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Chaput D, Andelfinger G. MEK Inhibition for RASopathy-Associated Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Application of a Basic Concept. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:789-799. [PMID: 38432396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.02.020] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "RASopathies" designates a group of developmental syndromes that are caused by activating variants of the rat sarcoma virus protein (RAS)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The most prevalent clinical diagnosis is Noonan syndrome, and other, less prevalent conditions include Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, Costello syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, and others. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in 10% of these patients and can be severe and life-threating. Recently, repurposing of medications inhibiting the RAS/MAPK on a compassionate use basis has emerged as a promising concept to improve the outcome of these patients. Herein, we specifically review the role of the RAS/MAPK pathway in RASopathy-associated cardiomyopathy, and discuss the role of small-molecule inhibition in the treatment of this condition. We describe how drug repurposing of trametinib (mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition) and sirolimus/everolimus (mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition) was performed, how genotype-specific therapies are chosen and followed, as well as initial outcomes from early case series. Finally, we lay out the challenges and opportunities for trials that aim to quantify the benefits of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Chaput
- Cardiovascular Genetics Research Laboratory, CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- Cardiovascular Genetics Research Laboratory, CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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Fasano G, Petrini S, Bonavolontà V, Paradisi G, Pedalino C, Tartaglia M, Lauri A. Assessment of the FRET-based Teen sensor to monitor ERK activation changes preceding morphological defects in a RASopathy zebrafish model and phenotypic rescue by MEK inhibitor. Mol Med 2024; 30:47. [PMID: 38594640 PMCID: PMC11005195 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00807-w] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RASopathies are genetic syndromes affecting development and having variable cancer predisposition. These disorders are clinically related and are caused by germline mutations affecting key players and regulators of the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway generally leading to an upregulated ERK activity. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in PTPN11, encoding SHP2, a cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase positively controlling RAS function, underlie approximately 50% of Noonan syndromes (NS), the most common RASopathy. A different class of these activating mutations occurs as somatic events in childhood leukemias. METHOD Here, we evaluated the application of a FRET-based zebrafish ERK reporter, Teen, and used quantitative FRET protocols to monitor non-physiological RASopathy-associated changes in ERK activation. In a multi-level experimental workflow, we tested the suitability of the Teen reporter to detect pan-embryo ERK activity correlates of morphometric alterations driven by the NS-causing Shp2D61G allele. RESULTS Spectral unmixing- and acceptor photobleaching (AB)-FRET analyses captured pathological ERK activity preceding the manifestation of quantifiable body axes defects, a morphological pillar used to test the strength of SHP2 GoF mutations. Last, the work shows that by multi-modal FRET analysis, we can quantitatively trace back the modulation of ERK phosphorylation obtained by low-dose MEK inhibitor treatment to early development, before the onset of morphological defects. CONCLUSION This work proves the usefulness of FRET imaging protocols on both live and fixed Teen ERK reporter fish to readily monitor and quantify pharmacologically- and genetically-induced ERK activity modulations in early embryos, representing a useful tool in pre-clinical applications targeting RAS-MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fasano
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Microscopy facility, Research laboratories, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Valeria Bonavolontà
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Graziamaria Paradisi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
- Department for Innovation in Biological Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Catia Pedalino
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy.
| | - Antonella Lauri
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, 00146, Italy.
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Saint-Laurent C, Mazeyrie L, Yart A, Edouard T. Novel therapeutic perspectives in Noonan syndrome and RASopathies. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1011-1019. [PMID: 37863846 PMCID: PMC10951041 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05263-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome belongs to the family of RASopathies, a group of multiple congenital anomaly disorders caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding components or regulators of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. Collectively, all these pathogenic variants lead to increased RAS/MAPK activation. The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the different manifestations of NS and RASopathies has led to the identification of molecular targets for specific pharmacological interventions. Many specific agents (e.g. SHP2 and MEK inhibitors) have already been developed for the treatment of RAS/MAPK-driven malignancies. In addition, other molecules with the property of modulating RAS/MAPK activation are indicated in non-malignant diseases (e.g. C-type natriuretic peptide analogues in achondroplasia or statins in hypercholesterolemia). Conclusion: Drug repositioning of these molecules represents a challenging approach to treat or prevent medical complications associated with RASopathies. What is Known: • Noonan syndrome and related disorders are caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding components or regulators of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, resulting in increased activation of this pathway. • This group of disorders is now known as RASopathies and represents one of the largest groups of multiple congenital anomaly diseases known. What is New: • The identification of pathophysiological mechanisms provides new insights into the development of specific therapeutic strategies, in particular treatment aimed at reducing RAS/MAPK hyperactivation. • Drug repositioning of specific agents already developed for the treatment of malignant (e.g. SHP2 and MEK inhibitors) or non-malignant diseases (e.g. C-type natriuretic peptide analogues in achondroplasia or statins in hypercholesterolaemia) represents a challenging approach to the treatment of RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Saint-Laurent
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Reference Center for Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, FIRENDO Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, 330 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne TSA 70034, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Laurène Mazeyrie
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
| | - Armelle Yart
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France.
