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Palmio J, Kiviranta P, Hartikainen PH, Isohanni P, Auranen M, Videman K, Penttilä S, Lehtinen S, Kirjavainen J, Hintikka S, Paloviita K, Saarela J, Udd B. Homozygosity of a Founder Variant c.1508dupC in DOK7 Causes Congenital Myasthenia With Variable Severity. Neurol Genet 2024; 10:e200155. [PMID: 38725677 PMCID: PMC11081763 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Description of 15 patients with the same variant in DOK7 causing congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). Methods Nine adult and 6 pediatric patients were studied with molecular genetic and clinical investigations. Results All patients were identified with the c.1508dupC variant in DOK7, of whom 13 were homozygous and 2 patients compound heterozygous. Only 2 patients had limb girdle phenotype, while all adult patients also had ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, facial weakness, as well as inspiratory stridor. Pediatric patients had severe respiratory insufficiency and feeding difficulties at birth. Discussion The disease severity in our patients varied extensively from ventilator or wheelchair dependence to mild facial weakness, ptosis, and ophthalmoparesis. Most of the patients had normal transmission in conventional 3 Hz stimulation electrophysiologic studies, making the diagnosis of CMS challenging. Our cohort of adult and pediatric patients expands the phenotype of DOK7 CMS and shows the importance of correct and early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Palmio
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Panu Kiviranta
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Päivi H Hartikainen
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Pirjo Isohanni
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Mari Auranen
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Karoliina Videman
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Sini Penttilä
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Sara Lehtinen
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Jarkko Kirjavainen
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Susanna Hintikka
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Katriina Paloviita
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Janna Saarela
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Bjarne Udd
- From the Neuromuscular Research Center (J.P., S.P., B.U.), Tampere University and University Hospital, Neurology; The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim (P.K.), Helsinki; Department of Pediatrics (P.K.), Kuopio University Hospital, and University of Eastern Finland Kuopio; Neurocenter (P.H.H.), Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Child Neurology (P.I.), Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Research Programs Unit (P.I.), Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki; Clinical Neurosciences (M.A.), Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (K.V.); Department of Genetics (S.L.), Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital; Department of Pediatric Neurology (J.K.), Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Neurology (S.H., K.P.), Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM (J.S.), University Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (J.S.), University of Oslo, Norway; Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and the Department of Medical Genetics (B.U.), Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki; and Department of Neurology (B.U.), Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland
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Gomathy SB, Das A, Garg A, Srivastava AK. Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Caused by DOK7 Mutation in a Quinquagenarian Male with Calf Hypertrophy. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 25:51-54. [PMID: 37611271 DOI: 10.1097/cnd.0000000000000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are relatively rare neurologic syndromes of defective neuromuscular transmission that stem from mutations in various proteins at the myoneural junction. Classically, the patients present within the first 2 years of life; however, the disease can also have onset in the second or third decade of life. The disease characteristically involves the skeletal muscles and spares smooth and cardiac muscles. The patients present with weakness involving ocular, limb, axial, or bulbar muscles. The specific diagnosis in most cases is clinched by genetic testing. We report a 59-year-old man presenting with neuromuscular weakness for 3 years and calf hypertrophy. He had myopathic features on electrophysiologic studies with a decremental response on repetitive nerve stimulation. Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of DOK7 CMS. He was managed with salbutamol and showed significant improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Animesh Das
- Department of Neurology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India; and
| | - Ajay Garg
- Department of Neuroradiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
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Bricoune O, Hamner B, Gieron-Korthals M. Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Myasthenia Gravis in Infants and Children with Presentation of Cases. Adv Pediatr 2023; 70:81-90. [PMID: 37422299 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare condition that impairs function at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscles, seen less commonly in children. Causes include autoimmune MG, congenital myasthenic syndromes, and transient neonatal myasthenia gravis. Symptoms of weakness, hypotonia, and fatigability can be reasonably explained by more common causes, thus children with MG disorders commonly experience delays in treatment with severe consequences. This leads to the progression of disease and serious complications including myasthenic crises and exacerbations. We describe 5 cases of MG, which illustrate clinical and genetic challenges in establishing diagnosis and subsequent consequences of delayed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Bricoune
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bailey Hamner
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Maria Gieron-Korthals
- Pediatric Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Mendpara V, Bethanabotla S, Yadav M, Kanisetti V, Singh G, Das A, Sahu S, Patel H. When Breathing Becomes a Challenge: A Case of Congenital Myasthenia Gravis in an Indian Neonate With a DOK-7 Gene Mutation. Cureus 2023; 15:e38842. [PMID: 37303354 PMCID: PMC10256249 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A rare neuromuscular condition known as congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG) affects some people from birth or very soon after. It results in fatigue and muscle weakness because of genetic abnormalities that interfere with the neuromuscular junction's ability to function, where the nerves and muscles connect. Even among those who have the same genetic mutation, the severity of CMG symptoms might differ considerably. The most typical signs of CMG include eyelid drooping, breathing issues, muscle weakness and weariness, and difficulties swallowing. Clinical examinations, neurophysiologic tests, and genetic analyses are frequently combined to make the diagnosis of CMG. Although there is no known treatment for CMG, many patients may control their symptoms and lead relatively normal lives with the right care. A newborn with CMG due to a DOK-7 gene mutation is described in this article, along with its very early onset. The DOK-7 mutation is a rare variant in the Indian population that causes CMG and usually manifests as 'limb girdle' weakness. However, due to muscle weakness, the neonate in this case developed severe respiratory distress and later died despite rigorous life-saving measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Mendpara
- Medicine and Surgery, Pediatrics, Government Medical College Surat, Surat, IND
| | | | - Megha Yadav
- Medicine and Surgery, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, IND
| | | | - Gurpreet Singh
- Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Amritsar, IND
| | - Abhirami Das
- Internal Medicine, Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Thane, IND
| | - Sweta Sahu
- Surgery, Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra (JJM) Medical College, Davanagere, IND
| | - Hitesh Patel
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Government Medical College and Hospital, Surat, IND
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Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Shen XM, Selcen D, Engel AG. Clinical and Pathologic Features of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Caused by 35 Genes-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043730. [PMID: 36835142 PMCID: PMC9961056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular signal transmission due to germline pathogenic variants in genes expressed at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A total of 35 genes have been reported in CMS (AGRN, ALG14, ALG2, CHAT, CHD8, CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRND, CHRNE, CHRNG, COL13A1, COLQ, DOK7, DPAGT1, GFPT1, GMPPB, LAMA5, LAMB2, LRP4, MUSK, MYO9A, PLEC, PREPL, PURA, RAPSN, RPH3A, SCN4A, SLC18A3, SLC25A1, SLC5A7, SNAP25, SYT2, TOR1AIP1, UNC13A, VAMP1). The 35 genes can be classified into 14 groups according to the pathomechanical, clinical, and therapeutic features of CMS patients. Measurement of compound muscle action potentials elicited by repetitive nerve stimulation is required to diagnose CMS. Clinical and electrophysiological features are not sufficient to identify a defective molecule, and genetic studies are always required for accurate diagnosis. From a pharmacological point of view, cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in most groups of CMS, but are contraindicated in some groups of CMS. Similarly, ephedrine, salbutamol (albuterol), amifampridine are effective in most but not all groups of CMS. This review extensively covers pathomechanical and clinical features of CMS by citing 442 relevant articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew G. Engel
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
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Shao S, Shi G, Bi FF, Huang K. Pharmacological Treatments for Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Caused by COLQ Mutations. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1594-1605. [PMID: 36703579 PMCID: PMC10472815 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230126145652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) refer to a series of inherited disorders caused by defects in various proteins. Mutation in the collagen-like tail subunit of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase (COLQ) is the second-most common cause of CMS. However, data on pharmacological treatments are limited. OBJECTIVE In this study, we reviewed related reports to determine the most appropriate pharmacological strategy for CMS caused by COLQ mutations. A literature review and meta-analysis were also performed. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies published in English before July 22, 2022. RESULTS A total of 42 studies including 164 patients with CMS due to 72 different COLQ mutations were selected for evaluation. Most studies were case reports, and none were randomized clinical trials. Our meta-analysis revealed evidence that β-adrenergic agonists, including salbutamol and ephedrine, can be used as first-line pharmacological treatments for CMS patients with COLQ mutations, as 98.7% of patients (74/75) treated with β-adrenergic agonists showed positive effects. In addition, AChEIs should be avoided in CMS patients with COLQ mutations, as 90.5% (105/116) of patients treated with AChEIs showed either no or negative effects. CONCLUSION (1) β-adrenergic agonist therapy is the first pharmacological strategy for treating CMS with COLQ mutations. (2) AChEIs should be avoided in patients with CMS with COLQ mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guanzhong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Bi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Sainio MT, Aaltio J, Hyttinen V, Kortelainen M, Ojanen S, Paetau A, Tienari P, Ylikallio E, Auranen M, Tyynismaa H. Effectiveness of clinical exome sequencing in adult patients with difficult-to-diagnose neurological disorders. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:63-72. [PMID: 34418069 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical diagnostics in adults with hereditary neurological diseases is complicated by clinical and genetic heterogeneity, as well as lifestyle effects. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of exome sequencing and clinical costs in our difficult-to-diagnose adult patient cohort. Additionally, we expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of hereditary neurological disorders in Finland. METHODS We performed clinical exome sequencing (CES) to 100 adult patients from Finland with neurological symptoms of suspected genetic cause. The patients were classified as myopathy (n = 57), peripheral neuropathy (n = 16), ataxia (n = 15), spastic paraplegia (n = 4), Parkinsonism (n = 3), and mixed (n = 5). In addition, we gathered the costs of prior diagnostic work-up to retrospectively assess the cost-effectiveness of CES as a first-line diagnostic tool. RESULTS The overall diagnostic yield of CES was 27%. Pathogenic variants were found for 14 patients (in genes ANO5, CHCHD10, CLCN1, DES, DOK7, FKBP14, POLG, PYROXD1, SCN4A, TUBB3, and TTN) and likely pathogenic previously undescribed variants for 13 patients (in genes ABCD1, AFG3L2, ATL1, CACNA1A, COL6A1, DYSF, IRF2BPL, KCNA1, MT-ATP6, SAMD9L, SGCB, and TPM2). Age of onset below 40 years increased the probability of finding a genetic cause. Our cost evaluation of prior diagnostic work-up suggested that early CES would be cost-effective in this patient group, in which diagnostic costs increase linearly with prolonged investigations. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, CES is a cost-effective, powerful first-line diagnostic tool in establishing the molecular diagnosis in adult neurological patients with variable symptoms. Importantly, CES can markedly shorten the diagnostic odysseys of about one third of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus T. Sainio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Juho Aaltio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Virva Hyttinen
