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Weindel CG, Ellzey LM, Coleman AK, Patrick KL, Watson RO. LRRK2 kinase activity restricts NRF2-dependent mitochondrial protection in microglia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.09.602769. [PMID: 39026883 PMCID: PMC11257505 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.602769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports a critical role for central nervous system (CNS) glial cells in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as well as neurovascular ischemic stroke. Previously, we found that loss of the PD-associated gene leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2) in macrophages, peripheral innate immune cells, induced mitochondrial stress and elevated basal expression of type I interferon (IFN) stimulated genes (ISGs) due to chronic mitochondrial DNA engagement with the cGAS/STING DNA sensing pathway. Here, we report that loss of LRRK2 results in a paradoxical response in microglial cells, a CNS-specific macrophage population. In primary murine microglia and microglial cell lines, loss of Lrrk2 reduces tonic IFN signaling leading to a reduction in ISG expression. Consistent with reduced type I IFN, mitochondria from Lrrk2 KO microglia are protected from stress and have elevated metabolism. These protective phenotypes involve upregulation of NRF2, an important transcription factor in the response to oxidative stress and are restricted by LRRK2 kinase activity. Collectively, these findings illustrate a dichotomous role for LRRK2 within different immune cell populations and give insight into the fundamental differences between immune regulation in the CNS and the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi G Weindel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Medicine, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Lily M Ellzey
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Medicine, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Aja K Coleman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Medicine, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Kristin L Patrick
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Medicine, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Robert O Watson
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M School of Medicine, TX, 77807, USA
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2
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Davion JB, Tard C, Fragoso L, Wilu-Wilu A, Skrobala E, Defebvre L, Delbeuck X. Heterogeneity of cognitive impairments in myotonic dystrophy type 1 explained by three distinct cognitive profiles. J Neurol 2024; 271:4529-4539. [PMID: 38709306 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12404-2] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severity and nature of cognitive impairments in Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are heterogeneous among studies. We hypothesized that this heterogeneity is explained by different cognitive profiles in DM1, with different clinical, biological and behavioral features. METHODS Adult patients with genetically proven DM1 underwent a clinical, neuropsychological and behavioral assessment. We conducted a k-means clustering analysis on 9 cognitive tests representative of different domains (verbal/non-verbal episodic memory, visuo-constructive abilities, visual gnosis, executive functions, information processing speed). RESULTS We included 124 DM1 patients. Mean age was 45.1 ± 13.5 years [19.8-73.2], mean age of onset was 30.4 ± 15.7 years [5-72], and mean CTG triplets' expansion size was 489.7 ± 351.8 [50-1600]. We found 3 cognitive clusters, including, respectively, 84, 29 and 11 patients. The first cluster included patients with more preserved cognitive functions; the second included patients with worse cognitive performances which predominate on executive functions; and the third even more pronounced and diffuse cognitive deficits. Younger patients, with a more recent DM1 clinical onset, higher educational level were more frequently classified in the cluster with more preserved cognitive functions. There were no significant differences between clusters regarding CTG triplets' expansion, neither age at DM1 onset, nor most of behavioral measures. CONCLUSIONS We found different cognitive profiles in our DM1 population, which seem influenced by age and DM1 duration. Our findings may explain the heterogeneity of studies about cognition in DM1, and suggest a potential neurodegenerative mechanism in DM1 adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Davion
- U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
- Department of Neurology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases Nord/Est/Ile-de-France, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Céline Tard
- U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Department of Neurology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases Nord/Est/Ile-de-France, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Loren Fragoso
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases Nord/Est/Ile-de-France, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Amina Wilu-Wilu
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases Nord/Est/Ile-de-France, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Emilie Skrobala
- Lille University Hospital Centre, DISTALZ, Development of Innovative Strategies for a Transdisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer's Disease, Lille, France
| | - Luc Defebvre
- U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Department of Neurology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Xavier Delbeuck
- U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Department of Neurology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Lille-Paris National Resource and Resilience Center (CN2R), 59000, Lille, France
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3
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Langerscheidt F, Wied T, Al Kabbani MA, van Eimeren T, Wunderlich G, Zempel H. Genetic forms of tauopathies: inherited causes and implications of Alzheimer's disease-like TAU pathology in primary and secondary tauopathies. J Neurol 2024; 271:2992-3018. [PMID: 38554150 PMCID: PMC11136742 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12314-3] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a heterogeneous group of neurologic diseases characterized by pathological axodendritic distribution, ectopic expression, and/or phosphorylation and aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein TAU, encoded by the gene MAPT. Neuronal dysfunction, dementia, and neurodegeneration are common features of these often detrimental diseases. A neurodegenerative disease is considered a primary tauopathy when MAPT mutations/haplotypes are its primary cause and/or TAU is the main pathological feature. In case TAU pathology is observed but superimposed by another pathological hallmark, the condition is classified as a secondary tauopathy. In some tauopathies (e.g. MAPT-associated frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD)) TAU is recognized as a significant pathogenic driver of the disease. In many secondary tauopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), TAU is suggested to contribute to the development of dementia, but in others (e.g. Niemann-Pick disease (NPC)) TAU may only be a bystander. The genetic and pathological mechanisms underlying TAU pathology are often not fully understood. In this review, the genetic predispositions and variants associated with both primary and secondary tauopathies are examined in detail, assessing evidence for the role of TAU in these conditions. We highlight less common genetic forms of tauopathies to increase awareness for these disorders and the involvement of TAU in their pathology. This approach not only contributes to a deeper understanding of these conditions but may also lay the groundwork for potential TAU-based therapeutic interventions for various tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Langerscheidt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Wied
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Von-Liebig-Str. 20, 53359, Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Mohamed Aghyad Al Kabbani
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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4
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Winblad S, Eliasdottir O, Nordström S, Lindberg C. Neurocognitive disorder in Myotonic dystrophy type 1. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30875. [PMID: 38778932 PMCID: PMC11109806 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30875] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits and abnormal cognitive aging have been associated with Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but the knowledge of the extent and progression of decline is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of signs of neurocognitive disorder (mild cognitive impairment and dementia) in adult patients with DM1. A total of 128 patients with childhood, juvenile, adult, and late onset DM1 underwent a screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Demographic and clinical information was collected. The results revealed that signs of neurocognitive disorder were relatively rare among the participants. However, 23.8 % of patients with late onset DM1 (aged over 60 years) scored below MoCA cut-off (=23), and this group also scored significantly worse compared to patients with adult onset. Age at examination were negatively correlated with MoCA scores, although it only explained a small portion of the variation in test results. Other demographic and clinical factors showed no association with MoCA scores. In conclusion, our findings indicate a low prevalence of signs of neurocognitive disorder in adult patients with DM1, suggesting that cognitive deficits rarely progress to severe disorders over time. However, the performance of patients with late onset DM1 suggests that this phenotype warrants further exploration in future studies, including longitudinal and larger sample analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Winblad
- Icon Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olöf Eliasdottir
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Nordström
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Lindberg
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Ikenoshita S, Matsuo K, Yabuki Y, Kawakubo K, Asamitsu S, Hori K, Usuki S, Hirose Y, Bando T, Araki K, Ueda M, Sugiyama H, Shioda N. A cyclic pyrrole-imidazole polyamide reduces pathogenic RNA in CAG/CTG triplet repeat neurological disease models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e164792. [PMID: 37707954 PMCID: PMC10645379 DOI: 10.1172/jci164792] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Expansion of CAG and CTG (CWG) triplet repeats causes several inherited neurological diseases. The CWG repeat diseases are thought to involve complex pathogenic mechanisms through expanded CWG repeat-derived RNAs in a noncoding region and polypeptides in a coding region, respectively. However, an effective therapeutic approach has not been established for the CWG repeat diseases. Here, we show that a CWG repeat DNA-targeting compound, cyclic pyrrole-imidazole polyamide (CWG-cPIP), suppressed the pathogenesis of coding and noncoding CWG repeat diseases. CWG-cPIP bound to the hairpin form of mismatched CWG DNA, interfering with transcription elongation by RNA polymerase through a preferential activity toward repeat-expanded DNA. We found that CWG-cPIP selectively inhibited pathogenic mRNA transcripts from expanded CWG repeats, reducing CUG RNA foci and polyglutamine accumulation in cells from patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Huntington's disease (HD). Treatment with CWG-cPIP ameliorated behavioral deficits in adeno-associated virus-mediated CWG repeat-expressing mice and in a genetic mouse model of HD, without cytotoxicity or off-target effects. Together, we present a candidate compound that targets expanded CWG repeat DNA independently of its genomic location and reduces both pathogenic RNA and protein levels. CWG-cPIP may be used for the treatment of CWG repeat diseases and improvement of clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Ikenoshita
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences
| | - Kazuya Matsuo
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
| | - Yasushi Yabuki
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
| | - Kosuke Kawakubo
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
| | - Sefan Asamitsu
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
| | - Karin Hori
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirose
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis and
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norifumi Shioda
- Department of Genomic Neurology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
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6
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Waheed Z, Choudhary J, Jatala FH, Fatimah, Noor A, Zerr I, Zafar S. The Role of Tau Proteoforms in Health and Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5155-5166. [PMID: 37266762 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated binding protein in the nervous system that is known for its role in stabilizing microtubules throughout the nerve cell. It accumulates as β-sheet-rich aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to an array of different pathologies. Six splice variants of this protein, generated from the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene, are expressed in the brain. Amongst these variants, 0N3R, is prominent during fetal development, while the rest, 0N4R, 1N3R, 1N4R, 2N3R, and 2N4R, are expressed in postnatal stages. Tau isoforms play their role separately or in combination with others to contribute to one or multiple neurodegenerative disorders and clinical syndromes. For instance, in Alzheimer's disease and a subset of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-MAPT (i.e., R406W and V337M), both 3R and 4R isoforms are involved; therefore, they are called 3R/4R mix tauopathies. On the other hand, 4R isoforms are aggregated in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and a majority of FTLD-MAPT and these diseases are called 4R tauopathies. Similarly, Pick's disease has an association with 3R tau isoforms and is thereby referred to as 3R tauopathy. Unlike 3R isoforms, the 4R variants have a faster rate of aggregation that accelerates the associated neurodegenerative mechanisms. Moreover, post-translational modifications of each isoform occur at a different rate and dictate their physiological and pathological attributes. The smallest tau isoform (0N3R) is highly phosphorylated in the fetal brain but does not lead to the generation of aggregates. On the other hand, proteoforms in the adult human brain undergo aggregation upon their phosphorylation and glycation. Expanding on this knowledge, this article aims to review the physiological and pathological roles of tau isoforms and their underlying mechanisms that result in neurological deficits. Physiological and pathological relevance of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT): Tau exists as six splice variants in the brain, each differing with respect to expression, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and aggregation kinetics. Physiologically, they are involved in the stabilization of microtubules that form the molecular highways for axonal transport. However, an imbalance in their expression and the associated PTMs leads to a disruption in their physiological function through the formation of neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in various regions of the brain and contribute to several types of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuha Waheed
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Choudhary
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Faria Hasan Jatala
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Fatimah
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Aneeqa Noor
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan.
