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Mohammadian Gol T, Zahedipour F, Trosien P, Ureña-Bailén G, Kim M, Antony JS, Mezger M. Gene therapy in pediatrics - Clinical studies and approved drugs (as of 2023). Life Sci 2024; 348:122685. [PMID: 38710276 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122685] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy in pediatrics represents a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy for treating a range of genetic disorders that manifest in childhood. Gene therapy involves the modification or correction of a mutated gene or the introduction of a functional gene into a patient's cells. In general, it is implemented through two main modalities namely ex vivo gene therapy and in vivo gene therapy. Currently, a noteworthy array of gene therapy products has received valid market authorization, with several others in various stages of the approval process. Additionally, a multitude of clinical trials are actively underway, underscoring the dynamic progress within this field. Pediatric genetic disorders in the fields of hematology, oncology, vision and hearing loss, immunodeficiencies, neurological, and metabolic disorders are areas for gene therapy interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current progress of gene therapy-based treatments in the clinic for pediatric patients. It navigates the historical milestones of gene therapies, currently approved gene therapy products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or European Medicines Agency (EMA) for children, and the promising future for genetic disorders. By providing a thorough compilation of approved gene therapy drugs and published results of completed or ongoing clinical trials, this review serves as a guide for pediatric clinicians to get a quick overview of the situation of clinical studies and approved gene therapy products as of 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mohammadian Gol
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Paul Trosien
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guillermo Ureña-Bailén
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miso Kim
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justin S Antony
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Mezger
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Rabea F, El Naofal M, Chekroun I, Khalaf M, Zaabi NA, AlZaabi K, ElHalik M, Dash S, El Saba Y, Ali A, Abraham S, Fathi K, Shekhy J, Aswad SG, Elbashir H, Alkuraya F, Loney T, Alsheikh-Ali A, Khayat AA, Abou Tayoun A. Spinal muscular atrophy genetic epidemiology and the case for premarital genomic screening in Arab populations. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:119. [PMID: 38879606 PMCID: PMC11180197 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder for which several treatment options, including a gene therapy, have become available. SMA incidence has not been well-characterized in most Arab countries where rates of consanguinity are high. Understanding SMA disease epidemiology has important implications for screening, prevention, and treatment in those populations. METHODS We perform SMA diagnostic testing in a clinical multi-national patient cohort (N = 171) referred for hypotonia and/or muscle weakness. In addition, we carry out genetic newborn screening for SMA on 1502 healthy Emirati newborns to estimate the carrier frequency and incidence of the disease in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS Patients referred for SMA genetic testing are mostly Arabs (82%) representing 18 countries. The overall diagnostic yield is 33.9%, which is higher (>50%) for certain nationalities. Most patients (71%) has two SMN2 copies and earlier disease onset. For the first time, we estimate SMA carrier frequency (1.3%) and incidence of the disease (1 in 7122 live births) in the United Arab Emirates. Using birth and marriage rates in two Arab populations (United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia), as well as disease incidence in both countries, we show that, besides preventing new cases, premarital genetic screening could potentially result in around $8 to $324 million annual cost savings, respectively, relative to postnatal treatment. CONCLUSIONS The SMA carrier frequency and incidence we document suggests high potential benefit for universal implementation of premarital genomic screening for a wide range of recessive disorders in Arab populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Rabea
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Maha El Naofal
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Ikram Chekroun
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mona Khalaf
- Neonatology Department, Al Qassimi Women's & Children's Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Nuha Al Zaabi
- Pediatric Department, Fujairah Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Fujairah, UAE
| | - Khawla AlZaabi
- Pediatric Department, Kalba Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mahmoud ElHalik
- Neonatal Section, Latifa Women & Children Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Swarup Dash
- Neonatal Section, Latifa Women & Children Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Yaser El Saba
- Department of Neonatology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Azhari Ali
- Neonatology Department, Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Umm Al Quwain, UAE
| | - Smitha Abraham
- Department of Neonatology, Abdullah Bin Omran Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
| | - Khansa Fathi
- Neonatology Department, Al Dhaid Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Jwan Shekhy
- Neonatology Department, Khorfakkan Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Saad G Aswad
- General-Obs/Gyno Clinic, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Haitham Elbashir
- Neurosceince Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Fowzan Alkuraya
- Departement of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | - Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE
| | | | - Ahmad Abou Tayoun
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE.
- Al Jalila Genomics Center of Excellence, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, UAE.
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Pandey S, Gao XD, Krasnow NA, McElroy A, Tao YA, Duby JE, Steinbeck BJ, McCreary J, Pierce SE, Tolar J, Meissner TB, Chaikof EL, Osborn MJ, Liu DR. Efficient site-specific integration of large genes in mammalian cells via continuously evolved recombinases and prime editing. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01227-1. [PMID: 38858586 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01227-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Methods for the targeted integration of genes in mammalian genomes suffer from low programmability, low efficiencies or low specificities. Here we show that phage-assisted continuous evolution enhances prime-editing-assisted site-specific integrase gene editing (PASSIGE), which couples the programmability of prime editing with the ability of recombinases to precisely integrate large DNA cargoes exceeding 10 kilobases. Evolved and engineered Bxb1 recombinase variants (evoBxb1 and eeBxb1) mediated up to 60% donor integration (3.2-fold that of wild-type Bxb1) in human cell lines with pre-installed recombinase landing sites. In single-transfection experiments at safe-harbour and therapeutically relevant sites, PASSIGE with eeBxb1 led to an average targeted-gene-integration efficiencies of 23% (4.2-fold that of wild-type Bxb1). Notably, integration efficiencies exceeded 30% at multiple sites in primary human fibroblasts. PASSIGE with evoBxb1 or eeBxb1 outperformed PASTE (for 'programmable addition via site-specific targeting elements', a method that uses prime editors fused to recombinases) on average by 9.1-fold and 16-fold, respectively. PASSIGE with continuously evolved recombinases is an unusually efficient method for the targeted integration of genes in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Pandey
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xin D Gao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Krasnow
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amber McElroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Y Allen Tao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jordyn E Duby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Steinbeck
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Julia McCreary
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Pierce
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Torsten B Meissner
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark J Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Nawn D, Hassan SS, Redwan EM, Bhattacharya T, Basu P, Lundstrom K, Uversky VN. Unveiling the genetic tapestry: Rare disease genomics of spinal muscular atrophy and phenylketonuria proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131960. [PMID: 38697430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131960] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Rare diseases, defined by their low prevalence, present significant challenges, including delayed detection, expensive treatments, and limited research. This study delves into the genetic basis of two noteworthy rare diseases in Saudi Arabia: Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). PKU, resulting from mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, exhibits geographical variability and impacts intellectual abilities. SMA, characterized by motor neuron loss, is linked to mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recognizing the importance of unveiling signature genomics in rare diseases, we conducted a quantitative study on PAH and SMN1 proteins of multiple organisms by employing various quantitative techniques to assess genetic variations. The derived signature-genomics contributes to a deeper understanding of these critical genes, paving the way for enhanced diagnostics for disorders associated with PAH and SMN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debaleena Nawn
- Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM), Unsani, Howrah 711302, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg EL-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Tanishta Bhattacharya
- Developmental Genetics (Dept III), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrabe 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Pallab Basu
- School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa; Adjunct Faculty, Woxsen School of Sciences, Woxsen University, Hyderabad 500 033, Telangana, India.
| | | | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Curry MA, Cruz RE, Belter LT, Schroth MK, Jarecki J. Assessment of Barriers to Referral and Appointment Wait Times for the Evaluation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Findings from a Web-Based Physician Survey. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:583-598. [PMID: 38430355 PMCID: PMC11136895 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00587-9] [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] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Clinical trial data suggest early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurology appointment wait times for newborn screening identified infants, pediatric cases mirroring SMA symptomatology, and cases in which SMA is suspected by the referring physician. Approaches for triaging and expediting referrals in the US were also explored. METHODS Cure SMA surveyed healthcare professionals from two cohorts: (1) providers affiliated with SMA care centers and (2) other neurologists, pediatric neurologists, and neuromuscular specialists. Surveys were distributed directly and via Medscape Education, respectively, between July 9, 2020, and August 31, 2020. RESULTS Three hundred five total responses were obtained (9% from SMA care centers and 91% from the general recruitment sample). Diagnostic journeys were shorter for infants eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1 if they were referred to SMA care centers versus general sample practices. Appointment wait times for infants exhibiting "hypotonia and motor delays" were significantly shorter at SMA care centers compared to general recruitment practices (p = 0.004). Furthermore, infants with SMA identified through newborn screening were also more likely to be seen sooner if referred to a SMA care center versus a general recruitment site. Lastly, the majority of both cohorts triaged incoming referrals. The average wait time for infants presenting at SMA care centers with "hypotonia and motor delay" was significantly shorter when initial referrals were triaged using a set of "key emergency words" (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Infants directly referred to a SMA care center versus a general sample practice were more likely to experience shorter SMA diagnostic journeys and appointment wait times. Triage guidelines for referrals specific to "hypotonia and motor delay" including use of "key emergency words" may shorten wait times and support early diagnosis and treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | | | - Lisa T Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary K Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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Strandgren C, Wiman KG. Therapeutic targeting of TP53 nonsense mutations in cancer. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10719. [PMID: 38863730 PMCID: PMC11165251 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene occur with high prevalence in a wide range of human tumors. A significant fraction of these mutations (around 10%) are nonsense mutations, creating a premature termination codon (PTC) that leads to the expression of truncated inactive p53 protein. Induction of translational readthrough across a PTC in nonsense mutant TP53 allows the production of full-length protein and potentially restoration of normal p53 function. Aminoglycoside antibiotics and a number of novel compounds have been shown to induce full-length p53 in tumor cells carrying various TP53 nonsense mutations. Full-length p53 protein generated by translational readthrough retains the capacity to transactivate p53 target genes and trigger tumor cell death. These findings raise hopes for efficient therapy of TP53 nonsense mutant tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klas G Wiman
- Karolinska Institutet, Departement of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Budzynska K, Siemionow M, Stawarz K, Chambily L, Siemionow K. Chimeric Cell Therapies as a Novel Approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Muscle Regeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:575. [PMID: 38785982 PMCID: PMC11117592 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050575] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimerism-based strategies represent a pioneering concept which has led to groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine and transplantation. This new approach offers therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases, including inherited disorders. The ongoing studies on chimeric cells prompted the development of Dystrophin-Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cells which were introduced as a potential therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a genetic condition that leads to premature death in adolescent boys and remains incurable with current methods. DEC therapy, created via the fusion of human myoblasts derived from normal and DMD-affected donors, has proven to be safe and efficacious when tested in experimental models of DMD after systemic-intraosseous administration. These studies confirmed increased dystrophin expression, which correlated with functional and morphological improvements in DMD-affected muscles, including cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscles. Furthermore, the application of DEC therapy in a clinical study confirmed its long-term safety and efficacy in DMD patients. This review summarizes the development of chimeric cell technology tested in preclinical models and clinical studies, highlighting the potential of DEC therapy in muscle regeneration and repair, and introduces chimeric cell-based therapies as a promising, novel approach for muscle regeneration and the treatment of DMD and other neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Budzynska
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.B.); (K.S.); (L.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Maria Siemionow
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.B.); (K.S.); (L.C.); (K.S.)