- VATT Institute for Economic Research Helsinki Finland
- Department of Health and Social Management University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | - Mika Kortelainen
- VATT Institute for Economic Research Helsinki Finland
- Department of Economics Turku School of Economics Turku Finland
| | - Simo Ojanen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Anders Paetau
- Department of Pathology HUSLAB and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Pentti Tienari
- Clinical Neurosciences Neurology University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Emil Ylikallio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences Neurology University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Mari Auranen
- Clinical Neurosciences Neurology University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Henna Tyynismaa
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Neuroscience Center Helsinki Institute of Life Science University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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8
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Lorenzoni PJ, Ducci RDP, Arndt RC, Hrysay NMC, Fustes OJH, Töpf A, Lochmüller H, Werneck LC, Kay CSK, Scola RH. Congenital myasthenic syndrome in a cohort of patients with 'double' seronegative myasthenia gravis. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 80:69-74. [PMID: 34932651 PMCID: PMC9651496 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) have some phenotypic overlap with seronegative myasthenia gravis (SNMG). OBJECTIVE The aim of this single center study was to assess the minimum occurrence of CMS misdiagnosed as double SNMG in a Brazilian cohort. METHODS The genetic analysis of the most common mutations in CHRNE, RAPSN, and DOK7 genes was used as the main screening tool. RESULTS We performed genetic analysis in 22 patients with a previous diagnosis of 'double' SNMG. In this study, one CMS patient was confirmed due to the presence of compound heterozygous variants in the CHRNE gene (c.130insG/p.Cys210Phe). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that CMS due to CHNRE mutations can be mistaken for SNMG. In addition, our study estimated the prevalence of misdiagnosed CMS to be 4.5% in 'double' SNMG patients of our center. Based on our findings, genetic screening could be helpful in the diagnostic workup of patients with 'double' SNMG in whom differential diagnosis is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo José Lorenzoni
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Renata Dal-Pra Ducci
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Raquel Cristina Arndt
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Nyvia Milicio Coblinski Hrysay
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Otto Jesus Hernandez Fustes
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Töpf
- Newcastle University, Institute of Genetic Medicine, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Ottawa, Canada.,University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lineu Cesar Werneck
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
| | - Rosana Herminia Scola
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brazil
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9
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Oury J, Zhang W, Leloup N, Koide A, Corrado AD, Ketavarapu G, Hattori T, Koide S, Burden SJ. Mechanism of disease and therapeutic rescue of Dok7 congenital myasthenia. Nature 2021; 595:404-408. [PMID: 34163073 PMCID: PMC8277574 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03672-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenia (CM) is a devastating neuromuscular disease, and mutations in DOK7, an adaptor protein that is crucial for forming and maintaining neuromuscular synapses, are a major cause of CM1,2. The most common disease-causing mutation (DOK71124_1127 dup) truncates DOK7 and leads to the loss of two tyrosine residues that are phosphorylated and recruit CRK proteins, which are important for anchoring acetylcholine receptors at synapses. Here we describe a mouse model of this common form of CM (Dok7CM mice) and a mouse with point mutations in the two tyrosine residues (Dok72YF). We show that Dok7CM mice had severe deficits in neuromuscular synapse formation that caused neonatal lethality. Unexpectedly, these deficits were due to a severe deficiency in phosphorylation and activation of muscle-specific kinase (MUSK) rather than a deficiency in DOK7 tyrosine phosphorylation. We developed agonist antibodies against MUSK and show that these antibodies restored neuromuscular synapse formation and prevented neonatal lethality and late-onset disease in Dok7CM mice. These findings identify an unexpected cause for disease and a potential therapy for both DOK7 CM and other forms of CM caused by mutations in AGRIN, LRP4 or MUSK, and illustrate the potential of targeted therapy to rescue congenital lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Oury
- Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadia Leloup
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akiko Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Takamitsu Hattori
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shohei Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Steven J Burden
- Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Alsallum MS, Alshareef A, Abuzinadah AR, Bamaga AK, Dallol A. A novel DOK7 mutation causing congenital myasthenic syndrome with limb-girdle weakness: case series of three family members. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06869. [PMID: 34027146 PMCID: PMC8120944 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenia syndrome (CMS) is a group of heterogeneous diseases affecting the neuromuscular endplate. CMS has a considerably different phenotypic presentations, with the onset time ranging from early infancy to late adulthood. Here, we report a case of a CMS due to a new DOK7 mutation in a 28-year-old man and two of his sisters, who have a pure limb-girdle weakness. DOK7 CMS has a varying presentation. Typically, the onset occurs in childhood with ptosis, bulbar symptoms, difficulty walking, weakness, and gait abnormality. This case sheds light on a novel DOK7 gene mutation with a unique presentation of CMS and provides insight into its unique phenotypic presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Alsallum
- Neurology Resident, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, P.O. Box: 80200, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aysha Alshareef
- King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Internal Medicine Department, Neurology Division, P.O. Box: 80200, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Neuromuscular Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad R Abuzinadah
- King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Internal Medicine Department, Neurology Division, P.O. Box: 80200, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Neuromuscular Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed K Bamaga
- Neuromuscular Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Pediatric Department, Neurology Division, P.O. Box: 80200, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Dallol
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research and Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80200, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Fernandes M, Caetano A, Pinto M, Medeiros E, Santos L. Diagnosis of DOK7 congenital myasthenic syndrome during pregnancy: A case report and literature review. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 203:106591. [PMID: 33714798 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancy among patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a rare occurrence. Since most of the patients with CMS reach adulthood, questions regarding clinical outcome with pregnancy arise. CASE REPORT We describe a 38-year-old Portuguese female who presented in the second trimester of pregnancy with proximal fluctuating limb-girdle weakness, hyperlordosis, waddling gait, dysphagia, dysphonia and ptosis, with no ophthalmoparesis. Initial diagnosis of seronegative myasthenia, supported by neurophysiology findings, led to unsuccessful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, pyridostigmine, prednisolone and plasmapheresis, and the patient slowly progressed to a severe tetraparesis with facial and bulbar involvement. Genetic testing for CMS identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.1124_1127dupTGCC and c.935_936del) in the DOK7 gene. Subsequent treatment with salbutamol resulted in substantial clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS This case underlines the importance of considering the diagnosis of CMS in patients with fluctuating weakness during pregnancy. Patients of child-bearing potential diagnosed with CMS, particularly due to DOK7 mutations, should be counseled in advance and closely followed during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fernandes
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira 126, 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - André Caetano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira 126, 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal; CEDOC Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Nova Medical School / Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinto
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira 126, 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elmira Medeiros
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira 126, 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal; CEDOC Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Nova Medical School / Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Santos
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Rua da Junqueira 126, 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal; CEDOC Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Nova Medical School / Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Svahn J, Chenevier F, Bouhour F, Vial C. Miastenia e sindromi miasteniche. Neurologia 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(20)44012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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13
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AAV9-DOK7 gene therapy reduces disease severity in Smn 2B/- SMA model mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:107-114. [PMID: 32828271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. An important hallmark of disease progression is the pathology of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Affected NMJs in the SMA context exhibit delayed maturation, impaired synaptic transmission, and loss of contact between motor neurons and skeletal muscle. Protection and maintenance of NMJs remains a focal point of therapeutic strategies to treat SMA, and the recent implication of the NMJ-organizer Agrin in SMA pathology suggests additional NMJ organizing molecules may contribute. DOK7 is an NMJ organizer that functions downstream of Agrin. The potential of DOK7 as a putative therapeutic target was demonstrated by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy delivery of DOK7 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Emery Dreyefuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD). To assess the potential of DOK7 as a disease modifier of SMA, we administered AAV-DOK7 to an intermediate mouse model of SMA. AAV9-DOK7 treatment conferred improvements in NMJ architecture and reduced muscle fiber atrophy. Additionally, these improvements resulted in a subtle reduction in phenotypic severity, evidenced by improved grip strength and an extension in survival. These findings reveal DOK7 is a novel modifier of SMA.
