Antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic approach for Timothy syndrome.

Timothy syndrome (TS) is a severe, multisystem disorder characterized by autism, epilepsy, long-QT syndrome and other neuropsychiatric conditions1. TS type 1 (TS1) is caused by a gain-of-function variant in the alternatively spliced and developmentally enriched CACNA1C exon 8A, as opposed to its counterpart exon 8. We previously uncovered several phenotypes in neurons derived from patients with TS1, including delayed channel inactivation, prolonged depolarization-induced calcium rise, impaired interneuron migration, activity-dependent dendrite retraction and an unanticipated persistent expression of exon 8A2-6. We reasoned that switching CACNA1C exon utilization from 8A to 8 would represent a potential therapeutic strategy. Here we developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to effectively decrease the inclusion of exon 8A in human cells both in vitro and, following transplantation, in vivo. We discovered that the ASO-mediated switch from exon 8A to 8 robustly rescued defects in patient-derived cortical organoids and migration in forebrain assembloids. Leveraging a transplantation platform previously developed7, we found that a single intrathecal ASO administration rescued calcium changes and in vivo dendrite retraction of patient neurons, suggesting that suppression of CACNA1C exon 8A expression is a potential treatment for TS1. Broadly, these experiments illustrate how a multilevel, in vivo and in vitro stem cell model-based approach can identify strategies to reverse disease-relevant neural pathophysiology.

Current updates on arrhythmia within Timothy syndrome: genetics, mechanisms and therapeutics.

Timothy syndrome (TS), characterised by multiple system malfunction especially the prolonged corrected QT interval and synchronised appearance of hand/foot syndactyly, is an extremely rare disease affecting early life with devastating arrhythmia. In this work, firstly, the various mutations in causative gene CACNA1C encoding cardiac L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (LTCC), regard with the genetic pathogeny and nomenclature of TS are reviewed. Secondly, the expression profile and function of CACNA1C gene encoding Cav1.2 proteins, and its gain-of-function mutation in TS leading to multiple organ disease phenotypes especially arrhythmia are discussed. More importantly, we focus on the altered molecular mechanism underlying arrhythmia in TS, and discuss about how LTCC malfunction in TS can cause disorganised calcium handling with excessive intracellular calcium and its triggered dysregulated excitation-transcription coupling. In addition, current therapeutics for TS cardiac phenotypes including LTCC blockers, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, sodium channel blocker, multichannel inhibitors and pacemakers are summarised. Eventually, the research strategy using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells is recommended as one of the promising future directions for developing therapeutic approaches. This review updates our understanding on the research progress and future avenues to study the genetics and molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of devastating arrhythmia within TS, and provides novel insights for developing therapeutic measures.

Long-term follow-up of a patient with type 2 Timothy syndrome and the partial efficacy of mexiletine.

We report a detailed case of type 2 TS due to a p.(Gly402Ser) mutation in exon 8 of the CACNA1C gene. The patient shows a marked prolongation of repolarization with a mean QTc of 540 ms. He shows no structural heart disease, syndactyly, or cranio-facial abnormalities. However, he shows developmental delays, without autism, and dental abnormalities. The cardiac phenotype is very severe, with a resuscitated cardiac arrest at 2.5 years of age, followed by 26 appropriate shocks during nine years of follow-up. Adding mexiletine to nadolol resulted in a reduction of the QTc and a slight decrease in the number of appropriate shocks.

Sclerostin neutralization unleashes the osteoanabolic effects of Dkk1 inhibition.

