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Dalla Bella E, Bersano E, Bruzzone MG, Gellera C, Pensato V, Lauria G, Consonni M. Behavioral and Cognitive Phenotypes of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Carrying SOD1 Variants. Neurology 2022; 99:e2052-e2062. [PMID: 35985819 PMCID: PMC9651465 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES SOD1 variants in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been associated with peculiar clinical features and disease progression but rarely with cognitive and behavioral impairment. This study aims at describing the features of frontotemporal syndromes in patients with ALS carrying SOD1 variants. METHODS Italian patients with ALS were consecutively enrolled between 2012 and 2020 at our Motor Neuron Disease Center. All underwent clinical assessment, extensive neurophysiologic test battery for the evaluation of cognitive functions and behavior, and targeted next-generation sequencing of SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, VCP, PFN1, TUBA4A, OPTN, SQSTM1, UBQLN2, and C9orf72 genes. Neuropsychological profiles of SOD1+ patients (SOD1+) were compared with those with no gene variants (SOD1-). To this aim, the occurrence of cognitive and behavioral impairment defined according to the current guidelines, the number of pathologic test performances based on Italian normative values, and scores of the Frontal Behavioral Inventory were collected. RESULTS Among 288 patients consecutively examined, we identified 8 known pathogenic SOD1 variants and one variant of uncertain significance (p.Ser26Asn) not previously described in 14 patients with ALS belonging to 11 families. The clinical phenotypes were mainly characterized by predominant lower motor neuron involvement with onset at the lower limbs, and one patient had bulbar onset. SOD1+ patients (n = 14) were compared with SOD1- patients (N = 274). SOD1+ patients were younger than SOD1-, and both groups had similar functional motor disabilities and disease duration. Based on the overall neuropsychological findings, the percentage of SOD1+ and SOD1- patients with altered profiles were approximately 60%. However, behavioral impairment defined by the Strong criteria, and most commonly featuring with irritability and mental rigidity, was more frequent in SOD1+ than SOD1- patients and mainly associated with variants in exon 5. Conversely, cognitive impairment was mainly found in SOD1- patients. DISCUSSION Our findings from a large cohort of deeply phenotyped patients with ALS demonstrated that behavioral involvement is more common than previously thought among patients harboring SOD1 variants and that it is independent from patients' age and disease stage. These findings could be relevant for the assessment of clinical trial outcomes and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Dalla Bella
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Bersano
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Pensato
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Consonni
- From the 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Diseases Centre (E.D.B., E.B., G.L., M.C.), Neuroradiology Unit (M.G.B.), Diagnostic and Technology Department, and Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics (C.G., V.P.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta"; Milan, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical and Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (E.B., G.L.), University of Milan, Italy
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2
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Salmon K, Kiernan MC, Kim SH, Andersen PM, Chio A, van den Berg LH, Van Damme P, Al-Chalabi A, Lillo P, Andrews JA, Genge A. The importance of offering early genetic testing in everyone with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2022; 145:1207-1210. [PMID: 35020823 PMCID: PMC9129091 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Salmon
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Seung H Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Adriano Chio
- ALS Centre, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Neurologia 1 U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neurobiology, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
| | - Patricia Lillo
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile & Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jinsy A Andrews
- The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, The Neurological Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Vahey J, Gifford EJ, Sims KJ, Chesnut B, Boyle SH, Stafford C, Upchurch J, Stone A, Pyarajan S, Efird JT, Williams CD, Hauser ER. Gene-Toxicant Interactions in Gulf War Illness: Differential Effects of the PON1 Genotype. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1558. [PMID: 34942860 PMCID: PMC8699623 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
About 25-35% of United States veterans who fought in the 1990-1991 Gulf War report several moderate or severe chronic systemic symptoms, defined as Gulf War illness (GWI). Thirty years later, there is little consensus on the causes or biological underpinnings of GWI. The Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository (GWECB) was designed to investigate genetic and environmental associations with GWI and consists of 1343 veterans. We investigate candidate gene-toxicant interactions that may be associated with GWI based on prior associations found in human and animal model studies, focusing on SNPs in or near ACHE, BCHE, and PON1 genes to replicate results from prior studies. SOD1 was also considered as a candidate gene. CDC Severe GWI, the primary outcome, was observed in 26% of the 810 deployed veterans included in this study. The interaction between the candidate SNP rs662 and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills was found to be associated with CDC Severe GWI. Interactions between PB pill exposure and rs3917545, rs3917550, and rs2299255, all in high linkage disequilibrium in PON1, were also associated with respiratory symptoms. These SNPs could point toward biological pathways through which GWI may develop, which could lead to biomarkers to detect GWI or to better treatment options for veterans with GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Vahey
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Gifford
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Kellie J. Sims
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Blair Chesnut
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Stephen H. Boyle
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Crystal Stafford
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Julie Upchurch
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Annjanette Stone
- Pharmacogenomics Analysis Laboratory, Research Service, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Saiju Pyarajan
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA;
| | - Jimmy T. Efird
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Christina D. Williams
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
| | - Elizabeth R. Hauser
- Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA; (J.V.); (E.J.G.); (K.J.S.); (B.C.); (S.H.B.); (C.S.); (J.U.); (J.T.E.); (C.D.W.)