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14
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Lorenzoni PJ, Kay CSK, Arndt RC, Hrysay NMC, Ducci RDP, Fustes OHJ, Töpf A, Lochmüller H, Werneck LC, Scola RH. Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to DOK7 mutation in a cohort of patients with 'unexplained' limb-girdle muscular weakness. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 75:195-198. [PMID: 32238315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.01.080] [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: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) associated with pathogenic variants in the DOK7 gene (DOK7-CMS) have phenotypic overlap with other neuromuscular disorders associated with limb-girdle muscular weakness (LGMW). Genetic analysis of the most common mutation (c.1124_1127dupTGCC) in DOK7 was performed in 34 patients with "unexplained" LGMW associated with non-specific changes in muscle biopsy. Of the 34 patients, one patient showed the DOK7 c.1124_1127dupTGCC variant in homozygousity. Our study estimates the minimum prevalence of undiagnosed DOK7-CMS to be 2.9% in southern Brazilian patients from our centre. Our data confirm that clinicians should look for DOK7-CMS patients when the clinical manifestation is an 'unexplained' LGMW, mainly if associated with non-specific changes in muscle biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo José Lorenzoni
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Raquel Cristina Arndt
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Nyvia Milicio Coblinski Hrysay
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Renata Dal-Pra Ducci
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Otto H Jesus Fustes
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Ana Töpf
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital; and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lineu Cesar Werneck
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Rosana Herminia Scola
- Service of Neuromuscular Disorders, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil.
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15
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A late-onset congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a heterozygous DOK7 mutation. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:331-335. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Rodríguez Cruz PM, Cossins J, Estephan EDP, Munell F, Selby K, Hirano M, Maroofin R, Mehrjardi MYV, Chow G, Carr A, Manzur A, Robb S, Munot P, Wei Liu W, Banka S, Fraser H, De Goede C, Zanoteli E, Conti Reed U, Sage A, Gratacos M, Macaya A, Dusl M, Senderek J, Töpf A, Hofer M, Knight R, Ramdas S, Jayawant S, Lochmüller H, Palace J, Beeson D. The clinical spectrum of the congenital myasthenic syndrome resulting from COL13A1 mutations. Brain 2020; 142:1547-1560. [PMID: 31081514 PMCID: PMC6752227 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Next generation sequencing techniques were recently used to show mutations in COL13A1 cause synaptic basal lamina-associated congenital myasthenic syndrome type 19. Animal studies showed COL13A1, a synaptic extracellular-matrix protein, is involved in the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse that appears independent of the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK-DOK7 acetylcholine receptor clustering pathway. Here, we report the phenotypic spectrum of 16 patients from 11 kinships harbouring homozygous or heteroallelic mutations in COL13A1. Clinical presentation was mostly at birth with hypotonia and breathing and feeding difficulties often requiring ventilation and artificial feeding. Respiratory crisis related to recurrent apnoeas, sometimes triggered by chest infections, were common early in life but resolved over time. The predominant pattern of muscle weakness included bilateral ptosis (non-fatigable in adulthood), myopathic facies and marked axial weakness, especially of neck flexion, while limb muscles were less involved. Other features included facial dysmorphism, skeletal abnormalities and mild learning difficulties. All patients tested had results consistent with abnormal neuromuscular transmission. Muscle biopsies were within normal limits or showed non-specific changes. Muscle MRI and serum creatine kinase levels were normal. In keeping with COL13A1 mutations affecting both synaptic structure and presynaptic function, treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine and salbutamol resulted in motor and respiratory function improvement. In non-treated cases, disease severity and muscle strength improved gradually over time and several adults recovered normal muscle strength in the limbs. In summary, patients with COL13A1 mutations present mostly with severe early-onset myasthenic syndrome with feeding and breathing difficulties. Axial weakness is greater than limb weakness. Disease course improves gradually over time, which could be consistent with the less prominent role of COL13A1 once the neuromuscular junction is mature. This report emphasizes the role of collagens at the human muscle endplate and should facilitate the recognition of this disorder, which can benefit from pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodríguez Cruz
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Judith Cossins
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eduardo de Paula Estephan
- Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francina Munell
- Neuromuscular disorders Group, Child Neurology Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathryn Selby
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michio Hirano
- Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Neuromuscular Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reza Maroofin
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriel Chow
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, UK
| | - Aisling Carr
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Adnan Manzur
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Robb
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Pinki Munot
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Wei Wei Liu
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Harry Fraser
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Edmar Zanoteli
- Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Umbertina Conti Reed
- Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abigail Sage
- Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Neuromuscular Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margarida Gratacos
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona Spain
| | - Alfons Macaya
- Neuromuscular disorders Group, Child Neurology Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Dusl
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Senderek
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Töpf
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Monika Hofer
- Department of Neuropathology, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Ravi Knight
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Sithara Ramdas
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Sandeep Jayawant
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Hans Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.,Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Beeson
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Radhakrishnan P, Shukla A, Girisha KM, Nayak SS. Biallelic c.1263dupC in DOK7 results in fetal akinesia deformation sequence. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 182:804-807. [PMID: 31880392 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. Pathogenic variants in DOK7 are known to cause myasthenic syndrome, congenital, 10 (MIM#254300) and, rarely (reported in a single family) lethal FADS. Herein, we describe a biallelic variant c.1263dupC in DOK7, known to cause congenital myasthenic syndrome 10, causing lethal FADS in a consanguineous family. The present report illustrates wide phenotypic variability caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in DOK7. We also describe the second family with FADS due to pathogenic variants in DOK7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periyasamy Radhakrishnan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Anju Shukla
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Katta M Girisha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shalini S Nayak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Pshenichnikova OS, Goncharova MV, Pustovoit YS, Karpova IV, Surin VL. PILOT RESEARCH OF A GENETIC PREDISPOSITION FOR CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF ACUTE INTERMITTENT PORPHYRIA. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY AND TRANSFUSIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.35754/0234-5730-2019-64-2-123-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction.Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is the most common and severe form of acute hepatic porphyria. AIP is caused by a deficiency in the third enzyme of the heme biosynthesis system — hydroxymethylbilanine synthase (HMBS) — and has a dominant inheritance type. However, the probability of the clinical manifestation of this condition in carriers of the mutation in the HMBS gene constitutes only 10–20 %. Thi s suggests that the presence of such a mutation can be a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the development of the disease.Aim.To search for additional genetic factors, which determine the clinical penetrance of AIP using Whole-Exome Sequencing.Materials and methods.Sequencing of the whole exome was performed using a TruSeqExomeLibraryPrepkit (Illumina) kit by an Illumina HiSeq4000 instrument for 6 women with API with known mutations in the HMBS gene. All the patients suffered from a severe form of the disease. As a reference, a version of the hg19 human genome was used.Results.No common mutations were found in the examined patients. However, in each patient, functional variations were found in the genes related to detoxification systems, regulation of the heme biosynthesis cascade and expression of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS1) and in genes of proteins regulating nervous system. These variations require further study involving an extended number of patients with AIP manifestations and their relatives, who are asymptomatic carriers of disorders in the gene HMBS.Conclusions.The results obtained have allowed us to formulate a hypothesis about a possible role of genetic defects in the penetrance of AIP, which determine the development of other neurological pathologies. This is evidenced by the presence of gene pathogenic variations in 5 out of 6 examined patients, defects in which are associated with hereditary myasthenia and muscle atrophy.
