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Garcia-Uzquiano R, Barcia G, Losito E, Chemaly N, Kaminska A, Desguerre I, Blauwblomme T, Boddaert N, Nabbout R. Genetic testing, another important tool in presurgical evaluation of focal epilepsies in childhood. Epilepsia Open 2024. [PMID: 38829689 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery may be a curative therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsies when focal lesions or foci are identified. Genetic testing is not yet routinely included in many presurgical evaluation programs although recent evidence support that finding a germline genetic mutation could help to better delineate the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on the expected surgery outcome. In this study, we report nine patients presenting drug-resistant focal epilepsy enrolled in presurgical evaluation. We show how the identification of genetic pathogenic variant in epilepsy known genes led to the interruption of the presurgical work-up and ruled out surgery in 7 of them. We observed that the co-existence of some recurrent clinical characteristics as early seizures' onset, frequent precipitating factors including fever, and developmental delay or intellectual disability may be useful markers for germline genetic pathogenic variants. In this group, genetic assessment should be mandatory during presurgical work up, mainly in patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or doubtful structural lesions. The integration of next generation targeted sequencing into the presurgical evaluation can improve the selection of candidates for resective surgery and fosters a personalized medicine approach with a better outcome. PLAINE LANGUAGE ABSTRACT: Genetic testing is not yet systematically included in the pre-surgical assessment of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsies. In this study, through the description of nine patients, we underline how the integration of genomics into the presurgical work up can help in evaluating the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on expected surgery outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Uzquiano
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Barcia
- Department of Genetics, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Emma Losito
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
- Unit of Pediatric Neurophysiology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Chemaly
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Kaminska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
- Unit of Pediatric Neurophysiology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Desguerre
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Blauwblomme
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Boddaert
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
- University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Alsubhi S, Berrahmoune S, Dudley RWR, Dufresne D, Simard Tremblay E, Srour M, Myers KA. Utility of genetic testing in the pre-surgical evaluation of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. J Neurol 2024; 271:2503-2508. [PMID: 38261030 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated the utility of genetic testing in the pre-surgical evaluation of pediatric patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. This single-center retrospective study reviewed the charts of all pediatric patients referred for epilepsy surgery evaluation over a 5-year period. We extracted and analyzed results of genetic testing as well as clinical, EEG, and neuroimaging data. Of 125 patients referred for epilepsy surgical evaluation, 86 (69%) had some form of genetic testing. Of these, 18 (21%) had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant identified. Genes affected included NPRL3 (3 patients, all related), TSC2 (3 patients), KCNH1, CHRNA4, SPTAN1, DEPDC5, SCN2A, ARX, SCN1A, DLG4, and ST5. One patient had ring chromosome 20, one a 7.17p12 duplication, and one a 15q13 deletion. In six patients, suspected epileptogenic lesions were identified on brain MRI that were thought to be unrelated to the genetic finding. A specific medical therapy choice was allowed due to genetic diagnosis in three patients who did not undergo surgery. Obtaining a molecular diagnosis may dramatically alter management in pediatric patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Genetic testing should be incorporated as part of standard investigations in the pre-surgical work-up of pediatric patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsubhi
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Saoussen Berrahmoune
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roy W R Dudley
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Dufresne
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Simard Tremblay
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Myriam Srour
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Kenneth A Myers
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Kovačević M, Sokić D, Ristić A, Berisavac I, Ercegovac M, Milićević O, Vojvodić N. Familial occurrence of seizure disorders across MRI defined structural focal epilepsy etiology. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 123:15-22. [PMID: 38508018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have established familial occurrence of epilepsy and seizure disorders and early age of epilepsy onset as predictors of genetic epilepsy, but have not evaluated the rate of their occurrence in patients with different epilepsy etiology. Our study determines the distribution of familial occurrence and age of epilepsy onset across structural focal epilepsy (FE) etiology in a large FE cohort. METHODS Records of 1354 consecutive patients evaluated for epilepsy and seizure disorders in The Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia from 2008 to 2019 were screened for FE. Structural etiology, lobar diagnosis, familial occurrence, and age at epilepsy onset were determined. Patients with a. nonlesional focal epilepsy (NLFE), b. hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and c. congenital or perinatal etiology (CPE) were classified as NAFE, while patients with an identified acquired focal epilepsy (AFE) constituted the control group. RESULTS We identified 965 patients with FE, 329 (34.1 %) with NLFE, 213 (22.1 %) with HS, 174 (18.0 %) with CPE and 249 (25.8 %) with AFE. Familial occurrence was identified in 160 (16.6 %), 19.1 % of patients with NAFE and 9.2 % of AFE (p = 0.003). Patients with NAFE had a younger age of epilepsy onset (13 vs. 18 years, p < 0.001). The highest proportion of familial occurrence was found in patients with NLFE (23.7 %), while the youngest median age of epilepsy onset was identified in patients with HS (12 years) and CPE (11 years). CONCLUSION Patients with NAFE frequently have familial occurrence of epilepsy and have an earlier age of epilepsy onset than patients with AFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Kovačević
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dragoslav Sokić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Ristić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Berisavac
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ercegovac
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nikola Vojvodić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
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Man A, Di Scipio M, Grewal S, Suk Y, Trinari E, Ejaz R, Whitney R. The Genetics of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Related mTORopathies: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:332. [PMID: 38540392 PMCID: PMC10970281 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030332] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway serves as a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Upregulation of the mTOR pathway has been shown to cause malformations of cortical development, medically refractory epilepsies, and neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively described as mTORopathies. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) serves as the prototypical mTORopathy. Characterized by the development of benign tumors in multiple organs, pathogenic variants in TSC1 or TSC2 disrupt the TSC protein complex, a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway. Variants in critical domains of the TSC complex, especially in the catalytic TSC2 subunit, correlate with increased disease severity. Variants in less crucial exons and non-coding regions, as well as those undetectable with conventional testing, may lead to milder phenotypes. Despite the assumption of complete penetrance, expressivity varies within families, and certain variants delay disease onset with milder neurological effects. Understanding these genotype-phenotype correlations is crucial for effective clinical management. Notably, 15% of patients have no mutation identified by conventional genetic testing, with the majority of cases postulated to be caused by somatic TSC1/TSC2 variants which present complex diagnostic challenges. Advancements in genetic testing, prenatal screening, and precision medicine hold promise for changing the diagnostic and treatment paradigm for TSC and related mTORopathies. Herein, we explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of TSC and other mTORopathies, emphasizing contemporary genetic methods in understanding and diagnosing the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Man
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Matteo Di Scipio
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shan Grewal
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Yujin Suk
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elisabetta Trinari
- Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Resham Ejaz
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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5
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Zhang H, Deng J, Gao Z, Wang Y, Zhao F, Zhao H, Fang F. Clinical phenotype and genotype of NPRL2-related epilepsy: Four cases reports and literature review. Seizure 2024; 116:100-106. [PMID: 37741786 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NPRL2-related epilepsy, caused by pathogenic germline variants of the NPRL2 gene, is a newly discovered childhood epilepsy linked to enhanced mTORC1 signalling. However, the phenotype and genotype of NPRL2 variants are still poorly understood. Here, we summarize the association between the phenotype and genotype of NPRL2-related epilepsy. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted for four Chinese children with epilepsy due to likely pathogenic NPRL2 variants identified through whole-exome sequencing (WES). Previous reports of patients with NPRL2-related epilepsy were reviewed systematically. RESULTS One of our patients presented focal epilepsy involving the central region, which should be distinguished from self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS). The four novel likely pathogenic NPRL2 variants consisted of two nonsense variants, one frameshift variant, and one copy number variant (CNV). Bioinformatics analysis revealed the two nonsense variants to be highly conserved and cause alterations in protein structure. Including our four cases, a total of 33 patients with NPRL2-related epilepsy have been identified to date. The most common presentation is focal epilepsy (70%), including sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is also a notable feature of NPRL2-related epilepsy. Malformations of cortical development (MCD, 8/20), especially focal cortical dysplasia (FCD, 6/20), are common neuroimaging abnormalities. Two-thirds of the NPRL2 variants reported are loss of function (LoF) (14/21). Among these mutations, c.100C>T (p.Arg34*) and c.314T>C (p.Leu105Pro) have been detected in two families (likely due to a founder effect). CONCLUSION NPRL2-related epilepsy shows high phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. Our study expands the genotype spectrum of NPRL2-related epilepsy, and the phenotype of focal epilepsy involving the central region should be clearly distinguished with SeLECTS, with reference value for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, China; Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China; Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Zaifen Gao
- Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China; Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China; Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Zhao
- Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China; Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyang Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, China.