| | - Inga Zerr
- Clinical Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Saima Zafar
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Bolan Road, Sector H-12, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan
- Clinical Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Garmendia J, Labayru G, Zulaica M, Villanúa J, López de Munain A, Sistiaga A. Shedding light on motor premanifest myotonic dystrophy type 1: A molecular, muscular and central nervous system follow-up study. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:215-223. [PMID: 36256504 PMCID: PMC10092190 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15604] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a hereditary and multisystemic disease that is characterized by heterogeneous manifestations. Although muscular impairment is central to DM1, a premanifest DM1 form has been proposed for those characterized by the absence of muscle signs in precursory phases. Nevertheless, subtle signs and/or symptoms related to other systems, such as the central nervous system (CNS), may emerge and progress gradually. This study aimed to validate the premanifest DM1 concept and to characterize and track affected individuals from a CNS centred perspective. METHODS Retrospective data of 120 participants (23 premanifest DM1, 25 manifest DM1 and 72 healthy controls) were analysed transversally and longitudinally (over 11.17 years). Compiled data included clinical, neuropsychological and neuroradiological (brain volume and white matter lesion, WML) measures taken at two time points. RESULTS Manifest DM1 showed significantly more molecular affectation, worse performance on neuropsychological domains, lower grey and white matter volumes and a different pattern of WMLs than premanifest DM1. The latter was slightly different from healthy controls regarding brain volume and WMLs. Additionally, daytime sleepiness and molecular expansion size explained 50% of the variance of the muscular deterioration at follow-up in premanifest individuals. CONCLUSIONS Premanifest DM1 individuals showed subtle neuroradiological alterations, which suggests CNS involvement early in the disease. Based on follow-up data, a debate emerges around the existence of a 'non-muscular DM1' subtype and/or a premanifest phase, as a precursory stage to other DM1 manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Garmendia
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Garazi Labayru
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastián, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.,CIBER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.,CIBER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Villanúa
- Osatek, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.,CIBER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.,Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastián, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.,CIBER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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De Serres-Bérard T, Ait Benichou S, Jauvin D, Boutjdir M, Puymirat J, Chahine M. Recent Progress and Challenges in the Development of Antisense Therapies for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13359. [PMID: 36362145 PMCID: PMC9657934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant genetic disease in which the expansion of long CTG trinucleotides in the 3' UTR of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene results in toxic RNA gain-of-function and gene mis-splicing affecting mainly the muscles, the heart, and the brain. The CUG-expanded transcripts are a suitable target for the development of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. Various chemical modifications of the sugar-phosphate backbone have been reported to significantly enhance the affinity of ASOs for RNA and their resistance to nucleases, making it possible to reverse DM1-like symptoms following systemic administration in different transgenic mouse models. However, specific tissue delivery remains to be improved to achieve significant clinical outcomes in humans. Several strategies, including ASO conjugation to cell-penetrating peptides, fatty acids, or monoclonal antibodies, have recently been shown to improve potency in muscle and cardiac tissues in mice. Moreover, intrathecal administration of ASOs may be an advantageous complementary administration route to bypass the blood-brain barrier and correct defects of the central nervous system in DM1. This review describes the evolution of the chemical design of antisense oligonucleotides targeting CUG-expanded mRNAs and how recent advances in the field may be game-changing by forwarding laboratory findings into clinical research and treatments for DM1 and other microsatellite diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiéry De Serres-Bérard
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Siham Ait Benichou
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Dominic Jauvin
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Mohamed Boutjdir
- Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 11209, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cell Biology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Health Science University, New York, NY 11203, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jack Puymirat
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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9
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Pharmacotherapy alleviates pathological changes in human direct reprogrammed neuronal cell model of myotonic dystrophy type 1. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269683. [PMID: 35776705 PMCID: PMC9249217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a trinucleotide repeat disorder affecting multiple organs. However, most of the research is focused on studying and treating its muscular symptoms. On the other hand, despite the significant impact of the neurological symptoms on patients’ quality of life, no drug therapy was studied due to insufficient reproducibility in DM1 brain-specific animal models. To establish DM1 neuronal model, human skin fibroblasts were directly converted into neurons by using lentivirus expressing small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against poly-pyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP). We found faster degeneration in DM1 human induced neurons (DM1 hiNeurons) compared to control human induced neurons (ctrl hiNeurons), represented by lower viability from 10 days post viral-infection (DPI) and abnormal axonal growth at 15 DPI. Nuclear RNA foci were present in most of DM1 hiNeurons at 10 DPI. Furthermore, DM1 hiNeurons modelled aberrant splicing of MBNL1 and 2, MAPT, CSNK1D and MPRIP at 10 DPI. We tested two drugs that were shown to be effective for DM1 in non-neuronal model and found that treatment of DM1 hiNeurons with 100 nM or 200 nM actinomycin D (ACT) for 24 h resulted in more than 50% reduction in the number of RNA foci per nucleus in a dose dependent manner, with 16.5% reduction in the number of nuclei containing RNA foci at 200 nM and treatment with erythromycin at 35 μM or 65 μM for 48 h rescued mis-splicing of MBNL1 exon 5 and MBNL 2 exons 5 and 8 up to 17.5%, 10% and 8.5%, respectively. Moreover, erythromycin rescued the aberrant splicing of MAPT exon 2, CSNK1D exon 9 and MPRIP exon 9 to a maximum of 46.4%, 30.7% and 19.9%, respectively. These results prove that our model is a promising tool for detailed pathogenetic examination and novel drug screening for the nervous system.
