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Chiarello D, Cognolato E, Francione S, Nobile G, Bosisio L, Barbagallo G, Pacetti M, Tortora D, Cantalupo G, Nobili L, Consales A. Negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas in FCD type II: Application of MRg-LiTT after a SEEG re-evaluation in pediatric patients with a previous failed surgery. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 153:109694. [PMID: 38401416 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Negative MRI and an epileptogenic zone (EZ) adjacent to eloquent areas are two main issues that can be encountered during pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Focal Cortical Dysplasia type II (FCD type II) is the most common aetiology underlying a negative MRI. The objective of this study is to present three cases of pediatric patients exhibiting negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas, who previously underwent traditional open surgery or SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulations (RF-TC). After seizure seizure recrudescence, pre-surgical SEEG was re-evaluated and Magnetic Resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LiTT) was performed. We discuss the SEEG patterns, the planning of laser probes trajectories and the outcomes one year after the procedure. METHODS Pediatric patients who underwent SEEG followed by MRg-LiTT for drug-resistant epilepsy associated with FCD type II at our Centre were included. Pre-surgical videoEEG (vEEG), stereoEEG (sEEG), and MRI were reviewed. Post-procedure clinical outcome (measured by Engel score) and complications rates were evaluated. RESULTS Three patients underwent 3 MRg-LiTT procedures from January 2022 to June 2022. Epileptogenic zone was previously studied via SEEG in all the patients. All the three patients pre-surgical MRI was deemed negative. Mean age at seizure onset was 47 months (21-96 months), mean age at MRg-LiTT was 12 years (10 years 10 months - 12 years 9 months). Engel class Ia outcome was achieved in patients #2 and #3, Engel class Ib in patient #1. Mean follow-up length was of 17 months (13 months - 20 months). Complications occurred in one patient (patient #2, extradural hematoma). CONCLUSIONS The combined use of SEEG and MRg-LiTT in complex cases can lead to good outcomes both as a rescue therapy after failed surgery, but also as an alternative to open surgery after a successful SEEG-guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation (RF-TC). Specific SEEG patterns and a previous good outcome from RF-TC can be predictors of a favourable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chiarello
- "Claudio Munari" Epilepsy Surgery Center Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy; Neurology of Epilepsy and Movement Disorder Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Italy
| | - E Cognolato
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3).
| | - S Francione
- "Claudio Munari" Epilepsy Surgery Center Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3)
| | - G Nobile
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3)
| | - L Bosisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3)
| | - G Barbagallo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3)
| | - M Pacetti
- Division of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - D Tortora
- Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - G Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital of Verona (full member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE), Verona, Italy; Center for Research on Epilepsy in Pediatric age (CREP), University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy; Innovation Biomedicine section, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L Nobili
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy(3).
| | - A Consales
- Division of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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Cossu A, Lo Barco T, Proietti J, Dalla Bernardina B, Cantalupo G, Ghobert L, Brambilla I, Giarola E, Costa A, De Benito T, Bethge S, Cardot S, Montwill I, Remonato E, Gramaglia S, Darra F. Clinical characteristics of 80 subjects with KCNQ2-related encephalopathy: Results from a family-driven survey. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109153. [PMID: 36989566 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Variants of KCNQ2 are associated with a wide spectrum of disorders, ranging from Self-limiting Neonatal Epilepsy (SelNE) to Early Onset Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (KCNQ2-DEE). Comorbidities associated with this end of the spectrum have been seldomly described and their impact on the life of patients and their families is yet to be investigated. Collaborating with caregivers from different European family associations, we have developed a questionnaire aimed at investigating the onset and frequency of epileptic seizures, anti-seizure medications (ASM), hospitalizations, stages of development, and comorbidities. Responses from 80 patients, 40 males, from 14 countries have been collected. Median age 7.6 years (4 months - 43.6 years). Of 76 epileptic patients (93.6%), 55.3% were seizure-free with a mean age at last seizure of 26.7 months. Among patients with active epilepsy, those older have a lower frequency of seizures (p > 0.05). We were able to identify three different clusters of varying severity (Mild, Severe, Profound), based on neurodevelopmental features and symptoms, excluding epilepsy. Patients in a higher severity cluster had a higher mean number of comorbidities, which had a higher impact on families. Notably, patients in different clusters presented different epilepsy onset and courses. This study constitutes the most extensive data collection of patients with KCNQ2-DEE, with a focus on comorbidities in a wide age group. The participation of caregivers helps to define the impact of the disease on the lives of patients and families and can help identify new primary and secondary outcomes beyond seizures in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cossu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - T Lo Barco
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - J Proietti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - B Dalla Bernardina
- Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - G Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - L Ghobert
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - I Brambilla
- Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Alleanza Epilessie Rare e Complesse, Italy; Dravet Italia Onlus, Italy; European KCNQ2 Association Odv, Italy
| | - E Giarola
- Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Alleanza Epilessie Rare e Complesse, Italy; Dravet Italia Onlus, Italy
| | - A Costa
- European KCNQ2 Association Odv, Italy
| | | | | | - S Cardot
- KCNQ2 France Développement, France
| | | | - E Remonato
- Alleanza Epilessie Rare e Complesse, Italy; European KCNQ2 Association Odv, Italy
| | | | - F Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy; Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies (CREP) - Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Italy.