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Nicolau S, Kao JC, Liewluck T. Trouble at the junction: When myopathy and myasthenia overlap. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:648-657. [PMID: 31449669 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders are typically distinct, their coexistence has been reported in several inherited and acquired conditions. Affected individuals have variable clinical phenotypes but typically display both a decrement on repetitive nerve stimulation and myopathic findings on muscle biopsy. Inherited causes include myopathies related to mutations in BIN1, DES, DNM2, GMPPB, MTM1, or PLEC and congenital myasthenic syndromes due to mutations in ALG2, ALG14, COL13A1, DOK7, DPAGT1, or GFPT1. Additionally, a decrement due to muscle fiber inexcitability is observed in certain myotonic disorders. The identification of a defect of neuromuscular transmission in an inherited myopathy may assist in establishing a molecular diagnosis and in selecting patients who would benefit from pharmacological correction of this defect. Acquired cases meanwhile stem from the co-occurrence of myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome with an immune-mediated myopathy, which may be due to paraneoplastic disorders or exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nicolau
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Justin C Kao
- Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in the Dok-7 gene (DOK7) underlie a congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) with a characteristic limb-girdle (LG) pattern of muscle weakness. Multiple clinical findings and a wide clinical heterogeneity have been identified in this form of CMS. METHODS We describe here 2 unrelated adult patients who presented with a LG CMS, caused by 2 compound heterozygous pathogenic sequence variants in DOK7: c.1124_1127dupTGCC (P.Ala378Serfs*30) and c.480C> A (p.Tyr160*). RESULTS Although both patients presented with severe proximal weakness consistent with LG myasthenia, one of the patients presented with additional distal muscle involvement in the lower extremities. By contrast, the other patient had severe bulbar and respiratory deficit requiring gastric tube feeding and mechanical ventilatory support for most parts of the day. DISCUSSION These 2 cases illustrate the lack of phenotype-genotype correlation and the absence of geographic, genetic, and ethnic association in cases of LG CMS caused by DOK7 mutations.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a genotypically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders, which have in common an impaired neuromuscular transmission. Since the field of CMSs is steadily expanding, the present review aimed at summarizing and discussing current knowledge and recent advances concerning the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CMSs. METHODS Systematic literature review. RESULTS Currently, mutations in 32 genes are made responsible for autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive CMSs. These mutations concern 8 presynaptic, 4 synaptic, 15 post-synaptic, and 5 glycosilation proteins. These proteins function as ion-channels, enzymes, or structural, signalling, sensor, or transporter proteins. The most common causative genes are CHAT, COLQ, RAPSN, CHRNE, DOK7, and GFPT1. Phenotypically, these mutations manifest as abnormal fatigability or permanent or fluctuating weakness of extra-ocular, facial, bulbar, axial, respiratory, or limb muscles, hypotonia, or developmental delay. Cognitive disability, dysmorphism, neuropathy, or epilepsy are rare. Low- or high-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation may show an abnormal increment or decrement, and SF-EMG an increased jitter or blockings. Most CMSs respond favourably to acetylcholine-esterase inhibitors, 3,4-diamino-pyridine, salbutamol, albuterol, ephedrine, fluoxetine, or atracurium. CONCLUSIONS CMSs are an increasingly recognised group of genetically transmitted defects, which usually respond favorably to drugs enhancing the neuromuscular transmission. CMSs need to be differentiated from neuromuscular disorders due to muscle or nerve dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Messerli Institute, Veterinary University of Vienna, Postfach 20, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
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Santos M, Cruz S, Peres J, Santos L, Tavares P, Basto JP, Salgado V, Valverde AH. DOK7 myasthenic syndrome with subacute adult onset during pregnancy and partial response to fluoxetine. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:278-282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Fundamental Molecules and Mechanisms for Forming and Maintaining Neuromuscular Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020490. [PMID: 29415504 PMCID: PMC5855712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular synapse is a relatively large synapse with hundreds of active zones in presynaptic motor nerve terminals and more than ten million acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the postsynaptic membrane. The enrichment of proteins in presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes ensures a rapid, robust, and reliable synaptic transmission. Over fifty years ago, classic studies of the neuromuscular synapse led to a comprehensive understanding of how a synapse looks and works, but these landmark studies did not reveal the molecular mechanisms responsible for building and maintaining a synapse. During the past two-dozen years, the critical molecular players, responsible for assembling the specialized postsynaptic membrane and regulating nerve terminal differentiation, have begun to be identified and their mechanism of action better understood. Here, we describe and discuss five of these key molecular players, paying heed to their discovery as well as describing their currently understood mechanisms of action. In addition, we discuss the important gaps that remain to better understand how these proteins act to control synaptic differentiation and maintenance.
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O'Connor E, Töpf A, Zahedi RP, Spendiff S, Cox D, Roos A, Lochmüller H. Clinical and research strategies for limb-girdle congenital myasthenic syndromes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1412:102-112. [PMID: 29315608 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of rare disorders that cause fatigable muscle weakness due to defective signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction, a specialized synapse between peripheral motor neurons and their target muscle fibers. There are now over 30 causative genes that have been reported for CMS. Of these, there are 10 that are associated with a limb-girdle pattern of muscle weakness and are thus classed as LG-CMS. Next-generation sequencing and advanced methods of data sharing are likely to uncover further genes that are associated with similar clinical phenotypes, contributing to better diagnosis and effective treatment of LG-CMS patients. This review highlights clinical and pathological hallmarks of LG-CMS in relation to the underlying genetic defects and pathways. Tailored animal and cell models are essential to elucidate the exact function and pathomechanisms at the neuromuscular synapse that underlie LG-CMS. The integration of genomics and proteomics data derived from these models and patients reveals new and often unexpected insights that are relevant beyond the rare genetic disorder of LG-CMS and may extend to the functioning of mammalian synapses in health and disease more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O'Connor
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ana Töpf
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - René P Zahedi
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sally Spendiff
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Cox
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andreas Roos
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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26
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Engel AG. Genetic basis and phenotypic features of congenital myasthenic syndromes. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 148:565-589. [PMID: 29478601 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64076-5.00037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
The congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are heterogeneous disorders in which the safety margin of neuromuscular transmission is compromised by one or more specific mechanisms. The disease proteins reside in the nerve terminal, the synaptic basal lamina, or in the postsynaptic region, or at multiple sites at the neuromuscular junction as well as in other tissues. Targeted mutation analysis by Sanger or exome sequencing has been facilitated by characteristic phenotypic features of some CMS. No fewer than 20 disease genes have been recognized to date. In one-half of the currently identified probands, the disease stems from mutations in genes encoding subunits of the muscle form of the acetylcholine receptor (CHRNA1, CHRNB, CHRNAD1, and CHRNE). In 10-14% of the probands the disease is caused by mutations in RAPSN, DOK 7, or COLQ, and in 5% by mutations in CHAT. Other less frequently identified disease genes include LAMB2, AGRN, LRP4, MUSK, GFPT1, DPAGT1, ALG2, and ALG 14 as well as SCN4A, PREPL, PLEC1, DNM2, and MTM1. Identification of the genetic basis of each CMS is important not only for genetic counseling and disease prevention but also for therapy, because therapeutic agents that benefit one type of CMS can be harmful in another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Engel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States.