- Chair and Department of Traumatology, Orthopaedics, and Surgery of the Hand, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-545 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stawarz
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.B.); (K.S.); (L.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Lucile Chambily
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.B.); (K.S.); (L.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Krzysztof Siemionow
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (K.B.); (K.S.); (L.C.); (K.S.)
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冷 明, 彭 宏, 吴 至. [Recent research on home rehabilitation and nursing for spinal muscular atrophy]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2024; 26:420-424. [PMID: 38660908 PMCID: PMC11057298 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2310037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder. With the emergence of disease-modifying therapies, the prognosis of SMA has significantly improved, drawing increased attention to the importance of home rehabilitation and nursing management. Long-term, standardized home rehabilitation and nursing can delay the progression of SMA, enhance the psychological well-being, and improve the quality of life of both patients and caregivers. This article provides an overview of the goals of home rehabilitation, basic functional training methods, respiratory management, and nutritional management for SMA patients, as well as psychological health issues, emphasizing the significance of obtaining appropriate home rehabilitation and support during the care process.
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Hayes LH, Darras BT. Neuromuscular problems of the critically Ill neonate and child. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2024; 49:101123. [PMID: 38677802 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2024.101123] [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: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Acute neuromuscular disorders occasionally occur in the Pediatric Neurologic Intensive Care Unit. Many of these are primary disorders of the motor unit that may present acutely or exacerbate during an intercurrent illness. Additionally, acute neuromuscular disorders may develop during an acute systemic illness requiring intensive care management that predispose the child to another set of acute motor unit disorders. This chapter discusses acute neuromuscular crises in the infant, toddler, and adolescent, as well as neuromuscular disorders resulting from critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie H Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Yao M, Jiang L, Yu Y, Cui Y, Chen Y, Zhou D, Gao F, Mao S. Optimized MLPA workflow for spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis: identification of a novel variant, NC_000005.10:g.(70919941_70927324)del in isolated exon 1 of SMN1 gene through long-range PCR. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:93. [PMID: 38468256 PMCID: PMC10926642 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03592-5] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary neuromuscular disease caused by survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene deletion or mutation. Homozygous deletions of exon 7 in SMN1 result in 95% of SMA cases, while the remaining 5% are caused by other pathogenic variants of SMN1. METHODS We analyzed two SMA-suspected cases that were collected, with no SMN1 gene deletion and point mutation in whole-exome sequencing. Exon 1 deletion of the SMN gene was detected using Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) P021. We used long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to isolate the SMN1 template, optimized-MLPA P021 for copy number variation (CNV) analysis within SMN1 only, and validated the findings via third-generation sequencing. RESULTS Two unrelated families shared a genotype with one copy of exon 7 and a novel variant, g.70919941_70927324del, in isolated exon 1 of the SMN1 gene. Case F1-II.1 demonstrated no exon 1 but retained other exons, whereas F2-II.1 had an exon 1 deletion in a single SMN1 gene. The read coverage in the third-generation sequencing results of both F1-II.1 and F2-II.1 revealed a deletion of approximately 7.3 kb in the 5' region of SMN1. The first nucleotide in the sequence data aligned to the 7385 bp of NG_008691.1. CONCLUSION Remarkably, two proband families demonstrated identical SMN1 exon 1 breakpoint sites, hinting at a potential novel mutation hotspot in Chinese SMA, expanding the variation spectrum of the SMN1 gene and corroborating the specificity of isolated exon 1 deletion in SMA pathogenesis. The optimized-MLPA P021 determined a novel variant (g.70919941_70927324del) in isolated exon 1 of the SMN1 gene based on long-range PCR, enabling efficient and affordable detection of SMN gene variations in patients with SMA, providing new insight into SMA diagnosis to SMN1 deficiency and an optimized workflow for single exon CNV testing of the SMN gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Yicheng Yu
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Yiqin Cui
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Xiamen Biofast Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Shanshan Mao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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Kimizu T, Nozaki M, Okada Y, Sawada A, Morisaki M, Fujita H, Irie A, Matsuda K, Hasegawa Y, Nishi E, Okamoto N, Kawai M, Imai K, Suzuki Y, Wada K, Mitsuda N, Ida S. Multiplex Real-Time PCR-Based Newborn Screening for Severe Primary Immunodeficiency and Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Osaka, Japan: Our Results after 3 Years. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:314. [PMID: 38540372 PMCID: PMC10970021 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In newborn screening (NBS), it is important to consider the availability of multiplex assays or other tests that can be integrated into existing systems when attempting to implement NBS for new target diseases. Recent developments in innovative testing technology have made it possible to simultaneously screen for severe primary immunodeficiency (PID) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. We describe our experience of optional NBS for severe PID and SMA in Osaka, Japan. A multiplex TaqMan qPCR assay was used for the optional NBS program. The assay was able to quantify the levels of T-cell receptor excision circles and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles, which is useful for severe combined immunodeficiency and B-cell deficiency screening, and can simultaneously detect the homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7, which is useful for NBS for SMA. In total, 105,419 newborns were eligible for the optional NBS program between 1 August 2020 and 31 August 2023. A case each of X-linked agammaglobulinemia and SMA were diagnosed through the optional NBS and treated at early stages (before symptoms appeared). Our results show how multiplex PCR-based NBS can benefit large-scale NBS implementation projects for new target diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Kimizu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
| | - Masatoshi Nozaki
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
- Department of Perinatal and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan
| | - Yousuke Okada
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (Y.O.); (A.S.)
| | - Akihisa Sawada
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (Y.O.); (A.S.)
| | - Misaki Morisaki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (M.M.); (H.F.); (A.I.); (S.I.)
| | - Hiroshi Fujita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (M.M.); (H.F.); (A.I.); (S.I.)
| | - Akemi Irie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (M.M.); (H.F.); (A.I.); (S.I.)
| | - Keiko Matsuda
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (K.M.); (Y.H.); (E.N.); (N.O.)
| | - Yuiko Hasegawa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (K.M.); (Y.H.); (E.N.); (N.O.)
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (K.M.); (Y.H.); (E.N.); (N.O.)
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (K.M.); (Y.H.); (E.N.); (N.O.)
| | - Masanobu Kawai
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Endocrinology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
| | - Kohsuke Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Defense Medical College, Saitama 359-0042, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
| | - Kazuko Wada
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
| | - Nobuaki Mitsuda
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan;
| | - Shinobu Ida
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Izumi 594-1101, Japan; (M.M.); (H.F.); (A.I.); (S.I.)
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12
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Santa Paola S, Di Blasi FD, Borgione E, Lo Giudice M, Giuliano M, Pettinato R, Di Stefano V, Brighina F, Lupica A, Scuderi C. Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency: A Genetic Screening in Sicilian Patients with Neurological Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:134. [PMID: 38275615 PMCID: PMC10815063 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010134] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by AADC deficiency, an enzyme encoded by the DDC gene. Since the enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of serotonin and dopamine, its deficiency determines the lack of these neurotransmitters, but also of norepinephrine and epinephrine. Onset is early and the key signs are hypotonia, movement disorders (oculogyric crises, dystonia and hypokinesia), developmental delay and autonomic dysfunction. Taiwan is the site of a potential founder variant (IVS6+4A>T) with a predicted incidence of 1/32,000 births, while only 261 patients with this deficit have been described worldwide. Actually, the number of affected persons could be greater, given that the spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad and still little known. In our study we selected 350 unrelated patients presenting with different neurological disorders including heterogeneous neuromuscular disorders, cognitive deficit, behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorder, for which the underlying etiology had not yet been identified. Molecular investigation of the DDC gene was carried out with the aim of identifying affected patients and/or carriers. Our study shows a high frequency of carriers (2.57%) in Sicilian subjects with neurological deficits, with a higher concentration in northern and eastern Sicily. Assuming these data as representative of the general Sicilian population, the risk may be comparable to some rare diseases included in the newborn screening programs such as spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis and phenylketonuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Santa Paola
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | | | - Eugenia Borgione
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Mariangela Lo Giudice
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Marika Giuliano
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Rosa Pettinato
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 143, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.D.S.); (F.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Carmela Scuderi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (E.B.); (M.L.G.); (M.G.); (C.S.)
