Effects of Pharmacologic Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on DNA Methylation and Neurobehavior: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pharmacologic treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is associated with changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) and improvements in neonatal neurobehavior. STUDY DESIGN: Buccal swabs were collected from 37 neonates before and after morphine treatment for NAS. Genomic DNA was extracted, and DNAm was examined at 4 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites within the OPRM1 gene. Assessment with the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) was also performed before and after NAS treatment. Changes in DNAm (DNAmpost-tx - DNAmpre-tx) and NNNS summary scores (NNNSpost-tx - NNNSpre-tx) were then calculated. Path analysis was used to examine associations among pharmacologic treatment (length of treatment [LOT] and total dose of morphine), changes in DNAm, and changes in NNNS summary scores. RESULTS: DNAm was significantly decreased from pretreatment to post-treatment at 1 of 4 CpG sites within the OPRM1 gene. Neonates also demonstrated decreased excitability, hypertonia, lethargy, signs of stress and abstinence, and increased quality of movement and regulation from pretreatment to post-treatment. Longer LOT and higher morphine dose were associated with greater decreases in DNAm; greater decreases in DNAm were associated with greater decreases in excitability and hypertonia on the NNNS. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic treatment of NAS is associated with decreased DNAm of the OPRM1 gene and improved neonatal neurobehavior. Epigenetic changes may play a role in these changes in neonatal neurobehavior.

Neonatal Schwartz-Jampel syndrome type II: a rare case of peripheral origin of neonatal hypertonia.

Neonatal Schwartz-Jampel syndrome type II is a rare and severe form of genetic disorder. Different from the classical appearance in infancy, neonatal presentation involves respiratory and feeding difficulties, along with characteristic pursed appearance of the mouth, myotonia, skeletal dysplasia and severe fatal hyperthermia. The clinical spectrum of this syndrome is so wide that it easily baffles with more common differentials. In this case report, a neonate born to third-degree consanguineous marriage with previous two abortions presented with respiratory difficulty, severe hyperthermia and feeding difficulty, which were daunting challenges to manage due to being refractory to standard line of management. Severe myotonia and gross dysmorphism were challenging dots to connect. Targeted exome sequencing was a ray of hope, which revealed homozygous mutation in the leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor gene on chromosome 5p13, confirming the genetic diagnosis for a fairly common spectrum of symptoms. The neonate later developed pneumoperitoneum and succumbed to underlying severe neonatal illness.

Deletion 21pterq22.11: Report of a Patient with Dysmorphic Features, Hypertonia, and Café-au-Lait Macules and Review of the Literature.

Partial monosomy 21 results in a great variability of clinical features that may be associated with the size and location of the deletion. In this study, we report a 22-month-old girl who showed a 45,XX,add(12)(p13)dn,-21 karyotype. The final cytogenomic result was 45,XX,der(12)t(12;21)(p13;q22.11) dn,-21.arr[hg19] 21q11.2q22.11(14824453_33868129)×1 revealing a deletion from 21pter to 21q22.11. Clinical manifestation of the patient included hypertonia, a long philtrum, epicanthic folds, low-set ears, and café-au-lait macules - a phenotype considered as mild despite the relatively large size of the deletion compared to patients from the literature.

Fenotipo frontera de la enfermedad de Pelizaeus-Merzbacher / Borderline phenotype of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

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Novel Mutations in the Nonselective Sodium Leak Channel (NALCN) Lead to Distal Arthrogryposis with Increased Muscle Tone.

Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a feature in genetically and clinically heterogeneous groups of disorders. Mostly myopathic and neurogenic defects have been described, but many patients remain without genetic diagnosis. We are elaborating on the clinical presentation of neonatal cases with DA who carry novel mutations in the nonselective sodium leak channel (NALCN). Two patients reported herein were remarkable for central hypertonicity in addition to DA. By trio-whole exome sequencing, two undescribed de novo mutations in NALCN were revealed. Both mutations (p.F317C and p.V595F) are located on pore-forming segments of NALCN. Dominant NALCN mutations in the pore-forming segments have been identified in similar patients, whereas recessive mutations outside the pore-forming segments result in different phenotypes. Our findings with central hypertonia broaden the phenotypic spectrum of de novo mutations in the pore-forming segments of NALCN. Recent findings of successful acetazolamide treatment in patients with channelopathies might point to potential therapies based on the ion channel similarities and the location of the mutation.

