TDP-43-M323K causes abnormal brain development and progressive cognitive and motor deficits associated with mislocalised and increased levels of TDP-43.

TDP-43 pathology is found in several neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as "TDP-43 proteinopathies". Aggregates of TDP-43 are present in the brains and spinal cords of >97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in brains of ∼50% of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. While mutations in the TDP-43 gene (TARDBP) are usually associated with ALS, many clinical reports have linked these mutations to cognitive impairments and/or FTD, but also to other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinsonism (PD) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved RNA-binding protein that is involved in many cellular processes, mainly RNA metabolism. To investigate systemic pathological mechanisms in TDP-43 proteinopathies, aiming to capture the pleiotropic effects of TDP-43 mutations, we have further characterised a mouse model carrying a point mutation (M323K) within the endogenous Tardbp gene. Homozygous mutant mice developed cognitive and behavioural deficits as early as 3 months of age. This was coupled with significant brain structural abnormalities, mainly in the cortex, hippocampus, and white matter fibres, together with progressive cortical interneuron degeneration and neuroinflammation. At the motor level, progressive phenotypes appeared around 6 months of age. Thus, cognitive phenotypes appeared to be of a developmental origin with a mild associated progressive neurodegeneration, while the motor and neuromuscular phenotypes seemed neurodegenerative, underlined by a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons as well as distal denervation. This is accompanied by progressive elevated TDP-43 protein and mRNA levels in cortex and spinal cord of homozygous mutant mice from 3 months of age, together with increased cytoplasmic TDP-43 mislocalisation in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord at 12 months of age. In conclusion, we find that Tardbp M323K homozygous mutant mice model many aspects of human TDP-43 proteinopathies, evidencing a dual role for TDP-43 in brain morphogenesis as well as in the maintenance of the motor system, making them an ideal in vivo model system to study the complex biology of TDP-43.

Leptin haploinsufficiency exerts sex-dependent partial protection in SOD1G93A mice by reducing inflammatory pathways in the adipose tissue.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant metabolic disruptions, including weight loss and hypermetabolism in both patients and animal models. Leptin, an adipose-derived hormone, displays altered levels in ALS. Genetically reducing leptin levels (Lepob/+) to maintain body weight improved motor performance and extended survival in female SOD1G93A mice, although the exact molecular mechanisms behind these effects remain elusive. Here, we corroborated the sexual dimorphism in circulating leptin levels in ALS patients and in SOD1G93A mice. We reproduced a previous strategy to generate a genetically deficient leptin SOD1G93A mice (SOD1G93ALepob/+) and studied the transcriptomic profile in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the spinal cord. We found that leptin deficiency reduced the inflammation pathways activated by the SOD1G93A mutation in the adipose tissue, but not in the spinal cord. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific approaches in metabolic therapies and highlight the role of leptin in the systemic modulation of ALS by regulating immune responses outside the central nervous system.

Mutation in the FUS nuclear localisation signal domain causes neurodevelopmental and systemic metabolic alterations.

Variants in the ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA-binding protein FUS cause aggressive juvenile forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most FUS mutation studies have focused on motor neuron degeneration; little is known about wider systemic or developmental effects. We studied pleiotropic phenotypes in a physiological knock-in mouse model carrying the pathogenic FUSDelta14 mutation in homozygosity. RNA sequencing of multiple organs aimed to identify pathways altered by the mutant protein in the systemic transcriptome, including metabolic tissues, given the link between ALS-frontotemporal dementia and altered metabolism. Few genes were commonly altered across all tissues, and most genes and pathways affected were generally tissue specific. Phenotypic assessment of mice revealed systemic metabolic alterations related to the pathway changes identified. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and histological characterisation revealed that homozygous FUSDelta14 brains were smaller than heterozygous and wild-type brains and displayed significant morphological alterations, including a thinner cortex, reduced neuronal number and increased gliosis, which correlated with early cognitive impairment and fatal seizures. These findings show that the disease aetiology of FUS variants can include both neurodevelopmental and systemic alterations.

