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Hatanaka F, Suzuki K, Shojima K, Yu J, Takahashi Y, Sakamoto A, Prieto J, Shokhirev M, Nuñez Delicado E, Rodriguez Esteban C, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Therapeutic strategy for spinal muscular atrophy by combining gene supplementation and genome editing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6191. [PMID: 39048567 PMCID: PMC11269569 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Defect in the SMN1 gene causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which shows loss of motor neurons, muscle weakness and atrophy. While current treatment strategies, including small molecules or viral vectors, have shown promise in improving motor function and survival, achieving a definitive and long-term correction of SMA's endogenous mutations and phenotypes remains highly challenging. We have previously developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy, enabling unidirectional DNA knock-in in both dividing and non-dividing cells in vivo. In this study, we demonstrated its utility by correcting an SMA mutation in mice. When combined with Smn1 cDNA supplementation, it exhibited long-term therapeutic benefits in SMA mice. Our observations may provide new avenues for the long-term and efficient treatment of inherited diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiyuki Hatanaka
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Altos Labs, Inc., 5510 Morehouse Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Keiichiro Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kensaku Shojima
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Hyogo, 663-8131, Japan
| | - Jingting Yu
- Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yuta Takahashi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Altos Labs, Inc., 5510 Morehouse Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Akihisa Sakamoto
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Javier Prieto
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Maxim Shokhirev
- Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Estrella Nuñez Delicado
- Universidad Catolica, San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jeronimos, 135, 30107, Guadalupe, Spain
| | - Concepcion Rodriguez Esteban
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Altos Labs, Inc., 5510 Morehouse Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Altos Labs, Inc., 5510 Morehouse Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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Leckie J, Yokota T. Potential of Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Conjugated Antisense Oligonucleotides for the Treatment of SMA. Molecules 2024; 29:2658. [PMID: 38893532 PMCID: PMC11173757 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder that is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, hindering the production of functional survival motor neuron (SMN) proteins. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), a versatile DNA-like drug, are adept at binding to target RNA to prevent translation or promote alternative splicing. Nusinersen is an FDA-approved ASO for the treatment of SMA. It effectively promotes alternative splicing in pre-mRNA transcribed from the SMN2 gene, an analog of the SMN1 gene, to produce a greater amount of full-length SMN protein, to compensate for the loss of functional protein translated from SMN1. Despite its efficacy in ameliorating SMA symptoms, the cellular uptake of these ASOs is suboptimal, and their inability to penetrate the CNS necessitates invasive lumbar punctures. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which can be conjugated to ASOs, represent a promising approach to improve the efficiency of these treatments for SMA and have the potential to transverse the blood-brain barrier to circumvent the need for intrusive intrathecal injections and their associated adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ASO therapies, their application for the treatment of SMA, and the encouraging potential of CPPs as delivery systems to improve ASO uptake and overall efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Leckie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Sciences Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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Nawn D, Hassan SS, Redwan EM, Bhattacharya T, Basu P, Lundstrom K, Uversky VN. Unveiling the genetic tapestry: Rare disease genomics of spinal muscular atrophy and phenylketonuria proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131960. [PMID: 38697430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Rare diseases, defined by their low prevalence, present significant challenges, including delayed detection, expensive treatments, and limited research. This study delves into the genetic basis of two noteworthy rare diseases in Saudi Arabia: Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). PKU, resulting from mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, exhibits geographical variability and impacts intellectual abilities. SMA, characterized by motor neuron loss, is linked to mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recognizing the importance of unveiling signature genomics in rare diseases, we conducted a quantitative study on PAH and SMN1 proteins of multiple organisms by employing various quantitative techniques to assess genetic variations. The derived signature-genomics contributes to a deeper understanding of these critical genes, paving the way for enhanced diagnostics for disorders associated with PAH and SMN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debaleena Nawn
- Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine (IRIIM), Unsani, Howrah 711302, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg EL-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Tanishta Bhattacharya
- Developmental Genetics (Dept III), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrabe 43, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Pallab Basu
- School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa; Adjunct Faculty, Woxsen School of Sciences, Woxsen University, Hyderabad 500 033, Telangana, India.
| | | | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Saranya KR, Vimina ER, Pinto FR. TransNeT-CGP: A cluster-based comorbid gene prioritization by integrating transcriptomics and network-topological features. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 110:108038. [PMID: 38461796 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The local disruptions caused by the genes of one disease can influence the pathways associated with the other diseases resulting in comorbidity. For gene therapies, it is necessary to prioritize the key genes that regulate common biological mechanisms to tackle the issues caused by overlapping diseases. This work proposes a clustering-based computational approach for prioritising the comorbid genes within the overlapping disease modules by analyzing Protein-Protein Interaction networks. For this, a sub-network with gene interactions of the disease pair was extracted from the interactome. The edge weights are assigned by combining the pairwise gene expression correlation and betweenness centrality scores. Further, a weighted graph clustering algorithm is applied and dominant nodes of high-density clusters are ranked based on clustering coefficients and neighborhood connectivity. Case studies based on neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (ALS-SMA) pair and cancers such as Ovarian Carcinoma-Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma (OC-IDBC) pair were conducted to examine the efficacy of the proposed method. To identify the mechanistic role of top-ranked genes, we used Functional and Pathway enrichment analysis, connectivity analysis with leave-one-out (LOO) method, analysis of associated disease-related protein complexes, and prioritization tools such as TOPPGENE and Heml2.0. From pathway analysis, it was observed that the top 10 genes obtained using the proposed method were associated with 10 pathways in ALS-SMA comorbidity and 15 in the case of OC-IDBC, while that in similar methods like SAPDSB and S2B were 4, 6 respectively for ALS-SMA and 9, 10 respectively for OC-IDBC. In both case studies, 70 % of the disease-specific benchmark protein complexes were linked to top-ranked genes of the proposed method while that of SAPDSB and S2B were 55 % and 60 % respectively. Additionally, it was found that the removal of the top 10 genes disconnect the network into 14 distinct components in the case of ALS-SMA and 9 in the case of OC-IDBC. The experimental results shows that the proposed method can be effectively used for identifying key genes in comorbidity and can offer insights about the intricate molecular relationship driving comorbid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Saranya
- Department of Computer Science & IT, School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, India.
| | - E R Vimina
- Department of Computer Science & IT, School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, India.
| | - F R Pinto
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
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Leon-Astudillo C, Brooks O, Salabarria SM, Coker M, Corti M, Lammers J, Plowman EK, Byrne BJ, Smith BK. Longitudinal changes of swallowing safety and efficiency in infants with spinal muscular atrophy who received disease modifying therapies. Pediatr Pulmonol 2024; 59:1364-1371. [PMID: 38358081 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysphagia is a common feature of the natural history of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Literature regarding swallowing safety and efficiency is scarce in patients with SMA, particularly in the era of newborn screening programs and disease-modifying therapies. OBJECTIVE To describe the longitudinal changes of swallowing safety and efficiency in children with SMA who received one or more disease modifying therapies METHODS: Case series of patients with SMA followed at the University of Florida from 1 May 2019 to 31 December 2022 who had two or more videofluoroscopy swallowing studies (VFSS), with the first being within 30 days of their first treatment. Data extracted from the electronic health record included: neuromotor outcomes, VFSS penetration aspiration scores (PAS), presence of abrnormal oral or pharyngeal residue, clinical history, and timing of disease-modifying therapies administration. RESULTS Seven subjects were included (five male); three were diagnosed via newborn screen. Median age at diagnosis was 10 days (range: 4-250). Median age at initial VFSS was 29 days (range: 9-246), and age at the last VFSS was 26.1 months (range: 18.2-36.2). All subjects received onasemnogene-abeparvovec (OA); four received additional therapies. PAS at diagnosis was abnormal in four subjects. Six subjects required feeding modifications after VFSS results. Of these, three had silent aspiration (PAS 8) and three of them improved after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Swallowing safety and efficiency can be impaired in patients with SMA despite early treatment. Larger, prospective studies are needed to define optimal timiing of longitudinal instrumental evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Olivia Brooks
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Aerodigestive Research Core Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Stephanie M Salabarria
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mackenzi Coker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jenna Lammers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Emily K Plowman
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Aerodigestive Research Core Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Barbara K Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Şimşek Erdem N, Güneş Gencer GY, Alaamel A, Uysal H. Effect of nusinersen treatment on quality of life and motor function in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 36:28-32. [PMID: 38310720 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 4 loading doses of nusinersen on motor function and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Twenty-one adult patients with genetically confirmed SMA who were treated with 4 loading doses of nusinersen were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and the Short Form Survey-36 (SF-36) at baseline (V1) and before the first nusinersen maintenance treatment, which was at the 15th month of treatment (V2). The SF-36 score was compared between the patients and 35 age-matched healthy controls. Of the twenty-one patients with a median age of 36 years, 10 were nonambulatory, and 11 were ambulatory. The physical component score and the mental component score of the SF-36 were significantly lower in the SMA patient group at baseline than in the healthy group. The median HFMSE scores significantly improved at V2 in both ambulatory and nonambulatory SMA patients (p < 0.05). The median MRC score significantly increased at V2 in the ambulatory SMA patient group (p = 0.04) but not in the nonambulatory SMA patient group (p = 0.19). There was a significant improvement in physical QoL in all the SMA patients at V2 (p = 0.02), but there was no significant improvement in mental QoL (p = 0.15). The loading nusinersen treatment significantly improved motor function scores, muscle strength, and physical QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abir Alaamel
