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Ahmad F, Karan A, Sharma R, Sharma NS, Sundar V, Jayaraj R, Mukherjee S, DeCoster MA. Evolving therapeutic interventions for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102229. [PMID: 38364913 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients experience diverse symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and mental issues. The fundamental objective of this review is to discuss novel therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on recently approved marketed formulations for the treatment of AD, especially Aducanumab, the first FDA approved moiety that surpasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduces amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby reducing associated cognitive decline. However, it is still in the phase IV trial and is to be completed by 2030. Other drugs such as lecanemab are also under clinical trial and has recently been approved by the FDA and is also discussed here. In this review, we also focus on active and passive immunotherapy for AD as well as several vaccines, such as amyloid-beta epitope-based vaccines, amyloid-beta DNA vaccines, and stem cell therapy for AD, which are in clinical trials. Furthermore, ongoing pre-clinical trials associated with AD and other novel strategies such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, Crispr/ cas9, precision medicine, as well as some emerging therapies like anti-sense therapy are also highlighted. Additionally, we discuss some off-labeled drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-diabetic drugs, and lithium, which can manage symptoms of AD and different non-pharmacological approaches are also covered which can help to manage AD. In summary, we have tried to cover all the therapeutic interventions which are available for the treatment and management of AD under sections approved, clinical phase, pre-clinical phase or futuristic interventions, off-labelled drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions for AD, offering positive findings and well as challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, India
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Mechanical and Bioengineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Rashi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana, Delhi, India
| | - Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Jayaraj
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mark A DeCoster
- Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Micromanufacturing, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA.
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Benussi A, Borroni B. Advances in the treatment and management of frontotemporal dementia. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:621-639. [PMID: 37357688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2228491] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a wide range of pathological conditions associated with the buildup of proteins such as tau and TDP-43. With a strong hereditary component, FTD often results from genetic variants in three genes - MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors explore abnormal protein accumulation in FTD and forthcoming treatments, providing a detailed analysis of new diagnostic advancements, including innovative markers. They analyze how these discoveries have influenced therapeutic strategies, particularly disease-modifying treatments, which could potentially transform FTD management. This comprehensive exploration of FTD from its molecular underpinnings to its therapeutic prospects offers a compelling overview of the current state of FTD research. EXPERT OPINION Notable challenges in FTD management involve identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and response monitoring. Genetic forms of FTD, particularly those linked to C9orf72 and GRN, show promise, with targeted therapies resulting in substantial progress in disease-modifying strategies. The potential of neuromodulation techniques, like tDCS and rTMS, is being explored, requiring further study. Ongoing trials and multi-disciplinary care highlight the continued push toward effective FTD treatments. With increasing understanding of FTD's molecular and clinical intricacies, the hope for developing effective interventions grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Benussi A, Libri I, Premi E, Alberici A, Cantoni V, Gadola Y, Rivolta J, Pengo M, Gazzina S, Calhoun VD, Gasparotti R, Zetterberg H, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Padovani A, Borroni B. Differences and similarities between familial and sporadic frontotemporal dementia: An Italian single-center cohort study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12326. [PMID: 35898667 PMCID: PMC9310192 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The possibility to generalize our understandings on treatments and assessments to both familial frontotemporal dementia (f-FTD) and sporadic FTD (s-FTD) is a fundamental perspective for the near future, considering the constant advancement in potential disease-modifying therapies that target particular genetic forms of FTD. We aimed to investigate differences in clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood-based biomarkers between f-FTD and s-FTD. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, we evaluated a consecutive sample of symptomatic FTD patients, classified as f-FTD and s-FTD according to Goldman scores (GS). All patients underwent clinical, behavioral, and neuropsychiatric symptom assessment, CSF biomarkers and serum neurofilament light (NfL) analysis, and brain atrophy evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging. Results Of 570 patients with FTD, 123 were classified as f-FTD, and 447 as s-FTD. In the f-FTD group, 95 had a pathogenic FTD mutation while 28 were classified as GS = 1 or 2; of the s-FTD group, 133 were classified as GS = 3 and 314 with GS = 4. f-FTD and s-FTD cases showed comparable demographic features, except for younger age at disease onset, age at diagnosis, and higher years of education in the f-FTD group (all P < .05). f-FTD showed worse behavioral disturbances as measured with Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) negative behaviors (14.0 ± 7.6 vs. 11.6 ± 7.4, P = .002), and positive behaviors (20.0 ± 11.0 vs. 17.4 ± 11.8, P = .031). Serum NfL concentrations were higher in patients with f-FTD (70.9 ± 37.9 pg/mL) compared to s-FTD patients (37.3 ± 24.2 pg/mL, P < .001), and f-FTD showed greater brain atrophy in the frontal and temporal regions and basal ganglia. Patients with f-FTD had significantly shorter survival than those with s-FTD (P = .004). Discussion f-FTD and s-FTD are very similar clinical entities, but with different biological mechanisms, and different rates of progression. The parallel characterization of both f-FTD and s-FTD will improve our understanding of the disease, and aid in designing future clinical trials for both genetic and sporadic forms of FTD. Highlights Do clinical features and biomarkers differ between patients with familial frontotemporal dementia (f-FTD) and sporadic FTD (s-FTD)?In this cohort study of 570 patients with FTD, f-FTD and s-FTD share similar demographic features, but with younger age at disease onset and diagnosis in the f-FTD group.f-FTD showed higher serum neurofilament light concentrations, greater brain damage, and shorter survival, compared to s-FTD.f-FTD and s-FTD are very similar clinical entities, but with different cognitive reserve mechanisms and different rates of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Ilenia Libri
