1
|
Libonati L, Cambieri C, Colavito D, Moret F, D'Andrea E, Del Giudice E, Leon A, Inghilleri M, Ceccanti M. Genetics screening in an Italian cohort of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: the importance of early testing and its implication. J Neurol 2024; 271:1921-1936. [PMID: 38112783 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an elusive etiology. While environmental factors have been considered, familial ALS cases have raised the possibility of genetic involvement. This genetic connection is increasingly evident, even in patients with sporadic ALS. We allowed access to the genetic test to all patients attending our clinic to identify the prevalence and the role of genetic variants in the development of the disease and to identify patients with potentially treatable forms of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS 194 patients with probable or definite ALS, were enrolled. A comprehensive genetic testing was performed, including sequencing all exons of the SOD1 gene and testing for hexanucleotide intronic repeat expansions (G4C2) in the C9orf72 gene using fluorescent repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR). Whole Exome NGS Sequencing (WES) was performed, followed by an in silico multigene panel targeting neuromuscular diseases, spastic paraplegia, and motor distal neuropathies. We conducted statistical analyses to compare different patient groups. RESULTS Clinically significant pathogenetic variants were detected in 14.43% of cases. The highest prevalence of pathogenetic variants was observed in fALS patients, but a substantial proportion of sALS patients also displayed at least one variant, either pathogenetic or of uncertain significance (VUS). The most observed pathogenetic variant was the expansion of the C9orf72 gene, which was associated with a shorter survival. SOD1 variants were found in 1.6% of fALS and 2.5% of sALS patients. DISCUSSION The study reveals a significant number of ALS patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, with a higher prevalence in familial ALS cases. The expansion of the C9orf72 gene emerges as the most common genetic cause of ALS, affecting familial and sporadic cases. Additionally, SOD1 variants are detected at an unexpectedly higher rate, even in patients without a familial history of ALS, underscoring the crucial role of genetic testing in treatment decisions and potential participation in clinical trials. We also investigated variants in genes such as TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, TBK1, and DNAJC7, shedding light on their potential involvement in ALS. These findings underscore the complexity of interpreting variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and their ethical implications in patient communication and genetic counseling for patients' relatives. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the diverse genetic basis of ALS and advocates for integrating comprehensive genetic testing into diagnostic protocols. The evolving landscape of genetic therapies requires identifying all eligible patients transcending traditional familial boundaries. The presence of VUS highlights the multifaceted nature of ALS genetics, prompting further exploration of complex interactions among genetic variants, environmental factors, and disease development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Colavito
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo D'Andrea
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberta Leon
- R & I Genetics, C.So Stati Uniti 4int.F, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saleem S, Imran Z, Samdani A, Khoso B, Zehra S, Azhar A. Mutations in PGRN gene associated with the risk of psoriasis in Pakistan: a case control study. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:335. [PMID: 38129828 PMCID: PMC10740244 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, papulosquamous skin disorder, characterized by the formation of drop-like papules and silvery-white plaques surrounded by reddened or inflamed skin, existing predominantly on the scalp, knees and elbows. The characteristic inflammation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in psoriasis is regulated by progranulin (PGRN), which suppresses the expression and release of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α. METHODOLOGY In this study mutation analysis of the PGRN gene was performed by extracting the genomic DNA from blood samples of 171 diagnosed psoriasis patients and controls through standard salting-out method, followed by amplification and sequencing of the targeted region of exon 5-7 of PGRN gene. RESULTS Three single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs25646, rs850713 and a novel point mutation 805A/G were identified in the PGRN gene with significant association with the disease. The variant alleles of the polymorphisms were significantly distributed among cases and controls, and statistical analysis suggested that the mutant genotypes conferred a higher risk of psoriasis development and progression. Multi-SNP haplotype analysis indicated that the CAA (OR = 8.085, 95% CI = 5.16-12.66) and the CAG (OR = 3.204, 95% CI = 1.97-5.21) haplotypes were significantly associated with psoriasis pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that polymorphisms in PGRN might act as potential molecular targets for early diagnosis of psoriasis in susceptible individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saima Saleem
- The Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Zunaira Imran
- The Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Azam Samdani