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27701, USA
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Salmon K, Anoja N, Breiner A, Chum M, Dionne A, Dupré N, Fiander A, Fok D, Ghavanini A, Gosselin S, Izenberg A, Johnston W, Kalra S, Matte G, Melanson M, O'Connell C, Ritsma B, Schellenberg K, Shoesmith C, Tremblay S, Williams H, Genge A. Genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Canada - an assessment of current practices. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:305-312. [PMID: 34569363 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1980890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To understand current genetic testing practices at Canadian ALS clinics. Methods: An online survey and phone interviews, with clinicians practicing in 27 ALS clinics in Canada, were employed to collect data. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. Results: Ninety-three percent (25/27) of ALS clinics in Canada are routinely ordering genetic testing for familial ALS, while 33% (9/27) of clinics are routinely ordering genetic testing for sporadic ALS. Barriers to genetic testing include a perceived lack of an impact on treatment plan, difficulty in obtaining approvals, primarily from provincial Ministries of Health, and limited access to genetic counseling. Predictive testing practices were found to be the most variable across the country. The average wait time for a symptomatic patient living with ALS to see a genetic counselor in Canada is 10 months (range 0-36 months). Conclusions: Access to genetic testing, and testing practices, vary greatly across Canadian ALS clinics. There may be patients with a monogenetic etiology to their ALS who are not being identified given that genetic testing for patients diagnosed with ALS is not routinely performed at all clinics. This study highlights potential inequities for patients with ALS that can arise from variability in health care delivery across jurisdictions, in a federally-funded, but provincially-regulated, health care system. Clinical trials for both symptomatic ALS patients and pre-symptomatic ALS gene carriers are ongoing, and ALS clinicians in Canada are motivated to improve access to genetic testing for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Salmon
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nancy Anoja
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marvin Chum
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Annie Dionne
- Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Fok
- University of British Columbia - Southern Medical Program, Kelowna, Canada
| | | | - Sylvie Gosselin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Geneviève Matte
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Benjamin Ritsma
- Providence Care Hospital - Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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5
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Investigation of some variations of superoxide dismutase gene family in Turkish sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. BRAIN DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2021.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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6
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Franklin JP, Azzouz M, Shaw PJ. SOD1-targeting therapies for neurodegenerative diseases: a review of current findings and future potential. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1835638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John P. Franklin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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7
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Rojas P, Ramírez AI, Fernández-Albarral JA, López-Cuenca I, Salobrar-García E, Cadena M, Elvira-Hurtado L, Salazar JJ, de Hoz R, Ramírez JM. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Neurodegenerative Motor Neuron Disease With Ocular Involvement. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:566858. [PMID: 33071739 PMCID: PMC7544921 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.566858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes degeneration of the lower and upper motor neurons and is the most prevalent motor neuron disease. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness, stiffness, and hyperreflexia. Patients survive for a short period from the onset of the disease. Most cases are sporadic, with only 10% of the cases being genetic. Many genes are now known to be involved in familial ALS cases, including some of the sporadic cases. It has also been observed that, in addition to genetic factors, there are numerous molecular mechanisms involved in these pathologies, such as excitotoxicity, mitochondrial disorders, alterations in axonal transport, oxidative stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and neuroinflammation. This pathology affects the motor neurons, the spinal cord, the cerebellum, and the brain, but recently, it has been shown that it also affects the visual system. This impact occurs not only at the level of the oculomotor system but also at the retinal level, which is why the retina is being proposed as a possible biomarker of this pathology. The current review discusses the main aspects mentioned above related to ALS, such as the main genes involved, the most important molecular mechanisms that affect this pathology, its ocular involvement, and the possible usefulness of the retina as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Rojas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto Oftálmico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Cadena
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto Oftálmico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,OFTARED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Pharmacogenetic interactions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a step closer to a cure? THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2019; 20:220-226. [PMID: 31624333 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-019-0111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mutations related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) act through distinct pathophysiological pathways, which may lead to varying treatment responses. Here we assess the genetic interaction between C9orf72, UNC13A, and MOBP with creatine and valproic acid treatment in two clinical trials. Genotypic data was available for 309 of the 338 participants (91.4%). The UNC13A genotype affected mortality (p = 0.012), whereas C9orf72 repeat-expansion carriers exhibited a faster rate of decline in overall (p = 0.051) and bulbar functioning (p = 0.005). A dose-response pharmacogenetic interaction was identified between creatine and the A allele of the MOBP genotype (p = 0.027), suggesting a qualitative interaction in a recessive model (HR 3.96, p = 0.015). Not taking genetic information into account may mask evidence of response to treatment or be an unrecognized source of bias. Incorporating genetic data could help investigators to identify critical treatment clues in patients with ALS.
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9
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Halpern M, Brennand KJ, Gregory J. Examining the relationship between astrocyte dysfunction and neurodegeneration in ALS using hiPSCs. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104562. [PMID: 31381978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and fatal neurodegenerative disease for which the causes of disease onset and progression remain unclear. Recent advances in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based models permit the study of the genetic factors associated with ALS in patient-derived neural cell types, including motor neurons and glia. While astrocyte dysfunction has traditionally been thought to exacerbate disease progression, astrocytic dysfunction may play a more direct role in disease initiation and progression. Such non-cell autonomous mechanisms expand the potential targets of therapeutic intervention, but only a handful of ALS risk-associated genes have been examined for their impact on astrocyte dysfunction and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes what is currently known about astrocyte function in ALS and suggests ways in which hiPSC-based models can be used to more effectively study the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Halpern
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America; Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America.
| | - James Gregory
- Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, United States of America.
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10
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Visser AE, D'Ovidio F, Peters S, Vermeulen RC, Beghi E, Chiò A, Veldink JH, Logroscino G, Hardiman O, van den Berg LH. Multicentre, population-based, case-control study of particulates, combustion products and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:854-860. [PMID: 30850472 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-319779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether exposure to particulates and combustion products may explain the association between certain occupations and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk in a large, multicentre, population-based, case-control study, based on full job histories, using job-exposure matrices, with detailed information on possible confounders. METHODS Population-based patients with ALS and controls were recruited from five registries in the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy. Demographics and data regarding educational level, smoking, alcohol habits and lifetime occupational history were obtained using a validated questionnaire. Using job-exposure matrices, we assessed occupational exposure to silica, asbestos, organic dust, contact with animals or fresh animal products, endotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and diesel motor exhaust. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for confounding factors were used to determine the association between these exposures and ALS risk. RESULTS We included 1557 patients and 2922 controls. Associations were positive for all seven occupational exposures (ORs ranging from 1.13 to 1.73 for high vs never exposed), and significant on the continuous scale for silica, organic dust and diesel motor exhaust (p values for trend ≤0.03). Additional analyses, adding an exposure (one at a time) to the model in the single exposure analysis, revealed a stable OR for silica. We found similar results when patients with a C9orf72 mutation were excluded. CONCLUSION In a large, multicentre study, using harmonised methodology to objectively quantify occupational exposure to particulates and combustion products, we found an association between ALS risk and exposure to silica, independent of the other occupational exposures studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Visser
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fabrizio D'Ovidio
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Susan Peters