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13
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Adam H, Gopinath SCB, Arshad MKM, Adam T, Subramaniam S, Hashim U. An Update on Parkinson's Disease and its Neurodegenerative Counterparts. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2770-2787. [PMID: 37016529 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230403085733] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of diseases that cause nerve cell degeneration in the brain, resulting in a variety of symptoms and are not treatable with drugs. Parkinson's disease (PD), prion disease, motor neuron disease (MND), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal cerebral dyskinesia (SCA), spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) (ALS), pantothenate kinase-related neurodegeneration, and TDP-43 protein disorder are examples of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia is caused by the loss of brain and spinal cord nerve cells in neurodegenerative diseases. BACKGROUND Even though environmental and genetic predispositions have also been involved in the process, redox metal abuse plays a crucial role in neurodegeneration since the preponderance of symptoms originates from abnormal metal metabolism. METHOD Hence, this review investigates several neurodegenerative diseases that may occur symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease to understand the differences and similarities between Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders based on reviewing previously published papers. RESULTS Based on the findings, the aggregation of alpha-synuclein occurs in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Other neurodegenerative diseases occur with different protein aggregation or mutations. CONCLUSION We can conclude that Parkinson's disease, Multiple system atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy bodies are closely related. Therefore, researchers must distinguish among the three diseases to avoid misdiagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia with Lewy bodies with Parkinson's disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussaini Adam
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Subash C B Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia
| | - M K Md Arshad
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Tijjani Adam
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Sreeramanan Subramaniam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Georgetown, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia
- National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Georgetown, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Uda Hashim
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
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14
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Li L, Perera L, Varghese SA, Shiloh-Malawsky Y, Hunter SE, Sneddon TP, Powell CM, Matera AG, Fan Z. A homozygous missense variant in the YG box domain in an individual with severe spinal muscular atrophy: a case report and variant characterization. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1259380. [PMID: 37841286 PMCID: PMC10571918 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1259380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of severe (Type 0) spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) cases are caused by homozygous deletions of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). We report a case in which the patient has two copies of SMN1 but clinically presents as Type 0 SMA. The patient is an African American male carrying a homozygous maternally inherited missense variant (c.796T>C) in a cis-oriented SMN1 duplication on one chromosome and an SMN1 deletion on the other chromosome (genotype: 2*+0). Initial extensive genetic workups including exome sequencing were negative. Deletion analysis used in the initial testing for SMA also failed to detect SMA as the patient has two copies of SMN1. Because of high clinical suspicion, SMA diagnosis was finally confirmed based on full-length SMN1 sequencing. The patient was initially treated with risdiplam and later gene therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec at 5 months without complications. The patient's muscular weakness has stabilized with mild improvement. The patient is now 28 months old and remains stable and diffusely weak, with stable respiratory ventilatory support. This case highlights challenges in the diagnosis of SMA with a non-deletion genotype and provides a clinical example demonstrating that disruption of functional SMN protein polymerization through an amino acid change in the YG-box domain represents a little known but important pathogenic mechanism for SMA. Clinicians need to be mindful about the limitations of the current diagnostic approach for SMA in detecting non-deletion genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lalith Perera
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sonia A. Varghese
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Yael Shiloh-Malawsky
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Senyene E. Hunter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tam P. Sneddon
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cynthia M. Powell
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - A. Gregory Matera
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Zheng Fan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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15
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Votsi C, Koutsou P, Ververis A, Georghiou A, Nicolaou P, Tanteles G, Christodoulou K. Spinal muscular atrophy type I associated with a novel SMN1 splicing variant that disrupts the expression of the functional transcript. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1241195. [PMID: 37799281 PMCID: PMC10548546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241195] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the SMN1 gene. The majority of SMA patients harbor a homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 (95%). Heterozygosity for a conventional variant and a deletion is rare (5%) and not easily detected, due to the highly homologous SMN2 gene interference. SMN2 mainly produces a truncated non-functional protein (SMN-d7) instead of the full-length functional (SMN-FL). We hereby report a novel SMN1 splicing variant in an infant with severe SMA. Methods MLPA was used for SMN1/2 exon dosage determination. Sanger sequencing approaches and long-range PCR were employed to search for an SMN1 variant. Conventional and improved Real-time PCR assays were developed for the qualitative and quantitative SMN1/2 RNA analysis. Results The novel SMN1 splice-site variant c.835-8_835-5delinsG, was identified in compound heterozygosity with SMN1 exons 7/8 deletion. RNA studies revealed complete absence of SMN1 exon 7, thus confirming a disruptive effect of the variant on SMN1 splicing. No expression of the functional SMN1-FL transcript, remarkable expression of the SMN1-d7 and increased levels of the SMN2-FL/SMN2-d7 transcripts were observed. Discussion We verified the occurrence of a non-deletion SMN1 variant and supported its pathogenicity, thus expanding the SMN1 variants spectrum. We discuss the updated SMA genetic findings in the Cypriot population, highlighting an increased percentage of intragenic variants compared to other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Votsi
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pantelitsa Koutsou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonis Ververis
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anthi Georghiou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paschalis Nicolaou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George Tanteles
- Clinical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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16
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Tuncel G, Sanlıdag B, Dirik E, Baris T, Ergoren MC, Temel SG. Lessons from Real Life Experience: Importance of In-House Sequencing and Smart Ratio-Based Real-Time PCR Outperform Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification in Prenatal Diagnosis for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Bench to Bedside Diagnosis. Glob Med Genet 2023; 10:240-246. [PMID: 37663644 PMCID: PMC10471427 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1774307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by the presence of pathogenic variants in the SMN gene. As it is the leading inherited cause of infant mortality, identification of SMN gene pathogenic variant carriers is important for diagnostic purposes with effective genetic counseling. Multiple ligation probe analysis (MLPA), a probe-based method, is considered as the gold standard for SMA carrier analysis. However, MLPA might give false-negative results in cases with variations in the probe-binding regions. Here, we present a case born to consanguineous SMA carrier parents. Prenatal diagnosis with MLPA failed to detect the compound heterozygous mutant state of the proband and she was born unfortunately with SMA phenotype. Further analysis with a real-time polymerase chain reaction kit was able to detect the compound heterozygous state of the patient and was confirmed with targeted next-generation sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulten Tuncel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Burcin Sanlıdag
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eray Dirik
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tugba Baris
- Gelişim Tıp Laboratuvarları, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sehime Gulsun Temel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
- Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Health Science, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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17
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Pera MC, Coratti G, Casiraghi J, Bravetti C, Fedeli A, Strika M, Albamonte E, Antonaci L, Rossi D, Pane M, Sansone VA, Mercuri E. Caregivers' Expectations on Possible Functional Changes following Disease-Modifying Treatment in Type II and III Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Comparative Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4183. [PMID: 37445216 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134183] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The primary aim of this study was to explore current caregivers' expectations on possible functional changes following treatment in comparison to data obtained in the pre-pharmacological era. Methods: A questionnaire, previously used in 2016, was administered to caregivers of type II and III SMA patients of age between 3 and 71 years, and to patients over the age of 13 years. The questionnaire focuses on (1) caregivers and patients expectations, (2) meaningfulness of the changes observed on the functional motor scales, and (3) their willingness to be enrolled in a clinical trial. A comparative study was performed with data obtained using the same questionnaire soon before the advent of disease-modifying therapies. Results: We administered the questionnaire to 150 caregivers. When comparing current caregiver data to those obtained in 2016, the most obvious differences were related to disease perception over the last year (stability: 16.5% in 2016 vs. 43.6% in 2022; deterioration 70.5% vs. 12.8%, and improvement: 12.9% vs. 43.6%) and expectations from clinical trials with higher expectations in 2022 compared to 2016 (p < 0.001). Forty-five of the 150 in the current study were caregivers of patients above the age of 13. In these 45 the questionnaire was also administered to the patient. No difference was found in responses between patients and their caregivers. Conclusions: Both carers and patients reported that even small changes on functional scales, similar to those reported by clinical studies and real-world data, are perceived as meaningful. Comparing the recent responses to those obtained in 2016, before pharmacological treatment was available, we found significant changes in caregivers' perception with increased expectations. These findings will provide a better understanding of the patients' expectations and facilitate discussion with regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Pera
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Casiraghi
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bravetti
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fedeli
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Milija Strika
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Albamonte
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Antonaci
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Rossi
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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18
