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1.
Genes (Basel) ; 15(5)2024 May 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38790209

ABSTRACT

Intellectual disability (ID), which affects around 2% to 3% of the population, accounts for 0.63% of the overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). ID is characterized by limitations in a person's intellectual and adaptive functioning, and is caused by pathogenic variants in more than 1000 genes. Here, we report a rare missense variant (c.350T>C; p.(Leu117Ser)) in HACE1 segregating with NDD syndrome with clinical features including ID, epilepsy, spasticity, global developmental delay, and psychomotor impairment in two siblings of a consanguineous Pakistani kindred. HACE1 encodes a HECT domain and ankyrin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HACE1), which is involved in protein ubiquitination, localization, and cell division. HACE1 is also predicted to interact with several proteins that have been previously implicated in the ID phenotype in humans. The p.(Leu117Ser) variant replaces an evolutionarily conserved residue of HACE1 and is predicted to be deleterious by various in silico algorithms. Previously, eleven protein truncating variants of HACE1 have been reported in individuals with NDD. However, to our knowledge, p.(Leu117Ser) is the second missense variant in HACE1 found in an individual with NDD.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Intellectual Disability , Muscle Spasticity , Mutation, Missense , Pedigree , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases , Humans , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Male , Female , Epilepsy/genetics , Pakistan , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Psychomotor Disorders/genetics , Psychomotor Disorders/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool
2.
AAPS J ; 26(3): 57, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38689016

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to develop a model to predict individual subject disease trajectories including parameter uncertainty and accounting for missing data in rare neurological diseases, showcased by the ultra-rare disease Autosomal-Recessive Spastic Ataxia Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS). We modelled the change in SARA (Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) score versus Time Since Onset of symptoms using non-linear mixed effect models for a population of 173 patients with ARSACS included in the prospective real-world multicenter Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia (ARCA) registry. We used the Multivariate Imputation Chained Equation (MICE) algorithm to impute missing covariates, and a covariate selection procedure with a pooled p-value to account for the multiply imputed data sets. We then investigated the impact of covariates and population parameter uncertainty on the prediction of the individual trajectories up to 5 years after their last visit. A four-parameter logistic function was selected. Men were estimated to have a 25% lower SARA score at disease onset and a moderately higher maximum SARA score, and time to progression (T50) was estimated to be 35% lower in patients with age of onset over 15 years. The population disease progression rate started slowly at 0.1 points per year peaking to a maximum of 0.8 points per year (at 36.8 years since onset of symptoms). The prediction intervals for SARA scores 5 years after the last visit were large (median 7.4 points, Q1-Q3: 6.4-8.5); their size was mostly driven by individual parameter uncertainty and individual disease progression rate at that time.


Subject(s)
Disease Progression , Muscle Spasticity , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Prospective Studies , Rare Diseases/genetics , Registries , Severity of Illness Index , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/congenital , Uncertainty , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool
3.
Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi ; 62(4): 357-362, 2024 Mar 25.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38527507

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the diagnosis and treatment of adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency. Methods: This was a retrospective case study. Nine patients with adolescence-onset MTHFR deficiency were diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022, and followed up for more than 1 year. Their general information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, cranial images, MTHFR gene variants, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The 9 patients came from 8 families. They had symptoms at age of 8.0 years to 17.0 years and diagnosed at 9.0 years to 17.5 years. Eight were male and 1 was female. Two patients were brothers, the elder brother developed abnormal gait at 17.0 years; and the younger brother was then diagnosed at 15.0 years of age and treated at the asymptomatic stage, who was 18.0 years old with normal condition during this study. The main manifestations of the 8 symptomatic patients included progressive dyskinesia and spastic paralysis of the lower limbs, with or without intellectual decline, cognitive impairment and behavioral abnormalities. Totally, 15 variants of MTHFR gene were identified in the 9 patients, including 8 novel variants. Five patients had brain image abnormalities. Increased plasma total homocysteine level (65-221 µmol/L) was found in all patients, and decreased to 20-70 µmol/L after treatment with betaine and calcium folinate. Besides, the 8 symptomatic patients had their behavior and cognitive problems significantly improved, with a legacy of lower limb motor disorders. Conclusions: Late-onset MTHFR deficiency can occur in adolescence. The diagnosis is usually delayed because of non-specific clinical symptoms. The test of blood total homocysteine could be used as a selective screening test. Eight novel varients of MTHFR gene were identified. Timely treatment can improve clinical condition significantly, and pre-symptomatic treatment may prevent brain damage.