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Laforce RJ, Dallaire-Théroux C, Racine AM, Dent G, Salinas-Valenzuela C, Poulin E, Cayer AM, Bédard-Tremblay D, Rouleau-Bonenfant T, St-Onge F, Schraen-Maschke S, Beauregard JM, Sergeant N, Puymirat J. Tau positron emission tomography, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and neurocognitive testing: an exploratory study of participants with myotonic dystrophy type 1. J Neurol 2022; 269:3579-3587. [PMID: 35103843 PMCID: PMC9217820 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-10970-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate Tau pathology using multimodal biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neurocognition in participants with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). METHODS We recruited twelve participants with DM1 and, for comparison, two participants with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Participants underwent cognitive screening and social cognition testing using the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec (DCQ), among other tests. Biomarkers included Tau PET with [18F]-AV-1451, CSF (Aβ, Tau, phospho-Tau), and plasma (Aβ, Tau, Nf-L, GFAP) studies. RESULTS Of the twelve DM1 participants, seven completed the full protocol (Neurocognition 11/12; PET 7/12, CSF 9/12, plasma 12/12). Three DM1 participants were cognitively impaired (CI). On average, CI DM1 participants had lower scores on the DCQ compared to cognitively unimpaired (CU) DM1 participants (75.5/100 vs. 91.4/100) and were older (54 vs. 44 years old) but did not differ in years of education (11.3 vs. 11.1). The majority (6/7) of DM1 participants had no appreciable PET signal. Only one of the CI participants presented with elevated Tau PET SUVR in bilateral medial temporal lobes. This participant was the eldest and most cognitively impaired, and had the lowest CSF Aβ 1-42 and the highest CSF Tau levels, all suggestive of co-existing AD. CSF Tau and phospho-Tau levels were higher in the 3 CI compared to CU DM1 participants, but with a mean value lower than that typically observed in AD. Nf-L and GFAP were elevated in most DM1 participants (9/11 and 8/11, respectively). Finally, CSF phospho-Tau was significantly correlated with plasma Nf-L concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We observed heterogenous cognitive and biomarker profiles in individuals with DM1. While some participants presented with abnormal PET and/or CSF Tau, these patterns were highly variable and only present in a small subset. Although DM1 may indeed represent a non-AD Tauopathy, the Tau-PET tracer used in this study was unable to detect an in vivo Tau DM1 signature in this small cohort. Interestingly, most DM1 participants presented with elevated plasma Nf-L and GFAP levels, suggestive of other, possibly related, central brain alterations which motivate further research. This pioneering study provides novel insights towards the potential relationship between biomarkers and neurocognitive deficits commonly seen in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jr Laforce
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth Poulin
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Cayer
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Frédéric St-Onge
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Susanna Schraen-Maschke
- Université de Lille, Inserm UMRS1172, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Alzheimer & Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | | | - Nicolas Sergeant
- Université de Lille, Inserm UMRS1172, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Alzheimer & Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Jack Puymirat
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
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Nelson RS, Dammer EB, Santiago JV, Seyfried NT, Rangaraju S. Brain Cell Type-Specific Nuclear Proteomics Is Imperative to Resolve Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:902146. [PMID: 35784845 PMCID: PMC9243337 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.902146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) involve complex cellular mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Emerging findings have revealed that disruption of nuclear processes play key roles in ND pathogenesis. The nucleus is a nexus for gene regulation and cellular processes that together, may underlie pathomechanisms of NDs. Furthermore, many genetic risk factors for NDs encode proteins that are either present in the nucleus or are involved in nuclear processes (for example, RNA binding proteins, epigenetic regulators, or nuclear-cytoplasmic transport proteins). While recent advances in nuclear transcriptomics have been significant, studies of the nuclear proteome in brain have been relatively limited. We propose that a comprehensive analysis of nuclear proteomic alterations of various brain cell types in NDs may provide novel biological and therapeutic insights. This may be feasible because emerging technical advances allow isolation and investigation of intact nuclei from post-mortem frozen human brain tissue with cell type-specific and single-cell resolution. Accordingly, nuclei of various brain cell types harbor unique protein markers which can be used to isolate cell-type specific nuclei followed by down-stream proteomics by mass spectrometry. Here we review the literature providing a rationale for investigating proteomic changes occurring in nuclei in NDs and then highlight the potential for brain cell type-specific nuclear proteomics to enhance our understanding of distinct cellular mechanisms that drive ND pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth S. Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eric B. Dammer
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Srikant Rangaraju
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States,*Correspondence: Srikant Rangaraju
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Morin A, Funkiewiez A, Routier A, Le Bouc R, Borderies N, Galanaud D, Levy R, Pessiglione M, Dubois B, Eymard B, Michon CC, Angeard N, Behin A, Laforet P, Stojkovic T, Azuar C. Unravelling the impact of frontal lobe impairment for social dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac111. [PMID: 35611304 PMCID: PMC9123843 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder affecting muscular and extra muscular systems, including the central nervous system. Cerebral involvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1 is associated with subtle cognitive and behavioural disorders, of major impact on socio-professional adaptation. The social dysfunction and its potential relation to frontal lobe neuropsychology remain under-evaluated in this pathology. The neuroanatomical network underpinning that disorder is yet to disentangle. Twenty-eight myotonic dystrophy type 1 adult patients (mean age: 46 years old) and 18 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. All patients performed an exhaustive neuropsychological assessment with a specific focus on frontal lobe neuropsychology (motivation, social cognition and executive functions). Among them, 18 myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients and 18 healthy controls had a brain MRI with T1 and T2 Flair sequences. Grey matter segmentation, Voxel-based morphometry and cortical thickness estimation were performed with Statistical Parametric Mapping Software SPM12 and Freesurfer software. Furthermore, T2 white matter lesions and subcortical structures were segmented with Automated Volumetry Software. Most patients showed significant impairment in executive frontal functions (auditory working memory, inhibition, contextualization and mental flexibility). Patients showed only minor difficulties in social cognition tests mostly in cognitive Theory of Mind, but with relative sparing of affective Theory of Mind and emotion recognition. Neuroimaging analysis revealed atrophy mostly in the parahippocampal and hippocampal regions and to a lesser extent in basal ganglia, regions involved in social navigation and mental flexibility, respectively. Social cognition scores were correlated with right parahippocampal gyrus atrophy. Social dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1 might be a consequence of cognitive impairment regarding mental flexibility and social contextualization rather than a specific social cognition deficit such as emotion recognition. We suggest that both white matter lesions and grey matter disease could account for this social dysfunction, involving, in particular, the frontal-subcortical network and the hippocampal/arahippocampal regions, brain regions known, respectively, to integrate contextualization and social navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Morin
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Service de Neurologie, CHU Rouen, Centre National de Référence Maladie d’Alzheimer du sujet jeune, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Aurelie Funkiewiez
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Département de Neurologie, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d’Alzheimer, Centre National Démences Rares, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Routier
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Raphael Le Bouc
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Urgences cérébro-vasculaires, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Borderies
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Damien Galanaud
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Richard Levy
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Département de Neurologie, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d’Alzheimer, Centre National Démences Rares, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
- Unité de Neuro-Psychiatrie Comportementale (IHU), Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mathias Pessiglione
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Dubois
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Département de Neurologie, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d’Alzheimer, Centre National Démences Rares, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Eymard
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Institut de Myologie, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Claire-Cecile Michon
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Institut de Myologie, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Angeard
- U1129, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut de Myologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Behin
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Institut de Myologie, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Laforet
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Institut de Myologie, Hospital Raymond Poincaré, APHP, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile de France, Institut de Myologie, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Carole Azuar
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), UMRS 975, ICM-INSERM 1127, 75013 Paris, France
- Département de Neurologie, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d’Alzheimer, Centre National Démences Rares, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
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White matter integrity changes and neurocognitive functioning in adult-late onset DM1: a follow-up DTI study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3988. [PMID: 35256728 PMCID: PMC8901711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease that affects gray and white matter (WM) tissues. WM changes in DM1 include increased hyperintensities and altered tract integrity distributed in a widespread manner. However, the precise temporal and spatial progression of the changes are yet undetermined. MRI data were acquired from 8 adult- and late-onset DM1 patients and 10 healthy controls (HC) at two different timepoints over 9.06 years. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) variations were assessed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Transversal and longitudinal intra- and intergroup analyses were conducted, along with correlation analyses with clinical and neuropsychological data. At baseline, reduced FA and increased MD values were found in patients in the uncinate, anterior-thalamic, fronto-occipital, and longitudinal tracts. At follow-up, the WM disconnection was shown to have spread from the frontal part to the rest of the tracts in the brain. Furthermore, WM lesion burden was negatively correlated with FA values, while visuo-construction and intellectual functioning were positively correlated with global and regional FA values at follow-up. DM1 patients showed a pronounced WM integrity loss over time compared to HC, with a neurodegeneration pattern that suggests a progressive anterior–posterior disconnection. The visuo-construction domain stands out as the most sensitive neuropsychological measure for WM microstructural impairment.
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Sano T, Kawazoe T, Shioya A, Mori-Yoshimura M, Oya Y, Maruo K, Nishino I, Hoshino M, Murayama S, Saito Y. Unique Lewy pathology in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Neuropathology 2022; 42:104-116. [PMID: 35199386 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Lewy body-related α-synucleinopathy (Lewy pathology) has been reported in patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) type 1 (DM1), but no detailed report has described the prevalence and extent of its occurrence. We studied consecutive full autopsy cases of DM1 at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) Brain Bank for intractable psychiatric and neurological disorders. Thirty-two cases, genetically determined to be DM1 (59.0 ± 8.7 years), obtained from the NCNP Brain Bank, were compared with control cases obtained from the Brain Bank for Aging Research (BBAR) in Japan. The investigated anatomical sites followed the Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consensus Guideline, expanding to the peripheral autonomic nervous system, temporal pole, and occipital cortex, in addition to the olfactory epithelium and spinal cord. Of the 32 patients, 11 (34.4%) had Lewy pathology, with a significantly higher prevalence than that in the control cases from the BBAR (20.1%). Lewy pathology detected in DM1 was widespread, but no macroscopic depigmentation of the substantia nigra was observed in any DM1 case; this was commensurate with the microscopic paucity of Lewy pathology in the substantia nigra and amygdala. Lewy pathology in DM1 does not appear to follow either Braak's ascending paradigm or the olfactory-amygdala extension. Lewy neurites and dots in DM1 were very sparse in the cerebral cortex and distinct from those observed in BBAR control cases. This study was the first demonstration of unique Lewy pathology in DM1 and may contribute to the understanding of the protein propagation hypothesis of Lewy pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terunori Sano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,NCNP Brain Physiology and Pathology, Cognitive and Behavioral Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kawazoe
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Shioya
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Tsukuba University Hospital Mito Area Medical Education Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Madoka Mori-Yoshimura
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Oya
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushi Maruo
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Medical Genome Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- NCNP Brain Physiology and Pathology, Cognitive and Behavioral Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neuropathology and Brain Bank for Aging Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.,Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology and Brain Bank for Aging Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Cellular Senescence and Aging in Myotonic Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042339. [PMID: 35216455 PMCID: PMC8877951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a dominantly inherited multisystemic disorder affecting various organs, such as skeletal muscle, heart, the nervous system, and the eye. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) are caused by expanded CTG and CCTG repeats, respectively. In both forms, the mutant transcripts containing expanded repeats aggregate as nuclear foci and sequester several RNA-binding proteins, resulting in alternative splicing dysregulation. Although certain alternative splicing events are linked to the clinical DM phenotypes, the molecular mechanisms underlying multiple DM symptoms remain unclear. Interestingly, multi-systemic DM manifestations, including muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, cataract, and frontal baldness, resemble premature aging. Furthermore, cellular senescence, a critical contributor to aging, is suggested to play a key role in DM cellular pathophysiology. In particular, several senescence inducers including telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress and senescence biomarkers such as cell cycle inhibitors, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, chromatin reorganization, and microRNA have been implicated in DM pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on the clinical similarities between DM and aging, and summarize the involvement of cellular senescence in DM and the potential application of anti-aging DM therapies.
