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Golli T, Juříková L, Sejersen T, Dixon C. The role of ataluren in the treatment of ambulatory and non-ambulatory children with nonsense mutation duchenne muscular dystrophy - a consensus derived using a modified Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Sweden. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:73. [PMID: 38383326 PMCID: PMC10880248 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper details the results of an evaluation of the level of consensus amongst clinicians on the use of ataluren in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). The consensus was derived using a modified Delphi methodology that involved an exploration phase and then an evaluation phase. METHODS The exploration phase involved 90-minute virtual 1:1 interviews of 12 paediatric neurologists who cared for 30-120 DMD patients each and had patient contact every one or two weeks. The respondents managed one to ten nmDMD patients taking ataluren. The Discussion Guide for the interviews can be viewed as Appendix A. Following the exploration phase interviews, the interview transcripts were analysed by an independent party to identify common themes, views and opinions and developed 43 draft statements that the Steering Group (authors) reviewed, refined and endorsed a final list of 42 statements. Details of the recruitment of participants for the exploration and evaluation phases can be found under the Methods section. RESULTS A consensus was agreed (> 66% of respondents agreeing) for 41 of the 42 statements using results from a consensus survey of healthcare professionals (n = 20) experienced in the treatment of nmDMD. CONCLUSIONS The statements with a high consensus suggest that treatment with ataluren should be initiated as soon as possible to delay disease progression and allow patients to remain ambulatory for as long as possible. Ataluren is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that results from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene, in ambulatory patients aged 2 years and older (see Summary of Product Characteristics for each country).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Golli
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lenka Juříková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University in Brno, Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Sejersen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig Dixon
- MASS Team, Suite 99, 95 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7GB, UK.
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Dori A, Scutifero M, Passamano L, Zoppi D, Ruggiero L, Trabacca A, Politano L. Treatment with ataluren in four symptomatic Duchenne carriers. A pilot study. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2024; 43:8-15. [PMID: 38586166 PMCID: PMC10997039 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by dystrophin gene deletions (75%), duplications (15-20%) and point mutations (5-10%), a small portion of which are nonsense mutations. Women carrying dystrophin gene mutations are commonly unaffected because the wild X allele may produce a sufficient amount of the dystrophin protein. However, approximately 8-10% of them may experience muscle symptoms and 50% of those over 40 years develop cardiomyopathy. The presence of symptoms defines the individual as an affected "symptomatic or manifesting carrier". Though there is no effective cure for DMD, therapies are available to slow the decline of muscle strength and delay the onset and progression of cardiac and respiratory impairment. These include ataluren for patients with nonsense mutations, and antisense oligonucleotides therapies, for patients with specific deletions. Symptomatic DMD female carriers are not included in these indications and little data documenting their management, often entrusted to the discretion of individual doctors, is present in the literature. In this article, we report the clinical and instrumental outcomes of four symptomatic DMD carriers, aged between 26 and 45 years, who were treated with ataluren for 21 to 73 months (average 47.3), and annually evaluated for muscle strength, respiratory and cardiological function. Two patients retain independent ambulation at ages 33 and 45, respectively. None of them developed respiratory involvement or cardiomyopathy. No clinical adverse effects or relevant abnormalities in routine laboratory values, were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Dori
- Department of Neurology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, HaShomer, and Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine, Aviv University, Aviv, Israel
| | - Marianna Scutifero
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Passamano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Zoppi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Trabacca
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe disabilities in developmental age and young adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Landfeldt E, Alemán A, Abner S, Zhang R, Werner C, Tomazos I, Ferizovic N, Lochmüller H, Kirschner J. Predictors of Loss of Ambulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:579-612. [PMID: 38669554 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to describe predictors of loss of ambulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis included searches of MEDLINE ALL, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2022, for predictors of loss of ambulation in DMD. Search terms included "Duchenne muscular dystrophy" as a Medical Subject Heading or free text term, in combination with variations of the term "predictor". Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed meta-analysis pooling of hazard ratios of the effects of glucocorticoids (vs. no glucocorticoid therapy) by fitting a common-effect inverse-variance model. Results The bibliographic searches resulted in the inclusion of 45 studies of children and adults with DMD from 17 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Glucocorticoid therapy was associated with delayed loss of ambulation (overall meta-analysis HR deflazacort/prednisone/prednisolone: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.40-0.48]) (n = 25 studies). Earlier onset of first signs or symptoms, earlier loss of developmental milestones, lower baseline 6MWT (i.e.,<350 vs. ≥350 metres and <330 vs. ≥330 metres), and lower baseline NSAA were associated with earlier loss of ambulation (n = 5 studies). Deletion of exons 3-7, proximal mutations (upstream intron 44), single exon 45 deletions, and mutations amenable of skipping exon 8, exon 44, and exon 53, were associated with prolonged ambulation; distal mutations (intron 44 and downstream), deletion of exons 49-50, and mutations amenable of skipping exon 45, and exon 51 were associated with earlier loss of ambulation (n = 13 studies). Specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CD40 gene rs1883832, LTBP4 gene rs10880, SPP1 gene rs2835709 and rs11730582, and TCTEX1D1 gene rs1060575 (n = 7 studies), as well as race/ethnicity and level of family/patient deprivation (n = 3 studies), were associated with loss of ambulation. Treatment with ataluren (n = 2 studies) and eteplirsen (n = 3 studies) were associated with prolonged ambulation. Magnetic resonance biomarkers (MRI and MRS) were identified as significant predictors of loss of ambulation (n = 6 studies). In total, 33% of studies exhibited some risk of bias. Conclusion Our synthesis of predictors of loss of ambulation in DMD contributes to the understanding the natural history of disease and informs the design of new trials of novel therapies targeting this heavily burdened patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Alemán
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - R Zhang
- PTC Therapeutics Sweden AB, Askim, Sweden
| | - C Werner
- PTC Therapeutics Germany GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - I Tomazos
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, South Plainfield, NJ, USA
| | | | - H Lochmüller
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
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Spagnoli C, Adorisio R, Bello L, D’Amico A, D’Angelo MG, Pane M, Penzo M, Riguzzi P, Sansone V, Vianello A, Fusco C. Continuitiy of care with ataluren in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients with nonsense mutations after loss of ambulation. Personal experience. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2023; 42:118-122. [PMID: 38406379 PMCID: PMC10883323 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) includes predictable phases requiring dedicated standard treatments. Therapeutic strategies feature corticosteroids or the more recent gene therapy/stop codon read-through. Ataluren (Translarna®) is an oral drug promoting the readthrough of premature stop codons caused by nonsense mutation (nm) in order to produce full-length dystrophin. It was licensed by EMA in 2014 for ambulatory patients with nmDMD aged ≥ 5 years. Our aim is to report data on long-term ataluren use in Italian patients with nmDMD, with emphasis on continuity of the treatment after loss of ambulation (LoA). Four DMD patients aged between 16 and 24 years who lost ambulation between 12 and 14 years continued to take ataluren after LoA. The oldest patient, aged 24 years, is still taking a few steps. Even in those experiencing motor decline, PUL-test performances were stable and respiratory function satisfactory in all; two patients developed severe cardiomyopathy, stable in one. Therapeutic continuity with ataluren should be offered to all nmDMD patients after LoA given its favourable safety and efficacy profile. However, further research is recommended to identify additional clinically meaningful outcomes and treatment goals following LoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Provinciale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Rachele Adorisio
- Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Cardiocirculatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart Lung Transplantation, ERN GUARD HEART: Bambino Gesù Hospital and Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Adele D’Amico
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia D’Angelo
- Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico E. Medea, La Nostra Famiglia, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology and Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Martina Penzo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Riguzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Valeria Sansone
- Centro Clinico Nemo Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche della Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Vianello
- Respiratory Pathophysiology Division, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Provinciale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Happi Mbakam C, Tremblay JP. Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an update on the latest clinical developments. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:905-920. [PMID: 37602688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2249607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe and devastating neuromuscular hereditary diseases with a male newborn incidence of 20 000 cases each year. The disease caused by mutations (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) in the DMD gene, progressively leads to muscle wasting and loss of ambulation. This situation is painful for both patients and their families, calling for an emergent need for effective treatments. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors describe the state of the gene therapy approach in clinical trials for DMD. This therapeutics included gene replacement, gene substitution, RNA-based therapeutics, readthrough mutation, and the CRISPR approach. EXPERT OPINION Only a few drug candidates have yet been granted conditional approval for the treatment of DMD. Most of these therapies have only a modest capability to restore the dystrophin or improve muscle function, suggesting an important unmet need in the development of DMD therapeutics. Complementary genes and cellular therapeutics need to be explored to both restore dystrophin, improve muscle function, and efficiently reconstitute the muscle fibers in the advanced stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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Heydemann A, Siemionow M. A Brief Review of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment Options, with an Emphasis on Two Novel