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Gammaldi N, Pezzini F, Michelucci E, Di Giorgi N, Simonati A, Rocchiccioli S, Santorelli FM, Doccini S. Integrative human and murine multi-omics: Highlighting shared biomarkers in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106349. [PMID: 37952681 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106349] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders whose molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Omics approaches are among the methods that generate new information on modifying factors and molecular signatures. Moreover, omics data integration can address the need to progressively expand knowledge around the disease and pinpoint specific proteins to promote as candidate biomarkers. In this work, we integrated a total of 62 proteomic and transcriptomic datasets originating from humans and mice, employing a new approach able to define dysregulated processes across species, stages and NCL forms. Moreover, we selected a pool of differentially expressed proteins and genes as species- and form-related biomarkers of disease status/progression and evaluated local and spatial differences in most affected brain regions. Our results offer promising targets for potential new therapeutic strategies and reinforce the hypothesis of a connection between NCLs and other forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gammaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Michelucci
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - N Di Giorgi
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Rocchiccioli
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - F M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - S Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy.
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2
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Sivananthan S, Lee L, Anderson G, Csanyi B, Williams R, Gissen P. Buffy Coat Score as a Biomarker of Treatment Response in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2. Brain Sci 2023; 13:209. [PMID: 36831752 PMCID: PMC9954623 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020209] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of intracerebroventricular (ICV) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for treatment of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease has produced dramatic improvements in disease management. However, assessments of therapeutic effect for ICV ERT are limited to clinical observational measures, namely the CLN2 Clinical Rating Scale, a subjective measure of motor and language performance. There is a need for an objective biomarker to enable assessments of disease progression and response to treatment. To address this, we investigated whether the proportion of cells with abnormal storage inclusions on electron microscopic examination of peripheral blood buffy coats could act as a biomarker of disease activity in CLN2 disease. We conducted a prospective longitudinal analysis of six patients receiving ICV ERT. We demonstrated a substantial and continuing reduction in the proportion of abnormal cells over the course of treatment, whereas symptomatic scores revealed little or no change over time. Here, we proposed the use of the proportion of cells with abnormal storage as a biomarker of response to therapy in CLN2. In the future, as more tissue-specific biomarkers are developed, the buffy coats may form part of a panel of biomarkers in order to give a more holistic view of a complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyamini Sivananthan
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Laura Lee
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Glenn Anderson
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Barbara Csanyi
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ruth Williams
- Department of Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Ho ML, Wirrell EC, Petropoulou K, Sakonju A, Chu D, Seratti G, Palasis S. Role of Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Early Recognition and Diagnosis of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 Disease. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:984-991. [PMID: 36184928 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221128773] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease is a very rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Progression is rapid and irreversible, making early diagnosis crucial for timely treatment. A group of pediatric neurologists and neuroradiologists with expertise in CLN2 convened to discuss early electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in CLN2 diagnosis. Of 18 CLN2 cases, 16 (88.9%) had background slowing and 16 (88.9%) had epileptiform discharges on initial EEG. Seven of 17 (41.2%) patients who received intermittent low-frequency photic stimulation had a photoparoxysmal response. Initial MRIs showed subtle cerebellar (n = 14, 77.8%) or cerebral (n = 9, 50.0%) atrophy, white matter abnormalities (n = 11, 61.1%), and basal ganglia T2 hypointensity (n = 6, 33.3%), which became more apparent on follow-up MRI. The recognition of even subtle cerebellar atrophy and white matter signal changes in children aged 2-5 years who present with language delay, new-onset seizures, and an EEG with epileptiform discharges and background slowing should prompt investigation for CLN2. Because these early signs are not unique to CLN2, genetic testing is essential early in the diagnostic journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Lan Ho
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Ai Sakonju
- 12302SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Dorna Chu
- 10926BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA, USA
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Simonati A, Williams RE. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Multifaceted Approach to the Clinical Issues, an Overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811686. [PMID: 35359645 PMCID: PMC8961688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art in the field of childhood Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders. These are genetic diseases associated with the formation of toxic endo-lysosomal storage. Following a brief historical review of the evolution of NCL definition, a clinically-oriented approach is used describing how the early symptoms and signs affecting motor, visual, cognitive domains, and including seizures, may lead clinicians to a rapid molecular diagnosis, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey commonly observed. We go on to focus on recent advances in NCL research and summarize contributions to knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NCL. We describe the large variety of experimental models which have aided this research, as well as the most recent technological developments which have shed light on the main mechanisms involved in the cellular pathology, such as apoptosis and autophagy. The search for innovative therapies is described. Translation of experimental data into therapeutic approaches is being established for several of the NCLs, and one drug is now commercially available. Lastly, we show the importance of palliative care and symptomatic treatments which are still the main therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Departments of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, AOUI-VR, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Simonati
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Children's Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Ruth E. Williams