- Akdeniz University Hospital Department of Neurology, Türkiye
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- Akdeniz University Hospital Department of Neurology, Türkiye
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Dosi C, Masson R. The impact of three SMN2 gene copies on clinical characteristics and effect of disease-modifying treatment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy: a systematic literature review. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1308296. [PMID: 38487326 PMCID: PMC10937544 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1308296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To review the clinical characteristics and effect of treatment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and three copies of the SMN2 gene. Methods We conducted a literature search in October 2022 to identify English-language clinical research on SMA that included SMN2 copy number according to PRISMA guidelines. Results Our search identified 44 studies examining the impact of three SMN2 copies on clinical characteristics (21 on phenotype, 13 on natural history, and 15 on functional status and other signs/symptoms). In children with type I SMA or presymptomatic infants with an SMN1 deletion, three SMN2 copies was associated with later symptom onset, slower decline in motor function and longer survival compared with two SMN2 copies. In patients with SMA type II or III, three SMN2 copies is associated with earlier symptom onset, loss of ambulation, and ventilator dependence compared with four SMN2 copies. Eleven studies examined treatment effects with nusinersen (nine studies), onasemnogene abeparvovec (one study), and a range of treatments (one study) in patients with three SMN2 copies. In presymptomatic infants, early treatment delayed the onset of symptoms and maintained motor function in those with three SMN2 copies. The impact of copy number on treatment response in symptomatic patients is still unclear. Conclusion SMN2 copy number is strongly correlated with SMA phenotype in patients with SMN1 deletion, while no correlation was found in patients with an SMN1 mutation. Patients with three SMN2 copies show a highly variable clinical phenotype. Early initiation of treatment is highly effective in presymptomatic patients with three SMN2 copies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riccardo Masson
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Developmental Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
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Cetik RM, Ovadia D, Mladenov K, Kruyt MC, Helenius I, Ahonen M, Studer D, Yazici M. Safety and efficacy of growth-friendly instrumentation for early-onset scoliosis in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 in the disease-modifying treatment era. J Child Orthop 2024; 18:26-32. [PMID: 38348442 PMCID: PMC10859117 DOI: 10.1177/18632521231214780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the safety of growth-friendly instrumentation for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 who received disease-modifying treatment (DMT) and analyze short-term efficacy. Methods Retrospective search was conducted between 2017 and 2023. Patients with genetically confirmed SMA type 1 who were surgically treated for spinal deformity and receiving DMTs (nusinersen, risdiplam, or onasemnogene abeparvovec) were included. SMA types 2 and 3 and patients who do not receive DMTs were excluded. Clinical and radiographic data were collected at preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up visits. Results Twenty-eight patients (mean follow-up: 16 months (range 2-41)) were included. The mean age at surgery was 60 months (range 29-96). Fifteen were treated with dual magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR), four with unilateral MCGR and a contralateral guided growth system, three with Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR®) implants, five with self-distracting systems, and one with traditional dual growing rods. The mean amount of correction was 57% (44°± 17) for scoliosis and 83% (13°± 11) for pelvic obliquity. The mean T1-12 height gain during surgery was 31 mm (±16 mm), while the mean T1 S1 height gain was 51 mm (±24 mm), and instrumented growth was observed during follow-up. Five patients (18%) developed six serious adverse events: three surgical site infections, two anchor failures, and one rod fracture, and all required unplanned reoperations. No neurologic complication, difficulty during nusinersen injections, or respiratory decline was recorded. Conclusion We report that spinal deformity in this population can be safely treated with growth-friendly instrumentation, with similar complication rates when compared with SMA type 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riza Mert Cetik
- Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pursaklar State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dror Ovadia
- Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kiril Mladenov
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Hamburg-Altona, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Moyo C Kruyt
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilkka Helenius
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Ahonen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology, Children’s Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Studer
- Department of Orthopedics, University Children’s Hospital Basel (Universitats Kinderspital beider Basel), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Muharrem Yazici
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Alotaibi KM, Alsuhaibani M, Al-Essa KS, Bamaga AK, Mukhtar AS, Alrumaih AM, Al-Hasinah HF, Aldossary S, Alghamdi F, Temsah MH, Abanmy N, Alwhaibi M, Asiri Y, AlRuthia Y. The socioeconomic burden of spinal muscular atrophy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional pilot study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1303475. [PMID: 38362212 PMCID: PMC10867838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1303475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare debilitating condition with a significant burden for patients and society. However, little is known about how it affects Saudi Arabia's population. The socioeconomic and medical characteristics of affected SMA patients and their caregivers are lacking. Purpose This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic and medical characteristics of SMA patients and caregivers in Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using snowball sampling. Assessment tools including EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Costs for Patients Questionnaire (CoPaQ) were used to assess the quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, and out-of-pocket expenditures. Results Sixty-four caregivers of SMA patients participated. Type I patients had higher sibling concordance, ICU hospitalization, and mechanical support needs. Type III patients had better QoL. Type I patients' caregivers had higher depression scores. Type III patients' caregivers had higher out-of-pocket expenditures. Forty-eight percent received supportive care, while others received SMA approved therapies. Conclusion SMA imposes a significant socioeconomic burden on patients and caregivers, requiring more attention from the healthcare system. Access to innovative therapies varied across SMA types. Pre-marital screening and early detection are crucial to reduce disease incidence and ensure timely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khloud Mubark Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Alsuhaibani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. Al-Essa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Khamis Bamaga
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amnah S. Mukhtar
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mohammed Alrumaih
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, General Directorate for Health Services, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda F. Al-Hasinah
- Department of Pharmacy, Prince Sultan Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaikhah Aldossary
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Abanmy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousif Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Adam H, Gopinath SCB, Arshad MKM, Adam T, Subramaniam S, Hashim U. An Update on Parkinson's Disease and its Neurodegenerative Counterparts. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2770-2787. [PMID: 37016529 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230403085733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of diseases that cause nerve cell degeneration in the brain, resulting in a variety of symptoms and are not treatable with drugs. Parkinson's disease (PD), prion disease, motor neuron disease (MND), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal cerebral dyskinesia (SCA), spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) (ALS), pantothenate kinase-related neurodegeneration, and TDP-43 protein disorder are examples of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia is caused by the loss of brain and spinal cord nerve cells in neurodegenerative diseases. BACKGROUND Even though environmental and genetic predispositions have also been involved in the process, redox metal abuse plays a crucial role in neurodegeneration since the preponderance of symptoms originates from abnormal metal metabolism. METHOD Hence, this review investigates several neurodegenerative diseases that may occur symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease to understand the differences and similarities between Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders based on reviewing previously published papers. RESULTS Based on the findings, the aggregation of alpha-synuclein occurs in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Other neurodegenerative diseases occur with different protein aggregation or mutations. CONCLUSION We can conclude that Parkinson's disease, Multiple system atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy bodies are closely related. Therefore, researchers must distinguish among the three diseases to avoid misdiagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia with Lewy bodies with Parkinson's disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussaini Adam
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Subash C B Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia
| | - M K Md Arshad
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Tijjani Adam
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Sreeramanan Subramaniam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Georgetown, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia
- National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Georgetown, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Uda Hashim
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
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11
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Nafchi NAM, Chilcott EM, Brown S, Fuller HR, Bowerman M, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ. Enhanced expression of the human Survival motor neuron 1 gene from a codon-optimised cDNA transgene in vitro and in vivo. Gene Ther 2023; 30:812-825. [PMID: 37322133 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease particularly characterised by degeneration of ventral motor neurons. Survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene mutations cause SMA, and gene addition strategies to replace the faulty SMN1 copy are a therapeutic option. We have developed a novel, codon-optimised hSMN1 transgene and produced integration-proficient and integration-deficient lentiviral vectors with cytomegalovirus (CMV), human synapsin (hSYN) or human phosphoglycerate kinase (hPGK) promoters to determine the optimal expression cassette configuration. Integrating, CMV-driven and codon-optimised hSMN1 lentiviral vectors resulted in the highest production of functional SMN protein in vitro. Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors also led to significant expression of the optimised transgene and are expected to be safer than integrating vectors. Lentiviral delivery in culture led to activation of the DNA damage response, in particular elevating levels of phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (pATM) and γH2AX, but the optimised hSMN1 transgene showed some protective effects. Neonatal delivery of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) vector encoding the optimised transgene to the Smn2B/- mouse model of SMA resulted in a significant increase of SMN protein levels in liver and spinal cord. This work shows the potential of a novel codon-optimised hSMN1 transgene as a therapeutic strategy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda A M Nafchi