The WNT pathway has become an attractive target for skeletal therapies. High-bone-mass phenotypes in patients with loss-of-function mutations in the LRP5/6 inhibitor Sost (sclerosteosis), or in its downstream enhancer region (van Buchem disease), highlight the utility of targeting Sost/sclerostin to improve bone properties. Sclerostin-neutralizing antibody is highly osteoanabolic in animal models and in human clinical trials, but antibody-based inhibition of another potent LRP5/6 antagonist, Dkk1, is largely inefficacious for building bone in the unperturbed adult skeleton. Here, we show that conditional deletion of Dkk1 from bone also has negligible effects on bone mass. Dkk1 inhibition increases Sost expression, suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism that might explain why Dkk1 suppression lacks anabolic action. To test this concept, we deleted Sost from osteocytes in, or administered sclerostin neutralizing antibody to, mice with a Dkk1-deficient skeleton. A robust anabolic response to Dkk1 deletion was manifest only when Sost/sclerostin was impaired. Whole-body DXA scans, µCT measurements of the femur and spine, histomorphometric measures of femoral bone formation rates, and biomechanical properties of whole bones confirmed the anabolic potential of Dkk1 inhibition in the absence of sclerostin. Further, combined administration of sclerostin and Dkk1 antibody in WT mice produced a synergistic effect on bone gain that greatly exceeded individual or additive effects of the therapies, confirming the therapeutic potential of inhibiting multiple WNT antagonists for skeletal health. In conclusion, the osteoanabolic effects of Dkk1 inhibition can be realized if sclerostin upregulation is prevented. Anabolic therapies for patients with low bone mass might benefit from a strategy that accounts for the compensatory milieu of WNT inhibitors in bone tissue.

Inhibition of CDK5 Alleviates the Cardiac Phenotypes in Timothy Syndrome.

L-type calcium channel CaV1.2 plays an essential role in cardiac function. The gain-of-function mutations in CaV1.2 have been reported to be associated with Timothy syndrome, a disease characterized by QT prolongation and syndactyly. Previously we demonstrated that roscovitine, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, could rescue the phenotypes in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from Timothy syndrome patients. However, exactly how roscovitine rescued the phenotypes remained unclear. Here we report a mechanism potentially underlying the therapeutic effects of roscovitine on Timothy syndrome cardiomyocytes. Our results using roscovitine analogs and CDK inhibitors and constructs demonstrated that roscovitine exhibits its therapeutic effects in part by inhibiting CDK5. The outcomes of this study allowed us to identify a molecular mechanism whereby CaV1.2 channels are regulated by CDK5. This study provides insights into the regulation of cardiac calcium channels and the development of future therapeutics for Timothy syndrome patients.

[Vismodegib for basal cell carcinoma: targeted therapy in case of locally advanced or metastasised disease]. / Vismodegib voor gevorderd basaalcelcarcinoom.

The development of the hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib provides a new treatment option for metastasised and locally advanced basal cell carcinoma in which surgical excision or radiotherapy is contraindicated. Only a fraction of patients with basal cell carcinoma are eligible for this therapy, but it is effective in the majority of those who do receive vismodegib. However, development of tumour resistance is quite common and adverse events frequently lead to discontinuation of therapy. Intermittent treatment or combination therapy could reduce the occurrence of tumour resistance and diminish toxicity. We present three patients who were successfully treated with vismodegib: a 73-year-old man with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma, an 82-year-old man with basal cell carcinoma that had metastasised to the lungs, and a 42-year-old man with Gorlin syndrome.

Anti-sclerostin - is there an indication?

Several decades ago, a clinical condition that included severe bone overgrowth was described in a few patients in South Africa. The autosomal-recessive disease that later was named sclerosteosis was found to be caused by a mutation in the SOTS gene causing a lack of the protein sclerostin. This protein is produced by osteocytes and exerts its effect as an inhibitor of bone formation by blocking the Wnt signaling pathway. By the use of a monoclonal antibody that can block sclerostin a novel therapeutic pathway for rebuilding bone has been described. Preclinical studies have shown increased bone mass following subcutaneously administered anti-sclerostin antibody in animals with induced postmenopausal osteoporosis as well as in intact male rats and non-human primates. In a phase II study the efficacy and safety of an anti-sclerostin antibody, romosozumab, has been evaluated in 419 postmenopausal women for 12 months. 70, 140 or 210 mg was given subcutaneously monthly or every three months and compared to 70 mg of oral alendronate given once a week or 20 µg of teriparatide subcutaneously once daily. All dose levels of romosozumab were associated with significant increase in BMD with the most pronounced gain in the group receiving 210 mg where lumbar spine BMD increased with 11.3% from baseline. The BMD for the placebo group decreased by 0.1% while the alendronate group increased 4.1% and the teriparatide increased 7.1%. Biochemical markers revealed a transitory increase in the bone formation marker P1NP while no change in the bone resorption marker ß-CTX. In comparison, teriparatide resulted in an increase for both P1NP and ß-CTX for the complete study period. Even though the rapid gain in BMD is promising when considering a treatment option for osteoporosis and other conditions with bone loss, there are so far no published studies on whether anti-sclerostin can reduce the number of fractures. Wnt signaling might also play an important role in fracture healing with substances that causes an upregulation of the Wnt pathway producing enhancement of the fracture healing process. Healing of experimental fractures in various animal models have shown improvement following subcutaneously administered anti-sclerostin antibody. While there are no published reports on the potential effect of systemically administered anti-sclerostin antibodies on fracture healing in humans.