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Sierra-Delgado JA, Sinha-Ray S, Kaleem A, Ganjibakhsh M, Parvate M, Powers S, Zhang X, Likhite S, Meyer K. In Vitro Modeling as a Tool for Testing Therapeutics for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and IGHMBP2-Related Disorders. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:867. [PMID: 37372153 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The most common form of SMA is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, located on 5q (SMA). On the other hand, mutations in IGHMBP2 lead to a large disease spectrum with no clear genotype-phenotype correlation, which includes Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Muscular Distress type 1 (SMARD1), an extremely rare form of SMA, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2S (CMT2S). We optimized a patient-derived in vitro model system that allows us to expand research on disease pathogenesis and gene function, as well as test the response to the AAV gene therapies we have translated to the clinic. We generated and characterized induced neurons (iN) from SMA and SMARD1/CMT2S patient cell lines. After establishing the lines, we treated the generated neurons with AAV9-mediated gene therapy (AAV9.SMN (Zolgensma) for SMA and AAV9.IGHMBP2 for IGHMBP2 disorders (NCT05152823)) to evaluate the response to treatment. The iNs of both diseases show a characteristic short neurite length and defects in neuronal conversion, which have been reported in the literature before with iPSC modeling. SMA iNs respond to treatment with AAV9.SMN in vitro, showing a partial rescue of the morphology phenotype. For SMARD1/CMT2S iNs, we were able to observe an improvement in the neurite length of neurons after the restoration of IGHMBP2 in all disease cell lines, albeit to a variable extent, with some lines showing better responses to treatment than others. Moreover, this protocol allowed us to classify a variant of uncertain significance on IGHMBP2 on a suspected SMARD1/CMT2S patient. This study will further the understanding of SMA, and SMARD1/CMT2S disease in particular, in the context of variable patient mutations, and might further the development of new treatments, which are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrestha Sinha-Ray
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mohini Parvate
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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19
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Kimizu T, Ida S, Oki K, Shima M, Nishimoto S, Nakajima K, Ikeda T, Mogami Y, Yanagihara K, Matsuda K, Nishi E, Hasegawa Y, Nozaki M, Fujita H, Irie A, Katayama T, Okamoto N, Imai K, Nishio H, Suzuki Y. Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in Osaka -challenges in a Japanese pilot study. Brain Dev 2023:S0387-7604(23)00058-X. [PMID: 36973114 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish an optional newborn screening program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA-NBS) in Osaka. METHODS A multiplex TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to screen for SMA. Dried blood spot samples obtained for the optional NBS program for severe combined immunodeficiency, which covers about 50% of the newborns in Osaka, were used. To obtain informed consent, participating obstetricians provided information about the optional NBS program to all parents by giving leaflets to prospective parents and uploading the information onto the internet. We prepared a workflow so that babies that were diagnosed with SMA through the NBS could be treated immediately. RESULTS From 1 February 2021 to 30 September 2021, 22,951 newborns were screened for SMA. All of them tested negative for survival motor neuron (SMN)1 deletion, and there were no false-positives. Based on these results, an SMA-NBS program was established in Osaka and included in the optional NBS programs run in Osaka from 1 October 2021. A positive baby was found by screening, diagnosed with SMA (the baby possessed 3 copies of the SMN2 gene and was pre-symptomatic), and treated immediately. CONCLUSION The workflow of the Osaka SMA-NBS program was confirmed to be useful for babies with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Kimizu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan.
| | - Shinobu Ida
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Oki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Morimasa Shima
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Shizuka Nishimoto
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Ken Nakajima
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Tae Ikeda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mogami
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keiko Yanagihara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keiko Matsuda
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Yuiko Hasegawa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nozaki
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Akemi Irie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Toru Katayama
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
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20
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Papadopoulou E, Pepe G, Konitsiotis S, Chondrogiorgi M, Grigoriadis N, Kimiskidis VK, Tsivgoulis G, Mitsikostas DD, Chroni E, Domouzoglou E, Tsaousis G, Nasioulas G. The evolution of comprehensive genetic analysis in neurology: Implications for precision medicine. J Neurol Sci 2023; 447:120609. [PMID: 36905813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Technological advancements have facilitated the availability of reliable and thorough genetic analysis in many medical fields, including neurology. In this review, we focus on the importance of selecting the appropriate genetic test to aid in the accurate identification of disease utilizing currently employed technologies for analyzing monogenic neurological disorders. Moreover, the applicability of comprehensive analysis via NGS for various genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders is reviewed, revealing its efficiency in clarifying a frequently cloudy diagnostic picture and delivering a conclusive and solid diagnosis that is essential for the proper management of the patient. The feasibility and effectiveness of medical genetics in neurology require interdisciplinary cooperation among several medical specialties and geneticists, to select and perform the most relevant test according to each patient's medical history, using the most appropriate technological tools. The prerequisites for a comprehensive genetic analysis are discussed, highlighting the utility of appropriate gene selection, variant annotation, and classification. Moreover, genetic counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration could improve diagnostic yield further. Additionally, a sub-analysis is conducted on the 1,502,769 variation records with submitted interpretations in the Clinical Variation (ClinVar) database, with a focus on neurology-related genes, to clarify the value of suitable variant categorization. Finally, we review the current applications of genetic analysis in the diagnosis and personalized management of neurological patients and the advances in the research and scientific knowledge of hereditary neurological disorders that are evolving the utility of genetic analysis towards the individualization of the treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Pepe
- GeneKor Medical SA, Spaton 52, Gerakas 15344, Greece
| | - Spiridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Maria Chondrogiorgi
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Second Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Vasilios K Kimiskidis
- First Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimos D Mitsikostas
- First Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Domouzoglou
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
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21
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Yang J, Luly KM, Green JJ. Nonviral nanoparticle gene delivery into the CNS for neurological disorders and brain cancer applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1853. [PMID: 36193561 PMCID: PMC10023321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral nanoparticles have emerged as an attractive alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy applications, utilizing a range of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic materials. These materials can either encapsulate or be functionalized to bind nucleic acids and protect them from degradation. To effectively elicit changes to gene expression, the nanoparticle carrier needs to undergo a series of steps intracellularly, from interacting with the cellular membrane to facilitate cellular uptake to endosomal escape and nucleic acid release. Adjusting physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, charge, and targeting ligands, can improve cellular uptake and ultimately gene delivery. Applications in the central nervous system (CNS; i.e., neurological diseases, brain cancers) face further extracellular barriers for a gene-carrying nanoparticle to surpass, with the most significant being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approaches to overcome these extracellular challenges to deliver nanoparticles into the CNS include systemic, intracerebroventricular, intrathecal, and intranasal administration. This review describes and compares different biomaterials for nonviral nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy to the CNS and explores challenges and recent preclinical and clinical developments in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle-mediated delivery to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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22
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Stettner GM, Hasselmann O, Tscherter A, Galiart E, Jacquier D, Klein A. Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Switzerland: a prospective observational case series study. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:88. [PMID: 36855136 PMCID: PMC9971686 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disorder leading to early death in the majority of affected individuals without treatment. Recently, targeted treatment approaches including Onasemnogene Abeparvovec (OA) were introduced. This study describes the first real-world experience with OA in Switzerland. METHODS Prospective observational case series study using data collected within the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders from SMA patients treated with OA. Development of motor, bulbar and respiratory function, appearance of scoliosis, and safety data (platelet count, liver function, and cardiotoxicity) were analyzed. RESULTS Nine individuals were treated with OA and followed for 383 ± 126 days: six SMA type 1 (of which two with nusinersen pretreatment), one SMA type 2, and two pre-symptomatic individuals. In SMA type 1, CHOP Intend score increased by 28.1 from a mean score of 20.5 ± 7.6 at baseline. At end of follow-up, 50% of SMA type 1 patients required nutritional support and 17% night-time ventilation; 67% developed scoliosis. The SMA type 2 patient and two pre-symptomatically treated individuals reached maximum CHOP Intend scores. No patient required adaptation of the concomitant prednisolone treatment, although transient decrease of platelet count and increase of transaminases were observed in all patients. Troponin-T was elevated prior to OA treatment in 100% and showed fluctuations in 57% thereafter. CONCLUSIONS OA is a potent treatment for SMA leading to significant motor function improvements. However, the need for respiratory and especially nutritional support as well as the development of scoliosis must be thoroughly evaluated in SMA type 1 patients even in the short term after OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg M. Stettner
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oswald Hasselmann
- grid.414079.f0000 0004 0568 6320Department of Neuropediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Anne Tscherter
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elea Galiart
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Jacquier
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Pediatric Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Klein
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Glascock J, Darras BT, Crawford TO, Sumner CJ, Kolb SJ, DiDonato C, Elsheikh B, Howell K, Farwell W, Valente M, Petrillo M, Tingey J, Jarecki J. Identifying Biomarkers of Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Further Development. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:937-954. [PMID: 37458045 PMCID: PMC10578234 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by bi-allelic, recessive mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and reduced expression levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord causes progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The wide range of disease severities, variable rates of decline, and heterogenous clinical responses to approved disease-modifying treatment remain poorly understood and limit the ability to optimize treatment for patients. Validation of a reliable biomarker(s) with the potential to support early diagnosis, inform disease prognosis and therapeutic suitability, and/or confirm response to treatment(s) represents a significant unmet need in SMA. OBJECTIVES The SMA Multidisciplinary Biomarkers Working Group, comprising 11 experts in a variety of relevant fields, sought to determine the most promising candidate biomarker currently available, determine key knowledge gaps, and recommend next steps toward validating that biomarker for SMA. METHODS The Working Group engaged in a modified Delphi process to answer questions about candidate SMA biomarkers. Members participated in six rounds of reiterative surveys that were designed to build upon previous discussions. RESULTS The Working Group reached a consensus that neurofilament (NF) is the candidate biomarker best poised for further development. Several important knowledge gaps were identified, and the next steps toward filling these gaps were proposed. CONCLUSIONS NF is a promising SMA biomarker with the potential for prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic capabilities. The Working Group has identified needed information to continue efforts toward the validation of NF as a biomarker for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte J. Sumner
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Jackson, WY, USA
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24
