James Cook University, College of Healthcare Sciences, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joyce Lalara
- Machado-Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Gayangwa Lalara
- Machado-Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Moira Smith
- James Cook University, College of Healthcare Sciences, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer Quaill
- James Cook University, College of Healthcare Sciences, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan R Clough
- School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Ruth N Barker
- James Cook University, College of Healthcare Sciences, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Berntsson SG, Gauffin H, Melberg A, Holtz A, Landtblom AM. Inherited Ataxia and Intrathecal Baclofen for the Treatment of Spasticity and Painful Spasms. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2019; 97:18-23. [PMID: 30870851 DOI: 10.1159/000497165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) treatment is considered a powerful tool in the management of severe spasticity in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic spinal cord and brain injury. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the ITB in patients with inherited ataxia suffering from severe painful spasms and/or spasticity. METHOD A total of 5 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia 3 or 7 or Friedreich's ataxia were included in this observational multicenter study. The patients were interviewed and completed outcome measures assessing pain (The Brief Pain Inventory), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and life satisfaction (LiSAT-9) before and 1 year after the treatment. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale) and spasm frequency (SPFS) were measured objectively for each patient. RESULTS The mean treatment time was 1.9 years. Evaluation of established standard forms revealed symptomatic relief from spasticity, spasms, pain, and fatigue in addition to improved body posture, sleep, and life satisfaction after ITB treatment. CONCLUSIONS We report the potential beneficial effects of ITB treatment in patients with inherited ataxia who also suffer from spasticity/spasms. ITB treatment indication in neurological disorders allows for extension to the treatment of spasticity/ spasms in patients with hereditary ataxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shala G Berntsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden,
| | - Helena Gauffin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Atle Melberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Holtz
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, Uppsala University, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne Marie Landtblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carr JJ, Lalara J, Lalara G, O’Hare G, Massey L, Kenny N, Pope KE, Clough AR, Lowell A, Barker RN. 'Staying strong on the inside and outside' to keep walking and moving around: Perspectives from Aboriginal people with Machado Joseph Disease and their families from the Groote Eylandt Archipelago, Australia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212953. [PMID: 30856185 PMCID: PMC6411155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) (spinocerebellar ataxia 3) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease causing progressive ataxia and loss of mobility. It is the most common spinocerebellar ataxia worldwide. Among Aboriginal families of Groote Eylandt and related communities across Australia's Top End, MJD is estimated to be more prevalent than anywhere else in the world. This study explored lived experiences of individuals and families with MJD to determine what is important and what works best to keep walking and moving around. A collaborative qualitative exploratory study, drawing from constructivist grounded theory methods, was undertaken for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals with MJD (n = 8) and their family members (n = 4) from the Groote Eylandt Archipelago where ~1500 Aboriginal people (Warnumamalya) live. Interviews were led by Warnumamalya community research partners in participants' preferred language(s). Participants described their experience of living with MJD, from 'knowing about MJD', 'protecting yourself from MJD' and 'adjusting to life with MJD'. While the specific importance of walking and moving around differed widely between participants, all perceived that walking and moving around enabled them to do what mattered most to them in life. 'Staying strong on the inside and outside' (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually) was perceived to work best to keep walking and moving around as long as possible. A framework that included personal and environmental strategies for staying strong emerged: 'Exercising your body', 'having something important to do', 'keeping yourself happy', 'searching for good medicine', 'families helping each other' and 'going country'. This study, the first to explore lived experiences of MJD in Australia, highlights the importance of maintaining mobility as long as possible. Strategies perceived to work best address physical and psychosocial needs in an integrated manner. Services supporting families with MJD need flexibility to provide individualised, responsive and holistic care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Carr
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joyce Lalara
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Gayangwa Lalara
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Gloria O’Hare
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Libby Massey
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Nick Kenny
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kate E. Pope
- Machado Joseph Disease Foundation, Alyangula, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Alan R. Clough
- Community-based Health Promotion and Prevention Studies Group, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University Cairns, Australia
| | - Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Ruth N. Barker
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kumari R, Kumar D, Brahmachari SK, Srivastava AK, Faruq M, Mukerji M. Paradigm for disease deconvolution in rare neurodegenerative disorders in Indian population: insights from studies in cerebellar ataxias. J Genet 2018; 97:589-609. [PMID: 30027898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias are a group of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders with an average prevalence ranges from 4.8 to 13.8 in 100,000 individuals. The inherited disorders affect multiple members of the families, or a community that is endogamous or consanguineous. Presence of more than 3000 mutations in different genes with overlapping clinical symptoms, genetic anticipation and pleiotropy, as well as incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity due to modifiers pose challenges in genotype-phenotype correlation. Development of a diagnostic algorithm could reduce the time as well as cost in clinicogenetic diagnostics and also help in reducing the economic and social burden of the disease. In a unique research collaboration spanning over 20 years, we have been able to develop a paradigm for studying cerebellar ataxias in the Indian population which would also be relevant in other rare diseases. This has involved clinical and genetic analysis of thousands of families from diverse Indian populations. The extensive resource on ataxia has led to the development of a clinicogenetic algorithm for cost-effective screening of ataxia and a unique ataxia clinic in the tertiary referral centre in All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Utilizing a population polymorphism scanning approach, we have been able to dissect the mechanisms of repeat instability and expansion in many ataxias, and also identify founders, and trace the mutational histories in the Indian population. This provides information for genetic testing of at-risk as well as protected individuals and populations. To dissect uncharacterized cases which comprises more than 50% of the cases, we have explored the potential of next-generation sequencing technologies coupled with the extensive resource of baseline data generated in-house and other public domains. We have also developed a repository of patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphoblastoid cell lines and neuronal lineages (derived from iPSCs) for ascribing functionality to novel genes/mutations. Through integrating these technologies, novel genes have been identified that has broadened the diagnostic panel, increased the diagnostic yield to over 75%, helped in ascribing pathogenicity to novel mutations and enabled understanding of disease mechanisms. It has also provided a platform for testing novel molecules for amelioration of pathophysiological phenotypes. This review through a perspective on CAs suggests a generic paradigm fromdiagnostics to therapeutic interventions for rare disorders in the context of heterogeneous Indian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renu Kumari
- CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Mathura Road, New Delhi 110 025, India. E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kumari R, Kumar D, Brahmachari SK, Srivastava AK, Faruq M, Mukerji M. Paradigm for disease deconvolution in rare neurodegenerative disorders in Indian population: insights from studies in cerebellar ataxias. J Genet 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-018-0948-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|