Subject(s)
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) , Muscle Spasticity , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Homocysteine/therapeutic use , Homocystinuria , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/deficiency , Muscle Spasticity/diagnosis , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/drug therapy , Psychotic Disorders , Retrospective Studies
4.
Stem Cell Res ; 76: 103363, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38437768

ABSTRACT

Spastic Ataxias (SA) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders with combined pyramidal and cerebellar system affection, leading to an overlap phenotype between Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSP) and Cerebellar Ataxias (CA). Here we describe the generation of iPSCs from three unrelated patients with an ultra-rare subtype of SA caused by compound heterozygous mutations in POLR3A, that encodes the largest subunit of RNA polymerase III. iPSCs were reprogrammed from normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) using episomal reprogramming with integration-free plasmid vectors: HIHRSi004-A, derived from a 44 year-old male carrying the mutations c.1909 + 22G > A/c.3944_3945delTG, HIHRSi005-A obtained from a 66 year-old male carrying the mutations c.1909 + 22G > A/c.1531C > T, and HIHRSi006-A from a 27 year-old male carrying the mutations c.1909 + 22G > A/c.2472_2472delC (ENST00000372371.8).


Subject(s)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Intellectual Disability , Optic Atrophy , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Cell Line , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Mutation , RNA Polymerase III/genetics , RNA Polymerase III/metabolism , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics
5.
Mol Ther ; 32(4): 1096-1109, 2024 Apr 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38291756

ABSTRACT

Spasticity, affecting ∼75% of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), leads to hyperreflexia, muscle spasms, and cocontractions of antagonist muscles, greatly affecting their quality of life. Spasticity primarily stems from the hyperexcitability of motoneurons below the lesion, driven by an upregulation of the persistent sodium current and a downregulation of chloride extrusion. This imbalance results from the post-SCI activation of calpain1, which cleaves Nav1.6 channels and KCC2 cotransporters. Our study was focused on mitigating spasticity by specifically targeting calpain1 in spinal motoneurons. We successfully transduced lumbar motoneurons in adult rats with SCI using intrathecal administration of adeno-associated virus vector serotype 6, carrying a shRNA sequence against calpain1. This approach significantly reduced calpain1 expression in transduced motoneurons, leading to a noticeable decrease in spasticity symptoms, including hyperreflexia, muscle spasms, and cocontractions in hindlimb muscles, which are particularly evident in the second month post-SCI. In addition, this decrease, which prevented the escalation of spasticity to a severe grade, paralleled the restoration of KCC2 levels in transduced motoneurons, suggesting a reduced proteolytic activity of calpain1. These findings demonstrate that inhibiting calpain1 in motoneurons is a promising strategy for alleviating spasticity in SCI patients.


Subject(s)
Spinal Cord Injuries , Symporters , Animals , Rats , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/therapy , Quality of Life , Reflex, Abnormal , Spasm/metabolism , Spasm/pathology , Spinal Cord/metabolism , Spinal Cord Injuries/complications , Spinal Cord Injuries/genetics , Spinal Cord Injuries/therapy , Symporters/genetics
6.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 40(3): 855-861, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37783799

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of outcome and complications of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and intrathecal baclofen pump implantation (ITB) for spasticity treatment in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). METHODS: Retrospective study including children with HSP and SDR or ITB. Gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) scores and level of spasticity were assessed. RESULTS: Ten patients were included (most had mutations in ATL1 (n = 4) or SPAST (n = 3) genes). Four walked without and two with walking aids, four were non-walking children. Six patients underwent SDR, three patients ITB, and one both. Mean age at surgery was 8.9 ± 4.5 years with a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2.2 years. Five of the SDR patients were walking. Postoperatively spasticity in the legs was reduced in all patients. The change in GMFM-66 score was + 8.0 (0-19.7 min-max). The three ITB patients treated (SPAST (n = 2) and PNPLA6 (n = 1) gene mutation) were children with a progressive disease course. No complications of surgery occurred. CONCLUSIONS: SDR is a feasible treatment option in carefully selected children with HSP, especially in walking patients. The majority of patients benefit with respect to gross motor function, complication risk is low. ITB was used in children with severe and progressive disease.