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Bowles KR, Pugh DA, Oja LM, Jadow BM, Farrell K, Whitney K, Sharma A, Cherry JD, Raj T, Pereira AC, Crary JF, Goate AM. Dysregulated coordination of MAPT exon 2 and exon 10 splicing underlies different tau pathologies in PSP and AD. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:225-243. [PMID: 34874463 PMCID: PMC8809109 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding regulation of MAPT splicing is important to the etiology of many nerurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), in which different tau isoforms accumulate in pathologic inclusions. MAPT, the gene encoding the tau protein, undergoes complex alternative pre-mRNA splicing to generate six isoforms. Tauopathies can be categorized by the presence of tau aggregates containing either 3 (3R) or 4 (4R) microtubule-binding domain repeats (determined by inclusion/exclusion of exon 10), but the role of the N-terminal domain of the protein, determined by inclusion/exclusion of exons 2 and 3 has been less well studied. Using a correlational screen in human brain tissue, we observed coordination of MAPT exons 2 and 10 splicing. Expressions of exon 2 splicing regulators and subsequently exon 2 inclusion are differentially disrupted in PSP and AD brain, resulting in the accumulation of 1N4R isoforms in PSP and 0N isoforms in AD temporal cortex. Furthermore, we identified different N-terminal isoforms of tau present in neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites and tufted astrocytes, indicating a role for differential N-terminal splicing in the development of disparate tau neuropathologies. We conclude that N-terminal splicing and combinatorial regulation with exon 10 inclusion/exclusion is likely to be important to our understanding of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Bowles
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Derian A Pugh
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura-Maria Oja
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin M Jadow
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kurt Farrell
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen Whitney
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abhijeet Sharma
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Towfique Raj
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana C Pereira
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison M Goate
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Kovacs GG, Ghetti B, Goedert M. Classification of Diseases with Accumulation of Tau Protein. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2022; 48:e12792. [PMID: 35064600 PMCID: PMC9352145 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine Program & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana, USA
| | - Michel Goedert
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
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Xing S, Wang J, Wu R, Hefti MM, Crary JF, Lu Y. Identification of HnRNPC as a novel Tau exon 10 splicing factor using RNA antisense purification mass spectrometry. RNA Biol 2021; 19:104-116. [PMID: 34965173 PMCID: PMC8786334 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2015175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing in Tau exon 10 generates 3 R- and 4 R-Tau proteoforms, which have equal abundance in healthy adult human brain. Aberrant alternative splicing in Tau exon 10 leads to distortion of the balanced 3 R- and 4 R-Tau expression levels, which is a causal factor to trigger toxic Tau aggregation, neuron dysfunction and patient death in a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies. Hence, identification of regulators upstream of the Tau exon 10 splicing events are crucial to understanding pathogenic mechanisms driving tauopathies. In this study, we used RNA Antisense Purification with Mass Spectrometry (RAP-MS) analysis to identify RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with the Tau pre-mRNA near exon 10. Among the newly identified RBP candidates, we show that knockdown of hnRNPC induces Tau exon 10 skipping whereas overexpression of hnRNPC promotes Tau exon 10 inclusion. In addition, we show that hnRNPC interacts with the poly-uridine (U-tract) sequences in introns 9 and 10 of Tau pre-mRNA. Mutation of these U-tract motifs abolished binding of hnRNPC with Tau pre-mRNA fragment and blocked its impact on Tau exon 10 inclusion. These findings indicate that hnRNPC binds and utilizes these U-tract motifs located in introns 9 and 10 of Tau pre-mRNA to promote Tau exon 10 inclusion. Intriguingly, high hnRNPC expression level is associated with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a sporadic tauopathy with pathological accumulation of Tau species that contain exon 10, which suggests a putative therapeutic role of hnRNPC for PSP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansi Xing
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ruilin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Marco M. Hefti
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - John F. Crary
- Department of Pathology and Department of Neuroscience, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Liu J, Guo ZN, Yan XL, Yang Y, Huang S. Brain Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:755392. [PMID: 34867280 PMCID: PMC8634727 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.755392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy that affects multiple systems including the muscle and heart. The mutant CTG expansion at the 3′-UTR of the DMPK gene causes the expression of toxic RNA that aggregate as nuclear foci. The foci then interfere with RNA-binding proteins, affecting hundreds of mis-spliced effector genes, leading to aberrant alternative splicing and loss of effector gene product functions, ultimately resulting in systemic disorders. In recent years, increasing clinical, imaging, and pathological evidence have indicated that DM1, though to a lesser extent, could also be recognized as true brain diseases, with more and more researchers dedicating to develop novel therapeutic tools dealing with it. In this review, we summarize the current advances in the pathogenesis and pathology of central nervous system (CNS) deficits in DM1, intervention measures currently being investigated are also highlighted, aiming to promote novel and cutting-edge therapeutic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Shuo Huang,
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Peric S, Rakocevic-Stojanovic V, Meola G. Cerebral involvement and related aspects in myotonic dystrophy type 2. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:681-694. [PMID: 34244019 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder caused by CCTG repeats expansion in the first intron of the CNBP gene. In this review we focus on the brain involvement in DM2, including its pathogenic mechanisms, microstructural, macrostructural and functional brain changes, as well as the effects of all these impairments on patients' everyday life. We also try to understand how brain abnormalities in DM2 should be adequately measured and potentially treated. The most important pathogenetic mechanisms in DM2 are RNA gain-of-function and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. One of the main neuroimaging findings in DM2 is the presence of diffuse periventricular white matter hyperintensity lesions (WMHLs). Brain atrophy has been described in DM2 patients, but it is not clear if it is mostly caused by a decrease of the white or gray matter volume. The most commonly reported specific cognitive symptoms in DM2 are dysexecutive syndrome, visuospatial and memory impairments. Fatigue, sleep-related disorders and pain are also frequent in DM2. The majority of key symptoms and signs in DM2 has a great influence on patients' daily lives, their psychological status, economic situation and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stojan Peric
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Giovanni Meola
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Di Cura del Policlinico, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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21
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Koscianska E, Kozlowska E, Fiszer A. Regulatory Potential of Competing Endogenous RNAs in Myotonic Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116089. [PMID: 34200099 PMCID: PMC8201210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in cell fate determination and various human diseases. All ncRNA molecules are emerging as key regulators of diverse cellular processes; however, little is known about the regulatory interaction among these various classes of RNAs. It has been proposed that the large-scale regulatory network across the whole transcriptome is mediated by competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity attributed to both protein-coding and ncRNAs. ceRNAs are considered to be natural sponges of miRNAs that can influence the expression and availability of multiple miRNAs and, consequently, the global mRNA and protein levels. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of ncRNAs in two neuromuscular diseases, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2), and the involvement of expanded CUG and CCUG repeat-containing transcripts in miRNA-mediated RNA crosstalk. More specifically, we discuss the possibility that long repeat tracts present in mutant transcripts can be potent miRNA sponges and may affect ceRNA crosstalk in these diseases. Moreover, we highlight practical information related to innovative disease modelling and studying RNA regulatory networks in cells. Extending knowledge of gene regulation by ncRNAs, and of complex regulatory ceRNA networks in DM1 and DM2, will help to address many questions pertinent to pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders; it may also help to better understand general rules of gene expression and to discover new rules of gene control.
