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1.
Handb Clin Neurol ; 203: 69-88, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39174255

RESUMEN

The neuromuscular junction is a prototypic synapse that has been extensively studied and provides a model for smaller and less accessible central synapses. Central to transmission at the neuromuscular synapse is the muscle acetylcholine receptor cation channel. Studies of the genetic disorders affecting the neuromuscular junction, termed congenital myasthenic syndromes, have illustrated how impaired signal transmission may be caused by a variety of mutations both within the ion channel itself and by the context of the ion channel within the synapse. Thus, multiple pathogenic mutations are also identified in proteins affecting the clustering, location, and density of the receptor within the overall synaptic structure. Disease severity ranges from death in childhood to mild disability throughout life. In addition, in utero, fetal akinesia due to impaired neuromuscular transmission may cause developmental abnormalities. Early studies identified mutations in the genes encoding the acetylcholine receptor subunits that impair ion channel gating or reduce the number of endplate receptors or a combination of the two, giving rise to "slow channel," "fast channel," or deficiency syndromes. Subsequently, it became clear that myasthenic syndromes also stem from mutations in proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse, or glycosylation. This chapter describes the patient phenotypes, the diverse range of molecular mechanisms for synaptic dysfunction, and the corresponding therapeutic strategies, including drug combinations, that can be tailored to the many subtypes.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Unión Neuromuscular , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/fisiopatología , Mutación/genética , Receptores Colinérgicos/metabolismo , Receptores Colinérgicos/genética , Animales
2.
Neuropharmacology ; 260: 110116, 2024 Dec 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39151654

RESUMEN

Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) are a set of genetic diseases that affect the neuromuscular transmission causing muscular weakness. The standard pharmacological treatment aims at ameliorating the myasthenic symptom by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Most patients respond well in the short and medium term, however, over time the beneficial effects rapidly fade, and the efficacy of the treatment diminishes. Increasing evidence shows that ß2-adrenergic agonists can be a suitable choice for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders, including CMS, as they promote beneficial effects in the neuromuscular system. The exact mechanism on which they rely is not completely understood, although patients and animal models respond well to the treatment, especially over extended periods. Here, we report the use of the long-lasting specific ß2-adrenergic agonist formoterol in a myasthenic mouse model (mnVAChT-KD), featuring deletion of VAChT (Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter) specifically in the α-motoneurons. Our findings demonstrate that formoterol treatment (300 µg/kg/day; sc) for 30 days increased the neuromuscular junction area, induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy and altered fibre type composition in myasthenic mice. Interestingly, ß2-adrenergic agonists have shown efficacy even in the absence of ACh (acetylcholine). Our data provide important evidence supporting the potential of ß2-adrenergic agonists in treating neuromuscular disorders of pre-synaptic origin and characterized by disruptions in nerve-muscle communication, through a direct and beneficial action within the motor unit.


Asunto(s)
Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Fumarato de Formoterol , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Unión Neuromuscular , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina , Animales , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Fumarato de Formoterol/farmacología , Fumarato de Formoterol/uso terapéutico , Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/farmacología , Unión Neuromuscular/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Masculino
3.
J Pediatr Genet ; 13(3): 232-236, 2024 Sep.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39086444

RESUMEN

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is an uncommon inherited neuromuscular junction disease. The clinical presentation of this disorder is diverse. Typically patients with this disorder present with early-onset swallowing difficulty and apnea in infancy, fluctuating ocular palsies and fatigable proximal muscle weakness during childhood, and late-onset form involving progressive weakness in adulthood. Difficulty in performing neurophysiology studies in children and the absence of a pathognomonic investigation marker increase the challenges in diagnosis of this disorder. The emergence of next-generation sequencing technology has circumvented these challenges somewhat, and has contributed to the discovery of novel mutations. We present here diagnostic odyssey of three CMS patients from two unrelated Kadazandusun kinships and their follow-up treatment. A rare homozygous mutation c.916G > C (p.Val306Leu) in CHAT gene was found in two siblings born of a consanguineous marriage. Third patient had compound heterozygous mutations c.406G > A (p.Val136Met) and c.916G > C (p.Val306Leu) in CHAT gene. We postulate that p.Val306Leu may be a founder mutation in the Kadazandusuns, an indigenous ethnic minority of Borneo Island.