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Fontana P, Bernardini L, Lombardi C, Giuffrida MG, Ciavarella M, Capalbo A, Maioli M, Scarano F, Cantalupo G, Falco M, Scarano G, Lonardo F. De Novo Inverted Duplication Deletion of 4p in a 14-Week-Old Male Fetus Aborted Due to Multiple Anomalies. J Pediatr Genet 2021; 10:245-249. [PMID: 34504730 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Inverted duplications deletions are rare, complex, and nonrecurrent chromosomal rearrangements associated with a variable phenotype. In this case report, we described the phenotype and genotype of a 14-week-old male fetus, who was aborted after discovery of multiple anomalies (septal cystic hygroma, open abdominal wall, and a nonidentifiable lower limb). At autopsy, fluorescence in situ hybridization and array comparative genomic hybridization identified an inverted duplication with terminal deletion of 4p [46,XY,der(4)del(p16.3)dup(4)(p15.2p16.3)]. Only five genotypically similar cases have been reported, and we hope our case contribution will add meaningful to the body of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fontana
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lombardi
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Giuffrida
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Ciavarella
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Anna Capalbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Marianna Maioli
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Francesca Scarano
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantalupo
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Falco
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Scarano
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
| | - Fortunato Lonardo
- Department of Medical Genetics, AORN San Pio, PO Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
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Fontana P, Ginevrino M, Bejo K, Cantalupo G, Ciavarella M, Lombardi C, Maioli M, Scarano F, Costabile C, Novelli A, Lonardo F. A ZFHX4 mutation associated with a recognizable neuropsychological and facial phenotype. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104321. [PMID: 34461323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several patients with chromosomal deletions including ZFHX4 gene have been described, whereas point mutations are very rare. This gene encodes for a transcription factor involved in the development of several embryonal processes, including brain differentiation. Patients with 8q21.11 deletions usually show intellectual disability, short stature, peculiar facial features, and severe eye abnormalities. We describe a female patient with mild intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, strabismus, ptosis, low-set and prominent ears, high-arched palate, microretrognathia. Clinical Exome Sequencing revealed the presence of a de novo heterozygous variant in ZFHX4. Therefore, we further investigate the different phenotypes of ZFHX4 mutations and 8q21.11 deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fontana
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy.
