1
|
Genetics of Multiple System Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Systemized Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065281. [PMID: 36982356 PMCID: PMC10048872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are uncommon multifactorial atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, expressed by various clinical features. MSA and PSP are commonly considered sporadic neurodegenerative disorders; however, our understanding is improving of their genetic framework. The purpose of this study was to critically review the genetics of MSA and PSP and their involvement in the pathogenesis. A systemized literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was performed up to 1 January 2023. Narrative synthesis of the results was undertaken. In total, 43 studies were analyzed. Although familial MSA cases have been reported, the hereditary nature could not be demonstrated. COQ2 mutations were involved in familial and sporadic MSA, without being reproduced in various clinical populations. In terms of the genetics of the cohort, synuclein alpha (SNCA) polymorphisms were correlated with an elevated likelihood of manifesting MSA in Caucasians, but a causal effect relationship could not be demonstrated. Fifteen MAPT mutations were linked with PSP. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is an infrequent monogenic mutation of PSP. Dynactin subunit 1 (DCTN1) mutations may imitate the PSP phenotype. GWAS have noted many risk loci of PSP (STX6 and EIF2AK3), suggesting pathogenetic mechanisms related to PSP. Despite the limited evidence, it seems that genetics influence the susceptibility to MSA and PSP. MAPT mutations result in the MSA and PSP pathologies. Further studies are crucial to elucidate the pathogeneses of MSA and PSP, which will support efforts to develop novel drug options.
Collapse
|
2
|
Breevoort S, Gibson S, Figueroa K, Bromberg M, Pulst S. Expanding Clinical Spectrum of C9ORF72-Related Disorders and Promising Therapeutic Strategies: A Review. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e670. [PMID: 35620137 PMCID: PMC9128039 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, a pathogenic hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene was discovered to be the leading genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Before this, the C9ORF72 gene and its protein were unknown. The repeat expansion was found to cause both haploinsufficiency and gain of toxicity through aggregating RNA products and dipeptide repeat proteins. A worldwide effort was then initiated to define C9ORF72 ALS/FTD and unravel the pathogenic mechanism for the development of therapeutic options. A decade later, C9ORF72 genetic testing is readily available. There is now an increasing appreciation that C9ORF72 not only is the leading genetic cause of ALS/FTD but may contribute to a spectrum of disorders. This article reviews what is currently known about the C9ORF72 expansion and how C9ORF72 expansion manifests in ALS, FTD, psychiatric disorders, and movement disorders. With therapeutic strategies fast approaching the clinic, earlier recognition of possible C9ORF72 expansion related disorders is even more paramount to improve patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Summer Gibson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Karla Figueroa
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Mark Bromberg
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Stefan Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Afrashteh F, Ghafoury R, Almasi-Doghaee M. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and genetic factors associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer’s disease: a narrative review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurologic disease leading to enlargement of ventricles which is presented with gait and balance disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus is challenging due to the late onset of signs and symptoms. In this review, we summarize the cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, pathology, and genetic biomarkers of normal pressure hydrocephalus and related disorders.
Body
Recently, cerebrospinal fluid and serum biomarkers analysis alongside gene analysis has received a lot of attention. Interpreting a set of serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers along with genetic testing for candidate genes could differentiate NPH from other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia, and other types of dementia.