- Department of Dermatology, National Medical Centre (NMC), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bahram Khoso
- Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sitwat Zehra
- The Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abid Azhar
- The Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wauters E, Gossye H, Frydas A, Sieben A, Van Broeckhoven C. Rare exonic variant affects GRN splicing and contributes to frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 130:61-69. [PMID: 37459659 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) by a mechanism of haploinsufficiency. For most missense mutations, the contribution to FTLD is however unclear. We studied the pathogenicity of rare GRN missense mutations using patient biomaterials. We identified a new mutation in GRN, c.1178 A>C, in a patient with a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia. Neuropathological examination of autopsied brain showed FTLD with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (FTLD-TDP) type A pathology with concomitant Alzheimer's disease pathology. Serum progranulin protein levels were reduced to levels comparable to known LOF mutations. The mutation is in the last codon of exon 10, in the splice donor sequence. Our data provide evidence that the mutation leads to aberrant splicing, resulting in a frameshift (p.(Glu393AlafsTer31)) and consequently nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Our finding demonstrates that carefully examining sequencing data around splice sites is needed since this mutation was annotated as a missense mutation. Unraveling the pathogenicity of variants of unknown significance is important for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wauters
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Helena Gossye
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Alexandros Frydas
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne Sieben
- Departement of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Menéndez-González M, García-Martínez A, Fernández-Vega I, Pitiot A, Álvarez V. A variant in GRN of Spanish origin presenting with heterogeneous phenotypes. Neurologia 2022:S2173-5808(22)00112-2. [PMID: 36216226 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The variant c.1414-1G>T in the GRN gene has previously been reported as probably pathogenic in subjects of Hispanic origin in the American continent. METHODS We report 5 families of Spanish origin carrying this variant, including the clinical, neuroimaging, and laboratory findings. RESULTS Phenotypes were strikingly different, including cases presenting with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, rapidly progressive motor neuron disease (pathologically documented), and tremor-dominant parkinsonism. Retinal degeneration has been found in homozygous carriers only. Ex vivo splicing assays confirmed that the mutation c.1414-1G>T affects the splicing of the exon, causing a loss of 20 amino acids in exon 11. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that variant c.1414-1G>T of the GRN gene is pathogenic, can lead to a variety of clinical presentations and to gene dosage effect, and probably has a Spanish founder effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Menéndez-González
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
| | - A García-Martínez
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
| | - I Fernández-Vega
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Spain; Department of Pathology Anatomy, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain; Department of Surgery, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Pitiot
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
| | - V Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Spain; Laboratory of Genetics, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bellini S, Saraceno C, Benussi L, Geviti A, Longobardi A, Nicsanu R, Cimini S, Ricci M, Canafoglia L, Coppola C, Puoti G, Binetti G, Rossi G, Ghidoni R. Plasma Small Extracellular Vesicle Cathepsin D Dysregulation in GRN/C9orf72 and Sporadic Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10693. [PMID: 36142612 PMCID: PMC9504770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest the roles of endo-lysosomal dysfunctions in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and in other dementias. Cathepsin D is one of the major lysosomal proteases, mediating the degradation of unfolded protein aggregates. In this retrospective study, we investigated cathepsin D levels in human plasma and in the plasma small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) of 161 subjects (40 sporadic FTLD, 33 intermediate/pathological C9orf72 expansion carriers, 45 heterozygous/homozygous GRN mutation carriers, and 43 controls). Cathepsin D was quantified by ELISA, and nanoparticle tracking analysis data (sEV concentration for the cathepsin D level normalization) were extracted from our previously published dataset or were newly generated. First, we revealed a positive correlation of the cathepsin D levels with the age of the patients and controls. Even if no significant differences were found in the cathepsin D plasma levels, we observed a progressive reduction in plasma cathepsin D moving from the intermediate to C9orf72 pathological expansion carriers. Observing the sEVs nano-compartment, we observed increased cathepsin D sEV cargo (ng/sEV) levels in genetic/sporadic FTLD. The diagnostic performance of this biomarker was fairly high (AUC = 0.85). Moreover, sEV and plasma cathepsin D levels were positively correlated with age at onset. In conclusion, our study further emphasizes the common occurrence of endo-lysosomal dysregulation in GRN/C9orf72 and sporadic FTLD.