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ellie M Chilcott
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Sharon Brown
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Rafael J Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
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12
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Shell RD, McGrattan KE, Hurst-Davis R, Young SD, Baranello G, Lavrov A, O'Brien E, Wallach S, LaMarca N, Reyna SP, Darras BT. Onasemnogene abeparvovec preserves bulbar function in infants with presymptomatic spinal muscular atrophy: a post-hoc analysis of the SPR1NT trial. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:670-676. [PMID: 37455203 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Bulbar function in spinal muscular atrophy has been defined as the ability to meet nutritional needs by mouth while maintaining airway protection and communicate verbally. The effects of disease-modifying treatment on bulbar function are not clear. A multidisciplinary team conducted post-hoc analyses of phase 3 SPR1NT trial data to evaluate bulbar function of infants at risk for spinal muscular atrophy who received one-time gene replacement therapy (onasemnogene abeparvovec) before symptom onset. Three endpoints represented adequate bulbar function in SPR1NT: (1) absence of physiologic swallowing impairment, (2) full oral nutrition, and (3) absence of adverse events indicating pulmonary instability. Communication was not assessed in SPR1NT. We descriptively assessed numbers/percentages of children who achieved each endpoint and all three collectively. SPR1NT included infants <6 postnatal weeks with two (n = 14) or three (n = 15) copies of the survival motor neuron 2 gene. At study end (18 [two-copy cohort] or 24 [three-copy cohort] months of age), 100% (29/29) of patients swallowed normally, achieved full oral nutrition, maintained pulmonary stability, and achieved the composite endpoint. When administered to infants before clinical symptom onset, onasemnogene abeparvovec allowed children at risk for spinal muscular atrophy to achieve milestones within published normal ranges of development and preserve bulbar function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Shell
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Badina M, Bejan GC, Sporea C, Padure L, Mirea A, Leanca MC, Axente M, Grigoras FP, Bejan M, Shelby ES, Neagu E, Ion DA. Changes in pNFH Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Motor Evolution after the Loading Dose with Nusinersen in Different Types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1244. [PMID: 37512056 PMCID: PMC10385472 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Aim and Objectives: The objective of our retrospective study was to investigate the changes in pNFH levels in cerebrospinal fluid, which is a reliable marker of neuronal damage, after the loading dose of nusinersen in different types of spinal muscular atrophy. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the spinal muscular atrophy types, the number of copies of the SMN2 gene, and the progression of the motor status using specific motor function scales in a group of 38 patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1, 2, and 3. Results: We found a significant inverse correlation between pNFH levels and patient age, progress on functional motor scales, and nusinersen administration. Our results also revealed that the neurofilament levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were higher in patients with 2 SMN2 copies than those with more than 2 copies, although the association was not statistically significant due to the abnormal distribution of the values. Conclusions: We identified several predictors of favorable evolution under nusinersen treatment, including spinal muscular atrophy type 1, children aged ≤ 30 months, and the presence of only 2 copies of SMN2. Our study provides important insights into the use of pNFH as a biomarker to monitor disease progression and responses to treatment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Badina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel Cristian Bejan
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 8 Eroii Sanitari Bvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Sporea
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Padure
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrada Mirea
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Madalina-Cristina Leanca
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Axente
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Petru Grigoras
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Bejan
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Neagu
- National Teaching Center for Children's Neurorehabilitation "Dr. Nicolae Robanescu", 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Adriana Ion
- Department of Pathophysiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Prof. Dr. Matei Bals, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 1 Calistrat Grozovici Street, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Čupāne TL, Dīriks M, Tauriņa G, Korņejeva L, Gailīte L, Mālniece I, Auzenbaha M. The First Registered Type 0 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patient in Latvia: Call for Change in Prenatal Diagnostic Procedures. Case Rep Med 2023; 2023:3480298. [PMID: 37303748 PMCID: PMC10250090 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3480298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report presents the first registered patient in Latvia with type 0 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). During the first-trimester ultrasonography of the unborn patient, an increased thickness of the nuchal fold was detected. The mother reported decreased foetal movements during the pregnancy. After the boy was born, his general condition was extremely severe. The clinical signs indicated a suspected neuromuscular disorder. A precise diagnosis, type 0 SMA, was determined 7 days after birth through a newborn pilot-screening for SMA, which was conducted for all newborns whose parents consented to participate. The condition of the infant deteriorated. He had severe respiratory distress followed by multiple events leading to his death. Currently, there are only a few published case reports detailing an increased nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in association with a diagnosis of SMA in the foetus. However, an increased NT measurement is a clinically relevant sign as it can be related to genetic syndromes, foetal malformations, disruptions, and dysplasias. Since there is no cure for infants with type 0 SMA at present, it is crucial to be able to detect this disease prenatally in order to provide the best possible care for the patient and parents. This includes the provision of palliative care for the patient, among other measures. This case report highlights the prenatal signs and symptoms in relation to type 0 SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tīna Luīze Čupāne
- University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, Riga, Latvia
- European Reference Network EURO-NMD, Paris, France
| | - Mikus Dīriks
- European Reference Network EURO-NMD, Paris, France
- Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Riga, Latvia
| | - Gita Tauriņa
- Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH), Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnostic Clinic, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Linda Gailīte
- Riga Stradins University, Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ieva Mālniece
- Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH), Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnostic Clinic, Riga, Latvia
| | - Madara Auzenbaha
- Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH), Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnostic Clinic, Riga, Latvia
- Riga Stradins University, Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga, Latvia
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15
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Arbab M, Matuszek Z, Kray KM, Du A, Newby GA, Blatnik AJ, Raguram A, Richter MF, Zhao KT, Levy JM, Shen MW, Arnold WD, Wang D, Xie J, Gao G, Burghes AHM, Liu DR. Base editing rescue of spinal muscular atrophy in cells and in mice. Science 2023; 380:eadg6518. [PMID: 36996170 PMCID: PMC10270003 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg6518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, arises from survival motor neuron (SMN) protein insufficiency resulting from SMN1 loss. Approved therapies circumvent endogenous SMN regulation and require repeated dosing or may wane. We describe genome editing of SMN2, an insufficient copy of SMN1 harboring a C6>T mutation, to permanently restore SMN protein levels and rescue SMA phenotypes. We used nucleases or base editors to modify five SMN2 regulatory regions. Base editing converted SMN2 T6>C, restoring SMN protein levels to wild type. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated base editor delivery in Δ7SMA mice yielded 87% average T6>C conversion, improved motor function, and extended average life span, which was enhanced by one-time base editor and nusinersen coadministration (111 versus 17 days untreated). These findings demonstrate the potential of a one-time base editing treatment for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Arbab
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Zaneta Matuszek
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M. Kray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ailing Du
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Anton J. Blatnik
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michelle F. Richter
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kevin T. Zhao
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Levy
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Max W. Shen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - W. David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arthur H. M. Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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16
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Bai J, Qu Y, OuYang S, Jiao H, Wang Y, Li J, Huang W, Zhao Y, Peng X, Wang D, Jin Y, Wang H, Song F. Novel Alu-mediated deletions of the SMN1 gene were identified by ultra-long read sequencing technology in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:382-390. [PMID: 37023488 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by biallelic variants of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. In this study, our aim was to make a molecular diagnosis in two patients with SMA carrying only one SMN1 copy number. Using ultra-long read sequencing (Ultra-LRS), 1415 bp deletion and 3348 bp deletion of the SMN1 gene were identified in patient 1 and the father of patient 2, respectively. Ultra-LRS revealed two novel deletions, starting from the SMN1 promoter to intron 1. It also accurately provided the location of the deletion breakpoints in the SMN1 gene: chr5 g.70,924,798-70,926,212 for a 1415 bp deletion; chr5 g.70,922,695-70,926,042 for a 3348 bp deletion. By analyzing the breakpoint junctions, we identified that these genomic sequences were composed of Alu sequences, including AluJb, AluYm1, AluSq, and AluYm1, indicating that Alu-mediated rearrangements are a mechanism of SMN1 deletion events. In addition, full-length SMN1 transcripts and SMN protein in patient 1 were significantly decreased (p < 0.01), suggesting that a 1415 bp deletion that included the transcription and translation initiation sites of the SMN1 gene had severe consequences for SMN expression. Ultra-LRS can easily distinguish highly homozygous genes compared to other detection technologies, which is useful for detecting SMN1 intragenic mutations, to quickly discover structural rearrangements and to precisely present the breakpoint positions.