Subject(s)
Cerebral Palsy , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary , Child , Humans , Adolescent , Child, Preschool , Retrospective Studies , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/genetics , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/surgery , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/complications , Cerebral Palsy/complications , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/surgery , Baclofen/therapeutic use , Rhizotomy/methods , Treatment Outcome , Spastin
7.
Acta Neurol Belg ; 124(2): 475-484, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37898963

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS), classically presenting as a triad of early-onset cerebellar ataxia, lower extremity spasticity and peripheral neuropathy, is caused by mutations in SACS gene which encodes the protein sacsin. OBJECTIVE: To provide new insight into the occurrence of SACS mutations in South India. METHODS: Patients with three cardinal features of ARSACS-peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and pyramidal tract signs were included. Nine patients were clinically identified and genetically evaluated. Mutation screening of SACS by targeted sequencing of 40 recessive ataxia genes panel by next-generation sequencing was conducted. Additional investigations included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Functional disability was assessed by the Spinocerebellar Degeneration Functional Score. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifteen cerebellar ataxia patients were screened, and 9 patients with cerebellar ataxia with spasticity, peripheral neuropathy and MRI brain characteristics, consistent with a clinical diagnosis of ARSACS were identified, of which 7 patients were identified to have mutation in the SACS gene and are detailed hereafter. Age of presentation ranged from 20 to 55 years (29.8 ± 11.9) with a mean disease duration of 12.7 years (SD-7.65, range 5-22 years). All except one had onset of symptoms in the form of an ataxic gait noticed before 20 years of age. Additional features were subnormal intelligence (4/7), slow and hypometric saccades (1/7), seizures (1/7), kyphoscoliosis (1/7) and dysmorphic facies (1/7). SDFS was 3 in 5/7 patients signifying moderate disability with independent ambulation. MRI showed cerebellar atrophy with predominant atrophy of the superior vermis (7/7), horizontal linear T2 hypointensities in the pons(7/7), hyperintensities where lateral pons merges with the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) (7/7) well seen in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, thickening of MCP (3/7), symmetric lateral thalamic hyperintensities (6/7), posterior fossa arachnoid cyst (4/7),thinning of posterior mid-body of corpus callosum (7/7), marginal mineralisation of the basal ganglia (7/7), bilateral parietal atrophy (7/7) and thinning of corticospinal tract on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) (7/7). We identified pathogenic homozygous frameshift mutations in the SACS gene in six patients (including two siblings), while one patient had a heterozygous pathogenic deletion. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series of genetically confirmed ARSACS patients from India highlighting the clinical, ophthalmological, imaging and genetic features of this cohort.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/congenital , Humans , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Cerebellar Ataxia/diagnostic imaging , Cerebellar Ataxia/genetics , Diffusion Tensor Imaging , Mutation/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/diagnostic imaging , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Atrophy
8.
Neurology ; 101(17): e1747-e1752, 2023 10 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37596043

ABSTRACT

A 48-year-old man was referred to the movement disorders clinic for 10 years of progressive slurred speech, spasticity, limb incoordination, and wide-based gait. Extensive neurologic workup was inconclusive, including serum and CSF testing, neuroimaging, EMG/NCS, exome sequencing, and mitochondrial testing. An ataxia repeat expansion panel ultimately revealed the final diagnosis. In this report, we review the clinical characteristics of a rare, late-onset, autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia and discuss the importance of pursuing targeted gene testing to avoid diagnostic delays, especially as new treatments for this and other genetic diseases become available.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia , Spinocerebellar Degenerations , Male , Humans , Middle Aged , Cerebellar Ataxia/diagnosis , Cerebellar Ataxia/genetics , Ataxia , Muscle Spasticity/diagnosis , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Clinical Reasoning
9.
J Neurol ; 270(10): 5057-5063, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37418012

ABSTRACT

Tubulinopathies encompass neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding for different isotypes of α- and ß-tubulins, the structural components of microtubules. Less frequently, mutations in tubulins may underlie neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we report two families, one with 11 affected individuals and the other with a single patient, carrying a novel, likely pathogenic, variant (p. Glu415Lys) in the TUBA4A gene (NM_006000). The phenotype, not previously described, is that of spastic ataxia. Our findings widen the phenotypic and genetic manifestations of TUBA4A variants and add a new type of spastic ataxia to be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Optic Atrophy , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Humans , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/pathology , Optic Atrophy/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/pathology , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Phenotype , Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/genetics
10.
Brain ; 146(8): 3162-3171, 2023 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37043503