Iloprost administration in acrodermatitis of Hallopeau complicated by acquired toes syndactyly: a case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a variant of pustular psoriasis often very difficult to treat. Secondary syndactyly, also called "pseudosyndactyly", is rare and can be a complication of burns, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa or trauma. If left untreated, joint complications and definitive functional impairments may occur. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 74-year-old man with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau involving the toes and complicated by syndactyly. ACH regression following Iloprost administration was also observed. DISCUSSION: Published studies are mainly limited to case reports only, due to the rarity of the disease. Therefore, there are no clear-cut therapeutic management guidelines available for this chronic and sometimes debilitating disease. ACH is often recalcitrant to the available therapies. Topical and systemic treatments have been described in literature with no long-lasting results. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of foot syndactyly associated to ACH. In our patient, ACH symptoms regressed with Iloprost administration: this finding has never been previously described in literature. If confirmed by other clinical experiences, Iloprost could be a further therapeutic option in ACH.

Sclerostin and skeletal health.

Sclerostin is a cysteine-knot glycoprotein product of the SOST gene, predominately expressed by osteocytes, that is a regulator of osteoblastic bone formation. When sclerostin binds to its low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 on the cell membrane of osteoblasts, it inhibits canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and reduces osteoblastic bone formation. Sclerostin was first identified in the study of two rare autosomal recessive disorders, sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease, which are associated with absent or reduced levels of sclerostin. Although homozygote patients with these disorders have serious adverse clinical consequences due to excessive bone growth, heterozygote patients have a normal phenotype, high bone mass, and very low risk of fractures. This has led to the concept that downregulation of sclerostin might be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis. Several humanized monoclonal antibodies to sclerostin, including romosozumab and blosozumab, are now in clinical development. Preliminary data show that these agents result in a transient increase in bone formation markers, a sustained decrease in bone resorption markers, and a robust increase in bone mineral density. If any of these agents are found to reduce fracture risk with a favorable safety profile, it will expand the options for osteoanabolic therapy for patients at high risk for fractures.

Inhibition of late sodium current by mexiletine: a novel pharmotherapeutical approach in timothy syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Timothy syndrome (TS) is a rare long-QT syndrome caused by CACNA1C mutations G406R in exon 8A (TS1) and G402S/G406R in exon 8 (TS2). Management of TS is a challenge and prognosis is poor. This study aimed to explore the inheritance pattern and mechanism of an INa blocker, mexiletine, to improve clinical manifestations in TS. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 2-year-old Chinese girl with a typical TS1 phenotype underwent candidate gene screening. Qualitative and quantitative cloning sequence and analyses for mosaicism were performed on family members. Therapeutic effects of mexiletine were evaluated using ECG and Holter monitoring. The electrophysiological effect of mexiletine was evaluated in a TS model using rabbit ventricular wedges. The proband with severe syndactyly and delayed language skills was identified harboring a G406R mutation in CACNA1C. Her baseline ECG showed markedly prolonged QTc, 2:1 AV block and macro-T wave alternans. G406R was absent in her mother but expressed in her father's oral mucosa, sperm, and white blood cells, indicating a mosaic carrier. Although asymptomatic, he exhibited mild QTc prolongation (470-490 ms) and syndactyly. Mexiletine shortened QTc from 584 to 515 ms, blunted QT-RR relationship, and abolished 2:1 AV block and T wave alternans in the girl. In in vitro studies, mexiletine inhibited late INa with IC50 of 17.6±1.9 µmol/L and attenuated brady-dependent QT prolongation and reduced QT-RR slope in the TS model using BayK 8644. CONCLUSIONS: Mexiletine shortened QTc, attenuated QT-RR slope, abolished 2:1 AV block and T wave alternans in a TS1 patient and TS model via inhibition of late INa.

