Exome sequencing of ATP1A3-negative cases of alternating hemiplegia of childhood reveals SCN2A as a novel causative gene.

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurodevelopment disorder that is typically characterized by debilitating episodic attacks of hemiplegia, seizures, and intellectual disability. Over 85% of individuals with AHC have a de novo missense variant in ATP1A3 encoding the catalytic α3 subunit of neuronal Na+/K+ ATPases. The remainder of the patients are genetically unexplained. Here, we used next-generation sequencing to search for the genetic cause of 26 ATP1A3-negative index patients with a clinical presentation of AHC or an AHC-like phenotype. Three patients had affected siblings. Using targeted sequencing of exonic, intronic, and flanking regions of ATP1A3 in 22 of the 26 index patients, we found no ultra-rare variants. Using exome sequencing, we identified the likely genetic diagnosis in 9 probands (35%) in five genes, including RHOBTB2 (n = 3), ATP1A2 (n = 3), ANK3 (n = 1), SCN2A (n = 1), and CHD2 (n = 1). In follow-up investigations, two additional ATP1A3-negative individuals were found to have rare missense SCN2A variants, including one de novo likely pathogenic variant and one likely pathogenic variant for which inheritance could not be determined. Functional evaluation of the variants identified in SCN2A and ATP1A2 supports the pathogenicity of the identified variants. Our data show that genetic variants in various neurodevelopmental genes, including SCN2A, lead to AHC or AHC-like presentation. Still, the majority of ATP1A3-negative AHC or AHC-like patients remain unexplained, suggesting that other mutational mechanisms may account for the phenotype or that cases may be explained by oligo- or polygenic risk factors.

C9ORF72 knockdown triggers FTD-like symptoms and cell pathology in mice.

The GGGGCC intronic repeat expansion within C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD. This mutation results in toxic gain of function through accumulation of expanded RNA foci and aggregation of abnormally translated dipeptide repeat proteins, as well as loss of function due to impaired transcription of C9ORF72. A number of in vivo and in vitro models of gain and loss of function effects have suggested that both mechanisms synergize to cause the disease. However, the contribution of the loss of function mechanism remains poorly understood. We have generated C9ORF72 knockdown mice to mimic C9-FTD/ALS patients haploinsufficiency and investigate the role of this loss of function in the pathogenesis. We found that decreasing C9ORF72 leads to anomalies of the autophagy/lysosomal pathway, cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43 and decreased synaptic density in the cortex. Knockdown mice also developed FTD-like behavioral deficits and mild motor phenotypes at a later stage. These findings show that C9ORF72 partial loss of function contributes to the damaging events leading to C9-FTD/ALS.

New Challenges Resulting From the Loss of Function of Nav1.4 in Neuromuscular Diseases.

The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.4 is a major actor in the excitability of skeletal myofibers, driving the muscle force in response to nerve stimulation. Supporting further this key role, mutations in SCN4A, the gene encoding the pore-forming α subunit of Nav1.4, are responsible for a clinical spectrum of human diseases ranging from muscle stiffness (sodium channel myotonia, SCM) to muscle weakness. For years, only dominantly-inherited diseases resulting from Nav1.4 gain of function (GoF) were known, i.e., non-dystrophic myotonia (delayed muscle relaxation due to myofiber hyperexcitability), paramyotonia congenita and hyperkalemic or hypokalemic periodic paralyses (episodic flaccid muscle weakness due to transient myofiber hypoexcitability). These last 5 years, SCN4A mutations inducing Nav1.4 loss of function (LoF) were identified as the cause of dominantly and recessively-inherited disorders with muscle weakness: periodic paralyses with hypokalemic attacks, congenital myasthenic syndromes and congenital myopathies. We propose to name this clinical spectrum sodium channel weakness (SCW) as the mirror of SCM. Nav1.4 LoF as a cause of permanent muscle weakness was quite unexpected as the Na+ current density in the sarcolemma is large, securing the ability to generate and propagate muscle action potentials. The properties of SCN4A LoF mutations are well documented at the channel level in cellular electrophysiological studies However, much less is known about the functional consequences of Nav1.4 LoF in skeletal myofibers with no available pertinent cell or animal models. Regarding the therapeutic issues for Nav1.4 channelopathies, former efforts were aimed at developing subtype-selective Nav channel antagonists to block myofiber hyperexcitability. Non-selective, Nav channel blockers are clinically efficient in SCM and paramyotonia congenita, whereas patient education and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are helpful to prevent attacks in periodic paralyses. Developing therapeutic tools able to counteract Nav1.4 LoF in skeletal muscles is then a new challenge in the field of Nav channelopathies. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Nav1.4 LoF and discuss the possible therapeutic strategies to be developed in order to improve muscle force in SCW.

