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Ceccarini MR, Medori MC, Dhuli K, Tezzele S, Bonetti G, Micheletti C, Maltese PE, Cecchin S, Donato K, Colombo L, Rossetti L, Staurenghi G, Salvetti AP, Oldani M, Ziccardi L, Marangoni D, Iarossi G, Falsini B, Placidi G, D'Esposito F, Viola F, Nassisi M, Leone G, Cimino L, De Simone L, Mastrofilippo V, Beccari T, Bertelli M. Retraction Note: Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2024; 28:3293. [PMID: 38766784 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202405_36203] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The article "Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies", by M.R. Ceccarini, M.C. Medori, K. Dhuli, S. Tezzele, G. Bonetti, C. Micheletti, P.E. Maltese, S. Cecchin, K. Donato, L. Colombo, L. Rossetti, G. Staurenghi, A.P. Salvetti, M. Oldani, L. Ziccardi, D. Marangoni, G. Iarossi, B. Falsini, G. Placidi, F. D'Esposito, F. Viola, M. Nassisi, G. Leone, L. Cimino, L. De Simone, V. Mastrofilippo, T. Beccari, M. Bertelli, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (6 Suppl): 57-63-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34690-PMID: 38112948 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer, the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results. The outcome of the investigation revealed that the manuscript presented major flaws in the following: - Issues with ethical approval - Undeclared conflict of interest In light of concerns regarding the potential manipulation of Supplementary Figure 2, the journal's inquiry has been unable to conclusively determine whether the alterations noted on PubPeer constitute figure manipulation. The investigation yielded divergent evaluations. However, given the aforementioned concerns, the Editor in Chief doubts the integrity of the findings presented and thus, has opted to retract the article. The authors disagree with this retraction. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/34690.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Ceccarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Rubegni G, Cartocci A, Tognetti L, Tosi G, Salfi M, Caruso A, Castellino N, Orione M, Cappellani F, Fallico M, D'Esposito F, Russo A, Gagliano C, Avitabile T. Design of a new 3D printed all-in-one magnetic smartphone adapter for fundus and anterior segment imaging. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024:11206721241246187. [PMID: 38644806 DOI: 10.1177/11206721241246187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and validate a 3D-printed adapter tool which could be used with either a slit lamp or a condensing lens, interchangeable between devices through magnetic fastening, in order to provide physicians a quick, easy and effective method of obtaining clinical photos. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three specialists, with at least 4-year experience in ophthalmology, gave a rate of image quality obtained by our device and the diagnostic confidence grade. The 3 specialists conducted each 13 or 14 examinations with the smartphone and magnetic adapter. At the end of evaluation, they rated with the Likert scale the ease of use of the device in obtaining clinical images of the anterior segment and ocular fundus respectively. RESULTS Data of quality perception and confidence demonstrated high values not dissimilar to the "de visu" eye examination. Moreover the instrument we designed turned out to be very user friendly. CONCLUSION Our adapter coupled with a modern smartphone was able to obtain 4k images and videos of anterior segment, central and peripheral fundus, in an easy and inexpensive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Rubegni
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cartocci
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Linda Tognetti
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Tosi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Salfi
- Department of mathematics and informatics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Caruso
- Department of mathematics and informatics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Orione
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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3
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Ceccarini MR, Medori MC, Dhuli K, Tezzele S, Bonetti G, Micheletti C, Maltese PE, Cecchin S, Donato K, Colombo L, Rossetti L, Staurenghi G, Salvetti AP, Oldani M, Ziccardi L, Marangoni D, Iarossi G, Falsini B, Placidi G, D'Esposito F, Viola F, Nassisi M, Leone G, Cimino L, De Simone L, Mastrofilippo V, Beccari T, Bertelli M. Autoantibodies detection in patients affected by autoimmune retinopathies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:57-63. [PMID: 38112948 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34690] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoimmune retinopathies (ARs) encompass a spectrum of immune diseases that are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against retinal proteins in the bloodstream. These autoantibodies (AAbs) lead to a progressive and sometimes rapid loss of vision. ARs commonly affect subjects over 50 years of age, but also rare cases of kids under 3 years of age have been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this