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6
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Vasquez A, Miller KJ, Youssef PE, Selcen D, Patterson MC, Starnes K. A case report of hemimegalencephaly with super-refractory status epilepticus and brain atrophy associated with NPRL3 gene mutation. Seizure 2024; 116:156-158. [PMID: 36842889 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai J Miller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Paul E Youssef
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marc C Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Keith Starnes
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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7
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Yang D, Wang J, Qin Z, Feng J, Mao C, Chen Y, Huang X, Ruan Y. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of NPRL3-related epilepsy: Two case reports and literature review. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:33-40. [PMID: 37902097 PMCID: PMC10839296 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3) has been reported to play a role in seizure onset. The principal manifestation of NPRL3-related epilepsy is a range of epilepsy-associated syndromes, such as familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF), sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The association between phenotype and genotype of NPRL3 mutations remains inadequately described. This study aimed to explore the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy. We reported two novel NPRL3 variants in two unrelated epilepsy cases, including a nonsense (c.1174C > T, p.Gln392*) and a missense variant (c.1322C > T, p.Thr441Met). Following a review of the literature, a total of 116 cases of NPRL3-related epilepsy were assessed, mostly with nonsense and frameshift mutations. Our findings suggest that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibit variable clinical manifestations. In addition, it may be worthwhile to consider theexistence of NPRL3 mutations in epilepsy patients with a family history. This study provides useful information for the treatment and prognosis by expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of NPRL3-related epilepsy by reporting two cases with different novel variants. Following a review of the literature, it was observed that patients harboring various NPRL3 variants exhibited a variability of clinical manifestations. Also, patients carrying nonsense mutations are frequently prone to drug resistance and other severe comorbidities such as developmental delay, but more cases need to be collected to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Yang
- Ruikang Clinical Medical CollegeGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningChina
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Zailong Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Genetic and Metabolic Central LaboratoryGuangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention InstituteNanningChina
| | - Juntan Feng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Chengyun Mao
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yuyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
| | - Yiyan Ruan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionGuangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseasesNanningChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic DiseasesMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
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Coryell J, Singh R, Ostendorf AP, Eisner M, Alexander A, Eschbach K, Shrey DW, Olaya J, Ciliberto MA, Karakas C, Karia S, McNamara N, Romanowski EF, Kheder A, Pradeep J, Reddy SB, McCormack MJ, Bolton J, Wolf S, McGoldrick P, Hauptman JS, Samanta D, Tatachar P, Sullivan J, Auguste K, Gonzalez-Giraldo E, Marashly A, Depositario-Cabacar DF, Wong-Kisiel LC, Perry S. Epilepsy surgery in children with genetic etiologies: A prospective evaluation of current practices and outcomes. Seizure 2023; 113:6-12. [PMID: 38189708 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.10.011] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assesses current practices and outcomes of epilepsy surgery in children with a genetic etiology. It explores the pre-surgical workup, types of surgeries, and post-surgical outcomes in a broad array of disorders. METHODS Patients ≤18 years who completed epilepsy surgery and had a known genetic etiology prior to surgical intervention were extrapolated from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) surgery database, across 18 US centers. Data were assessed univariably by neuroimaging and EEG results, genetic group (structural gene, other gene, chromosomal), and curative intent. Outcomes were based on a modified International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) outcome score. RESULTS Of 81 children with genetic epilepsy, 72 % had daily seizures when referred for surgery evaluation, which occurred a median of 2.2 years (IQR 0.3, 5.2) after developing drug resistance. Following surgery, 68 % of subjects had >50 % seizure reduction, with 33 % achieving seizure freedom [median follow-up 11 months (IQR 6, 17). Seizure freedom was most common in the monogenic structural group, but significant palliation was present across all groups. Presence of a single EEG focus was associated with a greater likelihood of seizure freedom (p=0.02). SIGNIFICANCE There are meaningful seizure reductions following epilepsy surgery in the majority of children with a genetic etiology, even in the absence of a single structural lesion and across a broad spectrum of genetic causes. These findings highlight the need for expedited referral for epilepsy surgery and support of a broadened view of which children may benefit from epilepsy surgery, even when the intent is palliative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Coryell
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Sciences University, CDRC-P, 707 SW Gaines Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Rani Singh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariah Eisner
- Biostatistics Resource at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Allyson Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Krista Eschbach
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Joffre Olaya
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Ciliberto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Cemal Karakas
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Samir Karia
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nancy McNamara
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin Fedak Romanowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ammar Kheder
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Javarayee Pradeep
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shilpa B Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael J McCormack
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Wolf
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Patricia McGoldrick
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Jason S Hauptman
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Debopam Samanta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Priya Tatachar
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph Sullivan
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kurtis Auguste
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez-Giraldo
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ahmad Marashly
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dewi F Depositario-Cabacar
- Center for Neuroscience, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lily C Wong-Kisiel
- Department of Neurology, Divisions of Child Neurology and Epilepsy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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9
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Costa FV, Zabegalov KN, Kolesnikova TO, de Abreu MS, Kotova MM, Petersen EV, Kalueff AV. Experimental models of human cortical malformations: from mammals to 'acortical' zebrafish. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105429. [PMID: 37863278 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105429] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Human neocortex controls and integrates cognition, emotions, perception and complex behaviors. Aberrant cortical development can be triggered by multiple genetic and environmental factors, causing cortical malformations. Animal models, especially rodents, are a valuable tool to probe molecular and physiological mechanisms of cortical malformations. Complementing rodent studies, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an important model organism in biomedicine. Although the zebrafish (like other fishes) lacks neocortex, here we argue that this species can still be used to model various aspects and brain phenomena related to human cortical malformations. We also discuss novel perspectives in this field, covering both advantages and limitations of using mammalian and zebrafish models in cortical malformation research. Summarizing mounting evidence, we also highlight the importance of translationally-relevant insights into the pathogenesis of cortical malformations from animal models, and discuss future strategies of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano V Costa
- World-class Research Center "Center for Personalized Medicine", Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russia
| | - Konstantin N Zabegalov
- Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russia
| | - Tatiana O Kolesnikova
- World-class Research Center "Center for Personalized Medicine", Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russia
| | | | - Maria M Kotova
- World-class Research Center "Center for Personalized Medicine", Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russia
| | | | - Allan V Kalueff
- World-class Research Center "Center for Personalized Medicine", Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Pesochny, Russia; Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russia.
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10
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Dainelli A, Iacomino M, Rossato S, Bugin S, Traverso M, Severino M, Gustincich S, Capra V, Di Duca M, Zara F, Scala M, Striano P. Refining the electroclinical spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy: A novel multiplex family and literature review. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1314-1330. [PMID: 37491868 PMCID: PMC10690669 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NPRL3-related epilepsy (NRE) is an emerging condition set within the wide GATOR-1 spectrum with a particularly heterogeneous and elusive phenotypic expression. Here, we delineated the genotype-phenotype spectrum of NRE, reporting an illustrative familial case and reviewing pertinent literature. METHODS Through exome sequencing (ES), we investigated a 12-year-old girl with recurrent focal motor seizures during sleep, suggestive of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), and a family history of epilepsy in siblings. Variant segregation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing. All previously published NRE patients were thoroughly reviewed and their electroclinical features were analyzed and compared with the reported subjects. RESULTS In the proband, ES detected the novel NPRL3 frameshift variant (NM_001077350.3): c.151_152del (p.Thr51Glyfs*5). This variant is predicted to cause a loss of function and segregated in one affected brother. The review of 76 patients from 18 publications revealed the predominance of focal-onset seizures (67/74-90%), with mainly frontal and frontotemporal (32/67-47.7%), unspecified (19/67-28%), or temporal (9/67-13%) onset. Epileptic syndromes included familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) (29/74-39%) and SHE (11/74-14.9%). Fifteen patients out of 60 (25%) underwent epilepsy surgery, 11 of whom achieved complete seizure remission (11/15-73%). Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2A was the most frequent histopathological finding. SIGNIFICANCE We reported an illustrative NPRL3-related epilepsy (NRE) family with incomplete penetrance. This condition consists of a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical and neuroradiological features. Focal-onset motor seizures are predominant, and almost half of the cases fulfill the criteria for SHE or FFEVF. MRI-negative cases are prevalent, but the association with malformations of cortical developments (MCDs) is significant, especially FCD type 2a. The beneficial impact of epilepsy surgery in patients with MCD-related epilepsy further supports the inclusion of brain MRI in the workup of NRE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Dainelli
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversità Degli Studi di GenovaGenoaItaly
| | | | - Sara Rossato
- U.O.C. Pediatria, Ospedale San BortoloVicenzaItaly
| | | | - Monica Traverso
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | | | | | - Valeria Capra
- UOC Genetica MedicaIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | - Marco Di Duca
- UOC Genetica MedicaIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | - Federico Zara
- UOC Genetica MedicaIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | - Marcello Scala
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversità Degli Studi di GenovaGenoaItaly
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversità Degli Studi di GenovaGenoaItaly
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11
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Kao HY, Yao Y, Yang T, Ziobro J, Zylinski M, Mir MY, Hu S, Cao R, Borna NN, Banerjee R, Parent JM, Wang S, Leventhal DK, Li P, Wang Y. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and Respiratory Defects in a Mouse Model of DEPDC5-Related Epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:812-824. [PMID: 37606181 PMCID: PMC10592102 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES DEPDC5 is a common causative gene in familial focal epilepsy with or without malformations of cortical development. Its pathogenic variants also confer a significantly higher risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), providing opportunities to investigate the pathophysiology intersecting neurodevelopment, epilepsy, and cardiorespiratory function. There is an urgent need to gain a mechanistic understanding of DEPDC5-related epilepsy and SUDEP, identify biomarkers for patients at high risk, and develop preventive interventions. METHODS Depdc5 was specifically deleted in excitatory or inhibitory neurons in the mouse brain to determine neuronal subtypes that drive epileptogenesis and SUDEP. Electroencephalogram (EEG), cardiac, and respiratory recordings were performed to determine cardiorespiratory phenotypes associated with SUDEP. Baseline respiratory function and the response to hypoxia challenge were also studied in these mice. RESULTS Depdc5 deletion in excitatory neurons in cortical layer 5 and dentate gyrus caused frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures and SUDEP in young adult mice, but Depdc5 deletion in cortical interneurons did not. EEG suppression immediately following ictal offset was observed in fatal and non-fatal seizures, but low amplitude rhythmic theta frequency activity was lost only in fatal seizures. In addition, these mice developed baseline respiratory dysfunction prior to SUDEP, during which ictal apnea occurred long before terminal cardiac asystole. INTERPRETATION Depdc5 deletion in excitatory neurons is sufficient to cause DEPDC5-related epilepsy and SUDEP. Ictal apnea and respiratory dysregulation play critical roles in SUDEP. Our study also provides a novel mouse model to investigate the underlying mechanisms of DEPDC5-related epilepsy and SUDEP. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:812-824.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Kao
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yilong Yao
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary Zylinski
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mohd Yaqub Mir
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuntong Hu
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Runnan Cao
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Rajat Banerjee
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jack M. Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Michgian Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel K. Leventhal
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Parkinson Disease Foundation Research Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Michgian Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biologic and Material Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Michgian Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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12
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Fawcett J, Davis S, Manford M. Further advances in epilepsy. J Neurol 2023; 270:5655-5670. [PMID: 37458794 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11860-6] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, one of us reviewed advances in epilepsy (Manford in J Neurol 264:1811-1824, 2017). The current paper brings that review up to date and gives a slight change in emphasis. Once again, the story is of evolution rather than revolution. In recognition that most of our current medications act on neurotransmitters or ion channels, and not on the underlying changes in connectivity and pathways, they have been renamed as antiseizure (ASM) medications rather than antiepileptic drugs. Cenobamate is the one newly licensed medication for broader use in focal epilepsy but there have been a number of developments for specific disorders. We review new players and look forward to new developments in the light of evolving underlying science. We look at teratogenicity; old villains and new concerns in which clinicians play a vital role in explaining and balancing the risks. Medical treatment of status epilepticus, long without evidence, has benefitted from high-quality trials to inform practice; like buses, several arriving at once. Surgical treatment continues to be refined with improvements in the pre-surgical evaluation of patients, especially with new imaging techniques. Alternatives including stereotactic radiotherapy have received further focus and targets for palliative stimulation techniques have grown in number. Individuals' autonomy and quality of life continue to be the subject of research with refinement of what clinicians can do to help persons with epilepsy (PWE) achieve control. This includes seizure management but extends to broader considerations of human empowerment, needs and desires, which may be aided by emerging technologies such as seizure detection devices. The role of specialist nurses in improving that quality has been reinforced by specific endorsement from the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fawcett
- Department of Neurology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
| | - Sarah Davis
- Department of Neurology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
| | - Mark Manford
- Department of Neurology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.