Neuronal Cav3 channelopathies: recent progress and perspectives.

T-type, low-voltage activated, calcium channels, now designated Cav3 channels, are involved in a wide variety of physiological functions, especially in nervous systems. Their unique electrophysiological properties allow them to finely regulate neuronal excitability and to contribute to sensory processing, sleep, and hormone and neurotransmitter release. In the last two decades, genetic studies, including exploration of knock-out mouse models, have greatly contributed to elucidate the role of Cav3 channels in normal physiology, their regulation, and their implication in diseases. Mutations in genes encoding Cav3 channels (CACNA1G, CACNA1H, and CACNA1I) have been linked to a variety of neurodevelopmental, neurological, and psychiatric diseases designated here as neuronal Cav3 channelopathies. In this review, we describe and discuss the clinical findings and supporting in vitro and in vivo studies of the mutant channels, with a focus on de novo, gain-of-function missense mutations recently discovered in CACNA1G and CACNA1H. Overall, the studies of the Cav3 channelopathies help deciphering the pathogenic mechanisms of corresponding diseases and better delineate the properties and physiological roles Cav3 channels.

Movement disorders in patients with alternating hemiplegia: "Soft" and "stiff" at the same time.

OBJECTIVE: To assess nonparoxysmal movement disorders in ATP1A3 mutation-positive patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients underwent neurologic examination with particular focus on movement phenomenology by a specialist in movement disorders. Video recordings were reviewed by another movement disorders specialist and data were correlated with patients' characteristics. RESULTS: Ten patients were diagnosed with chorea, 16 with dystonia (nonparoxysmal), 4 with myoclonus, and 2 with ataxia. Nine patients had more than one movement disorder and 8 patients had none. The degree of movement disorder was moderate to severe in 12/28 patients. At inclusion, dystonic patients (n = 16) were older (p = 0.007) than nondystonic patients. Moreover, patients (n = 18) with dystonia or chorea, or both, had earlier disease onset (p = 0.042) and more severe neurologic impairment (p = 0.012), but this did not correlate with genotype. All patients presented with hypotonia, which was characterized as moderate or severe in 16/28. Patients with dystonia or chorea (n = 18) had more pronounced hypotonia (p = 0.011). Bradykinesia (n = 16) was associated with an early age at assessment (p < 0.01). Significant dysarthria was diagnosed in 11/25 cases. A history of acute neurologic deterioration and further regression of motor function, typically after a stressful event, was reported in 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relatively limited number of patients and the cross-sectional nature of the study, this detailed categorization of movement disorders in patients with AHC offers valuable insight into their precise characterization. Further longitudinal studies on this topic are needed.

A204E mutation in Nav1.4 DIS3 exerts gain- and loss-of-function effects that lead to periodic paralysis combining hyper- with hypo-kalaemic signs.