4.
Pediatr Neurol ; 158: 57-65, 2024 Sep.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38964204

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of genetic disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission. CMS typically present at a young age with fatigable muscle weakness, often with an abnormal response after repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS). Pharmacologic treatment can improve symptoms, depending on the underlying defect. Prevalence is likely underestimated. This study reports on patients with CMS followed in Belgium in 2022. METHODS: Data were gathered retrospectively from the medical charts. Only likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants were included in the analysis. RESULTS: We identified 37 patients, resulting in an estimated prevalence of 3.19 per 1,000,000. The patients harbored pathogenic variants in CHRNE, RAPSN, DOK7, PREPL, CHRNB1, CHRNG, COLQ, MUSK, CHRND, GFPT1, and GMPPB. CHRNE was the most commonly affected gene. Most patients showed disease onset at birth, during infancy, or during childhood. Symptom onset was at adult age in seven patients, caused by variants in CHRNE, DOK7, MUSK, CHRND, and GMPPB. Severity and distribution of weakness varied, as did the presence of respiratory involvement, feeding problems, and extraneuromuscular manifestations. RNS was performed in 23 patients of whom 18 demonstrated a pathologic decrement. Most treatment responses were predictable based on the genotype. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first pooled characterization of patients with CMS in Belgium. We broaden the phenotypical spectrum of pathogenic variants in CHRNE with adult-onset CMS. Systematically documenting larger cohorts of patients with CMS can aid in better clinical characterization and earlier recognition of this rare disease. We emphasize the importance of establishing a molecular genetic diagnosis to tailor treatment choices.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/fisiopatología , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Bélgica/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Niño , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Preescolar , Lactante , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia
5.
Pediatr Neurol ; 157: 5-13, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38833907

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of inherited neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders arising from gene variants encoding diverse NMJ proteins. Recently, the VAMP1 gene, responsible for encoding the vesicle-associated membrane protein 1 (VAMP1), has been associated with CMS. METHODS: This study presents a characterization of five new individuals with VAMP1-related CMS, providing insights into the phenotype. RESULTS: The individuals with VAMP1-related CMS exhibited early disease onset, presenting symptoms prenatally or during the neonatal period, alongside severe respiratory involvement and feeding difficulties. Generalized weakness at birth was a common feature, and none of the individuals achieved independent walking ability. Notably, all cases exhibited scoliosis. The clinical course remained stable, without typical exacerbations seen in other CMS types. The response to anticholinesterase inhibitors and salbutamol was only partial, but the addition of 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) led to significant and substantial improvements, suggesting therapeutic benefits of 3,4-DAP for managing VAMP1-related CMS symptoms. Noteworthy is the identification of the VAMP1 (NM_014231.5): c.340delA; p.Ile114SerfsTer72 as a founder variant in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes valuable insights into VAMP1-related CMS, emphasizing their early onset, arthrogryposis, facial and generalized weakness, respiratory involvement, and feeding difficulties. Furthermore, the potential efficacy of 3,4-DAP as a useful therapeutic option warrants further exploration. The findings have implications for clinical management and genetic counseling in affected individuals. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the long-term outcomes of VAMP1-related CMS.


Asunto(s)
Amifampridina , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Fenotipo , Proteína 1 de Membrana Asociada a Vesículas , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/fisiopatología , Femenino , Masculino , Amifampridina/farmacología , Proteína 1 de Membrana Asociada a Vesículas/genética , Niño , Adolescente , 4-Aminopiridina/análogos & derivados , 4-Aminopiridina/farmacología , 4-Aminopiridina/uso terapéutico , Preescolar , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Potasio/farmacología , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Potasio/uso terapéutico , Lactante
6.
Ophthalmic Genet ; : 1-7, 2024 Jun 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38832364