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Ch Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Pia Fondazione Cardinale G Panico, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Mathis S, Goizet C, Soulages A, Vallat JM, Masson GL. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A review. J Neurol Sci 2019; 399:217-226. [PMID: 30870681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the motor pathways, invariably leading to death within a few years of onset. Most cases of ALS are sporadic, but familial forms of the disease (FALS) constitute 10% of the cases. Since the first identification of a causative gene in the 1990s and with recent advances in genetics, more than twenty genes have now been linked to FALS. This increased number of genes led to a tremendous amount of research, clearly contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder, and paved the way for the development of new therapeutics and new hope for this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mathis
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux, (Pellegrin Hospital), University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; ALS Center, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux, (Pellegrin Hospital), University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Department of Medical Genetics, 'Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Neurogénétique', CHU Bordeaux (Pellegrin Hospital), University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Laboratoire MRGM, INSERM U1211, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Soulages
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux, (Pellegrin Hospital), University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Department of Neurology, 'Centre de référence neuropathies rares', 2 avenue Martin Luther King, F-87000 Limoges, France
| | - Gwendal Le Masson
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux, (Pellegrin Hospital), University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Neurocentre Magendie, 'Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale', University of Bordeaux, U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, 'Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale', U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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12
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Malik R, Meng H, Wongkongkathep P, Corrales CI, Sepanj N, Atlasi RS, Klärner FG, Schrader T, Spencer MJ, Loo JA, Wiedau M, Bitan G. The molecular tweezer CLR01 inhibits aberrant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) self-assembly in vitro and in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3501-3513. [PMID: 30602569 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause 15-20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) cases. The resulting amino acid substitutions destabilize SOD1's protein structure, leading to its self-assembly into neurotoxic oligomers and aggregates, a process hypothesized to cause the characteristic motor-neuron degeneration in affected individuals. Currently, effective disease-modifying therapy is not available for ALS. Molecular tweezers prevent formation of toxic protein assemblies, yet their protective action has not been tested previously on SOD1 or in the context of ALS. Here, we tested the molecular tweezer CLR01-a broad-spectrum inhibitor of the self-assembly and toxicity of amyloid proteins-as a potential therapeutic agent for ALS. Using recombinant WT and mutant SOD1, we found that CLR01 inhibited the aggregation of all tested SOD1 forms in vitro Next, we examined whether CLR01 could prevent the formation of misfolded SOD1 in the G93A-SOD1 mouse model of ALS and whether such inhibition would have a beneficial therapeutic effect. CLR01 treatment decreased misfolded SOD1 in the spinal cord significantly. However, these histological findings did not correlate with improvement of the disease phenotype. A small, dose-dependent decrease in disease duration was found in CLR01-treated mice, relative to vehicle-treated animals, yet motor function did not improve in any of the treatment groups. These results demonstrate that CLR01 can inhibit SOD1 misfolding and aggregation both in vitro and in vivo, but raise the question whether such inhibition is sufficient for achieving a therapeutic effect. Additional studies in other less aggressive ALS models may be needed to determine the therapeutic potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Malik
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | - Helen Meng
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | | | | | - Niki Sepanj
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | - Ryan S Atlasi
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and
| | | | - Thomas Schrader
- the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and.,Brain Research Institute, and
| | - Joseph A Loo
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and.,Biological Chemistry.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
| | - Martina Wiedau
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and .,Brain Research Institute, and
| | - Gal Bitan
- From the Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, and .,Brain Research Institute, and.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095 and
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13
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Helferich AM, Brockmann SJ, Reinders J, Deshpande D, Holzmann K, Brenner D, Andersen PM, Petri S, Thal DR, Michaelis J, Otto M, Just S, Ludolph AC, Danzer KM, Freischmidt A, Weishaupt JH. Dysregulation of a novel miR-1825/TBCB/TUBA4A pathway in sporadic and familial ALS. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4301-4319. [PMID: 30030593 PMCID: PMC11105367 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2873-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and functional studies suggest diverse pathways being affected in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), while knowledge about converging disease mechanisms is rare. We detected a downregulation of microRNA-1825 in CNS and extra-CNS system organs of both sporadic (sALS) and familial ALS (fALS) patients. Combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed that reduced levels of microRNA-1825 caused a translational upregulation of tubulin-folding cofactor b (TBCB). Moreover, we found that excess TBCB led to depolymerization and degradation of tubulin alpha-4A (TUBA4A), which is encoded by a known ALS gene. Importantly, the increase in TBCB and reduction of TUBA4A protein was confirmed in brain cortex tissue of fALS and sALS patients, and led to motor axon defects in an in vivo model. Our discovery of a microRNA-1825/TBCB/TUBA4A pathway reveals a putative pathogenic cascade in both fALS and sALS extending the relevance of TUBA4A to a large proportion of ALS cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika M Helferich
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah J Brockmann
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jörg Reinders
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Regensburg University, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Karlheinz Holzmann
- Genomics-Core Facility, Center for Biomedical Research, Ulm University Hospital, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter M Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Jens Michaelis
- Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Just
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karin M Danzer
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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14
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Gromicho M, Pinto S, Gisca E, Pronto-Laborinho AC, Andersen PM, de Carvalho M. Frequency of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion and SOD1 mutations in Portuguese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:325.e7-325.e15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Visser AE, Rooney JPK, D'Ovidio F, Westeneng HJ, Vermeulen RCH, Beghi E, Chiò A, Logroscino G, Hardiman O, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Multicentre, cross-cultural, population-based, case-control study of physical activity as risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:797-803. [PMID: 29685899 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-317724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in population-based case-control studies in three European countries using a validated and harmonised questionnaire. METHODS Patients with incident ALS and controls were recruited from five population-based registers in The Netherlands, Ireland and Italy. Demographic and data regarding educational level, smoking, alcohol habits and lifetime PA levels in both leisure and work time were gathered by questionnaire, and quantified using metabolic equivalent of task scores. Logistic regression models adjusting for PA-related factors were used to determine the association between PA and ALS risk, and forest plots were used to visualise heterogeneity between regions. RESULTS 1557 patients and 2922 controls were included. We found a linear association between ALS and PA in leisure time (OR 1.07, P=0.01) and occupational activities (OR 1.06, P<0.001), and all activities combined (OR 1.06, P<0.001), with some heterogeneity between regions: the most evident association was seen in the Irish and Italian cohorts. After adjustment for other occupational exposures or exclusion of patients with a C9orf72 mutation, the ORs remained similar. CONCLUSION We provide new class I evidence for a positive association between PA and risk of ALS in a large multicentre study using harmonised methodology to objectively quantify PA levels, with some suggestions for population differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Visser
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James P K Rooney
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fabrizio D'Ovidio
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel C H Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Unit of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan H Veldink
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Forostyak S, Sykova E. Neuroprotective Potential of Cell-Based Therapies in ALS: From Bench to Bedside. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:591. [PMID: 29114200 PMCID: PMC5660803 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MN) degeneration is a main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disorder with a progressive course. The diagnosis of ALS is essentially a clinical one. Most common symptoms include a gradual neurological deterioration that reflect the impairment and subsequent loss of muscle functions. Up-to-date ALS has no therapy that would prevent or cure a disease. Modern therapeutic strategies comprise of neuroprotective treatment focused on antiglutamatergic, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory molecules. Stem cells application and gene therapy has provided researchers with a powerful tool for discovery of new mechanisms and therapeutic agents, as well as opened new perspectives for patients and family members. Here, we review latest progress made in basic, translational and clinical stem cell research related to the ALS. We overviewed results of preclinical and clinical studies employing cell-based therapy to treat neurodegenerative disorders. A special focus has been made on the neuroprotective properties of adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) application into ALS patients. Finally, we overviewed latest progress in the field of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells used for the modeling and application during neurodegeneration in general and in ALS in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhiy Forostyak
- Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine (ASCR), Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Sykova
- Department of Neuroscience, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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17
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Katyal N, Govindarajan R. Shortcomings in the Current Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Trials and Potential Solutions for Improvement. Front Neurol 2017; 8:521. [PMID: 29033893 PMCID: PMC5626834 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically progressive neurodegenerative syndrome predominantly affecting motor neurons and their associated tracts. Riluzole and edaravone are the only FDA certified drugs for treating ALS. Over the past two decades, almost all clinical trials aiming to develop a successful therapeutic strategy for this disease have failed. Genetic complexity, inadequate animal models, poor clinical trial design, lack of sensitive biomarkers, and diagnostic delays are some of the potential reasons limiting any significant development in ALS clinical trials. In this review, we have outlined the possible reasons for failure of ALS clinical trials, addressed the factors limiting timely diagnosis, and suggested possible solutions for future considerations for each of the shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakul Katyal
- Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Raghav Govindarajan
- Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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18
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Crook A, Williams K, Adams L, Blair I, Rowe DB. Predictive genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia: genetic counselling considerations. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:475-485. [PMID: 28585888 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1332079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Once a gene mutation that is causal of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is identified in a family, relatives may decide to undergo predictive genetic testing to determine whether they are at risk of developing disease. Recent advances in gene discovery have led to a pressing need to better understand the implications of predictive genetic testing. Here we review the uptake of genetic counselling, predictive and reproductive testing, and the factors that impact the decision to undergo testing, for consideration in clinical practice. The literature suggests that the factors impacting the decision to undergo testing are complex due to the nature of these diseases, absence of available preventative medical treatment and variable age of onset in mutation carriers. Gaining further insight into the decision-making process and the impact of testing is critical as we seek to develop best-practice guidelines for predictive testing for familial ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Crook
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Kelly Williams
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Lorel Adams
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Ian Blair
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
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19
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Vajda A, McLaughlin RL, Heverin M, Thorpe O, Abrahams S, Al-Chalabi A, Hardiman O. Genetic testing in ALS: A survey of current practices. Neurology 2017; 88:991-999. [PMID: 28159885 PMCID: PMC5333513 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the degree of consensus among clinicians on the clinical use of genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the factors that determine decision-making. METHODS ALS researchers worldwide were invited to participate in a detailed online survey to determine their attitudes and practices relating to genetic testing. RESULTS Responses from 167 clinicians from 21 different countries were analyzed. The majority of respondents (73.3%) do not consider that there is a consensus definition of familial ALS (FALS). Fifty-seven percent consider a family history of frontotemporal dementia and 48.5% the presence of a known ALS genetic mutation as sufficient for a diagnosis of FALS. Most respondents (90.2%) offer genetic testing to patients they define as having FALS and 49.4% to patients with sporadic ALS. Four main genes (SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP, and FUS) are commonly tested. A total of 55.2% of respondents would seek genetic testing if they had personally received a diagnosis of ALS. Forty-two percent never offer presymptomatic testing to family members of patients with FALS. Responses varied between ALS specialists and nonspecialists and based on the number of new patients seen per year. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of consensus among clinicians as to the definition of FALS. Substantial variation exists in attitude and practices related to genetic testing of patients and presymptomatic testing of their relatives across geographic regions and between experienced specialists in ALS and nonspecialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Vajda
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK.
| | - Russell L McLaughlin
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
| | - Mark Heverin
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
| | - Owen Thorpe
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
| | - Orla Hardiman
- From the Academic Unit of Neurology (A.V., R.L.M., M.H., O.T., O.H.), Trinity College Dublin; Cognitive Aging and Epidemiology Centre (S.A.), University of Edinburgh; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (A.A.-C.), King's College London, UK
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20
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Role of NMDA Receptor-Mediated Glutamatergic Signaling in Chronic and Acute Neuropathologies. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2701526. [PMID: 27630777 PMCID: PMC5007376 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2701526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have two opposing roles in the brain. On the one hand, NMDARs control critical events in the formation and development of synaptic organization and synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, the overactivation of NMDARs can promote neuronal death in neuropathological conditions. Ca(2+) influx acts as a primary modulator after NMDAR channel activation. An imbalance in Ca(2+) homeostasis is associated with several neurological diseases including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These chronic conditions have a lengthy progression depending on internal and external factors. External factors such as acute episodes of brain damage are associated with an earlier onset of several of these chronic mental conditions. Here, we will review some of the current evidence of how traumatic brain injury can hasten the onset of several neurological conditions, focusing on the role of NMDAR distribution and the functional consequences in calcium homeostasis associated with synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death present in this group of chronic diseases.
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21
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Harwood CA, Westgate K, Gunstone S, Brage S, Wareham NJ, McDermott CJ, Shaw PJ. Long-term physical activity: an exogenous risk factor for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 17:377-84. [PMID: 26998882 PMCID: PMC4950417 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2016.1154575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a geographically defined, UK-based case-control study, to examine any association between physical activity (PA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS A novel historical PA questionnaire was designed, validated, and subsequently administered in individual face-to-face interviews of 175 newly diagnosed sporadic ALS cases and 317 age- and sex-matched community controls. Historical PA energy expenditure and time spent in vigorous-intensity PA were derived from questionnaire data and compared between cases and controls. RESULTS Participation in an extra 10kJ/kg/day of PA (equivalent to approximately 45minutes brisk walking) was consistently associated with an increased risk of ALS, with the strongest association observed for adulthood exercise-related PA (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10-1.97). An extra 10mins/day of vigorous PA was also associated with the odds of ALS (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1·01-1·05). Results were slightly attenuated following adjustment for smoking and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate a positive association between ALS and PA participation using a specifically designed and validated historical PA questionnaire. Despite the well-established health benefits of PA, a high activity lifestyle may also be associated with elevated risk of ALS. Large-scale prospective studies in the future may help to confirm this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceryl A. Harwood
- Academic Neurology Unit, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road,
Sheffield,
S10 2HQ,
UK
| | - Kate Westgate
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus,
Cambridge,
CB22 0QQ,
UK
| | - Sue Gunstone
- Academic Neurology Unit, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road,
Sheffield,
S10 2HQ,
UK
| | - Soren Brage
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus,
Cambridge,
CB22 0QQ,
UK
| | - Nicholas J. Wareham
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus,
Cambridge,
CB22 0QQ,
UK
| | - Christopher J. McDermott
- Academic Neurology Unit, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road,
Sheffield,
S10 2HQ,
UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Academic Neurology Unit, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road,
Sheffield,
S10 2HQ,
UK
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Spalloni A, Longone P. Cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, clues from the SOD1 mouse. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 60:12-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Large-scale screening in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis identifies genetic modifiers in C9orf72 repeat carriers. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 39:220.e9-15. [PMID: 26777436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered to be a complex disease with multiple genetic risk factors contributing to the pathogenesis. Identification of genetic risk factors that co-occur frequently could provide relevant insight into underlying mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration. To dissect the genetic architecture of sporadic ALS, we undertook a large sequencing study in 755 apparently sporadic ALS cases and 959 controls, analyzing 10 ALS genes: SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP, FUS, ANG, CHMP2B, ATXN2, NIPA1, SMN1, and UNC13A. We observed sporadic cases with multiple genetic risk variants in 4.1% compared with 1.3% in controls. The overall difference was not in excess of what is to be expected by chance (binomial test, p = 0.59). We did, however, observe a higher frequency than expected of C9orf72 repeat carriers with co-occurring susceptibility variants (ATXN2, NIPA1, and SMN1; p = 0.001), which is mainly because of the co-occurrence of NIPA1 repeats in 15% of C9orf72 repeat carriers (p = 0.006).