Periodic paralyses (PP) are characterized by episodic muscle weakness and are classified into the distinct hyperkalaemic (hyperPP) and hypokalaemic (hypoPP) forms. The dominantly-inherited form of hyperPP is caused by overactivity of Nav1.4 - the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel. Familial hypoPP results from a leaking gating pore current induced by dominant mutations in Nav1.4 or Cav1.1, the skeletal muscle voltage-gated calcium channel. Here, we report an individual with clinical signs of hyperPP and hypokalaemic episodes of muscle paralysis who was heterozygous for the novel p.Ala204Glu (A204E) substitution located in one region of Nav1.4 poor in disease-related variations. A204E induced a significant decrease of sodium current density, increased the window current, enhanced fast and slow inactivation of Nav1.4, and did not cause gating pore current in functional analyses. Interestingly, the negative impact of A204E on Nav1.4 activation was strengthened in low concentration of extracellular K+. Our data prove the existence of a phenotype combining signs of hyperPP and hypoPP due to dominant Nav1.4 mutations. The hyperPP component would result from gain-of-function effects on Nav1.4 and the hypokalemic episodes of paralysis from loss-of-function effects strengthened by low K+. Our data argue for a non-negligible role of Nav1.4 loss-of-function in familial hypoPP.

Substitutions of the S4DIV R2 residue (R1451) in NaV1.4 lead to complex forms of paramyotonia congenita and periodic paralyses.

Mutations in NaV1.4, the skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na+ channel, underlie several skeletal muscle channelopathies. We report here the functional characterization of two substitutions targeting the R1451 residue and resulting in 3 distinct clinical phenotypes. The R1451L is a novel pathogenic substitution found in two unrelated individuals. The first individual was diagnosed with non-dystrophic myotonia, whereas the second suffered from an unusual phenotype combining hyperkalemic and hypokalemic episodes of periodic paralysis (PP). The R1451C substitution was found in one individual with a single attack of hypoPP induced by glucocorticoids. To elucidate the biophysical mechanism underlying the phenotypes, we used the patch-clamp technique to study tsA201 cells expressing WT or R1451C/L channels. Our results showed that both substitutions shifted the inactivation to hyperpolarized potentials, slowed the kinetics of inactivation, slowed the recovery from slow inactivation and reduced the current density. Cooling further enhanced these abnormalities. Homology modeling revealed a disruption of hydrogen bonds in the voltage sensor domain caused by R1451C/L. We concluded that the altered biophysical properties of R1451C/L well account for the PMC-hyperPP cluster and that additional factors likely play a critical role in the inter-individual differences of clinical expression resulting from R1451C/L.

Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes or Inherited Disorders of Neuromuscular Transmission: Recent Discoveries and Open Questions.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) form a heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by fatigable muscle weakness. They are genetically-inherited and caused by defective synaptic transmission at the cholinergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The number of genes known to cause CMS when mutated is currently 30, and the relationship between fatigable muscle weakness and defective functions is quite well-understood for many of them. However, some of the most recent discoveries in individuals with CMS challenge our knowledge of the NMJ, where the basis of the pathology has mostly been investigated in animal models. Frontier forms between CMS and congenital myopathy, which have been genetically and clinically identified, underline the poorly understood interplay between the synaptic and extrasynaptic molecules in the neuromuscular system. In addition, precise electrophysiological and histopathological investigations of individuals with CMS suggest an important role of NMJ plasticity in the response to CMS pathogenesis. While efficient drug-based treatments are already available to improve neuromuscular transmission for most forms of CMS, others, as well as neurological and muscular comorbidities, remain resistant. Taken together, the available pathological data point to physiological issues which remain to be understood in order to achieve precision medicine with efficient therapeutics for all individuals suffering from CMS.

Mutations in GFPT1-related congenital myasthenic syndromes are associated with synaptic morphological defects and underlie a tubular aggregate myopathy with synaptopathy.

Mutations in GFPT1 (glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1), a gene encoding an enzyme involved in glycosylation of ubiquitous proteins, cause a limb-girdle congenital myasthenic syndrome (LG-CMS) with tubular aggregates (TAs) characterized predominantly by affection of the proximal skeletal muscles and presence of highly organized and remodeled sarcoplasmic tubules in patients' muscle biopsies. We report here the first long-term clinical follow-up of 11 French individuals suffering from LG-CMS with TAs due to GFPT1 mutations, of which nine are new. Our retrospective clinical evaluation stresses an evolution toward a myopathic weakness that occurs concomitantly to ineffectiveness of usual CMS treatments. Analysis of neuromuscular biopsies from three unrelated individuals demonstrates that the maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) is dramatically impaired with loss of post-synaptic junctional folds and evidence of denervation-reinnervation processes affecting the three main NMJ components. Moreover, molecular analyses of the human muscle biopsies confirm glycosylation defects of proteins with reduced O-glycosylation and show reduced sialylation of transmembrane proteins in extra-junctional area. Altogether, these results pave the way for understanding the etiology of this rare neuromuscular disorder that may be considered as a "tubular aggregates myopathy with synaptopathy".