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Moloney PB, Kearney H, Benson KA, Costello DJ, Cavalleri GL, Gorman KM, Lynch BJ, Delanty N. Everolimus precision therapy for the GATOR1-related epilepsies: A case series. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3341-3346. [PMID: 37422919 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15975] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic variants in the GAP activity towards RAGs 1 (GATOR1) complex genes (DEPDC5, NPRL2, NPRL3) cause focal epilepsy through hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway. We report our experience using everolimus in patients with refractory GATOR1-related epilepsy. METHODS We performed an open-label observational study of everolimus for drug-resistant epilepsy caused by variants in DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3. Everolimus was titrated to a target serum concentration (5-15 ng/mL). The primary outcome measure was change in mean monthly seizure frequency compared with baseline. RESULTS Five patients were treated with everolimus. All had highly active (median baseline seizure frequency, 18/month) and refractory focal epilepsy (failed 5-16 prior anti-seizure medications). Four had DEPDC5 variants (three loss-of-function, one missense) and one had a NPRL3 splice-site variant. All patients with DEPDC5 loss-of-function variants had significantly reduced seizures (74.3%-86.1%), although one stopped everolimus after 12 months due to psychiatric symptoms. Everolimus was less effective in the patient with a DEPDC5 missense variant (43.9% seizure frequency reduction). The patient with NPRL3-related epilepsy had seizure worsening. The most common adverse event was stomatitis. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first human data on the potential benefit of everolimus precision therapy for epilepsy caused by DEPDC5 loss-of-function variants. Further studies are needed to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Moloney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
- Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hugh Kearney
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine A Benson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Costello
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Cork University Hospital and College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gianpiero L Cavalleri
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen M Gorman
- Department of Neurology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bryan J Lynch
- Department of Neurology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Wang H, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Cai L, Jiang Y. Seizure features and outcomes in 50 children with GATOR1 variants: A retrospective study, more favorable for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:969-979. [PMID: 37259768 PMCID: PMC10472406 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the clinical features of epilepsy related to DEPDC5, NPRL2, and NPRL3 genes encoding the GATOR1 complex in children and to evaluate the factors affecting the prognosis of these epilepsies. METHODS In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with epilepsy related to GATOR1 variants who were admitted to the Peking University First Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021. Potential prognostic factors were assessed by comparing children with and without ongoing seizures. RESULTS Fifty probands, including 31 boys and 19 girls were recruited. The median age at onset of epilepsy was 4 months, and 64% of patients had early-onset epilepsy (≤1 year). The most frequent epileptic seizure type was focal seizure (86%). Among the 50 patients, only six were with de novo variants. According to the novel classification framework for GATOR1 variants, 36 patients were with pathogenic variants and 14 with likely pathogenic variants. DEPDC5 variants were found in 37 patients, NPRL3 in 9, and NPRL2 in 4. The phenotype was similar among the probands, with variants in DEPDC5, NRPL2, or NPRL3. 76% (38/50) of epilepsy related to GATOR1 variants was neuroimaging positive, including brain MRI positive in 31 patients, and MRI combined F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography positive in the other seven patients. Twenty-seven patients underwent epilepsy surgery. In total, after initial antiseizure medications alone, 92% (46/50) of patients were drug-resistant epilepsies, only 8% (4/50) of the probands became seizure-free but seizure-free (≥6 m) occurred in 92.6% (25/27) of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy after epilepsy surgery at the last follow-up. Patients undergoing epilepsy surgery had better epilepsy prognosis. SIGNIFICANCE Epilepsy related to GATOR1 variants had high possibility to be drug-resistant epilepsy and to have positive neuroimaging finding. Epilepsy surgery is the only favorable factor for better seizure prognosis in this kind epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Wenwei Liu
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Pediatric Epilepsy CenterPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Pediatric Epilepsy CenterPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Lixin Cai
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Pediatric Epilepsy CenterPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of PediatricsPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Pediatric Epilepsy CenterPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic DiseasesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning CommissionPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijingChina
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15
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Du S, Zeng S, Song L, Ma H, Chen R, Luo J, Wang X, Ma T, Xu X, Sun H, Yi P, Guo J, Huang Y, Liu M, Wang T, Liao WP, Zhang L, Liu JY, Tang B. Functional characterization of novel NPRL3 mutations identified in three families with focal epilepsy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2152-2166. [PMID: 37071290 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Focal epilepsy accounts for 60% of all forms of epilepsy, but the pathogenic mechanism is not well understood. In this study, three novel mutations in NPRL3 (nitrogen permease regulator-like 3), c.937_945del, c.1514dupC and 6,706-bp genomic DNA (gDNA) deletion, were identified in three families with focal epilepsy by linkage analysis, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. NPRL3 protein is a component of the GATOR1 complex, a major inhibitor of mTOR signaling. These mutations led to truncation of the NPRL3 protein and hampered the binding between NPRL3 and DEPDC5, which is another component of the GATOR1 complex. Consequently, the mutant proteins enhanced mTOR signaling in cultured cells, possibly due to impaired inhibition of mTORC1 by GATOR1. Knockdown of nprl3 in Drosophila resulted in epilepsy-like behavior and abnormal synaptic development. Taken together, these findings expand the genotypic spectrum of NPRL3-associated focal epilepsy and provide further insight into how NPRL3 mutations lead to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyue Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Sheng Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Li Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hongying Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tingbin Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yaling Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital of HUST, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital of HUST, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wei-Ping Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Luoying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Jing Yu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Yin K, Lei X, Yan Z, Yang Y, Deng Q, Lu Q, Zhang X, Wang M, Liu Q. Clinical and genetic features of GATOR1 complex-associated epilepsy. J Med Genet 2023; 60:784-790. [PMID: 36604176 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2021-108364] [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: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the prevalence of pathogenic variants in DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3 that encode the GATOR1 (GTPase-activating protein towards the Rags 1) complex, a modulator in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and to define the characteristics of GATOR1-associated epilepsy. METHODS Clinical details and whole-exome sequencing data of 170 novel probands with lesional or non-lesional epilepsy were retrieved. Candidate variants in GATOR1 genes were verified by Sanger sequencing, and cosegregate analysis was performed. The pathogenicity of variants and their effect on mTOR signalling were investigated. RESULTS Two novel frameshift variants and one recurrent nonsense variant were detected in DEPDC5, with a prevalence of 1.8% (3 out of 170) in the whole cohort and 3.1% (3 out of 97) in focal epilepsies. These variants cosegregated in pedigrees with epilepsy, respectively. Rare missense variants in NPRL2 and NPRL3 did not segregate with epilepsy in families, respectively. Epileptic phenotypes of 21 patients with DEPDC5 variants showed focal seizures with non-lesional variable foci that were predominantly sleep-related, with a median onset age of 10 years (range 1-30). Seizure outcome was variable. About 24% of patients were drug-resistant, and seizure attacks were absent in 33% of variant carriers. Of 13 patients who experienced seizures, 54% tended to resolve spontaneously. Functional assessments showed that the three variants affected DEPDC5 expression. These loss-of-function (LoF) variants affected the DEPDC5-dependent inhibition of mTOR. CONCLUSIONS Patients carrying DEPDC5-LoF variants might show a high prevalence of focal seizures with a dynamic phenotype, indicating reduced penetrance and self-resolving features. The associated epilepsy was caused by loss of inhibition of the mTOR pathway. The pathogenicity of missense variants in GATOR1 genes should be cautiously evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Yin
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingxing Lei
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofen Yan
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 50 Xiang-shan-xi-song, Beijing, China
| | - Yujiao Yang
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 50 Xiang-shan-xi-song, Beijing, China
| | - Qinqin Deng
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 50 Xiang-shan-xi-song, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyang Wang
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 50 Xiang-shan-xi-song, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang S, Zhao T, Chen L, Xie M, Lu QB, Du J, Zeng J, Huang N, Liu Y, Wang C, Cui F. Analysis of deaths following yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccination of infants, China, January 2013 to December 2020. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1170483. [PMID: 37397780 PMCID: PMC10313061 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1170483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In China, adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are reported by the China AEFI Surveillance System (CNAEFIS). Serious AEFI, including deaths, are mandatorily reported and are evaluated for causality by province-or prefecture-level panels of experts. Yeast-derived HepB is the most widely used HepB in China for infants. However, the information about the death of infants caused by HepB is unclear. The CNAEFIS data on deaths following HepB from 2013 to 2020 were used for analyses. Descriptive analysis of epidemiologic characteristics was used to report death cases following HepB. We used administered doses to calculate denominators to estimate the risk of death after vaccination. During 2013-2020, there were 161 deaths following the administration of 173 million doses of HepB, for an overall incidence of 0.9 deaths per million doses. One hundred fifty-seven deaths were categorized as coincidental, and four deaths were accompanied by an abnormal reaction determined to be unrelated to the cause of death. The most common causes of death were neonatal pneumonia and foreign body asphyxia. These data provide reliable evidence on the safety of HepB among infants in China and can enhance public confidence in HepB immunization. To ensure public confidence in infants' HepB vaccination, monitoring and scientifically evaluating AEFI-related deaths of HepB is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianshuo Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Linyi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhu Xie
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Bin Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ninghua Huang
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqiong Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuqiang Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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18