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17
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Chen X, Harting J, Farrow E, Thiffault I, Kasperaviciute D, Hoischen A, Gilissen C, Pastinen T, Eberle MA. Comprehensive SMN1 and SMN2 profiling for spinal muscular atrophy analysis using long-read PacBio HiFi sequencing. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:240-250. [PMID: 36669496 PMCID: PMC9943720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy, a leading cause of early infant death, is caused by bi-allelic mutations of SMN1. Sequence analysis of SMN1 is challenging due to high sequence similarity with its paralog SMN2. Both genes have variable copy numbers across populations. Furthermore, without pedigree information, it is currently not possible to identify silent carriers (2+0) with two copies of SMN1 on one chromosome and zero copies on the other. We developed Paraphase, an informatics method that identifies full-length SMN1 and SMN2 haplotypes, determines the gene copy numbers, and calls phased variants using long-read PacBio HiFi data. The SMN1 and SMN2 copy-number calls by Paraphase are highly concordant with orthogonal methods (99.2% for SMN1 and 100% for SMN2). We applied Paraphase to 438 samples across 5 ethnic populations to conduct a population-wide haplotype analysis of these highly homologous genes. We identified major SMN1 and SMN2 haplogroups and characterized their co-segregation through pedigree-based analyses. We identified two SMN1 haplotypes that form a common two-copy SMN1 allele in African populations. Testing positive for these two haplotypes in an individual with two copies of SMN1 gives a silent carrier risk of 88.5%, which is significantly higher than the currently used marker (1.7%-3.0%). Extending beyond simple copy-number testing, Paraphase can detect pathogenic variants and enable potential haplotype-based screening of silent carriers through statistical phasing of haplotypes into alleles. Future analysis of larger population data will allow identification of more diverse haplotypes and genetic markers for silent carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Farrow
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Expertise Center for Immunodeficiency and Autoinflammation and Radboud Center for Infectious Disease (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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18
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Abstract
There are more than 7,000 paediatric genetic diseases (PGDs) but less than 5% have treatment options. Treatment strategies targeting different levels of the biological process of the disease have led to optimal health outcomes in a subset of patients with PGDs, where treatment is available. In the past 3 decades, there has been rapid advancement in the development of novel therapies, including gene therapy, for many PGDs. The therapeutic success of treatment relies heavily on knowledge of the genetic basis and the disease mechanism. Specifically, gene therapy has been shown to be effective in various clinical trials, and indeed, these trials have led to regulatory approvals, paving the way for gene therapies for other types of PGDs. In this review, we provide an overview of the treatment strategies and focus on some of the recent advancements in therapeutics for PGDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Ling Koh
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore,SingHealth Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Duke-NUS Medical School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saumya Shekhar Jamuar
- Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore,SingHealth Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Duke-NUS Medical School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore,SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, Singapore,Correspondence: Dr. Saumya Shekhar Jamuar, Senior Consultant, Genetics Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore. E-mail:
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19
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Mouchet J, Roumpanis S, Gaki E, Lipnick S, Oskoui M, Scalco RS, Darras BT. Disease Burden of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Comparative Cohort Study Using Insurance Claims Data in the USA. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:41-53. [PMID: 36314213 PMCID: PMC9881018 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by homozygous deletion or loss-of-function mutations of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, resulting in reduced levels of SMN protein throughout the body. Patients with SMA may have multiple tissue defects, which could present prior to neuromuscular symptoms. OBJECTIVE To assess the signs, comorbidities and potential extraneural manifestations associated with SMA in treatment-naïve patients. METHODS This observational, retrospective and matched-cohort study used secondary insurance claims data from the US IBM® MarketScan® Commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Supplemental databases between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2013. Treatment-naïve individuals aged≤65 years with≥2 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) SMA codes were stratified into four groups (A-D), according to age at index (date of first SMA code recorded) and type of ICD-9 code used, and matched with non-SMA controls. The occurrence of ICD-9 codes, which were converted to various classifications (phecodes and system classes), were compared between groups in pre- and post-index periods. RESULTS A total of 1,457 individuals with SMA were included and matched to 13,362 controls. Increasing numbers of SMA-associated phecodes and system classes were generally observed from pre- to post-index across all groups. The strongest associations were observed in the post-index period for the youngest age groups. Endocrine/metabolic disorders were associated with SMA in almost all groups and across time periods. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study confirmed the considerable disease burden in patients with SMA and identified 305 unique phecodes associated with SMA, providing a rationale for further research into the natural history and progression of SMA, including extraneural manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Mouchet
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland,Correspondence to: Julie Mouchet, PhD, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Real World Data (RWD) Enabling Platform, Global PD Data Sciences, Tel.: +41 79 968 50 85; E-mail:
| | | | - Eleni Gaki
- Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Scott Lipnick
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,
Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Center for Assessment Technology & Continuous Health (CATCH), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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D’Silva AM, Kariyawasam D, Venkat P, Mayoh C, Farrar MA. Identification of Novel CSF-Derived miRNAs in Treated Paediatric Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Exploratory Study. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010170. [PMID: 36678797 PMCID: PMC9865256 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of disease modifying therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have created an urgent need to identify clinically meaningful biomarkers that provide insight into disease progression and therapeutic response. microRNAs (miRNA) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of SMA and have the potential to provide insight within the field of SMA. miRNA-sequencing was utilized to identify differential miRNA expression in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in six children with SMA treated with nusinersen in this exploratory study. Fourteen differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly altered in CSF from baseline to follow-up during treatment with nusinersen. The greatest magnitude of change was noted in miR-7-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-3p/5p, miR-126-5p, miR-128-2-5p and miR-130a-3p which encompassed a spectrum of functions predominantly in neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation and growth. The dominant signaling pathways identified in this study were the mammalian target of rapamycin and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. This study identified multiple miRNAs that were involved in the complex interplay between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene M. D’Silva
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-5517
| | - Didu Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Pooja Venkat
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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21
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A high-throughput newborn screening approach for SCID, SMA, and SCD combining multiplex qPCR and tandem mass spectrometry. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283024. [PMID: 36897914 PMCID: PMC10004496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and sickle cell disease (SCD) improves health outcomes by providing a specific treatment before the onset of symptoms. A high-throughput nucleic acid-based method in newborn screening (NBS) has been shown to be fast and cost-effective in the early detection of these diseases. Screening for SCD has been included in Germany's NBS Program since Fall 2021 and typically requires high-throughput NBS laboratories to adopt analytical platforms that are demanding in terms of instrumentation and personnel. Thus, we developed a combined approach applying a multiplexed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for simultaneous SCID, SMA, and 1st-tier SCD screening, followed by a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assay for 2nd-tier SCD screening. DNA is extracted from a 3.2-mm dried blood spot from which we simultaneously quantify T-cell receptor excision circles for SCID screening, identify the homozygous SMN1 exon 7 deletion for SMA screening, and determine the integrity of the DNA extraction through the quantification of a housekeeping gene. In our two-tier SCD screening strategy, our multiplex qPCR identifies samples carrying the HBB: c.20A>T allele that is coding for sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS). Subsequently, the 2nd tier MS/MS assay is used to distinguish heterozygous HbS/A carriers from samples of patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous SCD. Between July 2021 and March 2022, 96,015 samples were screened by applying the newly implemented assay. The screening revealed two positive SCID cases, while 14 newborns with SMA were detected. Concurrently, the qPCR assay registered HbS in 431 samples which were submitted to 2nd-tier SCD screening, resulting in 17 HbS/S, five HbS/C, and two HbS/β thalassemia patients. The results of our quadruplex qPCR assay demonstrate a cost-effective and fast approach for a combined screening of three diseases that benefit from nucleic-acid based methods in high-throughput NBS laboratories.
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22
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Leon-Astudillo C, Wagner M, Salabarria SM, Lammers J, Berthy J, Zingariello CD, Byrne BJ, Smith BK. Polysomnography findings in children with spinal muscular atrophy after onasemnogene-abeparvovec. Sleep Med 2023; 101:234-237. [PMID: 36442421 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). While polysomnography (PSG) findings have been described in natural history studies of patients with SMA, reports regarding PSG in treated children are limited to nusinersen. We aim to describe the sleep characteristics in a cohort of children treated with Onasemnogene-abeparvovec. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of children with SMA followed at the University of Florida Center for neuromuscular and rare diseases and had a diagnostic or split night PSG after SMA treatment. RESULTS Eight children were included in the cohort (four female), aged 5-250 days at diagnosis. Five children had two survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) copies, two had three SMN2 copies and one subject had four SMN2 copies. Median age at the time of treatment was 46.5 days (range 20-257). All children received onasemnogene-abeparvovec (OA) before their PSG; in addition to OA, one received nusinersen and one received risdiplam. Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ranged from 3.6 to 24.1/h. REM AHI was higher than NREM AHI. Median Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant test of neuromuscular disorders (CHOP-Intend) score at the time of PSG was 55 (range 33-64). There was no correlation between age at treatment, CHOP-Intend score and AHI. CONCLUSION SDB is common in treated children with SMA, regardless of age at diagnosis, treatment and neuromotor scores. While AHI may not be the only indicator of SDB in this population, indications, timing of PSG in this cohort remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Mary Wagner
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie M Salabarria
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jenna Lammers
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Julie Berthy
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carla D Zingariello
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barbara K Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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23
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McGrattan KE, Shell RD, Hurst-Davis R, Young SD, O’Brien E, Lavrov A, Wallach S, LaMarca N, Reyna SP, Darras BT. Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 Achieve and Maintain Bulbar Function Following Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Treatment. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:531-540. [PMID: 37092232 PMCID: PMC10357176 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvement and maintenance of bulbar function are goals of disease-modifying treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Lack of standardized measures and a widely accepted definition of bulbar function represents a gap in SMA care. OBJECTIVE A multidisciplinary team conducted post-hoc analyses of pooled data from one phase 1 (START) and two phase 3 (STR1VE-US, STR1VE-EU) studies to define and evaluate bulbar function of infants with SMA type 1 after receiving one-time gene replacement therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec. METHODS We defined bulbar function as the ability to meet nutritional needs while maintaining airway protection and the ability to communicate verbally. Four endpoints represented adequate bulbar function: (1) absence of clinician-identified physiologic swallowing impairment, (2) receiving full oral nutrition, (3) absence of adverse events indicating pulmonary instability, and (4) the ability to vocalize at least two different, distinct vowel sounds. We descriptively assessed numbers/percentages of patients who achieved each endpoint and all four collectively. Patients were followed until 18 months old (STR1VE-US and STR1VE-EU) or 24 months (START) post-infusion. RESULTS Overall, 65 patients were analyzed for swallowing, nutrition intake, and adverse events, and 20 were analyzed for communication. At study end, 92% (60/65) of patients had a normal swallow, 75% (49/65) achieved full oral nutrition, 92% (60/65) had no evidence of pulmonary instability, 95% (19/20) met the communication endpoint, and 75% (15/20) achieved all four bulbar function components in the composite endpoint. CONCLUSIONS In these three clinical trials, patients with SMA type 1 who received onasemnogene abeparvovec achieved and maintained the bulbar function criteria utilized within this investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Shell
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Leon-Astudillo C, Byrne BJ, Salloum RG. Addressing the implementation gap in advanced therapeutics for spinal muscular atrophy in the era of newborn screening programs. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1064194. [PMID: 36578307 PMCID: PMC9790909 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1064194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that results in progressive neuromuscular weakness. Without therapy, the most common form of the disease, type 1, typically results in death or chronic respiratory failure in the first 2 years of life. Thanks to the recent introduction of newborn screening programs and the discovery of three disease-modifying therapies in the last decade, the outcomes of children with SMA have dramatically improved. Patients are able to achieve many, if not all, of the typical neuromotor milestones, such as sitting, standing and walking, as well as safe oral intake. As the natural history of treated patients is continuously evolving, children with SMA continue to require complex and multidisciplinary care, posing implementation and sustainability challenges. Accordingly, there is a significant need for the application and evaluation of implementation science to address the steps involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SMA, ensuring that all pertinent stakeholders and systems are working effectively to deliver timely and appropriate care. In this manuscript, we discuss the current challenges and gaps in the care for children with SMA, as well as how implementation science can advance this field. In addition, we provide an adapted implementation science framework that includes the main domains and subdomains involved in the care of patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Carmen Leon-Astudillo
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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25
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Hassan HA, Fahmy NA, El-Bagoury NM, Eissa NR, Sharaf-Eldin WE, Issa MY, Zaki MS, Essawi ML. MLPA analysis for molecular diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy and correlation of 5q13.2 genes with disease phenotype in Egyptian patients. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00373-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease representing the most prevalent monogenic cause of infant mortality. It results from the loss of SMN1 gene, but retention of its paralog SMN2 whose copy number can modulate the disease severity and guide the therapeutic regimen.
