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Kaufmann WE. CDKL5 deficiency disorder: At the intersection between Rett syndrome and developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:410-411. [PMID: 37881024 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
This commentary is on the original articles by Wong et al. and Daniels et al. on pages 469–482 and 456–468 of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., New York, NY, USA
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Kaufmann WE, Raspa M, Bann CM, Gable JM, Harris HK, Budimirovic DB, Lozano R. Latent Class Analysis Identifies Distinctive Behavioral Subtypes in Children with Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:725-737. [PMID: 36441429 PMCID: PMC10258834 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05821-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by variable neurobehavioral abnormalities, which leads to difficulties in developing and evaluating treatments and in determining accurate prognosis. We employed a pediatric cross-sectional sample (1,072 males, 338 females) from FORWARD, a clinic-based natural history study, to identify behavioral subtypes by latent class analysis. Input included co-occurring behavioral conditions, sleep and sensory problems, autistic behavior scales (SCQ, SRS-2), and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist revised for FXS (ABCFX). A 5-class solution yielded the most clinically meaningful, pharmacotherapy independent behavioral groups with distinctive SCQ, SRS-2, and ABCFX profiles, and adequate non-overlap (≥ 71%): "Mild" (31%), "Moderate without Social Impairment" (32%), "Moderate with Social Impairment" (7%), "Moderate with Disruptive Behavior" (20%), and "Severe" (9%). Our findings support FXS subtyping, for improving clinical management and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Melissa Raspa
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Carla M Bann
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Julia M Gable
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Holly K Harris
- Texas Children's Hospital, 8080 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | | | - Reymundo Lozano
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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Lachiewicz AM, Stackhouse TM, Burgess K, Burgess D, Andrews HF, Choo TH, Kaufmann WE, Kidd SA. Sensory Symptoms and Signs of Hyperarousal in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Findings from the FORWARD Registry and Database Multisite Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y. [PMID: 37840096 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to increase our understanding about characteristics and the impact of sensory symptoms (SS) and signs of hyperarousal (HA) in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) from childhood through early adulthood and by gender. Data derived from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), a natural history study of FXS, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear and logistic regression models to examine SS and signs of HA, their impact on behavioral regulation and limitations on the subject/family. The sample (N = 933) consisted of 720 males and 213 females. More males were affected with SS (87% vs. 68%) and signs of HA (92% vs. 79%). Subjects who were endorsed as having a strong sensory response had more comorbidities, including behavioral problems. The predominant SS was difficulty with eye gaze that increased with age in both genders. As individuals age, there was less use of non-medication therapies, such as occupational therapy (OT)/physical therapy (PT), but there was more use of psychopharmacological medications and investigational drugs for behaviors. Multiple regression models suggested that endorsing SS and signs of HA was associated with statistically significantly increased ABC-C-I subscale scores and limited participation in everyday activities. This study improves our understanding of SS and signs of HA as well as their impact in FXS. It supports the need for more research regarding these clinical symptoms, especially to understand how they contribute to well-known behavioral concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ave M Lachiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | | | - Debra Burgess
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Howard F Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tse-Hwei Choo
- Division of Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharon A Kidd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Fadiran EO, Hammond E, Tran J, Xue H, Chen J, Kaufmann WE, Missling CU, Darpo B. Concentration-QTc Relationship from a Single Ascending Dose Study of ANAVEX3-71, a Novel Sigma-1 Receptor and Allosteric M1 Muscarinic Receptor Agonist in Development for the Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2023; 12:888-901. [PMID: 37515316 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This is the cardiodynamic evaluation of a single ascending dose study in healthy participants with the primary objective of assessing the effect of ANAVEX3-71, formerly AF710B, on ECG parameters. Twelve-lead ECGs were obtained at 3 time points within 1 hour prior to dosing to establish a baseline and then serially postdose. Concentration-QTc analysis of plasma concentrations of ANAVEX3-71 and metabolite M8 was conducted. ANAVEX3-71 at the studied doses did not have a clinically relevant effect on heart rate or on the PR and QRS intervals. ANAVEX3-71 alone was retained in the primary model due to small fit differences between models which included the metabolite M8. The estimated population slope of the concentration-QTcF relationship was small and slightly negative: -0.017 ms per µg/L, with a small treatment effect-specific intercept of -0.49 ms. An effect on the placebo-corrected, change-from-baseline QTc exceeding 10 ms can be excluded within the full observed ranges of plasma concentrations of ANAVEX3-71 and M8 up to ∼996 and ∼58 µg/L, respectively. The results from this cardiodynamic evaluation demonstrated that ANAVEX3-71 at single ascending doses of 5-200 mg had no clinically relevant effects on any of the studied ECG parameters.
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Berry-Kravis E, Abbeduto L, Hagerman R, Coffey CS, Cudkowicz M, Erickson CA, McDuffie A, Hessl D, Ethridge L, Tassone F, Kaufmann WE, Friedmann K, Bullard L, Hoffmann A, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Staley K, Klements D, Moshinsky M, Harkey B, Long J, Fedler J, Klingner E, Ecklund D, Costigan M, Huff T, Pearson B. Effects of AFQ056 on language learning in fragile X syndrome. J Clin Invest 2023; 134:e171723. [PMID: 37651202 PMCID: PMC10904045 DOI: 10.1172/jci171723] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDFXLEARN, the first-ever large multisite trial of effects of disease-targeted pharmacotherapy on learning, was designed to explore a paradigm for measuring effects of mechanism-targeted treatment in fragile X syndrome (FXS). In FXLEARN, the effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) negative allosteric modulator (NAM) AFQ056 on language learning were evaluated in 3- to 6-year-old children with FXS, expected to have more learning plasticity than adults, for whom prior trials of mGluR5 NAMs have failed.METHODSAfter a 4-month single-blind placebo lead-in, participants were randomized 1:1 to AFQ056 or placebo, with 2 months of dose optimization to the maximum tolerated dose, then 6 months of treatment during which a language-learning intervention was implemented for both groups. The primary outcome was a centrally scored videotaped communication measure, the Weighted Communication Scale (WCS). Secondary outcomes were objective performance-based and parent-reported cognitive and language measures.RESULTSFXLEARN enrolled 110 participants, randomized 99, and had 91 who completed the placebo-controlled period. Although both groups made language progress and there were no safety issues, the change in WCS score during the placebo-controlled period was not significantly different between the AFQ056 and placebo-treated groups, nor were there any significant between-group differences in change in any secondary measures.CONCLUSIONDespite the large body of evidence supporting use of mGluR5 NAMs in animal models of FXS, this study suggests that this mechanism of action does not translate into benefit for the human FXS population and that better strategies are needed to determine which mechanisms will translate from preclinical models to humans in genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClincalTrials.gov NCT02920892.FUNDING SOURCESNeuroNEXT network NIH grants U01NS096767, U24NS107200, U24NS107209, U01NS077323, U24NS107183, U24NS107168, U24NS107128, U24NS107199, U24NS107198, U24NS107166, U10NS077368, U01NS077366, U24NS107205, U01NS077179, and U01NS077352; NIH grant P50HD103526; and Novartis IIT grant AFQ056X2201T for provision of AFQ056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute and Department of Pediatrics, UCD, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Merit Cudkowicz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea McDuffie
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and
| | - Lauren Ethridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- MIND Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UCD, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Lauren Bullard
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and
| | - Anne Hoffmann
- Departments of Pediatrics and Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Staley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Klements
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Moshinsky
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittney Harkey
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeff Long
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Janel Fedler
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Dixie Ecklund
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Michele Costigan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Trevis Huff
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Brenda Pearson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Moffitt BA, Oberman LM, Beamer L, Srikanth S, Jain L, Cascio L, Jones K, Pauly R, May M, Skinner C, Buchanan C, DuPont BR, Kaufmann WE, Valentine K, Ward LD, Ivankovic D, Rogers RC, Phelan K, Sarasua SM, Boccuto L. Sleep disturbances in Phelan-McDermid syndrome: Clinical and metabolic profiling of 56 individuals. Clin Genet 2023. [PMID: 37198960 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14361] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is caused by deletions at chromosome 22q13.3 or pathogenic/likely pathogenic SHANK3 variants. The clinical presentation is extremely variable and includes global developmental delay/intellectual disability (ID), seizures, neonatal hypotonia, and sleep disturbances, among others. This study investigated the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and the genetic and metabolic features associated with them, in a cohort of 56 individuals with PMS. Sleep data were collected via standardized observer/caregiver questionnaires, while genetic data from array-CGH and sequencing of 9 candidate genes within the 22q13.3 region, and metabolic profiling utilized the Biolog Phenotype Mammalian MicroArray plates. Sleep disturbances were present in 64.3% of individuals with PMS, with the most common problem being waking during the night (39%). Sleep disturbances were more prevalent in individuals with a SHANK3 pathogenic variant (89%) compared to subjects with 22q13.3 deletions of any size (59.6%). Distinct metabolic profiles for individuals with PMS with and without sleep disturbances were also identified. These data are helpful information for recognizing and managing sleep disturbances in individuals with PMS, outlining the main candidate gene for this neurological manifestation, and highlighting potential biomarkers for early identification of at-risk subjects and molecular targets for novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette A Moffitt
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Beamer
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sujata Srikanth
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lavanya Jain
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Lauren Cascio
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kelly Jones
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Rini Pauly
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Melanie May
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Cindy Skinner
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathleen Valentine
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Linda D Ward
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Diana Ivankovic
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Katy Phelan
- Genetics Department, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Sara M Sarasua
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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Oberman LM, Leonard H, Downs J, Cianfaglione R, Stahlhut M, Larsen JL, Madden KV, Kaufmann WE. Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire in Children and Adults With Rett Syndrome: Psychometric Characterization and Revised Factor Structure. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil 2023; 128:237-253. [PMID: 37104862 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.3.237] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder associated with multiple neurobehavioral abnormalities. The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) was developed for pediatric RTT observational studies. Because its application has expanded to adult and interventional studies, we evaluated the RSBQ's psychometric properties in six pediatric (n = 323) and five adult (n = 309) datasets. Total and General Mood subscale scores had good reliability. Clinical severity had no influence on RSBQ scores. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded 6 pediatric and 7 adult clinically relevant and psychometrically strong factors including the original Breathing Problems and Fear/Anxiety subscales and the novel Emotional and Disruptive Behavior subscale composed of items from the original General Mood and Nighttime Behaviours subscales. The present findings support additional evaluations and improvements of an important RTT behavioral measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Lindsay M. Oberman, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, USA
| | - Helen Leonard
- Helen Leonard, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Jenny Downs, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia and School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Michelle Stahlhut, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane L Larsen
- Jane L. Larsen, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Walter E. Kaufmann, Anavex Life Sciences Corp. and Emory University School of Medicine, USA
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Albizua I, Charen K, Shubeck L, Talboy A, Berry‐Kravis E, Kaufmann WE, Stallworth JL, Drazba KT, Erickson CA, Sweeney JA, Tartaglia N, Warren SF, Hagerman R, Sherman SL, Warren ST, Jin P, Allen EG. Descriptive analysis of seizures and comorbidities associated with fragile X syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2001. [PMID: 35852003 PMCID: PMC9356544 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2001] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome is characterized by a myriad of physical features, behavioral features, and medical problems. Commonly found behavioral features are hyperactivity, anxiety, socialization difficulties, and ASD. There is also a higher incidence than in the general population of strabismus, otitis media, and mitral valve prolapse. In addition, one of the most common medical problems associated with FXS is an increased risk of seizures. A subset of individuals carrying the full mutation of the FMR1 gene and diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are reported to experience seizures, mostly during the first 10 years of their life span. METHODS As part of a larger project to identify genetic variants that modify the risk of seizures, we collected clinical information from 49 carriers with FXS who experienced seizures and 46 without seizures. We compared seizure type and comorbid conditions based on the source of data as well as family history of seizures. RESULTS We found that the concordance of seizure types observed by parents and medical specialists varied by type of seizure. The most common comorbid condition among those with seizures was autism spectrum disorder (47% per medical records vs. 33% per parent report compared with 19% among those without seizures per parent report); the frequency of other comorbid conditions did not differ among groups. We found a slightly higher frequency of family members who experienced seizures among the seizure group compared with the nonseizure group. CONCLUSION This study confirms previously reported features of seizures in FXS, supports additional genetic factors, and highlights the importance of information sources, altogether contributing to a better understanding of seizures in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Albizua
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of PathologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Krista Charen
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Lisa Shubeck
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Amy Talboy