Beyond Ohdo syndrome: A familial missense mutation broadens the MED12 spectrum.

Intellectual disability (ID) is estimated to affect 1-3% of the general population and is a common reason for referrals to pediatric and adult geneticists, as well as neurologists. There are many genetic and non-genetic causes of ID; X-linked forms are identifiable through their characteristic inheritance pattern. Current testing methods have been able to identify over 100 genes on the X chromosome responsible for X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndromes. MED12 [MIM *300188] (mediator complex subunit 12) mutations have been linked to numerous XLID syndromes, including Lujan, FG, and Ohdo, and MED12 is included in many XLID panels. MED12 is located at Xq13.1 and its product has roles in transcriptional activation and repression. We describe two affected male siblings and their unaffected mother with a novel missense mutation in MED12, c.4147G>A (p.Ala1383Thr). The siblings share some features of Ohdo syndrome, including feeding difficulties, microcephaly, and speech delay. However, additional attributes such as hypertonia, eosinophilic esophagitis, penile chordee, and particular facial dysmorphisms depart sufficiently from individuals previously described such that they appear to represent a new and expanded phenotype. This case lends credence to the evolving theory that the subtypes of Ohdo, and perhaps other MED12 disorders, reflect a spectrum of characteristics, rather than distinct syndromes. As XLID panel testing and whole exome sequencing (WES) becomes a standard of care for affected males, further MED12 mutations will broaden the phenotype of these intriguing disorders and challenge clinicians to rethink the current diagnostic boundaries.

Clinical characteristics of Scottie Cramp in 31 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical features, with response to therapy and long-term outcome of Scottie Cramp as described by owners. METHODS: Owners of affected dogs provided a description of clinical signs, age of onset and disease progression. Medical records, pedigrees and videotapes of cramp episodes were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-one dogs were recruited; 19 showed generalised spasticity and 12 exhibited only hind limb spasticity and skipping. Episodes were noted in the first year of life in 76% of dogs and were triggered by excitement, stress and exercise. Episode frequency and severity decreased over time with behaviour modification and decreased exposure to triggers playing a role in their development. One dog was euthanased because of severe refractory signs. Fluoxetine reduced the frequency and duration of episodes in seven dogs, but not in one severely affected dog. Female dogs were over-represented with only eight affected males in the study cohort, and the presence of dogs with cerebellar degeneration in the same pedigrees may suggest a more complex mode of inheritance than previously reported. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The disorder recognised as Scottie Cramp by dog owners includes dogs with hind limb spasticity in addition to generalised cramping. Signs usually improve over time without specific treatment.

Patient with spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 presenting initially with hypertonia.

Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene and characterized by life-threatening respiratory distress due to irreversible diaphragmatic paralysis between 6weeks and 6months of age. In this study, we describe a two-month-old boy who presented with hypertonia at first and developed to hypotonia progressively, which was in contrast to the manifestations reported previously. Bone tissue compromise was also observed as one of the unique symptoms. Muscle biopsy indicated mild myogenic changes. He was misdiagnosed until genetic screening to be confirmed as SMARD1. SMARD1 is a clinical heterogeneous disease and this case broadens our perception of its phenotypes.

Compound heterozygous BRAT1 mutations cause familial Ohtahara syndrome with hypertonia and microcephaly.