study, 47 unrelated Caucasian patients were enrolled. All subjects showed negative cancer diagnoses and negative results in their genetic screenings. We studied 8 confirmed retinal antigens using Western blotting analysis, with α-enolase followed by carbonic anhydrase II being the two most frequently found in the patients' sera. RESULTS Nineteen patients were positive (40.4%), thirteen uncertain (27.7%), and fifteen were negative (31.9%). Their gender did not correlate with the presence of AAbs (p=0.409). CONCLUSIONS AAbs are responsible for retinal degeneration in some cases, while in others, they contribute to exacerbating the progression of the disease; however, their detection is crucial to reaching a better diagnosis and developing more effective treatments for these conditions. Moreover, finding good biomarkers is important not only for AR monitoring and prognosis, but also for helping with early cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Ceccarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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Raimondi R, D'Esposito F, Sorrentino T, Tsoutsanis P, De Rosa FP, Stradiotto E, Barone G, Rizzato A, Allegrini D, Costagliola C, Romano MR. How to Set Up Genetic Counselling for Inherited Macular Dystrophies: Focus on Genetic Characterization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119722. [PMID: 37298674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited macular dystrophies refer to a group of degenerative conditions that predominantly affect the macula in the spectrum of inherited retinal dystrophies. Recent trends indicate a clear need for genetic assessment services in tertiary referral hospitals. However, establishing such a service can be a complex task due to the diverse skills required and multiple professionals involved. This review aims to provide comprehensive guidelines to enhance the genetic characterization of patients and improve counselling efficacy by combining updated literature with our own experiences. Through this review, we hope to contribute to the establishment of state-of-the-art genetic counselling services for inherited macular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Raimondi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, 153-173 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5QH, UK
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Tania Sorrentino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Panos Tsoutsanis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo De Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Stradiotto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Barone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario R Romano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Eye Center, Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, 24125 Bergamo, Italy
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5
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Jurkute N, D'Esposito F, Robson AG, Pitceathly RDS, Cordeiro F, Raymond FL, Moore AT, Michaelides M, Yu-Wai-Man P, Webster AR, Arno G. SSBP1-Disease Update: Expanding the Genetic and Clinical Spectrum, Reporting Variable Penetrance and Confirming Recessive Inheritance. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:12. [PMID: 34905022 PMCID: PMC8684315 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report novel genotypes and expand the phenotype spectrum of SSBP1-disease and explore potential disease mechanism. Methods Five families with previously unsolved optic atrophy and retinal dystrophy underwent whole genome sequencing as part of the National Institute for Health Research BioResource Rare-Diseases and the UK's 100,000 Genomes Project. In silico analysis and protein modelling was performed on the identified variants. Deep phenotyping including retinal imaging and International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standard visual electrophysiology was performed. Results Seven individuals from five unrelated families with bilateral optic atrophy and/or retinal dystrophy with extraocular signs and symptoms in some are described. In total, 6 SSBP1 variants were identified including the previously unreported variants: c.151A>G, p.(Lys51Glu), c.335G>A p.(Gly112Glu), and c.380G>A, p.(Arg127Gln). One individual was found to carry biallelic variants (c.380G>A p.(Arg127Gln); c.394A>G p.(Ile132Val)) associated with likely autosomal recessive SSBP1-disease. In silico analysis predicted all variants to be pathogenic and Three-dimensional protein modelling suggested possible disease mechanisms via decreased single-stranded DNA binding affinity or impaired higher structure formation. Conclusions SSBP1 is essential for mitochondrial DNA replication and maintenance, with defects leading to a spectrum of disease that includes optic atrophy and/or retinal dystrophy, occurring with or without extraocular features. This study provides evidence of intrafamilial variability and confirms the existence of an autosomal recessive inheritance in SSBP1-disease consequent upon a previously unreported genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neringa Jurkute
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Anthony G. Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. S. Pitceathly