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Berry‐Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, BiochemistryRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Greenwood Genetic CenterGreenwoodSouth CarolinaUSA
| | | | | | - Craig A. Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of PediatricsChildren's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Steven F. Warren
- Department of Speech‐Language‐Hearing: Sciences & DisordersThe University of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California Davis MIND InstituteSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stephanie L. Sherman
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Stephen T. Warren
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Emily G. Allen
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Cogram P, Deacon RMJ, Klamer D, Rebowe N, Sprouse J, Reyes ST, Missling CU, Kaufmann WE. Brain cell signaling abnormalities are detected in blood in a murine model of Fragile X syndrome and corrected by Sigma-1 receptor agonist Blarcamesine. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:2497-2500. [PMID: 35661397 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cogram
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
- GeN.DDI Ltd, London, UK
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | - Robert M J Deacon
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
- GeN.DDI Ltd, London, UK
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Nell Rebowe
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Samantha T Reyes
- Stanford University, Department of Radiology, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Buchanan CB, Stallworth JL, Joy AE, Dixon RE, Scott AE, Beisang AA, Benke TA, Glaze DG, Haas RH, Heydemann PT, Jones MD, Lane JB, Lieberman DN, Marsh ED, Neul JL, Peters SU, Ryther RC, Skinner SA, Standridge SM, Kaufmann WE, Percy AK. Anxiety-like behavior and anxiolytic treatment in the Rett syndrome natural history study. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:31. [PMID: 35568815 PMCID: PMC9107202 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09432-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder most often related to a pathogenic variant in the X-linked MECP2 gene. Internalizing behaviors appear to be common, but standard methods of diagnosing anxiety are not readily applied in this population which typically has cognitive impairment and limited expressive language. This study aims to describe the frequency of anxiety-like behavior and anxiolytic treatments along with associated clinical features in individuals with RTT. METHODS Parental reports and medication logs provided data from 1380 females with RTT participating in two iterations of the multicenter U.S. RTT Natural History Study (RNHS) from 2006 to 2019. RESULTS Most participants with RTT (77.5%) had at least occasional anxious or nervous behavior. Anxiety was reported to be the most troublesome concern for 2.6%, and within the top 3 concerns for 10.0%, of participants in the second iteration. Parents directly reported treatment for anxious or nervous behavior in 16.6% of participants in the second iteration with most reporting good control of the behavior (71.6%). In the medication logs of both RNHS iterations, the indication of anxiety was listed for a similar number of participants (15% and 14.5%, respectively). Increased use of anxiolytics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was related to more frequent anxiety-like behaviors (P < 0.001), older age (P < 0.001), and mild MECP2 variants (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Anxiety-like behavior is frequent at all ages and is a significant parental concern in RTT. Older individuals and those with mild MECP2 variants are more likely to be treated with medications. Better diagnosis and treatment of anxiety in RTT should be a goal of both future studies and clinical care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00299312 and NCT02738281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B. Buchanan
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Jennifer L. Stallworth
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Aubin E. Joy
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Rebekah E. Dixon
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Alexandra E. Scott
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Arthur A. Beisang
- grid.429065.c0000 0000 9002 4129Gillette Children’s Hospital, St. Paul, MN USA
| | - Timothy A. Benke
- grid.241116.10000000107903411Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO USA
| | - Daniel G. Glaze
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XBaylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Richard H. Haas
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, University of California, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Peter T. Heydemann
- grid.240684.c0000 0001 0705 3621Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Mary D. Jones
- grid.414016.60000 0004 0433 7727UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of Oakland, Oakland, CA USA
| | - Jane B. Lane
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - David N. Lieberman
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XBoston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Eric D. Marsh
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Sarika U. Peters
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Robin C. Ryther
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Steve A. Skinner
- grid.418307.90000 0000 8571 0933Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29649 USA
| | - Shannon M. Standridge
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- grid.254567.70000 0000 9075 106XUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Alan K. Percy
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
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11
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Budimirovic DB, Protic DD, Delahunty CM, Andrews HF, Choo TH, Xu Q, Berry-Kravis E, Kaufmann WE. Sleep problems in fragile X syndrome: Cross-sectional analysis of a large clinic-based cohort. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1029-1039. [PMID: 34889523 PMCID: PMC11057226 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is associated with multiple neurobehavioral abnormalities including sleep difficulties. Nonetheless, frequency, severity, and consequences of sleep problems are still unclear. The Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database (FORWARD-version-3), including Clinician Report and Parent Report forms, was analyzed for frequency, severity, relationship with behavioral problems, and impact of sleep difficulties in a mainly pediatric cohort. A focused evaluation of sleep apnea was also conducted. Six surveyed sleep difficulties were moderately frequent (~23%-46%), relatively mild, affected predominantly younger males, and considered a problem for 7%-20% of families. Snoring was more prevalent in older individuals. All sleep difficulties were associated with irritability/aggression and most also to hyperactivity. Only severe snoring was correlated with sleep apnea (loud snoring: 30%; sleep apnea: 2%-3%). Sleep difficulties are prevalent in children with FXS and, although they tend to be mild, they are associated with behavioral problems and negative impact to families. Because of its cross-sectional nature, clinic-origin, use of ad hoc data collection forms, and lack of treatment data, the present study should be considered foundational for future research aiming at better recognition and management of sleep problems in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, JHMI, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Howard F. Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Data Science, Columbia University Medical Center and NY State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tse-Hwei Choo
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Data Science, Columbia University Medical Center and NY State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Data Science, Columbia University Medical Center and NY State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Meng L, Kaufmann WE, Frye RE, Ong K, Kaminski JW, Velinov M, Berry-Kravis E. The association between mosaicism type and cognitive and behavioral functioning among males with fragile X syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:858-866. [PMID: 35148024 PMCID: PMC10948005 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mosaicism in fragile X syndrome (FXS) refers to two different FMR1 allele variations: size mosaicism represents different numbers of CGG repeats between the two alleles, such that in addition to a full mutation allele there is an allele in the normal or premutation range of CGG repeats, while methylation mosaicism indicates whether a full-mutation allele is fully or partially methylated. The present study explored the association between mosaicism type and cognitive and behavioral functioning in a large sample of males 3 years and older (n = 487) with FXS, participating in the Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database. Participants with methylation mosaicism were less severely cognitively affected as indicated by a less severe intellectual disability rating, higher intelligence quotient and adaptive behavior score, and lower social impairment score. In contrast, the presence of size mosaicism was not significantly associated with better cognitive and behavioral outcomes than full mutation. Our findings suggest that methylation mosaicism is associated with better cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior and less social impairment. Further research could assess to what extent these cognitive and behavioral differences depend on molecular diagnostic methods and the impact of mosaicism on prognosis of individuals with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Meng
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Katherine Ong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Kaminski
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Milen Velinov
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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13
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Shovlin S, Delepine C, Swanson L, Bach S, Sahin M, Sur M, Kaufmann WE, Tropea D. Molecular Signatures of Response to Mecasermin in Children With Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:868008. [PMID: 35712450 PMCID: PMC9197456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.868008] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder without effective treatments. Attempts at developing targetted therapies have been relatively unsuccessful, at least in part, because the genotypical and phenotypical variability of the disorder. Therefore, identification of biomarkers of response and patients' stratification are high priorities. Administration of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and related compounds leads to significant reversal of RTT-like symptoms in preclinical mouse models. However, improvements in corresponding clinical trials have not been consistent. A 20-weeks phase I open label trial of mecasermin (recombinant human IGF-1) in children with RTT demonstrated significant improvements in breathing phenotypes. However, a subsequent randomised controlled phase II trial did not show significant improvements in primary outcomes although two secondary clinical endpoints showed positive changes. To identify molecular biomarkers of response and surrogate endpoints, we used RNA sequencing to measure differential gene expression in whole blood samples of participants in the abovementioned phase I mecasermin trial. When all participants (n = 9) were analysed, gene expression was unchanged during the study (baseline vs. end of treatment, T0-T3). However, when participants were subclassified in terms of breathing phenotype improvement, specifically by their plethysmography-based apnoea index, individuals with moderate-severe apnoea and breathing improvement (Responder group) displayed significantly different transcript profiles compared to the other participants in the study (Mecasermin Study Reference group, MSR). Many of the differentially expressed genes are involved in the regulation of cell cycle processes and immune responses, as well as in IGF-1 signalling and breathing regulation. While the Responder group showed limited gene expression changes in response to mecasermin, the MSR group displayed marked differences in the expression of genes associated with inflammatory processes (e.g., neutrophil activation, complement activation) throughout the trial. Our analyses revealed gene expression profiles associated with severe breathing phenotype and its improvement after mecasermin administration in RTT, and suggest that inflammatory/immune pathways and IGF-1 signalling contribute to treatment response. Overall, these data support the notion that transcript profiles have potential as biomarkers of response to IGF-1 and related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chloe Delepine
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Simons Center for the Social Brain, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lindsay Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Snow Bach
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Simons Center for the Social Brain, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Dominick KC, Andrews HF, Kaufmann WE, Berry-Kravis E, Erickson CA. Psychotropic Drug Treatment Patterns in Persons with Fragile X Syndrome. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:659-669. [PMID: 34818076 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Psychiatric comorbidity is common in fragile X syndrome (FXS) and often addressed through pharmacological management. Here we examine data in the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD) to characterize specific symptoms being treated with psychotropic medication, patterns of medication use, as well as the influence of gender, intellectual disability (ID), age, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Methods: Data were drawn from the 975 participants who have a completed clinician form. We explored the frequency of psychotropic medication use for the following symptom clusters: attention, hyperactivity, anxiety, hypersensitivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood swings, irritability/agitation, aggression, and self-injury (IAAS). Results: A majority of participants (617 or 63.3%) were taking a psychotropic medication, including investigational drugs. Medications were often targeting multiple symptoms. Psychotropic medication use was more common in males, adolescents, and those with comorbid ID and ASD. Anxiety was the most frequently targeted symptom, followed by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and IAAS. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most frequently prescribed medication class among all patients (n = 266, 43%), followed by stimulants (n = 235, 38%), each with no gender difference. Antipsychotics were the third most frequently prescribed medication class (n = 205, 33%), and were more frequently prescribed to males and those with ID and ASD. Conclusions: Anxiety, attention and hyperactivity were the most common symptom targets for psychopharmacologic intervention in FXS. Our results support clinical knowledge that males with comorbid ASD and ID have a more severe presentation requiring more intervention including medications. These results highlight the need for examination of symptom overlap and interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli C Dominick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Howard F Andrews
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Sciences, and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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15
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Olson HE, Costantini JA, Swanson LC, Kaufmann WE, Benke TA, Fulton AB, Hansen R, Poduri A, Heidary G. Cerebral visual impairment in CDKL5 deficiency disorder: vision as an outcome measure. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:1308-1315. [PMID: 34028805 PMCID: PMC8782241 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To characterize the neuro-ophthalmological phenotype of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) and assess visual acuity as a reproducible, quantitative outcome measure. METHOD We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients with CDD. Complete neuro-ophthalmological assessments, including visual acuity, were evaluated. RESULTS Of 26 patients (22 females, four males; median age 4y, interquartile range 2y 1mo-7y 10mo), cerebral visual impairment (CVI), defined as visual dysfunction in the absence of ocular or anterior visual pathway abnormalities, was diagnosed in all those over 2 years of age. Ophthalmological examinations revealed nystagmus in 10 patients and strabismus in 24 patients. Visual acuity was measured in 24 patients, by preferential looking in all and by sweep visual evoked potential in 13. Visual acuities were lower than age expectations and demonstrated improvement in the first 3 years. Adjusting for age and sex, average preferential looking visual acuity after 2 years of age was higher in patients with intact mobility than in those who were non-mobile. INTERPRETATION CVI was observed in patients with CDD. Visual acuity improved over time and correlated with mobility. Visual acuity, as a quantifiable measure of visual function, should be considered as an outcome measure in pre-clinical and clinical studies for CDD. What this paper adds Cerebral visual impairment is highly prevalent in cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder (CDD). Visual acuity is a measurable quantitative outcome measure in CDD. Visual acuity in CDD correlates with gross motor ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Olson