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Abiusi E, Vaisfeld A, Fiori S, Novelli A, Spartano S, Faggiano MV, Giovanniello T, Angeloni A, Vento G, Santoloci R, Gigli F, D'Amico A, Costa S, Porzi A, Panella M, Ticci C, Daniotti M, Sacchini M, Boschi I, Dani C, Agostiniani R, Bertini E, Lanzone A, Lamarca G, Genuardi M, Pane M, Donati MA, Mercuri E, Tiziano FD. Experience of a 2-year spinal muscular atrophy NBS pilot study in Italy: towards specific guidelines and standard operating procedures for the molecular diagnosis. J Med Genet 2022:jmg-2022-108873. [PMID: 36414255 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is due to the homozygous absence of SMN1 in around 97% of patients, independent of the severity (classically ranked into types I-III). The high genetic homogeneity, coupled with the excellent results of presymptomatic treatments of patients with each of the three disease-modifying therapies available, makes SMA one of the golden candidates to genetic newborn screening (NBS) (SMA-NBS). The implementation of SMA in NBS national programmes occurring in some countries is an arising new issue that the scientific community has to address. We report here the results of the first Italian SMA-NBS project and provide some proposals for updating the current molecular diagnostic scenario. METHODS The screening test was performed by an in-house-developed qPCR assay, amplifying SMN1 and SMN2. Molecular prognosis was assessed on fresh blood samples. RESULTS We found 15 patients/90885 newborns (incidence 1:6059) having the following SMN2 genotypes: 1 (one patient), 2 (eight patients), 2+c.859G>C variant (one patient), 3 (three patients), 4 (one patient) or 6 copies (one patient). Six patients (40%) showed signs suggestive of SMA at birth. We also discuss some unusual cases we found. CONCLUSION The molecular diagnosis of SMA needs to adapt to the new era of the disease with specific guidelines and standard operating procedures. In detail, SMA diagnosis should be felt as a true medical urgency due to therapeutic implications; SMN2 copy assessment needs to be standardised; commercially available tests need to be improved for higher SMN2 copies determination; and the SMN2 splicing-modifier variants should be routinely tested in SMA-NBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vaisfeld
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiori
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Agnese Novelli
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Serena Spartano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Faggiano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Teresa Giovanniello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Newborn Screening Center-Clinical Pathology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Newborn Screening Center-Clinical Pathology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vento
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.,Neonatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Roberta Santoloci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Gigli
- Neonatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Simonetta Costa
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Porzi
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Mara Panella
- Obstetrics and Gynecology operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Ticci
- Unit of hereditary metabolic and muscular disorders, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Marta Daniotti
- Unit of hereditary metabolic and muscular disorders, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Michele Sacchini
- Unit of hereditary metabolic and muscular disorders, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Ilaria Boschi
- Forensic Medicine operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Carlo Dani
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rino Agostiniani
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, ASL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanzone
- Obstetrics and Gynecology operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli, Roma, Italy.,Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Lamarca
- Newborn Screening, Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Maurizio Genuardi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.,Medical Genetics operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Section of Child Psychiatry, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.,Child Psychiatry operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Alice Donati
- Unit of hereditary metabolic and muscular disorders, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Section of Child Psychiatry, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.,Child Psychiatry operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy .,Medical Genetics operating Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Roma, Italy
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25
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Tsai HC, Pietrobon V, Peng M, Wang S, Zhao L, Marincola FM, Cai Q. Current strategies employed in the manipulation of gene expression for clinical purposes. J Transl Med 2022; 20:535. [PMID: 36401279 PMCID: PMC9673226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03747-3] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression level or expression of genes containing deleterious mutations are two of the main determinants which lead to genetic disease. To obtain a therapeutic effect and thus to cure genetic diseases, it is crucial to regulate the host's gene expression and restore it to physiological conditions. With this purpose, several molecular tools have been developed and are currently tested in clinical trials. Genome editing nucleases are a class of molecular tools routinely used in laboratories to rewire host's gene expression. Genome editing nucleases include different categories of enzymes: meganucleses (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- CRISPR associated protein (Cas) and transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALENs). Transposable elements are also a category of molecular tools which includes different members, for example Sleeping Beauty (SB), PiggyBac (PB), Tol2 and TcBuster. Transposons have been used for genetic studies and can serve as gene delivery tools. Molecular tools to rewire host's gene expression also include episomes, which are divided into different categories depending on their molecular structure. Finally, RNA interference is commonly used to regulate gene expression through the administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and bi-functional shRNA molecules. In this review, we will describe the different molecular tools that can be used to regulate gene expression and discuss their potential for clinical applications. These molecular tools are delivered into the host's cells in the form of DNA, RNA or protein using vectors that can be grouped into physical or biochemical categories. In this review we will also illustrate the different types of payloads that can be used, and we will discuss recent developments in viral and non-viral vector technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maoyu Peng
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Suning Wang
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | | | - Qi Cai
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
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26
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von der Lippe C, Neteland I, Feragen KB. Children with a rare congenital genetic disorder: a systematic review of parent experiences. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:375. [PMID: 36253830 PMCID: PMC9575260 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02525-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for a child with a chronic disease may be demanding and stressful. When a child has a rare condition, the impact of care on parents is amplified due to the rarity of the diagnosis. In order to address the lack of generalized and synthesized knowledge regarding parents' experiences of having a child with a rare genetic disorder, and give a holistic picture of these experiences, a systematic review of the available qualitative research was conducted. METHODS We performed a systematic review, including qualitative studies on parents of children with rare genetic disorders, published between 2000 and 2020. RESULTS The review included 33 qualitative studies. Findings were synthesized and categorized according to three main themes: Parents' experiences with health care, Responsibilities and challenges, and Factors promoting positive experiences in parents. The findings demonstrate that parents of children with rare genetic disorders share many common challenges, despite evident differences across conditions. CONCLUSION Coordinated care, and a more holistic approach in the follow up of children with rare genetic disorders is needed. International collaboration on research, diagnostics, producing scientific correct and understandable information available for health care professionals and lay people should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte von der Lippe
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, P.B. 4950, 0424, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Neteland
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, P.B. 4950, 0424, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Billaud Feragen
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, P.B. 4950, 0424, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
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27
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Velikanova R, van der Schans S, Bischof M, van Olden RW, Postma M, Boersma C. Cost-Effectiveness of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in The Netherlands. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1696-1704. [PMID: 35963838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. In its most common and severe form, the majority of untreated infants die before 2 years of age. Early detection and treatment, ideally before symptom onset, maximize survival and achievement of age-appropriate motor milestones, with potentially substantial impact on health-related quality of life. Therefore, SMA is an ideal candidate for inclusion in newborn screening (NBS) programs. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of including SMA in the NBS program in The Netherlands. METHODS We developed a cost-utility model to estimate lifetime health effects and costs of NBS for SMA and subsequent treatment versus a treatment pathway without NBS (ie, diagnosis and treatment after presentation with overt symptoms). Model inputs were based on literature, local data, and expert opinion. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess model robustness and validity of results. RESULTS After detection of SMA by NBS in 17 patients, the number of quality-adjusted life-years gained per annual birth cohort was estimated at 320 with NBS followed by treatment compared with treatment after clinical SMA diagnosis. Total healthcare costs, including screening, diagnostics, treatment, and other healthcare resource use, were estimated to be €12 014 949 lower for patients identified by NBS. CONCLUSIONS NBS for early identification and treatment of SMA versus later symptomatic treatment after clinical diagnosis improves health outcomes and is less costly and, therefore, is a cost-effective use of resources. Results were robust in sensitivity and scenario analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimma Velikanova
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Asc Academics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maarten Postma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Boersma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Management Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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Axente M, Mirea A, Sporea C, Pădure L, Drăgoi CM, Nicolae AC, Ion DA. Clinical and Electrophysiological Changes in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy after 2 Years of Nusinersen Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102074. [PMID: 36297509 PMCID: PMC9611420 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102074] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the new therapeutic era, disease-modifying treatment (nusinersen) has changed the natural evolution of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), creating new phenotypes. The main purpose of the retrospective observational study was to explore changes in clinical evolution and electrophysiological data after 2 years of nusinersen treatment. We assessed distal compound motor action potential (CMAP) on the ulnar nerve and motor abilities in 34 SMA patients, aged between 1 and 16 years old, under nusinersen treatment, using specific motor scales for types 1, 2 and 3. The evaluations were performed at treatment initiation and 26 months later. There were registered increased values for CMAP amplitudes after 2 years of nusinersen, significantly correlated with motor function evolution in SMA type 1 patients (p < 0.005, r = 0.667). In total, 45% of non-sitters became sitters and 25% of sitters became walkers. For SMA types 1 and 2, the age at the treatment initialization is highly significant (p < 0.0001) and correlated with treatment yield. A strong negative correlation (r = −0.633) was observed for SMA type 1 and a very strong negative correlation (r = −0.813) for SMA type 2. In treated SMA cases, the distal amplitude of the CMAP and motor functional scales are important prognostic factors, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a better outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Axente
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrada Mirea
- National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Corina Sporea
- National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Liliana Pădure
- National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Manuela Drăgoi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Crenguța Nicolae