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Sahly AN, Whitney R, Costain G, Chau V, Otsubo H, Ochi A, Donner EJ, Cunningham J, Jones KC, Widjaja E, Ibrahim GM, Jain P. Epilepsy surgery outcomes in patients with GATOR1 gene complex variants: Report of new cases and review of literature. Seizure 2023; 107:13-20. [PMID: 36931189 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To report seizure outcomes in children with GATOR1 gene complex disorders who underwent epilepsy surgery and perform a systematic literature search to study the available evidence. METHODS The records of children with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in GATOR1 gene complex who underwent epilepsy surgery were reviewed. Clinical, radiological, neurophysiological, and histological data were extracted/summarized. The systematic review included all case series/reports and observational studies reporting on children or adults with genetic (germline or somatic) variants in the GATOR1 complex genes (DEPDC5, NPRL2, NPRL3) with focal epilepsy with/without focal cortical dysplasia who underwent epilepsy surgery; seizure outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS Eight children with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in GATOR1 complex genes were included. All had drug-resistant epilepsy. Six children had significant neurodevelopmental delay. Epilepsy surgery was performed in all; clinical seizure freedom was noted in 4 children (50%). Systematic literature search identified 17 eligible articles; additional 30 cases with patient-level data were studied. Lesional MRI brain was seen in 80% cases. The pooled rate of seizure freedom following surgery was 60%; FCD IIa was the most encountered pathology. INTERPRETATION Epilepsy surgery may be effective in some children with GATOR1 complex gene variants. Seizure outcomes may be compromised by extensive epileptogenic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed N Sahly
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vann Chau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Otsubo
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayako Ochi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Cunningham
- Hospital Library and Archives, Learning Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Auvin S, Baulac S. mTOR-therapy and targeted treatment opportunities in mTOR-related epilepsies associated with cortical malformations. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:337-344. [PMID: 36906459 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is now well documented in several neurodevelopmental disorders associated with epilepsy. Mutations of mTOR pathway genes are involved in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) as well as in a range of cortical malformations from hemimegalencephaly (HME) to type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD II), leading to the concept of "mTORopathies" (mTOR pathway-related malformations). This suggests that mTOR inhibitors (notably rapamycin (sirolimus), and everolimus) could be used as antiseizure medication. In this review, we provide an overview of pharmacological treatments targeting the mTOR pathway for epilepsy based on lectures from the ILAE French Chapter meeting in October 2022 in Grenoble. There is strong preclinical evidence for the antiseizure effects of mTOR inhibitors in TSC and cortical malformation mouse models. There are also open studies on the antiseizure effects of mTOR inhibitors, as well as one phase III study showing the antiseizure effect of everolimus in TSC patients. Finally, we discuss to which extent mTOR inhibitors might have properties beyond the antiseizure effect on associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. We also discuss a new way of treatment on the mTOR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Auvin
- Service de neurologie pédiatrique, EpiCARE ERN membre, Hôpital Robert Debré, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Paris-Cité, Inserm NeuroDiderot, Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
| | - S Baulac
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
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20
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Sun S, Wang H. Clocking Epilepsies: A Chronomodulated Strategy-Based Therapy for Rhythmic Seizures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044223. [PMID: 36835631 PMCID: PMC9962262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by hypersynchronous recurrent neuronal activities and seizures, as well as loss of muscular control and sometimes awareness. Clinically, seizures have been reported to display daily variations. Conversely, circadian misalignment and circadian clock gene variants contribute to epileptic pathogenesis. Elucidation of the genetic bases of epilepsy is of great importance because the genetic variability of the patients affects the efficacies of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). For this narrative review, we compiled 661 epilepsy-related genes from the PHGKB and OMIM databases and classified them into 3 groups: driver genes, passenger genes, and undetermined genes. We discuss the potential roles of some epilepsy driver genes based on GO and KEGG analyses, the circadian rhythmicity of human and animal epilepsies, and the mutual effects between epilepsy and sleep. We review the advantages and challenges of rodents and zebrafish as animal models for epileptic studies. Finally, we posit chronomodulated strategy-based chronotherapy for rhythmic epilepsies, integrating several lines of investigation for unraveling circadian mechanisms underpinning epileptogenesis, chronopharmacokinetic and chronopharmacodynamic examinations of AEDs, as well as mathematical/computational modeling to help develop time-of-day-specific AED dosing schedules for rhythmic epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sun
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-186-0512-8971
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21
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Wang Y, Yu T, Blümcke I, Cai Y, Sun K, Gao R, Wang Y, Fu Y, Wang W, Wang Y, Zhang G, Piao Y. The clinico-pathological characterisation of focal cortical dysplasia type IIb genetically defined by MTOR mosaicism. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12874. [PMID: 36544434 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a major cause of drug-resistant paediatric epilepsy and is amenable to successful neurosurgical resection. FCD ILAE Type IIb is the most common FCD subtype, and brain somatic mutations affecting the mTOR pathway play a major pathogenic role. The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe the genotype-phenotype association of 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed FCDIIb using next generation sequencing (NGS) of paired blood-brain samples. METHODS Clinical and neuropathological data were retrospectively reviewed from the hospital archive. The NGS panel included 11 mTOR-pathway-related genes with maximum coverage of 2000×. The detected variants were validated by digital droplet PCR. RESULTS Pathogenic MTOR variants were identified in 10 patients (50%). Further comparison with MTOR-wildtype FCDIIb suggested a profound genotype-phenotype association characterised by (1) a non-temporal lobe lesion on MRI, (2) a larger lesion volume occupying grey and white matter (3.032 ± 1.859 cm3 vs 1.110 ± 0.856 cm3 , p = 0.014), (3) more balloon cells (50.20 ± 14.40 BC/mm2 vs 31.64 ± 30.56 BC/mm2 , p = 0.099) and dysmorphic neurons (48.72 ± 19.47DN/mm2 vs 15.28 ± 13.95DN/mm2 , p = 0.000) and (4) a positive correlation between VAF and the lesion volume (r = 0.802, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Our study identified frequent MTOR mutations in the cell-rich FCDIIb phenotype, clinically characterised by a non-temporal location and large lesion volume. Comprehensive genotype-phenotype associations will help us further explore and define the broad spectrum of FCD lesions to make more targeted therapies available in the realm of epileptology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yanning Cai
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology and Clinical Biobank, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Runshi Gao
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujiao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjuan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, China.,Center of Epilepsy, Institute of Sleep and Consciousness Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yueshan Piao
- Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
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22
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Zhang H, Deng J, Wang X, Chen C, Chen S, Dai L, Fang F. Clinical phenotypic and genotypic characterization of NPRL3-related epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1113747. [PMID: 36937533 PMCID: PMC10018541 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1113747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As one of the assembly factors of the GATOR1 protein complex in the mechanism of rapamycin pathway, NPRL3 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype in patients with NPRL3-related epilepsy has not been clarified. Methods A total of 11 Chinese children with NPRL3-related epilepsy were identified through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The data from the clinical presentation, laboratory data, brain imaging findings, genetic results, and treatment methods were collected. All previously reported cases with NPRL3-related epilepsy were collected and reviewed through PubMed search. Results Among the 11 children, eight have not been reported, and two of them presented infantile spasms (ISs) as a new phenotype of NPRL3-related epilepsy. In addition, WES identified five frameshift mutations, three nonsense mutations, two missense mutations, and one exon deletion. Based on bioinformatics analysis, it was found that two missense mutation sites were highly conserved, and the c.400G>A mutation site of the NPRL3 gene caused the alteration of the protein structure. To date, 88 patients have been reported with NPRL3-related defects, including our 11 cases. The most common presentations were sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), and temporal lobe epilepsy. A majority of patients (70%) presented normal neuroimaging results, and focal cortical dysplasia was the most common neuroimaging abnormality (62.5%). Among the NPRL3 gene mutations, loss of function (nonsense mutations, frameshift mutations, and exons deletion) was the most common genetic variation (75%). For 73% of patients with NPRL3-related epilepsy, monotherapy of sodium channel blockers was effective. Surgery was effective for 75% of children with neuroimaging abnormalities. Two cases unresponsive to surgery or anti-seizure medications were treated with ketogenic diets (KD), which were effective. One case was treated with rapamycin at an early stage of epilepsy, which was effective as well. Conclusion NPRL3-related epilepsy has high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. SHE and FLE are the most common clinical presentations. Furthermore, ISs are the new phenotypes of NPRL3-related epilepsy, while the variants c.275G>A, c.745G>A, and c.1270C>T may be the most common NPRL3 gene mutations. Sodium channel blockers, surgery, KD, and rapamycin may be the potential treatments for these patients. Our study expanded the clinical and genetic spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy and provided important information for the precise treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Epilepsy Center, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhua Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Dai
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang
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23
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Mora-Munoz L, Alsheikhtaha Z, Foldvary-Schaefer N. Differential Diagnosis of Complex Nocturnal Behaviors. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40675-022-00238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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24