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Enrico Premi
- Stroke UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Yasmine Gadola
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Jasmine Rivolta
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Marta Pengo
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Stefano Gazzina
- Neurophysiology UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- The Mind Research NetworkDepartment of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyDepartment of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLLondonUK
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesHong KongChina
| | - Nicholas J. Ashton
- Institute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyDepartment of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- King's College LondonInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology & NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteLondonUK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS FoundationLondonUK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyDepartment of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Neurological and Vision SciencesASST Spedali CiviliBresciaItaly
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Gazzina S, Grassi M, Premi E, Alberici A, Benussi A, Archetti S, Gasparotti R, Bocchetta M, Cash DM, Todd EG, Peakman G, Convery RS, van Swieten JC, Jiskoot LC, Seelaar H, Sanchez-Valle R, Moreno F, Laforce R, Graff C, Synofzik M, Galimberti D, Rowe JB, Masellis M, Tartaglia MC, Finger E, Vandenberghe R, de Mendonça A, Tagliavini F, Butler CR, Santana I, Gerhard A, Ber IL, Pasquier F, Ducharme S, Levin J, Danek A, Sorbi S, Otto M, Rohrer JD, Borroni B. Structural brain splitting is a hallmark of Granulin-related frontotemporal dementia. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 114:94-104. [PMID: 35339292 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.02.009] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia associated with granulin (GRN) mutations presents asymmetric brain atrophy. We applied a Minimum Spanning Tree plus an Efficiency Cost Optimization approach to cortical thickness data in order to test whether graph theory measures could identify global or local impairment of connectivity in the presymptomatic phase of pathology, where other techniques failed in demonstrating changes. We included 52 symptomatic GRN mutation carriers (SC), 161 presymptomatic GRN mutation carriers (PSC) and 341 non-carriers relatives from the Genetic Frontotemporal dementia research Initiative cohort. Group differences of global, nodal and edge connectivity in (Minimum Spanning Tree plus an Efficiency Cost Optimization) graph were tested via Structural Equation Models. Global graph perturbation was selectively impaired in SC compared to non-carriers, with no changes in PSC. At the local level, only SC exhibited perturbation of frontotemporal nodes, but edge connectivity revealed a characteristic pattern of interhemispheric disconnection, involving homologous parietal regions, in PSC. Our results suggest that GRN-related frontotemporal dementia resembles a disconnection syndrome, with interhemispheric disconnection between parietal regions in presymptomatic phases that progresses to frontotemporal areas as symptoms emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gazzina
- Neurophysiology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Enrico Premi
- Stroke Unit, Neurology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy; Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvana Archetti
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Martina Bocchetta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - David M Cash
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Emily G Todd
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Georgia Peakman
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Rhian S Convery
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Lize C Jiskoot
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harro Seelaar
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Raquel Sanchez-Valle
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fermin Moreno
- Cognitive Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Robert Laforce
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, Département des Sciences Neurologiques, CHU de Québec, and Facultéde Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Graff
- Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mario Masellis
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Neurology Service, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Chris R Butler
- Nueld Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabel Santana
- University Hospital of Coimbra (HUC), Neurology Service, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexander Gerhard
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Departments of Geriatric Medicine and Nuclear Medicine, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Isabelle Le Ber
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau - ICM, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Centre de référence des démences rares ou précoces, Département de Neurologie, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Département de Neurologie, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Paris, France
| | | | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Johannes Levin
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian Danek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandro Sorbi
- Department of Neurofarba, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy.