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and
Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,CDKL5 Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Boston
Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia A. Costantini
- CDKL5 Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Boston
Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay C. Swanson
- CDKL5 Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Boston
Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of
Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Timothy A. Benke
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado
School of Medicine Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Pharmacology and
Otolaryngology, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anne B. Fulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and
Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gena Heidary
- CDKL5 Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Boston
Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s
Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Jain L, Oberman LM, Beamer L, Cascio L, May M, Srikanth S, Skinner C, Jones K, Allen B, Rogers C, Phelan K, Kaufmann WE, DuPont B, Sarasua SM, Boccuto L. Genetic and metabolic profiling of individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome presenting with seizures. Clin Genet 2021; 101:87-100. [PMID: 34664257 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14074] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) (OMIM*606232) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, autistic features, speech delay, minor dysmorphia, and seizures. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of seizures and the association with genetic and metabolic features since there has been little research related to seizures in PMS. For 57 individuals, seizure data was collected from caregiver interviews, genetic data from existing cytogenetic records and Sanger sequencing for nine 22q13 genes, and metabolic profiling from the Phenotype Mammalian MicroArray (PM-M) developed by Biolog. Results showed that 46% of individuals had seizures with the most common type being absence and grand-mal seizures. Seizures were most prevalent in individuals with pathogenic SHANK3 mutations (70%), those with deletion sizes >4 Mb (16%), and those with deletion sizes <4 Mb (71%) suggesting involvement of genes in addition to SHANK3. Additionally, a 3 Mb genomic region on 22q13.31 containing the gene TBC1D22A, was found to be significantly associated with seizure prevalence. A distinct metabolic profile was identified for individuals with PMS with seizures and suggested among other features a disrupted utilization of main energy sources using Biolog plates. The results of this study will be helpful for clinicians and families in anticipating seizures in these children and for researchers to identify candidate genes for the seizure phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Jain
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA.,School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Beamer
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Cascio
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Melanie May
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Cindy Skinner
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kelly Jones
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Bridgette Allen
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Curtis Rogers
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katy Phelan
- Genetics Laboratory, Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
| | - Barbara DuPont
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara M Sarasua
- School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA.,School of Nursing, Healthcare Genetics Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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17
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Veatch OJ, Malow BA, Lee HS, Knight A, Barrish JO, Neul JL, Lane JB, Skinner SA, Kaufmann WE, Miller JL, Driscoll DJ, Bird LM, Butler MG, Dykens EM, Gold JA, Kimonis V, Bacino CA, Tan WH, Kothare SV, Peters SU, Percy AK, Glaze DG. Evaluating Sleep Disturbances in Children With Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Syndromes. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 123:30-37. [PMID: 34388423 PMCID: PMC8429141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate sleep is important for proper neurodevelopment and positive health outcomes. Sleep disturbances are more prevalent in children with genetically determined neurodevelopmental syndromes compared with typically developing counterparts. We characterize sleep behavior in Rett (RTT), Angelman (AS), and Prader-Willi (PWS) syndromes to identify effective approaches for treating sleep problems in these populations. We compared sleep-related symptoms across individuals with these different syndromes with each other, and with typically developing controls. METHODS Children were recruited from the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network consortium registries; unaffected siblings were enrolled as related controls. For each participant, a parent completed multiple sleep questionnaires including Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (Sleep-Disordered Breathing), Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS Sleep data were analyzed from 714 participants, aged two to 18 years. Young children with AS had more reported sleep problems than children with RTT or PWS. Older children with RTT had more reported daytime sleepiness than those with AS or PWS. Finally, all individuals with RTT had more evidence of sleep-disordered breathing when compared with individuals with PWS. Notably, typically developing siblings were also reported to have sleep problems, except for sleep-related breathing disturbances, which were associated with each of the genetic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with RTT, AS, and PWS frequently experience sleep problems, including sleep-disordered breathing. Screening for sleep problems in individuals with these and other neurogenetic disorders should be included in clinical assessment and managements. These data may also be useful in developing treatment strategies and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Veatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
| | - Beth A Malow
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hye-Seung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aryn Knight
- Center for Clinical Research, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas
| | - Judy O Barrish
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Special Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jane B Lane
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan International Research Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Daniel J Driscoll
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lynne M Bird
- Division of Genetics and Dysmorphology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego/Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - Merlin G Butler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Elisabeth M Dykens
- Departments of Pediatrics and Special Education, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - June-Anne Gold
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Virginia Kimonis
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Carlos A Bacino
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Wen-Hann Tan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanjeev V Kothare
- Pediatric Sleep Program, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Sarika U Peters
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan International Research Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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18
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Reyes ST, Deacon RMJ, Guo SG, Altimiras FJ, Castillo JB, van der Wildt B, Morales AP, Park JH, Klamer D, Rosenberg J, Oberman LM, Rebowe N, Sprouse J, Missling CU, McCurdy CR, Cogram P, Kaufmann WE, Chin FT. Effects of the sigma-1 receptor agonist blarcamesine in a murine model of fragile X syndrome: neurobehavioral phenotypes and receptor occupancy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17150. [PMID: 34433831 PMCID: PMC8387417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a disorder of synaptic development and function, is the most prevalent genetic form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. FXS mouse models display clinically-relevant phenotypes, such as increased anxiety and hyperactivity. Despite their availability, so far advances in drug development have not yielded new treatments. Therefore, testing novel drugs that can ameliorate FXS' cognitive and behavioral impairments is imperative. ANAVEX2-73 (blarcamesine) is a sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist with a strong safety record and preliminary efficacy evidence in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Rett syndrome, other synaptic neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. S1R's role in calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, cellular functions related to synaptic function, makes blarcamesine a potential drug candidate for FXS. Administration of blarcamesine in 2-month-old FXS and wild type mice for 2 weeks led to normalization in two key neurobehavioral phenotypes: open field test (hyperactivity) and contextual fear conditioning (associative learning). Furthermore, there was improvement in marble-burying (anxiety, perseverative behavior). It also restored levels of BDNF, a converging point of many synaptic regulators, in the hippocampus. Positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo autoradiographic studies, using the highly selective S1R PET ligand [18F]FTC-146, demonstrated the drug's dose-dependent receptor occupancy. Subsequent analyses also showed a wide but variable brain regional distribution of S1Rs, which was preserved in FXS mice. Altogether, these neurobehavioral, biochemical, and imaging data demonstrates doses that yield measurable receptor occupancy are effective for improving the synaptic and behavioral phenotype in FXS mice. The present findings support the viability of S1R as a therapeutic target in FXS, and the clinical potential of blarcamesine in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha T Reyes
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Robert M J Deacon
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Santiago, Chile
- IEB, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | - Scarlett G Guo
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Francisco J Altimiras
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Engineering and Business, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jessa B Castillo
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Aimara P Morales
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jun Hyung Park
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Daniel Klamer
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Jarrett Rosenberg
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Center for Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nell Rebowe
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Patricia Cogram
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Santiago, Chile
- IEB, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., New York, NY, 10019, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Frederick T Chin
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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19
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Berry-Kravis E, Filipink RA, Frye RE, Golla S, Morris SM, Andrews H, Choo TH, Kaufmann WE. Seizures in Fragile X Syndrome: Associations and Longitudinal Analysis of a Large Clinic-Based Cohort. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:736255. [PMID: 35036394 PMCID: PMC8756611 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.736255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, learning disability, and autism spectrum disorder, is associated with an increased prevalence of certain medical conditions including seizures. The goal of this study was to better understand seizures in individuals with FXS using the Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database, a multisite observational study initiated in 2012 involving FXS clinics in the Fragile X Clinic and Research Consortium. Seizure data were available for 1,607 participants, mostly male (77%) and white (74.5%). The overall prevalence of at least one seizure was 12%, with this rate being significantly higher in males than females (13.7 vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001). As compared to individuals with FXS without seizures, those with seizures were more likely to have autism spectrum disorder, current sleep apnea, later acquisition of expressive language, more severe intellectual disability, hyperactivity, irritability, and stereotyped movements. The mean age of seizure onset was 6.4 (SD 6.1) years of age with the great majority (>80%) having onset of seizures which was before 10. For those with epilepsy, about half (52%) had seizures for more than 3 years. This group was found to have greater cognitive and language impairment, but not behavioral disruptions, compared with those with seizures for <3 years. Antiepileptic drugs were more often used in males (60.6%) than females (34.8%), and females more often required more than one medication. The most commonly used anticonvulsants were oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. The current study is the largest and first longitudinal study ever conducted to describe seizures in FXS. Overall, this study confirms previous reports of seizures in FXS and extends previous findings by further defining the cognitive and behavioral phenotype of those with epilepsy in FXS. Future studies should further investigate the natural history of seizures in FXS and the characteristics of seizures in FXS in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robyn A Filipink
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sailaja Golla
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Department of Neurology, Thompson Autism Center, Children's Hospital of California, University of Irvine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie M Morris
- Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Howard Andrews
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tse-Hwei Choo
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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20
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Raspa M, Bann CM, Gwaltney A, Benke TA, Fu C, Glaze DG, Haas R, Heydemann P, Jones M, Kaufmann WE, Lieberman D, Marsh E, Peters S, Ryther R, Standridge S, Skinner SA, Percy AK, Neul JL. A Psychometric Evaluation of the Motor-Behavioral Assessment Scale for Use as an Outcome Measure in Rett Syndrome Clinical Trials. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil 2020; 125:493-509. [PMID: 33211820 PMCID: PMC7778880 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-125.6.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects females. Recent work indicates the potential for disease modifying therapies. However, there remains a need to develop outcome measures for use in clinical trials. Using data from a natural history study (n = 1,075), we examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the clinician-reported Motor Behavior Assessment scale (MBA). The analysis resulted in a five-factor model: (1) motor dysfunction, (2) functional skills, (3) social skills, (4) aberrant behavior, and (5) respiratory behaviors. Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses demonstrated that all items had acceptable discrimination. The revised MBA subscales showed a positive relationship with parent reported items, age, and a commonly used measure of clinical severity in RTT, and mutation type. Further work is needed to evaluate this measure longitudinally and to add items related to the RTT phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Raspa
- Melissa Raspa, Carla M. Bann, and Angela Gwaltney, RTI International
| | - Carla M Bann
- Melissa Raspa, Carla M. Bann, and Angela Gwaltney, RTI International
| | - Angela Gwaltney
- Melissa Raspa, Carla M. Bann, and Angela Gwaltney, RTI International
| | | | - Cary Fu
- Cary Fu, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
| | | | - Richard Haas
- Richard Haas, University of California San Diego
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Marsh
- David Lieberman and Eric Marsh, Children's Hospital Boston
| | | | - Robin Ryther
- Robin Ryther, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Alan K Percy
- Alan K. Percy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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21
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Oberman LM, Downs J, Cianfaglione R, Leonard H, Kaufmann WE. Assessment of a Clinical Trial Metric for Rett Syndrome: Critical Analysis of the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire. Pediatr Neurol 2020; 111:4. [PMID: 32951657 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rina Cianfaglione
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York.