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Iffland PH, Everett ME, Cobb-Pitstick KM, Bowser LE, Barnes AE, Babus JK, Romanowski AJ, Baybis M, Elziny S, Puffenberger EG, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Poulopoulos A, Carson VJ, Crino PB. NPRL3 loss alters neuronal morphology, mTOR localization, cortical lamination and seizure threshold. Brain 2022; 145:3872-3885. [PMID: 35136953 PMCID: PMC10200289 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in nitrogen permease regulator-like 3 (NPRL3), a component of the GATOR1 complex within the mTOR pathway, are associated with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Little is known about the effects of NPRL3 loss on neuronal mTOR signalling and morphology, or cerebral cortical development and seizure susceptibility. We report the clinical phenotypic spectrum of a founder NPRL3 pedigree (c.349delG, p.Glu117LysFS; n = 133) among Old Order Mennonites dating to 1727. Next, as a strategy to define the role of NPRL3 in cortical development, CRISPR/Cas9 Nprl3 knockout in Neuro2a cells in vitro and in foetal mouse brain in vivo was used to assess the effects of Nprl3 knockout on mTOR activation, subcellular mTOR localization, nutrient signalling, cell morphology and aggregation, cerebral cortical cytoarchitecture and network integrity. The NPRL3 pedigree exhibited an epilepsy penetrance of 28% and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes with a range of epilepsy semiologies, i.e. focal or generalized onset, brain imaging abnormalities, i.e. polymicrogyria, focal cortical dysplasia or normal imaging, and EEG findings, e.g. focal, multi-focal or generalized spikes, focal or generalized slowing. Whole exome analysis comparing a seizure-free group (n = 37) to those with epilepsy (n = 24) to search for gene modifiers for epilepsy did not identify a unique genetic modifier that explained the variability in seizure penetrance in this cohort. Nprl3 knockout in vitro caused mTOR pathway hyperactivation, cell soma enlargement and the formation of cellular aggregates seen in time-lapse videos that were prevented with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin or torin1. In Nprl3 knockout cells, mTOR remained localized on the lysosome in a constitutively active conformation, as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and 4E-BP1 proteins, even under nutrient starvation (amino acid-free) conditions, demonstrating that Nprl3 loss decouples mTOR activation from neuronal metabolic state. To model human malformations of cortical development associated with NPRL3 variants, we created a focal Nprl3 knockout in foetal mouse cortex by in utero electroporation and found altered cortical lamination and white matter heterotopic neurons, effects which were prevented with rapamycin treatment. EEG recordings showed network hyperexcitability and reduced seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol treatment. NPRL3 variants are linked to a highly variable clinical phenotype which we propose results from mTOR-dependent effects on cell structure, cortical development and network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Iffland
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | | | - Allan E Barnes
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Janice K Babus
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Andrea J Romanowski
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marianna Baybis
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Soad Elziny
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Peter B Crino
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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25
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A Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach to Genomic Testing for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Patients—The GENIE Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144238. [PMID: 35888005 PMCID: PMC9319736 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144238] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The genomic era has led to enormous progress in clinical care and a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach is imperative for integration of genomics into epilepsy patient care. Methods. The MDT approach involved patient selection, genomic testing choice, variant discussions and return of results. Genomics analysis included cytogenomic testing and whole exome sequencing (WES). Neurologist surveys were undertaken at baseline and after genomic testing to determine if genomic diagnoses would alter their management, and if there was a change in confidence in genomic testing and neurologist perceptions of the MDT approach. Results. The total diagnostic yield from all genomic testing was 17% (11/66), with four diagnoses from cytogenomic analyses. All chromosomal microarray (CMA) diagnoses were in patients seen by adult neurologists. Diagnostic yield for WES was 11% (7/62). The most common gene with pathogenic variants was DCX, reported in three patients, of which two were mosaic. The genomic diagnosis impacted management in 82% (9/11). There was increased confidence with integrating genomics into clinical care (Pearson chi square = 83, p = 0.004) and qualitative comments were highly supportive of the MDT approach. Conclusions. We demonstrated diagnostic yield from genomic testing, and the impact on management in a cohort with drug-resistant epilepsy. The MDT approach increased confidence in genomic testing and neurologists valued the input from this approach. The utility of CMA was demonstrated in epilepsy patients seen by adult neurologists as was the importance of considering mosaicism for previously undiagnosed patients.
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26
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Wasilewska K, Gambin T, Rydzanicz M, Szczałuba K, Płoski R. Postzygotic mutations and where to find them - Recent advances and future implications in the field of non-neoplastic somatic mosaicism. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2022; 790:108426. [PMID: 35690331 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2022.108426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The technological progress of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has triggered a remarkable development in the research on postzygotic mutations. Although the overwhelming majority of studies in the field focus on oncogenesis, non-neoplastic diseases are attracting more and more attention. The aim of this review was to summarize some of the most recent findings in the field of somatic mosaicism in diseases other than neoplastic events. We discuss the abundance and role of postzygotic mutations, with a special emphasis on disorders which occur only in a mosaic form (obligatory mosaic diseases; OMDs). Based on the list of OMDs compiled from the published literature and three databases (OMIM, Orphanet and MosaicBase), we demonstrate the prevalence of cancer-related genes across OMDs and suggest other sources to further explore OMDs and OMD-related genes. Additionally, we comment on some practical aspects related to mosaic diseases, such as approaches to tissue sampling, the MPS coverage required to detect variants at a very low frequency, as well as on bioinformatic and molecular tools dedicated to detect somatic mutations in MPS data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Wasilewska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Gambin
- Institute of Computer Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 15/19, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Rydzanicz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szczałuba
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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27
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Wang G, Wu W, Xu Y, Yang Z, Xiao B, Long L. Imaging Genetics in Epilepsy: Current Knowledge and New Perspectives. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:891621. [PMID: 35706428 PMCID: PMC9189397 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.891621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological network disease with genetics playing a much greater role than was previously appreciated. Unfortunately, the relationship between genetic basis and imaging phenotype is by no means simple. Imaging genetics integrates multidimensional datasets within a unified framework, providing a unique opportunity to pursue a global vision for epilepsy. This review delineates the current knowledge of underlying genetic mechanisms for brain networks in different epilepsy syndromes, particularly from a neural developmental perspective. Further, endophenotypes and their potential value are discussed. Finally, we highlight current challenges and provide perspectives for the future development of imaging genetics in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenyue Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuchen Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhuanyi Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Long
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Dentel B, Angeles-Perez L, Ren C, Jakkamsetti V, Holley AJ, Caballero D, Oh E, Gibson J, Pascual JM, Huber KM, Tu BP, Tsai PT. Increased glycine contributes to synaptic dysfunction and early mortality in Nprl2 seizure model. iScience 2022; 25:104334. [PMID: 35602938 PMCID: PMC9118754 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies for epilepsies associated with the mTORC1 signaling negative regulator GATOR1 are lacking. NPRL2 is a subunit of the GATOR1 complex and mutations in GATOR1 subunits, including NPRL2, are associated with epilepsy. To delineate the mechanisms underlying NPRL2-related epilepsies, we created a mouse (Mus musculus) model with neocortical loss of Nprl2. Mutant mice have increased mTORC1 signaling and exhibit spontaneous seizures. They also display abnormal synaptic function characterized by increased evoked and spontaneous EPSC and decreased evoked and spontaneous IPSC frequencies, respectively. Proteomic and metabolomics studies of Nprl2 mutants revealed alterations in known epilepsy-implicated proteins and metabolic pathways, including increases in the neurotransmitter, glycine. Furthermore, glycine actions on the NMDA receptor contribute to the electrophysiological and survival phenotypes of these mice. Taken together, in this neuronal Nprl2 model, we delineate underlying molecular, metabolic, and electrophysiological mechanisms contributing to mTORC1-related epilepsy, providing potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Dentel
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | | | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Vikram Jakkamsetti
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Andrew J. Holley
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Daniel Caballero
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Emily Oh
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Jay Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Juan M. Pascual
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Peter T. Tsai
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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29
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Samanta D. DEPDC5-related epilepsy: A comprehensive review. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108678. [PMID: 35429726 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
DEPDC5-related epilepsy, caused by pathogenic germline variants(with or without additional somatic variants in the brain) of DEPDC5 (Dishevelled, Egl-10 and Pleckstrin domain-containing protein 5) gene, is a newly discovered predominantly focal epilepsy linked to enhanced mTORC1 pathway. DEPDC5-related epilepsy includes several familial epilepsy syndromes, including familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) and rare sporadic nonlesional focal epilepsy. DEPDC5 has been identified as one of the more common epilepsy genes linked to infantile spasms and sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). Although intelligence usually is unaffected in DEPDC5-related epilepsy, some people have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other psychiatric problems. DEPDC5 variants have also been found in 20% of individuals with various brain abnormalities, challenging the traditional distinction between lesional and nonlesional epilepsies. The most exciting development of DEPDC5 variants is the possibility of precision therapeutics using mTOR inhibitors, as evidenced with phenotypic rescue in many animal models. However, more research is needed to better understand the functional impact of diverse (particularly missense or splice-region) variants, the specific involvement of DEPDC5 in epileptogenesis, and the creation and utilization of precision therapies in humans. Precision treatments for DEPDC5-related epilepsy will benefit not only a small number of people with the condition, but they will also pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in epilepsy (including acquired epilepsies in which mTORC1 activation occurs, for example, post-traumatic epilepsy) and other neurological disorders involving a dysfunctional mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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Moloney PB, Dugan P, Widdess-Walsh P, Devinsky O, Delanty N. Genomics in the Presurgical Epilepsy Evaluation. Epilepsy Res 2022; 184:106951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the clinical features, typical EEG findings, treatment, prognosis, and underlying molecular etiologies of the more common genetic epilepsy syndromes. Genetic generalized epilepsy, self-limited focal epilepsy of childhood, self-limited neonatal and infantile epilepsy, select developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, progressive myoclonus epilepsies, sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy, and focal epilepsy with auditory features are discussed. Also reviewed are two familial epilepsy syndromes: genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and familial focal epilepsy with variable foci. RECENT FINDINGS Recent years have seen considerable advances in our understanding of the genetic factors underlying genetic epilepsy syndromes. New therapies are emerging for some of these conditions; in some cases, these precision medicine approaches may dramatically improve the prognosis. SUMMARY Many recognizable genetic epilepsy syndromes exist, the identification of which is a crucial skill for neurologists, particularly those who work with children. Proper diagnosis of the electroclinical syndrome allows for appropriate treatment choices and counseling regarding prognosis and possible comorbidities.