A case of non-dystrophic myotonia with concomitant mutations in the SCN4A and CLCN1 genes.

Non-dystrophic myotonias are caused by mutations of either the skeletal muscle chloride (CLCN1) or sodium channel (SCN4A) gene. They exhibit several distinct phenotypes, including myotonia congenita, paramyotonia congenita and sodium channel myotonia, and a genotype-phenotype correlation has been established. However, there are atypical cases that do not fit with the standard classification. We report a case of 27-year-old male who had non-dystrophic myotonia with periodic paralysis and two heterozygous mutations, E950K in CLCN1 and F1290L in SCN4A. His mother, who exhibited myotonia without paralytic attack, only harbored E950K, and no mutations were identified in his asymptomatic father. Therefore, the E950K mutation was presumed to be pathogenic, although it was reported as an extremely rare genetic variant. The proband experienced paralytic attacks that lasted for weeks and were less likely to be caused by CLCN1 mutation alone. Functional analysis of the F1290L mutant channel heterologously expressed in cultured cells revealed enhanced activation inducing membrane hyperexcitability. We therefore propose that the two mutations had additive effects on membrane excitability that resulted in more prominent myotonia in the proband. Our case stresses the value of performing genetic analysis of both CLCN1 and SCN4A genes for myotonic patients with an atypical phenotype.

Impaired Presynaptic High-Affinity Choline Transporter Causes a Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Episodic Apnea.

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is one of the best-studied cholinergic synapses. Inherited defects of peripheral neurotransmission result in congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs), a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare diseases with fluctuating fatigable muscle weakness as the clinical hallmark. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing in six unrelated families identified compound heterozygous and homozygous mutations in SLC5A7 encoding the presynaptic sodium-dependent high-affinity choline transporter 1 (CHT), which is known to be mutated in one dominant form of distal motor neuronopathy (DHMN7A). We identified 11 recessive mutations in SLC5A7 that were associated with a spectrum of severe muscle weakness ranging from a lethal antenatal form of arthrogryposis and severe hypotonia to a neonatal form of CMS with episodic apnea and a favorable prognosis when well managed at the clinical level. As expected given the critical role of CHT for multisystemic cholinergic neurotransmission, autonomic dysfunctions were reported in the antenatal form and cognitive impairment was noticed in half of the persons with the neonatal form. The missense mutations induced a near complete loss of function of CHT activity in cell models. At the human NMJ, a delay in synaptic maturation and an altered maintenance were observed in the antenatal and neonatal forms, respectively. Increased synaptic expression of butyrylcholinesterase was also observed, exposing the dysfunction of cholinergic metabolism when CHT is deficient in vivo. This work broadens the clinical spectrum of human diseases resulting from reduced CHT activity and highlights the complexity of cholinergic metabolism at the synapse.

A recessive Nav1.4 mutation underlies congenital myasthenic syndrome with periodic paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the molecular basis of a complex phenotype of congenital muscle weakness observed in an isolated but consanguineous patient. METHODS: The proband was evaluated clinically and neurophysiologically over a period of 15 years. Genetic testing of candidate genes was performed. Functional characterization of the candidate mutation was done in mammalian cell background using whole cell patch clamp technique. RESULTS: The proband had fatigable muscle weakness characteristic of congenital myasthenic syndrome with acute and reversible attacks of most severe muscle weakness as observed in periodic paralysis. We identified a novel homozygous SCN4A mutation (p.R1454W) linked to this recessively inherited phenotype. The p.R1454W substitution induced an important enhancement of fast and slow inactivation, a slower recovery for these inactivated states, and a frequency-dependent regulation of Nav1.4 channels in the heterologous expression system. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel loss-of-function mutation of Nav1.4 that leads to a recessive phenotype combining clinical symptoms and signs of congenital myasthenic syndrome and periodic paralysis, probably by decreasing channel availability for muscle action potential genesis at the neuromuscular junction and propagation along the sarcolemma.