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22
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Budimirovic DB, Schlageter A, Filipovic-Sadic S, Protic DD, Bram E, Mahone EM, Nicholson K, Culp K, Javanmardi K, Kemppainen J, Hadd A, Sharp K, Adayev T, LaFauci G, Dobkin C, Zhou L, Brown WT, Berry-Kravis E, Kaufmann WE, Latham GJ. A Genotype-Phenotype Study of High-Resolution FMR1 Nucleic Acid and Protein Analyses in Fragile X Patients with Neurobehavioral Assessments. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E694. [PMID: 33008014 PMCID: PMC7601415 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by silencing of the FMR1 gene, which encodes a protein with a critical role in synaptic plasticity. The molecular abnormality underlying FMR1 silencing, CGG repeat expansion, is well characterized; however, delineation of the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein using biosamples from well characterized patients with FXS is limited. Since FXS is a common and prototypical genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a comprehensive assessment of the FMR1 DNA-RNA-protein pathway and its correlations with the neurobehavioral phenotype is a priority. We applied nine sensitive and quantitative assays evaluating FMR1 DNA, RNA, and FMRP parameters to a reference set of cell lines representing the range of FMR1 expansions. We then used the most informative of these assays on blood and buccal specimens from cohorts of patients with different FMR1 expansions, with emphasis on those with FXS (N = 42 total, N = 31 with FMRP measurements). The group with FMRP data was also evaluated comprehensively in terms of its neurobehavioral profile, which allowed molecular-neurobehavioral correlations. FMR1 CGG repeat expansions, methylation levels, and FMRP levels, in both cell lines and blood samples, were consistent with findings of previous FMR1 genomic and protein studies. They also demonstrated a high level of agreement between blood and buccal specimens. These assays further corroborated previous reports of the relatively high prevalence of methylation mosaicism (slightly over 50% of the samples). Molecular-neurobehavioral correlations confirmed the inverse relationship between overall severity of the FXS phenotype and decrease in FMRP levels (N = 26 males, mean 4.2 ± 3.3 pg FMRP/ng genomic DNA). Other intriguing findings included a significant relationship between the diagnosis of FXS with ASD and two-fold lower levels of FMRP (mean 2.8 ± 1.3 pg FMRP/ng genomic DNA, p = 0.04), in particular observed in younger age- and IQ-adjusted males (mean age 6.9 ± 0.9 years with mean 3.2 ± 1.2 pg FMRP/ng genomic DNA, 57% with severe ASD), compared to FXS without ASD. Those with severe ID had even lower FMRP levels independent of ASD status in the male-only subset. The results underscore the link between FMR1 expansion, gene methylation, and FMRP deficit. The association between FMRP deficiency and overall severity of the neurobehavioral phenotype invites follow up studies in larger patient cohorts. They would be valuable to confirm and potentially extend our initial findings of the relationship between ASD and other neurobehavioral features and the magnitude of FMRP deficit. Molecular profiling of individuals with FXS may have important implications in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Annette Schlageter
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Stela Filipovic-Sadic
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Dragana D. Protic
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eran Bram
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - E. Mark Mahone
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Kimberly Nicholson
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Kristen Culp
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Kamyab Javanmardi
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Jon Kemppainen
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrew Hadd
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Kevin Sharp
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Tatyana Adayev
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (T.A.); (G.L.); (C.D.); (W.T.B.)
| | - Giuseppe LaFauci
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (T.A.); (G.L.); (C.D.); (W.T.B.)
| | - Carl Dobkin
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (T.A.); (G.L.); (C.D.); (W.T.B.)
| | - Lili Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - William Ted Brown
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; (T.A.); (G.L.); (C.D.); (W.T.B.)
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (E.B.-K.)
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gary J. Latham
- Asuragen, Inc., Austin, TX 78744, USA; (A.S.); (S.F.-S.); (E.B.); (K.N.); (K.C.); (K.J.); (J.K.); (A.H.)
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23
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Luu S, Province H, Berry-Kravis E, Hagerman R, Hessl D, Vaidya D, Lozano R, Rosselot H, Erickson C, Kaufmann WE, Budimirovic DB. Response to Placebo in Fragile X Syndrome Clinical Trials: An Initial Analysis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E629. [PMID: 32932789 PMCID: PMC7563217 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with FXS often present with a wide range of cognitive deficits and problem behaviors. Educational, behavioral and pharmacological interventions are used to manage these and other complex issues affecting individuals with FXS. Despite the success of preclinical models and early-phase drug clinical studies in FXS, large-scale randomized-controlled trials have failed to meet primary endpoints. Currently, no targeted or disease-modifying treatments for FXS have received regulatory approval. Here, we examined the placebo response in FXS clinical trials conducted between 2006 and 2018. Specifically, we performed a meta-analysis of placebo-treated groups in eight double-blind, randomized controlled trials. Placebo groups demonstrated significant improvements on caregiver-rated efficacy endpoints, which were greater in adolescents and adults than in children. Among the latter measures, the Visual Analog Scale scores displayed the greatest improvements, whereas the positive effects on the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Composite and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community/fragile X version were statistically significant in both children and adolescents/adults. Although the Clinical Global Impression scale Improvement appears to have exhibited a substantial placebo effect in multiple clinical trials in FXS, limited data availability for meta-analysis, prevented us from drawing conclusions. No placebo-related improvements were observed in performance-rated measures. These findings raise substantial concerns about placebo effects in outcome measures commonly used in the randomized-controlled trials in FXS and suggest several potential improvements in the study design and implementation of such trials. Considering the small number of trials available for this study, larger and more detailed follow up meta-analyses are needed. Meanwhile, efforts to improve the measurement properties of endpoints and rater training in drug trials in FXS should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar Luu
- Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA;
| | - Haley Province
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E. Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 718, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | | | - Craig Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Kennedy Krieger Institute/The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1741 Ashland Ave, Rm 241, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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24
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Kaufmann WE. Long QT interval in Rett syndrome: expanding the knowledge of a poorly understood phenomenon. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:775. [PMID: 31985047 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Anavex Life Sciences Corp., New York, NY, USA
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25
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Hampel H, Williams C, Etcheto A, Goodsaid F, Parmentier F, Sallantin J, Kaufmann WE, Missling CU, Afshar M. A precision medicine framework using artificial intelligence for the identification and confirmation of genomic biomarkers of response to an Alzheimer's disease therapy: Analysis of the blarcamesine (ANAVEX2-73) Phase 2a clinical study. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2020; 6:e12013. [PMID: 32318621 PMCID: PMC7167374 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The search for drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) has failed to yield effective therapies. Here we report the first genome-wide search for biomarkers associated with therapeutic response in AD. Blarcamesine (ANAVEX2-73), a selective sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) agonist, was studied in a 57-week Phase 2a trial (NCT02244541). The study was extended for a further 208 weeks (NCT02756858) after meeting its primary safety endpoint. METHODS Safety, clinical features, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy, measured by changes in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living scale (ADCS-ADL), were recorded. Whole exome and transcriptome sequences were obtained for 21 patients. The relationship between all available patient data and efficacy outcome measures was analyzed with unsupervised formal concept analysis (FCA), integrated in the Knowledge Extraction and Management (KEM) environment. RESULTS Biomarkers with a significant impact on clinical outcomes were identified at week 57: mean plasma concentration of blarcamesine (slope MMSE:P < .041), genomic variants SIGMAR1 p.Gln2Pro (ΔMMSE:P < .039; ΔADCS-ADL:P < .063) and COMT p.Leu146fs (ΔMMSE:P < .039; ΔADCS-ADL:P < .063), and baseline MMSE score (slope MMSE:P < .015). Their combined impact on drug response was confirmed at week 148 with linear mixed effect models. DISCUSSION Confirmatory Phase 2b/3 clinical studies of these patient selection markers are ongoing. This FCA/KEM analysis is a template for the identification of patient selection markers in early therapeutic development for neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne UniversityGRC n° 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM)AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalBoulevard de l'hôpitalParisFrance
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean Sallantin
- Laboratoire d'Intelligence ArtificielleLIRMM, CNRSMontpellierFrance
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp.New YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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26
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Neul JL, Skinner SA, Annese F, Lane J, Heydemann P, Jones M, Kaufmann WE, Glaze DG, Percy AK. Metabolic Signatures Differentiate Rett Syndrome From Unaffected Siblings. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:7. [PMID: 32161522 PMCID: PMC7052375 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT, OMIM 312750), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by regression with loss of spoken language and hand skills, development of characteristic hand stereotypies, and gait dysfunction, is primarily caused by de novo mutations in the X-linked gene Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Currently, treatment options are limited to symptomatic management, however, reversal of disease phenotype is possible in mouse models by restoration of normal MECP2 gene expression. A significant challenge is the lack of biomarkers of disease state, disease severity, or treatment response. Using a non-targeted metabolomic approach we evaluated metabolite profiles in plasma from thirty-four people with RTT compared to thirty-seven unaffected age- and gender-matched siblings. We identified sixty-six significantly altered metabolites that cluster broadly into amino acid, nitrogen handling, and exogenous substance pathways. RTT disease metabolite and metabolic pathways abnormalities point to evidence of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations in gut microflora. These observed changes provide insight into underlying pathological mechanisms and the foundation for biomarker discovery of disease severity biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Fran Annese
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, United States
| | - Jane Lane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Mary Jones
- Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Alan K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Oberman LM, Kaufmann WE. Autism Spectrum Disorder Versus Autism Spectrum Disorders: Terminology, Concepts, and Clinical Practice. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:484. [PMID: 32636765 PMCID: PMC7317665 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Kaufmann WE, Sprouse J, Rebowe N, Hanania T, Klamer D, Missling CU. ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), a Sigma-1 receptor agonist, ameliorates neurologic impairments in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 187:172796. [PMID: 31704481 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated in most cases with mutations in the transcriptional regulator MECP2. At present, there are no effective treatments for the disorder. Despite recent advances in RTT genetics and neurobiology, most drug development programs have focused on compounds targeting the IGF-1 pathway and no pivotal trial has been completed as yet. Thus, testing novel drugs that can ameliorate RTT's clinical manifestations is a high priority. ANAVEX2-73 (blarcamesine) is a Sigma-1 receptor agonist and muscarinic receptor modulator with a strong safety record and preliminary evidence of efficacy in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Its role in calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, cellular functions that underlie pathological processes and compensatory mechanisms in RTT, makes blarcamesine an intriguing drug candidate for this disorder. Mice deficient in MeCP2 have a range of physiological and neurological abnormalities that mimic the human syndrome. We tested blarcamesine in female heterozygous mice carrying one null allele of Mecp2 (HET) using a two-tier approach, with age-appropriate tests. Administration of the drug to younger and older adult mice resulted in improvement in multiple motor, sensory, and autonomic phenotypes of relevance to RTT. The latter included motor coordination and balance, acoustic and visual responses, hindlimb clasping, and apnea in expiration. In line with previous animal and human studies, blarcamesine also showed a good safety profile in this mouse model of RTT. Clinical studies in RTT with blarcamesine are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., 51 West 52nd Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322.