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27
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Natera-de Benito D, Töpf A, Vilchez JJ, González-Quereda L, Domínguez-Carral J, Díaz-Manera J, Ortez C, Bestué M, Gallano P, Dusl M, Abicht A, Müller JS, Senderek J, García-Ribes A, Muelas N, Evangelista T, Azuma Y, McMacken G, Paipa Merchan A, Rodríguez Cruz PM, Camacho A, Jiménez E, Miranda-Herrero MC, Santana-Artiles A, García-Campos O, Dominguez-Rubio R, Olivé M, Colomer J, Beeson D, Lochmüller H, Nascimento A. Molecular characterization of congenital myasthenic syndromes in Spain. Neuromuscul Disord 2017; 27:1087-1098. [PMID: 29054425 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders, all of which impair neuromuscular transmission. Epidemiological data and frequencies of gene mutations are scarce in the literature. Here we describe the molecular genetic and clinical findings of sixty-four genetically confirmed CMS patients from Spain. Thirty-six mutations in the CHRNE, RAPSN, COLQ, GFPT1, DOK7, CHRNG, GMPPB, CHAT, CHRNA1, and CHRNB1 genes were identified in our patients, with five of them not reported so far. These data provide an overview on the relative frequencies of the different CMS subtypes in a large Spanish population. CHRNE mutations are the most common cause of CMS in Spain, accounting for 27% of the total. The second most common are RAPSN mutations. We found a higher rate of GFPT1 mutations in comparison with other populations. Remarkably, several founder mutations made a large contribution to CMS in Spain: RAPSN c.264C > A (p.Asn88Lys), CHRNE c.130insG (Glu44Glyfs*3), CHRNE c.1353insG (p.Asn542Gluf*4), DOK7 c.1124_1127dup (p.Ala378Serfs*30), and particularly frequent in Spain in comparison with other populations, COLQ c.1289A > C (p.Tyr430Ser). Furthermore, we describe phenotypes and distinguishing clinical signs associated with the various CMS genes which might help to identify specific CMS subtypes to guide diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Natera-de Benito
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER U703, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Töpf
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - J J Vilchez
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, CIBERER U763, Valencia, Spain
| | - L González-Quereda
- Department of Genetics, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and CIBERER U705, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Domínguez-Carral
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - J Díaz-Manera
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Ortez
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER U703, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Bestué
- Department of Neurology, Hospital General San Jorge, Huesca, Spain
| | - P Gallano
- Department of Genetics, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and CIBERER U705, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Dusl
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - A Abicht
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
| | - J S Müller
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J Senderek
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - A García-Ribes
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Bilbao, Spain
| | - N Muelas
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Universitat de Valencia, CIBERER U763, Valencia, Spain
| | - T Evangelista
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Y Azuma
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - G McMacken
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - A Paipa Merchan
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Neuromuscular Unit, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P M Rodríguez Cruz
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - A Camacho
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Jiménez
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Miranda-Herrero
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Santana-Artiles
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - O García-Campos
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, Spain
| | - R Dominguez-Rubio
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Neuromuscular Unit, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Olivé
- Neuropathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Neuromuscular Unit, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Colomer
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER U703, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Beeson
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - H Lochmüller
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - A Nascimento
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER U703, Barcelona, Spain
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Bhoopalan SV, Jain R. Case 2: Hypotonia and Muscle Weakness since Birth in a 2-year-old Boy. Pediatr Rev 2017; 38:531. [PMID: 29093122 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2016-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Renu Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
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Gomez AM, Stevens JAA, Mané-Damas M, Molenaar P, Duimel H, Verheyen F, Cossins J, Beeson D, De Baets MH, Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P. Silencing of Dok-7 in Adult Rat Muscle Increases Susceptibility to Passive Transfer Myasthenia Gravis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 186:2559-68. [PMID: 27658713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies that target proteins at the neuromuscular junction, primarily the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and the muscle-specific kinase. Because downstream of kinase 7 (Dok-7) is essential for the full activation of muscle-specific kinase and consequently for dense clustering of AChRs, we hypothesized that reduced levels of Dok-7 increase the susceptibility to passive transfer MG. To test this hypothesis, Dok-7 expression was reduced by transfecting shRNA-coding plasmids into the tibialis anterior muscle of adult rats by in vivo electroporation. Subclinical MG was subsequently induced with a low dose of anti-AChR monoclonal antibody 35. Neuromuscular transmission was significantly impaired in Dok-7-siRNA-electroporated legs compared with the contralateral control legs, which correlated with a reduction of AChR protein levels at the neuromuscular junction (approximately 25%) in Dok-7-siRNA-electroporated muscles, compared with contralateral control muscles. These results suggest that a reduced expression of Dok-7 may play a role in the susceptibility to passive transfer MG, by rendering AChR clusters less resistant to the autoantibody attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro M Gomez
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jo A A Stevens
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Molenaar
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Fons Verheyen
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Cossins
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Beeson
- Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marc H De Baets
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Neuroimmunology Group, Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Bevilacqua JA, Lara M, Díaz J, Campero M, Vázquez J, Maselli RA. Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome due to DOK7 mutations in a family from Chile. Eur J Transl Myol 2017; 27:6832. [PMID: 29118959 PMCID: PMC5658635 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2017.6832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are neuromuscular transmission disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding neuromuscular junction proteins. A 61-year-old female and her older sister showed bilateral ptosis, facial and proximal limb weakness, and scoliosis since childhood. Another female sibling had milder signs, while other family members were asymptomatic. Facial nerve repetitive stimulation in the proband showed decrement of muscle responses. Single fiber EMG revealed increased jitter and blocking. Muscle biopsy showed type 2-fiber atrophy, without tubular aggregates. Mutational analysis in the three affected siblings revealed two compound heterozygous mutations in DOK7: c.1457delC, that predicts p.Pro486Argfs*13 and truncates the protein C-terminal domain, and c.473G>A, that predicts p.Arg158Gln and disruption of the dok7-MuSK interaction in the phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain. Unaffected family members carried only one or neither mutation. Discussion Two of the affected sisters showed marked improvement with salbutamol treatment, which illustrates the benefits of a correct diagnosis and treatment of DOK7-CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Bevilacqua
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Chile Clinical Hospital (HCUCH), Santiago, Chile,Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marian Lara
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA
| | - Jorge Díaz
- Department of Radiology, University of Chile Clinical Hospital (HCUCH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Campero
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Chile Clinical Hospital (HCUCH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Jessica Vázquez
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA
| | - Ricardo A Maselli
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA
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Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Ito M. Agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling as a therapeutic target for myasthenia gravis and other neuromuscular disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:949-958. [PMID: 28825343 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1369960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is compromised in a diverse array of diseases including myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, Isaacs' syndrome, congenital myasthenic syndromes, Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and sarcopenia. Except for sarcopenia, all are orphan diseases. In addition, the NMJ signal transduction is impaired by tetanus, botulinum, curare, α-bungarotoxin, conotoxins, organophosphate, sarin, VX, and soman to name a few. Areas covered: This review covers the agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling pathway, which drives clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) and ensures efficient signal transduction at the NMJ. We also address diseases caused by autoantibodies against the NMJ molecules and by germline mutations in genes encoding the NMJ molecules. Expert opinion: Representative small compounds to treat the defective NMJ signal transduction are cholinesterase inhibitors, which exert their effects by increasing the amount of acetylcholine at the synaptic space. Another possible therapeutic strategy to enhance the NMJ signal transduction is to increase the number of AChRs, but no currently available drug has this functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
| | - Mikako Ito
- a Division of Neurogenetics , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya , Japan
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Nagaraj UD, Hopkin R, Schapiro M, Kline-Fath B. Prenatal and postnatal evaluation of polymicrogyria with band heterotopia. Radiol Case Rep 2017; 12:602-605. [PMID: 28828134 PMCID: PMC5551996 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coexistence of band heterotopia and polymicrogyria is extremely rare though it has been reported in the presence of corpus callosum anomalies and megalencephaly. We present prenatal and postnatal MRI findings of a rare case of diffuse cortical malformation characterized by polymicrogyria and band heterotopia. Agenesis of the corpus callosum and megalencephaly were also noted. In addition, bilateral closed-lip schizencephaly was identified on postnatal MRI, which has not been previously reported with this combination of imaging findings. Polymicrogyria with band heterotopia can occur and can be diagnosed with fetal MRI. The coexistence of corpus callosum anomalies and megalencephaly comprises a rare phenotype that has been previously described, suggesting an underlying genetic abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha D Nagaraj
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA.,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert Hopkin
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark Schapiro
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Beth Kline-Fath
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA.,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Fatigue in Rapsyn-Deficient Zebrafish Reflects Defective Transmitter Release. J Neurosci 2017; 36:10870-10882. [PMID: 27798141 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0505-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapsyn-deficient myasthenic syndrome is characterized by a weakness in voluntary muscle contraction, a direct consequence of greatly reduced synaptic responses that result from poorly clustered acetylcholine receptors. As with other myasthenic syndromes, the general muscle weakness is also accompanied by use-dependent fatigue. Here, we used paired motor neuron target muscle patch-clamp recordings from a rapsyn-deficient mutant line of zebrafish to explore for the first time the mechanisms causal to fatigue. We find that synaptic responses in mutant fish can follow faithfully low-frequency stimuli despite the reduced amplitude. This is in part helped by a compensatory increase in the number of presynaptic release sites in the mutant fish. In response to high-frequency stimulation, both wild-type and mutant neuromuscular junctions depress to steady-state response levels, but the latter shows exaggerated depression. Analysis of the steady-state transmission revealed that vesicle reloading and release at individual release sites is significantly slower in mutant fish during high-frequency activities. Therefore, reductions in postsynaptic receptor density and compromised presynaptic release collectively serve to reduce synaptic strength to levels that fall below the threshold for muscle action potential generation, thus accounting for use-dependent fatigue. Our findings raise the possibility that defects in motor neuron function may also be at play in other myasthenic syndromes that have been mapped to mutations in muscle-specific proteins. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Use-dependent fatigue accompanies many neuromuscular myasthenic syndromes, including muscle rapsyn deficiency. Here, using a rapsyn-deficient line of zebrafish, we performed paired motor neuron target muscle patch-clamp recordings to investigate the mechanisms causal to this phenomenon. Our findings indicate that the reduced postsynaptic receptor density resulting from defective rapsyn contributes to weakness, but is not solely responsible for use-dependent fatigue. Instead, we find unexpected involvement of altered transmitter release from the motor neuron. Specifically, slowed reloading of vesicle release sites leads to augmented synaptic depression during repeated action potentials. Even at moderate stimulus frequencies, the depression levels for evoked synaptic responses fall below the threshold for the generation of muscle action potentials. The associated contraction failures are manifest as use-dependent fatigue.