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes are a diverse group of conditions with a broad array of genetic underpinnings and phenotypic presentations. Acetylcholine receptor deficiency is one form that usually involves pathogenic variants in the Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Epsilon Subunit (CHRNE) gene encoding the ɛ-subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. METHODS: We report a case of a 4-year-old male with suspected Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Acetylcholine Receptor Deficiency who presented with ocular symptoms and generalized muscle weakness. We additionally summarize published findings regarding the genetic, phenotypic, and clinical considerations of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Acetylcholine Receptor Deficiency. RESULTS: Exome sequencing revealed biallelic variants in CHRNE gene with a pathogenic frameshift variant and a variant of uncertain significance. After suboptimal response to pyridostigmine and albuterol, the patient experienced benefit with 3,4-DAP. The most commonly reported clinical characteristics in the literature are ptosis, muscle fatigability or weakness, and ophthalmoplegia. CONCLUSION: We present the case of a patient with biallelic variants in CHRNE gene including a variant of uncertain significance. Evaluation of variants of this gene, including the variant of uncertain significance identified in this case report, through further cases and studies may improve our understanding of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Acetylcholine Receptor deficiency.

7.
BMC Neurol ; 24(1): 206, 2024 Jun 17.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38886633

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the SLC5A7 gene cause congenital myasthenia, a rare genetic disorder. Mutation points in the SLC5A7 gene differ among individuals and encompass various genetic variations; however, exon deletion variants have yet to be reported in related cases. This study aims to explore the clinical phenotype and genetic traits of a patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome due to SLC5A7 gene variation and those of their family members. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a Chinese male with congenital myasthenic syndrome presenting fluctuating limb weakness. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous deletion mutation spanning exons 1-9 in the SLC5A7 gene. QPCR confirmed a deletion in exon 9 of the SLC5A7 gene in the patient's mother and brother. Clinical symptoms of myasthenia improved following treatment with pyridostigmine. CONCLUSION: Exons 1, 5, and 9 of the SLC5A7 gene encode the choline transporter's transmembrane region. Mutations in these exons can impact the stability and plasma membrane levels of the choline transporter. Thus, a heterozygous deletion in exons 1-9 of the SLC5A7 gene could be the pathogenic cause for this patient. In patients exhibiting fluctuating weakness, positive RNS, and seronegativity for myasthenia gravis antibodies, a detailed family history should be considered, and enhanced genetic testing is recommended to determine the cause.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Masculino , Mutación , Linaje , Adulto , Pruebas Genéticas/métodos , Femenino , Simportadores/genética
8.
Dis Model Mech ; 17(8)2024 Aug 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38903011

RESUMEN

Pathogenic variants in GFPT1, encoding a key enzyme to synthesize UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), cause congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). We made a knock-in (KI) mouse model carrying a frameshift variant in Gfpt1 exon 9, simulating that found in a patient with CMS. As Gfpt1 exon 9 is exclusively expressed in striated muscles, Gfpt1-KI mice were deficient for Gfpt1 only in skeletal muscles. In Gfpt1-KI mice, (1) UDP-HexNAc, CMP-NeuAc and protein O-GlcNAcylation were reduced in skeletal muscles; (2) aged Gfpt1-KI mice showed poor exercise performance and abnormal neuromuscular junction structures; and (3) markers of the unfolded protein response (UPR) were elevated in skeletal muscles. Denervation-mediated enhancement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in Gfpt1-KI mice facilitated protein folding, ubiquitin-proteasome degradation and apoptosis, whereas autophagy was not induced and protein aggregates were markedly increased. Lack of autophagy was accounted for by enhanced degradation of FoxO1 by increased Xbp1-s/u proteins. Similarly, in Gfpt1-silenced C2C12 myotubes, ER stress exacerbated protein aggregates and activated apoptosis, but autophagy was attenuated. In both skeletal muscles in Gfpt1-KI mice and Gfpt1-silenced C2C12 myotubes, maladaptive UPR failed to eliminate protein aggregates and provoked apoptosis.