Methods
For SMA molecular analysis, 236 unrelated Egyptian patients were enrolled at our institution. The Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis (MLPA) was applied to investigate the main genetic defect in the enrolled patients (SMN1 loss) and to determine a possible genotype–phenotype correlation between the copy number of other genes in the SMN locus (5q13.2) and disease severity in Egyptian patients with SMA. A small cohort of healthy subjects (n = 57) was also included to investigate the possible differences in the distributions of SMN2 and NAIP genes between patients and healthy individuals.
Results
Disease diagnosis was confirmed in only 148 patients (62.7%) highlighting the clinical overlapping of the disease and emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnosis. In patients with homozygous SMN1 loss, the disease was mediated by gene deletion and conversion in 135 (91.2%) and 13 (8.8%) patients, respectively. In the study cohort, SMN2 and NAIP copy numbers were inversely correlated with disease severity. However, no significant association was detected between GTF2H2A and SERF1B copy numbers and patient phenotype. Significant differences were demonstrated in the copy numbers of SMN2 and NAIP between SMA patients and healthy subjects.
Conclusion
Molecular analysis of SMA is essential for disease diagnosis. Consistent with previous studies on other populations, there is a close relationship between SMN2 and NAIP copy numbers and clinical phenotype. Additionally, potential differences in these two genes distributions are existing between patients and healthy subjects. National program for carrier screening should be established as a preventive disease strategy. On the other hand, neonatal testing would provide accurate estimation for disease incidence.
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Day JW, Howell K, Place A, Long K, Rossello J, Kertesz N, Nomikos G. Advances and limitations for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:632. [PMID: 36329412 PMCID: PMC9632131 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA; SMA), a genetic neuromuscular condition affecting spinal motor neurons, is caused by defects in both copies of the SMN1 gene that produces survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. The highly homologous SMN2 gene primarily expresses a rapidly degraded isoform of SMN protein that causes anterior horn cell degeneration, progressive motor neuron loss, skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness. Severe cases result in limited mobility and ventilatory insufficiency. Untreated SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in young children. Recently, three therapeutics that increase SMN protein levels in patients with SMA have provided incremental improvements in motor function and developmental milestones and prevented the worsening of SMA symptoms. While the therapeutic approaches with Spinraza®, Zolgensma®, and Evrysdi® have a clinically significant impact, they are not curative. For many patients, there remains a significant disease burden. A potential combination therapy under development for SMA targets myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass and strength. Myostatin inhibition in animal models increases muscle mass and function. Apitegromab is an investigational, fully human, monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to proforms of myostatin, promyostatin and latent myostatin, thereby inhibiting myostatin activation. A recently completed phase 2 trial demonstrated the potential clinical benefit of apitegromab by improving or stabilizing motor function in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA and providing positive proof-of-concept for myostatin inhibition as a target for managing SMA. The primary goal of this manuscript is to orient physicians to the evolving landscape of SMA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Day
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jose Rossello
- Scholar Rock, Inc, 301 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Never-homozygous genetic variants in healthy populations are potential recessive disease candidates. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:54. [PMID: 36075934 PMCID: PMC9458638 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid pace with which genetic variants are now being determined means there is a pressing need to understand how they affect biological systems. Variants from healthy individuals have previously been used to study blood groups or HLA diversity and to identify genes that can apparently be nonfunctional in healthy people. These studies and others have observed a lower than expected frequency of homozygous individuals for potentially deleterious alleles, which would suggest that several of these alleles can lead to recessive disorders. Here we exploited this principle to hunt for potential disease variants in genomes from healthy people. We identified at least 108 exclusively heterozygous variants with evidence for an impact on biological function. We discuss several examples of candidate variants/genes including CCDC8, PANK3, RHD and NLRP12. Overall, the results suggest there are many, comparatively frequent, potentially lethal or disease-causing variants lurking in healthy human populations.
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Al Jumah M, Al Rajeh S, Eyaid W, Al‐Jedai A, Al Mudaiheem H, Al Shehri A, Hussein M, Al Abdulkareem I. Spinal muscular atrophy carrier frequency in Saudi Arabia. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2049. [PMID: 36062320 PMCID: PMC9651606 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Dystrophy (SMA) is one of the leading causes of death in infants and young children from heritable diseases. Although no large-scale popultion-based studies have been done in Saudi Arabia, it is reported that the incidence of SMA is higher in the Saudi population partly because of the high degree of consanguineous marriages. METHODS The final analysis included 4198 normal volunteers aged between 18 and 25 years old, 54.7% males, and 45.3% females. Whole blood was spotted directly from finger pricks onto IsoCode StixTM and genomic DNA was isolated using one triangle from the machine. To discern the SMN1 copy number independently from SMN2, Multiplex PCR with Dral restriction fragment analysis was completed. We used the carrier frequency and population-level data to estimate the prevalence of SMA in the population using the life-table method. RESULTS This data analysis showed the presence of one copy of the SMN1 gene in 108 samples and two copies in 4090 samples, which resulted from a carrier frequency of 2.6%. The carrier frequency was twofold in females reaching 3.7% compared to 1.6% in males. 27% of participants were children of first-cousin marriages. We estimated the birth incidence of SMA to be 32 per 100,000 birth and the total number of people living with SMA in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be 2265 of which 188 are type I, 1213 are type II, and 8,64 are type III. CONCLUSION The SMA carrier rate of 2.6% in Saudi control subjects is slightly higher than the reported global frequency of 1.25 to 2% with links to the high degree of consanguinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al Jumah
- King Abdullah International Medical Research CentreRiyadhSaudi Arabia,Neurology DepartmentKing Fahd Medical City HospitalRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Saad Al Rajeh
- Neurology DivisionKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Wafaa Eyaid
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics divisionKing Abdul Aziz Medical CityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al‐Jedai
- Deputyship of Therapeutic AffairsMinistry of HealthRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali Al Shehri
- Neuromuscular Integrated practice Unit, Neuroscience CentreKing Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Hussein
- Neurology DepartmentKing Fahd Medical City HospitalRiyadhSaudi Arabia
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Panagiotou P, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Kaditis AG. Changes in Ventilatory Support Requirements of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patients Post Gene-Based Therapies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9081207. [PMID: 36010097 PMCID: PMC9406975 DOI: 10.3390/children9081207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disease resulting in global muscular weakness and, frequently, in respiratory failure and premature death. Gene-based therapies like Nusinersen are now available for patients with SMA. The aim of this review was to assess in "real world" studies, whether novel treatments would have a positive impact on the mechanical ventilatory support requirements of SMA patients, already initiated on ventilatory support prior to treatment administration. A literature search was performed in Pubmed using multiple combinations of MESH terms and the snowball procedure. A total of 14 publications were discussed in this review. Considering all patients included in the published studies who were on ventilatory support and were treated with Nusinersen, 13/172 (7.5%) had reduced needs for ventilatory support, 1/172 (0.6%) did not need ventilation post-treatment, and 122/172 (70.9%) were maintained on the same ventilator settings. Moreover, 2/41 (4.9%) children who were offered gene therapy had no need for further ventilatory support and 12/41 (29.2%) had reduced requirements. In conclusion, available evidence suggests that among children with SMA, who are on mechanical respiratory support either noninvasively or via tracheostomy at the time of gene-based treatment, only a few will be weaned off the ventilator or have reduced ventilator needs per 24 h. Children will usually require the same level of support as before treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Panagiotou
- Department on Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G. Kaditis
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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30