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22
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Leddy S, Cercignani M, Serra L, Bozzali M. Social cognition in type 1 myotonic dystrophy - A mini review. Cortex 2021; 142:389-399. [PMID: 34154799 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our ability to interact with those around us plays an important role in our relationships, mental well being and ability to successfully navigate the complex social society in which we live. Research in social cognitive neuroscience aims to understand the underlying neurobiology of our social behaviours and interactions with others. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a genetically inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by mytonia with systemic manifestations such as cardiac disease, respiratory insufficiency, ophthalmic complications, diabetes and frontal balding among others. Individuals with myotonic dystophy have been found to have widespread changes throughout the brain in both grey and white matter territories. They have been noted to experience difficulty with social cognitive function, and to more frequently display atypical personality traits leading to often unrecognized difficulties with everyday life. In this mini review we explore the anatomical basis of social cognition, current techniques for measuring and investigating this impairment including facial emotion recognition and theory of mind. We examine the evidence for general cognitive dysfunction, autism spectrum and personality disorders in DM1. Throughout the review we discuss neuroimaging highlights relevant to social cognition in DM1. Finally, we discuss practical implications relevant to managing people with myotonic dystrophy and highlight future research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Leddy
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom; Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom; Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Serra
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom; 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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Suwazono S, Arao H, Ueda Y, Maedou S. Event-related potentials using the auditory novel paradigm in patients with myotonic dystrophy. J Neurol 2021; 268:2900-2907. [PMID: 33609153 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10465-1] [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: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many neuropsychological disorders, especially attentional abnormality, are present in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate attention function by auditory event-related potential (ERP) P3a (novelty paradigm) in DM1 patients. A total of 10 young DM1 patients (mean age 30.4 years) and 14 age-matched normal controls participated in this study. ERPs were recorded using an auditory novel paradigm, consisting of three types of stimuli, i.e., standard sound (70%), target sound (20%), and various novel sounds (10%), and participants pressed buttons to the target sounds. ERP components P3b after the target stimuli and P3a following the novel stimuli were analyzed. Correlations of neuropsychological evaluations with the amplitudes and latencies of P3b and P3a were analyzed in DM1 patients. We found that P3a latency was significantly delayed in patients with DM1 compared with normal controls, although the latency and amplitude of P3b in DM1 patients were comparable with those in normal controls. The achievement rates of both the Symbol Digit Modality Test and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test were significantly correlated with P3a amplitude, as well as P3b amplitude. These results suggest that ERPs, including P3a and P3b, provide important insights into the physiological basis of neuropsychological abnormalities in patients with DM1, especially from the viewpoint of the frontal lobe and attention function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugo Suwazono
- Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, National Hospital Organization Okinawa National Hospital, 3-20-14 Ganeko, Ginowan, 901-2214, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Arao
- Department of Human Sciences, Taisho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Ueda
- Department of Human Welfare, Okinawa International University, Ginowan, Japan
| | - Shino Maedou
- Department of Human Welfare, Okinawa International University, Ginowan, Japan
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24
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Weijs R, Okkersen K, van Engelen B, Küsters B, Lammens M, Aronica E, Raaphorst J, van Cappellen van Walsum AM. Human brain pathology in myotonic dystrophy type 1: A systematic review. Neuropathology 2021; 41:3-20. [PMID: 33599033 PMCID: PMC7986875 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain involvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is characterized by heterogeneous cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms and imaging alterations indicative of widespread grey and white matter involvement. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature on brain pathology in DM1. We conducted a structured search in EMBASE (index period 1974–2017) and MEDLINE (index period 1887–2017) on December 11, 2017, using free text and index search terms related to myotonic dystrophy type 1 and brain structures or regions. Eligible studies were full‐text studies reporting on microscopic brain pathology of DM1 patients without potentially interfering comorbidity. We discussed the findings based on the anatomical region and the nature of the anomaly. Neuropathological findings in DM1 can be classified as follows: (1) protein and nucleotide deposits; (2) changes in neurons and glial cells; and (3) white matter alterations. Most findings are unspecific to DM1 and may occur with physiological aging, albeit to a lesser degree. There are similarities and contrasts with Alzheimer's disease; both show the appearance of neurofibrillary tangles in the limbic system without plaque occurrence. Likewise, there is myelin loss and gliosis, and there are dilated perivascular spaces in the white matter resemblant of cerebral small vessel disease. However, we did not find evidence of lacunar infarction or microbleeding. The various neuropathological findings in DM1 are reflective of the heterogeneous clinical and neuroimaging features of the disease. The strength of conclusions from this study's findings is bounded by limited numbers of participants in studies, methodological constraints, and lack of assessed associations between histopathology and clinical or neuroimaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weijs
- Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kees Okkersen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Baziel van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Benno Küsters
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Lammens
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology and Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Raaphorst
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology and Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie van Cappellen van Walsum
- Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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25
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van der Plas E, Long JD, Koscik TR, Magnotta V, Monckton DG, Cumming SA, Gottschalk AC, Hefti M, Gutmann L, Nopoulos PC. Blood-Based Markers of Neuronal Injury in Adult-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2021; 12:791065. [PMID: 35126292 PMCID: PMC8810511 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.791065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study had four aims. First, neuronal injury markers, including neurofilament light (NF-L), total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1), were compared between individuals with and without adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Second, the impact of age and CTG repeat on brain injury markers was evaluated. Third, change in brain injury markers across the study period was quantified. Fourth, associations between brain injury markers and cerebral white matter (WM) fractional anisotropy (FA) were identified. METHODS Yearly assessments, encompassing blood draws and diffusion tensor imaging on a 3T scanner, were conducted on three occasions. Neuronal injury markers were quantified using single molecule array (Simoa). RESULTS The sample included 53 patients and 70 controls. NF-L was higher in DM1 patients than controls, with individuals in the premanifest phases of DM1 (PreDM1) exhibiting intermediate levels ( χ ( 2 ) 2 = 38.142, P < 0.001). Total tau was lower in DM1 patients than controls (Estimate = -0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.95: -0.28, P < 0.001), while GFAP was elevated in PreDM1 only (Estimate = 30.37, 95% CI 10.56:50.19, P = 0.003). Plasma concentrations of UCH-L1 did not differ between groups. The age by CTG interaction predicted NF-L: patients with higher estimated progenitor allelege length (ePAL) had higher NF-L at a younger age, relative to patients with lower CTG repeat; however, the latter exhibited faster age-related change (Estimate = -0.0021, 95% CI -0.0042: -0.0001, P = 0.045). None of the markers changed substantially over the study period. Finally, cerebral WM FA was significantly associated with NF-L (Estimate = -42.86, 95% CI -82.70: -3.02, P = 0.035). INTERPRETATION While NF-L appears sensitive to disease onset and severity, its utility as a marker of progression remains to be determined. The tau assay may have low sensitivity to tau pathology associated with DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Long
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Amy C Gottschalk
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Marco Hefti
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Simoncini C, Spadoni G, Lai E, Santoni L, Angelini C, Ricci G, Siciliano G. Central Nervous System Involvement as Outcome Measure for Clinical Trials Efficacy in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2020; 11:624. [PMID: 33117249 PMCID: PMC7575726 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidences indicate that in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1 or Steinert disease), an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder caused by a (CTG)n expansion in DMPK gene on chromosome 19q13. 3, is the most common form of inherited muscular dystrophy in adult patients with a global prevalence of 1/8000, and involvement of the central nervous system can be included within the core clinical manifestations of the disease. Variable in its severity and progression rate over time, likely due to the underlying causative molecular mechanisms; this component of the clinical picture presents with high heterogeneity involving cognitive and behavioral alterations, but also sensory-motor neural integration, and in any case, significantly contributing to the disease burden projected to either specific functional neuropsychological domains or quality of life as a whole. Principle manifestations include alterations of the frontal lobe function, which is more prominent in patients with an early onset, such as in congenital and childhood onset forms, here associated with severe intellectual disabilities, speech and language delay and reduced IQ-values, while in adult onset DM1 cognitive and neuropsychological findings are usually not so severe. Different methods to assess central nervous system involvement in DM1 have then recently been developed, these ranging from more classical psychometric and cognitive functional instruments to sophisticated psycophysic, neurophysiologic and especially computerized neuroimaging techniques, in order to better characterize this disease component, at the same time underlining the opportunity to consider it a suitable marker on which measuring putative effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. This is the reason why, as outlined in the conclusive section of this review, the Authors are lead to wonder, perhaps in a provocative and even paradoxical way to arise the question, whether or not the myologist, by now the popular figure in charge to care of a patient with the DM1, needs to remain himself a neurologist to better appreciate, evaluate and speculate on this important aspect of Steinert disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Spadoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Lai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenza Santoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Labayru G, Jimenez‐Marin A, Fernández E, Villanua J, Zulaica M, Cortes JM, Díez I, Sepulcre J, López de Munain A, Sistiaga A. Neurodegeneration trajectory in pediatric and adult/late DM1: A follow-up MRI study across a decade. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1802-1815. [PMID: 32881379 PMCID: PMC7545612 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the progression of brain structural abnormalities in adults with pediatric and adult/late onset DM1, as well as to examine the potential predictive markers of such progression. METHODS 21 DM1 patients (pediatric onset: N = 9; adult/late onset: N = 12) and 18 healthy controls (HC) were assessed longitudinally over 9.17 years through brain MRI. Additionally, patients underwent neuropsychological, genetic, and muscular impairment assessment. Inter-group comparisons of total and voxel-level regional brain volume were conducted through Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM); cross-sectionally and longitudinally, analyzing the associations between brain changes and demographic, clinical, and cognitive outcomes. RESULTS The percentage of GM loss did not significantly differ in any of the groups compared with HC and when assessed independently, adult/late DM1 patients and their HC group suffered a significant loss in WM volume. Regional VBM analyses revealed subcortical GM damage in both DM1 groups, evolving to frontal regions in the pediatric onset patients. Muscular impairment and the outcomes of certain neuropsychological tests were significantly associated with follow-up GM damage, while visuoconstruction, attention, and executive function tests showed sensitivity to WM degeneration over time. INTERPRETATION Distinct patterns of brain atrophy and its progression over time in pediatric and adult/late onset DM1 patients are suggested. Results indicate a possible neurodevelopmental origin of the brain abnormalities in DM1, along with the possible existence of an additional neurodegenerative process. Fronto-subcortical networks appear to be involved in the disease progression at young adulthood in pediatric onset DM1 patients. The involvement of a multimodal integration network in DM1 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi Labayru
- Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology FacultyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Antonio Jimenez‐Marin
- Biocruces‐Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoBizkaiaSpain
- Biomedical Research Doctorate ProgramUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Esther Fernández
- OsatekDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Jorge Villanua
- OsatekDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Jesus M. Cortes
- Biocruces‐Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoBizkaiaSpain
- Cell Biology and Histology DepartmentUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
- IKERBASQUEThe Basque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
| | - Ibai Díez
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Neurotechnology LaboratoryTecnalia Health DepartmentDerioSpain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Neurology DepartmentDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience DepartmentUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Donostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology FacultyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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Miller JN, van der Plas E, Hamilton M, Koscik TR, Gutmann L, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Nopoulos PC. Variant repeats within the DMPK CTG expansion protect function in myotonic dystrophy type 1. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 6:e504. [PMID: 32851192 PMCID: PMC7428360 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective We tested the hypothesis that variant repeat interruptions (RIs) within the DMPK CTG repeat tract lead to milder symptoms compared with pure repeats (PRs) in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods We evaluated motor, neurocognitive, and behavioral outcomes in a group of 6 participants with DM1 with RI compared with a case-matched sample of 12 participants with DM1 with PR and a case-matched sample of 12 unaffected healthy comparison participants (UA). Results In every measure, the RI participants were intermediate between UA and PR participants. For muscle strength, the RI group was significantly less impaired than the PR group. For measures of Full Scale IQ, depression, and sleepiness, all 3 groups were significantly different from each other with UA > RI > PR in order of impairment. The RI group was different from unaffected, but not significantly different from PR (UA > RI = PR) in apathy and working memory. Finally, in finger tapping and processing speed, RI did not differ from UA comparisons, but PR had significantly lower scores than the UA comparisons (UA = RI > PR). Conclusions Our results support the notion that patients affected by DM1 with RI demonstrate a milder phenotype with the same pattern of deficits as those with PR indicating a similar disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Mark Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry (J.N.M., E.P., T.R.K., P.C.N.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service (M.H.), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (M.H., S.A.C., D.G.M.), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
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Nusinersen ameliorates motor function and prevents motoneuron Cajal body disassembly and abnormal poly(A) RNA distribution in a SMA mouse model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10738. [PMID: 32612161 PMCID: PMC7330045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord alpha motor neurons (αMNs). SMA is caused by the homozygous deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in reduced expression of SMN protein, which leads to αMN degeneration and muscle atrophy. The majority of transcripts of a second gene (SMN2) generate an alternative spliced isoform that lacks exon 7 and produces a truncated nonfunctional form of SMN. A major function of SMN is the biogenesis of spliceosomal snRNPs, which are essential components of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery, the spliceosome. In recent years, new potential therapies have been developed to increase SMN levels, including treatment with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The ASO-nusinersen (Spinraza) promotes the inclusion of exon 7 in SMN2 transcripts and notably enhances the production of full-length SMN in mouse models of SMA. In this work, we used the intracerebroventricular injection of nusinersen in the SMN∆7 mouse model of SMA to evaluate the effects of this ASO on the behavior of Cajal bodies (CBs), nuclear structures involved in spliceosomal snRNP biogenesis, and the cellular distribution of polyadenylated mRNAs in αMNs. The administration of nusinersen at postnatal day (P) 1 normalized SMN expression in the spinal cord but not in skeletal muscle, rescued the growth curve and improved motor behavior at P12 (late symptomatic stage). Importantly, this ASO recovered the number of canonical CBs in MNs, significantly reduced the abnormal accumulation of polyadenylated RNAs in nuclear granules, and normalized the expression of the pre-mRNAs encoding chondrolectin and choline acetyltransferase, two key factors for αMN homeostasis. We propose that the splicing modulatory function of nusinersen in SMA αMN is mediated by the rescue of CB biogenesis, resulting in enhanced polyadenylated pre-mRNA transcription and splicing and nuclear export of mature mRNAs for translation. Our results support that the selective restoration of SMN expression in the spinal cord has a beneficial impact not only on αMNs but also on skeletal myofibers. However, the rescue of SMN expression in muscle appears to be necessary for the complete recovery of motor function.