Sclerostin: how human mutations have helped reveal a new target for the treatment of osteoporosis.

In the 1990s there was a tremendous mood of optimism among pharmaceutical scientists that identification of disease-associated variations in the human genome would result in a surge of new drug targets (the 'gene-to-drug' mantra). To date the expected deluge of new drugs has not arrived. However, a small number of drugs arising directly from the study of rare human disorders showing Mendelian inheritance are now entering late stage clinical trials. Here we describe the advantages of this approach and discuss the background and early clinical trial findings with antibodies directed at a target identified in this way.

Modeling Timothy syndrome with iPS cells.

Genetic mutations in ion channel genes that are associated with cardiac arrhythmias have been identified over the past several decades. However, little is known about the pathophysiological processes. An important limitation has been the difficulty of using human cardiomyocytes to study arrhythmias and identify drugs. To circumvent this issue, we have developed a method using human-induced pluripotent stem cells to generate cardiomyocytes from individuals with Timothy syndrome (TS), a genetic disorder characterized by QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, and autism. The TS ventricular-like cardiomyocytes exhibit deficits in contraction, electrical signaling, and calcium handling, as revealed by live cell imaging and electrophysiological studies. We tested candidate drugs in TS cardiomyocytes and found that roscovitine could successfully rescue these cellular phenotypes. The use of a human cellular model of cardiac arrhythmias provides a useful new platform not only to study disease mechanisms but also to develop new therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias.

Ranolazine safely decreases ventricular and atrial fibrillation in Timothy syndrome (LQT8).

Long QT eight (LQT8), otherwise known as Timothy syndrome (TS), is a genetic disorder causing hyper-activation of the L-type calcium channel Cav 1.2. This calcium load and the resultant increase in the QT interval provide the substrate for ventricular arrhythmias. We previously presented a case in a patient with TS who had a profound decrease in his burden of ventricular arrhythmias after institution of an L-type calcium channel blocker. Although this patient's arrhythmia burden had decreased, he displayed an increasing burden of atrial fibrillation and still had bouts of ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillator therapy. Basic research has recently shown that ranolazine, a multipotent ion-channel blocker, may be of benefit in patients with LQT8 syndrome. This case report details the decrease of atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation events in our LQT8 patient with the addition of ranolazine.

Using induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate cardiac phenotypes in Timothy syndrome.

Individuals with congenital or acquired prolongation of the QT interval, or long QT syndrome (LQTS), are at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. LQTS is commonly genetic in origin but can also be caused or exacerbated by environmental factors. A missense mutation in the L-type calcium channel Ca(V)1.2 leads to LQTS in patients with Timothy syndrome. To explore the effect of the Timothy syndrome mutation on the electrical activity and contraction of human cardiomyocytes, we reprogrammed human skin cells from Timothy syndrome patients to generate induced pluripotent stem cells, and differentiated these cells into cardiomyocytes. Electrophysiological recording and calcium (Ca(2+)) imaging studies of these cells revealed irregular contraction, excess Ca(2+) influx, prolonged action potentials, irregular electrical activity and abnormal calcium transients in ventricular-like cells. We found that roscovitine, a compound that increases the voltage-dependent inactivation of Ca(V)1.2 (refs 6-8), restored the electrical and Ca(2+) signalling properties of cardiomyocytes from Timothy syndrome patients. This study provides new opportunities for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in humans, and provides a robust assay for developing new drugs to treat these diseases.