Collapse
|
6
|
Russillo MC, Sorrentino C, Scarpa A, Vinciguerra C, Cicarelli G, Cuoco S, Gagliardi M, Talarico M, Procopio R, Quattrone A, Barone P, Pellecchia MT. A novel phenotype in an Italian family with a rare progranulin mutation. J Neurol 2022. [PMID: 35859258 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted glycoprotein encoded in humans by the GRN gene, located on chromosome 17q21. Several nonsense and missense pathogenetic GRN mutations have been described. Objective We herein describe two sisters carrying a rare GRN mutation with extremely different clinical features and family history of dementia and behavioral disorders, with a novel presentation with stridor and dysphonia. Methods Patients underwent a multidimensional assessment including neurological and neuropsychological evaluation, structural and functional imaging, and genetic screening. Results The younger sister presented at the age of 64 with inspiratory stridor, dysphonia and exercise-induced dyspnea. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed bilateral adduction of the vocal cords at rest and paradoxical further adduction of the vocal cords during forced inspiration, suggesting the hypothesis of an adductor laryngeal dystonia. The older sister presented at the age of 63 with a rapidly progressive corticobasal syndrome. The only clinical feature common to both sisters was a dysexecutive syndrome. The c.893G > A mutation in exon 9 of GRN was found in heterozygosis in both sisters, causing a missense Arginine to Histidine substitution in position 298 of the protein (p.R298H). Conclusions Our report supports the pathogenicity of the GRN p.R298H mutation, which is first detected in two members from the same family, showing an extremely different phenotypes. Moreover, we report the first case of an FTD-associated mutation presenting with inspiratory stridor and dysphonia linked to adductor laryngeal dystonia, thus expanding the clinical spectrum of GRN-related disorders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11285-7.
Collapse
|
7
|
Deng B, Zheng Z, Zheng J, Yang W, Huang Y, Luo Y, Jin D, Shen L, Jin K, Wang Q. FTD-PSP is an Unusual Clinical Phenotype in A Frontotemporal Dementia Patient with A Novel Progranulin Mutation. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1741-1752. [PMID: 34631218 PMCID: PMC8460311 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (GRN) mutations are a major cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD); the spectrum of clinical phenotypes of FTD is much more extensive than previously reported. The frequency and locations of GRN mutations in Chinese patients with FTD remain uncertain. We performed cDNA sequencing in one sporadic male patient who initially presented FTD symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) were applied to further confirm the diagnosis of FTD from this patient. Cellular apoptosis and survival test were performed to identify the function of GRN. We identified one novel missense GRN mutation (c.1498G>A, p.V500I) in this patient, who initially presented typical behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) features but then presented progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) clinical characteristics 5 years after onset. Besides, WT GRN protein showed an adequate trophic stimulus to preserve the survival of SH-SY5Y cells in the medium free of serum, while GRN mutation (c.1498G>A, p.V500I) may impair the ability of supporting cell survival. This study owns significant implications for genetic counseling and clinical heterogeneity. We illustrate the fact that FTD presenting features of bvFTD and PSP in one patient could be considered as a specific phenotype in patients with GRN mutations. GRN p.V500I led to the neuronal degeneration in vitro; this finding provides a significant evidence that this mutation may be a new causative mutation in patients with FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Deng
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Zhe Zheng
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Jialing Zheng
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Wanlin Yang
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Yu Huang
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Yuqi Luo
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Dana Jin
- 3College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lu Shen
- 2Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kunlin Jin
- 4Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- 1Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sassi C, Capozzo R, Hammer M, Zecca C, Federoff M, Blauwendraat C, Bernstein N, Ding J, Gibbs JR, Price T, Singleton A, Logroscino G. Exploring dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis genes in 100 FTD-like patients from 6 towns and rural villages on the Adriatic Sea cost of Apulia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6353. [PMID: 33737586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a complex spectrum of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders. Although fully penetrant mutations in several genes have been identified and can explain the pathogenic mechanisms underlying a great portion of the Mendelian forms of the disease, still a significant number of families and sporadic