Asunto(s)
Autofagia , Estrés del Retículo Endoplásmico , Músculo Esquelético , Pliegue de Proteína , Respuesta de Proteína Desplegada , Animales , Ratones , Apoptosis , Proteína Forkhead Box O1/metabolismo , Técnicas de Sustitución del Gen , Fibras Musculares Esqueléticas/metabolismo , Fibras Musculares Esqueléticas/patología , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Unión Neuromuscular/metabolismo , Unión Neuromuscular/patología , Especificidad de Órganos , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Agregado de Proteínas , Proteína 1 de Unión a la X-Box/metabolismo
9.
Neuromuscul Disord ; 39: 30-32, 2024 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38723581

RESUMEN

LAMB2 gene disorders present with different phenotypes. Pierson syndrome (PS) is a common phenotype associated with LAMB2 variants. Neuromuscular phenotype has been reported including hypotonia and developmental delay. However, neuromuscular junction abnormalities represented as congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) was reported in one adult patient only. Here, in this paper, we present two pediatric cases with a severe presentation of PS and have CMS so expanding the knowledge of LAMB2 related phenotypes. The first patient had hypotonia and global developmental delay. Targeted genetic testing panel demonstrated homozygous pathogenic variant in the LAMB2 gene (c.5182C>T, pGln1728*) which was reported by Maselli et al. 2009. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) showed a decremental response at low frequency of 3 Hz. On the other hand, the second patient had profound weakness since birth. Tri-Whole exome sequencing showed homozygous pathogenic variant in the LAMB2 gene c.2890C>T, pArg964*. A trial of salbutamol did not improve the symptoms. Both patients passed away from sequala of PS. The spectrum of phenotypic changes associated with LAMB2 mutations is still expanding, and further investigation into the various clinical and morphologic presentations associated with these mutations is important to better identify and manage affected individuals.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/fisiopatología , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Masculino , Femenino , Anomalías del Ojo/genética , Anomalías del Ojo/complicaciones , Laminina/genética , Fenotipo , Mutación , Anomalías Múltiples/genética , Lactante , Enfermedades de la Unión Neuromuscular/genética , Preescolar , Síndrome Nefrótico , Trastornos de la Pupila
10.
Neuromuscul Disord ; 39: 10-18, 2024 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38669730

RESUMEN

Recessive desminopathies are rare and often present as severe early-onset myopathy. Here we report a milder phenotype in three unrelated patients from southern India (2 M, 1F) aged 16, 21, and 22 years, who presented with childhood-onset, gradually progressive, fatigable limb-girdle weakness, ptosis, speech and swallowing difficulties, without cardiac involvement. Serum creatine kinase was elevated, and repetitive nerve stimulation showed decrement in all. Clinical improvement was noted with pyridostigmine and salbutamol in two patients. All three patients had a homozygous substitution in intron 5: DES(NM_001927.4):c.1023+5G>A, predicted to cause a donor splice site defect. Muscle biopsy with ultrastructural analysis suggested myopathy with myofibrillar disarray, and immunohistochemistry showed partial loss of desmin with some residual staining, while western blot analysis showed reduced desmin. RT-PCR of patient muscle RNA revealed two transcripts: a reduced normal desmin transcript and a larger abnormal transcript suggesting leaky splicing at the intron 5 donor site. Sequencing of the PCR products confirmed the inclusion of intron 5 in the longer transcript, predicted to cause a premature stop codon. Thus, we provide evidence for a leaky splice site causing partial loss of desmin associated with a unique phenotypic presentation of a milder form of desmin-related recessive myopathy overlapping with congenital myasthenic syndrome.


Asunto(s)
Desmina , Humanos , Masculino , Desmina/genética , Desmina/metabolismo , Femenino , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Músculo Esquelético/ultraestructura , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Sitios de Empalme de ARN/genética , Transmisión Sináptica , Fenotipo , Mutación
11.
HGG Adv ; 5(3): 100288, 2024 Jul 18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38566418