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Adriana Ion
- Department of Pathophysiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Prof. Dr. Matei Balș, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1 Calistrat Grozovici Street, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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Wurz AI, Schulz AM, O’Bryant CT, Sharp JF, Hughes RM. Cytoskeletal dysregulation and neurodegenerative disease: Formation, monitoring, and inhibition of cofilin-actin rods. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:982074. [PMID: 36212686 PMCID: PMC9535683 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.982074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of atypical cytoskeletal dynamics, structures, and associated morphologies is a common theme uniting numerous diseases and developmental disorders. In particular, cytoskeletal dysregulation is a common cellular feature of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. While the numerous activators and inhibitors of dysregulation present complexities for characterizing these elements as byproducts or initiators of the disease state, it is increasingly clear that a better understanding of these anomalies is critical for advancing the state of knowledge and plan of therapeutic attack. In this review, we focus on the hallmarks of cytoskeletal dysregulation that are associated with cofilin-linked actin regulation, with a particular emphasis on the formation, monitoring, and inhibition of cofilin-actin rods. We also review actin-associated proteins other than cofilin with links to cytoskeleton-associated neurodegenerative processes, recognizing that cofilin-actin rods comprise one strand of a vast web of interactions that occur as a result of cytoskeletal dysregulation. Our aim is to present a current perspective on cytoskeletal dysregulation, connecting recent developments in our understanding with emerging strategies for biosensing and biomimicry that will help shape future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Wurz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Anna M. Schulz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Collin T. O’Bryant
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Josephine F. Sharp
- Department of Chemistry, Notre Dame College, South Euclid, OH, United States
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert M. Hughes,
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Milligan JN, Blasco-Pérez L, Costa-Roger M, Codina-Solà M, Tizzano EF. Recommendations for Interpreting and Reporting Silent Carrier and Disease-Modifying Variants in SMA Testing Workflows. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1657. [PMID: 36140824 PMCID: PMC9498682 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic testing for SMA diagnosis, newborn screening, and carrier screening has become a significant public health interest worldwide, driven largely by the development of novel and effective molecular therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the corresponding updates to testing guidelines. Concurrently, understanding of the underlying genetics of SMA and their correlation with a broad range of phenotypes and risk factors has also advanced, particularly with respect to variants that modulate disease severity or impact residual carrier risks. While testing guidelines are beginning to emphasize the importance of these variants, there are no clear guidelines on how to utilize them in a real-world setting. Given the need for clarity in practice, this review summarizes several clinically relevant variants in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, including how they inform outcomes for spinal muscular atrophy carrier risk and disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Blasco-Pérez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo F. Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma®) is a gene therapy approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Administered as a one-time intravenous infusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec uses the adeno-associated virus vector to deliver a functional copy of the human survival motor neuron (SMN) gene to motor neuron cells. SMN1 encodes survival motor neuron protein, which is responsible for the maintenance and function of motor neurons. In clinical trials, onasemnogene abeparvovec improved event-free survival, motor function and motor milestone outcomes in patients with SMA, with these improvements maintained over the longer term (up to a median of ≈ 5 years). Onasemnogene abeparvovec was also associated with rapid age-appropriate achievement of motor milestones and improvements in motor function in children with pre-symptomatic SMA, indicating the benefit of early treatment. Onasemnogene abeparvovec was generally well tolerated. Hepatotoxicity is a known risk that can generally be mitigated with prophylactic prednisolone. In conclusion, onasemnogene abeparvovec represents an important treatment option for patients with SMA, particularly when initiated early in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Blair
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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Qiu J, Wu L, Qu R, Jiang T, Bai J, Sheng L, Feng P, Sun J. History of development of the life-saving drug “Nusinersen” in spinal muscular atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:942976. [PMID: 36035257 PMCID: PMC9414009 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.942976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence of 1/6,000–1/10,000 and is the leading fatal disease among infants. Previously, there was no effective treatment for SMA. The first effective drug, nusinersen, was approved by the US FDA in December 2016, providing hope to SMA patients worldwide. The drug was introduced in the European Union in 2017 and China in 2019 and has so far saved the lives of several patients in most parts of the world. Nusinersen are fixed sequence antisense oligonucleotides with special chemical modifications. The development of nusinersen progressed through major scientific discoveries in medicine, genetics, biology, and other disciplines, wherein several scientists have made substantial contributions. In this article, we will briefly describe the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of SMA, summarize the timeline of important scientific findings during the development of nusinersen in a detailed, scientific, and objective manner, and finally discuss the implications of the development of nusinersen for SMA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liucheng Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ruobing Qu
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jialin Bai
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Nanjing Antisense Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Junjie Sun
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Dos Santos M, Brighente SF, Massignan A, Tenório RB, Makariewicz LL, Moreira AL, Saute JA. Accuracy of muscle fasciculations for the diagnosis of later-onset spinal muscle atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:763-768. [PMID: 35879189 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.07.395] [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: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of later-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic properties of the detection of muscle fasciculations for SMA diagnosis in adolescents and adults with proximal muscle weakness. A cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study was performed, in which 10 subjects with SMA (5 with type II and 5 with type III) and 9 subjects with genetic muscle diseases were evaluated by physical examination, muscle ultrasound (MUS) and electromyography (EMG). Inter-rater reliability of MUS was higher than physical examination and in a sensitivity analysis of MUS, all SMA subjects and a single patient with genetic muscle disease presented fasciculations in at least 2 different muscle groups, resulting in a sensitivity of 1 (95% CI: 0.69 to 1) and a specificity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.52 to 1) for SMA diagnosis. Forty-two percent of evaluated subjects did not agree to perform EMG, limiting this method results. Muscle ultrasound presented the best diagnostic accuracy and physical examination combined with MUS seemed to be a good strategy for screening adolescents and adults with proximal muscle weakness for SMA. These results might improve diagnostic guidelines for later-onset SMA, leading to earlier diagnosis, treatment and specific care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samanta F Brighente
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Angela Massignan
- Radiology Departament, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Barreto Tenório
- Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine: Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lucila Moreira
- Department of Neurosurgery (Peripheral Nerve Surgery Unit), University of São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonas Alex Saute
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Medical Genetics Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Neurology Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Yaokreh JB, Yapo Kouamé GS, Ali C, Odéhouri-Koudou TH, Ouattara O. Epidemiological and diagnostic characteristics of scoliosis in children in a single tertiary centre in Abidjan. Afr J Paediatr Surg 2022; 19:171-175. [PMID: 35775520 PMCID: PMC9290356 DOI: 10.4103/ajps.ajps_62_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scoliosis is the most frequent spine deformity in children. Epidemiological data are available in Western countries due to the systematic screening policies implemented at school. Unfortunately, in our country, there are neither national data nor screening policy for scoliosis. Are the epidemiological and diagnostic characteristics of scoliosis in our practice similar to the data in the literature? PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 106 medical records of patients under 19 years old between 2010 and 2019 at the 'Vivre Debout' Centre for structural scoliosis confirmed by spine X-ray with a Cobb angle ≥10°. The epidemiological and diagnostic characteristics were noted. The data were treated with Excel 2010. RESULTS The mean frequency of scoliosis was 10 cases/year. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1:1.3. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.2 ± 2.13 years. There was a family history of scoliosis in two cases (1.8%). Twenty-four girls (39.3%) out of 61 had had menarche at the time of diagnosis. The mean time from noticing deformity to consultation was 17.9 ± 21.9 months. Lateral deviation of the spine (n = 77; 72.6%), hump (n = 12; 11.3%) and pain (n = 3; 2.8%) were the main complaints for consultation. In 14 cases (13.2%), the discovery was fortuitous during a medical examination for another complaint. The curvature was single in 88 cases (83%) and double in 18 (17%). The convexity was right in 69 cases (65.1%) and left in 37 (34.9%). Curvatures were thoracic (n = 57; 53.8%), lumbar (n = 10; 9.4%) and thoracolumbar (n = 39; 36.8%). The average Cobb angle was 35.2° ±10.71° (range: 11°-90°). Curvatures were moderate (20°-40°) in 49 cases (46.2) and severe (>40°) in 18 (17%). The aetiologies were predominated by idiopathic causes (n = 79; 74.5%), followed by congenital (n = 16; 15.1%) and neuromuscular (n = 11; 10.4%) causes. CONCLUSION Scoliosis is uncommon in our practice. It is characterised by single curvature. The predominance of moderate and severe curvatures was due to delayed consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cissé Ali
- Centre "Vivre Debout", Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Thierry-Hervé Odéhouri-Koudou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yopougon Teaching Hospital; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Emergency Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Ossénou Ouattara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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López-Cortés A, Echeverría-Garcés G, Ramos-Medina MJ. Molecular Pathogenesis and New Therapeutic Dimensions for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060894. [PMID: 35741415 PMCID: PMC9219894 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The condition known as 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by a deficiency of the ubiquitous protein survival of motor neuron (SMN), which is encoded by the SMN1 and SMN2 genes. It is one of the most common pediatric recessive genetic diseases, and it represents the most common cause of hereditary infant mortality. After decades of intensive basic and clinical research efforts, and improvements in the standard of care, successful therapeutic milestones have been developed, delaying the progression of 5q SMA and increasing patient survival. At the same time, promising data from early-stage clinical trials have indicated that additional therapeutic options are likely to emerge in the near future. Here, we provide updated information on the molecular underpinnings of SMA; we also provide an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for SMA, including SMN-targeted therapies, SMN-independent therapies, and combinational therapies that are likely to be key for the development of treatments that are effective across a patient’s lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés López-Cortés
- Programa de Investigación en Salud Global, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito 170302, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), 28001 Madrid, Spain; (G.E.-G.); (M.J.R.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), 28001 Madrid, Spain; (G.E.-G.); (M.J.R.-M.)
| | - María José Ramos-Medina
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), 28001 Madrid, Spain; (G.E.-G.); (M.J.R.-M.)