Homozygous frameshift BRAT1 mutations were found in patients with lethal neonatal rigidity and multifocal seizure syndrome (MIM# 614498). Here, we report on two siblings with compound heterozygous mutations in BRAT1. They had intractable seizures from neonatal period, dysmorphic features and hypertonia. Progressive microcephaly was also observed. Initial electroencephalogram showed a suppression-burst pattern, leading to a diagnosis of Ohtahara syndrome. They both died from pneumonia at 1 year and 3 months, respectively. Whole-exome sequencing of one patient revealed a compound heterozygous BRAT1 mutations (c.176T>C (p.Leu59Pro) and c.962_963del (p.Leu321Profs*81)). We are unable to obtain DNA from another patient. The p.Leu59Pro mutation occurred at an evolutionarily conserved amino acid in a CIDE-N (N-terminal of an cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector) domain, which has a regulatory role in the DNA fragmentation pathway of apoptosis. Our results further support that mutations of BRAT1 could lead to epileptic encephalopathy.

Hypermuscular mice with mutation in the myostatin gene display altered calcium signalling.

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor ß family, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, as myostatin-deficient mice show a great increase in muscle mass. Yet the physical performance of these animals is reduced. As an explanation for this, alterations in the steps in excitation-contraction coupling were hypothesized and tested for in mice with the 12 bp deletion in the propeptide region of the myostatin precursor (Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc) or Cmpt). In voluntary wheel running, control C57BL/6 mice performed better than the mutant animals in both maximal speed and total distance covered. Despite the previously described lower specific force of Cmpt animals, the pCa-force relationship, determined on chemically permeabilized fibre segments, did not show any significant difference between the two mouse strains. While resting intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) measured on single intact flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle fibres using Fura-2 AM was similar to control (72.0 ± 1.7 vs. 78.1 ± 2.9 nM, n = 38 and 45), the amplitude of KCl-evoked calcium transients was smaller (360 ± 49 vs. 222 ± 45 nM, n = 22) in the mutant strain. Similar results were obtained using tetanic stimulation and Rhod-2 AM, which gave calcium transients that were smaller (2.42 ± 0.11 vs. 2.06 ± 0.10 ΔF/F0, n = 14 and 13, respectively) on Cmpt mice. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release flux calculated from these transients showed a reduced peak (23.7 ± 3.0 vs. 15.8 ± 2.1 mM s(-1)) and steady level (5.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.7 ± 0.5 mM s(-1)) with no change in the peak-to-steady ratio. The amplitude and spatial spread of calcium release events detected on permeabilized FDB fibres were also significantly smaller in mutant mice. These results suggest that reduced SR calcium release underlies the reduced muscle force in Cmpt animals.

Novel missense mutations in the glycine receptor ß subunit gene (GLRB) in startle disease.

Startle disease is a rare, potentially fatal neuromotor disorder characterized by exaggerated startle reflexes and hypertonia in response to sudden unexpected auditory, visual or tactile stimuli. Mutations in the GlyR α(1) subunit gene (GLRA1) are the major cause of this disorder, since remarkably few individuals with mutations in the GlyR ß subunit gene (GLRB) have been found to date. Systematic DNA sequencing of GLRB in individuals with hyperekplexia revealed new missense mutations in GLRB, resulting in M177R, L285R and W310C substitutions. The recessive mutation M177R results in the insertion of a positively-charged residue into a hydrophobic pocket in the extracellular domain, resulting in an increased EC(50) and decreased maximal responses of α(1)ß GlyRs. The de novo mutation L285R results in the insertion of a positively-charged side chain into the pore-lining 9' position. Mutations at this site are known to destabilize the channel closed state and produce spontaneously active channels. Consistent with this, we identified a leak conductance associated with spontaneous GlyR activity in cells expressing α(1)ß(L285R) GlyRs. Peak currents were also reduced for α(1)ß(L285R) GlyRs although glycine sensitivity was normal. W310C was predicted to interfere with hydrophobic side-chain stacking between M1, M2 and M3. We found that W310C had no effect on glycine sensitivity, but reduced maximal currents in α(1)ß GlyRs in both homozygous (α(1)ß(W310C)) and heterozygous (α(1)ßß(W310C)) stoichiometries. Since mild startle symptoms were reported in W310C carriers, this may represent an example of incomplete dominance in startle disease, providing a potential genetic explanation for the 'minor' form of hyperekplexia.