RESUMEN

Biallelic loss-of-function variants in the MUSK gene result in two allelic disorders: (1) congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS; OMIM: 616325), a neuromuscular disorder that has a range of severity from severe neonatal-onset weakness to mild adult-onset weakness, and (2) fetal akinesia deformation sequence (OMIM: 208150), a form of pregnancy loss characterized by severe muscle weakness in the fetus. The MUSK gene codes for muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the development of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we report a case of neonatal-onset MUSK-related CMS in a patient harboring compound heterozygous deletions in the MUSK gene, including (1) a deletion of exons 2-3 leading to an in-frame MuSK protein lacking the immunoglobulin 1 (Ig1) domain and (2) a deletion of exons 7-11 leading to an out-of-frame, truncated MuSK protein. Individual domains of the MuSK protein have been elucidated structurally; however, a complete MuSK structure generated by machine learning algorithms has clear inaccuracies. We modify a predicted AlphaFold structure and integrate previously reported domain-specific structural data to suggest a MuSK protein that dimerizes in two locations (Ig1 and the transmembrane domain). We analyze known pathogenic variants in MUSK to discover domain-specific genotype-phenotype correlations; variants that lead to a loss of protein expression, disruption of the Ig1 domain, or Dok-7 binding are associated with the most severe phenotypes. A conceptual model is provided to explain the severe phenotypes seen in Ig1 variants and the poor response of our patient to pyridostigmine.


Asunto(s)
Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas Receptoras , Receptores Colinérgicos , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/patología , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Dominios Proteicos/genética , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas Receptoras/genética , Receptores Colinérgicos/genética , Receptores Colinérgicos/metabolismo , Receptores Colinérgicos/química , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Masculino , Femenino , Recién Nacido
12.
Mol Genet Genomic Med ; 12(3): e2409, 2024 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511267

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of inherited neuromuscular transmission disorders. Variants in RAPSN are a common cause of CMS, accounting for approximately 14%-27% of all CMS cases. Whether preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) could be used to prevent the potential birth of CMS-affected children is unclear. METHODS: Application of WES (whole-exome sequencing) for carrier testing and guidance for the PGT-M in the absence of a genetically characterized index patient as well as assisted reproductive technology were employed to prevent the occurrence of birth defects in subsequent pregnancy. The clinical phenotypes of stillborn fetuses were also assessed. RESULTS: The family carried two likely pathogenic variants in RAPSN(NM_005055.5): c.133G>A (p.V45M) and c.280G>A (p.E94K). And the potential birth of CMS-affected child was successfully prevented, allowing the family to have offspring devoid of disease-associated variants and exhibiting a normal phenotype. CONCLUSION: This report constitutes the first documented case of achieving a CMS-free offspring through PGT-M in a CMS-affected family. By broadening the known variant spectrum of RAPSN in the Chinese population, our findings underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of PGT-M for preventing CMS, offering valuable insights for similarly affected families.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Niño , Femenino , Embarazo , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/diagnóstico , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Pruebas Genéticas , Fenotipo
13.
Orphanet J Rare Dis ; 19(1): 113, 2024 Mar 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38475910

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a group of neuromuscular disorders caused by abnormal signal transmission at the motor endplate. Mutations in the collagen-like tail subunit gene (COLQ) of acetylcholinesterase are responsible for recessive forms of synaptic congenital myasthenic syndromes with end plate acetylcholinesterase deficiency. Clinical presentation includes ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and progressive weakness with onset at birth or early infancy. METHODS: We followed 26 patients with COLQ-CMS over a mean period of 9 years (ranging from 3 to 213 months) and reported their clinical features, electrophysiologic findings, genetic characteristics, and therapeutic management. RESULTS: In our population, the onset of symptoms ranged from birth to 15 years. Delayed developmental motor milestones were detected in 13 patients (∼ 52%), and the most common presenting signs were ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and limb weakness. Sluggish pupils were seen in 8 (∼ 30%) patients. All patients who underwent electrophysiologic study showed a significant decremental response (> 10%) following low-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation. Moreover, double compound muscle action potential was evident in 18 patients (∼ 75%). We detected 14 variants (eight novel variants), including six missense, three frameshift, three nonsense, one synonymous and one copy number variation (CNV), in the COLQ gene. There was no benefit from esterase inhibitor treatment, while treatment with ephedrine and salbutamol was objectively efficient in all cases. CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity of the disease, our findings provide valuable information for understanding the clinical and electrophysiological features as well as the genetic characterization and response to the treatment of COLQ-CMS.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Oftalmoplejía , Recién Nacido , Humanos , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Acetilcolinesterasa/genética , Acetilcolinesterasa/uso terapéutico , Irán , Variaciones en el Número de Copia de ADN , Proteínas Musculares/genética , Mutación , Colágeno/genética , Colágeno/uso terapéutico
14.
Front Pediatr ; 12: 1280394, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38304750