| | - Monia Ginevrino
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Kristel Bejo
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantalupo
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Maria Ciavarella
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lombardi
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Marianna Maioli
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Francesca Scarano
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Claudia Costabile
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fortunato Lonardo
- Medical Genetics Unit - P.O. Gaetano Rummo - A.O.R.N. San Pio, Benevento, BN, Italy
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Fontana P, Passaretti FF, Maioli M, Cantalupo G, Scarano F, Lonardo F. Clinical and molecular spectrum of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, an emerging member of the chromatinopathy family. World J Med Genet 2020; 9:1-11. [DOI: 10.5496/wjmg.v9.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (OMIM #605130) is a rare congenital malformation syndrome characterized by hypertrichosis cubiti associated with short stature; consistent facial features, including long eyelashes, thick or arched eyebrows with a lateral flare, wide nasal bridge, and downslanting and vertically narrow palpebral fissures; mild to moderate intellectual disability; behavioral difficulties; and hypertrichosis on the back. It is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in KMT2A. This gene has an established role in histone methylation, which explains the overlap of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome with other chromatinopathies, a heterogeneous group of syndromic conditions that share a common trigger: The disruption of one of the genes involved in chromatin modification, leading to dysfunction of the epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fontana
- Medical Genetics Unit, San Pio Hospital, Benevento 82100, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Maioli
- Medical Genetics Unit, San Pio Hospital, Benevento 82100, Italy
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Pisani F, Pavlidis E, Facini C, La Morgia C, Fusco C, Cantalupo G. A 15-year epileptogenic period after perinatal brain injury. Funct Neurol 2017; 32:49-53. [PMID: 28380324 DOI: 10.11138/fneur/2017.32.1.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are a frequent acute neurological event in the neonatal period. Up to 12 to 18% of all seizures in newborns are due to perinatal stroke and up to 39% of affected children can then develop epilepsy in childhood. We report the case of a young patient who presented stroke-related seizures in the neonatal period and then developed focal symptomatic epilepsy at 15 years of age, and in whom the epileptic focus was found to co-localize with the site of his ischemic brain lesion. Such a prolonged silent period before onset of remote symptomatic epilepsy has not previously been reported. This case suggests that newborns with seizures due to a neonatal stroke are at higher risk of epilepsy and that the epileptogenic process in these subjects can last longer than a decade.
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Pellegrin S, Cantalupo G, Opri R, Dalla Bernardina B, Darra F. EEG findings during "paroxysmal hemiplegia" in a patient with GLUT1-deficiency. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2017; 21:580-582. [PMID: 28129950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have disclosed the myriad of features that can suggest the diagnosis of a Glucose-transporter-1 deficiency (GLUT1D). The occurrence of paroxysmal movement disorders such as exercise-induced dystonia and non-kinesigenic dyskinesia, received considerable emphasis, while limited attention has been paid to other paroxysmal phenomena, as transitory neurological disorders. These paroxysmal events are roughly and variably described as limb weakness, hemiparesis or ataxia. Their EEG correlate has been never documented. CASE DESCRIPTION AND CONCLUSION We report the EEG pattern characterizing two acute episodes of paroxysmal paresis with confusion and aphasia, in a girl with GLUT1D. The EEG picture is characterized by a clear-cut contralateral EEG slowing, similar to what is observed in Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood and Hemiplegic Migraine attacks. In our patient the paroxysmal events were responsive to a ketogenic diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pellegrin
- Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - G Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - R Opri
- Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - F Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pavlidis E, Cantalupo G, Cattani L, Tassinari CA, Pisani F. Neonatal seizure automatism and human inborn pattern of quadrupedal locomotion. Gait Posture 2016; 49:232-234. [PMID: 27459417 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Seizures in newborns do not always show a clear electro-clinical correlation. The real epileptic nature of some stereotyped rhythmic movements, included in the 'subtle seizures' and considered as brainstem release phenomena, is still debated. We report a brain injured newborn, who displayed several episodes of repetitive limb movements. The ictal EEG discharge, during one of these episodes, was associated with a motor pattern modification, which was endowed with quadrupedal locomotion kinematic features. This might represent an indirect evidence of cervical and lumbar Central Pattern Generators interconnection with in-phase coordination between diagonal limbs since the first hours of life in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pavlidis