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Jin W, Yang Z, Tang X, Wang X, Huang Y, Hui C, Yao J, Luan J, Tang S, Wu S, Jin S, Ding C. Simultaneous quantification of SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for spinal muscular atrophy genetic testing. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 532:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Kanda S, Moulton E, Butchbach MER. Effects of inhibitors of SLC9A-type sodium-protein exchangers on Survival Motor Neuron 2 ( SMN2) mRNA splicing and expression. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:92-105. [PMID: 35667685 PMCID: PMC9341265 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive, pediatric-onset disorder caused by the loss of spinal motor neurons thereby leading to muscle atrophy. SMA is caused by the loss of or mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN1 is duplicated in humans to give rise to the paralogous SMN2 gene. This paralog is nearly identical except for a cytosine to thymine (C-to-T) transition within an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) element within exon 7. As a result, the majority of SMN2 transcripts lack exon 7 (SMNΔ7) which produces a truncated and unstable SMN protein. Since SMN2 copy number is inversely related to disease severity, it is a well-established target for SMA therapeutics development. 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA), an inhibitor of sodium/proton exchangers (NHEs), has previously been shown to increase exon 7 inclusion and SMN protein levels in SMA cells. In this study, NHE inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to modulate SMN2 expression. EIPA as well as 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) increase exon 7 inclusion in SMN2 splicing reporter lines as well as in SMA fibroblasts. The EIPA-induced exon 7 inclusion occurs via a unique mechanism that does not involve previously identified splicing factors. Transcriptome analysis identified novel targets, including TIA1 and FABP3, for further characterization. EIPA and HMA are more selective at inhibiting the NHE5 isoform, which is expressed in fibroblasts as well as in neuronal cells. These results show that NHE5 inhibition increases SMN2 expression and may be a novel target for therapeutics development. Significance Statement This study demonstrates a molecular mechanism by which inhibitors of the sodium-protein exchanger increase the alternative splicing of SMN2 in spinal muscular atrophy cells. NHE5 selective inhibitors increase the inclusion of full-length SMN2 mRNAs by targeting TIA1 and FABP3 expression, which is distinct from other small molecule regulators of SMN2 alternative splicing. This study provides a novel means to increase full-length SMN2 expression and a novel target for therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambee Kanda
- Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, United States
| | - Emily Moulton
- Biomedical Research, Nemours Children's Hospital Delaware, United States
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Menard J, Seferian AM, Fleurence E, Barzic A, Binoche A, Labouret G, Coutier L, Vuillerot C, Bieleu BM, Gomez Garcia de la Banda M, Corvol H, Servais L, Taytard J. Respiratory management of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients treated with Nusinersen. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:1505-1512. [PMID: 35307979 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent development of disease-modifying treatments in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 shifted these patients' management from palliative to proactive. The aim of this study was to assess patients' nocturnal gas exchanges before noninvasive ventilation (NIV) initiation and their clinical evolution to determine if capnia is a good criterion to decide when to introduce respiratory support. PATIENTS AND METHODS This multicentric retrospective study reports the respiratory management and evolution of 17 SMA type 1 children (10 females) for whom treatment with Nusinersen was initiated between 2016 and 2018. RESULTS Median [interquartile range-IQR] age at diagnosis and at first Nusinersen injection was of 4 [3;8] and 4 [3;9] months, respectively. Patients were followed during 38 [24;44] months. Thirteen (76%) patients were started on NIV at a median [IQR] age of 12 [9;18] months. Repeated hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions were needed for 11 of them. Blood gas and nocturnal gas exchange recordings performed before NIV initiation were always normal. 9/13 X-ray performed before NIV showed atelectasis and/or acute lower respiratory tract infections. There was a significant decrease in the total number of hospital admissions between the first and second year of treatment (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION This study shows that patients do not present with nocturnal hypoventilation before respiratory decompensations and NIV initiation, and suggests that a delay in NIV initiation might result in respiratory complications. There is a need for disease-centered guidelines for the respiratory management of these patients, including NIV indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Menard
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Armand Trousseau University Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Audrey Barzic
- Department of Pediatric, Fondation Ildys, Brest, France
| | - Alexandra Binoche
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Géraldine Labouret
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurianne Coutier
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Reference Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Hôpital Mère Enfant, Bron, France.,U1028, CNRL, Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Carole Vuillerot
- Service de Rééducation Pédiatrique Infantile "L'Escale", Hôpital Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Neuromyogen Institute, CNRS UMR 5310-INSERM U1219, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Blaise M Bieleu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and ICU, AP-HP Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France.,Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Garches-Necker-Mondor-Hendaye (GNMH), Centre Nord- Est- Ile de France, Réseau national des maladies neuromusculaires, FILNEMUS, France.,European Reference Center Network (Euro-NMD ERN)
| | - Marta Gomez Garcia de la Banda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and ICU, AP-HP Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France.,Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Garches-Necker-Mondor-Hendaye (GNMH), Centre Nord- Est- Ile de France, Réseau national des maladies neuromusculaires, FILNEMUS, France.,European Reference Center Network (Euro-NMD ERN).,URC APHP Paris-Saclay 4 Institut de Myologie, Paris 5 APHP Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garche, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Armand Trousseau University Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
| | - Laurent Servais
- Department of Paediatrics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Division of Child Neurology Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University Hospital Liège & University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jessica Taytard
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Armand Trousseau University Hospital, Paris, France.,UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,European Reference Network-Lung (ERN-Lung)
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McMillan HJ, Proud CM, Farrar MA, Alexander IE, Muntoni F, Servais L. Onasemnogene abeparvovec for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1075-1090. [PMID: 35437095 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2066471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) represents a significant milestone in the treatment of neurologic diseases. SMA is a neurodegenerative disease that results in motor neuron loss because of mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 gene, which directs survival motor neuron (SMN) protein production. Onasemnogene abeparvovec, a one-time gene replacement therapy, delivers a functional transgene to restore SMN protein expression. Onasemnogene abeparvovec has demonstrated improved survival and motor milestone achievements for presymptomatic infants and patients with SMA type 1. AREAS COVERED This expert review describes the current state of gene therapy for SMA, reviews the mechanism of and clinical experience with onasemnogene abeparvovec, explains future efforts to expand applications of gene therapy for SMA, and provides context for developing gene therapy for other conditions. EXPERT OPINION Onasemnogene abeparvovec has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials and, because of this, is a valuable treatment option for patients with symptomatic infantile SMA and those identified by newborn screening. Gene therapy is still in its infancy, and challenges and uncertainties associated with transgene delivery must be addressed. With ongoing development of vector technology, more specific tissue tropism, reduced "off-target" effects, and an enhanced safety profile will continue to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J McMillan
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Crystal M Proud
- Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney.,Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Laurent Servais
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège & Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Lo SH, Lawrence C, Martí Y, Café A, Lloyd AJ. Patient and Caregiver Treatment Preferences in Type 2 and Non-ambulatory Type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Discrete Choice Experiment Survey in Five European Countries. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:103-115. [PMID: 34897574 PMCID: PMC8994736 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects motor neurons, resulting in progressive skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine treatment preferences of patients and caregivers of patients with Type 2 and non-ambulatory Type 3 SMA in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland and Portugal. METHODS A discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey was developed to elicit the preferences of adult patients and caregivers regarding different treatment aspects of SMA. This survey built on the design of a similar study undertaken in the UK. The DCE described choice questions in terms of attributes and levels combined using a D-efficient design. The attributes described improvements or worsening in motor and breathing function. The mode of treatment administration (intrathecal injection, single intravenous infusion or regular oral therapy) was described. Treatment risks and side effects related to currently available treatments including risk of liver injury, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and rash were described. Lastly, an attribute described whether a treatment had evidence of treatment effectiveness in different SMA types. Participants were recruited via patient advocacy associations to complete an online survey. A clustered conditional logit model was used to estimate treatment preferences. RESULTS Participants (n = 65) were 4.8 times and 8.1 times more likely to choose a treatment with stable or improved (vs worse) motor function, respectively. Similarly, participants were 4.3 times and 5.8 times more likely to choose stable or improved (vs worse) breathing function, respectively. Treatments with a risk of liver injury, fatigue, headache and nausea were 1.6 times less likely to be chosen than treatments with a risk of diarrhoea and rash. Treatments with demonstrated effectiveness in Type 1 SMA only were 2.3 times less likely to be chosen than those with demonstrated effectiveness in Types 1-3 SMA. Treatments administered via intrathecal injections were also 1.8 times less likely to be chosen than daily oral treatments. DISCUSSION Study results show the importance of improvement as well as stabilisation of motor and breathing function to patients and caregivers, and a preference for oral treatments, treatments with demonstrated effectiveness in Types 2-3 SMA, and avoidance of liver injury risk.