| | - Jeffrey Sprouse
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., 51 West 52nd Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Nell Rebowe
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., 51 West 52nd Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Taleen Hanania
- PsychoGenics Inc., 215 College Road, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
| | - Daniel Klamer
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp., 51 West 52nd Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019, USA
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Banerjee A, Miller MT, Li K, Sur M, Kaufmann WE. Towards a better diagnosis and treatment of Rett syndrome: a model synaptic disorder. Brain 2019; 142:239-248. [PMID: 30649225 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent 50th anniversary of the first publication on Rett syndrome, and the almost 20 years since the first report on the link between Rett syndrome and MECP2 mutations, it is important to reflect on the tremendous advances in our understanding and their implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Rett syndrome features an interesting challenge for biologists and clinicians, as the disorder lies at the intersection of molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and neurophysiological alterations in synapses and circuits that together contribute to severe pathophysiological endophenotypes. Genetic, clinical, and neurobiological evidences support the notion that Rett syndrome is primarily a synaptic disorder, and a disease model for both intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. This review examines major developments in both recent neurobiological and preclinical findings of Rett syndrome, and to what extent they are beginning to impact our understanding and management of the disorder. It also discusses potential applications of knowledge on synaptic plasticity abnormalities in Rett syndrome to its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Banerjee
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Keji Li
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA, USA
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Demarest S, Pestana-Knight EM, Olson HE, Downs J, Marsh ED, Kaufmann WE, Partridge CA, Leonard H, Gwadry-Sridhar F, Frame KE, Cross JH, Chin RFM, Parikh S, Panzer A, Weisenberg J, Utley K, Jaksha A, Amin S, Khwaja O, Devinsky O, Neul JL, Percy AK, Benke TA. Severity Assessment in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 97:38-42. [PMID: 31147226 PMCID: PMC6659999 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologic mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 cause CDKL5 deficiency disorder, a genetic syndrome associated with severe epilepsy and cognitive, motor, visual, and autonomic disturbances. This disorder is a relatively common genetic cause of early-life epilepsy. A specific severity assessment is lacking, required to monitor the clinical course and needed to define the natural history and for clinical trial readiness. METHODS A severity assessment was developed based on clinical and research experience from the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research Centers of Excellence consortium and the National Institutes of Health Rett and Rett-Related Disorders Natural History Study consortium. An initial draft severity assessment was presented and reviewed at the annual CDKL5 Forum meeting (Boston, 2017). Subsequently it was iterated through four cycles of a modified Delphi process by a group of clinicians, researchers, industry, patient advisory groups, and parents familiar with this disorder until consensus was achieved. The revised version of the severity assessment was presented for review, comment, and piloting to families at the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research-sponsored family meeting (Colorado, 2018). Final revisions were based on this additional input. RESULTS The final severity assessment comprised 51 items that comprehensively describe domains of epilepsy; motor; cognition, behavior, vision, and speech; and autonomic functions. Parental ratings of therapy effectiveness and child and family functioning are also included. CONCLUSIONS A severity assessment was rapidly developed with input from multiple stakeholders. Refinement through ongoing validation is required for future clinical trials. The consensus methods employed for the development of severity assessment may be applicable to similar rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Demarest
- Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elia M Pestana-Knight
- Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute Cleveland, Ohio; Epilepsy Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Heather E Olson
- Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- M.I.N.D. Institute, Department of Neurology, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, California; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Helen Leonard
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Femida Gwadry-Sridhar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario and Pulse Infoframe, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - J Helen Cross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & NIHR GOSH BRC, London, UK
| | - Richard F M Chin
- University of Edinburgh and Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Judith Weisenberg
- Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy Section, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Karen Utley
- International Foundation for CDKL5 Research, Wadwsorth, Ohio
| | - Amanda Jaksha
- International Foundation for CDKL5 Research, Wadwsorth, Ohio
| | | | - Omar Khwaja
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development NORD, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Jeffery L Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Pediatrics, Neurology, Neurobiology, Genetics, and Psychology, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Tim A Benke
- Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Neurology, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Otolaryngology, Aurora, Colorado.
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Sanfeliu A, Kaufmann WE, Gill M, Guasoni P, Tropea D. Transcriptomic Studies in Mouse Models of Rett Syndrome: A Review. Neuroscience 2019; 413:183-205. [PMID: 31229631 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder mainly associated with mutations in the X-linked gene coding for the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2). To assist in studying MECP2's function, researchers have generated Mecp2 mouse mutants showing that MECP2's product (MeCP2) mostly functions as a transcriptional regulator. During the last two decades, these models have been used to determine the genes that are regulated by MeCP2, slowly dissecting the etiological mechanisms underlying RTT. In the present review, we describe the findings of these transcriptomic studies, and highlight differences between them, and discuss how studies on these genetic models can sharpen our understanding of the human disorder. We conclude that - while there's large variability regarding the number of differentially expressed genes identified - there are overlapping features that inform on the biology of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Sanfeliu
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, School of Medicine, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, St James Hospital D8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Michael Gill
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, School of Medicine, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, St James Hospital D8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paolo Guasoni
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, School of Medicine, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, St James Hospital D8, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Lloyd Building, D2, Dublin, Ireland.
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Stallworth JL, Dy ME, Buchanan CB, Chen CF, Scott AE, Glaze DG, Lane JB, Lieberman DN, Oberman LM, Skinner SA, Tierney AE, Cutter GR, Percy AK, Neul JL, Kaufmann WE. Hand stereotypies: Lessons from the Rett Syndrome Natural History Study. Neurology 2019; 92:e2594-e2603. [PMID: 31053667 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize hand stereotypies (HS) in a large cohort of participants with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHODS Data from 1,123 girls and women enrolled in the RTT Natural History Study were gathered. Standard tests for continuous and categorical variables were used at baseline. For longitudinal data, we used repeated-measures linear and logistic regression models and nonparametric tests. RESULTS HS were reported in 922 participants with classic RTT (100%), 73 with atypical severe RTT (97.3%), 74 with atypical mild RTT (96.1%), and 17 females with MECP2 mutations without RTT (34.7%). Individuals with RTT who had classic presentation or severe MECP2 mutations had higher frequency and earlier onset of HS. Heterogeneity of HS types was confirmed, but variety decreased over time. At baseline, almost half of the participants with RTT had hand mouthing, which like clapping/tapping, decreased over time. These 2 HS types were more frequently reported than wringing/washing. Increased HS severity (prevalence and frequency) was associated with worsened measures of hand function. Number and type of HS were not related to hand function. Overall clinical severity was worse with decreased hand function but only weakly related to any HS characteristic. While hand function decreased over time, prevalence and frequency of HS remained relatively unchanged and high. CONCLUSIONS Nearly all individuals with RTT have severe and multiple types of HS, with mouthing and clapping/tapping decreasing over time. Interaction between HS frequency and hand function is complex. Understanding the natural history of HS in RTT could assist in clinical care and evaluation of new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stallworth
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marisela E Dy
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Caroline B Buchanan
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Chin-Fu Chen
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alexandra E Scott
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jane B Lane
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David N Lieberman
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Steven A Skinner
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Aubin E Tierney
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gary R Cutter
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alan K Percy
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- From the Greenwood Genetic Center (J.L.S., C.B.B., C.-F.C., A.E.S., S.A.S., A.E.T., W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, SC; Department of Neurology (M.E.D., D.N.L.), Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Civitan International Research Center (J.B.L.), School of Public Health (G.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (L.M.O.), E.P. Bradley Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology (A.K.P.), Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (J.L.N.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (W.E.K.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Human Genetics (W.E.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
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Glaze DG, Neul JL, Kaufmann WE, Berry-Kravis E, Condon S, Stoms G, Oosterholt S, Della Pasqua O, Glass L, Jones NE, Percy AK. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of trofinetide in pediatric Rett syndrome. Neurology 2019; 92:e1912-e1925. [PMID: 30918097 PMCID: PMC6550498 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of trofinetide and evaluate its efficacy in female children/adolescents with Rett syndrome (RTT), a debilitating neurodevelopmental condition for which no pharmacotherapies directed at core features are available. METHODS This was a phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, in which safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and clinical response to trofinetide were characterized in 82 children/adolescents with RTT, aged 5 to 15 years. Sixty-two participants were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive placebo twice a day (bid) for 14 days, followed by placebo, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg bid of trofinetide for 42 days. Following blinded safety data review, 20 additional participants were randomized 1:1 to the 200 mg/kg or placebo bid groups. Safety assessments included adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, physical examinations, and concomitant medications. Clinician- and caregiver-based efficacy measurements assessed clinically relevant, phenotypic dimensions of impairment of RTT. RESULTS All dose levels were well tolerated and generally safe. Trofinetide at 200 mg/kg bid showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements relative to placebo on the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire, RTT-Clinician Domain Specific Concerns-Visual Analog Scale, and Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement. Exploratory analyses suggested that observed changes correlated with trofinetide exposure. CONCLUSION These results, together with those from a previous adolescent/adult trial, indicate trofinetide's potential for treating core RTT symptoms and support further trials. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that for children/adolescents with RTT, trofinetide was safe, well-tolerated, and demonstrated improvement over placebo at 200 mg/kg bid in functionally important dimensions of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Glaze
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sean Condon
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - George Stoms
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sean Oosterholt
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Oscar Della Pasqua
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Larry Glass
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Nancy E Jones
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN.
