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Dong H, Qin B, Zhang H, Lei L, Wu S. Current Treatment Methods for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1138. [PMID: 39334903 PMCID: PMC11430469 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, the most common inherited neuromuscular disorder, exhibits a wide phenotypic range, genetic heterogeneity, and a variable disease course. The diverse molecular genetic mechanisms of CMT were discovered over the past three decades with the development of molecular biology and gene sequencing technologies. These methods have brought new options for CMT reclassification and led to an exciting era of treatment target discovery for this incurable disease. Currently, there are no approved disease management methods that can fully cure patients with CMT, and rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery are the only available treatments to ameliorate symptoms. Considerable research attention has been given to disease-modifying therapies, including gene silencing, gene addition, and gene editing, but most treatments that reach clinical trials are drug treatments, while currently, only gene therapies for CMT2S have reached the clinical trial stage. In this review, we highlight the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic investigations of different subtypes of CMT, and promising therapeutic approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxian Dong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.D.); (B.Q.); (H.Z.)
| | - Boquan Qin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.D.); (B.Q.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.D.); (B.Q.); (H.Z.)
| | - Lei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shizhou Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.D.); (B.Q.); (H.Z.)
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Libberecht K, Vangansewinkel T, Van Den Bosch L, Lambrichts I, Wolfs E. Proteostasis plays an important role in demyelinating Charcot Marie Tooth disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115760. [PMID: 37604292 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115760] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1) is the most common demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Patients suffer from progressive muscle weakness and sensory problems. The underlying disease mechanisms of CMT1 are still unclear and no therapy is currently available, hence patients completely rely on supportive care. Balancing protein levels is a complex multistep process fundamental to maintain cells in their healthy state and a disrupted proteostasis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. When protein misfolding occurs, protein quality control systems are activated such as chaperones, the lysosomal-autophagy system and proteasomal degradation to ensure proper degradation. However, in pathological circumstances, these mechanisms are overloaded and thereby become inefficient to clear the load of misfolded proteins. Recent evidence strongly indicates that a disbalance in proteostasis plays an important role in several forms of CMT1. In this review, we present an overview of the protein quality control systems, their role in CMT1, and potential treatment strategies to restore proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Libberecht
- UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Lab for Functional Imaging & Research on Stem Cells (FIERCELab), Diepenbeek, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tim Vangansewinkel
- UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Lab for Functional Imaging & Research on Stem Cells (FIERCELab), Diepenbeek, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium; UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Lab for Histology and Regeneration (HISTOREGEN Lab), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium; VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Lambrichts
- UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Lab for Histology and Regeneration (HISTOREGEN Lab), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esther Wolfs
- UHasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Lab for Functional Imaging & Research on Stem Cells (FIERCELab), Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Okamoto Y, Takashima H. The Current State of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1391. [PMID: 37510296 PMCID: PMC10379063 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and associated neuropathies are the most predominant genetically transmitted neuromuscular conditions; however, effective pharmacological treatments have not established. The extensive genetic heterogeneity of CMT, which impacts the peripheral nerves and causes lifelong disability, presents a significant barrier to the development of comprehensive treatments. An estimated 100 loci within the human genome are linked to various forms of CMT and its related inherited neuropathies. This review delves into prospective therapeutic strategies used for the most frequently encountered CMT variants, namely CMT1A, CMT1B, CMTX1, and CMT2A. Compounds such as PXT3003, which are being clinically and preclinically investigated, and a broad array of therapeutic agents and their corresponding mechanisms are discussed. Furthermore, the progress in established gene therapy techniques, including gene replacement via viral vectors, exon skipping using antisense oligonucleotides, splicing modification, and gene knockdown, are appraised. Each of these gene therapies has the potential for substantial advancements in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Okamoto
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takashima
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
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Pazzaglia C, Padua L, Stancanelli C, Fusco A, Loreti C, Castelli L, Imbimbo I, Giovannini S, Coraci D, Vita GL, Vita G. Role of Sport Activity on Quality of Life in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237032. [PMID: 36498606 PMCID: PMC9740468 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the benefits induced by physical activity/practiced sport in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A). Patients were divided into sport and no-sport groups according to their sports performance habit. Thirty-one patients were enrolled, of which 14 practiced sports and 17 did not. Clinical assessments were administered to evaluate disability, self-esteem, depression, quality of life, and pain. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in terms of gender in the no-sport group compared to the sport group (p = 0.04). Regarding the quality of life, physical function (p = 0.001), general health (p = 0.03), social function (p = 0.04), and mental health (p = 0.006) showed better patterns in the sport group than no-sport group. Moreover, neuropathic pain was reduced in the sport group according to the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (p = 0.001) and ID-PAIN (p = 0.03). The other administered questionnaires showed no significant differences. Our study confirms that CMT1A patients, who practice sports, with a similar severity of disability, may have a better physical quality of life while suffering less neuropathic pain than their peers who do not practice sports. Results recommend the prescription of sport in CMT1A patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Pazzaglia
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Padua
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Stancanelli
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Augusto Fusco
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Loreti
- Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopaedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Castelli
- Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopaedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Imbimbo
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovannini
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- UOS Riabilitazione Post-Acuzie, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4382 (S.G.)