ABSTRACT

ATP1A3 encodes the α3 subunit of the sodium-potassium ATPase, one of two isoforms responsible for powering electrochemical gradients in neurons. Heterozygous pathogenic ATP1A3 variants produce several distinct neurological syndromes, yet the molecular basis for phenotypic variability is unclear. We report a novel recurrent variant, ATP1A3(NM_152296.5):c.2324C>T; p.(Pro775Leu), in nine individuals associated with the primary clinical features of progressive or non-progressive spasticity and developmental delay/intellectual disability. No patients fulfil diagnostic criteria for ATP1A3-associated syndromes, including alternating hemiplegia of childhood, rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia-areflexia-pes cavus-optic atrophy-sensorineural hearing loss (CAPOS), and none were suspected of having an ATP1A3-related disorder. Uniquely among known ATP1A3 variants, P775L causes leakage of sodium ions and protons into the cell, associated with impaired sodium binding/occlusion kinetics favouring states with fewer bound ions. These phenotypic and electrophysiologic studies demonstrate that ATP1A3:c.2324C>T; p.(Pro775Leu) results in mild ATP1A3-related phenotypes resembling complex hereditary spastic paraplegia or idiopathic spastic cerebral palsy. Cation leak provides a molecular explanation for this genotype-phenotype correlation, adding another mechanism to further explain phenotypic variability and highlighting the importance of biophysical properties beyond ion transport rate in ion transport diseases.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Mutation/genetics , Syndrome , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Cerebellar Ataxia/genetics , Phenotype , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Cations , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics
11.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi ; 40(5): 558-562, 2023 May 10.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37102289

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical feature and genetic variant of a child with autosomal recessive Charlevoix-Saguenay type spastic ataxia (ARSACS). METHODS: Clinical data of a child who was admitted to the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University on April 30, 2021 was collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his parents. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). RESULTS: The child, a 3-year-and-3-month-old female, had a complain of "walking instability for over a year". Physical and laboratory examination revealed progressive and aggravated gait instability, increased muscle tone of the right limbs, peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs, and thickening of retinal nerve fiber layer. The results of WES revealed that she has harbored a maternally derived heterozygous deletion of exons 1 to 10 of the SACS gene, in addition with a de novo heterozygous c.3328dupA variant in exon 10 of the SACS gene. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the exons 1-10 deletion was rated as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting), and the c.3328dupA was rated as a pathogenic variant (PVS1_Strong+PS2+PM2_Supporting). Neither variant was recorded in the human population databases. CONCLUSION: The c.3328dupA variant and the deletion of exons 1-10 of the SACS gene probably underlay the ARSACS in this patient.


Subject(s)
Heat-Shock Proteins , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Female , Humans , Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Mutation , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/pathology , Child, Preschool
12.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi ; 40(1): 121-124, 2023 Jan 10.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36585015

ABSTRACT

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare and early-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by variants of the SACS gene which maps to chromosome 13q11 and encodes sacsin protein. Sacsin is highly expressed in large motor neurons, in particular cerebellar Purkinje cells. This article has provided a review for the structure and function of sacsin protein and the mechanisms underlying abnormalities of sacsin in ARSACS disease.


Subject(s)
Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Humans , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/pathology , Ataxia/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics
13.
JAMA Neurol ; 80(1): 104-106, 2023 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36374509

ABSTRACT

This case report describes the optic nerve features of a male patient aged 23 years with a diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay.


Subject(s)
Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Humans , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/diagnostic imaging , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/diagnostic imaging , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging
14.
Cerebellum ; 22(4): 640-650, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35731353