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Arikan Y, Berker Karauzum S, Uysal H, Mihci E, Nur B, Duman O, Haspolat S, Altiok Clark O, Toylu A. Evaluation of exonic copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2 genes in SMA. Gene X 2022; 823:146322. [PMID: 35219815 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146322] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SMA is a neuromuscular disease and occurs primarily through autosomal recessive inheritance. Identification of deletions in the SMN1 gene especially in the exon 7 and exon 8 regions (hot spot), are used in carrier testing. The exact copy numbers of those exons in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes in 113 patients who presented with a pre-diagnosis of SMA were determined using MLPA method. We aimed to reveal both the most common copy number profiles of different SMA types. It was found that the frequency of homozygous deletions in SMN1 was 15.9%, while heterozygous deletions was 16.9%. The most common SMN-MLPA profile was 0-0-3-3. In the cases with homozygous deletion, SMA type III diagnosis was observed most frequently (44%), and the rate of consanguineous marriage was found 33%. Two cases with the same exonic copy number profile but with different clinical subtypes were identified in a family. We also detected distinct exonic deletion and duplication MLPA profiles for the first time. We created "the SMA signature" that can be added to patient reports. Furthermore, our data are important for revealing potential local profiles of SMA and describing the disease in genetic reports in a way that is clear and comprehensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Arikan
- Bozok University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Yozgat, Turkey; Radboud University Medical Centre, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, Netherland.
| | - Sibel Berker Karauzum
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Ercan Mihci
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatry, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Banu Nur
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatry, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Ozgur Duman
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Senay Haspolat
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatry, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Ozden Altiok Clark
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Asli Toylu
- Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Antalya, Turkey.
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The Advent of Omics Sciences in Clinical Trials of Motor Neuron Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050758. [PMID: 35629180 PMCID: PMC9144989 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The “omics revolution” has totally changed the scientific research approach and is contributing to the development of personalized therapies. In motor neuron diseases (MNDs), a set of complex, multifactorial, late-onset and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, the use of multi-omics approaches in clinical trials is providing new opportunities to stratify patients and develop target therapies. To show how omics science is gaining momentum in MNDs, in this work, we review the interventional clinical trials for MNDs based on the application of omics sciences. We analyze a total of 62 clinical trials listed in the ClinicalTrials database where different omics approaches have been applied in an initial phase, for diagnosis or patient selection, or in subsequent stages to cluster subjects, identify molecular signatures or evaluate drugs security or efficacy. The rise of omics sciences in clinical experimentation of MNDs is leading to an upheaval in their diagnosis and therapy that will require significant investments and means to ensure the correct and rapid evolution of personalized medicine.
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[Spinal muscular atrophy]. DER NERVENARZT 2022; 93:191-200. [PMID: 35037967 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by biallelic mutations in the SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1) gene on chromosome 5q13.2, which leads to a progressive degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord and in motor nerve nuclei in the caudal brainstem. It is characterized by progressive proximally accentuated muscle weakness with loss of already acquired motor skills, areflexia and, depending on the phenotype, varying degrees of weakness of the respiratory and bulbar muscles, although the facial muscles and eye muscles are not affected. The previously purely symptom-oriented treatment has undergone a significant expansion since 2017 with the approval of three drugs (nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam) that modify the course of the disease at the gene expression level and have led to a change in the natural disease course of SMA. The effect of these new forms of treatment can only be fully assessed in the coming years. New aspects and challenges in this context are discussed in this article.
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Arthur GK, Cruse G. Regulation of Trafficking and Signaling of the High Affinity IgE Receptor by FcεRIβ and the Potential Impact of FcεRIβ Splicing in Allergic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020788. [PMID: 35054974 PMCID: PMC8776166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are tissue-resident immune cells that function in both innate and adaptive immunity through the release of both preformed granule-stored mediators, and newly generated proinflammatory mediators that contribute to the generation of both the early and late phases of the allergic inflammatory response. Although mast cells can be activated by a vast array of mediators to contribute to homeostasis and pathophysiology in diverse settings and contexts, in this review, we will focus on the canonical setting of IgE-mediated activation and allergic inflammation. IgE-dependent activation of mast cells occurs through the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, which is a multimeric receptor complex that, once crosslinked by antigen, triggers a cascade of signaling to generate a robust response in mast cells. Here, we discuss FcεRI structure and function, and describe established and emerging roles of the β subunit of FcεRI (FcεRIβ) in regulating mast cell function and FcεRI trafficking and signaling. We discuss current approaches to target IgE and FcεRI signaling and emerging approaches that could target FcεRIβ specifically. We examine how alternative splicing of FcεRIβ alters protein function and how manipulation of splicing could be employed as a therapeutic approach. Targeting FcεRI directly and/or IgE binding to FcεRI are promising approaches to therapeutics for allergic inflammation. The characteristic role of FcεRIβ in both trafficking and signaling of the FcεRI receptor complex, the specificity to IgE-mediated activation pathways, and the preferential expression in mast cells and basophils, makes FcεRIβ an excellent, but challenging, candidate for therapeutic strategies in allergy and asthma, if targeting can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer K. Arthur
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA;
| | - Glenn Cruse
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-515-8865
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Gayduk A, Vlasov Y, Smirnova D. Application of modern approaches in the screening and early diagnosis programs for the orphan diseases. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:30-39. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212206130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wooley JR, Penas-Prado M. Pediatric versus Adult Medulloblastoma: Towards a Definition That Goes beyond Age. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246313. [PMID: 34944933 PMCID: PMC8699201 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medulloblastoma is a rare brain tumor that affects children and adults. Treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy currently cures most patients; however, ~30% of all patients have poor clinical outcomes despite treatment. Prospective clinical trials have historically excluded older patients, while recent advances in molecular diagnostics have enhanced our understanding of tumorigenesis. The aim of this literature review is to discuss the history of clinical trials in medulloblastoma and to argue in favor of prioritizing molecular drivers of disease as trial inclusion features rather than an arbitrary age cutoff. Abstract Medulloblastoma is a rare malignant brain tumor that predominantly affects children but also occurs in adults. The incidence declines significantly after age 15, and distinct tumor molecular features are seen across the age spectrum. Standard of care treatment consists of maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Adjuvant treatment decisions are based on individual patient risk factors and have been informed by decades of prospective clinical trials. These trials have historically relied on arbitrary age cutoffs for inclusion (age 16, 18, or 21, for example), while trials that include adult patients or stratify patients by molecular features of disease have been rare. The aim of this literature review is to review the history of clinical trials in medulloblastoma, with an emphasis on selection criteria, and argue in favor of rational and inclusive trials based on molecular features of disease as opposed to chronological age. We performed a scoping literature review for medulloblastoma and clinical trials and include a summary of those results. We also discuss some of the significant advances made in understanding the molecular biology of medulloblastoma within the past decade, most notably the identification of four distinct subgroups based on gene expression profiling. We will also cite the recent experiences of childhood leukemia and the emergence of tissue-agnostic therapies as examples of successes of rationally designed, inclusive trials translating to improved clinical outcomes for patients across the age spectrum. Despite the prior trial history and recent molecular advances outcomes remain poor for ~30% of medulloblastoma patients. We believe that defining patients by the specific molecular alterations their tumors harbor is the best way to ensure they can access potentially efficacious therapies on clinical trials.