cases remains genetically unsolved. We performed whole exome sequencing in 100 patients with a late-onset and heterogeneous FTD-like clinical phenotype from Apulia and screened mendelian dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis genes. We identified a nonsense mutation in SORL1 VPS domain (p.R744X), in 2 siblings displaying AD with severe language problems and primary progressive aphasia and a near splice-site mutation in CLCN6 (p.S116P) segregating with an heterogeneous phenotype, ranging from behavioural FTD to FTD with memory onset and to the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia in one family. Moreover 2 sporadic cases with behavioural FTD carried heterozygous mutations in the CSF1R Tyrosin kinase flanking regions (p.E573K and p.R549H). By contrast, only a minority of patients carried pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansions (1%) and likely moderately pathogenic variants in GRN (p.C105Y, p.C389fs and p.C139R) (3%). In concert with recent studies, our findings support a common pathogenic mechanisms between FTD and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and suggests that neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis genes should be investigated also in dementia patients with predominant frontal symptoms and language impairments.
Collapse
|
9
|
Arienti F, Lazzeri G, Vizziello M, Monfrini E, Bresolin N, Saetti MC, Picillo M, Franco G, Di Fonzo A. Unravelling Genetic Factors Underlying Corticobasal Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Cells 2021; 10:171. [PMID: 33467748 PMCID: PMC7830591 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is an atypical parkinsonian presentation characterized by heterogeneous clinical features and different underlying neuropathology. Most CBS cases are sporadic; nevertheless, reports of families and isolated individuals with genetically determined CBS have been reported. In this systematic review, we analyze the demographical, clinical, radiological, and anatomopathological features of genetically confirmed cases of CBS. A systematic search was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, included all publications in English from 1 January 1999 through 1 August 2020. We found forty publications with fifty-eight eligible cases. A second search for publications dealing with genetic risk factors for CBS led to the review of eight additional articles. GRN was the most common gene involved in CBS, representing 28 out of 58 cases, followed by MAPT, C9ORF72, and PRNP. A set of symptoms was shown to be significantly more common in GRN-CBS patients, including visuospatial impairment, behavioral changes, aphasia, and language alterations. In addition, specific demographical, clinical, biochemical, and radiological features may suggest mutations in other genes. We suggest a diagnostic algorithm to help in identifying potential genetic cases of CBS in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy and to better understand the still poorly defined underlying pathogenetic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Arienti
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.); (M.V.); (E.M.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Giulia Lazzeri
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.); (M.V.); (E.M.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Maria Vizziello
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.); (M.V.); (E.M.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Edoardo Monfrini
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.); (M.V.); (E.M.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Maria Cristina Saetti
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.); (M.V.); (E.M.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Marina Picillo
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Giulia Franco
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy; (N.B.); (G.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
It has been more than a decade since heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) were first identified as an important genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Due to the highly diverse biological functions of the progranulin (PGRN) protein, encoded by GRN, multiple possible disease mechanisms have been proposed. Early work focused on the neurotrophic properties of PGRN and its role in the inflammatory response. However, since the discovery of homozygous GRN mutations in patients with a lysosomal storage disorder, investigation into the possible roles of PGRN and its proteolytic cleavage products granulins, in lysosomal function and dysfunction, has taken center stage. In this chapter, we summarize the GRN mutational spectrum and its associated phenotypes followed by an in-depth discussion on the possible disease mechanisms implicated in FTLD-GRN. We conclude with key outstanding questions which urgently require answers to ensure safe and successful therapy development for GRN mutation carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolai Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas Kukar