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NPRL2 Inhibition of mTORC1 Controls Sodium Channel Expression and Brain Amino Acid Homeostasis. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0317-21.2022. [PMID: 35165201 PMCID: PMC8896560 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0317-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations in nitrogen permease regulator-like 2 (NPRL2) are associated with a wide spectrum of familial focal epilepsies, autism, and sudden unexpected death of epileptics (SUDEP), but the mechanisms by which NPRL2 contributes to these effects are not well known. NPRL2 is a requisite subunit of the GAP activity toward Rags 1 (GATOR1) complex, which functions as a negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase when intracellular amino acids are low. Here, we show that loss of NPRL2 expression in mouse excitatory glutamatergic neurons causes seizures before death, consistent with SUDEP in humans with epilepsy. Additionally, the absence of NPRL2 expression increases mTORC1-dependent signal transduction and significantly alters amino acid homeostasis in the brain. Loss of NPRL2 reduces dendritic branching and increases the strength of electrically stimulated action potentials (APs) in neurons. The increased AP strength is consistent with elevated expression of epilepsy-linked, voltage-gated sodium channels in the NPRL2-deficient brain. Targeted deletion of NPRL2 in primary neurons increases the expression of sodium channel Scn1A, whereas treatment with the pharmacological mTORC1 inhibitor called rapamycin prevents Scn1A upregulation. These studies demonstrate a novel role of NPRL2 and mTORC1 signaling in the regulation of sodium channels, which can contribute to seizures and early lethality.
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Zhang J, Shen Y, Yang Z, Yang F, Li Y, Yu B, Chen W, Gan J. A splicing variation in NPRL2 causing familial focal epilepsy with variable foci: additional cases and literature review. J Hum Genet 2022; 67:79-85. [PMID: 34376795 PMCID: PMC8786660 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
NPRL2 (nitrogen permease regulator like 2) is a component of the GATOR1(GAP activity towards rags complex 1) proteins, which is an inhibitor of the amino acid-sensing branch of the mTORC1 pathway. GATOR1 complex variations were reported to correlate with familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF). However, FFEVF caused by NPRL2 variants has not been widely explored. Here, we describe a variant, 339+2T>C, in NPRL2 identified by trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a family. This splicing variant that occurred at the 5' end of exon 3 was confirmed by minigene assays, which affected alternative splicing and led to exon 3 skipping in NPRL2. Our cases presented multiple seizure types (febrile seizures, infantile spasms, focal seizures, or focal to generalized tonic-clonic seizures). Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed frequent discharges in the left frontal and central regions. A favorable prognosis was achieved in response to vitamin B6 and topiramate when the patient was seven months old. Our study expands the phenotype and genotype spectrum of FFEVF and provides solid diagnostic evidence for FFEVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yajun Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | | | | | - Yang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, The City Central Hospital of Wanyuan, Wanyuan, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanlin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The City Central Hospital of Wanyuan, Wanyuan, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Gan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Bennett MF, Hildebrand MS, Kayumi S, Corbett MA, Gupta S, Ye Z, Krivanek M, Burgess R, Henry OJ, Damiano JA, Boys A, Gécz J, Bahlo M, Scheffer IE, Berkovic SF. Evidence for a Dual-Pathway, 2-Hit Genetic Model for Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Epilepsy. NEUROLOGY GENETICS 2022; 8:e652. [PMID: 35097204 PMCID: PMC8789218 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives The 2-hit model of genetic disease is well established in cancer, yet has
only recently been reported to cause brain malformations associated with
epilepsy. Pathogenic germline and somatic variants in genes in the
mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have been implicated in
several malformations of cortical development. We investigated the 2-hit
model by performing genetic analysis and searching for germline and somatic
variants in genes in the mTOR and related pathways. Methods We searched for germline and somatic pathogenic variants in 2 brothers with
drug-resistant focal epilepsy and surgically resected focal cortical
dysplasia (FCD) type IIA. Exome sequencing was performed on blood- and
brain-derived DNA to identify pathogenic variants, which were validated by
droplet digital PCR. In vitro functional assays of a somatic variant were
performed. Results Exome analysis revealed a novel, maternally inherited, germline pathogenic
truncation variant (c.48delG; p.Ser17Alafs*70) in
NPRL3 in both brothers. NPRL3 is a
known FCD gene that encodes a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway.
Somatic variant calling in brain-derived DNA from both brothers revealed a
low allele fraction somatic variant (c.338C>T; p.Ala113Val) in the
WNT2 gene in 1 brother, confirmed by droplet digital
PCR. In vitro functional studies suggested a loss of WNT2 function as a
consequence of this variant. A second somatic variant has not yet been found
in the other brother. Discussion We identify a pathogenic germline mTOR pathway variant
(NPRL3) and a somatic variant (WNT2)
in the intersecting WNT signaling pathway, potentially implicating the
WNT2 gene in FCD and supporting a dual-pathway 2-hit
model. If confirmed in other cases, this would extend the 2-hit model to
pathogenic variants in different genes in critical, intersecting pathways in
a malformation of cortical development. Detection of low allele fraction
somatic second hits is challenging but promises to unravel the molecular
architecture of FCDs.
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Cortical Dysplasia and the mTOR Pathway: How the Study of Human Brain Tissue Has Led to Insights into Epileptogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031344. [PMID: 35163267 PMCID: PMC8835853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Type II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a neuropathological entity characterised by cortical dyslamination with the presence of dysmorphic neurons only (FCDIIA) or the presence of both dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells (FCDIIB). The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the recognition of FCD as a cause of drug resistant epilepsy, and it is now the most common reason for epilepsy surgery. The causes of FCD remained unknown until relatively recently. The study of resected human FCD tissue using novel genomic technologies has led to remarkable advances in understanding the genetic basis of FCD. Mechanistic parallels have emerged between these non-neoplastic lesions and neoplastic disorders of cell growth and differentiation, especially through perturbations of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. This narrative review presents the advances through which the aetiology of FCDII has been elucidated in chronological order, from recognition of an association between FCD and the mTOR pathway to the identification of somatic mosaicism within FCD tissue. We discuss the role of a two-hit mechanism, highlight current challenges and future directions in detecting somatic mosaicism in brain and discuss how knowledge of FCD may inform novel precision treatments of these focal epileptogenic malformations of human cortical development.
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McGonigal A. Frontal lobe seizures: overview and update. J Neurol 2022; 269:3363-3371. [PMID: 35006387 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Frontal lobe seizures (FLS) are debilitating for patients, highly diverse and often challenging for clinicians to evaluate. Frontal lobe epilepsy is the second most common localization for focal epilepsy, and if pharmacoresistant, can be amenable to resective surgery. Detailed study of frontal seizure semiology in conjunction with careful anatomical and electrophysiological correlation based on intracerebral recording with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has allowed demonstration that ictal motor semiology reflects a hierarchical rostro-caudal axis of frontal lobe functional organization, thus helping with presurgical localization. Main semiological features allowing distinction between different frontal sublobar regions include motor signs and emotional signs. Frontal lobe seizure semiology also represents a valuable source of in vivo human behavioral data from a neuroscientific perspective. Advances in defining underlying etiologies of FLE are likely to be crucial for appropriate selection and exploration of potential surgical candidates, which could improve upon current surgical outcomes. Future research on investigating the genetic basis of epilepsies and relation to structural substrate (e.g. focal cortical dysplasia) and seizure organization and expression, could permit a "genotype-phenotype" approach that could be complementary to anatomical electroclinical correlations in better defining the spectrum of FLS. This could help with optimizing patient selection and prognostication with regards to therapeutic choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen McGonigal
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Timone Hospital, APHM, Marseille, France. .,Inserm, INS, Institut de Neurosciences Des Systèmes, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.
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Nagarajan L, Ghosh S, Dyke J, Lee S, Silberstein J, Azmanov D, Richard W. Epilepsy surgery in PCDH 19 related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: A case report. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 19:100560. [PMID: 35856042 PMCID: PMC9287778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2022.100560] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 pathogenic variants may be associated with DEE in females. Epilepsy Surgery may be an option for PCDH19 related drug-resistant epilepsy.