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Cordeiro
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - F. Lucy Raymond
- NIHR BioResource - Rare Diseases, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony T. Moore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - for the Genomics England Research Consortium
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR BioResource - Rare Diseases, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Frecer V, Iarossi G, Salvetti AP, Maltese PE, Delledonne G, Oldani M, Staurenghi G, Falsini B, Minnella AM, Ziccardi L, Magli A, Colombo L, D'Esposito F, Miertus J, Viola F, Attanasio M, Maggio E, Bertelli M. Pathogenicity of new BEST1 variants identified in Italian patients with best vitelliform macular dystrophy assessed by computational structural biology. J Transl Med 2019; 17:330. [PMID: 31570112 PMCID: PMC6771118 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) is an autosomal dominant macular degeneration. The typical central yellowish yolk-like lesion usually appears in childhood and gradually worsens. Most cases are caused by variants in the BEST1 gene which encodes bestrophin-1, an integral membrane protein found primarily in the retinal pigment epithelium. Methods Here we describe the spectrum of BEST1 variants identified in a cohort of 57 Italian patients analyzed by Sanger sequencing. In 13 cases, the study also included segregation analysis in affected and unaffected relatives. We used molecular mechanics to calculate two quantitative parameters related to calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC composed of 5 BEST1 subunits) stability and calcium-dependent activation and related them to the potential pathogenicity of individual missense variants detected in the probands. Results Thirty-six out of 57 probands (63% positivity) and 16 out of 18 relatives proved positive to genetic testing. Family study confirmed the variable penetrance and expressivity of the disease. Six of the 27 genetic variants discovered were novel: p.(Val9Gly), p.(Ser108Arg), p.(Asn179Asp), p.(Trp182Arg), p.(Glu292Gln) and p.(Asn296Lys). All BEST1 variants were assessed in silico for potential pathogenicity. Our computational structural biology approach based on 3D model structure of the CaCC showed that individual amino acid replacements may affect channel shape, stability, activation, gating, selectivity and throughput, and possibly also other features, depending on where the individual mutated amino acid residues are located in the tertiary structure of BEST1. Statistically significant correlations between mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), age and modulus of computed BEST1 dimerization energies, which reflect variations in the in CaCC stability due to amino acid changes, permitted us to assess the pathogenicity of individual BEST1 variants. Conclusions Using this computational approach, we designed a method for estimating BCVA progression in patients with BEST1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Frecer
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Giancarlo Iarossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bambino Gesù IRCCS Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Salvetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Delledonne
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Oldani
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Staurenghi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Visual Electrophysiology Service, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli/UniversitàCattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Visual Electrophysiology Service, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli/UniversitàCattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ziccardi
- Neurophthalmology and Neurophysiology Unit, GB Bietti Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Magli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Orthoptic and Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Leonardo Colombo
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Viola
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Clinica Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emilia Maggio
- IRCCS-Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, VR, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI'S Lab S.R.L., Via Delle Maioliche 57/D, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy
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D'Esposito F, Randazzo V, Cennamo G, Centore N, Maltese PE, Malesci R, D'Andrea L, Bertelli M, Marciano E, de Crecchio G, Pioppo A, Magli A, Cordeiro MF. Novel USH1G homozygous variant underlying USH2-like phenotype of Usher syndrome. Eur J Ophthalmol 2019; 31:NP18-NP22. [PMID: 31566003 DOI: 10.1177/1120672119879392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa. Classification distinguishes three clinical types of which type I (USH1) is the most severe, with vestibular dysfunction as an added feature. To date, 15 genes and 3 loci have been identified with the USH1G gene being an uncommon cause of USH. We describe an atypical USH1G-related phenotype caused by a novel homozygous missense variation in a patient with profound hearing impairment and relatively