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Augustine EF, Adams HR, de Los Reyes E, Drago K, Frazier M, Guelbert N, Laine M, Levin T, Mink JW, Nickel M, Peifer D, Schulz A, Simonati A, Topcu M, Turunen JA, Williams R, Wirrell EC, King S. Management of CLN1 Disease: International Clinical Consensus. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 120:38-51. [PMID: 34000449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CLN1 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1) is a rare, genetic, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) enzyme deficiency. Clinical features include developmental delay, psychomotor regression, seizures, ataxia, movement disorders, visual impairment, and early death. In general, the later the age at symptom onset, the more protracted the disease course. We sought to evaluate current evidence and to develop expert practice consensus to support clinicians who have not previously encountered patients with this rare disease. METHODS We searched the literature for guidelines and evidence to support clinical practice recommendations. We surveyed CLN1 disease experts and caregivers regarding their experiences and recommendations, and a meeting of experts was conducted to ascertain points of consensus and clinical practice differences. RESULTS We found a limited evidence base for treatment and no clinical management guidelines specific to CLN1 disease. Fifteen CLN1 disease experts and 39 caregivers responded to the surveys, and 14 experts met to develop consensus-based recommendations. The resulting management recommendations are uniquely informed by family perspectives, due to the inclusion of caregiver and advocate perspectives. A family-centered approach is supported, and individualized, multidisciplinary care is emphasized in the recommendations. Ascertainment of the specific CLN1 disease phenotype (infantile-, late infantile-, juvenile-, or adult-onset) is of key importance in informing the anticipated clinical course, prognosis, and care needs. Goals and strategies should be periodically reevaluated and adapted to patients' current needs, with a primary aim of optimizing patient and family quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika F Augustine
- Department of Neurology and Neurogenetics, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
| | - Heather R Adams
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Emily de Los Reyes
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | - Norberto Guelbert
- Metabolic Diseases Section, Children's Hospital of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Minna Laine
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanya Levin
- Medical Writing Consultant, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | - Meral Topcu
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Joni A Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruth Williams
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Epilepsy and Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Unraveling neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease: A tertiary center experience for determinants of diagnostic delay. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 33:94-98. [PMID: 34119739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.05.015] [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: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical phenotype, disease course, laboratory, and genetic features of patients with CLN2 disease over a 20 year period with a special emphasis on risk factors for diagnostic delay. METHODS Thirty patients (23 families) with CLN2 disease, evaluated between 1996 and 2019 in a tertiary referral center in Turkey, were included. Clinical features, diagnostic pathway, disease course, genetic data, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging findings were analyzed, retrospectively. The patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2009, and 2010-2019 were defined as group 1 (G1), and group 2 (G2), respectively. Patients in these two groups were also compared. RESULTS The median age at symptom-onset was 36 months (20 months-7 years). Most common presenting symptoms were seizures (70%), followed by language delay (43%), and psychomotor regression (27%). Median age at diagnosis was 5.2 years (1.6-11 years) with a median 27 months (1 month-7 years) of diagnostic delay. Age at diagnosis was earlier in G2 (4.6 years vs 7 years, p = 0.002), with a shorter time to diagnosis (21 months vs 39 months, p = 0.004). Median time between the onset of first symptoms and death was 8.3 years (SE 1.0). Electroencephalograms (EEG) revealed abnormal features predominantly in posterior hemispheral regions and a photoparoxysmal response to intermittent photic stimulation was detected in 53% of the patients. Cerebellar (96%)/cerebral atrophy (83%), and white matter changes (57%) were the most common radiological abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Most of our patients presented with late-infantile onset seizures. Despite increased availability of enzymatic and molecular testing, there is still a considerable diagnostic delay.
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Benjamin K, Vernon MK, Patrick DL, Perfetto E, Nestler-Parr S, Burke L. Patient-Reported Outcome and Observer-Reported Outcome Assessment in Rare Disease Clinical Trials: An ISPOR COA Emerging Good Practices Task Force Report. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2017; 20:838-855. [PMID: 28712612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rare diseases (RDs) affect a small number of people within a population. About 5000 to 8000 distinct RDs have been identified, with an estimated 6% to 8% of people worldwide suffering from an RD. Approximately 75% of RDs affect children. Frequently, these conditions are heterogeneous; many are progressive. Regulatory incentives have increased orphan drug designations and approvals. OBJECTIVE To develop emerging good practices for RD outcomes research addressing the challenges inherent in identifying, selecting, developing, adapting, and implementing patient-reported outcome (PRO) and observer-reported outcome (ObsRO) assessments for use in RD clinical trials. GOOD PRACTICES FOR OUTCOMES RESEARCH This report outlines the challenges and potential solutions in determining clinical outcomes for RD trials. It follows the US Food and Drug Administration Roadmap to Patient-Focused Outcome Measurement in Clinical Trials. The Roadmap consists of three columns: 1) Understanding the Disease or Condition, 2) Conceptualizing Treatment Benefit, and 3) Selecting/Developing the Outcome Measure. Challenges in column 1 include factors such as incomplete natural history data and heterogeneity of disease presentation and patient experience. Solutions include using several information sources, for example, clinical experts and patient advocacy groups, to construct the condition's natural history and understand treatment patterns. Challenges in column 2 include understanding and measuring treatment benefit from the patient's perspective, especially given challenges in defining the context of use such as variations in age or disease severity/progression. Solutions include focusing on common symptoms across patient subgroups, identifying short-term outcomes, and using multiple types of COA instruments to measure the same constructs. Challenges in column 3 center around the small patient population and heterogeneity of the condition or study sample. Few disease-specific instruments for RDs exist. Strategies include adapting existing instruments developed for a similar condition or that contain symptoms of importance to the RD patient population, or using a generic instrument validated for the context of use. CONCLUSIONS This report provides state-of-the-art solutions to patient-reported outcome (PRO) and observer-reported outcome (ObsRO) assessments challenges in clinical trials of patients with RDs. These recommended solutions are both pragmatic and creative and posed with clear recognition of the global regulatory context used in RD clinical development programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Benjamin
- ICON Commercialisation and Outcomes, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | | | - Donald L Patrick
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eleanor Perfetto
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Laurie Burke
- School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Royal Oak, MD, USA
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