We report a female child with PCDH19 related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with drug-resistant seizures, cognitive and language impairment, autism spectrum disorder and sleep dysfunction. Her seizures, which started at 10 months of age, were resistant to multiple anti-seizure medications. Developmental stagnation followed by regression occurred after the onset of recurrent seizures. Her ictal EEGS suggested left temporal lobe origin for her recorded seizures. MRI upon expert re-review showed a subtle abnormality in the left temporal lobe. In view of the severe nature and frequency of her seizures, a left temporal lobectomy was undertaken at the age of 2 years and 3 months. Though her seizure outcome was Engel class 3, her seizure frequency and severity were significantly reduced. She has been seizure-free for 10 months at her last outpatient assessment when she was 4 years and 8 months of age (2 years and 5 months after epilepsy surgery). However she recently had an admission for COVID19 infection, with a breakthrough cluster of seizures. Her developmental trajectory changed, though she is making good progress with her cognitive and language skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Nagarajan
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- Corresponding author at: Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia. WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jason Dyke
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- PathWest Neuropathology, Royal Perth Hospital, Victoria Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
| | - Sharon Lee
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- Dept of Neurosurgery, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jonathan Silberstein
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dimitar Azmanov
- Dept of Neurosurgery, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Warne Richard
- WA State Wide Neurosurgery Service, WA 6009, Australia
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Bacq A, Roussel D, Bonduelle T, Zagaglia S, Maletic M, Ribierre T, Adle‐Biassette H, Marchal C, Jennesson M, An I, Picard F, Navarro V, Sisodiya SM, Baulac S. Cardiac Investigations in Sudden Unexpected Death in DEPDC5-Related Epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:101-116. [PMID: 34693554 PMCID: PMC9299146 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Germline loss-of-function mutations in DEPDC5, and in its binding partners (NPRL2/3) of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) repressor GATOR1 complex, cause focal epilepsies and increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Here, we asked whether DEPDC5 haploinsufficiency predisposes to primary cardiac defects that could contribute to SUDEP and therefore impact the clinical management of patients at high risk of SUDEP. METHODS Clinical cardiac investigations were performed in 16 patients with pathogenic variants in DEPDC5, NPRL2, or NPRL3. Two novel Depdc5 mouse strains, a human HA-tagged Depdc5 strain and a Depdc5 heterozygous knockout with a neuron-specific deletion of the second allele (Depdc5c/- ), were generated to investigate the role of Depdc5 in SUDEP and cardiac activity during seizures. RESULTS Holter, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic (ECG) examinations provided no evidence for altered clinical cardiac function in the patient cohort, of whom 3 DEPDC5 patients succumbed to SUDEP and 6 had a family history of SUDEP. There was no cardiac injury at autopsy in a postmortem DEPDC5 SUDEP case. The HA-tagged Depdc5 mouse revealed expression of Depdc5 in the brain, heart, and lungs. Simultaneous electroencephalographic-ECG records on Depdc5c/- mice showed that spontaneous epileptic seizures resulting in a SUDEP-like event are not preceded by cardiac arrhythmia. INTERPRETATION Mouse and human data show neither structural nor functional cardiac damage that might underlie a primary contribution to SUDEP in the spectrum of DEPDC5-related epilepsies. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:101-116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bacq
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Delphine Roussel
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Thomas Bonduelle
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
- Epilepsy and Neurology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital CenterBordeauxFrance
| | - Sara Zagaglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUniversity College London Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- Chalfont Centre for EpilepsyBucksUK
| | - Marina Maletic
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Théo Ribierre
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Homa Adle‐Biassette
- Pathological Anatomy Department, University of Paris, AP‐HP, Lariboisière Hospital, DMU, DREAM, UMR 1141, INSERMParisFrance
| | - Cécile Marchal
- Epilepsy and Neurology Department, Bordeaux University Hospital CenterBordeauxFrance
| | - Mélanie Jennesson
- Department of PediatricsAmerican Memorial Hospital, Reims University Hospital CenterReimsFrance
| | - Isabelle An
- Epileptology Unit and Reference Center of Rare Epilepsies, Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Fabienne Picard
- EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Vincent Navarro
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
- Epileptology Unit and Reference Center of Rare Epilepsies, Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Sanjay M. Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUniversity College London Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- Chalfont Centre for EpilepsyBucksUK
| | - Stéphanie Baulac
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, AP‐HP, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
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Sun Y, Wan L, Yan H, Li Z, Yang G. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of NPRL2-Related Epilepsy: Two Case Reports and Literature Review. Front Neurol 2021; 12:780799. [PMID: 34912289 PMCID: PMC8667312 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.780799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotype of nitrogen permease regulator-like 2 (NPRL2) gene-related epilepsy clinically manifests as a range of epilepsy syndromes, including familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF), sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), and infantile spasms (IS). The association between phenotype and genotype of NPRL2 variants has not been widely explored. This study aimed to explore the phenotype and genotype spectrum of NPRL2-related epilepsy. Here, we presented two clinical cases with NPRL2-related epilepsy, and discussed the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment processes in the context of existing literature. Two novel NPRL2 likely pathogenic variants were identified by next-generation sequencing, including one splicing mutation (c.933-1G>A), and one frameshift mutation (c.257delG). The results of literature review showed that there were a total of 20 patients with NPRL2-related epilepsy whose mutations were mostly missense and hereditary. These findings indicate that the possibility of NPRL2 gene mutations in focal epilepsy should be considered for patients with family history, and that patients carrying different NPRL2 variants have different clinical manifestations. Our study expanded the genotype spectrum of NPRL2 and suggested that the type of NPRL2 variants might provide important information for the prognosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Boßelmann CM, Antonio-Arce VS, Schulze-Bonhage A, Fauser S, Zacher P, Mayer T, Aparicio J, Albers K, Cloppenborg T, Kunz W, Surges R, Syrbe S, Weber Y, Wolking S. Genetic testing before epilepsy surgery - An exploratory survey and case collection from German epilepsy centers. Seizure 2021; 95:4-10. [PMID: 34953286 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic testing in people with epilepsy may support presurgical decision-making. It is currently unclear to what extent epilepsy centres use genetic testing in presurgical evaluation. METHODS We performed an exploratory survey among members of the German Society for Epileptology to study the current practice of genetic testing in presurgical evaluation at the respective sites. Survey participants contributed educational case reports. RESULTS The majority of participants consider genetic testing to be useful in individuals with familial syndromes or phenotypic features suggesting a genetic etiology. We report 25 cases of individuals with a confirmed genetic diagnosis that have previously undergone epilepsy surgery. Our cases demonstrate that a genetic diagnosis has an impact on both the decision-making process during presurgical evaluation, as well as the postoperative outcome. CONCLUSION Genetic testing as part of the presurgical work-up is becoming increasingly established in epilepsy centres across Germany. mTORopathies and genetic hypothalamic hamartomas seem to be associated with a generally favourable surgical outcome. Synaptopathies and channelopathies may be associated with a worse outcome and should be considered on a case-by-case level. Prospective studies are needed to examine the impact of an established genetic diagnosis on postsurgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Malte Boßelmann
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Victoria San Antonio-Arce
- Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Fauser
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pia Zacher
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Radeberg, Germany
| | | | - Javier Aparicio
- Epilepsy Surgery Unit, Full Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children's, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina Albers
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Cloppenborg
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wolfram Kunz
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Paediatric Epileptology, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wolking
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Li Y, Zhao X, Wang S, Xu K, Zhao X, Huang S, Zhu S. A Novel Loss-of-Function Mutation in the NPRL3 Gene Identified in Chinese Familial Focal Epilepsy with Variable Foci. Front Genet 2021; 12:766354. [PMID: 34868250 PMCID: PMC8633433 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.766354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by partial epilepsy with variable foci. In this study, we report a six-generation with segregation of the mutation present in four generations Chinese family presenting with focal epilepsy with variable foci. Whole exome sequencing confirms a novel pathogenic mutation in the NPRL3 gene (c316C>T; p. Q106*). PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were conducted to analyze the gene transcription, protein expression, and subcellular localization of NPRL3 and related signaling molecules in peripheral blood cells from family members. As compared with healthy family members, both mRNA level and protein expression of NPRL3 are decreased in peripheral blood cells of the mutation carrier. In addition, the expression of downstream molecular Phospho-p70 S6 kinase (P-s6k) are increased consequently. Our findings expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the NPRL3-associated epilepsy and reveal the mechanisms of mTOR pathway signaling and GATOR1 pathogenesis in focal epilepsies, providing exciting potential for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, further in vitro and animal experiments are still needed to evaluate the role of NPRL3 loss-of-function mutation in epileptogensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suiqiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Ishida S, Zhao D, Sawada Y, Hiraoka Y, Mashimo T, Tanaka K. Dorsal telencephalon-specific Nprl2- and Nprl3-knockout mice: novel mouse models for GATORopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1519-1530. [PMID: 34965576 PMCID: PMC9071434 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent genetic cause of focal epilepsies is variations in the GAP activity toward RAGs 1 complex genes DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5), nitrogen permease regulator 2-like protein (NPRL2) and nitrogen permease regulator 3-like protein (NPRL3). Because these variations are frequent and associated with a broad spectrum of focal epilepsies, a unique pathology categorized as GATORopathy can be conceptualized. Animal models recapitulating the clinical features of patients are essential to decipher GATORopathy. Although several genetically modified animal models recapitulate DEPDC5-related epilepsy, no models have been reported for NPRL2- or NPRL3-related epilepsies. Here, we conditionally deleted Nprl2 and Nprl3 from the dorsal telencephalon in mice [Emx1cre/+; Nprl2f/f (Nprl2-cKO) and Emx1cre/+; Nprl3f/f (Nprl3-cKO)] and compared their phenotypes with Nprl2+/−, Nprl3+/− and Emx1cre/+; Depdc5f/f (Depdc5-cKO) mice. Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice recapitulated the major abnormal features of patients—spontaneous seizures, and dysmorphic enlarged neuronal cells with increased mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling—similar to Depdc5-cKO mice. Chronic postnatal rapamycin administration dramatically prolonged the survival period and inhibited seizure occurrence but not enlarged neuronal cells in Nprl2-cKO and Nprl3-cKO mice. However, the benefit of rapamycin after withdrawal was less durable in Nprl2- and Nprl3-cKO mice compared with Depdc5-cKO mice. Further studies using these conditional knockout mice will be useful for understanding GATORopathy and for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Ishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Di Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuta Sawada
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedical Research, MRI, TMDU, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute (MRI), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Center for Brain Integration Research (CBIR), TMDU, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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Sahly AN, Shevell M, Sadleir LG, Myers KA. SUDEP risk and autonomic dysfunction in genetic epilepsies. Auton Neurosci 2021; 237:102907. [PMID: 34773737 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The underlying pathophysiology of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) remains unclear. This phenomenon is likely multifactorial, and there is considerable evidence that genetic factors play a role. There are certain genetic causes of epilepsy in which the risk of SUDEP appears to be increased relative to epilepsy overall. For individuals with pathogenic variants in genes including SCN1A, SCN1B, SCN8A, SCN2A, GNB5, KCNA1 and DEPDC5, there are varying degrees of evidence to suggest an increased risk for sudden death. Why the risk for sudden death is higher is not completely clear; however, in many cases pathogenic variants in these genes are also associated with autonomic dysfunction, which is hypothesized as a contributing factor to SUDEP. We review the evidence for increased SUDEP risk for patients with epilepsy due to pathogenic variants in these genes, and also discuss what is known about autonomic dysfunction in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed N Sahly
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Shevell
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Medical Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynette G Sadleir
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth A Myers
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Medical Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Neocortical development and epilepsy: insights from focal cortical dysplasia and brain tumours. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:943-955. [PMID: 34687638 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
During the past decade, there have been considerable advances in understanding of the genetic and morphogenic processes underlying cortical malformations and developmental brain tumours. Focal malformations are caused by somatic (postzygotic) variants in genes related to cell growth (ie, in the mTOR pathway in focal cortical dysplasia type 2), which are acquired in neuronal progenitors during neurodevelopment. In comparison, developmental brain tumours result from somatic variants in genes related to cell proliferation (eg, in the MAP-kinase pathway in ganglioglioma), which affect proliferating glioneuronal precursors. The timing of the genetic event and the specific gene involved during neurodevelopment will drive the nature and size of the lesion, whether it is a developmental malformation or a brain tumour. There is also emerging evidence that epigenetic processes underlie a molecular memory in epileptogenesis. This knowledge will together facilitate understanding of why and how patients with these lesions have epilepsy, and could form a basis for a move towards precision medicine for this challenging cohort of patients.