| | - Daniele Coraci
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.C.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4382 (S.G.)
| | - Gian Luca Vita
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Emergency, P.O. Piemonte, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
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Stavrou M, Kagiava A, Choudury SG, Jennings MJ, Wallace LM, Fowler AM, Heslegrave A, Richter J, Tryfonos C, Christodoulou C, Zetterberg H, Horvath R, Harper SQ, Kleopa KA. A translatable RNAi-driven gene therapy silences PMP22/Pmp22 genes and improves neuropathy in CMT1A mice. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:159814. [PMID: 35579942 PMCID: PMC9246392 DOI: 10.1172/jci159814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), the most common inherited demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, is caused by PMP22 gene duplication. Overexpression of WT PMP22 in Schwann cells destabilizes the myelin sheath, leading to demyelination and ultimately to secondary axonal loss and disability. No treatments currently exist that modify the disease course. The most direct route to CMT1A therapy will involve reducing PMP22 to normal levels. To accomplish this, we developed a gene therapy strategy to reduce PMP22 using artificial miRNAs targeting human PMP22 and mouse Pmp22 mRNAs. Our lead therapeutic miRNA, miR871, was packaged into an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) vector and delivered by lumbar intrathecal injection into C61-het mice, a model of CMT1A. AAV9-miR871 efficiently transduced Schwann cells in C61-het peripheral nerves and reduced human and mouse PMP22 mRNA and protein levels. Treatment at early and late stages of the disease significantly improved multiple functional outcome measures and nerve conduction velocities. Furthermore, myelin pathology in lumbar roots and femoral motor nerves was ameliorated. The treated mice also showed reductions in circulating biomarkers of CMT1A. Taken together, our data demonstrate that AAV9-miR871–driven silencing of PMP22 rescues a CMT1A model and provides proof of principle for treating CMT1A using a translatable gene therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Stavrou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexia Kagiava
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sarah G Choudury
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, United States of America
| | - Matthew J Jennings
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay M Wallace
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, United States of America
| | - Allison M Fowler
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, United States of America
| | - Amanda Heslegrave
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Tryfonos
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Göteborgs University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Q Harper
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, United States of America
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Stavrou M, Sargiannidou I, Georgiou E, Kagiava A, Kleopa KA. Emerging Therapies for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Inherited Neuropathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6048. [PMID: 34205075 PMCID: PMC8199910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited neuropathies known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease are genetically heterogeneous disorders affecting the peripheral nerves, causing significant and slowly progressive disability over the lifespan. The discovery of their diverse molecular genetic mechanisms over the past three decades has provided the basis for developing a wide range of therapeutics, leading to an exciting era of finding treatments for this, until now, incurable group of diseases. Many treatment approaches, including gene silencing and gene replacement therapies, as well as small molecule treatments are currently in preclinical testing while several have also reached clinical trial stage. Some of the treatment approaches are disease-specific targeted to the unique disease mechanism of each CMT form, while other therapeutics target common pathways shared by several or all CMT types. As promising treatments reach the stage of clinical translation, optimal outcome measures, novel biomarkers and appropriate trial designs are crucial in order to facilitate successful testing and validation of novel treatments for CMT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Stavrou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.S.); (I.S.); (E.G.); (A.K.)
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.S.); (I.S.); (E.G.); (A.K.)
| | - Elena Georgiou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.S.); (I.S.); (E.G.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexia Kagiava
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.S.); (I.S.); (E.G.); (A.K.)
| | - Kleopas A. Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (M.S.); (I.S.); (E.G.); (A.K.)
- Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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Rzepnikowska W, Kaminska J, Kabzińska D, Binięda K, Kochański A. A Yeast-Based Model for Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies: A Simple System for Complex, Heterogeneous Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124277. [PMID: 32560077 PMCID: PMC7352270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease encompasses a group of rare disorders that are characterized by similar clinical manifestations and a high genetic heterogeneity. Such excessive diversity presents many problems. Firstly, it makes a proper genetic diagnosis much more difficult and, even when using the most advanced tools, does not guarantee that the cause of the disease will be revealed. Secondly, the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed symptoms are extremely diverse and are probably different for most of the disease subtypes. Finally, there is no possibility of finding one efficient cure for all, or even the majority of CMT diseases. Every subtype of CMT needs an individual approach backed up by its own research field. Thus, it is little surprise that our knowledge of CMT disease as a whole is selective and therapeutic approaches are limited. There is an urgent need to develop new CMT models to fill the gaps. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of yeast as a model system in which to study CMT diseases. We show how this single-cell organism may be used to discriminate between pathogenic variants, to uncover the mechanism of pathogenesis, and to discover new therapies for CMT disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rzepnikowska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Joanna Kaminska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dagmara Kabzińska
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Binięda
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Andrzej Kochański
- Neuromuscular Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (W.R.); (D.K.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence:
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