Conclusion
Better understanding the pathophysiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus through genetic studies can aid in evolving preventative measures and the early treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus patients.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bonapace G, Gagliardi M, Procopio R, Morelli M, Quattrone A, Brighina L, Quattrone A, Annesi G. Multiple system atrophy and C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in a cohort of Italian patients. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 112:12-15. [PMID: 35007998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Exanucleotide expansions in C9orf72 gene have been described as potential risk factor in some patients with Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and other forms of atypical parkinsonism. The goal of our study was to extend the knowledge on the involvement of C9orf72 in MSA studying a cohort of 100 patients from Italy. We identified 2 heterozygous patients in the pathological range (> 30 repeats) and 4 heterozygous patients for expansions in the premutation range (20 -30 repeats). Our findings strengthen the previously hypothesized role for this gene as a risk factor for MSA and raise the possibility of a more complex and still unknown involvement of this gene in the heterogeneity of MSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Gagliardi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Radha Procopio
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy; National Research Council, Section of Germaneto, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maurizio Morelli
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Quattrone
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Laura Brighina
- Department of Neurology, Milan Center for Neuroscience, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroscience centre, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Grazia Annesi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Cosenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
C9orf72 Intermediate Repeats Confer Genetic Risk for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Independently of Age. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136991. [PMID: 34209673 PMCID: PMC8268051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A cytokine storm, autoimmune features and dysfunctions of myeloid cells significantly contribute to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Genetic background of the host seems to be partly responsible for severe phenotype and genes related to innate immune response seem critical host determinants. The C9orf72 gene has a role in vesicular trafficking, autophagy regulation and lysosome functions, is highly expressed in myeloid cells and is involved in immune functions, regulating the lysosomal degradation of mediators of innate immunity. A large non-coding hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in this gene is the main genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), both characterized by neuroinflammation and high systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while HREs of intermediate length, although rare, are more frequent in autoimmune disorders. C9orf72 full mutation results in haploinsufficiency and intermediate HREs seem to modulate gene expression as well and impair autophagy. Herein, we sought to explore whether intermediate HREs in C9orf72 may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. Although we found intermediate HREs in only a small portion of 240 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, the magnitude of risk for requiring non-invasive or mechanical ventilation conferred by harboring intermediate repeats >10 units in at least one C9orf72 allele was more than twice respect to having shorter expansions, when adjusted for age (odds ratio (OR) 2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-5.37, p = 0.040). The association between intermediate repeats >10 units and more severe clinical outcome (p = 0.025) was also validated in an independent cohort of 201 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. These data suggest that C9orf72 HREs >10 units may influence the pathogenic process driving more severe COVID-19 phenotypes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Clinical Update on C9orf72: Frontotemporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Beyond. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:67-76. [PMID: 33433869 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The identification of C9orf72 gene has led to important scientific progresses and has considerably changed our clinical practice. However, a decade after C9orf72 discovery, some important clinical questions remain unsolved. The reliable cutoff for the pathogenic repeat number and the implication of intermediate alleles in frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or in other diseases are still uncertain. The occurrence of an anticipation phenomenon - at the clinical and molecular levels - in C9orf72 kindreds is still debated as well, and the factors driving age at onset and phenotype variability are largely unknown. All these questions have a significant impact not only in clinical practice for diagnosis and genetic counseling but also in a research context for the initiation of therapeutic trials. In this chapter, we will address all those issues and summarize the recent updates about clinical aspects of C9orf72 disease, focusing on both the common and the less typical phenotypes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Korhonen VE, Remes AM, Helisalmi S, Rauramaa T, Sutela A, Vanninen R, Suhonen NM, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M, Jääskeläinen JE, Soininen H, Koivisto AM, Leinonen V. Prevalence of C9ORF72 Expansion in a Large Series of Patients with Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2019; 47:91-103. [PMID: 30861516 DOI: 10.1159/000497306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The C9ORF72 expansion is known to cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aim to identify the prevalence of the C9ORF72 expansion in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). METHODS We analysed the C9ORF72 expansion in a large cohort of patients with possible iNPH (n = 487) and cognitively intact elderly controls (n = 432; age > 65 years). RESULTS While the C9ORF72 expansion was detected in 1.6% (n = 8/487) of cases with possible iNPH, no control subject was found to carry the mutation. The mean age at onset of symptoms of C9ORF72 expansion carriers was 59 years (range: 52-67 years), 11 years less than non-carriers (p = 0.0002). The most frequent initial/main symptom pertained to gait difficulties. Despite identified mutation, only 3 of the patients fulfilled the criteria for the FTLD-ALS spectrum. Clinically significant shunt response was detected in 6 out of 7 shunted C9ORF72 expansion carriers. CONCLUSION This is the first study cohort identifying the underlying C9ORF72 expansion in patients with iNPH providing evidence for the potential comorbidity between iNPH and the FTLD-ALS spectrum. Analysis of the C9ORF72 expansion should be considered for patients with probable iNPH presenting with frontal atrophy and personality changes or other severe psychiatric symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ville E Korhonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland,
| | - Anne M Remes
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo Helisalmi
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna Sutela
- Department of Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ritva Vanninen
- Department of Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Noora-Maria Suhonen
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha E Jääskeläinen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Koivisto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia is a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders, with progressive impairment of behavior and language. They can be closely related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, clinically and through shared genetics and similar pathology. Approximately 40% of people with frontotemporal dementia report a family history of dementia, motor neuron disease or parkinsonism, and half of these familial cases are attributed to mutations in three genes (C9orf72, MAPT and PGRN). Akinetic-rigidity is a common feature in several types of frontotemporal dementia, particularly the behavioral variant and the non-fluent agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia, and the familial dementias. The majority of patients develop a degree of parkinsonism during the course of the illness, and signs may be present at the time of initial diagnosis. However, the parkinsonism of frontotemporal dementia is very different from that observed in idiopathic Parkinson's disease: it may be symmetric, axial, and poorly responsive to levodopa. Tremor is uncommon, and may be postural, action or occasionally rest tremor. The emergence of parkinsonism is often part of an evolving phenotype, in which frontotemporal dementia comes to resemble corticobasal syndrome or progressive supranuclear palsy. This chapter describes the prevalence and phenomenology of parkinsonism in each of the major syndromes, and according to the common genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia. We discuss the changing nosology and terminology surrounding the diagnoses, and the significance of parkinsonism as a core feature of frontotemporal dementia, relevant to clinical management and the design of future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James B Rowe
- Cambridge University Centre for Frontotemporal Dementia and Cambridge University Centre for Parkinson-plus, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cali CP, Patino M, Tai YK, Ho WY, McLean CA, Morris CM, Seeley WW, Miller BL, Gaig C, Vonsattel JPG, White CL, Roeber S, Kretzschmar H, Troncoso JC, Troakes C, Gearing M, Ghetti B, Van Deerlin VM, Lee VMY, Trojanowski JQ, Mok KY, Ling H, Dickson DW, Schellenberg GD, Ling SC, Lee EB. C9orf72 intermediate repeats are associated with corticobasal degeneration, increased C9orf72 expression and disruption of autophagy. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:795-811. [PMID: 31327044 PMCID: PMC6802287 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellite repeat expansion disease loci can exhibit pleiotropic clinical and biological effects depending on repeat length. Large expansions in C9orf72 (100s-1000s of units) are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). However, whether intermediate expansions also contribute to neurodegenerative disease is not well understood. Several studies have identified intermediate repeats in Parkinson's disease patients, but the association was not found in autopsy-confirmed cases. We hypothesized that intermediate C9orf72 repeats are a genetic risk factor for corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a neurodegenerative disease that can be clinically similar to Parkinson's but has distinct tau protein pathology. Indeed, intermediate C9orf72 repeats were significantly enriched in autopsy-proven CBD (n = 354 cases, odds ratio = 3.59, p = 0.00024). While large C9orf72 repeat expansions are known to decrease C9orf72 expression, intermediate C9orf72 repeats result in increased C9orf72 expression in human brain tissue and CRISPR/cas9 knockin iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells. In contrast to cases of FTD/ALS with large C9orf72 expansions, CBD with intermediate C9orf72 repeats was not associated with pathologic RNA foci or dipeptide repeat protein aggregates. Knock-in cells with intermediate repeats exhibit numerous changes in gene expression pathways relating to vesicle trafficking and autophagy. Additionally, overexpression of C9orf72 without the repeat expansion leads to defects in autophagy under nutrient starvation conditions. These results raise the possibility that therapeutic strategies to reduce C9orf72 expression may be beneficial for the treatment of CBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Cali