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - G Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L Cattani
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - F Pisani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Lonardo F, Perone L, Maioli M, Ciavarella M, Ciccone R, Monica MD, Lombardi C, Forino L, Cantalupo G, Masella L, Scarano F. Clinical, cytogenetic and molecular-cytogenetic characterization of a patient with a de novo tandem proximal-intermediate duplication of 16q and review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:769-77. [PMID: 21416588 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Ormitti F, Ventura E, Summa A, Pisani F, Cantalupo G, Squarcia A, Cerasti D, Crisi G. Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging Tractography of the Pyramidal Tracts and Corpus Callosum in Children with Right-Sided Congenital Hemiparesis. Neuroradiol J 2010; 23:172-6. [DOI: 10.1177/197140091002300204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used diffusion tensor tractography to evaluate the diffusion parameters of the corpsus callosum and asymmetry in the diffusion parameters of the corticospinal tracts in children with congenital hemiparesis. Precision moving critically correlates with the integrity of the pyramidal tracts as evidenced in congenital hemiparesis by the correlation found between corticospinal lesions and motor deficits. Therefore we hypothesize that diffusion parameters correlate with the severity of hemiparesis measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Ormitti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - E. Ventura
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | | | - F. Pisani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - G. Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - A. Squarcia
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Parma Health Trust; Parma, Italy
| | - D. Cerasti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - G. Crisi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
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Ormitti F, Summa A, Ventura E, Todeschini A, Pisani F, Cantalupo G. Aberrant Mid-Sagittal Fiber Tracts Visualized by Diffusion Tensor MR. Neuroradiol J 2010; 23:177-81. [DOI: 10.1177/197140091002300205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In hemimegalencephaly, MR imaging often reveals mid-sagittal band-like structures between the lateral ventricles. We describe the clinical presentation, morphologic abnormalities, conventional MR imaging, diffusion tensor MR and fiber tract (FT) reconstruction in a 14-year-old boy with unilateral hemimegalencephaly. We retrospectively examined MR images to determine whether these structures are aberrant mid-sagittal fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Ormitti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - A. Summa
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - E. Ventura
- Neuroradiology Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - A. Todeschini
- Neuroradiology Unit, Modena Hospital NOCSA; Modena, Italy
| | - F. Pisani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
| | - G. Cantalupo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy
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Tassinari C, Cantalupo G, Högl B, Cortelli P, Tassi L, Francione S, Nobili L, Meletti S, Rubboli G, Gardella E. Neuroethological approach to frontolimbic epileptic seizures and parasomnias: The same central pattern generators for the same behaviours. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2009; 165:762-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Lonardo F, Cantalupo G, Ciavarella M, Monica MD, Lombardi C, Maioli M, Masella L, Nazzaro A, Scarano G. Prenatal diagnosis of 46,XX testicular DSD. Molecular, cytogenetic, molecular-cytogenetic, and ultrasonographic evaluation. Prenat Diagn 2009; 29:998-1001. [PMID: 19603386 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Tassinari CA, Rubboli G, Gardella E, Cantalupo G, Calandra-Buonaura G, Vedovello M, Alessandria M, Gandini G, Cinotti S, Zamponi N, Meletti S. Central pattern generators for a common semiology in fronto-limbic seizures and in parasomnias. A neuroethologic approach. Neurol Sci 2005; 26 Suppl 3:s225-32. [PMID: 16331401 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-005-0492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Central pattern generators (CPGs) are genetically determined neuronal aggregates in the mesencephalon, pons and spinal cord subserving innate motor behaviours essential for survival (feeding, locomotion, reproduction etc.). In higher primates CPGs are largely under neocortical control. We describe how certain motor events observed in parasomnias and epileptic seizures could have similar features and resemble motor behaviours, which can be the expression of the same CPG. Both epilepsy and sleep can lead to a temporary loss of control of neomammalian cortex that facilitates through a common platform (arousal) the emergences of stereotyped inborn fixed action patterns. Therefore we suggest that, independently from the nature of the trigger, be it a seizure or a parasomnia, the same CPGs can be involved, "caught up", leading to a common motor semiology (the "Carillon theory").