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Reference Center for Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, FIRENDO Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, 330 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne TSA 70034, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
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Liu L, Hu C, Chen Z, Zhu S, Zhu L. Co-Occurring Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in a Child Carrying the Pathogenic SHOC2 c.4A>G (p.Ser2Gly) Variant. Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e942377. [PMID: 38019730 PMCID: PMC10697549 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.942377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RASopathies involve mutations in genes that encode proteins participating in the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and are a collection of multisystem disorders that clinically overlap. Variants in the SHOC2 gene have been reported in Noonan-like syndrome, which include distinct facial features, short stature, congenital cardiac defects, developmental delays, bleeding disorders, and loose anagen hair. This report is of a 7-year-old girl with the c.4A>G (p.Ser2Gly) variant of the SHOC2 gene, consistent with Noonan-like syndrome, with loose anagen hair, presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. CASE REPORT The child had a medical history of 7 hospitalizations at our institution. At the age of 2 months, she underwent surgical correction for ventricular and atrial septal defects. At the age of 2 years, tonsil and adenoid removal surgery was performed, followed by surgery for otitis media at age 5 years. At 7 years, she was hospitalized for the simultaneous occurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The patient displayed short stature and mild intellectual disability. Notable facial features included sparse hair, mild frontal bossing, and low-set ears. Antinuclear antibody levels demonstrated a significant gradual shift. Through trio whole-exome sequencing, a c.4A>G (p.Ser2Gly) variation in the SHOC2 gene was identified. CONCLUSIONS Given the clinical information and genetic testing results, the patient's condition appeared to closely be a type of RASopathy. This report has highlighted the importance of physical, developmental, and genetic testing in children presenting with dysmorphism, developmental delay, and hematological abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Chanchan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zhenjie Chen
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shuzhen Zhu
- Department of Emergency, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Lvchang Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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D'Onofrio G, Delrue MA, Lortie A, Marquis C, Striano P, Jaworski M, Andelfinger G, Perreault S. Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy With MEK Inhibitor in Patients With RASopathy. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 148:148-151. [PMID: 37722300 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several specific syndromes within the RASopathies spectrum lead to an increased risk of seizures up to developing refractory epileptic encephalopathy. Management remains symptomatic. METHODS Here we report two patients treated with trametinib, a MEK1-2 inhibitor, as a precision strategy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Patient 1 is a six-year-old girl with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (BRAF p.F595L, germline mutation), and Patient 2 is a 14-month-old boy with Schimmelpenning syndrome (KRAS p.G12D, postzygotic somatic mutation). Trametinib was initiated at a dosage of 0.025 mg/kg/day. RESULTS Patient 1 had multiple seizures per day, multifocal motor to bilateral tonic-clonic. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed a dramatic reduction in EEG discharges three months after trametinib onset, while a marked clinical improvement occurred after about five months, at the same dosage, and the girl is currently seizure-free for more than six months. Patient 2 had left cerebral hemiatrophy leading to right focal motor seizures, multiple per week to multiple per day, since the age of three months. On trametinib, he experienced an early benefit, remaining seizure-free for more than three months. However, after six months we observed recurrence of seizures. After 22 months of treatment, trametinib was discontinued because of a suspected drug-induced inflammatory colitis. After discontinuation, we observed a significant clinical and EEG "rebound effect." CONCLUSIONS We provide proof of concept that MEK inhibition is a promising approach for the treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy with selected germline and mosaic RASopathies. Future trials are encouraged to better investigate their potentials and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ange Delrue
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne Lortie
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Genoa, Italy
| | - Magdalena Jaworski
- Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Pediatrics Division, CHU Sainte-Justine
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sebastien Perreault
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Östman-Smith I. Lessons From a Genotype-Phenotype Study About the Clinical Spectrum of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Associated With Noonan Syndrome With Multiple Lentigines and PTPN11-Mutations. Circ Genom Precis Med 2023; 16:359-362. [PMID: 37325916 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.123.004206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingegerd Östman-Smith
- Institute of Clinical Specialties, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University & Children´s Heart Center, Queen Silvia Children´s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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