ABSTRACT

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS) is now increasingly identified from all countries over the world, possibly rendering it one of the most common autosomal recessive ataxias. Here, we selected patients harboring SACS variants, the causative gene for ARSACS, in a large cohort of 137 patients with early-onset ataxia recruited from May 2019 to May 2021 and were referred to the ataxia clinic. Genetic studies were performed for 111 out of 137 patients (81%) which led to a diagnostic rate of 72.9% (81 out of 111 cases). Ten patients with the molecular diagnosis of ARSACS were identified. We investigated the phenotypic and imaging spectra of all confirmed patients with ARSACS. We also estimated the frequency of ARSACS in this cohort and described their clinical and genetic findings including seven novel variants as well as novel neuroimaging findings. While the classic clinical triad of ARSACS is progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, and sensorimotor polyneuropathy, it is not a constant feature in all patients. Sensorimotor axonal-demyelinating neuropathy was detected in all of our patients, but spasticity and extensor plantar reflex were absent in 50% (5/10). In all patients, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed symmetric linear hypointensities in the pons (pontine stripes) and anterior superior cerebellar atrophy as well as a hyperintense rim around the thalami (thalamic rim). Although infratentorial arachnoid cyst has been reported in ARSACS earlier, we report anterior temporal arachnoid cyst in two patients for the first time, indicating that arachnoid cyst may be an associated imaging feature of ARSACS. We also extended molecular spectrum of ARSACS by presenting 8 pathogenic and one variant of unknown significance (VUS) sequence variants, which 7 of them have not been reported previously. MetaDome server confirmed that the identified VUS variant was in the intolerant regions of sacsin protein encoded by SACS.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia , Cysts , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Humans , Iran , Mutation/genetics , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/diagnostic imaging , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/diagnostic imaging , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Neuroimaging
15.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-970891

ABSTRACT

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare and early-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by variants of the SACS gene which maps to chromosome 13q11 and encodes sacsin protein. Sacsin is highly expressed in large motor neurons, in particular cerebellar Purkinje cells. This article has provided a review for the structure and function of sacsin protein and the mechanisms underlying abnormalities of sacsin in ARSACS disease.


Subject(s)
Humans , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/pathology , Ataxia/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics
16.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-981788

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical feature and genetic variant of a child with autosomal recessive Charlevoix-Saguenay type spastic ataxia (ARSACS).@*METHODS@#Clinical data of a child who was admitted to the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University on April 30, 2021 was collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his parents. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG).@*RESULTS@#The child, a 3-year-and-3-month-old female, had a complain of "walking instability for over a year". Physical and laboratory examination revealed progressive and aggravated gait instability, increased muscle tone of the right limbs, peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs, and thickening of retinal nerve fiber layer. The results of WES revealed that she has harbored a maternally derived heterozygous deletion of exons 1 to 10 of the SACS gene, in addition with a de novo heterozygous c.3328dupA variant in exon 10 of the SACS gene. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the exons 1-10 deletion was rated as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting), and the c.3328dupA was rated as a pathogenic variant (PVS1_Strong+PS2+PM2_Supporting). Neither variant was recorded in the human population databases.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.3328dupA variant and the deletion of exons 1-10 of the SACS gene probably underlay the ARSACS in this patient.


Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Child, Preschool , Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Mutation , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/pathology
17.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(24)2022 Dec 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36555380

ABSTRACT

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of the Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS) is caused by mutation in the SACS gene resulting in loss of function of the protein sacsin. A key feature is the formation of abnormal bundles of neurofilaments (NF) in neurons and vimentin intermediate filaments (IF) in cultured fibroblasts, suggesting a role of sacsin in IF homeostasis. Sacsin contains a J domain (SacsJ) homologous to Hsp40, that can interact with Hsp70 chaperones. The SacsJ domain resolved NF bundles in cultured Sacs-/- neurons. Having studied the mechanism using NF assembled in vitro from purified NF proteins, we report that the SacsJ domain interacts with NF proteins to disassemble NFL filaments, and to inhibit their initial assembly. A cell-penetrating peptide derived from this domain, SacsJ-myc-TAT was efficient in disassembling NF bundles in cultured Sacs-/- motor neurons, restoring the NF network; however, there was some loss of vimentin IF and NF in cultured Sacs+/+ fibroblasts and motor neurons, respectively. These results suggest that sacsin through its SacsJ domain is a key regulator of NF and vimentin IF networks in cells.


Subject(s)
Heat-Shock Proteins , Intermediate Filaments , Humans , Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Intermediate Filaments/metabolism , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/metabolism , Mutation , Vimentin/genetics , Vimentin/metabolism
18.
Orphanet J Rare Dis ; 17(1): 369, 2022 10 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36183078

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by degeneration or abnormal development of the cerebellum. Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is one of the most prevalent in Europe. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the manifestations and impacts of ARSACS. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, followed by a qualitative study using semistructured interviews and discussion groups to obtain the experience of people affected. RESULTS: According to the PROMIS framework, the results show manifestations and impacts in three components of health: physical, mental, and social. Fatigue and struggles with balance and dexterity are the physical manifestations of the disease most often cited by participants. Negative affects such as frustration and depression are among the mental health impacts with some loss in cognitive abilities. Social health is the least documented component; nonetheless, people with the disease report significant impacts in terms of social relationships, activities and work. CONCLUSIONS: These findings shed new light on the experience of people with recessive ataxia and identify key aspects to assess to improve their overall health.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Ataxia , Humans , Intellectual Disability , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Mutation , Optic Atrophy , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/congenital , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/genetics
19.
Mol Genet Metab ; 137(1-2): 153-163, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36049366