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Abstract
Genes linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) susceptibility are being identified at an increasing rate owing to advances in molecular genetic technology. Genetic mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis seem to exert major effects in about 10% of patients, but genetic factors at some level may be important components of disease risk in most patients with ALS. Identification of gene variants associated with ALS has informed concepts of the pathogenesis of ALS, aided the identification of therapeutic targets, facilitated research to develop new ALS biomarkers, and supported the establishment of clinical diagnostic tests for ALS-linked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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25
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Marin B, Logroscino G, Boumédiene F, Labrunie A, Couratier P, Babron MC, Leutenegger AL, Preux PM, Beghi E. Clinical and demographic factors and outcome of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in relation to population ancestral origin. Eur J Epidemiol 2015; 31:229-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10654-015-0090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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26
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Ullah MI, Ahmad A, Raza SI, Amar A, Ali A, Bhatti A, John P, Mohyuddin A, Ahmad W, Hassan MJ. In silico analysis of SIGMAR1 variant (rs4879809) segregating in a consanguineous Pakistani family showing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without frontotemporal lobar dementia. Neurogenetics 2015; 16:299-306. [PMID: 26205306 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-015-0453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in fatal paralysis. It has been found to be associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In the present study, we have described homozygosity mapping and gene sequencing in a consanguineous autosomal recessive Pakistani family showing non-juvenile ALS without signs of FTLD. Gene mapping was carried out in all recruited family members using microsatellite markers, and linkage was established with sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (SIGMAR1) gene at chromosome 9p13.2. Gene sequencing of SIGMAR1 revealed a novel 3'-UTR nucleotide variation c.672*31A>G (rs4879809) segregating with disease in this family. The C9ORF72 repeat region in intron 1, previously implicated in a related phenotype, was excluded through linkage, and further confirmation of exclusion was obtained by amplifying intron 1 of C9ORF72 with multiple primers in affected individuals and controls. In silico analysis was carried out to explore the possible role of 3'-UTR variant of SIGMAR1 in ALS. The Regulatory RNA motif and Element Finder program revealed disturbance in miRNA (hsa-miR-1205) binding site due to this variation. ESEFinder analysis showed new SRSF1 and SRSF1-IgM-BRCA1 binding sites with significant scores due to this variation. Our results indicate that the 3'-UTR SIGMAR1 variant c.672*31A>G may have a role in the pathogenesis of ALS in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
- PCR and Research Laboratories, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Arsalan Ahmad
- Division of Neurology, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Syed Irfan Raza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ali Amar
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Ali
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Attya Bhatti
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Peter John
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Mohyuddin
- Section of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer e Millat University (STMU), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jawad Hassan
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
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27
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Tarlarini C, Lunetta C, Mosca L, Avemaria F, Riva N, Mantero V, Maestri E, Quattrini A, Corbo M, Melazzini MG, Penco S. Novel FUS mutations identified through molecular screening in a large cohort of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2015; 22:1474-81. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Tarlarini
- Medical Genetics Unit; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - C. Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO); Fondazione Serena Onlus; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - L. Mosca
- Medical Genetics Unit; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - F. Avemaria
- Medical Genetics Unit; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - N. Riva
- Neuropathology Unit; Institute of Experimental Neurology and Division of Neuroscience; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan Italy
| | - V. Mantero
- Neurological Department; A. Manzoni Hospital; Lecco Italy
| | - E. Maestri
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO); Fondazione Serena Onlus; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - A. Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit; Institute of Experimental Neurology and Division of Neuroscience; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Milan Italy
| | - M. Corbo
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO); Fondazione Serena Onlus; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences; Casa Cura Policlinico; Milan Italy
| | - M. G. Melazzini
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO); Fondazione Serena Onlus; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - S. Penco
- Medical Genetics Unit; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital; Milan Italy
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Freischmidt A, Müller K, Zondler L, Weydt P, Mayer B, von Arnim CAF, Hübers A, Dorst J, Otto M, Holzmann K, Ludolph AC, Danzer KM, Weishaupt JH. Serum microRNAs in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:2660.e15-20. [PMID: 26142125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and specific mircoRNA "fingerprints" are thought to contribute to and/or reflect certain disease conditions. Recently, we identified surprisingly homogeneous signatures of circulating miRNAs in the serum of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, which were already present in presymptomatic carriers of ALS gene mutations. Here, we characterize circulating miRNAs in the serum of sporadic ALS patients. We show that, in contrast to familial ALS, miRNA signatures of sporadic ALS are highly heterogeneous suggesting a number of different etiologies. Nevertheless, 2 miRNAs, miR-1234-3p and miR-1825, could be identified to be consistently downregulated in sporadic ALS. Bioinformatic analysis revealed miRNA fingerprints resembling those of familial ALS patients and mutation carriers in 61% of sporadic ALS patients, while the remaining subgroup had clearly different miRNA signatures. These data support a higher than expected contribution of genetic factors also to sporadic ALS. Moreover, our results indicate a more heterogeneous molecular etiology of sporadic ALS compared with (mono)genic cases, which should be considered for the development of disease modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Zondler
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Holzmann
- Genomics-Core Facility, University Hospital Ulm, Center for Biomedical Research, Ulm, Germany
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29
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Defining the genetic connection linking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Trends Genet 2015; 31:263-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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THEME 7 GENETICS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2014; 15 Suppl 1:141-51. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.960183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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31
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He J, Mangelsdorf M, Fan D, Bartlett P, Brown MA. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetic Studies: From Genome-wide Association Mapping to Genome Sequencing. Neuroscientist 2014; 21:599-615. [PMID: 25378359 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414555404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of obscure etiology. Multiple genetic studies have been conducted to advance our understanding of the disease, employing a variety of techniques such as linkage mapping in families, to genome-wide association studies and sequencing based approaches such as whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing and a few epigenetic analyses. While major progress has been made, the majority of the genetic variation involved in ALS is yet to be undefined. The optimal study designs to investigate ALS depend on the genetic model for the disease, and it is likely that different approaches will be required to map genes involved in familial and sporadic disease. The potential approaches and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji He
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marie Mangelsdorf
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Perry Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew A Brown
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia
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32