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maribel Patino
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yee Kit Tai
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Yun Ho
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Health and Victorian Brain Bank, Florey Neurosciences, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher M Morris
- Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, Edwardson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carles Gaig
- Universitat de Barcelona Hospital Clínic and Banc de Teixits Neurològics, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Charles L White
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sigrun Roeber
- Institute for Neuropathology and Prion Research and Brain Net Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Kretzschmar
- Institute for Neuropathology and Prion Research and Brain Net Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claire Troakes
- London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marla Gearing
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Vivianna M Van Deerlin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kin Y Mok
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Ling
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuo-Chien Ling
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 613A Stellar Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fredi M, Cavazzana I, Biasiotto G, Filosto M, Padovani A, Monti E, Tincani A, Franceschini F, Zanella I. C9orf72 Intermediate Alleles in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Neuromolecular Med 2019; 21:150-159. [PMID: 30859373 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The commonest genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a large hexanucleotide expansion within the non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene. The pathogenic mechanisms of the mutation seem toxic gain of functions, while haploinsufficiency alone appears insufficient to cause neurodegeneration. C9orf72-/- mice rather develop features of autoimmunity. Immune-mediated dysfunctions are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD and high prevalence of autoimmune disease has recently been observed in C9orf72 expansion-positive patients. Since intermediate repeat expansions result in decreased transcription of the gene, we explored the hypothesis that C9orf72 intermediate alleles could be a genetic risk for autoimmune conditions. We genotyped 69 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 77 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, with 68 expansion-negative ALS patients, as control. A cut-off of ≥ 9 and ≤ 30 hexanucleotide units was chosen to define intermediate-length expansions. In the SLE and SLE + RA cohorts, both the number of patients with intermediate expansions and the overall number of intermediate alleles were significantly higher than in controls (23.2% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.020; 13.8% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.006, and 19.9% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.033, 11% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.021, respectively) and discernible although non-significant differences were found for the RA only cohort. Three SLE patients had intermediate-length expansions on both alleles, two of them harboring sequence variations within the hexanucleotide downstream region. However, no peculiar clinical features associated with the intermediate expansion were identified. Our results suggest that C9orf72 intermediate alleles could be associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, indicating a role of C9orf72 in immunity regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavazzana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Biasiotto
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Padovani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Isabella Zanella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bourinaris T, Houlden H. C9orf72 and its Relevance in Parkinsonism and Movement Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2018; 5:575-585. [PMID: 30637277 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion is one of the latest discovered repeat expansion disorders related to neurodegeneration. Its association with the FTD/ALS spectrum disorders is well established, and it is considered to be one of the leading related genes. It has also been reported as a possible cause of several other phenotypes, including parkinsonism and other movement disorders. Its significance, though outside the FTD/ALS spectrum, is not well defined. Methods A comprehensive search of the literature was performed. All relevant papers, including reviews and case series/reports on movement disorder phenotypes reported with the C9orf72 repeat expansion, were reviewed. Data on frequency, natural history, phenotype, genetics, and possible underlying mechanisms were assessed. Results and Discussion In a number of studies, C9orf72 accounts for a small fraction of typical PD. Atypical parkinsonian syndromes, including CBS, PSP, and MSA have also been reported. Features that increase the probability of positive testing include early cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms, positive family history of ALS or FTD, and the presence of UMN and LMN signs. Furthermore, several studies conclude that C9orf72 is the most common cause of HD-phenocopies. Interestingly, many cases with the parkinsonian phenotype that bear an intermediate range of repeats are also reported, questioning the direct causal role of C9orf72 and suggesting the possibility of being a susceptibility factor, while the presence of the expansion in normal controls questions its clinical significance. Finally, studies on pathology reveal a distinctive broad range of C9orf72-related neurodegeneration that could explain the wide phenotypic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bourinaris