GLRB is the third major gene of effect in hyperekplexia.

Glycinergic neurotransmission is a major inhibitory influence in the CNS and its disruption triggers a paediatric and adult startle disorder, hyperekplexia. The postsynaptic α(1)-subunit (GLRA1) of the inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR) and the cognate presynaptic glycine transporter (SLC6A5/GlyT2) are well-established genes of effect in hyperekplexia. Nevertheless, 52% of cases (117 from 232) remain gene negative and unexplained. Ligand-gated heteropentameric GlyRs form chloride ion channels that contain the α(1) and ß-subunits (GLRB) in a 2α(1):3ß configuration and they form the predominant population of GlyRs in the postnatal and adult human brain, brainstem and spinal cord. We screened GLRB through 117 GLRA1- and SLC6A5-negative hyperekplexia patients using a multiplex-polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing approach. The screening identified recessive and dominant GLRB variants in 12 unrelated hyperekplexia probands. This primarily yielded homozygous null mutations, with nonsense (n = 3), small indel (n = 1), a large 95 kb deletion (n = 1), frameshifts (n = 1) and one recurrent splicing variant found in four cases. A further three cases were found with two homozygous and one dominant GLRB missense mutations. We provide strong evidence for the pathogenicity of GLRB mutations using splicing assays, deletion mapping, cell-surface biotinylation, expression studies and molecular modelling. This study describes the definitive assignment of GLRB as the third major gene for hyperekplexia and impacts on the genetic stratification and biological causation of this neonatal/paediatric disorder. Driven principally by consanguineous homozygosity of GLRB mutations, the study reveals long-term additive phenotypic outcomes for affected cases such as severe apnoea attacks, learning difficulties and developmental delay.

Inverted duplication deletion of 8P: characterization by standard cytogenetic and SNP array analyses.

Inverted 8p duplication deletions are recurrent chromosomal rearrangements that most often arise through non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) during maternal meiosis between segmental duplications made up of the olfactory receptor (OR) gene clusters. The presence of a paracentric inversion polymorphism in 8p23.1, found in approximately 26% of European population, may trigger meiotic misalignment and NAHR between the OR gene repeats. We report clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular findings in a 4 year 8 month-old female with concomitant inverted duplication and terminal deletion of chromosome 8p. The girl, the first child of unrelated parents, was born at term, by normal delivery, after an uneventful pregnancy. Clinical examination revealed dysmorphic features, pectus excavatum, hypertonia, severe developmental delay. Brain ultrasound and MRI showed agenesis of the corpus callosum without other abnormalities. Conventional cytogenetic analysis identified additional material on chromosome 8 at band p21. SNP array analysis further characterized the abnormality as a duplication of about 31.3 Mb, from 8p23.1 to 8p11.1, and additionally revealed a terminal deletion of about 6.8 Mb, from 8p23.3 to 8p23.1. Genomic microarray also identified a region of disomy between deletion and duplication. Chromosome analysis of both parents revealed normal results. Based on clinical examination, conventional cytogenetics and SNP array, we established the diagnosis of inverted duplication deletion of 8p. SNP array analysis precisely defined the breakpoints of rearrangement and, by identifying a region of disomy between the duplication and deletion, indicated that NAHR between segmental duplications was the most likely mechanism for this type of abnormality.