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, University of Antwerp-CDE, Antwerp, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bartoletti-Stella A, De Pasqua S, Baiardi S, Bartolomei I, Mengozzi G, Orio G, Pastorelli F, Piras S, Poda R, Raggi A, Maserati MS, Tarozzi M, Liguori R, Salvi F, Parchi P, Capellari S. Characterization of novel progranulin gene variants in Italian patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 97:145.e7-145.e15. [PMID: 32507413 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding for the protein progranulin (PGRN), GRN, are one of the major genetic abnormalities involved in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. However, genetic variations, mainly missense, in GRN have also been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases. We found 12 different pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 21 patients identified in a cohort of Italian patients affected by various neurodegenerative disorders. We detected the p.Thr272SerfsTer10 as the most frequent, followed by the c.1179+3A>G variant. We characterized the clinical phenotype of 12 patients from 3 pedigrees carrying the c.1179+3A>G variant, demonstrated the pathogenicity of this mutation, and detected other rarer variants causing haploinsufficiency (p.Met1?, c.709-2A>T, p.Gly79AspfsTer39). Finally, by applying bioinformatics, neuropathological, and biochemical studies, we characterized 6 missense/synonymous variants (p.Asp94His, p.Gly117Asp, p.Ala266Pro, p.Val279Val, p.Arg298His, p.Ala505Gly), including 4 previously unreported. The designation of variants is crucial for genetic counseling and the enrollment of patients in clinical studies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu L, Qu Y, Liu Y, Zhao H, Ma HC, Noor AF, Ji CJ, Nie L, Si M, Cheng L. Atsttrin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1994-2002. [PMID: 31290458 PMCID: PMC6676886 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.259623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Progranulin is closely related to neuronal survival in a neuroinflammatory mouse model and attenuates inflammatory reactions. Atsttrin is an engineered protein composed of three progranulin fragments and has been shown to have an effect similar to that of progranulin. Atsttrin has anti-inflammatory actions in multiple arthritis mouse models, and it protects against further arthritis development. However, whether Atsttrin has a role in neuroinflammation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we produced a neuroinflammatory mouse model by intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/μL). Atsttrin (2.5 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection every 3 days over a period of 7 days before intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/μL). In addition, astrocyte cultures were treated with 0, 100 or 300 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide, with 200 ng/mL Atsttrin simultaneously. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators and to assess activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Progranulin expression in the brain of wild-type mice and in astrocyte cultures was increased after lipopolysaccharide administration. The protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in the brain of progranulin knockout mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Atsttrin treatment reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the brain of progranulin knockout mice. Atsttrin also reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase 3 mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-treated astrocytes in vitro, and decreased the concentration of tumor necrosis factor a and interleukin-1β in the supernatant. Furthermore, Atsttrin significantly reduced the levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor a in the brain of lipopolysaccharide-treated progranulin knockout mice and astrocytes, and it decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our findings show that the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Atsttrin involves inhibiton of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and they suggest that Atsttrin may have clinical potential in neuroinflammatory therapy. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China (approval No. KYLL-2015(KS)-088) on February 10, 2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University; Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuan Qu
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - He-Cheng Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ahmed Fayyaz Noor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Chang-Jiao Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Meng Si
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bartoletti-Stella A, Baiardi S, Stanzani-Maserati M, Piras S, Caffarra P, Raggi A, Pantieri R, Baldassari S, Caporali L, Abu-Rumeileh S, Linarello S, Liguori R, Parchi P, Capellari S. Identification of rare genetic variants in Italian patients with dementia by targeted gene sequencing. Neurobiol Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
14
|
Luzzi S, Colleoni L, Corbetta P, Baldinelli S, Fiori C, Girelli F, Silvestrini M, Caroppo P, Giaccone G, Tagliavini F, Rossi G. Missense mutation in GRN gene affecting RNA splicing and plasma progranulin level in a family affected by frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 54:214.e1-214.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|