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Mutations in GFPT1-related congenital myasthenic syndromes are associated with synaptic morphological defects and underlie a tubular aggregate myopathy with synaptopathy. J Neurol 2017; 264:1791-1803. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Ueta R, Tezuka T, Izawa Y, Miyoshi S, Nagatoishi S, Tsumoto K, Yamanashi Y. The carboxyl-terminal region of Dok-7 plays a key, but not essential, role in activation of muscle-specific receptor kinase MuSK and neuromuscular synapse formation. J Biochem 2017; 161:269-277. [PMID: 28069867 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvw073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As the synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle, the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is required for muscle contraction. The formation and maintenance of NMJs are controlled by the muscle-specific receptor kinase MuSK. Dok-7 is the essential cytoplasmic activator of MuSK, and indeed mice lacking Dok-7 form no NMJs. Moreover, DOK7 gene mutations underlie DOK7 myasthenia, an NMJ synaptopathy. Previously, we failed to detect MuSK activation in myotubes by Dok-7 mutated in the N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) or phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain or that lacked the C-terminal region (Dok-7-ΔC). Here, we found by quantitative analysis that Dok-7-ΔC marginally, but significantly, activated MuSK in myotubes, unlike the PH- or PTB-mutant. Purified, recombinant Dok-7-ΔC, but not other mutants, also showed marginal ability to activate MuSK's cytoplasmic portion, carrying the kinase domain. Consistently, forced expression of Dok-7-ΔC rescued Dok-7-deficient mice from neonatal lethality caused by the lack of NMJs, indicating restored MuSK activation and NMJ formation. However, these mice showed only marginal activation of MuSK and died by 3 weeks of age apparently due to an abnormally small number and size of NMJs. Thus, Dok-7's C-terminal region plays a key, but not fully essential, role in MuSK activation and NMJ formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Ueta
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology
| | - Tohru Tezuka
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology
| | - Yosuke Izawa
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology
| | | | - Satoru Nagatoishi
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.,Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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36
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Binding and inhibition of the ternary complex factor Elk-4/Sap1 by the adapter protein Dok-4. Biochem J 2017; 474:1509-1528. [PMID: 28275114 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The adapter protein Dok-4 (downstream of kinase-4) has been reported as both an activator and inhibitor of Erk and Elk-1, but lack of knowledge about the identity of its partner molecules has precluded any mechanistic insight into these seemingly conflicting properties. We report that Dok-4 interacts with the transactivation domain of Elk-4 through an atypical phosphotyrosine-binding domain-mediated interaction. Dok-4 possesses a nuclear export signal and can relocalize Elk-4 from nucleus to cytosol, whereas Elk-4 possesses two nuclear localization signals that restrict interaction with Dok-4. The Elk-4 protein, unlike Elk-1, is highly unstable in the presence of Dok-4, through both an interaction-dependent mechanism and a pleckstrin homology domain-dependent but interaction-independent mechanism. This is reversed by proteasome inhibition, depletion of endogenous Dok-4 or lysine-to-arginine mutation of putative Elk-4 ubiquitination sites. Finally, Elk-4 transactivation is potently inhibited by Dok-4 overexpression but enhanced by Dok-4 knockdown in MDCK renal tubular cells, which correlates with increased basal and EGF-induced expression of Egr-1, Fos and cylcinD1 mRNA, and cell proliferation despite reduced Erk activation. Thus, Dok-4 can target Elk-4 activity through multiple mechanisms, including binding of the transactivation domain, nuclear exclusion and protein destabilization, without a requirement for inhibition of Erk.
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37
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Chen G, Yu H, Satherley L, Zabkiewicz C, Resaul J, Zhao H, Mu H, Zhi X, He J, Ye L, Jiang WG. The downstream of tyrosine kinase 7 is reduced in lung cancer and is associated with poor survival of patients with lung cancer. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:2695-2701. [PMID: 28393246 PMCID: PMC5428884 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The downstream of tyrosine kinase 7 (DOK7) is an adaptor protein mediating signalling transduction between receptors and intracellular downstream molecules. Reduced expression of DOK7 has been observed in breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the role played by DOK7 in lung cancer. The expression of DOK7 at both mRNA and protein levels was evaluated in human lung cancer. A reduced expression of DOK7 transcripts was seen in lung cancers compared with normal lung tissues. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that the reduced expression of DOK7 was associated with poorer overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with lung cancer. A further western blot analysis revealed a predominant expression of DOK7 isoform 1 (DOK7V1) in normal lung tissues, which was reduced in lung cancer. Forced overexpression of DOK7V1 in lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H3122 resulted in a decrease of in vitro cell proliferation and migration, while adhesion to extracellular matrix was enhanced following the expression. In conclusion, DOK7 was reduced in lung cancer and reduced DOK7 expression was associated with poorer survival. DOK7 isoform 1 plays an inhibitory role on the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells in which Akt pathway may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Hefen Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Lucy Satherley
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Catherine Zabkiewicz
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Huishan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Hu Mu
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyi Zhi
- Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Junqi He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cancer Institute of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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Ng F, Lee DC, Schrumpf LA, Mazurek ME, Lee Lo V, Gill SK, Maselli RA. Effect of 3,4-diaminopyridine at the murine neuromuscular junction. Muscle Nerve 2016; 55:223-231. [PMID: 27251582 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the effects of 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) and its acetylated metabolite, N-(4-amino-pyridin-3-yl) acetamide (3-Ac), at the mammalian neuromuscular junction. METHODS Quantal release of acetylcholine was studied in diaphragm muscles of mice, using in vitro intracellular microelectrode recordings. RESULTS Under conditions of low probability of release, 3,4-DAP produced a 1,000% increase in quantal release, but 3-Ac had no effect. Under conditions of normal probability of release, the effect of 3,4-DAP was modest and limited by concurrent depletion of synaptic vesicles, especially with high concentrations of 3,4-DAP and high frequencies of nerve stimulation. CONCLUSIONS These findings predict 3,4-DAP is most effective in conditions with low probability of quantal release, such as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. A beneficial effect is also expected in disorders of neuromuscular transmission in which the effect of 3,4-DAP on quantal release is not limited by depletion of synaptic vesicles, such as postsynaptic congenital myasthenic syndromes. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 223-231, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Ng
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Diana C Lee
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Leah A Schrumpf
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mary E Mazurek
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Victoria Lee Lo
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sharleen K Gill
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Ricardo A Maselli
- University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Natera-de Benito D, Domínguez-Carral J, Muelas N, Nascimento A, Ortez C, Jaijo T, Arteaga R, Colomer J, Vilchez JJ. Phenotypic heterogeneity in two large Roma families with a congenital myasthenic syndrome due to CHRNE 1267delG mutation. A long-term follow-up. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 26:789-795. [PMID: 27634344 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders. Mutations in CHRNE are one of the most common cause of them and the ɛ1267delG frameshifting mutation is described to be present on at least one allele of 60% of patients with CHRNE mutations. We present a comprehensive description of the heterogeneous clinical features of the CMS caused by the homozygous 1267delG mutation in the AChR Ɛ subunit in nine members of two large Gipsy kindreds. Our observations indicate that founder Roma mutation 1267delG leads to a phenotype further characterized by ophthalmoplegia, bilateral ptosis, and good response to pyridostigmine and 3,4-DAP; but also by facial weakness, bulbar symptoms, neck muscle weakness, and proximal limb weakness that sometimes entails the loss of ambulation. Interestingly, we found in our series a remarkable proportion of patients with a progressive or fluctuating course of the disease. This finding is in some contrast with previous idea that considered this form of CMS as benign, non progressive, and with a low impact on the capacity of ambulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Natera-de Benito
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain.