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Huber N, Korhonen S, Hoffmann D, Leskelä S, Rostalski H, Remes AM, Honkakoski P, Solje E, Haapasalo A. Deficient neurotransmitter systems and synaptic function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration-Insights into disease mechanisms and current therapeutic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1300-1309. [PMID: 34799692 PMCID: PMC9095474 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a heterogenous group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases and, to date, no validated diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or effective disease-modifying therapies exist for the different clinical or genetic subtypes of FTLD. Current treatment strategies rely on the off-label use of medications for symptomatic treatment. Changes in several neurotransmitter systems including the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems have been reported in FTLD spectrum disease patients. Many FTLD-related clinical and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggressive and compulsive behaviour, agitation, as well as altered eating habits and hyperorality can be explained by disturbances in these neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that their targeting might possibly offer new therapeutic options for treating patients with FTLD. This review summarizes the present knowledge on neurotransmitter system deficits and synaptic dysfunction in model systems and patients harbouring the most common genetic causes of FTLD, the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 and mutations in the granulin (GRN) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes. We also describe the current pharmacological treatment options for FLTD that target different neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Huber
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Korhonen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M. Remes
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, P. O. Box 8000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Eino Solje
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Institute of Clinical Medicine—Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XNeuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, KYS, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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Adrião A, Santana I, Ribeiro C, Cancela ML, Conceição N, Grazina M. Identification of a novel mutation in MEF2C gene in an atypical patient with frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:319-326. [PMID: 33999292 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The MEF2C gene encodes a transcription factor known to play a crucial role in molecular pathways affecting neuronal development. MEF2C mutations were described as a genetic cause of developmental disease (MRD20), and several reports sustain its involvement in dementia-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These pathologies and frontotemporal degeneration (FTLD) are thought to share common physiopathological pathways. In this exploratory study, we searched for alterations in the DNA sequence of exons and boundaries, including 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (5'UTR, 3'UTR), of MEF2C gene in 11 patients with clinical phenotypes related with MRD20 or FTLD. We identified a heterozygous deletion of 13 nucleotides in the 5'UTR region of a 69 years old FTLD patient. This alteration was absent in 200 healthy controls, suggesting a contribution to this patient's disease phenotype. In silico analysis of the mutated sequence indicated changes in mRNA secondary structure and stability, thus potentially affecting MEF2C protein levels. Furthermore, in vitro functional analysis of this mutation revealed that the presence of this deletion abolished the transcriptional activity of the gene in human embryonic cells and rat brain neurons, probably by modifying MEF2C expression. Altogether, our results provide evidence for the involvement of MEF2C in FTLD manifesting with seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Adrião
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo III - Subunit I, Azinhaga de Sta. Comba Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Ribeiro
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra - Laboratory of Mitochondrial BioMedicine and Theranostics, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Algarve Biomedical Centre, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas PT, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Natércia Conceição
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Algarve Biomedical Centre, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas PT, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Grazina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo III - Subunit I, Azinhaga de Sta. Comba Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra - Laboratory of Mitochondrial BioMedicine and Theranostics, Coimbra, Portugal.
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