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Tassinari
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy, Via Altura 3, I-40139 Bologna, Italy
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15
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Abstract
The authors report the clinical and polygraphic features of rhythmic teeth grinding observed in a patient as the predominant symptom related to temporal lobe seizures during sleep and wakefulness. This observation demonstrates that exceptionally a teeth-grinding event can be not only a parasomnia (sleep bruxism) but also an epileptic-related motor event. Electromyographic and autonomic features of seizure-related teeth grinding support the interpretation of this motor phenomenon as a particular form of masticatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Meletti
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Meletti S, Benuzzi F, Rubboli G, Cantalupo G, Stanzani Maserati M, Nichelli P, Tassinari CA. Impaired facial emotion recognition in early-onset right mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurology 2003; 60:426-31. [PMID: 12578923 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.60.3.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anteromedial temporal lobe regions, particularly the amygdala, participate in the recognition of emotions from facial expressions. The authors studied the ability of facial emotion recognition (ER) in subjects with symptomatic epilepsy, evaluating whether mesial temporal lobe damage is related to an impairment in the recognition of specific emotions and whether the onset of seizures in a critical period of life could prevent the development of ER. METHODS Groups included patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with MRI evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (n = 33); patients with TLE with MRI evidence of temporal lobe lesions other than MTS (n = 30); and patients with extratemporal epilepsy (n = 33). Healthy volunteers (n = 50) served as controls. ER was tested by matching a facial expression with the name of one of the following basic emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, and anger. A face-matching task was used to control visuoperceptual abilities with face stimuli. RESULTS No subject showed deficits in the face-matching task. ER was impaired in patients with right MTS, especially for fearful faces. Patients presenting left MTS, right or left temporal lobe lesions other than MTS, or extratemporal seizure foci showed ER performances similar to controls. In all subjects with right TLE, the degree of emotion recognition impairment was related to age at first seizure (febrile or afebrile) and age at epilepsy onset. CONCLUSIONS Early-onset right-sided mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is the key substrate determining a severe deficit in recognizing emotional facial expressions, especially fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Meletti
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Meletti S, Rubboli G, Testoni S, Michelucci R, Cantalupo G, Stanzani-Maserati M, Calbucci F, Tassinari CA. Early ictal speech and motor inhibition in fronto-mesial epileptic seizures: a polygraphic study in one patient. Clin Neurophysiol 2003; 114:56-62. [PMID: 12495764 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(02)00330-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate ictal motor inhibition occurring during seizures in a patient with a tumor located in the left fronto-mesial pre-central cortex. METHODS Awake and sleep video-polygraphic monitoring, recording scalp EEG and EMG activities from several cranial, trunk and limbs muscles, was performed in a patient with drug-resistant recurrent focal motor seizures before surgical treatment. Speech/motor tasks were repeatedly administered to the patient during the recording sessions in order to evaluate the occurrence of early ictal motor inhibition. RESULTS Thirty-four seizures were recorded during wakefulness showing a stereotyped pattern of inhibition of speech and voluntary movements followed by sequential activation of upper limb-trunk-lower limb muscles contralateral to the tumor. Polygraphic recordings showed that: (1) initial speech and motor arrest were associated with the EMG evidence of progressive muscle tone suppression in cranial and right distal upper limb muscles; (2) tonic contraction of right deltoid, biceps brachii, intercostalis and paraspinalis muscles appeared after motor inhibition; (3) tonic-clonic activity in the right tibialis anterior muscle occurred at the end of seizures. Eleven subclinical seizures were recorded during sleep showing mild focal tonic EMG activity in right side trunk muscles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings evidenced early and somatotopically organized inhibition of voluntary movement at the beginning of epileptic seizures with fronto-mesial onset. The demonstration that speech and motor arrest were associated with progressive EMG suppression in cranial and limb muscles supports the hypothesis of motor inhibitory seizures originating in the mesial aspect of pre-motor frontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Meletti
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurological Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Altura n. 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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18