| | - J Domínguez-Carral
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - N Muelas
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Nascimento
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Ortez
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Jaijo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Arteaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - J Colomer
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J J Vilchez
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Buyan A, Kalli AC, Sansom MSP. Multiscale Simulations Suggest a Mechanism for the Association of the Dok7 PH Domain with PIP-Containing Membranes. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005028. [PMID: 27459095 PMCID: PMC4961371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dok7 is a peripheral membrane protein that is associated with the MuSK receptor tyrosine kinase. Formation of the Dok7/MuSK/membrane complex is required for the activation of MuSK. This is a key step in the complex exchange of signals between neuron and muscle, which lead to neuromuscular junction formation, dysfunction of which is associated with congenital myasthenic syndromes. The Dok7 structure consists of a Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain and a Phosphotyrosine Binding (PTB) domain. The mechanism of the Dok7 association with the membrane remains largely unknown. Using multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations we have explored the formation of the Dok7 PH/membrane complex. Our simulations indicate that the PH domain of Dok7 associates with membranes containing phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) via interactions of the β1/β2, β3/β4, and β5/β6 loops, which together form a positively charged surface on the PH domain and interact with the negatively charged headgroups of PIP molecules. The initial encounter of the Dok7 PH domain is followed by formation of additional interactions with the lipid bilayer, and especially with PIP molecules, which stabilizes the Dok7 PH/membrane complex. We have quantified the binding of the PH domain to the model bilayers by calculating a density landscape for protein/membrane interactions. Detailed analysis of the PH/PIP interactions reveal both a canonical and an atypical site to be occupied by the anionic lipid. PH domain binding leads to local clustering of PIP molecules in the bilayer. Association of the Dok7 PH domain with PIP lipids is therefore seen as a key step in localization of Dok7 to the membrane and formation of a complex with MuSK. Neuromuscular junction formation and maintenance is an essential biological process, the disruption of which leads to congenital myasthenic syndromes and premature death. Dok7 is a key member in formation, maintenance and signaling in neuromuscular junctions. Dok7 is a peripheral membrane protein that is necessary for full activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase residing in the postsynaptic membrane. The structure of Dok7 consists of both a PH domain and a PTB domain. The interaction of Dok7 with cell membranes is not well understood. Here, we use molecular simulations to show that the Dok7 PH domain preferentially binds to PIP lipid molecules when associating with a membrane. Dok7 interacts with the bilayer in both a canonical binding mode and an alternative binding mode. Our simulations also demonstrate the presence of both a canonical and an atypical binding site for PIPs in agreement with recent crystallographic studies of the ASAP1 PH domain. Analysis of density landscapes for the interaction of the Dok7 PH domain with PIP-containing lipid bilayers is also able to identify both canonical and alternative binding modes. Our improved understanding of how Dok7 interacts with a membrane is key to examining Dok7/MuSK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Buyan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antreas C. Kalli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. P. Sansom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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41
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Natera-de Benito D, Nascimento A, Abicht A, Ortez C, Jou C, Müller JS, Evangelista T, Töpf A, Thompson R, Jimenez-Mallebrera C, Colomer J, Lochmüller H. KLHL40-related nemaline myopathy with a sustained, positive response to treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. J Neurol 2016; 263:517-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-8015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lozowska D, Ringel SP, Winder TL, Liu J, Liewluck T. Anticholinesterase Therapy Worsening Head Drop and Limb Weakness Due to a Novel DOK7 Mutation. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis 2015; 17:72-77. [PMID: 26583494 DOI: 10.1097/cnd.0000000000000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dok-7 myasthenia is an autosomal recessive congenital myasthenic syndrome due to DOK7 mutations. Anticholinesterase therapy is ineffective and may worsen the weakness in patients with Dok-7 myasthenia or few other forms of congenital myasthenic syndromes. We describe a 31-year-old man previously diagnosed with seronegative myasthenia gravis. Repetitive stimulation of the right spinal accessory nerve showed 51% decrement. Needle electromyography revealed myopathic changes in clinically affected muscles. Muscle biopsy was normal. The patient was referred to us for worsening weakness after taking pyridostigmine. We searched for DOK7 mutations and identified compound heterozygous mutations of a common c.1124_1127dupTGCC mutation and a novel splice site mutation, c.772+2_+4delinsCCGGGCAGGCGGGCA. Discontinuation of pyridostigmine improved weakness. He further regained strength with oral albuterol therapy and decrement was reduced to 25%. Worsening of symptoms with anticholinesterase therapy in patients with "seronegative myasthenia gravis" should prompt clinicians to consider a possibility of congenital myasthenic syndromes to avoid unnecessary use of immunosuppressive therapy. Patients with Dok-7 myasthenia respond well to oral albuterol treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Lozowska
- *Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO; †Prevention Genetics, Marshfield, WI; and ‡Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA
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Sorbs1 and -2 Interact with CrkL and Are Required for Acetylcholine Receptor Cluster Formation. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 36:262-70. [PMID: 26527617 PMCID: PMC4719301 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00775-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Crk and CrkL are noncatalytic adaptor proteins necessary for the formation of neuromuscular synapses which function downstream of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in skeletal muscle, and the MuSK binding protein Dok-7. How Crk/CrkL regulate neuromuscular endplate formation is not known. To better understand the roles of Crk/CrkL, we identified CrkL binding proteins using mass spectrometry and have identified Sorbs1 and Sorbs2 as two functionally redundant proteins that associate with the initiating MuSK/Dok-7/Crk/CrkL complex, regulate acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering in vitro, and are localized at synapses in vivo.