Ubiquitous Gasp1 overexpression in mice leads mainly to a hypermuscular phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Myostatin, a member of the TGFß superfamily, is well known as a potent and specific negative regulator of muscle growth. Targeting the myostatin signalling pathway may offer promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of muscle-wasting disorders. In the last decade, various myostatin-binding proteins have been identified to be able to inhibit myostatin activity. One of these is GASP1 (Growth and Differentiation Factor-Associated Serum Protein-1), a protein containing a follistatin domain as well as multiple domains associated with protease inhibitors. Despite in vitro data, remarkably little is known about in vivo functions of Gasp1. To further address the role of GASP1 during mouse development and in adulthood, we generated a gain-of-function transgenic mouse model that overexpresses Gasp1 under transcriptional control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer. RESULTS: Overexpression of Gasp1 led to an increase in muscle mass observed not before day 15 of postnatal life. The surGasp1 transgenic mice did not display any other gross abnormality. Histological and morphometric analysis of surGasp1 rectus femoris muscles revealed an increase in myofiber size without a corresponding increase in myofiber number. Fiber-type distribution was unaltered. Interestingly, we do not detect a change in total fat mass and lean mass. These results differ from those for myostatin knockout mice, transgenic mice overexpressing the myostatin propeptide or follistatin which exhibit both muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and show minimal fat deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our data give new insight into the in vivo functions of Gasp1. As an extracellular regulatory factor in the myostatin signalling pathway, additional studies on GASP1 and its homolog GASP2 are required to elucidate the crosstalk between the different intrinsic inhibitors of the myostatin.

Novel mutation of GLRA1 in Omani families with hyperekplexia and mild mental retardation.

Hyperekplexia is characterized by neonatal hypertonia and exaggerated startle reflex in response to loud noise or tactile stimuli. Mutations in patients with hyperekplexia were evident in several genes encoding proteins involved in glycinergic neurotransmission, i.e., glycine receptor α and ß subunits, collybistin, gephyrin, and glycine transporter 2. We clinically and genetically characterized two large, unrelated consanguineous families with hyperekplexia. Affected members of the two families manifested hyperekplexia with mild mental retardation. Patients exhibited a novel homozygote c.593G>C missense mutation in GLRA1, resulting in amino acid substitution p.W170S in the corresponding mature glycine receptor α1 subunit. This mutation was absent in 400 randomly selected chromosomes in the same population. In conclusion, a novel p.W170S mutation in the extracellular ligand binding domain of glycine receptor α1 subunit was detected in patients with hyperekplexia and mild mental retardation.

A canine BCAN microdeletion associated with episodic falling syndrome.

Episodic falling syndrome (EFS) is a canine paroxysmal hypertonicity disorder found in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Episodes are triggered by exercise, stress or excitement and characterized by progressive hypertonicity throughout the thoracic and pelvic limbs, resulting in a characteristic 'deer-stalking' position and/or collapse. We used a genome-wide association strategy to map the EFS locus to a 3.48 Mb critical interval on canine chromosome 7. By prioritizing candidate genes on the basis of biological plausibility, we found that a 15.7 kb deletion in BCAN, encoding the brain-specific extracellular matrix proteoglycan brevican, is associated with EFS. This represents a compelling causal mutation for EFS, since brevican has an essential role in the formation of perineuronal nets governing synapse stability and nerve conduction velocity. Mapping of the deletion breakpoint enabled the development of Multiplex PCR and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) genotyping tests that can accurately distinguish normal, carrier and affected animals. Wider testing of a larger population of CKCS dogs without a history of EFS from the USA revealed that carriers are extremely common (12.9%). The development of molecular genetic tests for the EFS microdeletion will allow the implementation of directed breeding programs aimed at minimizing the number of animals with EFS and enable confirmatory diagnosis and pharmacotherapy of affected dogs.

Novel TSEN54 mutation causing pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 4.

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia exhibits a diverse range of etiologies, including six known autosomal recessive, single gene disorders. We describe a molecularly confirmed case of pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 4, a rare and severe neonatal phenotype with a novel TSEN54 mutation, presenting with polyhydramnios, hypertonia, and early neonatal death. The patient manifested severe hypoplasia of the cerebellum and brainstem. The neuropathologic findings in pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 4 develop late in gestation, and therefore prenatal diagnosis with ultrasonography is of limited use. Establishing a molecular diagnosis in the proband is critical for allowing couples to plan future pregnancies.