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Couthouis J, Raphael AR, Daneshjou R, Gitler AD. Targeted exon capture and sequencing in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004704. [PMID: 25299611 PMCID: PMC4191946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive degeneration of motor neurons, ultimately leading to paralysis and death. Approximately 10% of ALS cases are familial, with the remaining 90% of cases being sporadic. Genetic studies in familial cases of ALS have been extremely informative in determining the causative mutations behind ALS, especially as the same mutations identified in familial ALS can also cause sporadic disease. However, the cause of ALS in approximately 30% of familial cases and in the majority of sporadic cases remains unknown. Sporadic ALS cases represent an underutilized resource for genetic information about ALS; therefore, we undertook a targeted sequencing approach of 169 known and candidate ALS disease genes in 242 sporadic ALS cases and 129 matched controls to try to identify novel variants linked to ALS. We found a significant enrichment in novel and rare variants in cases versus controls, indicating that we are likely identifying disease associated mutations. This study highlights the utility of next generation sequencing techniques combined with functional studies and rare variant analysis tools to provide insight into the genetic etiology of a heterogeneous sporadic disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Charcot disease or Lou Gehrig's disease, is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide. This disease is characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to patient death within a few years after onset. Despite the fact that most ALS cases are sporadic, most of the ALS genetic studies have focused on familial forms, leading to the genetic determination of cause for 70% of cases of familial ALS but for only 10% of sporadic ALS cases. This, coupled with the dearth of families available for study, suggests that researchers should begin tapping into the relatively untouched reservoir of available sporadic samples to identify novel genetic causes of sporadic ALS. Here we take advantage of high-throughput target sequencing techniques to test four different hypotheses about the genetic causes of ALS in sporadic ALS and uncover new candidate genes and pathways implicated in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Couthouis
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Alya R. Raphael
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Roxana Daneshjou
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Aaron D. Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Freischmidt A, Müller K, Zondler L, Weydt P, Volk AE, Božič AL, Walter M, Bonin M, Mayer B, von Arnim CAF, Otto M, Dieterich C, Holzmann K, Andersen PM, Ludolph AC, Danzer KM, Weishaupt JH. Serum microRNAs in patients with genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and pre-manifest mutation carriers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:2938-50. [PMID: 25193138 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the nature of pathomolecular alterations preceding onset of symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is largely lacking. It could not only pave the way for the discovery of valuable therapeutic targets but might also govern future concepts of pre-manifest disease modifying treatments. MicroRNAs are central regulators of transcriptome plasticity and participate in pathogenic cascades and/or mirror cellular adaptation to insults. We obtained comprehensive expression profiles of microRNAs in the serum of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asymptomatic mutation carriers and healthy control subjects. We observed a strikingly homogenous microRNA profile in patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that was largely independent from the underlying disease gene. Moreover, we identified 24 significantly downregulated microRNAs in pre-manifest amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutation carriers up to two decades or more before the estimated time window of disease onset; 91.7% of the downregulated microRNAs in mutation carriers overlapped with the patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a consensus sequence motif present in the vast majority of downregulated microRNAs identified in this study. Our data thus suggest specific common denominators regarding molecular pathogenesis of different amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genes. We describe the earliest pathomolecular alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mutation carriers known to date, which provide a basis for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and strongly argue for studies evaluating presymptomatic disease-modifying treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Zondler
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Walter
- 4 Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bonin
- 4 Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- 5 Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Otto
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Karlheinz Holzmann
- 6 Genomics-Core Facility, University Hospital Ulm, Centre for Biomedical Research, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter M Andersen
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 7 The Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden 8 Virtual Helmholtz Institute RNA dysmetabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fronto-temporal Dementia, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- 1 Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany 8 Virtual Helmholtz Institute RNA dysmetabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fronto-temporal Dementia, Germany
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Seelen M, Visser AE, Overste DJ, Kim HJ, Palud A, Wong TH, van Swieten JC, Scheltens P, Voermans NC, Baas F, de Jong J, van der Kooi AJ, de Visser M, Veldink JH, Taylor JP, Van Es MA, van den Berg LH. No mutations in hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2B1 in Dutch patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and inclusion body myopathy. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:1956.e9-1956.e11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.01.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Anand A, Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Sharma S, Thakur K. Analysis of smoking and LPO in ALS. Neurochem Int 2014; 71:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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36
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Chiò A, Battistini S, Calvo A, Caponnetto C, Conforti FL, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Sabatelli M, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A, Lunetta C, Pintor GL, Salvi F, Bartolomei I, Quattrone A, Gambardella A, Logroscino G, Simone I, Pisano F, Spataro R, La Bella V, Colletti T, Mancardi G, Origone P, Sola P, Borghero G, Marrosu F, Marrosu MG, Murru MR, Floris G, Cannas A, Piras V, Costantino E, Pani C, Sotgiu MA, Pugliatti M, Parish LD, Cossu P, Ticca A, Rodolico C, Portaro S, Ricci C, Moglia C, Ossola I, Brunetti M, Barberis M, Canosa A, Cammarosano S, Bertuzzo D, Fuda G, Ilardi A, Manera U, Pastore I, Sproviero W, Logullo F, Tanel R, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A. Genetic counselling in ALS: facts, uncertainties and clinical suggestions. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014; 85:478-85. [PMID: 23833266 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-305546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The clinical approach to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been largely modified by the identification of novel genes, the detection of gene mutations in apparently sporadic patients, and the discovery of the strict genetic and clinical relation between ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As a consequence, clinicians are increasingly facing the dilemma on how to handle genetic counselling and testing both for ALS patients and their relatives. On the basis of existing literature on genetics of ALS and of other late-onset life-threatening disorders, we propose clinical suggestions to enable neurologists to provide optimal clinical and genetic counselling to patients and families. Genetic testing should be offered to ALS patients who have a first-degree or second-degree relative with ALS, FTD or both, and should be discussed with, but not offered to, all other ALS patients, with special emphasis on its major uncertainties. Presently, genetic testing should not be proposed to asymptomatic at-risk subjects, unless they request it or are enrolled in research programmes. Genetic counselling in ALS should take into account the uncertainties about the pathogenicity and penetrance of some genetic mutations; the possible presence of mutations of different genes in the same individual; the poor genotypic/phenotypic correlation in most ALS genes; and the phenotypic pleiotropy of some genes. Though psychological, social and ethical implications of genetic testing are still relatively unexplored in ALS, we recommend multidisciplinary counselling that addresses all relevant issues, including disclosure of tests results to family members and the risk for genetic discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Torino, and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, , Torino, Italy
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Su XW, Broach JR, Connor JR, Gerhard GS, Simmons Z. Genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for clinical practice and research. Muscle Nerve 2014; 49:786-803. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.24198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei W. Su
- Department of Neurosurgery; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania USA