mild retinitis pigmentosa, but no vestibular dysfunction. METHODS A 26-year-old female patient with profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss, nyctalopia and retinitis pigmentosa was studied. Audiometric, vestibular and ophthalmologic examination was performed. A panel of 13 genes was tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS While the hearing loss was confirmed to be profound, the vestibular function resulted normal. Although typical retinitis pigmentosa was present, the age at onset was unusually late for USH1 syndrome. A novel homozygous missense variation (c.1187T>A, p.Leu396Gln) in the USH1G gene has been identified as causing the disease in our patient. CONCLUSIONS Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity are very common in both isolated and syndromic retinal dystrophies and sensorineural hearing loss. Our findings widen the spectrum of USH allelic disorders and strength the concept that variants in genes that are classically known as underlying one specific clinical USH subtype might result in unexpected phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Centro di Ipovisione, U.O.C. di Oculistica A.O.O.R. Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Viviana Randazzo
- Centro di Ipovisione, U.O.C. di Oculistica A.O.O.R. Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gilda Cennamo
- Eye Clinic, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Centore
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rita Malesci
- Unit of Audiology and Vestibology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca D'Andrea
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- Eye Clinic, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,MAGI'S Lab, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Elio Marciano
- Unit of Audiology and Vestibology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Crecchio
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino Pioppo
- Centro di Ipovisione, U.O.C. di Oculistica A.O.O.R. Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy.,U.O.C. di Oculistica A.O.O.R Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriano Magli
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Marino V, Dal Cortivo G, Oppici E, Maltese PE, D'Esposito F, Manara E, Ziccardi L, Falsini B, Magli A, Bertelli M, Dell'Orco D. A novel p.(Glu111Val) missense mutation in GUCA1A associated with cone-rod dystrophy leads to impaired calcium sensing and perturbed second messenger homeostasis in photoreceptors. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4204-4217. [PMID: 30184081 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanylate Cyclase-Activating Protein 1 (GCAP1) regulates the enzymatic activity of the photoreceptor guanylate cyclases (GC), leading to inhibition or activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis depending on its Ca2+- or Mg2+-loaded state. By genetically screening a family of patients diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, we identified a novel missense mutation with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern (c.332A>T; p.(Glu111Val); E111V from now on) in the GUCA1A gene coding for GCAP1. We performed a thorough biochemical and biophysical investigation of wild type (WT) and E111V human GCAP1 by heterologous expression and purification of the recombinant proteins. The E111V substitution disrupts the coordination of the Ca2+ ion in the high-affinity site (EF-hand 3, EF3), thus significantly decreasing the ability of GCAP1 to sense Ca2+ (∼80-fold higher Kdapp compared to WT). Both WT and E111V GCAP1 form dimers independently on the presence of cations, but the E111V Mg2+-bound form is prone to severe aggregation over time. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest a significantly increased flexibility of both the EF3 and EF4 cation binding loops for the Ca2+-bound form of E111V GCAP1, in line with the decreased affinity for Ca2+. In contrast, a more rigid backbone conformation is observed in the Mg2+-bound state compared to the WT, which results in higher thermal stability. Functional assays confirm that E111V GCAP1 interacts with the target GC with a similar apparent affinity (EC50); however, the mutant shifts the GC inhibition out of the physiological [Ca2+] (IC50E111V ∼10 μM), thereby leading to the aberrant constitutive synthesis of cGMP under conditions of dark-adapted photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuditta Dal Cortivo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Oppici
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy.,Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Magli