RESUMEN

Congenital myasthenic syndrome with episodic apnea is associated with pathogenic variants in the CHAT gene. While respiratory disorders and oculomotor findings are commonly reported in affected individuals, a subset of patients only present with muscle weakness and/or ptosis but not apneic crises. In this case series, we describe five individuals with exercise intolerance caused by single nucleotide variants in the CHAT gene. The age of onset ranged from 1 to 2.5 years, and all patients exhibited a fluctuating course of congenital myasthenic syndrome without disease progression over several years. Notably, these patients maintained a normal neurological status, except for the presence of abnormal fatigability in their leg muscles following prolonged physical activity. We conducted a modified protocol of repetitive nerve stimulation on the peroneal nerve, revealing an increased decrement in amplitude and area of compound muscle action potentials of the tibialis anterior muscle after 15-20 min of exercise. Treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine showed clear improvement in two children, while one patient experienced severe adverse effects and is currently receiving a combination of Salbutamol Syrup and pyridostigmine with slight positive effects. Based on our findings and previous cases of early childhood onset with muscle fatigability as the sole manifestation, we propose the existence of a mild phenotype characterized by the absence of apneic episodes.

15.
Hum Gene Ther ; 35(3-4): 123-131, 2024 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38299967

RESUMEN

The enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) synthesizes acetylcholine from acetyl-CoA and choline at the neuromuscular junction and at the nerve terminals of cholinergic neurons. Mutations in the ChAT gene (CHAT) result in a presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) that often associates with life-threatening episodes of apnea. Knockout mice for Chat (Chat-/-) die at birth. To circumvent the lethality of this model, we crossed mutant mice possessing loxP sites flanking Chat exons 4 and 5 with mice that expressed Cre-ERT2. Injection of tamoxifen (Tx) at postnatal (P) day 11 in these mice induced downregulation of Chat, autonomic failure, weakness, and death. However, a proportion of Chatflox/flox-Cre-ERT2 mice receiving at birth an intracerebroventricular injection of 2 × 1013 vg/kg adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV9) carrying human CHAT (AAV9-CHAT) survived a subsequent Tx injection and lived to adulthood without showing signs of weakness. Likewise, injection of AA9-CHAT by intracisternal injection at P28 after the onset of weakness also resulted in survival to adulthood. The expression of Chat in spinal motor neurons of Chatflox/flox-Cre-ERT2 mice injected with Tx was markedly reduced, but AAV-injected mice showed a robust recovery of ChAT expression, which was mainly translated by the human CHAT RNA. The biodistribution of the viral genome was widespread but maximal in the spinal cord and brain of AAV-injected mice. No significant histopathological changes were observed in the brain, liver, and heart of AAV-injected mice after 1 year follow-up. Thus, AAV9-mediated gene therapy may provide an effective and safe treatment for patients severely affected with CHAT-CMS.


Asunto(s)
Colina O-Acetiltransferasa , Dependovirus , Ratones , Humanos , Animales , Colina O-Acetiltransferasa/genética , Colina O-Acetiltransferasa/metabolismo , Dependovirus/genética , Dependovirus/metabolismo , Distribución Tisular , Ratones Noqueados , Terapia Genética
17.
Heliyon ; 10(1): e23663, 2024 Jan 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38187266

RESUMEN

SCN4A mutations have been shown to be associated with myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, and periodic paralyses. More recently, loss-of-function variants in the SCN4A gene were also noted to be associated with rarer, autosomal recessive forms of congenital myasthenic syndrome and congenital myopathy. Diagnosis is challenging as the initial clinical presentation and histological features on muscle biopsies are non-specific. We report a Han Chinese patient presented with congenital myopathy with two missense SCN4A variants. The patient had an antenatal history of reduced fetal movements, polyhydramnios and a very preterm birth. At birth, she was noted to have low Apgar score, respiratory distress syndrome and hypotonia. Delayed motor development was noted in early childhood. Dysmorphic features such as an elongated face, dolichocephaly and high arched palate were present. At 16 years of age, the patient developed progressive muscle weakness and was wheelchair-bound by age 20. Muscle biopsy revealed non-specific changes only. Targeted hereditary myopathy panel testing by next generation sequencing revealed two previously unreported missense variants c.1841A > T p.(Asn614Ile) and c.4420G > A p.(Ala1474Thr) in the SCN4A gene. The clinical features of SCN4A-related congenital myopathy and myasthenic syndrome were reviewed. This case exemplifies the utility of next generation sequencing in the diagnosis of undifferentiated muscle disease.