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Vollger MR, Guitart X, Dishuck PC, Mercuri L, Harvey WT, Gershman A, Diekhans M, Sulovari A, Munson KM, Lewis AP, Hoekzema K, Porubsky D, Li R, Nurk S, Koren S, Miga KH, Phillippy AM, Timp W, Ventura M, Eichler EE. Segmental duplications and their variation in a complete human genome. Science 2022; 376:eabj6965. [PMID: 35357917 PMCID: PMC8979283 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj6965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite their importance in disease and evolution, highly identical segmental duplications (SDs) are among the last regions of the human reference genome (GRCh38) to be fully sequenced. Using a complete telomere-to-telomere human genome (T2T-CHM13), we present a comprehensive view of human SD organization. SDs account for nearly one-third of the additional sequence, increasing the genome-wide estimate from 5.4 to 7.0% [218 million base pairs (Mbp)]. An analysis of 268 human genomes shows that 91% of the previously unresolved T2T-CHM13 SD sequence (68.3 Mbp) better represents human copy number variation. Comparing long-read assemblies from human (n = 12) and nonhuman primate (n = 5) genomes, we systematically reconstruct the evolution and structural haplotype diversity of biomedically relevant and duplicated genes. This analysis reveals patterns of structural heterozygosity and evolutionary differences in SD organization between humans and other primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R Vollger
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xavi Guitart
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Philip C Dishuck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ludovica Mercuri
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Aldo Moro, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - William T Harvey
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ariel Gershman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Diekhans
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Arvis Sulovari
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine M Munson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexandra P Lewis
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kendra Hoekzema
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Porubsky
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ruiyang Li
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sergey Nurk
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sergey Koren
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karen H Miga
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Winston Timp
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mario Ventura
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Aldo Moro, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Regensburger AP, Wagner AL, Danko V, Jüngert J, Federle A, Klett D, Schuessler S, Buehler A, Neurath MF, Roos A, Lochmüller H, Woelfle J, Trollmann R, Waldner MJ, Knieling F. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography for non-invasive disease phenotyping in pediatric spinal muscular atrophy patients. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2022; 25:100315. [PMID: 34849338 PMCID: PMC8607197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2021.100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare progressive, life limiting genetic motor neuron disease. While promising causal therapies are available, meaningful prognostic biomarkers for therapeutic monitoring are missing. We demonstrate handheld Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) as a novel non-invasive imaging approach to visualize and quantify muscle wasting in pediatric SMA. While MSOT signals were distributed homogeneously in muscles of healthy volunteers (HVs), SMA patients showed moth-eaten optoacoustic signal patterns. Further signal quantification revealed greatest differences between groups at the isosbestic point for hemoglobin (SWL 800 nm). The SWL 800 nm signal intensities further correlated with clinical phenotype tested by standard motor outcome measures. Therefore, handheld MSOT could enable non-invasive assessment of disease burden in SMA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P. Regensburger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandra L. Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vera Danko
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Jüngert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Federle
- Medical Department 1, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel Klett
- Medical Department 1, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Schuessler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adrian Buehler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F. Neurath
- Medical Department 1, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian J. Waldner
- Medical Department 1, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Knieling
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence to: Pediatric Experimental and Translational Imaging Laboratory (PETI-Lab) Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Loschgestraße 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Abbas KS, Eltaras MM, El-Shahat NA, Abdelazeem B, Shaqfeh M, Brašić JR. The Safety and Efficacy of Nusinersen in the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:213. [PMID: 35208537 PMCID: PMC8874456 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive proximal muscle weakness and muscle atrophy. To assess the beneficial and adverse effects of nusinersen, a promising intervention for SMA, we conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis of the published randomized control trials (RCTs) of nusinersen for SMA. Materials and methods: Utilizing the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to 22 July 2021. Results: Three RCTs satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria covered 274 patients: 178 patients in the nusinersen group. Our results show a significant risk difference (RD) in the motor milestone response (RD: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.62; p < 0.00001) and improvement in the HINE-2 score (RD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.40; p < 0.0003) in the nusinersen group compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant decrease in the risk ratio (RR) for severe adverse events (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.92; p = 0.007) and any adverse event leading to treatment discontinuation (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.74; p = 0.004) was observed. An insignificant result was found for any adverse effects (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.01; p = 0.14) and for serious adverse effects (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.60, 1.07; p = 0.14). Conclusions: This review provides evidence that nusinersen treatment was effective in treatment for infants with SMA and was associated with fewer severe adverse events; however, more RCTs are needed to establish evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nahla Ahmed El-Shahat
- Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11754, Egypt; (M.M.E.); (N.A.E.-S.)
| | - Basel Abdelazeem
- Department of Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint, MI 48532, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, MI, USA
| | - Mahmoud Shaqfeh
- Department of Neurology, McLaren Health Care, Flint, MI 48532, USA;
| | - James Robert Brašić
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Thimm A, Brakemeier S, Kizina K, Munoz Rosales J, Stolte B, Totzeck A, Deuschl C, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T. Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy Under Nusinersen Treatment—A Pilot Study. Front Neurol 2022; 12:812063. [PMID: 35140677 PMCID: PMC8818760 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.812063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
5q-Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severely disabling inherited neuromuscular disease that progressively reduces the motor abilities of affected individuals. The approval of the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen, which has been shown to improve motor function in adult SMA patients, changed the treatment landscape. However, little is known about its impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), and there is still a need for adequate patient-reported outcome measures. In this study, we used the short form of the Neuro-QoL (Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders) for upper/lower extremity function to prospectively assess the health-related QoL of 17 adult SMA patients prior to initiation of nusinersen treatment and 2, 6, 10, and 14 months afterwards. At baseline, Neuro-QoL scores strongly correlated with motor function scores (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, HFMSE; Revised Upper Limb Module, RULM), but QoL did not increase significantly during the 14-month treatment period despite significant motor improvement as measured by HFMSE. Our results underline the need for novel, disease-specific assessments of QoL in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Thimm
| | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kizina
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Juan Munoz Rosales
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Totzeck
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Deuschl
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Rouf MA, Wen L, Mahendra Y, Wang J, Zhang K, Liang S, Wang Y, Li Z, Wang Y, Wang G. The recent advances and future perspectives of genetic compensation studies in the zebrafish model. Genes Dis 2022; 10:468-479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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40
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Narayanaswami P, Živković S. Molecular and Genetic Therapies. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wan Y, Zhou S, Zhang Y, Deng X, Xu L. Radiomic Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced MRI Predicts DNA Copy-Number Subtype and Outcome in Lower-Grade Gliomas. Acad Radiol 2021; 29:e189-e196. [PMID: 34916150 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES DNA copy-number (CN)2-subtype impairs outcomes in patients with lower-grade gliomas (LGG). We aimed to determine the value of preoperative nomograms integrating radiomic and radiographic (RR) features in predicting DNA copy-number subtype. METHODS Data of 153 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 1167 radiomics features were extracted from contrast-enhanced MR images. LASSO logistic regression was performed to choose the key features and construct a radiomics signature. Three CN-related RR model were built with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS CN2-subtype was associated with shortest median PFS(p <0.001) and OS (p <0.001). The radiomics nomogram, which incorporated the signature (AUC:0.891, OR: 2.345; p = 0.001), extranodular growth (OR: 14.413; p <0.001) and width (OR: 0.194; p = 0.027), distinguished CN2-subtype with an AUC of 0.924(95%CI: 0.869-0.979).The radiomics nomogram, which incorporated the signature (AUC:0.730, OR: 2.408; p = 0.001), hemorrhage (OR: 0.100; p <0.001), poorly-defined margin (OR:4.433; p = 0.001) and volume>=60cm3 (OR: 4.195; p = 0.002) were associated with CN1-subtype (AUC:0.829,95%CI:0.765-0.892).The radiomics nomogram, which incorporated the signature (AUC:0.660, OR: 2.518; p = 0.003), necrosis/cystic(OR:6.975; p = 0.008), hemorrhage (OR:3.723; p = 0.024), poorly-defined margin (OR:0.124; p <0.001) and frontal lobe tumors (OR: 4.870; p <0.001) were associated with CN3-subtype (AUC: 0.837,95%CI: 0.767-0.909).All three RR models showed good discrimination and calibration. Decision curve analysis indicated that all RR models were clinically useful. The average accuracy of the ten-fold cross validation was 92.8% for CN2-subtype, 72.6% for CN1-subtype and 79.0% for CN3-subtype. CONCLUSION The shortest PFS and OS was observed in LGG patients with CN2-subtype. The RR models, integrating radiomic and radiographic features, demonstrates good performance for predicting DNA copy-number subtype and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine& Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Da De Lu, Guangzhou, GP 510120, China
| | - Shuqin Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine& Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Da De Lu, Guangzhou, GP 510120, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine& Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Da De Lu, Guangzhou, GP 510120, China
| | - Xianqin Deng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine& Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Da De Lu, Guangzhou, GP 510120, China
| | - Li Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine& Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Da De Lu, Guangzhou, GP 510120, China.
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, respiratory insufficiency and scoliosis. SMA is currently the most common monogenic cause of infant mortality. Amazing advancements have been made in the therapeutic options available for these children since 2016. What has also become clear is that the earlier the treatment is administered, the better the clinical outcome. For several reasons, which we will review in this chapter, SMA may be an excellent disease candidate for in utero therapy.
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Mirea A, Shelby ES, Axente M, Badina M, Padure L, Leanca M, Dima V, Sporea C. Combination Therapy with Nusinersen and Onasemnogene Abeparvovec-xioi in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235540. [PMID: 34884240 PMCID: PMC8658131 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular progressive disease, characterized by decreased amounts of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, due to an autosomal recessive genetic defect. Despite recent research, there is still no cure. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide acting on the SMN2 gene, is intrathecally administered all life long, while onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, a gene therapy, is administered intravenously only once. Both therapies have proven efficacy, with best outcomes obtained when administered presymptomatically. In recent years, disease-modifying therapies such as nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi have changed the natural history of SMA. Methods: We observed seven SMA type I patients, who received both therapies. We compared their motor function trajectories, ventilation hours and cough assist sessions to a control group of patients who received one therapy, in order to investigate whether combination therapy may be more effective than a single intervention alone. Results: Patients who received both therapies, compared to the monotherapy cohort, had the same motor function trajectory. Moreover, it was observed that the evolution of motor function was better in the 6 months following the first therapy than in the first 6 months after adding the second treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that early treatment is more important than combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrada Mirea
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihaela Axente
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihaela Badina
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Liliana Padure
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Madalina Leanca
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Vlad Dima
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Filantropia”, 11 Ion Mihalache Avenue, 011132 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Corina Sporea
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.); (M.B.); (C.S.)
