Insights into the identification of a molecular signature for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exploiting integrated microRNA profiling of iPSC-derived motor neurons and exosomes.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Most cases are sporadic, whereas 10% are familial. The pathological mechanisms underlying the disease are partially understood, but it is increasingly being recognized that alterations in RNA metabolism and deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression occur in ALS. In this study, we performed miRNA expression profile analysis of iPSC-derived MNs and related exosomes from familial patients and healthy subjects. We identified dysregulation of miR-34a, miR-335 and miR-625-3p expression in both MNs and exosomes. These miRNAs regulate genes and pathways which correlate with disease pathogenesis, suggesting that studying miRNAs deregulation can contribute to deeply investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. We also assayed the expression profile of these miRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of familial (fALS) and sporadic patients (sALS) and we identified a significant dysregulation of miR-34a-3p and miR-625-3p levels in ALS compared to controls. Taken together, all these findings suggest that miRNA analysis simultaneously performed in different human biological samples could represent a promising molecular tool to understand the etiopathogenesis of ALS and to develop new potential miRNA-based strategies in this new propitious therapeutic era.

A Novel Homozygous VPS11 Variant May Cause Generalized Dystonia.

In this work, we describe the association of a novel homozygous VPS11 variant with adult-onset generalized dystonia, providing a detailed clinical report and biological evidence of disease mechanism. Vps11 is a subunit of the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex, which promotes the fusion of late endosomes and autophagosomes with the lysosome. Functional studies on mutated fibroblasts showed marked lysosomal and autophagic abnormalities, which improved after overexpression of the wild type Vps11 protein. In conclusion, a deleterious VPS11 variant, damaging the autophagic and lysosomal pathways, is the probable genetic cause of a novel form of generalized dystonia. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:834-839.

Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases are disabling and fatal neurological disorders that currently lack effective treatment. Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been studied as a potential therapeutic approach and appears to exert a beneficial effect against neurodegeneration via different mechanisms, such as the production of neurotrophic factors, decreased neuroinflammation, enhanced neuronal plasticity and cell replacement. Thus, NSC transplantation may represent an effective therapeutic strategy. To exploit NSCs' potential, some of their essential biological characteristics must be thoroughly investigated, including the specific markers for NSC subpopulations, to allow profiling and selection. Another key feature is their secretome, which is responsible for the regulation of intercellular communication, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. In addition, NSCs must properly migrate into the central nervous system (CNS) and integrate into host neuronal circuits, enhancing neuroplasticity. Understanding and modulating these aspects can allow us to further exploit the therapeutic potential of NSCs. Recent progress in gene editing and cellular engineering techniques has opened up the possibility of modifying NSCs to express select candidate molecules to further enhance their therapeutic effects. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding these aspects, promoting the development of stem cell therapies that could be applied safely and effectively in clinical settings.

Case report: Dihydropyridine receptor (CACNA1S) congenital myopathy, a novel phenotype with early onset periodic paralysis.

Introduction: CACNA1S related congenital myopathy is an emerging recently described entity. In this report we describe 2 sisters with mutations in the CACNA1S gene and the novel phenotype of congenital myopathy and infantile onset episodic weakness. Clinical description: Both sisters had neonatal onset hypotonia, muscle weakness, and delayed walking. Episodic weakness started in infancy and continued thereafter, provoked mostly by cold exposure. Muscle imaging revealed fat replacement of gluteus maximus muscles. Next generation sequencing found the missense p.Cys944Tyr variant and the novel splicing variant c.3526-2A>G in CACNA1S. Minigene assay revealed the splicing variant caused skipping of exon 28 from the transcript, potentially affecting protein folding and/or voltage dependent activation. Conclusion: This novel phenotype supports the notion that there are age related differences in the clinical expression of CACNA1S gene mutations. This expands our understanding of mutations located in regions of the CACNA1S outside the highly conserved S4 segment, where most mutations thus far have been identified.

Whole-Exome Sequencing Study of Fibroblasts Derived From Patients With Cerebellar Ataxia Referred to Investigate CoQ10 Deficiency.

Background and Objectives: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)-deficient cerebellar ataxia can be due to pathogenic variants in genes encoding for CoQ10 biosynthetic proteins or associated with defects in protein unrelated to its biosynthesis. Diagnosis is crucial because patients may respond favorably to CoQ10 supplementation. The aim of this study was to identify through whole-exome sequencing (WES) the pathogenic variants, and assess CoQ10 levels, in fibroblasts from patients with undiagnosed cerebellar ataxia referred to investigate CoQ10 deficiency. Methods: WES was performed on genomic DNA extracted from 16 patients. Sequencing data were filtered using a virtual panel of genes associated with CoQ10 deficiency and/or cerebellar ataxia. CoQ10 levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in 14 patient-derived fibroblasts. Results: A definite genetic etiology was identified in 8 samples of 16 (diagnostic yield = 50%). The identified genetic causes were pathogenic variants of the genes COQ8A (ADCK3) (n = 3 samples), ATP1A3 (n = 2), PLA2G6 (n = 1), SPG7 (n = 1), and MFSD8 (n = 1). Five novel mutations were found (COQ8A n = 3, PLA2G6 n = 1, and MFSD8 n = 1). CoQ10 levels were significantly decreased in 3/14 fibroblast samples (21.4%), 1 carrying compound heterozygous COQ8A pathogenic variants, 1 harboring a homozygous pathogenic SPG7 variant, and 1 with an unknown molecular defect. Discussion: This work confirms the importance of COQ8A gene mutations as a frequent genetic cause of cerebellar ataxia and CoQ10 deficiency and suggests SPG7 mutations as a novel cause of secondary CoQ10 deficiency.

Insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutics for C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia.

In 2011, a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the noncoding region of C9orf72 was associated with the most frequent genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The main pathogenic mechanisms in C9-ALS/FTD are haploinsufficiency of the C9orf72 protein and gain of function toxicity from bidirectionally-transcribed repeat-containing RNAs and dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) resulting from non-canonical RNA translation. Additionally, abnormalities in different downstream cellular mechanisms, such as nucleocytoplasmic transport and autophagy, play a role in pathogenesis. Substantial research efforts using in vitro and in vivo models have provided valuable insights into the contribution of each mechanism in disease pathogenesis. However, conflicting evidence exists, and a unifying theory still lacks. Here, we provide an overview of the recently published literature on clinical, neuropathological and molecular features of C9-ALS/FTD. We highlight the supposed neuronal role of C9orf72 and the HRE pathogenic cascade, mainly focusing on the contribution of RNA foci and DPRs to neurodegeneration and discussing the several downstream mechanisms. We summarize the emerging biochemical and neuroimaging biomarkers, as well as the potential therapeutic approaches. Despite promising results, a specific disease-modifying treatment is still not available to date and greater insights into disease mechanisms may help in this direction.

SLC25A46 mutations in patients with Parkinson's Disease and optic atrophy.

Mutations in the gene encoding the mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A46 are known to cause optic atrophy associated with peripheral neuropathy and congenital pontocerebellar hypoplasia. We found novel biallelic SLC25A46 mutations (p.H137R, p.A401Sfs*17) in a patient with Parkinson's disease and optic atrophy. Screening of six unrelated patients with parkinsonism and optic atrophy allowed us to identify two additional mutations (p.A176V, p.K256R) in a second patient. All identified variants are predicted likely pathogenic and affect very conserved protein residues. These findings suggest for the first time a possible link between Parkinson's Disease and SLC25A46 mutations. Replication in additional studies is needed to conclusively prove this link.