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Salvatore P, Bucci C, Pagliarulo C, Tredici M, Colicchio R, Cantalupo G, Bardaro M, Del Giudice L, Massardo DR, Lavitola A, Bruni CB, Alifano P. Phenotypes of a naturally defective recB allele in Neisseria meningitidis clinical isolates. Infect Immun 2002; 70:4185-95. [PMID: 12117927 PMCID: PMC128164 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.8.4185-4195.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis strains belonging to the hypervirulent lineage ET-37 and several unrelated strains are extremely UV sensitive. The phenotype is consequent to the presence of a nonfunctional recB(ET-37) allele carrying multiple missense mutations. Phenotypic analysis has been performed with congenic meningococcal strains harboring either the wild-type recB allele or the recB(ET-37) allele. Congenic recB(ET-37) meningococci, in addition to being sensitive to UV, were defective both in repair of DNA lesions induced by UV treatment and, partially, in recombination-mediated transformation. Consistently, the wild-type, but not the recB(ET-37), allele was able to complement the Escherichia coli recB21 mutation to UV resistance and proficiency in recombination. recB(ET-37) meningococci did not exhibit higher frequencies of spontaneous mutation to rifampin resistance than recB-proficient strains. However, mutation rates were enhanced following UV treatment, a phenomenon not observed in the recB-proficient counterpart. Interestingly, the results of PCR-based assays demonstrated that the presence of the recB(ET-37) allele considerably increased the frequency of recombination at the pilin loci. The main conclusion that can be drawn is that the presence of the defective recB(ET-37) allele in N. meningitidis isolates causes an increase in genetic diversity, due to an ineffective RecBCD-dependent DNA repair and recombination pathway, and an increase in pilin antigenic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare L. Califano, Università di Napoli Federico II, and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale G. Salvatore, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Lindsay AJ, Hendrick AG, Cantalupo G, Senic-Matuglia F, Goud B, Bucci C, McCaffrey MW. Rab coupling protein (RCP), a novel Rab4 and Rab11 effector protein. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:12190-9. [PMID: 11786538 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m108665200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab4 and Rab11 are small GTPases belonging to the Ras superfamily. They both function as regulators along the receptor recycling pathway. We have identified a novel 80-kDa protein that interacts specifically with the GTP-bound conformation of Rab4, and subsequent work has shown that it also interacts strongly with Rab11. We name this protein Rab coupling protein (RCP). RCP is predominantly membrane-bound and is expressed in all cell lines and tissues tested. It colocalizes with early endosomal markers including Rab4 and Rab11 as well as with the transferrin receptor. Overexpression of the carboxyl-terminal region of RCP, which contains the Rab4- and Rab11-interacting domain, results in a dramatic tubulation of the transferrin compartment. Furthermore, expression of this mutant causes a significant reduction in endosomal recycling without affecting ligand uptake or degradation in quantitative assays. RCP is a homologue of Rip11 and therefore belongs to the recently described Rab11-FIP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Lindsay
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Salvatore P, Pagliarulo C, Colicchio R, Zecca P, Cantalupo G, Tredici M, Lavitola A, Bucci C, Bruni CB, Alifano P. Identification, characterization, and variable expression of a naturally occurring inhibitor protein of IS1106 transposase in clinical isolates of Neisseria meningitidis. Infect Immun 2001; 69:7425-36. [PMID: 11705917 PMCID: PMC98831 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.12.7425-7436.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposition plays a role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis. Insertion sequences are involved in reversible capsulation and insertional inactivation of virulence genes encoding outer membrane proteins. In this study, we have investigated and identified one way in which transposon IS1106 controls its own activity. We have characterized a naturally occurring protein (Tip) that inhibits the transposase. The inhibitor protein is a truncated version of the IS1106 transposase lacking the NH(2)-terminal DNA binding sequence, and it regulates transposition by competing with the transposase for binding to the outside ends of IS1106, as shown by gel shift and in vitro transposition assays. IS1106Tip mRNA is variably expressed among serogroup B meningococcal clinical isolates, and it is absent in most collection strains belonging to hypervirulent lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare "L. Califano," Università di Napoli "Federico II," Naples, Italy
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21
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Abstract
Phase variation through slippage-like mechanisms involving homopolymeric tracts depends in part on the absence of Dam-methylase in several pathogenic isolates of Neisseria meningitidis. In Dam-defective strains drg (dam-replacing gene), flanked by pseudo-transposable small repeated elements (SREs), replaced dam. We demonstrate that drg encodes a restriction endonuclease (NmeBII) that cleaves 5'-GmeATC-3'. drg is also present in 50% of Neisseria lactamica strains, but in most of them it is inactive because of the absence of an SRE-providing promoter. This is associated with the presence of GATmeC, suggesting an alternative restriction-modification system (RM) specific for 5'-GATC-3', similar to Sau3AI-RM of Staphylococcus aureus 3A, Lactococcus lactis KR2 and Listeria monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cantalupo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Moleculare L Califano, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