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Moloney PB, Cavalleri GL, Delanty N. Epilepsy in the mTORopathies: opportunities for precision medicine. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab222. [PMID: 34632383 PMCID: PMC8495134 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway serves as a ubiquitous regulator of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation and survival. The main cellular activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin cascade funnels through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, which is inhibited by rapamycin, a macrolide compound produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding upstream regulators of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 cause epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem disorder caused by mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin regulators TSC1 or TSC2, with prominent neurological manifestations including epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia and neuropsychiatric disorders. Focal cortical dysplasia type II results from somatic brain mutations in mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activators MTOR, AKT3, PIK3CA and RHEB and is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. DEPDC5, NPRL2 and NPRL3 code for subunits of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity towards Rags 1 complex (GATOR1), the principal amino acid-sensing regulator of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Germline pathogenic variants in GATOR1 genes cause non-lesional focal epilepsies and epilepsies associated with malformations of cortical development. Collectively, the mTORopathies are characterized by excessive mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation and drug-resistant epilepsy. In the first large-scale precision medicine trial in a genetically mediated epilepsy, everolimus (a synthetic analogue of rapamycin) was effective at reducing seizure frequency in people with tuberous sclerosis complex. Rapamycin reduced seizures in rodent models of DEPDC5-related epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia type II. This review outlines a personalized medicine approach to the management of epilepsies in the mTORopathies. We advocate for early diagnostic sequencing of mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway genes in drug-resistant epilepsy, as identification of a pathogenic variant may point to an occult dysplasia in apparently non-lesional epilepsy or may uncover important prognostic information including, an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in the GATORopathies or favourable epilepsy surgery outcomes in focal cortical dysplasia type II due to somatic brain mutations. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic application of mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors for drug-resistant seizures in GATOR1-related epilepsies and focal cortical dysplasia type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Moloney
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Gianpiero L Cavalleri
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- FutureNeuro, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, D02 VN51, Ireland
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46
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Loissell-Baltazar YA, Dokudovskaya S. SEA and GATOR 10 Years Later. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102689. [PMID: 34685669 PMCID: PMC8534245 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The SEA complex was described for the first time in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ten years ago, and its human homologue GATOR complex two years later. During the past decade, many advances on the SEA/GATOR biology in different organisms have been made that allowed its role as an essential upstream regulator of the mTORC1 pathway to be defined. In this review, we describe these advances in relation to the identification of multiple functions of the SEA/GATOR complex in nutrient response and beyond and highlight the consequence of GATOR mutations in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Marashly A, Karia S, Zonjy B. Epilepsy Surgery: Special Circumstances. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 39:100921. [PMID: 34620459 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery has proven to be very effective in treating refractory focal epilepsies in children, producing seizure freedom or partial seizure control well beyond any other medical or dietary therapies. While surgery is mostly utilized in certain clinical phenotypes, either based on the location such as temporal lobe epilepsy, or based on the presence of known epileptogenic lesions such as focal cortical dysplasia, tumors or hemimegalencephaly, there is a growing body of evidence to support the role of surgery in other patients' cohorts that were classically not thought of as surgical candidates. These include patients with rare genetic disorders, electrical status epilepticus in sleep, status epilepticus and the very young patients. Furthermore, epilepsy surgery is not considered as a "last resort" as seizure and cognitive outcomes of surgery are considerably better when done earlier rather than later in relation to the time of onset of epilepsy and age of surgery especially in the context of known focal cortical dysplasia. This article examines the accumulating evidence of the utility of epilepsy surgery in these special circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Marashly
- Assistant Professor, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA.
| | - Samir Karia
- Associate Professor, Univeristy of Louisville, Luisiville, KY
| | - Bilal Zonjy
- Assistant Professor, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
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New avenues in molecular genetics for the diagnosis and application of therapeutics to the epilepsies. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106428. [PMID: 31400936 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic epidemiology studies have shown that most epilepsies involve some genetic cause. In addition, twin studies have helped strengthen the hypothesis that in most patients with epilepsy, a complex inheritance is involved. More recently, with the development of high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, the discovery of genes related to the epilepsies has accelerated tremendously. Especially, the use of whole exome sequencing (WES) has had a considerable impact on the identification of rare genetic variants with large effect sizes, including inherited or de novo mutations in severe forms of childhood epilepsies. The identification of pathogenic variants in patients with these childhood epilepsies provides many benefits for patients and families, such as the confirmation of the genetic nature of the diseases. This process will allow for better genetic counseling, more accurate therapy decisions, and a significant positive emotional impact. However, to study the genetic component of the more common forms of epilepsy, the use of high-density SNP arrays in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) seems to be the strategy of choice. As such, researchers can identify loci containing genetic variants associated with the common forms of epilepsy. The knowledge generated over the past two decades about the effects of the mutations that cause the monogenic epilepsy is tremendous; however, the scientific community is just starting to apply this information in order to generate better target treatments.
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Kim MH, Kim IB, Lee J, Cha DH, Park SM, Kim JH, Kim R, Park JS, An Y, Kim K, Kim S, Webster MJ, Kim S, Lee JH. Low-Level Brain Somatic Mutations Are Implicated in Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:35-46. [PMID: 33867114 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic mutations arising from the brain have recently emerged as significant contributors to neurodevelopmental disorders, including childhood intractable epilepsy and cortical malformations. However, whether brain somatic mutations are implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ) is not well established. METHODS We performed deep whole exome sequencing (average read depth > 550×) of matched dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and peripheral tissues from 27 patients with SCZ and 31 age-matched control individuals, followed by comprehensive and strict analysis of somatic mutations, including mutagenesis signature, substitution patterns, and involved pathways. In particular, we explored the impact of deleterious mutations in GRIN2B through primary neural culture. RESULTS We identified an average of 4.9 and 5.6 somatic mutations per exome per brain in patients with SCZ and control individuals, respectively. These mutations presented with average variant allele frequencies of 8.0% in patients with SCZ and 7.6% in control individuals. Although mutational profiles, such as the number and type of mutations, showed no significant difference between patients with SCZ and control individuals, somatic mutations in SCZ brains were significantly enriched for SCZ-related pathways, including dopamine receptor, glutamate receptor, and long-term potentiation pathways. Furthermore, we showed that brain somatic mutations in GRIN2B (encoding glutamate ionotropic NMDA receptor subunit 2B), which were found in two patients with SCZ, disrupted the location of GRIN2B across the surface of dendrites among primary cultured neurons. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study shows that brain somatic mutations are associated with the pathogenesis of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Heui Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Bin Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Junehawk Lee
- Center for Computational Science Platform, National Institute of Supercomputing and Networking, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyeon Cha
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Hye Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryunhee Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Sung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Yohan An
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyeon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Maree J Webster
- Stanley Medical Research Institute, Laboratory of Brain Research, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sanghyeon Kim
- Stanley Medical Research Institute, Laboratory of Brain Research, Rockville, Maryland.
| | - Jeong Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; SoVarGen Inc., Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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50
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Kobow K, Baulac S, von Deimling A, Lee JH. Molecular diagnostics in drug-resistant focal epilepsy define new disease entities. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12963. [PMID: 34196984 PMCID: PMC8412082 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural brain lesions, including the broad range of malformations of cortical development (MCD) and glioneuronal tumors, are among the most common causes of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsy surgery can provide a curative treatment option in respective patients. The currently available pre-surgical multi-modal diagnostic armamentarium includes high- and ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intracerebral EEG to identify a focal structural brain lesion as epilepsy underlying etiology. However, specificity and accuracy in diagnosing the type of lesion have proven to be limited. Moreover, the diagnostic process does not stop with the decision for surgery. The neuropathological diagnosis remains the gold standard for disease classification and patient stratification, but is particularly complex with high inter-observer variability. Here, the identification of lesion-specific mosaic variants together with epigenetic profiling of lesional brain tissue became new tools to more reliably identify disease entities. In this review, we will discuss how the paradigm shifts from histopathology toward an integrated diagnostic approach in cancer and the more recent development of the DNA methylation-based brain tumor classifier have started to influence epilepsy diagnostics. Some examples will be highlighted showing how the diagnosis and our mechanistic understanding of difficult to classify structural brain lesions associated with focal epilepsy has improved with molecular genetic data being considered in decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kobow
- Department of NeuropathologyUniversitätsklinikum ErlangenFriedrich‐Alexander‐University of Erlangen‐Nürnberg (FAU)ErlangenGermany
| | - Stéphanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau—Paris Brain Institute—ICMInsermCNRSSorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of NeuropathologyUniversitätsklinikum HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- CCU NeuropathologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Jeong Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and EngineeringKAISTDaejeonKorea
- SoVarGen, IncDaejeonRepublic of Korea
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