| | - James R. Broach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania USA
| | - James R. Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania USA
| | - Glenn S. Gerhard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Hershey Pennsylvania USA
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology; Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; 30 Hope Drive (Suite EC037) Hershey Pennsylvania 17033 USA
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Kenna KP, McLaughlin RL, Byrne S, Elamin M, Heverin M, Kenny EM, Cormican P, Morris DW, Donaghy CG, Bradley DG, Hardiman O. Delineating the genetic heterogeneity of ALS using targeted high-throughput sequencing. J Med Genet 2013; 50:776-83. [PMID: 23881933 PMCID: PMC3812897 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2013-101795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 100 genes have been implicated in the aetiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A detailed understanding of their independent and cumulative contributions to disease burden may help guide various clinical and research efforts. METHODS Using targeted high-throughput sequencing, we characterised the variation of 10 Mendelian and 23 low penetrance/tentative ALS genes within a population-based cohort of 444 Irish ALS cases (50 fALS, 394 sALS) and 311 age-matched and geographically matched controls. RESULTS Known or potential high-penetrance ALS variants were identified within 17.1% of patients (38% of fALS, 14.5% of sALS). 12.8% carried variants of Mendelian disease genes (C9orf72 8.78%; SETX 2.48%; ALS2 1.58%; FUS 0.45%; TARDBP 0.45%; OPTN 0.23%; VCP 0.23%. ANG, SOD1, VAPB 0%), 4.7% carried variants of low penetrance/tentative ALS genes and 9.7% (30% of fALS, 7.1% of sALS) carried previously described ALS variants (C9orf72 8.78%; FUS 0.45%; TARDBP 0.45%). 1.6% of patients carried multiple known/potential disease variants, including all identified carriers of an established ALS variant (p<0.01); TARDBP:c.859G>A(p.[G287S]) (n=2/2 sALS). Comparison of our results with those from studies of other European populations revealed significant differences in the spectrum of disease variation (p=1.7×10(-4)). CONCLUSIONS Up to 17% of Irish ALS cases may carry high-penetrance variants within the investigated genes. However, the precise nature of genetic susceptibility differs significantly from that reported within other European populations. Certain variants may not cause disease in isolation and concomitant analysis of disease genes may prove highly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Kenna
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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39
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Screening for rare variants in the coding region of ALS-associated genes at 9p21.2 and 19p13.3. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:1518.e5-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Spalloni A, Nutini M, Longone P. Role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors complex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012. [PMID: 23200922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disease pathologically characterized by the massive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebral cortex. There is a consensus in the field that ALS is a multifactorial pathology and a number of possible mechanisms have been suggested. Among the proposed hypothesis, glutamate toxicity has been one of the most investigated. Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor mediated cell death and impairment of the glutamate-transport system have been suggested to play a central role in the glutamate-mediated motor neuron degeneration. In this context, the role played by the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has received considerable less attention notwithstanding its high Ca(2+) permeability, expression in motor neurons and its importance in excitotoxicity. This review overviews the critical role of NMDA-mediated toxicity in ALS, with a particular emphasis on the endogenous modulators of the NMDAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Spalloni
- Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Experimental Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome Italy
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41
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van Blitterswijk M, Vlam L, van Es MA, van der Pol WL, Hennekam EAM, Dooijes D, Schelhaas HJ, van der Kooi AJ, de Visser M, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Genetic overlap between apparently sporadic motor neuron diseases. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48983. [PMID: 23155438 PMCID: PMC3498376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are devastating motor neuron diseases (MNDs), which result in muscle weakness and/or spasticity. We compared mutation frequencies in genes known to be associated with MNDs between patients with apparently sporadic PMA and ALS. A total of 261 patients with adult-onset sporadic PMA, patients with sporadic ALS, and control subjects of Dutch descent were obtained at national referral centers for neuromuscular diseases in The Netherlands. Sanger sequencing was used to screen these subjects for mutations in the coding regions of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), angiogenin (ANG), fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B). In our cohort of PMA patients we identified two SOD1 mutations (p.D90A, p.I113T), one ANG mutation (p.K17I), one FUS/TLS mutation (p.R521H), one TARDBP mutation (p.N352S), and one novel CHMP2B mutation (p.R69Q). The mutation frequency of these genes was similar in sporadic PMA (2.7%) and ALS (2.0%) patients, and therefore, our findings demonstrate a genetic overlap between apparently sporadic PMA and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Lotte Vlam
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A. van Es
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W-Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A. M. Hennekam
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Dooijes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helenius J. Schelhaas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke J. van der Kooi
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne de Visser
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H. Veldink
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Alavi A, Nafissi S, Rohani M, Zamani B, Sedighi B, Shamshiri H, Fan JB, Ronaghi M, Elahi E. Genetic analysis and SOD1 mutation screening in Iranian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:1516.e1-8. [PMID: 23062701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease, and the most common in European populations. Results of genetic analysis and mutation screening of SOD1 in a cohort of 60 Iranian ALS patients are here reported. Initially, linkage analysis in 4 families identified a disease-linked locus that included the known ALS gene, SOD1. Screening of SOD1 identified homozygous p.Asp90Ala causing mutations in all the linked families. Haplotype analysis suggests that the p.Asp90Ala alleles in the Iranian patients might share a common founder with the renowned Scandinavian recessive p.Asp90Ala allele. Subsequent screening in all the patients resulted in identification of 3 other mutations in SOD1, including p.Leu84Phe in the homozygous state. Phenotypic features of the mutation-bearing patients are presented. SOD1 mutations were found in 11.7% of the cohort, 38.5% of the familial ALS probands, and 4.25% of the sporadic ALS cases. SOD1 mutations contribute significantly to ALS among Iranians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afagh Alavi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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43
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Abel O, Powell JF, Andersen PM, Al-Chalabi A. ALSoD: A user-friendly online bioinformatics tool for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics. Hum Mutat 2012; 33:1345-51. [PMID: 22753137 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the commonest adult onset motor neuron disease, with a peak age of onset in the seventh decade. With advances in genetic technology, there is an enormous increase in the volume of genetic data produced, and a corresponding need for storage, analysis, and interpretation, particularly as our understanding of the relationships between genotype and phenotype mature. Here, we present a system to enable this in the form of the ALS Online Database (ALSoD at http://alsod.iop.kcl.ac.uk), a freely available database that has been transformed from a single gene storage facility recording mutations in the SOD1 gene to a multigene ALS bioinformatics repository and analytical instrument combining genotype, phenotype, and geographical information with associated analysis tools. These include a comparison tool to evaluate genes side by side or jointly with user configurable features, a pathogenicity prediction tool using a combination of computational approaches to distinguish variants with nonfunctional characteristics from disease-associated mutations with more dangerous consequences, and a credibility tool to enable ALS researchers to objectively assess the evidence for gene causation in ALS. Furthermore, integration of external tools, systems for feedback, annotation by users, and two-way links to collaborators hosting complementary databases further enhance the functionality of ALSoD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubunmi Abel