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Differences in splicing defects between the grey and white matter in myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224912. [PMID: 32407311 PMCID: PMC7224547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-system disorder caused by CTG repeats in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. This leads to the sequestration of splicing factors such as muscleblind-like 1/2 (MBNL1/2) and aberrant splicing in the central nervous system. We investigated the splicing patterns of MBNL1/2 and genes controlled by MBNL2 in several regions of the brain and between the grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in DM1 patients using RT-PCR. Compared with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, as disease controls), the percentage of spliced-in parameter (PSI) for most of the examined exons were significantly altered in most of the brain regions of DM1 patients, except for the cerebellum. The splicing of many genes was differently regulated between the GM and WM in both DM1 and ALS. In 7 out of the 15 examined splicing events, the level of PSI change between DM1 and ALS was significantly higher in the GM than in the WM. The differences in alternative splicing between the GM and WM may be related to the effect of DM1 on the WM of the brain.
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van der Plas E, Hamilton MJ, Miller JN, Koscik TR, Long JD, Cumming S, Povilaikaite J, Farrugia ME, McLean J, Jampana R, Magnotta VA, Gutmann L, Monckton DG, Nopoulos PC. Brain Structural Features of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and their Relationship with CTG Repeats. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 6:321-332. [PMID: 31306140 PMCID: PMC7480174 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-190397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Few adequately-powered studies have systematically evaluated brain morphology in adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Objective The goal of the present study was to determine structural brain differences between individuals with and without adult-onset DM1 in a multi-site, case-controlled cohort. We also explored correlations between brain structure and CTG repeat length. Methods Neuroimaging data was acquired in 58 unaffected individuals (29 women) and 79 individuals with DM1 (50 women). CTG repeat length, expressed as estimated progenitor allele length (ePAL), was determined by small pool PCR. Statistical models were adjusted for age, sex, site, and intracranial volume (ICV). Results ICV was reduced in DM1 subjects compared with controls. Accounting for the difference in ICV, the DM1 group exhibited smaller volume in frontal grey and white matter, parietal grey matter as well as smaller volume of the corpus callosum, thalamus, putamen, and accumbens. In contrast, volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala were significantly larger in DM1. Greater ePAL was associated with lower volumes of the putamen, occipital grey matter, and thalamus. A positive ePAL association was observed for amygdala volume and cerebellar white matter. Conclusions Smaller ICV may be a marker of aberrant neurodevelopment in adult-onset DM1. Volumetric analysis revealed morphological differences, some associated with CTG repeat length, in structures with plausible links to key DM1 symptoms including cognitive deficits and excessive daytime somnolence. These data offer further insights into the basis of CNS disease in DM1, and highlight avenues for further work to identify therapeutic targets and imaging biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mark J Hamilton
- West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jacob N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Long
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Julija Povilaikaite
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Elena Farrugia
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - John McLean
- Department of Neuroradiology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ravi Jampana
- Department of Neuroradiology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vincent A Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Nieuwenhuis S, Okkersen K, Widomska J, Blom P, 't Hoen PAC, van Engelen B, Glennon JC. Insulin Signaling as a Key Moderator in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1229. [PMID: 31849810 PMCID: PMC6901991 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by multi-system involvement. Affected organ system includes skeletal muscle, heart, gastro-intestinal system and the brain. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for alterations in insulin signaling and their relation to clinical DM1 features. We start by summarizing the molecular pathophysiology of DM1. Next, an overview of normal insulin signaling physiology is given, and evidence for alterations herein in DM1 is presented. Clinically, evidence for involvement of insulin signaling pathways in DM1 is based on the increased incidence of insulin resistance seen in clinical practice and recent trial evidence of beneficial effects of metformin on muscle function. Indirectly, further support may be derived from certain CNS derived symptoms characteristic of DM1, such as obsessive-compulsive behavior features, for which links with altered insulin signaling has been demonstrated in other diseases. At the basic scientific level, several pathophysiological mechanisms that operate in DM1 may compromise normal insulin signaling physiology. The evidence presented here reflects the importance of insulin signaling in relation to clinical features of DM1 and justifies further basic scientific and clinical, therapeutically oriented research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kees Okkersen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joanna Widomska
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Paul Blom
- VDL Enabling Technologies Group B.V., Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Peter A C 't Hoen
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Baziel van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Labayru G, Diez I, Sepulcre J, Fernández E, Zulaica M, Cortés JM, López de Munain A, Sistiaga A. Regional brain atrophy in gray and white matter is associated with cognitive impairment in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:102078. [PMID: 31795042 PMCID: PMC6861566 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Predominance of white matter impairment in DM1 is questioned. Age poses vulnerability to grey matter loss in specific areas in DM1. White matter alterations in DM1 may be developmental. Muscular and genetic features are associated with brain abnormalities in DM1. Neuropsychology is an unspecific but strong predictor of gray matter damage in DM1.
Background Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a slowly progressive myopathy characterized by varying multisystemic involvement. Several cerebral features such as brain atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and white matter lesions (WMLs) have frequently been described. The aim of this study is to investigate the structural organization of the brain that defines the disease through multimodal imaging analysis, and to analyze the relation between structural cerebral changes and DM1 clinical and neuropsychological profiles. Method 31 DM1 patients and 57 healthy controls underwent an MRI scan protocol, including T1, T2 and DTI. Global gray matter (GM), global white matter (WM), and voxel-level Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) and voxel-level microstructural WM abnormalities through Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) were assessed through group comparisons and linear regression analysis with age, degree of muscular impairment (MIRS score), CTG expansion size and neuropsychological outcomes from a comprehensive assessment. Results Compared with healthy controls, DM1 patients showed a reduction in both global GM and WM volume; and further regional GM decrease in specific primary sensory, multi-sensory and association cortical regions. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was reduced in both total brain and regional analysis, being most marked in frontal, paralimbic, temporal cortex, and subcortical regions. Higher ratings on muscular impairment and longer CTG expansion sizes predicted a greater volume decrease in GM and lower FA values. Age predicted global GM reduction, specifically in parietal regions. At the cognitive level, the DM1 group showed significant negative correlations between IQ estimate, visuoconstructive and executive neuropsychological scores and both global and regional volume decrease, mainly distributed in the frontal, parietal and subcortical regions. Conclusions In this study, we describe the structural brain signatures that delineate the involvement of the CNS in DM1. We show that specific sensory and multi-sensory — as well as frontal cortical areas — display potential vulnerability associated with the hypothesized neurodegenerative nature of DM1 brain abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi Labayru
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Neurotechnology Laboratory, Tecnalia Health Department, Derio, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Esther Fernández
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Osatek, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Radiolody Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Cortés
- Biocruces Health Research Institute. Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain; Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Neurosciences Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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The mutation of Transportin 3 gene that causes limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1F induces protection against HIV-1 infection. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007958. [PMID: 31465518 PMCID: PMC6715175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative mutation responsible for limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1F (LGMD1F) is one heterozygous single nucleotide deletion in the stop codon of the nuclear import factor Transportin 3 gene (TNPO3). This mutation causes a carboxy-terminal extension of 15 amino acids, producing a protein of unknown function (TNPO3_mut) that is co-expressed with wild-type TNPO3 (TNPO3_wt). TNPO3 has been involved in the nuclear transport of serine/arginine-rich proteins such as splicing factors and also in HIV-1 infection through interaction with the viral integrase and capsid. We analyzed the effect of TNPO3_mut on HIV-1 infection using PBMCs from patients with LGMD1F infected ex vivo. HIV-1 infection was drastically impaired in these cells and viral integration was reduced 16-fold. No significant effects on viral reverse transcription and episomal 2-LTR circles were observed suggesting that the integration of HIV-1 genome was restricted. This is the second genetic defect described after CCR5Δ32 that shows strong resistance against HIV-1 infection.