Clinical profile of patients with ATP1A3 mutations in Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood-a study of 155 patients.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the gene ATP1A3 have recently been identified to be prevalent in patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC2). Based on a large series of patients with AHC, we set out to identify the spectrum of different mutations within the ATP1A3 gene and further establish any correlation with phenotype. METHODS: Clinical data from an international cohort of 155 AHC patients (84 females, 71 males; between 3 months and 52 years) were gathered using a specifically formulated questionnaire and analysed relative to the mutational ATP1A3 gene data for each patient. RESULTS: In total, 34 different ATP1A3 mutations were detected in 85 % (132/155) patients, seven of which were novel. In general, mutations were found to cluster into five different regions. The most frequent mutations included: p.Asp801Asn (43 %; 57/132), p.Glu815Lys (16 %; 22/132), and p.Gly947Arg (11 %; 15/132). Of these, p.Glu815Lys was associated with a severe phenotype, with more severe intellectual and motor disability. p.Asp801Asn appeared to confer a milder phenotypic expression, and p.Gly947Arg appeared to correlate with the most favourable prognosis, compared to the other two frequent mutations. Overall, the comparison of the clinical profiles suggested a gradient of severity between the three major mutations with differences in intellectual (p = 0.029) and motor (p = 0.039) disabilities being statistically significant. For patients with epilepsy, age at onset of seizures was earlier for patients with either p.Glu815Lys or p.Gly947Arg mutation, compared to those with p.Asp801Asn mutation (p < 0.001). With regards to the five mutation clusters, some clusters appeared to correlate with certain clinical phenotypes. No statistically significant clinical correlations were found between patients with and without ATP1A3 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, demonstrate a highly variable clinical phenotype in patients with AHC2 that correlates with certain mutations and possibly clusters within the ATP1A3 gene. Our description of the clinical profile of patients with the most frequent mutations and the clinical picture of those with less common mutations confirms the results from previous studies, and further expands the spectrum of genotype-phenotype correlations. Our results may be useful to confirm diagnosis and may influence decisions to ensure appropriate early medical intervention in patients with AHC. They provide a stronger basis for the constitution of more homogeneous groups to be included in clinical trials.

Skeletal muscle sodium channelopathies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This is an update on skeletal muscle sodium channelopathies since knowledge in the field have dramatically increased in the past years. RECENT FINDING: The relationship between two phenotypes and SCN4A has been confirmed with additional cases that remain extremely rare: severe neonatal episodic laryngospasm mimicking encephalopathy, which should be actively searched for since patients respond well to sodium channel blockers; congenital myasthenic syndromes, which have the particularity to be the first recessive Nav1.4 channelopathy. Deep DNA sequencing suggests the contribution of other ion channels in the clinical expressivity of sodium channelopathies, which may be one of the factors modulating the latter. The increased knowledge of channel molecular structure, the quantity of sodium channel blockers, and the availability of preclinical models would permit a most personalized choice of medication for patients suffering from these debilitating neuromuscular diseases. SUMMARY: Advances in the understanding of the molecular structure of voltage-gated sodium channels, as well as availability of preclinical models, would lead to improved medical care of patients suffering from skeletal muscle, as well as other sodium channelopathies.