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Evangelista T, Hanna M, Lochmüller H. Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes with Predominant Limb Girdle Weakness. J Neuromuscul Dis 2015; 2:S21-S29. [PMID: 26870666 PMCID: PMC4746746 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-150098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of genetically determined disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission. They usually present from birth to childhood and are characterised by exercise induced weakness and fatigability. Genotype-phenotype correlations are difficult. However, in some patients particular phenotypic aspects may point towards a specific genetic defect. The absence of ptosis and ophthalmoparesis in patients with limb-girdle weakness makes the diagnosis of a neuromuscular transmission defect particularly challenging (LG-CMS). This is illustrated by a well-documented case published by Walton in 1956. The diagnosis of LG-CMS is secured by demonstrating a neuromuscular transmission defect with single fibre EMG or repetitive nerve stimulation, in the absence of auto-antibodies. Ultimately, a genetic test is required to identify the underlying cause and assure counselling and optimization of treatment. LG-CMS are inherited in autosomal recessive traits, and are often associated with mutations in DOK7 and GFPT1, and less frequently with mutations in COLQ, ALG2, ALG14 and DPAGT. Genetic characterization of CMS is of the upmost importance when choosing the adequate treatment. Some of the currently used drugs can either ameliorate or aggravate the symptoms depending on the underlying genetic defect. The drug most frequently used for the treatment of CMS is pyridostigmine an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. However, pyridostigmine is not effective or is even detrimental in DOK7- and COLQ-related LG-CMS, while beta-adrenergic agonists (ephedrine, salbutamol) show some sustained benefit. Standard clinical trials may be difficult, but standardized follow-up of patients and international collaboration may help to improve the standards of care of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresinha Evangelista
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mike Hanna
- UCL MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Belaya K, Rodríguez Cruz PM, Liu WW, Maxwell S, McGowan S, Farrugia ME, Petty R, Walls TJ, Sedghi M, Basiri K, Yue WW, Sarkozy A, Bertoli M, Pitt M, Kennett R, Schaefer A, Bushby K, Parton M, Lochmüller H, Palace J, Muntoni F, Beeson D. Mutations in GMPPB cause congenital myasthenic syndrome and bridge myasthenic disorders with dystroglycanopathies. Brain 2015; 138:2493-504. [PMID: 26133662 PMCID: PMC4547052 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes are associated with impairments in neuromuscular transmission. Belaya et al. show that mutations of the glycosylation pathway enzyme GMPPB, which has previously been implicated in muscular dystrophy dystroglycanopathy, also cause a congenital myasthenic syndrome. This differential diagnosis is important to ensure that affected individuals receive appropriate medication. Congenital myasthenic syndromes are inherited disorders that arise from impaired signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Mutations in at least 20 genes are known to lead to the onset of these conditions. Four of these, ALG2, ALG14, DPAGT1 and GFPT1, are involved in glycosylation. Here we identify a fifth glycosylation gene, GMPPB, where mutations cause congenital myasthenic syndrome. First, we identified recessive mutations in seven cases from five kinships defined as congenital myasthenic syndrome using decrement of compound muscle action potentials on repetitive nerve stimulation on electromyography. The mutations were present through the length of the GMPPB, and segregation, in silico analysis, exon trapping, cell transfection followed by western blots and immunostaining were used to determine pathogenicity. GMPPB congenital myasthenic syndrome cases show clinical features characteristic of congenital myasthenic syndrome subtypes that are due to defective glycosylation, with variable weakness of proximal limb muscle groups while facial and eye muscles are largely spared. However, patients with GMPPB congenital myasthenic syndrome had more prominent myopathic features that were detectable on muscle biopsies, electromyography, muscle magnetic resonance imaging, and through elevated serum creatine kinase levels. Mutations in GMPPB have recently been reported to lead to the onset of muscular dystrophy dystroglycanopathy. Analysis of four additional GMPPB-associated muscular dystrophy dystroglycanopathy cases by electromyography found that a defective neuromuscular junction component is not always present. Thus, we find mutations in GMPPB can lead to a wide spectrum of clinical features where deficit in neuromuscular transmission is the major component in a subset of cases. Clinical recognition of GMPPB-associated congenital myasthenic syndrome may be complicated by the presence of myopathic features, but correct diagnosis is important because affected individuals can respond to appropriate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsiaryna Belaya
- 1 Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Pedro M Rodríguez Cruz
- 1 Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK 2 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Wei Wei Liu
- 1 Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Susan Maxwell
- 1 Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Simon McGowan
- 3 Computational Biology Research Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Maria E Farrugia
- 4 Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard Petty
- 4 Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Timothy J Walls
- 5 Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Maryam Sedghi
- 6 Medical Genetics Laboratory, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Keivan Basiri
- 7 Neurology Department, Neuroscience Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Wyatt W Yue
- 8 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Anna Sarkozy
- 9 Institute of Genetic Medicine, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK 10 MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Marta Bertoli
- 9 Institute of Genetic Medicine, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Matthew Pitt
- 11 Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for children NHS foundation trust, London WC1N 3JH
| | - Robin Kennett
- 2 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Andrew Schaefer
- 5 Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Kate Bushby
- 9 Institute of Genetic Medicine, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Matt Parton
- 10 MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- 9 Institute of Genetic Medicine, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- 2 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- 12 Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - David Beeson
- 1 Neurosciences Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
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Khadilkar S, Bhutada A, Nallamilli B, Hegde M. Limb girdle weakness responding to salbutamol: An Indian family with DOK7 mutation. Indian Pediatr 2015; 52:243-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-015-0616-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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47
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Engel AG, Shen XM, Selcen D, Sine SM. Congenital myasthenic syndromes: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Lancet Neurol 2015; 14:420-34. [PMID: 25792100 PMCID: PMC4520251 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a diverse group of genetic disorders caused by abnormal signal transmission at the motor endplate, a special synaptic contact between motor axons and each skeletal muscle fibre. Most CMS stem from molecular defects in the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, but they can also be caused by mutations in presynaptic proteins, mutations in proteins associated with the synaptic basal lamina, defects in endplate development and maintenance, or defects in protein glycosylation. The specific diagnosis of some CMS can sometimes be reached by phenotypic clues pointing to the mutated gene. In the absence of such clues, exome sequencing is a useful technique for finding the disease gene. Greater understanding of the mechanisms of CMS have been obtained from structural and electrophysiological studies of the endplate, and from biochemical studies. Present therapies for the CMS include cholinergic agonists, long-lived open-channel blockers of the acetylcholine receptor ion channel, and adrenergic agonists. Although most CMS are treatable, caution should be exercised as some drugs that are beneficial in one syndrome can be detrimental in another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Engel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Steven M Sine
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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48
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Phillips WD, Christadoss P, Losen M, Punga AR, Shigemoto K, Verschuuren J, Vincent A. Guidelines for pre-clinical animal and cellular models of MuSK-myasthenia gravis. Exp Neurol 2014; 270:29-40. [PMID: 25542979 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) autoantibodies are the hallmark of a form of myasthenia gravis (MG) that can challenge the neurologist and the experimentalist. The clinical disease can be difficult to treat effectively. MuSK autoantibodies affect the neuromuscular junction in several ways. When added to muscle cells in culture, MuSK antibodies disperse acetylcholine receptor clusters. Experimental animals actively immunized with MuSK develop MuSK autoantibodies and muscle weakness. Weakness is associated with reduced postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor numbers, reduced amplitudes of miniature endplate potentials and endplate potentials, and failure of neuromuscular transmission. Similar impairments have been found in mice injected with IgG from MG patients positive for MuSK autoantibody (MuSK-MG). The active and passive models have begun to reveal the mechanisms by which MuSK antibodies disrupt synaptic function at the neuromuscular junction, and should be valuable in developing therapies for MuSK-MG. However, translation into new and improved treatments for patients requires procedures that are not too cumbersome but suitable for examining different aspects of MuSK function and the effects of potential therapies. Study design, conduct and analysis should be carefully considered and transparently reported. Here we review what has been learnt from animal and culture models of MuSK-MG, and offer guidelines for experimental design and conduct of studies, including sample size determination, randomization, outcome parameters and precautions for objective data analysis. These principles may also be relevant to the increasing number of other antibody-mediated diseases that are now recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D Phillips
- School of Medical Sciences (Physiology) and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Bldg (F13), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - P Christadoss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - M Losen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - A R Punga
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - K Shigemoto
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - J Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - A Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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49
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Arimura S, Okada T, Tezuka T, Chiyo T, Kasahara Y, Yoshimura T, Motomura M, Yoshida N, Beeson D, Takeda S, Yamanashi Y. Neuromuscular disease. DOK7 gene therapy benefits mouse models of diseases characterized by defects in the neuromuscular junction. Science 2014; 345:1505-8. [PMID: 25237101 DOI: 10.1126/science.1250744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle. Defects in NMJ transmission cause muscle weakness, termed myasthenia. The muscle protein Dok-7 is essential for activation of the receptor kinase MuSK, which governs NMJ formation, and DOK7 mutations underlie familial limb-girdle myasthenia (DOK7 myasthenia), a neuromuscular disease characterized by small NMJs. Here, we show in a mouse model of DOK7 myasthenia that therapeutic administration of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding the human DOK7 gene resulted in an enlargement of NMJs and substantial increases in muscle strength and life span. When applied to model mice of another neuromuscular disorder, autosomal dominant Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, DOK7 gene therapy likewise resulted in enlargement of NMJs as well as positive effects on motor activity and life span. These results suggest that therapies aimed at enlarging the NMJ may be useful for a range of neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumimasa Arimura
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Tezuka
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Chiyo
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kasahara
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yoshimura
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Nagasaki University School of Health Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Motomura
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David Beeson
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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50
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Expression of extracellular domains of muscle specific kinase (MuSK) and use as immunoadsorbents for the development of an antigen-specific therapy. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 276:150-8. [PMID: 25262156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against MuSK seem to be the pathogenic factor in approximately 5-8% of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. We aim to develop an antigen-specific therapy in which only MuSK antibodies will be removed from patients' plasma using MuSK extracellular domain (MuSK-ECD) as immunoadsorbent. We showed that two different immunoadsorbents, very efficiently and selectively depleted the MuSK antibodies from all tested sera, were stable during the procedure and were reusable. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that the treatment has no toxic effects to the animals. We conclude that the MuSK-ECD-mediated immunoadsorption can be used as an efficient antigen-specific therapy for MuSK-MG.
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