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Institute of Neurology, University College London London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Institute of Neurology, University College London London, WC1N 3BG UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
C9ORF72 Intermediate Repeat Expansion in a Patient With Psychiatric Disorders and Progressive Cerebellar Ataxia. Neurologist 2018; 22:245-246. [PMID: 29095328 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Large expansions of the noncoding GGGGCC repeat (more than 30) in the first intron of the C9ORF72 gene have been demonstrated to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Recent papers have investigated the possible pathogenic role and associated clinical phenotypes of hexanucleotide expansions with intermediate repeat lengths ranging between 20 and 29 repeats. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 71-year-old Sardinian female patient with a long history of psychiatric disorders such as mixed anxiety-depressive disorder associated with somatization disorder and histrionic personality who developed a slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome, mild cognitive impairment, pyramidal signs, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder with imaging abnormalities on the DaTSCAN single-photon emission computed tomography indicating an alteration in the presynaptic dopaminergic system. The patient was found to have intermediate C9ORF72 repeat expansions. CONCLUSIONS Early psychiatric presentations are a recurrent phenotypic manifestation of C9ORF72 expansions. In our patient, the intermediate C9ORF72 repeat expansion may have a pathogenic role in the cooccurrence of psychiatric and sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunctions, pyramidal system involvement, and late-onset cerebellar ataxia. This observation widens the spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions linked to C9ORF72 mutations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dharmadasa T, Matamala JM, Huynh W, Zoing MC, Kiernan MC. Motor neurone disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 159:345-357. [PMID: 30482326 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63916-5.00022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Motor neurone disease (MND) patients exhibit poor gait, balance, and postural control, all of which significantly increases their risk of falling. Falls are frequent in the MND population, and are associated with an increased burden of disease. The complex interplay of both motor and extramotor manifestations in this disease contributes to the heterogeneous and multifactorial causes of such dysfunction. This review highlights the pathophysiologic influence of motor degeneration in gait disturbance, but also the additional influence on postural instability from other inputs such as cognitive impairment, autonomic dysregulation, cerebellar dysfunction, sensory impairment, and extrapyramidal involvement. In various combinations, these impairments are responsible for reduced gait speed and alteration in gait cycle, as well as structurally more variable and disorganized gait patterns. Based on these features, this chapter will also provide disease-specific interventions to assess, manage, and prevent falls in the MND cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William Huynh
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret C Zoing
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oliveira Santos M, Caldeira I, Gromicho M, Pronto-Laborinho A, de Carvalho M. Brain white matter demyelinating lesions and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a patient with C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 17:1-4. [PMID: 29055436 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. It has been described before four patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and C9orf72-ALS. However, C9orf72 positivity is not associated with increased risk of MS. Inflammatory pathways related to NF-κB have been linked to ALS and MS, and appear to be important in C9orf72-ALS patients. A 42-year-old woman presented with progressive bulbar symptoms for 9 months. Neurological examination disclosed spastic dysarthria, atrophic tongue with fasciculations, brisk jaw and limb tendon reflexes, and bilateral Hoffman sign. Electrophysiological assessment confirmed ALS. Brain MRI revealed multiple and bilateral juxtacortical and periventricular inflammatory changes, some with gadolinium-enhancement, configuring a probable MS-like pattern. CSF evaluation was unremarkable, with no oligoclonal bands. Visual and somatosensory evoked potentials were normal. Follow-up brain MRI 6 months later showed two new lesions in two relatively characteristic locations of MS, with no gadolinium-enhancement. Genetic screening revealed a C9orf72 expansion. As patient had no clinical manifestation of MS, a diagnosis of radiologically isolated syndrome was considered. We speculate that these demyelinating lesions might facilitate expressivity of C9orf72 expansion, through NF-κB activation. This plausible association may lead to the identification of a therapeutic target in this subgroup of C9orf72-ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Oliveira Santos
- Institute of Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Portugal.