- Scientific Research Nucleus, National University Center for Children Neurorehabilitation “Dr. Nicolae Robanescu”, 44 Dumitru Minca Street, 041408 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-S.S.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
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Lejman J, Zieliński G, Gawda P, Lejman M. Alternative Splicing Role in New Therapies of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1346. [PMID: 34573328 PMCID: PMC8468182 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been estimated that 80% of the pre-mRNA undergoes alternative splicing, which exponentially increases the flow of biological information in cellular processes and can be an attractive therapeutic target. It is a crucial mechanism to increase genetic diversity. Disturbed alternative splicing is observed in many disorders, including neuromuscular diseases and carcinomas. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease. Homozygous deletion in 5q13 (the region coding for the motor neuron survival gene (SMN1)) is responsible for 95% of SMA cases. The nearly identical SMN2 gene does not compensate for SMN loss caused by SMN1 gene mutation due to different splicing of exon 7. A pathologically low level of survival motor neuron protein (SMN) causes degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord with associated destruction of α-motor cells and manifested by muscle weakness and loss. Understanding the regulation of the SMN2 pre-mRNA splicing process has allowed for innovative treatment and the introduction of new medicines for SMA. After describing the concept of splicing modulation, this review will cover the progress achieved in this field, by highlighting the breakthrough accomplished recently for the treatment of SMA using the mechanism of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lejman
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Zieliński
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (G.Z.); (P.G.)
| | - Piotr Gawda
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (G.Z.); (P.G.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Chong LC, Gandhi G, Lee JM, Yeo WWY, Choi SB. Drug Discovery of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) from the Computational Perspective: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8962. [PMID: 34445667 PMCID: PMC8396480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the leading inherited causes of child mortality, is a rare neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which encodes the SMN protein. When lacking the SMN protein in neurons, patients suffer from muscle weakness and atrophy, and in the severe cases, respiratory failure and death. Several therapeutic approaches show promise with human testing and three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date. Despite the shown promise of these approved therapies, there are some crucial limitations, one of the most important being the cost. The FDA-approved drugs are high-priced and are shortlisted among the most expensive treatments in the world. The price is still far beyond affordable and may serve as a burden for patients. The blooming of the biomedical data and advancement of computational approaches have opened new possibilities for SMA therapeutic development. This article highlights the present status of computationally aided approaches, including in silico drug repurposing, network driven drug discovery as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted drug discovery, and discusses the future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chuin Chong
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Gayatri Gandhi
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Jian Ming Lee
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Wendy Wai Yeng Yeo
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (G.G.); (W.W.Y.Y.)
| | - Sy-Bing Choi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia; (L.C.C.); (J.M.L.)
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Butchbach MER. Genomic Variability in the Survival Motor Neuron Genes ( SMN1 and SMN2): Implications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype and Therapeutics Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157896. [PMID: 34360669 PMCID: PMC8348669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide that is characterized by loss of spinal motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA results from the loss of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene but retention of its paralog SMN2. The copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2 are variable within the human population with SMN2 copy number inversely correlating with SMA severity. Current therapeutic options for SMA focus on increasing SMN2 expression and alternative splicing so as to increase the amount of SMN protein. Recent work has demonstrated that not all SMN2, or SMN1, genes are equivalent and there is a high degree of genomic heterogeneity with respect to the SMN genes. Because SMA is now an actionable disease with SMN2 being the primary target, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of this genomic heterogeneity with respect to hybrid SMN1–SMN2 genes generated by gene conversion events as well as partial deletions of the SMN genes. This review will describe this genetic heterogeneity in SMA and its impact on disease phenotype as well as therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. R. Butchbach
- Center for Applied Clinical Genomics, Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
- Center for Pediatric Research, Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Meijboom KE, Volpato V, Monzón-Sandoval J, Hoolachan JM, Hammond SM, Abendroth F, de Jong OG, Hazell G, Ahlskog N, Wood MJ, Webber C, Bowerman M. Combining multiomics and drug perturbation profiles to identify muscle-specific treatments for spinal muscular atrophy. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149446. [PMID: 34236053 PMCID: PMC8410072 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While SMN restoration therapies are beneficial, they are not a cure. We aimed to identify potentially novel treatments to alleviate muscle pathology combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and perturbational data sets. This revealed potential drug candidates for repurposing in SMA. One of the candidates, harmine, was further investigated in cell and animal models, improving multiple disease phenotypes, including lifespan, weight, and key molecular networks in skeletal muscle. Our work highlights the potential of multiple and parallel data-driven approaches for the development of potentially novel treatments for use in combination with SMN restoration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Viola Volpato
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jimena Monzón-Sandoval
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Suzan M Hammond
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Abendroth
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Olivier G de Jong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gareth Hazell
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and
| | - Matthew Ja Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Webber
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.,Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom
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Behera B. Nusinersen, an exon 7 inclusion drug for spinal muscular atrophy: A minireview. World J Meta-Anal 2021; 9:277-285. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v9.i3.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease with incidence of 1 in 5000 to 10000 live births and is produced by homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 in the SMN1 gene. The SMN1 and SMN2 genes encode the survival motor neuron protein, a crucial protein for the preservation of motor neurons. Use of the newer drug, Nusinersen, from early infancy has shown improvement in clinical outcomes of spinal muscular atrophy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaylaxmi Behera
- Department of Neonatology, Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh 160044, India
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Bos JW, Groen EJN, Wadman RI, Curial CAD, Molleman NN, Zegers M, van Vught PWJ, Snetselaar R, Vijzelaar R, van der Pol WL, van den Berg LH. SMN1 Duplications Are Associated With Progressive Muscular Atrophy, but Not With Multifocal Motor Neuropathy and Primary Lateral Sclerosis. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e598. [PMID: 34169148 PMCID: PMC8220964 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the association between copy number (CN) variation in the survival motor neuron (SMN) locus and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) susceptibility and to determine the association of SMN1 and SMN2 CN with MMN, PMA, and PLS disease course. Methods In this monocenter study, we used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to determine SMN1 and SMN2 CN in Dutch patients with MMN, PMA, and PLS and controls. We stratified clinical parameters for SMN1 and SMN2 CN. We analyzed SMN1 and SMN2 exons 1–6, intron 6, and exon 8 CN to study the genetic architecture of SMN1 duplications. Results SMN1 and SMN2 CN were determined in 132 patients with MMN, 150 patients with PMA, 104 patients with PLS, and 956 control subjects. MMN and PLS were not associated with CN variation in SMN1 or SMN2. By contrast, patients with PMA more often than controls carried SMN1 duplications (≥3 SMN1 copies, 12.0% vs 5.0%, odds ratio 2.69 (1.43–4.91), p 0.0020). SMN1 and SMN2 CN status was not associated with MMN, PLS, or PMA disease course. In case of SMN1 exon 7 duplications, exons 1–6, exon 8, and introns 6 and 7 were also duplicated, suggesting full SMN1 duplications. Conclusions SMN1 duplications are associated with PMA, but not with PLS and MMN. SMN1 duplications in PMA are balanced duplications. The results of this study highlight the primary effect of altered SMN CN on lower motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen W Bos
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout J N Groen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renske I Wadman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chantall A D Curial
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Naomi N Molleman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marinka Zegers
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul W J van Vught
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reinier Snetselaar
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raymon Vijzelaar
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (J.W.B., E.J.N.G., R.I.W., C.A.D.C., W.L.v.d.P., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and MRC Holland (N.N.M., M.Z., P.W.J.v.V., R.S., R.V.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Restoring Protein Expression in Neuromuscular Conditions: A Review Assessing the Current State of Exon Skipping/Inclusion and Gene Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. BioDrugs 2021; 35:389-399. [PMID: 34097287 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The debilitating neuromuscular disorders Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which harm 1 in 5000 newborn males and 1 in 11,000 newborns, respectively, are marked by progressive muscle wasting among other complications. While DMD causes generalized muscle weakness due to the absence of the dystrophin protein, SMA patients generally face motor neuron degeneration because of the lack of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Many of the most promising therapies for both conditions restore the absent proteins dystrophin and SMN. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping and inclusion therapies are advancing clinically with the approved DMD therapies casimersen, eteplirsen, golodirsen, and viltolarsen, and the SMA therapy nusinersen. Existing antisense therapies focus on skeletal muscle for DMD and motor neurons for SMA, respectively. Through innovative techniques, such as peptide conjugation and multi-exon skipping, these therapies could be optimized for efficacy and applicability. By contrast, gene replacement therapy is administered only once to patients during treatment. Currently, only onasemnogene abeparvovec for SMA has been approved. Safety shortcomings remain a major challenge for gene therapy. Nevertheless, gene therapy for DMD has strong potential to restore dystrophin expression in patients. In light of promising functional improvements, antisense and gene therapies stand poised to elevate the lives of patients with DMD and SMA.
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