| | - Alan K Percy
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (D.G.G.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurosciences (J.L.N.), University of California, San Diego; Greenwood Genetic Center (W.E.K.), Center for Translational Research, Greenwood, SC; Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry (E.B.K.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;Vital Systems, Inc. (S.C., G.S.), Rolling Meadows, IL; Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Group (S.O., O.D.P.), University College London, UK; Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (L.G., N.E.J.), Camberwell, VIC, Australia; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.P.), Division of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. J.L.N. is currently affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN
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Peters SU, Fu C, Suter B, Marsh E, Benke TA, Skinner SA, Lieberman DN, Standridge S, Jones M, Beisang A, Feyma T, Heydeman P, Ryther R, Kaufmann WE, Glaze DG, Neul JL, Percy AK. Characterizing the phenotypic effect of Xq28 duplication size in MECP2 duplication syndrome. Clin Genet 2019; 95:575-581. [PMID: 30788845 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) duplication syndrome (MDS) have varying degrees of severity in their mobility, hand use, developmental skills, and susceptibility to infections. In the present study, we examine the relationship between duplication size, gene content, and overall phenotype in MDS using a clinical severity scale. Other genes typically duplicated within Xq28 (eg, GDI1, RAB39B, FLNA) are associated with distinct clinical features independent of MECP2. We additionally compare the phenotype of this cohort (n = 48) to other reported cohorts with MDS. Utilizing existing indices of clinical severity in Rett syndrome, we found that larger duplication size correlates with higher severity in total clinical severity scores (r = 0.36; P = 0.02), and in total motor behavioral assessment inventory scores (r = 0.31; P = 0.05). Greater severity was associated with having the RAB39B gene duplicated, although most of these participants also had large duplications. Results suggest that developmental delays in the first 6 months of life, hypotonia, vasomotor disturbances, constipation, drooling, and bruxism are common in MDS. This is the first study to show that duplication size is related to clinical severity. Future studies should examine whether large duplications which do not encompass RAB39B also contribute to clinical severity. Results also suggest the need for creating an MDS specific severity scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika U Peters
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cary Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Eric Marsh
- Division of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - David N Lieberman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shannon Standridge
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mary Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, California
| | - Arthur Beisang
- Department of Pediatrics, Gilette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, Minnesota
| | - Timothy Feyma
- Department of Pediatrics, Gilette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, Minnesota
| | - Peter Heydeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robin Ryther
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Daniel G Glaze
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alan K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Neul JL, Benke TA, Marsh ED, Skinner SA, Merritt J, Lieberman DN, Standridge S, Feyma T, Heydemann P, Peters S, Ryther R, Jones M, Suter B, Kaufmann WE, Glaze DG, Percy AK. The array of clinical phenotypes of males with mutations in Methyl-CpG binding protein 2. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:55-67. [PMID: 30536762 PMCID: PMC6488031 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 are associated with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, Rett syndrome (RTT), primarily in girls. It had been suspected that mutations in Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) led to embryonic lethality in males, however such males have been reported. To enhance understanding of the phenotypic spectrum present in these individuals, we identified 30 males with MECP2 mutations in the RTT Natural History Study databases. A wide phenotypic spectrum was observed, ranging from severe neonatal encephalopathy to cognitive impairment. Two males with a somatic mutation in MECP2 had classic RTT. Of the remaining 28 subjects, 16 had RTT-causing MECP2 mutations, 9 with mutations that are not seen in females with RTT but are likely pathogenic, and 3 with uncertain variants. Two subjects with RTT-causing mutations were previously diagnosed as having atypical RTT; however, careful review of the clinical history determined that an additional 12/28 subjects met criteria for atypical RTT, but with more severe clinical presentation and course, and less distinctive RTT features, than females with RTT, leading to the designation of a new diagnostic entity, male RTT encephalopathy. Increased awareness of the clinical spectrum and widespread comprehensive genomic testing in boys with neurodevelopmental problems will lead to improved identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center,University of California, San Diego,Co-corresponding authors: Jeffrey Neul, PMB 40, 230 Appleton Place, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203-5721, Telephone: 615-322-8242, Facsimile: , Alan Percy, 1720 2 Avenue South, CIRC 320E, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0021, Telephone: 205-996-4927, Facsimile: 205-975-6330,
| | | | - Eric D. Marsh
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jonathan Merritt
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center,University of California, San Diego
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Jones
- University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
| | | | | | - Daniel G. Glaze
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center,University of California, San Diego
| | - Alan K. Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham,Co-corresponding authors: Jeffrey Neul, PMB 40, 230 Appleton Place, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203-5721, Telephone: 615-322-8242, Facsimile: , Alan Percy, 1720 2 Avenue South, CIRC 320E, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0021, Telephone: 205-996-4927, Facsimile: 205-975-6330,
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Tarquinio DC, Hou W, Neul JL, Berkmen GK, Drummond J, Aronoff E, Harris J, Lane JB, Kaufmann WE, Motil KJ, Glaze DG, Skinner SA, Percy AK. The course of awake breathing disturbances across the lifespan in Rett syndrome. Brain Dev 2018; 40:515-529. [PMID: 29657083 PMCID: PMC6026556 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, is associated with a peculiar breathing disturbance exclusively during wakefulness that is distressing, and can even prompt emergency resuscitation. Through the RTT Natural History Study, we characterized cross sectional and longitudinal characteristics of awake breathing abnormalities in RTT and identified associated clinical features. Participants were recruited from 2006 to 2015, and cumulative lifetime prevalence of breathing dysfunction was determined using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression. Of 1205 participants, 1185 had sufficient data for analysis, including 922 females with classic RTT, 778 of whom were followed longitudinally for up to 9.0 years, for a total of 3944 person-years. Participants with classic or atypical severe RTT were more likely to have breathing dysfunction (nearly 100% over the lifespan) compared to those with atypical mild RTT (60-70%). Remission was common, lasting 1 year on average, with 15% ending the study in terminal remission. Factors associated with higher odds of severe breathing dysfunction included poor gross and fine motor function, frequency of stereotypical hand movements, seizure frequency, prolonged corrected QT interval on EKG, and two quality of life metrics: caregiver concern about physical health and contracting illness. Factors associated with lower prevalence of severe breathing dysfunction included higher body mass index and head circumference Z-scores, advanced age, and severe scoliosis or contractures. Awake breathing dysfunction is common in RTT, more so than seizures, and is associated with function, quality of life and risk for cardiac dysrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Tarquinio
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Norcross, GA
| | - Wei Hou
- Statistical analysis, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY
| | | | - Gamze Kilic Berkmen
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Norcross, GA
| | - Jana Drummond
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Norcross, GA
| | - Elizabeth Aronoff
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Norcross, GA
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O'Leary HM, Mayor JM, Kaufmann WE, Sahin M. Classification of respiratory disturbances in Rett Syndrome patients using Restricted Boltzmann Machine. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018; 2017:442-445. [PMID: 29059905 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2017.8036857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause pervasive wakeful respiratory disturbances that include tachypnea, breath-holding, and central apnea. Quantitative analysis of these respiratory disturbances in RTT is considered a promising outcome measure for clinical trials. Currently, machine learning methodologies have not been employed to automate the classification of RTT respiratory disturbances. In this paper, we propose using temporal, flow, and autocorrelation features taken from the respiratory inductance plethsymography chest signal. We tested the performance of six classifiers including: Support Vector Machine, Restricted-Boltzmann-Machine, Back-propagation, Levenberg-Marquardt, and Decision-Fusion. We evaluate this classification in two modalities: (1) a subject-independent modality (leave-one-subject-out) obtaining the best F1 score in 93.67%, and (2) a trial-independent modality (leave-one-trial-out per subject) obtaining the best F1 score in 78.21%.
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O'Leary HM, Kaufmann WE, Barnes KV, Rakesh K, Kapur K, Tarquinio DC, Cantwell NG, Roche KJ, Rose SA, Walco AC, Bruck NM, Bazin GA, Holm IA, Alexander ME, Swanson LC, Baczewski LM, Poon C, Mayor Torres JM, Nelson CA, Sahin M. Placebo-controlled crossover assessment of mecasermin for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:323-332. [PMID: 29560377 PMCID: PMC5846450 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To measure the efficacy of mecasermin (recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1, rhIGF-1), for treating symptoms of Rett syndrome (RTT) in a pediatric population using a double-blind crossover study design. Methods Thirty girls with classic RTT in postregression stage were randomly assigned to placebo or rhIGF-1 in treatment period 1 and crossed over to the opposite assignment for period 2 (both 20 weeks), separated by a 28-week washout period. The primary endpoints were as follows: Anxiety Depression and Mood Scale (ADAMS) Social Avoidance subscale, Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) Fear/Anxiety subscale, Parent Target Symptom Visual Analog Scale (PTSVAS) top three concerns, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Parent Global Impression (PGI), and the Kerr severity scale. Cardiorespiratory- and electroencephalography (EEG)-based biomarkers were also analyzed. Results There were no significant differences between randomization groups. The majority of AEs were mild to moderate, although 12 episodes of serious AEs occurred. The Kerr severity scale, ADAMS Depressed Mood subscale, Visual Analog Scale Hyperventilation, and delta average power change scores significantly increased, implying worsening of symptoms. Electroencephalography (EEG) parameters also deteriorated. A secondary analysis of subjects who were not involved in a placebo recall confirmed most of these findings. However, it also revealed improvements on a measure of stereotypic behavior and another of social communication. Interpretation As in the phase 1 trial, rhIGF-1 was safe; however, the drug did not reveal significant improvement, and some parameters worsened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M O'Leary
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | | | - Katherine V Barnes
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Kshitiz Rakesh
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | | | - Nicole G Cantwell
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Katherine J Roche
- Division of Developmental Medicine Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Suzanne A Rose
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Alexandra C Walco
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Natalie M Bruck
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Grace A Bazin
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Ingrid A Holm
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115.,Division of Genetics and Genomics and the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Mark E Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Cardiology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Lindsay C Swanson
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Lauren M Baczewski
- Division of Developmental Medicine Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | | | - Juan M Mayor Torres
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science University of Trento Trento Italy.,Department of Psychology Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York 11794
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115.,Translational Neuroscience Center Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts 02115
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Clarkson T, LeBlanc J, DeGregorio G, Vogel-Farley V, Barnes K, Kaufmann WE, Nelson CA. Adapting the Mullen Scales of Early Learning for a Standardized Measure of Development in Children With Rett Syndrome. Intellect Dev Disabil 2017; 55:419-431. [PMID: 29194024 DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-55.6.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is characterized by severe impairment in fine motor (FM) and expressive language (EL) function, making accurate evaluations of development difficult with standardized assessm ents. In this study, the administration and scoring of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) were adapted to eliminate the confounding effects of FM and EL impairments in assessing development. Forty-seven girls with RTT were assessed with the Adapted-MSEL (MSEL-A), a subset (n = 30) was also assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition (Vineland-II) and a further subset (n = 17) was assessed using an eye-tracking version of the MSEL (MSEL-ET). Participants performed better on the visual reception (VR) and receptive language (RL) domains compared to the FM and EL domains on the MSEL-A. Individual performance on each domain was independent of other domains. Corresponding MSEL-A and Vineland-II domains were significantly correlated. The MSEL-ET was as accurate as the MSEL-A in assessing VR and RL, yet took a 44% less time. Results suggested that the MSEL-A and the MSEL-ET could be viable measures for accurately assessing developmental domains in children with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Clarkson
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Jocelyn LeBlanc
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Geneva DeGregorio
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Vanessa Vogel-Farley
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine Barnes
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Tessa Clarkson, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Geneva DeGregorio, Vanessa Vogel-Farley, and Katherine Barnes, Boston Children's Hospital, MA; Walter E. Kaufmann, Boston Children's Hospital, MA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and Charles A. Nelson, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