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI'S Lab s.r.l., Rovereto, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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D'Esposito F, Cennamo G, de Crecchio G, Maltese PE, Cecchin S, Bertelli M, Ziccardi L, Esposito Veneruso P, Magli A, Cennamo G, Cordeiro MF. Multimodal Imaging in Autosomal Dominant Cone-Rod Dystrophy Caused by Novel CRX Variant. Ophthalmic Res 2018; 60:169-175. [PMID: 30078014 DOI: 10.1159/000489460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To characterize by multimodal approach the phenotype of patients from a 3 generations pedigree, affected by autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), found to carry a novel pathogenic variant in the cone-rod homeobox-containing (CRX) gene. METHODS Examination of the adult patients included the following tests: visual acuity, multicolour imaging, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and OCT angiography (OCT-A) recordings. In a 2.5-year-old child, cycloplegic refraction, fundoscopy, ocular motility evaluation and electrophysiological exams were performed. Next Generation Sequencing of patients' DNA has been carried out. RESULTS A novel CRX pathogenic variant has been identified in our patients. The 2.5-year-old child in the third generation was found to have inherited the variant, with no clinical signs of the condition, but electroretinographic abnormalities in the scotopic component. In the adult patients, diffuse atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium/photoreceptor complex in the macular region was evident at the OCT and FAF, while OCT-A showed choriocapillaris density reduction. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal study allowed the characterization of a peculiar form of CRD. The novel pathogenic variant seems to have a different effect on the phenotype if compared with a previously described similar one, giving an insight into the pathogenic mechanism of CRX-related retinal dystrophies and offering valuable information that could lead to the development of possible future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurosciences, Eye Clinic, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy.,Centro GI.MA., Napoli, Italy
| | - Gilda Cennamo
- Department of Public Health, Eye Clinic, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Crecchio
- Department of Neurosciences, Eye Clinic, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Adriano Magli
- Centro GI.MA., Napoli, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cennamo
- Department of Neurosciences, Eye Clinic, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Giallo R, Cooklin A, Wade C, D'Esposito F, Nicholson JM. Maternal postnatal mental health and later emotional-behavioural development of children: the mediating role of parenting behaviour. Child Care Health Dev 2014; 40:327-36. [PMID: 23363326 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal postnatal mental health difficulties have been associated with poor outcomes for children. One mechanism by which parent mental health can impact on children's outcomes is via its effects on parenting behaviour. METHOD The longitudinal relationships between maternal postnatal distress, parenting warmth, hostility and child well-being at age seven were examined for 2200 families participating in a population-based longitudinal study of Australian children. RESULTS The relationship between postnatal distress and children's later emotional-behavioural development was mediated by parenting hostility, but not parenting warmth, even after accounting for concurrent maternal mental health. Postnatal distress was more strongly associated with lower parenting warmth for mothers without a past history of depression compared with mothers with a past history of depression. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the contribution of early maternal well-being to later parenting and child outcomes, highlighting the importance of mental health and parenting support in the early parenting years. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Giallo
- Parenting Research Centre, East Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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11
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Falsini B, Anselmi GM, Marangoni D, D'Esposito F, Fadda A, Di Renzo A, Campos EC, Riva CE. Subfoveal choroidal blood flow and central retinal function in retinitis pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:1064-9. [PMID: 20861481 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-5964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether subfoveal choroidal blood flow is altered in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and whether this alteration is associated with central cone-mediated dysfunction. METHODS In 31 RP patients (age range, 15-72 years) with preserved visual acuity (range: 20/30-20/20), subfoveal choroidal blood flow was measured by real-time, confocal laser Doppler flowmetry, and focal macular (18°) electroretinograms (FERGs) were elicited by 41 Hz flickering stimuli. Twenty normal subjects served as controls. The following average blood flow parameters were determined based on three 60-second recordings: volume (ChBVol), velocity (ChBVel), and flow (ChBF), the last being proportional to blood flow if the hematocrit remains constant. The amplitude and phase of the FERG first harmonic component were measured. RESULTS On average, ChBF and ChBVel were reduced by 26% (P ≤ 0.02) in RP patients compared to controls, whereas ChBVol was similar in the two groups. FERG amplitudes were reduced by 60% (P < 0.01) in patients compared with controls. FERG phases of patients tended to be delayed (P < 0.08) compared with their values in the controls. In patients, FERG phase delays were correlated (r = 0.50, P < 0.01) with ChBF and ChBVel values. FERG amplitudes were correlated (r = 0.49, P < 0.01) with ChBVol values. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate significant alterations of subfoveal choroidal hemodynamic in RP and suggest a link between the alteration of ChBF and the RP-associated central cone-mediated dysfunction as assessed by the FERG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Falsini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Magli A, de Berardinis T, D'Esposito F, Gagliardi V. Clinical and surgical data of affected members of a classic CFEOM I family. BMC Ophthalmol 2003; 3:6. [PMID: 12702216 PMCID: PMC155649 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-3-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2002] [Accepted: 04/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital fibiosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOMI) refers to a group of congenital eye movement disorders that are characterized by non-progressive restrictive ophthalmoplegia. We present clinical and surgical data on affected members of a classic CFEOMI family. METHODS Ten members of a fifteen-member, three-generation Italian family affected by classic CFEOM participated in this study. Each affected family member underwent ophthalmologic (corrected visual acuity, pupillary function, anterior segment and fundus examination), orthoptic (cover test, cover-uncover test, prism alternate cover test), and preoperative examinations. Eight of the ten affected members had surgery and underwent postoperative examinations. Surgical procedures are listed. RESULTS All affected members were born with varying degrees of bilateral ptosis and ophthalmoplegia with both eyes fixed in a hypotropic position (classic CFEOM). The affected members clinical data prior to surgery, surgery procedures and postoperative outcomes are presented. On 14 operated eyes to correct ptosis there was an improvement in 12 eyes. In addition, the head position improved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Surgery is effective at improving ptosis in the majority of patients with classic CFEOM. However, the surgical approach should be individualized to each patient, as inherited CFEOM exhibits variable expressivity and the clinical features may differ markedly between affected individuals, even within the same family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Magli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Oftalmologiche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Teresa de Berardinis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Oftalmologiche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Oftalmologiche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Vincenzo Gagliardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Oftalmologiche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"
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Reichel MB, Ali RR, D'Esposito F, Clarke AR, Luthert PJ, Bhattacharya SS, Hunt DM. High frequency of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and cataracts in p53-deficient mice. Cell Death Differ 1998; 5:156-62. [PMID: 10200460 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4400326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to investigate whether the p53 gene product plays a role in normal eye development, age matched p53-deficient mice and wild-type controls were sacrificed from day 2 to day 21 after birth. Eyes were paraffin-embedded and sectioned. Serial sections were taken at the level of the tunica vasculosa lentis and the hyaloid artery. The terminal dUTP nick-end labelling technique (TUNEL) was used to detect the number of cells displaying DNA fragmentation within these structures. Eyes were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and resin embedded for semi-thin sections. Adult wild-type mice and p53-deficient mice were examined ophthalmoscopically in vivo. Ophthalmoscopical examination of mice completely deficient in p53 revealed them to be normal except for the persistence of the hyaloid vasculature, a structure that normally regresses during eye development. In adult animals there was also a high frequency of cataracts. Using morphological assessment and TUNEL we could show that in normal mice, regression of the primary vitreous, which includes the hyaloid artery, the vasa hyaloidea propria as well as the tunica vasculosa lentis, occurs via apoptotic cell death within 5 - 6 weeks after birth. The number of TUNEL-positive cells within these structures was significantly reduced in the p53-deficient mice in which parts of the hyaloid vasculature persisted and developed into a fibro-vascular retrolental plaque analogous to persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) described in humans. As in humans, PHPV in mice resulted in the development of cataracts. We have identified a role for p53-dependent apoptosis in the regression of the hyaloid vasculature and tunica vasculosa lentis. Our results provide further evidence for the importance of p53 in normal development and provide the first detailed evidence of its role in postnatal development in remodelling the developing eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Reichel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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