The small GTPases Rab4, Rab5 and Rab7 are endosomal proteins which play important roles in the regulation of various stages of endosomal trafficking. Rab4 and Rab5 have both been localized to early endosomes and have been shown to control recycling and endosomal fusion, respectively. Rab7, a marker of the late endosomal compartment, is involved in the regulation of the late endocytic pathway. Here, we compare the role of Rab4, Rab5 and Rab7 in early and late endosomal trafficking in HeLa cells monitoring ligand uptake, recycling and degradation. Expression of the Rab4 dominant negative mutant (Rab4AS22N) leads to a significant reduction in both recycling and degradation while, as expected, Rab7 mutants exclusively affect epidermal growth factor (EGF) and low density lipoprotein degradation. As also expected, expression of the dominant negative Rab5 mutant perturbs internalization kinetics and affects both recycling and degradation. Expression of Rab4WT and dominant positive mutant (Rab4AQ67L) changes dramatically the morphology of the transferrin compartment leading to the formation of membrane tubules. These transferrin positive tubules display swellings (varicosities) some of which are positive for early endosomal antigen-1 and contain EGF. We propose that the Rab4GTPase is important for the function of the early sorting endosomal compartment, affecting trafficking along both recycling and degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W McCaffrey
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, UCC, Cork, Ireland.
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Abstract
Rab7 is a small GTPase that controls transport to endocytic degradative compartments. Here we report the identification of a novel 45 kDa protein that specifically binds Rab7GTP at its C-terminus. This protein contains a domain comprising two coiled-coil regions typical of myosin-like proteins and is found mainly in the cytosol. We named it RILP (Rab-interacting lysosomal protein) since it can be recruited efficiently on late endosomal and lysosomal membranes by Rab7GTP. RILP-C33 (a truncated form of the protein lacking the N-terminal half) strongly inhibits epidermal growth factor and low-density lipoprotein degradation, and causes dispersion of lysosomes similarly to Rab7 dominant-negative mutants. More importantly, expression of RILP reverses/prevents the effects of Rab7 dominant-negative mutants. All these data are consistent with a model in which RILP represents a downstream effector for Rab7 and both proteins act together in the regulation of late endocytic traffic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Cantalupo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare ‘L.Califano’ and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale ‘G.Salvatore’ del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via S.Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli and Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Lecce, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy Corresponding authors e-mail: or
| | - Pietro Alifano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare ‘L.Califano’ and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale ‘G.Salvatore’ del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via S.Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli and Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Lecce, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy Corresponding authors e-mail: or
| | - Vera Roberti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare ‘L.Califano’ and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale ‘G.Salvatore’ del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via S.Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli and Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Lecce, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy Corresponding authors e-mail: or
| | - Carmelo B. Bruni
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare ‘L.Califano’ and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale ‘G.Salvatore’ del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via S.Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli and Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Lecce, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy Corresponding authors e-mail: or
| | - Cecilia Bucci
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare ‘L.Califano’ and Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale ‘G.Salvatore’ del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via S.Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli and Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Lecce, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy Corresponding authors e-mail: or
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Salvatore P, Cantalupo G, Pagliarulo C, Tredici M, Lavitola A, Bucci C, Bruni CB, Alifano P. A new vector for insertion of any DNA fragment into the chromosome of transformable Neisseriae. Plasmid 2000; 44:275-9. [PMID: 11078653 DOI: 10.1006/plas.2000.1490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A useful method for inserting any DNA fragment into the chromosome of Neisseriae has been developed. The method relies on recombination-proficient vector plasmid pNLE1, a pUC19 derivative containing (1) genes conferring resistance to ampicillin and erythromycin, as selectable markers; (2) a chromosomal region necessary for its integration into the Neisseria chromosome; (3) a specific uptake sequence which is required for natural transformation; (4) a promoter capable of functioning in Neisseria; and (5) several unique restriction sites useful for cloning. pNLE1 integrates into the leuS region of the neisserial chromosome at high frequencies by transformation-mediated recombination. The usefulness of this vector has been demonstrated by cloning the tetracycline-resistance gene (tet) and subsequently inserting the tet gene into the meningococcal chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare "L. Califano,", Università di Napoli "Federico II,", Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore" of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
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