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D) is a rare, progressive, metabolic disorder that is characterized by devastating manifestations driven by elevated plasma arginine levels. It typically presents in early childhood with spasticity (predominately affecting the lower limbs), mobility impairment, seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. This systematic review aims to identify and describe the published evidence outlining the epidemiology, diagnosis methods, measures of disease progression, clinical management, and outcomes for ARG1-D patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, and a review of clinical studies in ClinicalTrials.gov (with results reported) was carried out per PRISMA guidelines on 20 April 2020 with no date restriction. Pre-defined eligibility criteria were used to identify studies with data specific to patients with ARG1-D. Two independent reviewers screened records and extracted data from included studies. Quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-comparative studies. RESULTS: Overall, 55 records reporting 40 completed studies and 3 ongoing studies were included. Ten studies reported the prevalence of ARG1-D in the general population, with a median of 1 in 1,000,000. Frequently reported diagnostic methods included genetic testing, plasma arginine levels, and red blood cell arginase activity. However, routine newborn screening is not universally available, and lack of disease awareness may prevent early diagnosis or lead to misdiagnosis, as the disease has overlapping symptomology with other diseases, such as cerebral palsy. Common manifestations reported at time of diagnosis and assessed for disease progression included spasticity (predominately affecting the lower limbs), mobility impairment, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and seizures. Severe dietary protein restriction, essential amino acid supplementation, and nitrogen scavenger administration were the most commonly reported treatments among patients with ARG1-D. Only a few studies reported meaningful clinical outcomes of these interventions on intellectual disability, motor function and adaptive behavior assessment, hospitalization, or death. The overall quality of included studies was assessed as good according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Although ARG1-D is a rare disease, published evidence demonstrates a high burden of disease for patients. The current standard of care is ineffective at preventing disease progression. There remains a clear need for new treatment options as well as improved access to diagnostics and disease awareness to detect and initiate treatment before the onset of clinical manifestations to potentially enable more normal development, improve symptomatology, or prevent disease progression.


Subject(s)
Hyperargininemia , Intellectual Disability , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Child, Preschool , Arginase/genetics , Hyperargininemia/diagnosis , Hyperargininemia/epidemiology , Hyperargininemia/genetics , Seizures/diagnosis , Seizures/epidemiology , Seizures/etiology , Muscle Spasticity/diagnosis , Muscle Spasticity/epidemiology , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Arginine/therapeutic use , Amino Acids, Essential , Disease Progression , Nitrogen
20.
Gene ; 847: 146880, 2022 Dec 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36100117

ABSTRACT

The MnSOD Ala16Val single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has shown to be associated to risk factors of several metabolic and vascular diseases. However, little is known about interaction between MnSOD Ala16Val SNP in stroke, a frequent neurologic disease that involves clinic manifestations such as motor deficits and spasticity. In this sense, we decided to investigate the relationship between MnSOD Ala16Val SNP with spasticity in stroke and also its influence on interleukin levels, BDNF, and glycolipid parameters. Eighty post-stroke subjects and 80 healthy controls were investigated. We showed a higher spasticity, levels of total cholesterol, LDL, IL-1ß, IL-6, and INF-γ in VV post-stroke group. Interesting, we found a correlation between IL-1ß levels and spasticity in VV post-stroke. Triglycerides, glucose levels and caspases (1 and 3) activation were significantly higher, as well as BDNF levels were lower in VV and AV post-stroke. DNA damage was higher in post-stroke group. Thus, we can suggest that the V allele has a worse glycolipid profile, which would facilitate changes in neurovascular homeostasis. These events associated with an increase in inflammatory markers and a reduction in BDNF can contribute with the stroke and a worse clinical evolution in relation to spasticity in patients with VV genotype.


Subject(s)
Interleukin-6 , Stroke , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics , Caspases/genetics , Cholesterol, LDL/genetics , Genotype , Glucose , Glycolipids , Humans , Interleukin-1beta/genetics , Interleukin-6/genetics , Muscle Spasticity/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Stroke/complications , Stroke/genetics , Superoxide Dismutase/genetics , Triglycerides
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