Strategies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030830. [PMID: 36979809 PMCID: PMC10044847 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the full cloning of the Dystrophin cDNA 35 years ago, no effective treatment exists for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients who have a mutation in this gene. Many treatment options have been considered, investigated preclinically and some clinically, but none have circumvented all barriers and effectively treated the disease without burdening the patients with severe side-effects. However, currently, many novel therapies are in the pipelines of research labs and pharmaceutical companies and many of these have progressed to clinical trials. A brief review of these promising therapies is presented, followed by a description of two novel technologies that when utilized together effectively treat the disease in the mdx mouse model. One novel technology is to generate chimeric cells from the patient’s own cells and a normal donor. The other technology is to systemically transplant these cells into the femur via the intraosseous route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlke Heydemann
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Siemionow
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Lambrescu I, Popa A, Manole E, Ceafalan LC, Gaina G. Application of Droplet Digital PCR Technology in Muscular Dystrophies Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094802. [PMID: 35563191 PMCID: PMC9099497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although they are considered rare disorders, muscular dystrophies have a strong impact on people’s health. Increased disease severity with age, frequently accompanied by the loss of ability to walk in some people, and the lack of treatment, have directed the researchers towards the development of more effective therapeutic strategies aimed to improve the quality of life and life expectancy, slow down the progression, and delay the onset or convert a severe phenotype into a milder one. Improved understanding of the complex pathology of these diseases together with the tremendous advances in molecular biology technologies has led to personalized therapeutic procedures. Different approaches that are currently under extensive investigation require more efficient, sensitive, and less invasive methods. Due to its remarkable analytical sensitivity, droplet digital PCR has become a promising tool for accurate measurement of biomarkers that monitor disease progression and quantification of various therapeutic efficiency and can be considered a tool for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis and newborn screening. Here, we summarize the recent applications of droplet digital PCR in muscular dystrophy research and discuss the factors that should be considered to get the best performance with this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Lambrescu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (I.L.); (A.P.); (E.M.); (L.C.C.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Popa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (I.L.); (A.P.); (E.M.); (L.C.C.)
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emilia Manole
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (I.L.); (A.P.); (E.M.); (L.C.C.)
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Cristina Ceafalan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (I.L.); (A.P.); (E.M.); (L.C.C.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (I.L.); (A.P.); (E.M.); (L.C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-319-2732
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Dori A, Guglieri M, Scutifero M, Passamano L, Trabacca A, Politano L. Can symptomatic nmDuchenne carriers benefit from treatment with ataluren? Results of 193-month follow-up. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2021; 40:152-157. [PMID: 35047755 PMCID: PMC8744011 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by deletions (75%), duplications (15-20%) and point mutations (5-10%) in the dystrophin gene. Among the latter, stop-codon point mutations are rare. Female carriers of dystrophin gene mutations are usually asymptomatic as they are "protected" by the second X-chromosome, which produces a normal dystrophin protein. However, about 8-10% of them can present symptoms that set the clinical picture of the manifesting or symptomatic carrier. Although no causative cure there is for DMD, therapies are available to slow the decline of muscle weakness and delay the onset of heart and respiratory involvement. However, there is limited data in the literature documenting the treatment of symptomatic carriers, often entrusted to the sensitivity of individual doctors. In this paper, we report the follow-up outcomes of four European symptomatic nmDMD carriers treated with ataluren, overall followed for 193 months. Annual assessment of muscle strength, pulmonary lung function tests, and echocardiography, indicate a mild attenuation of disease progression under treatment.. There were no adverse clinical effects or relevant abnormalities in routine laboratory tests. We can conclude that ataluren appears to stabilize, if not slightly improve, the clinical course of patients with a good safety profile, especially if we consider that the treatment was late for 3/4 patients, at a mean age of 36.6 ± 10.6 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Dori
- Department of Neurology, Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, HaShomer, and Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Aviv University, Aviv, Israel
| | - Michela Guglieri
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Marianna Scutifero
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Passamano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Trabacca
- Unit for serious disabilities of developmental and young adult age, Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS “E. Medea” - “Our Family” Association, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy,“G. Torre” Association for Muscular Dystrophies Research Unit, Naples, Italy,Correspondence Luisa Politano Associazione Centro Gaetano Torre per Le Malattie Muscolari, Unità di Ricerca, via C. Guerra 10, Marano di Napoli, (NA) Italy. E-mail:
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