Endplate denervation correlates with Nogo-A muscle expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Data from mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suggest early morphological changes in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), with loss of nerve-muscle contact. Overexpression of the neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A in muscle may play a role in this loss of endplate innervation. METHODS: We used confocal and electron microscopy to study the structure of the NMJs in muscle samples collected from nine ALS patients (five early-stage patients and four long-term survivors). We correlated the morphological results with clinical and electrophysiological data, and with Nogo-A muscle expression level. RESULTS: Surface electromyography assessment of neuromuscular transmission was abnormal in 3/9 ALS patients. The postsynaptic apparatus was morphologically altered for almost all NMJs (n = 430) analyzed using confocal microscopy. 19.7% of the NMJs were completely denervated (fragmented synaptic gutters and absence of nerve terminal profile). The terminal axonal arborization was usually sparsely branched and 56.8% of innervated NMJs showed a typical reinnervation pattern. Terminal Schwann cell (TSC) morphology was altered with extensive cytoplasmic processes. A marked intrusion of TSCs in the synaptic cleft was seen in some cases, strikingly reducing the synaptic surface available for neuromuscular transmission. Finally, high-level expression of Nogo-A in muscle was significantly associated with higher extent of NMJ denervation and negative functional outcome. INTERPRETATION: Our results support the hypothesis that morphological alterations of NMJs are present from early-stage disease and may significantly contribute to functional motor impairment in ALS patients. Muscle expression of Nogo-A is associated with NMJ denervation and thus constitutes a therapeutic target to slow disease progression.

Perlecan is recruited by dystroglycan to nodes of Ranvier and binds the clustering molecule gliomedin.

Fast neural conduction requires accumulation of Na(+) channels at nodes of Ranvier. Dedicated adhesion molecules on myelinating cells and axons govern node organization. Among those, specific laminins and dystroglycan complexes contribute to Na(+) channel clustering at peripheral nodes by unknown mechanisms. We show that in addition to facing the basal lamina, dystroglycan is found near the nodal matrix around axons, binds matrix components, and participates in initial events of nodogenesis. We identify the dystroglycan-ligand perlecan as a novel nodal component and show that dystroglycan is required for the selective accumulation of perlecan at nodes. Perlecan binds the clustering molecule gliomedin and enhances clustering of node of Ranvier components. These data show that proteoglycans have specific roles in peripheral nodes and indicate that peripheral and central axons use similar strategies but different molecules to form nodes of Ranvier. Further, our data indicate that dystroglycan binds free matrix that is not organized in a basal lamina.

Excellent response to a ketogenic diet in a patient with alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

UNLABELLED: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in ATP1A3. AHC is associated with early-onset plegic and tonic/dystonic attacks and permanent neurologic deficits. Attacks tend to persist through life. Flunarizine therapy occasionally reduces the severity, duration and frequency of attacks. A ketogenic diet/modified Atkins diet (KD/MAD) can attenuate paroxysmal movement disorders associated with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS), but there are no reports on the effect of KD/MAD in AHC. We describe the case of a young girl with AHC who had tonic/dystonic and plegic attacks, mostly triggered by exercise, together with mild permanent dystonia and mental retardation. Her family had a history of dominant (three affected generations) paroxysmal exercise-induced dystonia. A history of plegic attacks that ceased after childhood was retraced from the medical records of the three affected adults, leading to the diagnosis of familial AHC due to ATP1A3 p.Asp923Asn mutation (Roubergue et al 2013). KD/MAD was considered for the proband when she was 3½ years old, following initial misdiagnosis of GLUT1DS. MAD, a KD variant, was chosen because it is easier to manage than KD and is similarly effective to KD in most GLUT1DS patients. MAD resulted in complete disappearance of the attacks during 15 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A modified Atkins diet had a sustained beneficial effect on attacks associated with AHC. Although preliminary, this observation suggests that a ketogenic diet might be a therapeutic option for paroxysmal disorders in some patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

Physiological and Pathophysiological Insights of Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 Comparison.