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Koga S, Eric Ahlskog J, DeTure MA, Baker M, Roemer SF, Konno T, Rademakers R, Ross OA, Dickson DW. Coexistence of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy With Pontocerebellar Atrophy and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019; 78:756-762. [PMID: 31216016 PMCID: PMC6640894 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant cerebellar ataxia (PSP-C) has been reported as a rare clinical subtype, but the underlying pathology of its cerebellar ataxia remains unclear. Here, we report a patient with the coexistence of PSP with pontocerebellar atrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). A 73-year-old man who was an asymptomatic carrier of DM1 (66 CTG repeats) started developing ataxic gait with multiple falls, visual blurring, double vision, and word finding difficulty at age 62 and was initially diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Subsequently, the diagnosis was changed to PSP due to hypometric downward gaze, reduced blink frequency, symmetric bradykinesia, rigidity, and the absence of autonomic dysfunction. He eventually developed delayed grip opening with percussion myotonia at age 72. At autopsy, severe neuronal degeneration and astrogliosis in the pontocerebellar structures suggested MSA, but immunohistochemistry for α-synuclein did not reveal neuronal or glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Immunohistochemistry for phospho-tau and 4-repeat tau confirmed a neuropathological diagnosis of PSP with exceptionally numerous coiled bodies and threads in the pontine base and cerebellar white matter. This unusual distribution of 4-repeat tau pathology and neuronal degeneration with astrogliosis is a plausible clinicopathological substrate of PSP-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - J Eric Ahlskog
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Matt Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Shanu F Roemer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Takuya Konno
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Owen A Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
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Lee KY, Chang HC, Seah C, Lee LJ. Deprivation of Muscleblind-Like Proteins Causes Deficits in Cortical Neuron Distribution and Morphological Changes in Dendritic Spines and Postsynaptic Densities. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:75. [PMID: 31417371 PMCID: PMC6682673 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (Dystrophia Myotonica; DM) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy and its brain symptoms seriously affect patients’ quality of life. It is caused by extended (CTG)n expansions at 3′-UTR of DMPK gene (DM type 1, DM1) or (CCTG)n repeats in the intron 1 of CNBP gene (DM type 2, DM2) and the sequestration of Muscleblind-like (MBNL) family proteins by transcribed (CUG)n RNA hairpin is the main pathogenic mechanism for DM. The MBNL proteins are splicing factors regulating posttranscriptional RNA during development. Previously, Mbnl knockout (KO) mouse lines showed molecular and phenotypic evidence that recapitulate DM brains, however, detailed morphological study has not yet been accomplished. In our studies, control (Mbnl1+/+; Mbnl2cond/cond; Nestin-Cre−/−), Mbnl2 conditional KO (2KO, Mbnl1+/+; Mbnl2cond/cond; Nestin-Cre+/−) and Mbnl1/2 double KO (DKO, Mbnl1ΔE3/ΔE3; Mbnl2cond/cond; Nestin-Cre+/−) mice were generated by crossing three individual lines. Immunohistochemistry for evaluating density and distribution of cortical neurons; Golgi staining for depicting the dendrites/dendritic spines; and electron microscopy for analyzing postsynaptic ultrastructure were performed. We found distributional defects in cortical neurons, reduction in dendritic complexity, immature dendritic spines and alterations of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) in the mutants. In conclusion, loss of function of Mbnl1/2 caused fundamental defects affecting neuronal distribution, dendritic morphology and postsynaptic architectures that are reminiscent of predominantly immature and fetal phenotypes in DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Ching Chang
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Carol Seah
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Juźwik CA, S Drake S, Zhang Y, Paradis-Isler N, Sylvester A, Amar-Zifkin A, Douglas C, Morquette B, Moore CS, Fournier AE. microRNA dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 182:101664. [PMID: 31356849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While the root causes for individual neurodegenerative diseases are distinct, many shared pathological features and mechanisms contribute to neurodegeneration across diseases. Altered levels of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs involved in post transcriptional regulation of gene expression, are reported for numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, comparison between diseases to uncover commonly dysregulated microRNAs during neurodegeneration in general is lagging. We performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications describing differential microRNA expression in neurodegenerative diseases and related animal models. We compiled the results from studies covering the prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in the literature: Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, age-related macular degeneration, ataxia, dementia, myotonic dystrophy, epilepsy, glaucoma, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and prion disorders. MicroRNAs which were dysregulated most often in these diseases and their models included miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p, the miR-29 family, miR-132-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-223-3p. Common pathways targeted by these predominant miRNAs were identified and revealed great functional overlap across diseases. We also identified a strong role for each microRNA in both the neural and immune components of diseases. microRNAs regulate broad networks of genes and identifying microRNAs commonly dysregulated across neurodegenerative diseases could cultivate novel hypotheses related to common molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille A Juźwik
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Sienna S Drake
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Yang Zhang
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Paradis-Isler
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Alexandra Sylvester
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Amar-Zifkin
- McGill University Health Centre- Medical Libraries, 3801 University Street, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Chelsea Douglas
- Program Manager, Plotly Technologies Inc, 5555 Gaspe Avenue #118, Montréal, QC, H2T 2A3, Canada.
| | - Barbara Morquette
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Craig S Moore
- Division of BioMedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Alyson E Fournier
- McGill University, Montréal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, room BT-109, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Mizuno Y, Maeda N, Hamasaki H, Arahata H, Sasagasako N, Honda H, Fujii N, Iwaki T. Four-repeat tau dominant pathology in a congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient with mental retardation. Brain Pathol 2019; 28:431-433. [PMID: 29740938 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Center, National Omuta Hospital, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Norihisa Maeda
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Hideomi Hamasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Hajime Arahata
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Center, National Omuta Hospital, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Naokazu Sasagasako
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Center, National Omuta Hospital, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Naoki Fujii
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Muscular Center, National Omuta Hospital, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
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Myotonic Dystrophy: an RNA Toxic Gain of Function Tauopathy? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1184:207-216. [PMID: 32096040 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9358-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophies (DM) are rare inherited neuromuscular disorders linked to microsatellite unstable expansions in non-coding regions of ubiquitously expressed genes. The DMPK and ZNF9/CNBP genes which mutations are responsible for DM1 and DM2 respectively. DM are multisystemic disorders with brain affection and cognitive deficits. Brain lesions consisting of neurofibrillary tangles are often observed in DM1 and DM2 brain. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) made of aggregates of hyper and abnormally phosphorylated isoforms of Tau proteins are neuropathological lesions common to more than 20 neurological disorders globally referred to as Tauopathies. Although NFT are observed in DM1 and DM2 brain, the question of whether DM1 and DM2 are Tauopathies remains a matter of debate. In the present review, several pathophysiological processes including, missplicing, nucleocytoplasmic transport disruption, RAN translation which are common mechanisms implicated in neurodegenerative diseases will be described. Together, these processes including the missplicing of Tau are providing evidence that DM1 and DM2 are not solely muscular diseases but that their brain affection component share many similarities with Tauopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding DM1 and DM2 pathophysiology is therefore valuable to more globally understand other neurodegenerative diseases such as Tauopathies but also frontotemporal lobar neurodegeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Comparison of brain magnetic resonance imaging between myotonic dystrophy type 1 and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208620. [PMID: 30521610 PMCID: PMC6283577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anterior temporal lobe hyperintensities detected by brain MRI are a recognized imaging hallmark of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Because similar findings may be present in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the brain MRI in these two diseases is often misinterpreted. We compared the MRI findings between the two entities to examine whether they display distinctive characteristics. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study reviewed medical records of patients with DM1 or CADASIL admitted to Asan Medical Center between September 1999 and September 2017. We compared the frequency and grades of white matter changes in specific spatial regions between the groups according to age-related white matter change scores. We also evaluated the presence of cerebral microbleeds. Results A total of 29 patients with DM1 and 68 with CADASIL who had undergone MRI were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of white matter hyperintensities was 20 (69%) and 66 (97%) in DM1 and CADASIL, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas the frequency of anterior temporal lobe hyperintensities was comparable between the groups (10 [34.5%] in DM1 vs. 35 [51.5%] in CADASIL, p = 0.125). The brain MRI of patients with DM1 revealed more limited involvement of the frontal, parieto-occipital, external capsule and basal ganglia regions compared with imaging in patients with CADASIL. Cerebral microbleeds were not observed in any case of DM1 but were present in 31 of 45 (68.9%) cases of CADASIL. Conclusions Anterior temporal lobe involvement in DM1 is not infrequent compared with CADASIL. However, because brain MRI in patients with DM1 lacks other distinctive features seen in CADASIL, imaging might assist in differentiating these two conditions.