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Mirea A, Shelby ES, Axente M, Badina M, Padure L, Leanca M, Dima V, Sporea C. Combination Therapy with Nusinersen and Onasemnogene Abeparvovec-xioi in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235540. [PMID: 34884240 PMCID: PMC8658131 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular progressive disease, characterized by decreased amounts of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, due to an autosomal recessive genetic defect. Despite recent research, there is still no cure. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide acting on the SMN2 gene, is intrathecally administered all life long, while onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, a gene therapy, is administered intravenously only once. Both therapies have proven efficacy, with best outcomes obtained when administered presymptomatically. In recent years, disease-modifying therapies such as nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi have changed the natural history of SMA. Methods: We observed seven SMA type I patients, who received both therapies. We compared their motor function trajectories, ventilation hours and cough assist sessions to a control group of patients who received one therapy, in order to investigate whether combination therapy may be more effective than a single intervention alone. Results: Patients who received both therapies, compared to the monotherapy cohort, had the same motor function trajectory. Moreover, it was observed that the evolution of motor function was better in the 6 months following the first therapy than in the first 6 months after adding the second treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that early treatment is more important than combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrada Mirea
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihaela Axente
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihaela Badina
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Liliana Padure
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Madalina Leanca
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Vlad Dima
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Filantropia”, 11 Ion Mihalache Avenue, 011132 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Corina Sporea
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
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De Amicis R, Baranello G, Foppiani A, Leone A, Battezzati A, Bedogni G, Ravella S, Giaquinto E, Mastella C, Agosto C, Bertini E, D'Amico A, Pedemonte M, Bruno C, Wells JC, Fewtrell M, Bertoli S. Growth patterns in children with spinal muscular atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:375. [PMID: 34481516 PMCID: PMC8418717 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness. SMA type 1 (SMA1) is the most severe form: affected infants are unable to sit unaided; SMA type 2 (SMA2) children can sit, but are not able to walk independently. The Standards of Care has improved quality of life and the increasing availability of disease-modifying treatments is progressively changing the natural history; so, the clinical assessment of nutritional status has become even more crucial. Aims of this multicenter study were to present the growth pattern of treatment-naïve SMA1 and SMA2, and to compare it with the general growth standards. Results Body Weight (BW, kg) and Supine Length (SL, cm) were collected using a published standardized procedure. SMA-specific growth percentiles curves were developed and compared to the WHO reference data. We recruited 133 SMA1 and 82 SMA2 (48.8% females). Mean ages were 0.6 (0.4–1.6) and 4.1 (2.1–6.7) years, respectively. We present here a set of disease-specific percentiles curves of BW, SL, and BMI-for-age for girls and boys with SMA1 and SMA2. These curves show that BW is significantly lower in SMA than healthy peers, while SL is more variable. BMI is also typically lower in both sexes and at all ages. Conclusions These data on treatment-naïve patients point toward a better understanding of growth in SMA and could be useful to improve the clinical management and to assess the efficacy of the available and forthcoming therapies not only on motor function, but also on growth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-02015-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona De Amicis
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- UO Neurologia dello Sviluppo, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Andrea Foppiani
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leone
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Battezzati
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bedogni
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Ravella
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ester Giaquinto
- Dietetic and Nutrition Center, M. Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Mastella
- SAPRE-UONPIA, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Agosto
- Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unità di Malattie Neuromuscolari e Neurodegenerative, Laboratorio di Medicina Molecolare, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Neuroriabilitazione, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Unità di Malattie Neuromuscolari e Neurodegenerative, Laboratorio di Medicina Molecolare, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Neuroriabilitazione, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Pedemonte
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jonathan C Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- Childhood Nutrition Research Group, Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Simona Bertoli
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Sandro Botticelli 21, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Obesity Unit and Laboratory of Nutrition and Obesity Research, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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Romanelli Tavares VL, Monfardini F, Lourenço NCV, da Rocha KM, Weinmann K, Pavanello R, Zatz M. Newborn Screening for 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Comparisons between Real-Time PCR Methodologies and Cost Estimations for Future Implementation Programs. Int J Neonatal Screen 2021; 7:ijns7030053. [PMID: 34449526 PMCID: PMC8396021 DOI: 10.3390/ijns7030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the approval of modifying therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), several protocols aiming to screen SMN1 homozygous deletion in a neonatal context have been published. However, no work has compared different methodologies along with detailed implementation costs for centers where the neonatal screening of SMA has not yet been implemented. Therefore, our work compared different qualitative real-time PCR approaches for SMA screening and the estimated costs of test implementation. Using Brazilian blood samples, the presence and absence (P/A) and melt curve protocols were analyzed. MLPA was used as a confirmatory test. The costs were calculated for the simplex and multiplex tests plus equipment. The test workflow was based on the present experience and literature report. The accuracy of the P/A protocol was 1 (95% CI 0.8677-1) using dried blood spots (DBS). The melt curve protocol also achieved 100% concordance. The consumable costs ranged from USD 1.68 to 4.42 and from USD 2.04 to 12.76 per reaction, for the simplex and multiplex tests, respectively. The equipment acquisition costs ranged from USD 44,817.07 to 467,253.10, with several factors influencing this value presented. Our work presents a framework for decision-making, with a project demonstration of the different assays that will be useful in dealing with the issues of cost and availability of reagents. Moreover, we present a literature review and discussion of important concerns regarding treatment policies. We take the first step towards a future SMA NBS pilot program where it is not yet a reality.
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Salucci S, Bartoletti Stella A, Battistelli M, Burattini S, Bavelloni A, Cocco LI, Gobbi P, Faenza I. How Inflammation Pathways Contribute to Cell Death in Neuro-Muscular Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1109. [PMID: 34439778 PMCID: PMC8391499 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-muscular disorders include a variety of diseases induced by genetic mutations resulting in muscle weakness and waste, swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, muscle alterations and nerve depletions involve specific molecular and cellular mechanisms which lead to the loss of motor-nerve or skeletal-muscle function, often due to an excessive cell death. Morphological and molecular studies demonstrated that a high number of these disorders seem characterized by an upregulated apoptosis which significantly contributes to the pathology. Cell death involvement is the consequence of some cellular processes that occur during diseases, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, free radical generation, excitotoxicity and inflammation. The latter represents an important mediator of disease progression, which, in the central nervous system, is known as neuroinflammation, characterized by reactive microglia and astroglia, as well the infiltration of peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of the mechanisms underlying inflammation have been linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, which trigger mitochondrial genomic and respiratory chain instability, autophagy impairment and finally neuron or muscle cell death. This review discusses the main inflammatory pathways contributing to cell death in neuro-muscular disorders by highlighting the main mechanisms, the knowledge of which appears essential in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent the consequent neuron loss and muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Bartoletti Stella
- Department of Diagnostic Experimental and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Michela Battistelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Sabrina Burattini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alberto Bavelloni
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Lucio Ildebrando Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), Urbino University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.B.); (S.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.I.C.); (I.F.)
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Dima V. Actualities in neonatal endocrine and metabolic screening. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2021; 17:416-421. [PMID: 35342476 PMCID: PMC8919488 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2021.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal metabolic screening has proven to be an important tool for the early detection of innate metabolic errors. Despite the fact that simple and effective methods of testing for metabolic diseases have been identified since the middle of the twentieth century, no consensus has been reached so far on the content of neonatal metabolic screening panels. There are large differences between countries in the number of metabolic diseases identified through national metabolic screening programs, ranging from zero to several tens, the most common testing being for phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism (including in Romania). Given the fact that rare but treatable diseases have been identified in recent decades, reducing the financial burden on the health system, it would be useful to include them in the national neonatal metabolic screening program.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Dima
- Correspondence to: Vlad Dima MD, “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 11-13 Ion Mihalache Blvd., Bucharest, 011171, Romania, E-mail:
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Butterfield RJ. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatments, Newborn Screening, and the Creation of a Neurogenetics Urgency. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 38:100899. [PMID: 34183144 PMCID: PMC8243405 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. The United States' Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam for SMA has challenged existing treatment paradigms with multiple treatment options, a new natural history of the disease, and an emerging understanding of the importance of early and pre-symptomatic treatment. The profound impact of early, pre-symptomatic treatment has led to the creation of a neurogenetics urgency for newly identified patients with SMA, a novel problem for neurologists more accustomed to a more methodical approach to diagnosis and care. Implementation of newborn screening programs has helped facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, but challenges remain in overcoming administrative and procedural hurdles that can lead to treatment delays. Herein I discuss 2 cases that highlight the importance of early treatment, as well as gaps in our understanding of the progression of SMA in pre-symptomatic infants.
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An open-label phase 1 clinical trial of the allogeneic side population adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in SMA type 1 patients. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:399-410. [PMID: 34032944 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder of alpha motor neurons of spinal cord associated with progressive muscle weakness and hypotonia, is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. Although there is few promising treatment for SMA, but the field of translational research is active in it, and stem cell-based therapy clinical trials or case studies are ongoing. Combination of different therapeutic approaches for noncurative treatments may increase their effectiveness and compliance of patients. We present a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with SMA1 who received side population adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SPADMSCs). METHODS The intervention group received three intrathecal administrations of escalating doses of SPADMSCs and followed until 24 months or the survival time. The safety analysis was assessed by controlling the side effects and efficacy evaluations performed by the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), Ballard score, and electrodiagnostic (EDX) evaluation. These evaluations were performed before intervention and at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS The treatment was safe and well tolerated, without any adverse event related to the stem cell administration. One of the patients in the intervention group was alive after 24 months of study follow-up. He is a non-sitter 62-month-old boy with appropriate weight gain and need for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for about 8 h per day. Clinical scores, need for supportive ventilation, and number of hospitalizations were not meaningful parameters in the response of patients in the intervention and control groups. All five patients in the intervention group showed significant improvement in the motor amplitude response of the tibial nerve (0.56mV; p: 0.029). CONCLUSION This study showed that SPADMSCs therapy is tolerable and safe with promising efficacy in SMA I. Probably same as other treatment strategies, early intervention will increase its efficacy and prepare time for more injections. We suggest EDX evaluation for the follow-up of treatment efficacy.
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Gandhi G, Abdullah S, Foead AI, Yeo WWY. The potential role of miRNA therapies in spinal muscle atrophy. J Neurol Sci 2021; 427:117485. [PMID: 34015517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by low levels of full-length survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to the loss of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and inefficient splicing of the survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene, which mostly affects alpha motor neurons of the lower spinal cord. Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SMN-dependent therapies including Nusinersen, Zolgensma® and Evrysdi™, SMA is still a devastating disease as these existing expensive drugs may not be sufficient and thus, remains a need for additional therapies. The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in SMA is expanding because miRNAs are important mediators of gene expression as each miRNA could target a number of genes. Hence, miRNA-based therapy could be utilized in treating this genetic disorder. However, the delivery of miRNAs into the target cells remains an obstacle in SMA, as there is no effective delivery system to date. This review highlights the potential strategies for intracellular miRNA delivery into target cells and current challenges in miRNA delivery. Furthermore, we provide the future prospects of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia; Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia; UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Agus Iwan Foead
- Department of Orthopedics, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Perdana University, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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