18.
J Neurol ; 271(3): 1331-1341, 2024 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37923938

RESUMEN

The RASopathies are a group of genetic rare diseases caused by mutations affecting genes involved in the RAS/MAPK (RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase) pathway. Among them, PTPN11 pathogenic variants are responsible for approximately 50% of Noonan syndrome (NS) cases and, albeit to a lesser extent, of Leopard syndrome (LPRD1), which present a few overlapping clinical features, such as facial dysmorphism, developmental delay, cardiac defects, and skeletal deformities. Motor impairment and decreased muscle strength have been recently reported. The etiology of the muscle involvement in these disorders is still not clear but probably multifactorial, considering the role of the RAS/MAPK pathway in skeletal muscle development and Acetylcholine Receptors (AChR) clustering at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We report, herein, four unrelated children carrying three different heterozygous mutations in the PTPN11 gene. Intriguingly, their phenotypic features first led to a clinical suspicion of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), due to exercise-induced fatigability with a variable degree of muscle weakness, and serum proteomic profiling compatible with a NMJ defect. Moreover, muscle fatigue improved after treatment with CMS-specific medication. Although the link between PTPN11 gene and neuromuscular transmission is unconfirmed, an increasing number of patients with RASopathies are affected by muscle weakness and fatigability. Hence, NS or LPDR1 should be considered in children with suspected CMS but negative genetic workup for known CMS genes or additional symptoms indicative of NS, such as facial dysmorphism or intellectual disability.


Asunto(s)
Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Síndrome de Noonan , Niño , Humanos , Síndrome de Noonan/genética , Síndrome de Noonan/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Noonan/patología , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Proteómica , Mutación/genética , Fenotipo , Debilidad Muscular , Proteína Tirosina Fosfatasa no Receptora Tipo 11/genética
19.
Clin Genet ; 105(2): 226-227, 2024 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37849383

RESUMEN

We report the third case of FADS due to biallelic DOK7 variants, which further strengthens the association of DOK7 with this lethal phenotype and lack of genotype phenotype correlation.


Asunto(s)
Artrogriposis , Humanos , Artrogriposis/genética , Fenotipo , Proteínas Musculares/genética
20.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol ; : e12952, 2023 Dec 20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38124360

RESUMEN

AIMS: Limb-girdle congenital myasthenic syndrome (LG-CMS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability. The LG-CMS gene DPAGT1 codes for an essential enzyme of the glycosylation pathway, a posttranslational modification mechanism shaping the structure and function of proteins. In DPAGT1-related LG-CMS, reduced glycosylation of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) reduces its localization at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), and results in diminished neuromuscular transmission. LG-CMS patients also show tubular aggregates on muscle biopsy, but the origin and potential contribution of the aggregates to disease development are not understood. Here, we describe two LG-CMS patients with the aim of providing a molecular diagnosis and to shed light on the pathways implicated in tubular aggregate formation. METHODS: Following clinical examination of the patients, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify the genetic causes, analysed the biopsies at the histological and ultrastructural levels, investigated the composition of the tubular aggregates, and performed experiments on protein glycosylation. RESULTS: We identified novel pathogenic DPAGT1 variants in both patients, and pyridostigmine treatment quantitatively improved muscle force and function. The tubular aggregates contained proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and structurally conformed to the aggregates observed in tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM). TAM arises from overactivation of the plasma membrane calcium channel ORAI1, and functional studies on muscle extracts from our LG-CMS patients evidenced abnormal ORAI1 glycosylation. CONCLUSIONS: We expand the genetic variant spectrum of LG-CMS and provide a genotype/phenotype correlation for pathogenic DPAGT1 variants. The discovery of ORAI1 hypoglycosylation in our patients highlights a physiopathological link between LG-CMS and TAM.

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