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Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy is an autosomal dominant muscular dystrophy not only associated with muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia but also prominent multisystem involvement. There are 2 similar, but distinct, forms of myotonic dystrophy; type 1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene, and type 2 is caused by a CCTG repeat expansion in the CNBP gene. Type 1 is associated with distal limb, neck flexor, and bulbar weakness and results in different phenotypic subtypes with variable onset from congenital to very late-onset as well as variable signs and symptoms. The classically described adult-onset form is the most common. In contrast, myotonic dystrophy type 2 is adult-onset or late-onset, has proximal predominant muscle weakness, and generally has less severe multisystem involvement. In both forms of myotonic dystrophy, the best characterized disease mechanism is a RNA toxic gain-of-function during which RNA repeats form nuclear foci resulting in sequestration of RNA-binding proteins and, therefore, dysregulated splicing of premessenger RNA. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies, but clinical surveillance, preventative measures, and supportive treatments are used to reduce the impact of muscular impairment and other systemic involvement including cataracts, cardiac conduction abnormalities, fatigue, central nervous system dysfunction, respiratory weakness, dysphagia, and endocrine dysfunction. Exciting preclinical progress has been made in identifying a number of potential strategies including genome editing, small molecule therapeutics, and antisense oligonucleotide-based therapies to target the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 myotonic dystrophies at the DNA, RNA, or downstream target level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha LoRusso
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Benjamin Weiner
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 West 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Spitalieri P, Talarico RV, Murdocca M, Fontana L, Marcaurelio M, Campione E, Massa R, Meola G, Serafino A, Novelli G, Sangiuolo F, Botta A. Generation and Neuronal Differentiation of hiPSCs From Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2. Front Physiol 2018; 9:967. [PMID: 30100878 PMCID: PMC6074094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-patient specific are an innovative tool to reproduce a model of disease in vitro and summarize the pathological phenotype and the disease etiopathology. Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is caused by an unstable (CCTG)n expansion in intron 1 of the CNBP gene, leading to a progressive multisystemic disease with muscle, heart and central nervous dysfunctions. The pathogenesis of CNS involvement in DM2 is poorly understood since no cellular or animal models fully recapitulate the molecular and clinical neurodegenerative phenotype of patients. In this study, we generated for the first time, two DM2 and two wild type hiPSC lines from dermal fibroblasts by polycistronic lentiviral vector (hSTEMCCA-loxP) expressing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC genes and containing loxP-sites, excisable by Cre recombinase. Specific morphological, molecular and immunocytochemical markers have confirmed the stemness of DM2 and wild type-derived hiPSCs. These cells are able to differentiate into neuronal population (NP) expressing tissue specific markers. hiPSCs-derived NP cells maintain (CCTG)n repeat expansion and intranuclear RNA foci exhibiting sequestration of MBNL1 protein, which are pathognomonic of the disease. DM2 hiPSCs represent an important tool for the study of CNS pathogenesis in patients, opening new perspectives for the development of cell-based therapies in the field of personalized medicine and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Spitalieri
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa V Talarico
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Murdocca
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Fontana
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Marcaurelio
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Meola
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Policlinico San Donato (IRCCS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalucia Serafino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (IRCCS), Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Botta
- Medical Genetics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Braz SO, Acquaire J, Gourdon G, Gomes-Pereira M. Of Mice and Men: Advances in the Understanding of Neuromuscular Aspects of Myotonic Dystrophy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:519. [PMID: 30050493 PMCID: PMC6050950 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive effort has been directed toward the modeling of myotonic dystrophy (DM) in mice, in order to reproduce human disease and to provide useful tools to investigate molecular and cellular pathogenesis and test efficient therapies. Mouse models have contributed to dissect the multifaceted impact of the DM mutation in various tissues, cell types and in a pleiotropy of pathways, through the expression of toxic RNA transcripts. Changes in alternative splicing, transcription, translation, intracellular RNA localization, polyadenylation, miRNA metabolism and phosphorylation of disease intermediates have been described in different tissues. Some of these events have been directly associated with specific disease symptoms in the skeletal muscle and heart of mice, offering the molecular explanation for individual disease phenotypes. In the central nervous system (CNS), however, the situation is more complex. We still do not know how the molecular abnormalities described translate into CNS dysfunction, nor do we know if the correction of individual molecular events will provide significant therapeutic benefits. The variability in model design and phenotypes described so far requires a thorough and critical analysis. In this review we discuss the recent contributions of mouse models to the understanding of neuromuscular aspects of disease, therapy development, and we provide a reflective assessment of our current limitations and pressing questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra O Braz
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julien Acquaire
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mário Gomes-Pereira
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Neueder A, Bates GP. RNA Related Pathology in Huntington's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1049:85-101. [PMID: 29427099 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71779-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This chapter summarises research investigating the expression of huntingtin sense and anti-sense transcripts, the effect of the mutation on huntingtin processing as well as the more global effect of the mutation on the coding and non-coding transcriptomes. The huntingtin gene is ubiquitously expressed, although expression levels vary between tissues and cell types. A SNP that affects NF-ĸB binding in the huntingtin promoter modulates the expression level of huntingtin transcripts and is associated with the age of disease onset. Incomplete splicing between exon 1 and exon 2 has been shown to result in the expression of a small polyadenylated mRNA that encodes the highly pathogenic exon 1 huntingtin protein. This occurs in a CAG-repeat length dependent manner in all full-length mouse models of HD as well as HD patient post-mortem brains and fibroblasts. An antisense transcript to huntingtin is generated that contains a CUG repeat that is expanded in HD patients. In myotonic dystrophy, expanded CUG repeats form RNA foci in cell nuclei that bind specific proteins (e.g. MBL1). Short, pure CAG RNAs of approximately 21 nucleotides that have been processed by DICER can inhibit the translation of other CAG repeat containing mRNAs. The HD mutation affects the transcriptome at the level of mRNA expression, splicing and the expression of non-coding RNAs. Finally, expanded repetitive stretched of nucleotides can lead to RAN translation, in which the ribosome translates from the expanded repeat in all possible reading frames, producing proteins with various poly-amino acid tracts. The extent to which these events contribute to HD pathogenesis is largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Neueder
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Wenninger S, Montagnese F, Schoser B. Core Clinical Phenotypes in Myotonic Dystrophies. Front Neurol 2018; 9:303. [PMID: 29770119 PMCID: PMC5941986 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) represent the most frequent multisystemic muscular dystrophies in adulthood. They are progressive, autosomal dominant diseases caused by an abnormal expansion of an unstable nucleotide repeat located in the non-coding region of their respective genes DMPK for DM1 and CNBP in DM2. Clinically, these multisystemic disorders are characterized by a high variability of muscular and extramuscular symptoms, often causing a delay in diagnosis. For both subtypes, many symptoms overlap, but some differences allow their clinical distinction. This article highlights the clinical core features of myotonic dystrophies, thus facilitating their early recognition and diagnosis. Particular attention will be given to signs and symptoms of muscular involvement, to issues related to respiratory impairment, and to the multiorgan involvement. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Beyond Borders: Myotonic Dystrophies—A European Perception.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Wenninger
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Downregulation of the Glial GLT1 Glutamate Transporter and Purkinje Cell Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Myotonic Dystrophy. Cell Rep 2018; 19:2718-2729. [PMID: 28658620 PMCID: PMC8496958 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain function is compromised in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. To gain insight into the cellular and molecular pathways primarily affected, we studied a mouse model of DM1 and brains of adult patients. We found pronounced RNA toxicity in the Bergmann glia of the cerebellum, in association with abnormal Purkinje cell firing and fine motor incoordination in DM1 mice. A global proteomics approach revealed downregulation of the GLT1 glutamate transporter in DM1 mice and human patients, which we found to be the result of MBNL1 inactivation. GLT1 downregulation in DM1 astrocytes increases glutamate neurotoxicity and is detrimental to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that the upregulation of GLT1 corrected Purkinje cell firing and motor incoordination in DM1 mice. Our findings show that glial defects are critical in DM1 brain pathophysiology and open promising therapeutic perspectives through the modulation of glutamate levels. Neural dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy is not fully understood. Using a transgenic mouse model of the disease, Sicot et al. find electrophysiological and motor evidence for cerebellar dysfunction in association with pronounced signs of RNA toxicity in Bergmann glia. Upregulation of a defective glial-specific glutamate transporter corrects cerebellum phenotypes.
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Kumar K, Kumar A, Keegan RM, Deshmukh R. Recent advances in the neurobiology and neuropharmacology of Alzheimer’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:297-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes clinical and electrical myotonia and provides an update on the classification, diagnosis, and management of myotonic disorders. RECENT FINDINGS In the myotonic dystrophies, antisense oligonucleotides provide a general strategy to correct RNA gain of function and modulate the expression of CTG expanded repeats; they are currently being tested in a phase 1-2 randomized controlled trial in patients with adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1. New genetic mutations are continuously being identified in the nondystrophic myotonias involving sodium and chloride channels. This contributes to the difficulty in describing genotype-phenotype correlations as the same mutations can give rise to different phenotypes, and the same phenotypes can arise from different mutations. Pharmacologic therapy is moving toward mutation-targeted treatments. SUMMARY This article describes the clinical and diagnostic characteristics and management of the myotonic dystrophies and the nondystrophic myotonias. Clinical features of the congenital, juvenile, and classic adult forms of myotonic dystrophy type 1 are reviewed, and for the adult form, reference is made to the main diagnostic and follow-up tests for which general consensus exists. The different clinical presentations of myotonic dystrophy type 2 and its main differential diagnostic options are also discussed. The clinical spectrum of the sodium and chloride channelopathies is described, and clinical diagnostic clues to differentiate between these two groups are provided. Therapeutic options for patients with nondystrophic myotonias are also presented with reference to literature review and the author's personal experience.
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Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a leading cause of death in the developed world and a natural, albeit unfortunate, consequence of longer-lived populations. Despite great demand for therapeutic intervention, it is often the case that these diseases are insufficiently understood at the basic molecular level. What little is known has prompted much hopeful speculation about a generalized mechanistic thread that ties these disparate conditions together at the subcellular level and can be exploited for broad curative benefit. In this review, we discuss a prominent theory supported by genetic and pathological changes in an array of neurodegenerative diseases: that neurons are particularly vulnerable to disruption of RNA-binding protein dosage and dynamics. Here we synthesize the progress made at the clinical, genetic, and biophysical levels and conclude that this perspective offers the most parsimonious explanation for these mysterious diseases. Where appropriate, we highlight the reciprocal benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration between disease specialists and RNA biologists as we envision a future in which neurodegeneration declines and our understanding of the broad importance of RNA processing deepens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Conlon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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50
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The cognitive profile of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cortex 2017; 95:143-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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