Mutations in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 α-subunits have been associated with muscular and cardiac channelopathies, respectively. Despite intense research on the structure and function of these channels, a lot of information is still missing to delineate the various physiological and pathophysiological processes underlying their activity at the molecular level. Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 sequences are similar, suggesting structural and functional homologies between the two orthologous channels. This also suggests that any characteristics described for one channel subunit may shed light on the properties of the counterpart channel subunit. In this review article, after a brief clinical description of the muscular and cardiac channelopathies related to Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 mutations, respectively, we compare the knowledge accumulated in different aspects of the expression and function of Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 α-subunits: the regulation of the two encoding genes (SCN4A and SCN5A), the associated/regulatory proteins and at last, the functional effect of the same missense mutations detected in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5. First, it appears that more is known on Nav1.5 expression and accessory proteins. Because of the high homologies of Nav1.5 binding sites and equivalent Nav1.4 sites, Nav1.5-related results may guide future investigations on Nav1.4. Second, the analysis of the same missense mutations in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 revealed intriguing similarities regarding their effects on membrane excitability and alteration in channel biophysics. We believe that such comparison may bring new cues to the physiopathology of cardiac and muscular diseases.

Advances in the understanding of skeletal muscle weakness in murine models of diseases affecting nerve-evoked muscle activity, motor neurons, synapses and myofibers.

Disease processes and trauma affecting nerve-evoked muscle activity, motor neurons, synapses and myofibers cause different levels of muscle weakness, i.e., reduced maximal force production in response to voluntary activation or nerve stimulation. However, the mechanisms of muscle weakness are not well known. Using murine models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice), congenital myasthenic syndrome (AChE knockout mice and Musk(V789M/-) mutant mice), Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (Hspg2(C1532YNEO/C1532YNEO) mutant mice) and traumatic nerve injury (Neurotomized wild-type mice), we show that the reduced maximal activation capacity (the ability of the nerve to maximally activate the muscle) explains 52%, 58% and 100% of severe weakness in respectively SOD1(G93A), Neurotomized and Musk mice, whereas muscle atrophy only explains 37%, 27% and 0%. We also demonstrate that the impaired maximal activation capacity observed in SOD1, Neurotomized, and Musk mice is not highly related to Hdac4 gene upregulation. Moreover, in SOD1 and Neurotomized mice our results suggest LC3, Fn14, Bcl3 and Gadd45a as candidate genes involved in the maintenance of the severe atrophic state. In conclusion, our study indicates that muscle weakness can result from the triggering of different signaling pathways. This knowledge may be helpful in designing therapeutic strategies and finding new drug targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, congenital myasthenic syndrome, Schwartz-Jampel syndrome and nerve injury.

Agrin mutations lead to a congenital myasthenic syndrome with distal muscle weakness and atrophy.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare diseases resulting from impaired neuromuscular transmission. Their clinical hallmark is fatigable muscle weakness associated with a decremental muscle response to repetitive nerve stimulation and frequently related to postsynaptic defects. Distal myopathies form another clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of primary muscle disorders where weakness and atrophy are restricted to distal muscles, at least initially. In both congenital myasthenic syndromes and distal myopathies, a significant number of patients remain genetically undiagnosed. Here, we report five patients from three unrelated families with a strikingly homogenous clinical entity combining congenital myasthenia with distal muscle weakness and atrophy reminiscent of a distal myopathy. MRI and neurophysiological studies were compatible with mild myopathy restricted to distal limb muscles, but decrement (up to 72%) in response to 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation pointed towards a neuromuscular transmission defect. Post-exercise increment (up to 285%) was observed in the distal limb muscles in all cases suggesting presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analyses of muscle end-plate regions showed synaptic remodelling with denervation-reinnervation events. We performed whole-exome sequencing in two kinships and Sanger sequencing in one isolated case and identified five new recessive mutations in the gene encoding agrin. This synaptic proteoglycan with critical function at the neuromuscular junction was previously found mutated in more typical forms of congenital myasthenic syndrome. In our patients, we found two missense mutations residing in the N-terminal agrin domain, which reduced acetylcholine receptors clustering activity of agrin in vitro. Our findings expand the spectrum of congenital myasthenic syndromes due to agrin mutations and show an unexpected correlation between the mutated gene and the associated phenotype. This provides a good rationale for examining patients with apparent distal myopathy for a neuromuscular transmission disorder and agrin mutations.