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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van Blitterswijk M, van Es MA, Hennekam EAM, Dooijes D, van Rheenen W, Medic J, Bourque PR, Schelhaas HJ, van der Kooi AJ, de Visser M, de Bakker PIW, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Evidence for an oligogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3776-84. [PMID: 22645277 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with a substantial heritable component. In pedigrees affected by its familial form, incomplete penetrance is often observed. We hypothesized that this could be caused by a complex inheritance of risk variants in multiple genes. Therefore, we screened 111 familial ALS (FALS) patients from 97 families, and large cohorts of sporadic ALS (SALS) patients and control subjects for mutations in TAR DNA-binding protein (TARDBP), fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), angiogenin (ANG) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72). Mutations were identified in 48% of FALS families, 8% of SALS patients and 0.5% of control subjects. In five of the FALS families, we identified multiple mutations in ALS-associated genes. We detected FUS/TLS and TARDBP mutations in combination with ANG mutations, and C9orf72 repeat expansions with TARDBP, SOD1 and FUS/TLS mutations. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of multiple mutations in FALS is in excess of what is to be expected by chance (P = 1.57 × 10(-7)). The most compelling evidence for an oligogenic basis was found in individuals with a p.N352S mutation in TARDBP, detected in five FALS families and three apparently SALS patients. Genealogical and haplotype analyses revealed that these individuals shared a common ancestor. We obtained DNA of 14 patients with this TARDBP mutation, 50% of whom had an additional mutation (ANG, C9orf72 or homozygous TARDBP). Hereby, we provide evidence for an oligogenic aetiology of ALS. This may have important implications for the interpretation of whole exome/genome experiments designed to identify new ALS-associated genes and for genetic counselling, especially of unaffected family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands
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Novel optineurin mutations in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1016.e1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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46
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VCP mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:837.e7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wuolikainen A, Andersen PM, Moritz T, Marklund SL, Antti H. ALS patients with mutations in the SOD1 gene have an unique metabolomic profile in the cerebrospinal fluid compared with ALS patients without mutations. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:472-8. [PMID: 22264771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.11.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A specific biochemical marker for early diagnosing and for monitoring disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will have important clinical applications. ALS is a heterogeneous syndrome with multiple subtypes with ill-defined borders. A minority of patients carries mutations in the Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene but the disease mechanism remains unknown for all types of ALS. Using a GC-TOFMS platform we studied the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolome in 16 ALS patients with six different mutations in the SOD1 gene and compared with ALS-patients without such mutations. OPLS-DA was used for classification modeling. We find that patients with a SOD1 mutation have a distinct metabolic profile in the CSF. In particular, the eight patients homozygous for the D90A SOD1 mutation showed a distinctively different signature when modeled against ALS patients with other SOD1 mutations and sporadic and familial ALS patients without a SOD1 gene mutation. This was found irrespective of medication with riluzole and survival time. Among the metabolites that contributed most to the CSF signature were arginine, lysine, ornithine, serine, threonine and pyroglutamic acid, all found to be reduced in patients carrying a D90A SOD1 mutation. ALS-patients with a SOD1 gene mutation appear as a distinct metabolic entity in the CSF, in particular in patients with the D90A mutation, the most frequently identified cause of ALS. The findings suggest that metabolomic profiling using GC-TOFMS and multivariate data analysis may be a future tool for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression, and may cast light on the disease mechanisms in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wuolikainen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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48
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Pratt AJ, Getzoff ED, Perry JJP. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: update and new developments. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2012; 2012:1-14. [PMID: 23019386 PMCID: PMC3457793 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s19803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neuron disease. It is typically characterized by adult-onset degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons, and is usually fatal within a few years of onset. A subset of ALS patients has an inherited form of the disease, and a few of the known mutant genes identified in familial cases have also been found in sporadic forms of ALS. Precisely how the diverse ALS-linked gene products dictate the course of the disease, resulting in compromised voluntary muscular ability, is not entirely known. This review addresses the major advances that are being made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms giving rise to the disease, which may eventually translate into new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J Pratt
- Department of Molecular Biology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,
| | - Elizabeth D Getzoff
- Department of Molecular Biology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,
| | - J Jefferson P Perry
- Department of Molecular Biology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,
- The School of Biotechnology, Amrita University, Kollam, Kerala 690525, India,
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49
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Corcia P, Ingre C, Blasco H, Press R, Praline J, Antar C, Veyrat-Durebex C, Guettard YO, Camu W, Andersen PM, Vourc'h P, Andres CR. Homozygous SMN2 deletion is a protective factor in the Swedish ALS population. Eur J Hum Genet 2012; 20:588-91. [PMID: 22274580 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2011.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1)-copy number has been associated with an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in French and Dutch population studies. The aim of this study was to determine whether SMN gene copy number increases the risk of ALS or modulates its phenotype in a cohort of Swedish sporadic ALS (SALS) patients. In all, 502 Swedes with SALS and 502 Swedish controls matched for gender and age were enrolled. SMN1 and SMN2 gene copy numbers were studied by a semi-quantitative PCR method. A genotype-phenotype comparison was performed in order to determine whether SMN genes modulate the phenotype of ALS. The results were also compared with our previously reported French cohort of ALS patients. There was no difference between Swedish patients and controls in the frequency of SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers. The frequency of SMN1 gene copies differed significantly between the French and Swedish ALS populations. The duration of the disease was significantly longer in the Swedish cohort with homozygous deletions of SMN2 when compared with the French cohort. Abnormal SMN1 gene copy number cannot be considered as a universal genetic susceptibility factor for SALS and this result underlines the importance of reproducing association gene studies in groups from different origins. We also suggest that SMN2 gene copy number might have different effects on ALS progression in disparate human populations.
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50
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Kwon MJ, Baek W, Ki CS, Kim HY, Koh SH, Kim JW, Kim SH. Screening of the SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, ANG, and OPTN mutations in Korean patients with familial and sporadic ALS. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1017.e17-23. [PMID: 22244934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
About 5% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are known to be familial (fALS) and mutations in SOD1 and other genes are found in more than 20% of fALS patients and in 2%-4% of apparently sporadic ALS (sALS) cases. However, there are few reports on the proportion of fALS and the frequency of mutations in Korean patients with ALS. We screened mutations in the SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, ANG, and OPTN genes in 258 consecutively enrolled Korean patients with ALS from October 2006 to November 2010. The frequency of fALS was estimated to be 3.5% (9/258), and mutations were identified in 88.9% (8/9) of fALS patients but only in 2.8% (7/249) of sALS patients. Seven fALS and 3 sALS patients had mutations in SOD1 gene while all the others had FUS gene. The proportion of fALS was lower than that reported in Caucasian populations but the frequency of SOD1 gene mutations in Korean fALS patients (77.8%, 7/9) was much higher than that reported in other ethnic groups. These findings might suggest that there is an ethnic difference in the proportion of fALS and the genetic background of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jung Kwon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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