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Dy ME, Waugh JL, Sharma N, O’Leary H, Kapur K, D’Gama AM, Sahin M, Urion DK, Kaufmann WE. Defining Hand Stereotypies in Rett Syndrome: A Movement Disorders Perspective. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 75:91-95. [PMID: 28838622 PMCID: PMC5624791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hand stereotypies (HS) are a primary diagnostic criterion for Rett syndrome (RTT) but are difficult to characterize and quantify systematically. METHODS We collected video on 27 girls (2-12 years of age) with classic RTT who participated in a mecasermin trial. The present study focused exclusively on video analyses, by reviewing two five-minute windows per subject to identify the two most common HS. Three raters with expertise in movement disorders independently rated the five-minute windows using standardized terminology to determine the level of agreement. We iteratively refined the protocol in three stages to improve descriptive accuracy, categorizing HS as "central" or "peripheral," "simple" or "complex," scoring each hand separately. Inter-rater agreement was analyzed using Kappa statistics. RESULTS In the initial protocol evaluating HS by video, inter-rater agreement was 20.7%. In the final protocol, inter-rater agreement for the two most frequent HS was higher than the initial protocol at 50%. CONCLUSION Phenotypic variability makes standardized evaluation of HS in RTT a challenge; we achieved only 50% level of agreement and only for the most frequent HS. Therefore, objective measures are needed to evaluate HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisela E. Dy
- Boston Children’s Hospital,Massachusetts General Hospital,Harvard Medical School
| | - Jeff L. Waugh
- Boston Children’s Hospital,Massachusetts General Hospital,Harvard Medical School
| | - Nutan Sharma
- Boston Children’s Hospital,Massachusetts General Hospital,Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Kush Kapur
- Boston Children’s Hospital,Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Boston Children’s Hospital,Harvard Medical School,Greenwood Genetic Center
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Berry-Kravis E, Hagerman R, Visootsak J, Budimirovic D, Kaufmann WE, Cherubini M, Zarevics P, Walton-Bowen K, Wang P, Bear MF, Carpenter RL. Arbaclofen in fragile X syndrome: results of phase 3 trials. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:3. [PMID: 28616094 PMCID: PMC5467054 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arbaclofen improved multiple abnormal phenotypes in animal models of fragile X syndrome (FXS) and showed promising results in a phase 2 clinical study. The objective of the study is to determine safety and efficacy of arbaclofen for social avoidance in FXS. Methods Two phase 3 placebo-controlled trials were conducted, a flexible dose trial in subjects age 12–50 (209FX301, adolescent/adult study) and a fixed dose trial in subjects age 5–11 (209FX302, child study). The primary endpoint for both trials was the Social Avoidance subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Edition, FXS-specific (ABC-CFX). Secondary outcomes included other ABC-CFX subscale scores, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland-II) Socialization domain score. Results A total 119 of 125 randomized subjects completed the adolescent/adult study (n = 57 arbaclofen, 62 placebo) and 159/172 completed the child study (arbaclofen 5 BID n = 38; 10 BID n = 39; 10 TID n = 38; placebo n = 44). There were no serious adverse events (AEs); the most common AEs included somatic (headache, vomiting, nausea), neurobehavioral (irritability/agitation, anxiety, hyperactivity), decreased appetite, and infectious conditions, many of which were also common on placebo. In the combined studies, there were 13 discontinuations (n = 12 arbaclofen, 1 placebo) due to AEs (all neurobehavioral). The adolescent/adult study did not show benefit for arbaclofen over placebo for any measure. In the child study, the highest dose group showed benefit over placebo on the ABC-CFX Irritability subscale (p = 0.03) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI, p = 0.03) and trends toward benefit on the ABC-CFX Social Avoidance and Hyperactivity subscales (both p < 0.1) and CGI-I (p = 0.119). Effect size in the highest dose group was similar to effect sizes for FDA-approved serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Conclusions Arbaclofen did not meet the primary outcome of improved social avoidance in FXS in either study. Data from secondary measures in the child study suggests younger patients may derive benefit, but additional studies with a larger cohort on higher doses would be required to confirm this finding. The reported studies illustrate the challenges but represent a significant step forward in translating targeted treatments from preclinical models to clinical trials in humans with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 718, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Jeannie Visootsak
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, 2165 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 USA
| | - Dejan Budimirovic
- Departments of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 716 N. Broadway, Room 246, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 and Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA
| | - Maryann Cherubini
- Seaside Therapeutics Inc, 124 Washington Street, Suite 101, Foxboro, MA 02035, USA
| | - Peter Zarevics
- Seaside Therapeutics Inc, 124 Washington Street, Suite 101, Foxboro, MA 02035, USA
| | - Karen Walton-Bowen
- Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, 160 Fifth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Paul Wang
- Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mark F Bear
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, 46-3301, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Randall L Carpenter
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, 46-3301, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Rett Syndrome Research Trust, 67 Under Cliff Rd, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA
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Erickson CA, Davenport MH, Schaefer TL, Wink LK, Pedapati EV, Sweeney JA, Fitzpatrick SE, Brown WT, Budimirovic D, Hagerman RJ, Hessl D, Kaufmann WE, Berry-Kravis E. Fragile X targeted pharmacotherapy: lessons learned and future directions. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:7. [PMID: 28616096 PMCID: PMC5467059 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9186-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of fragile X syndrome (FXS) pathophysiology continues to improve and numerous potential drug targets have been identified. Yet, current prescribing practices are only symptom-based in order to manage difficult behaviors, as no drug to date is approved for the treatment of FXS. Drugs impacting a diversity of targets in the brain have been studied in recent FXS-specific clinical trials. While many drugs have focused on regulation of enhanced glutamatergic or deficient GABAergic neurotransmission, compounds studied have not been limited to these mechanisms. As a single-gene disorder, it was thought that FXS would have consistent drug targets that could be modulated with pharmacotherapy and lead to significant improvement. Unfortunately, despite promising results in FXS animal models, translational drug treatment development in FXS has largely failed. Future success in this field will depend on learning from past challenges to improve clinical trial design, choose appropriate outcome measures and age range choices, and find readily modulated drug targets. Even with many negative placebo-controlled study results, the field continues to move forward exploring both the new mechanistic drug approaches combined with ways to improve trial execution. This review summarizes the known phenotype and pathophysiology of FXS and past clinical trial rationale and results, and discusses current challenges facing the field and lessons from which to learn for future treatment development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Matthew H Davenport
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Tori L Schaefer
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Logan K Wink
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Sarah E Fitzpatrick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (MLC 4002), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - W Ted Brown
- Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY USA
| | - Dejan Budimirovic
- Clinical Research Center, Clinical Trials Unit, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD USA.,Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, California USA
| | - David Hessl
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, California USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois USA
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Budimirovic DB, Berry-Kravis E, Erickson CA, Hall SS, Hessl D, Reiss AL, King MK, Abbeduto L, Kaufmann WE. Updated report on tools to measure outcomes of clinical trials in fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:14. [PMID: 28616097 PMCID: PMC5467057 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9193-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fragile X syndrome (FXS) has been the neurodevelopmental disorder with the most active translation of preclinical breakthroughs into clinical trials. This process has led to a critical assessment of outcome measures, which resulted in a comprehensive review published in 2013. Nevertheless, the disappointing outcome of several recent phase III drug trials in FXS, and parallel efforts at evaluating behavioral endpoints for trials in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has emphasized the need for re-assessing outcome measures and revising recommendations for FXS. METHODS After performing an extensive database search (PubMed, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s www.ClinicalTrials.gov, etc.) to determine progress since 2013, members of the Working Groups who published the 2013 Report evaluated the available outcome measures for FXS and related neurodevelopmental disorders using the COSMIN grading system of levels of evidence. The latter has also been applied to a British survey of endpoints for ASD. In addition, we also generated an informal classification of outcome measures for use in FXS intervention studies as instruments appropriate to detect shorter- or longer-term changes. RESULTS To date, a total of 22 double-blind controlled clinical trials in FXS have been identified through www.ClinicalTrials.gov and an extensive literature search. The vast majority of these FDA/NIH-registered clinical trials has been completed between 2008 and 2015 and has targeted the core excitatory/inhibitory imbalance present in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Limited data exist on reliability and validity for most tools used to measure cognitive, behavioral, and other problems in FXS in these trials and other studies. Overall, evidence for most tools supports a moderate tool quality grading. Data on sensitivity to treatment, currently under evaluation, could improve ratings for some cognitive and behavioral tools. Some progress has also been made at identifying promising biomarkers, mainly on blood-based and neurophysiological measures. CONCLUSION Despite the tangible progress in implementing clinical trials in FXS, the increasing data on measurement properties of endpoints, and the ongoing process of new tool development, the vast majority of outcome measures are at the moderate quality level with limited information on reliability, validity, and sensitivity to treatment. This situation is not unique to FXS, since reviews of endpoints for ASD have arrived at similar conclusions. These findings, in conjunction with the predominance of parent-based measures particularly in the behavioral domain, indicate that endpoint development in FXS needs to continue with an emphasis on more objective measures (observational, direct testing, biomarkers) that reflect meaningful improvements in quality of life. A major continuous challenge is the development of measurement tools concurrently with testing drug safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Child Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 718, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Scott S. Hall
- Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Allan L. Reiss
- Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Radiology and Pediatrics, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Margaret K. King
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, Present address: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Medical, One Health Plaza, East Hanover, NJ 07936 USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, 113 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646 USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Sherman SL, Kidd SA, Riley C, Berry-Kravis E, Andrews HF, Miller RM, Lincoln S, Swanson M, Kaufmann WE, Brown WT. FORWARD: A Registry and Longitudinal Clinical Database to Study Fragile X Syndrome. Pediatrics 2017; 139:S183-S193. [PMID: 28814539 PMCID: PMC5621599 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1159e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Advances in the care of patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS) have been hampered by lack of data. This deficiency has produced fragmentary knowledge regarding the natural history of this condition, healthcare needs, and the effects of the disease on caregivers. To remedy this deficiency, the Fragile X Clinic and Research Consortium was established to facilitate research. Through a collective effort, the Fragile X Clinic and Research Consortium developed the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD) to facilitate multisite data collection. This report describes FORWARD and the way it can be used to improve health and quality of life of FXS patients and their relatives and caregivers. METHODS FORWARD collects demographic information on individuals with FXS and their family members (affected and unaffected) through a 1-time registry form. The longitudinal database collects clinician- and parent-reported data on individuals diagnosed with FXS, focused on those who are 0 to 24 years of age, although individuals of any age can participate. RESULTS The registry includes >2300 registrants (data collected September 7, 2009 to August 31, 2014). The longitudinal database includes data on 713 individuals diagnosed with FXS (data collected September 7, 2012 to August 31, 2014). Longitudinal data continue to be collected on enrolled patients along with baseline data on new patients. CONCLUSIONS FORWARD represents the largest resource of clinical and demographic data for the FXS population in the United States. These data can be used to advance our understanding of FXS: the impact of cooccurring conditions, the impact on the day-to-day lives of individuals living with FXS and their families, and short-term and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Sherman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia;,Address correspondence to Stephanie L. Sherman, PhD, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Whitehead Building, Suite 301, Atlanta, GA 303022. E-mail:
| | - Sharon A. Kidd
- National Fragile X Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Catharine Riley
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics,,Neurological Sciences, and,Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Howard F. Andrews
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Sharyn Lincoln
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Swanson
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts;,Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina; and
| | - W. Ted Brown
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York