| | - Inês Caldeira
- Department of Neuroradiology. Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Portugal
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Institute of Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Pronto-Laborinho
- Institute of Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ng ASL, Tan EK. Intermediate C9orf72 alleles in neurological disorders: does size really matter? J Med Genet 2017; 54:591-597. [PMID: 28689190 PMCID: PMC5574395 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
C9orf72 repeat expansions is a major cause of familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) worldwide. Sizes of <20 hexanucleotide repeats are observed in controls, while up to thousands associate with disease. Intermediate C9orf72 repeat lengths, however, remain uncertain. We systematically reviewed the role of intermediate C9orf72 alleles in C9orf72-related neurological disorders. We identified 49 studies with adequate available data on normal or intermediate C9orf72 repeat length, involving subjects with FTD, ALS, Parkinson’s disease (PD), atypical parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other aetiologies. We found that, overall, normal or intermediate C9orf72 repeat lengths are not associated with higher disease risk across these disorders, but intermediate allele sizes appear to associate more frequently with neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Intermediate sizes were detected in subjects with personal or family history of FTD and/or psychiatric illness, parkinsonism complicated by psychosis and rarely in psychiatric cohorts. Length of the hexanucleotide repeat may be influenced by ethnicity (with Asian controls displaying shorter normal repeat lengths compared with Caucasians) and underlying haplotype, with more patients and controls carrying the ‘risk’ haplotype rs3849942 displaying intermediate alleles. There is some evidence that intermediate alleles display increased methylation levels and affect normal transcriptional activity of the C9orf72 promoter, but the ‘critical’ repeat size required for initiation of neurodegeneration remains unknown and requires further study. In common neurological diseases, intermediate C9orf72 repeats do not influence disease risk but may associate with higher frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This has important clinical relevance as intermediate carriers pose a challenge for genetic counselling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeline S L Ng
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
C9ORF72 and parkinsonism: Weak link, innocent bystander, or central player in neurodegeneration? J Neurol Sci 2017; 378:49-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
17
|
McCombe PA, Wray NR, Henderson RD. Extra-motor abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: another layer of heterogeneity. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:561-577. [PMID: 27983884 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1273772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease defined by the presence of muscle weakness. The motor features of disease are heterogeneous in site of onset and progression. There are also extra-motor features in some patients. The genetic basis for extra-motor features is uncertain. The heterogeneity of ALS is an issue for clinical trials. Areas covered: This paper reviews the range and prevalence of extra-motor features associated with ALS, and highlights the current information about genetic associations with extra-motor features. Expert commentary: There are extra-motor features of ALS, but these are not found in all patients. The most common is cognitive abnormality. More data is required to ascertain whether extra-motor features arise with progression of disease. Extra-motor features are reported in patients with a range of causative genetic mutations, but are not found in all patients with these mutations. Further studies are required of the heterogeneity of ALS, and genotype/phenotype correlations are required, taking note of extra-motor features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A McCombe
- a The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
| | - N R Wray
- b The University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience , Brisbane , Australia
| | - R D Henderson
- a The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Riva N, Agosta F, Lunetta C, Filippi M, Quattrini A. Recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2016; 263:1241-54. [PMID: 27025851 PMCID: PMC4893385 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
ALS is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, with no curative therapies available to date. Symptomatic and palliative care, provided in a multidisciplinary context, still remains the cornerstone of ALS management. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has advanced greatly over the past years, giving new hope for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we have reviewed the most recent studies that have contributed to improving both clinical management and our understanding of ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Niguarda Ca Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Geiger JT, Arthur KC, Dawson TM, Rosenthal LS, Pantelyat A, Albert M, Hillis AE, Crain B, Pletnikova O, Troncoso JC, Scholz SW. C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Analysis in Cases with Pathologically Confirmed Dementia with Lewy Bodies. NEURODEGENER DIS 2016; 16:370-2. [PMID: 27241037 DOI: 10.1159/000445872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia affecting the elderly. The GGGGCC hexanucleotide expansion mutation at the C9orf72 locus has been identified as a major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, raising the question of whether this mutation is a factor in DLB. Furthermore, a small number of clinically diagnosed DLB patients have previously been reported to carry the pathologic C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. OBJECTIVE To explore whether the C9orf72 mutation is present in pathologically confirmed DLB patients. METHODS We screened a cohort of 111 definite DLB cases with extensive Lewy body pathology for the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion using the repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS No pathogenic expansions of the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat were found, suggesting that there is no causal relationship between C9orf72 and DLB. CONCLUSION Our data illustrate that C9orf72 screening of clinically diagnosed DLB patients should only be considered in cases with a family history of motor neuron disease or frontotemporal dementia to distinguish between mimic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Geiger
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md., The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pa., USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|