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Kaufmann WE, Kidd SA, Andrews HF, Budimirovic DB, Esler A, Haas-Givler B, Stackhouse T, Riley C, Peacock G, Sherman SL, Brown WT, Berry-Kravis E. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Fragile X Syndrome: Cooccurring Conditions and Current Treatment. Pediatrics 2017; 139:S194-S206. [PMID: 28814540 PMCID: PMC5619699 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1159f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are frequently codiagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most of our current knowledge about ASD in FXS comes from family surveys and small studies. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the ASD diagnosis in a large clinic-based FXS population to better inform the care of people with FXS. METHODS The study employed a data set populated by data from individuals with FXS seen at specialty clinics across the country. The data were collected by clinicians at the patient visit and by parent report for nonclinical and behavioral outcomes from September 7, 2012 through August 31, 2014. Data analyses were performed by using χ2 tests for association, t tests, and multiple logistic regression to examine the association between clinical and other factors with ASD status. RESULTS Half of the males and nearly 20% of females met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for current ASD. Relative to the FXS-only group, the FXS with ASD (FXS+ASD) group had a higher prevalence of seizures (20.7% vs 7.6%, P < .001), persistence of sleep problems later in childhood, increased behavior problems, especially aggressive/disruptive behavior, and higher use of α-agonists and antipsychotics. Behavioral services, including applied behavior analysis, appeared to be underused in children with FXS+ASD (only 26% and 16% in prekindergarten and school-age periods, respectively) relative to other populations with idiopathic ASD. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm among individuals with FXS an association of an ASD diagnosis with important cooccurring conditions and identify gaps between expected and observed treatments among individuals with FXS+ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;,Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina;,Address correspondence to Walter E. Kaufmann, MD, Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, 113 Gregor Mendel Cir, Greenwood, SC 29646. E-mail:
| | - Sharon A. Kidd
- National Fragile X Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Howard F. Andrews
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | | | - Amy Esler
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Catharine Riley
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Georgina Peacock
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephanie L. Sherman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - W. Ted Brown
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York; and
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Killian JT, Lane JB, Lee HS, Skinner SA, Kaufmann WE, Glaze DG, Neul JL, Percy AK. Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome: Progression, Comorbidities, and Predictors. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 70:20-25. [PMID: 28347601 PMCID: PMC5461984 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scoliosis is prominent in Rett syndrome (RTT). Following the prior report from the US Natural History Study, the onset and progression of severe scoliosis (≥40° Cobb angle) and surgery were examined regarding functional capabilities and specific genotypes, addressing the hypothesis that abnormal muscle tone, poor oral feeding, puberty, and delays or absence of sitting balance and ambulation may be responsible for greater risk in RTT. METHODS The multicenter RTT Natural History Study gathered longitudinal data for classic RTT, including mutation type, scoliosis, muscle tone, sitting, ambulation, hand function, and feeding. Cox regression models were used to examine the association between scoliosis and functional characteristics. All analyses utilized SAS 9.4; two-sided P values of <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS A total of 913 females with classic RTT were included. Scoliosis frequency and severity increased with age. Severe scoliosis was found in 251 participants (27%), 113 of whom developed severe scoliosis during the follow-up assessments; 168 (18%) had surgical correction. Severe MECP2 mutations (R106W, R168X, R255X, R270X, and large deletions) showed a higher proportion of scoliosis. Individuals developing severe scoliosis or requiring surgery were less likely to sit, ambulate, or use their hands and were more likely to have begun puberty. Significant differences were absent for epilepsy rates, sleep problems, or constipation. DISCUSSION Scoliosis requires vigilance regarding the risk factors noted, particularly specific mutations and the role of puberty and motor abilities. Bracing is recommended for moderate curves and surgery for severe curves in accordance with published guidelines for scoliosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane B. Lane
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine,University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan International Research Center
| | - Hye-Seung Lee
- Health Informatics Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | | | | | | | - Alan K. Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine,University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan International Research Center
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Marschik PB, Pokorny FB, Peharz R, Zhang D, O'Muircheartaigh J, Roeyers H, Bölte S, Spittle AJ, Urlesberger B, Schuller B, Poustka L, Ozonoff S, Pernkopf F, Pock T, Tammimies K, Enzinger C, Krieber M, Tomantschger I, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Sigafoos J, Roche L, Esposito G, Gugatschka M, Nielsen-Saines K, Einspieler C, Kaufmann WE. A Novel Way to Measure and Predict Development: A Heuristic Approach to Facilitate the Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 17:43. [PMID: 28390033 PMCID: PMC5384955 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-017-0748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Substantial research exists focusing on the various aspects and domains of early human development. However, there is a clear blind spot in early postnatal development when dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those that manifest themselves clinically only in late infancy or even in childhood. RECENT FINDINGS This early developmental period may represent an important timeframe to study these disorders but has historically received far less research attention. We believe that only a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach will enable us to detect and delineate specific parameters for specific neurodevelopmental disorders at a very early age to improve early detection/diagnosis, enable prospective studies and eventually facilitate randomised trials of early intervention. In this article, we propose a dynamic framework for characterising neurofunctional biomarkers associated with specific disorders in the development of infants and children. We have named this automated detection 'Fingerprint Model', suggesting one possible approach to accurately and early identify neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Marschik
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Florian B Pokorny
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Machine Intelligence & Signal Processing group, MMK, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Peharz
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dajie Zhang
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicia J Spittle
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Berndt Urlesberger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Björn Schuller
- Chair of Complex and Intelligent Systems, University of Passau, Passau, Germany
- Machine Learning Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- MIND Institute, Davis Health System, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Franz Pernkopf
- Signal Processing and Speech Communication Laboratory, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Pock
- Institute for Computer Graphics and Vision, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Kristiina Tammimies
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology and Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Magdalena Krieber
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Iris Tomantschger
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrin D Bartl-Pokorny
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Laura Roche
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Social & Affective Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology-HSS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Markus Gugatschka
- Department of Phoniatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christa Einspieler
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Marschik PB, Pokorny FB, Peharz R, Zhang D, O'Muircheartaigh J, Roeyers H, Bölte S, Spittle AJ, Urlesberger B, Schuller B, Poustka L, Ozonoff S, Pernkopf F, Pock T, Tammimies K, Enzinger C, Krieber M, Tomantschger I, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Sigafoos J, Roche L, Esposito G, Gugatschka M, Nielsen-Saines K, Einspieler C, Kaufmann WE. A Novel Way to Measure and Predict Development: A Heuristic Approach to Facilitate the Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 17:43. [PMID: 28390033 DOI: 10.1007/sl1910-017-0748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Substantial research exists focusing on the various aspects and domains of early human development. However, there is a clear blind spot in early postnatal development when dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those that manifest themselves clinically only in late infancy or even in childhood. RECENT FINDINGS This early developmental period may represent an important timeframe to study these disorders but has historically received far less research attention. We believe that only a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach will enable us to detect and delineate specific parameters for specific neurodevelopmental disorders at a very early age to improve early detection/diagnosis, enable prospective studies and eventually facilitate randomised trials of early intervention. In this article, we propose a dynamic framework for characterising neurofunctional biomarkers associated with specific disorders in the development of infants and children. We have named this automated detection 'Fingerprint Model', suggesting one possible approach to accurately and early identify neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Marschik
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Florian B Pokorny
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Machine Intelligence & Signal Processing group, MMK, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Peharz
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
- BEE-PRI: Brain, Ears & Eyes-Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dajie Zhang
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, St. Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicia J Spittle
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Berndt Urlesberger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Björn Schuller
- Chair of Complex and Intelligent Systems, University of Passau, Passau, Germany
- Machine Learning Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- MIND Institute, Davis Health System, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Franz Pernkopf
- Signal Processing and Speech Communication Laboratory, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Pock
- Institute for Computer Graphics and Vision, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Kristiina Tammimies
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology and Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Magdalena Krieber
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Iris Tomantschger
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrin D Bartl-Pokorny
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Laura Roche
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Social & Affective Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology-HSS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Markus Gugatschka
- Department of Phoniatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christa Einspieler
- Research Unit iDN-interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Center for Translational Research, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify pain response in girls affected by Rett syndrome (RTT) using electrodermal activity (EDA), a measure of skin conductance, reflecting sympathetic activity known to be modulated by physical and environmental stress. METHODS EDA increase, heart rate (HR) increase and Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) values calculated during venipuncture (invasive) and vital signs collection (non-invasive) events were compared with values calculated during a prior baseline and a RTT clinical severity score (CSS). RESULTS EDA and HR increase were significantly higher than baseline during venipuncture only and not significantly correlated with FLACC or CSS. EDA increase was the most sensitive measure of pain response. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings revealed that motor impairment might bias non-verbal pain scales, underscore the importance of using autonomic measures when assessing pain and warrant further investigation into the utility of using EDA to objectively quantify RTT pain response to inform future RTT pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M O'Leary
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Peter B Marschik
- b Institute of Physiology, Graz Medical University , Graz , Austria.,c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Omar S Khwaja
- d Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Eugenia Ho
- e Department of Neurology , Children's Hospital Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA , and
| | - Katherine V Barnes
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Tessa W Clarkson
- f Division of Developmental Medicine , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Natalie M Bruck
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- a Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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Zhang D, Kaufmann WE, Sigafoos J, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Krieber M, Marschik PB, Einspieler C. Parents' initial concerns about the development of their children later diagnosed with fragile X syndrome. J Intellect Dev Disabil 2017; 42:114-122. [PMID: 29875616 PMCID: PMC5985965 DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1228858] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retrospective parental reports have often been used to identify the early characteristics of children later diagnosed with a developmental disorder. METHOD We applied this methodology to document 13 parents' initial concerns about the development of their 17 children later diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Parents were additionally asked about when they noticed the emergence of behavioural signs related to FXS. RESULTS More than half of the parents reported initial concerns prior to the child's first birthday and in most cases it was deviant motor behaviours that caused the first concerns. Behavioural signs related to the FXS phenotype were also reported to be perceptible in the first year of the child's life. CONCLUSIONS Due to limitations of retrospective parental questionnaires, we suggest that other methodologies, such as home video analysis, are needed to complement our understanding of the pathways of developmental disorders with late clinical onsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajie Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Walter E. Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Katrin D. Bartl-Pokorny
- Institute of Physiology, Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Magdalena Krieber
- Institute of Physiology, Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Peter B. Marschik
- Institute of Physiology, Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Austria
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Brain, Ears & Eyes – Pattern Recognition Initiative, BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
- Correspondence to: Assoc.Prof.DDr. Peter B Marschik, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/5, 8010 Graz, Austria, Phone: +43-316-380-4276,
| | - Christa Einspieler
- Institute of Physiology, Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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