Nueva mutación asociada a poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante con efecto fundador localizada en la Alpujarra de Granada / New mutation associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with founder effect located in the alpujarra region of granada

OBJETIVO: Demostrar que la variante no descrita en el gen PKD1 c.7292T>A, identificada en cuatro familias de la comarca de la Alpujarra de Granada, es la causante de la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante (PQRAD). Esta variante consiste en una sustitución transversión de timina (T) por adenina (A) que a nivel de la proteína policistina 1 produce un cambio de leucina (Leu/L) por glutamina (Gln/Q) en la posición 2431 (p.Leu2431Gln). MÉTODO: Registramos variables sociodemográficas y clínicas a través de la realización de historias clínicas, árboles genealógicos, ecografías y estudios genéticos a individuos afectos y sanos pertenecientes a estas familias en el contexto del estudio de segregación. RESULTADOS: Todos los individuos afectados portaban en heterocigosis la variante c.7292T>A, mientras que los individuos sanos no la portaron. En las familias estudiadas, el 62,9% eran mujeres. El diagnóstico de PQRAD se realizó a los 29,3 ± 15,82 años de edad, después de haber tenido el primer hijo en el 64,8%. Los motivos principales de diagnóstico de la enfermedad fueron antecedentes familiares y episodios de hematuria. El inicio de tratamiento renal sustitutivo (TRS) se produjo a la edad de 55,8 ± 7,62 años (rango 44-67), y el éxitus a los 63 ± 92,2 años (rango 48-76), siendo la causa desconocida, cardiovascular e insuficiencia renal las más frecuentes; la mediana de supervivencia renal se estableció a los 58,5 ± 0,77 años y la mediana de supervivencia del paciente a los 67 ± 3,54 años. No observamos diferencias en la supervivencia del riñón y del paciente según el sexo. De los pacientes fallecidos, el 52,2% necesitaron TRS y el 94,4% tenían algún grado de insuficiencia renal (IR). CONCLUSIONES: La variante c.7292T>A en el gen PKD1 es responsable de la enfermedad y su distribución en la comarca de la Alpujarra de Granada sugiere un efecto fundador. En la PQRAD es necesario realizar estudios de segregación que ayuden a reclasificar variantes genéticas, en este caso de indeterminada a patogénica

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the variant not described in PKD1 gene c.7292T> A, identified in four families from the Alpujarra in Granada, is the cause of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This variant consists of a transversion of thymine (T) by adenine (A) that at the level of the Polycystin 1 protein produces a change of leucine (Leu / L) by Glutamine (Gln / Q) in position 2431 (p.Leu2431Gln). METHOD: Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered using clinical histories, genealogical trees, ultrasounds and genetic analysis to ADPKD and healthy individuals belonging to these families in the context of segregation study. RESULTS: All PKD individuals carried the c.7292T>A variant in heterozygosis, whereas healthy ones did not. Among all ADPKD patients, 62.9% were women. ADPKD diagnosis was made at 29.3 ± 15.82 years, after having the first child in 64.8%. The main reasons for diagnosis were family history and hematuria episodes. The onset of renal replacement therapy (RRT) occurred at 55.8 ± 7.62 years (range 44-67), and death at 63 ± 92.2 years (range 48-76), being the cause unknown, cardiovascular and insufficiency kidney the most frequent; the median of renal survival was established at 58.5 ± 0.77 years and the median survival of patients at 67.2 ± 3.54 years. No differences in kidney and patient survivals were observed according to sex. Among deceased patients, 52.2% required RRT and 94.4% suffered from renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: The variant c.7292T>A in PKD1 gene is responsible for the disease, and its distribution in the Alpujarra region of Granada suggests a founder effect. In ADPKD it is necessary to perform segregation studies that help us to reclassify genetic variants, in this case from indeterminate to pathogenic

New mutation associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with founder effect located in the alpujarra region of granada. / Nueva mutación asociada a poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante con efecto fundador localizada en la Alpujarra de Granada.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the variant not described in PKD1 gene c.7292T> A, identified in four families from the Alpujarra in Granada, is the cause of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This variant consists of a transversion of thymine (T) by adenine (A) that at the level of the Polycystin 1 protein produces a change of leucine (Leu / L) by Glutamine (Gln / Q) in position 2431 (p.Leu2431Gln). METHOD: Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered using clinical histories, genealogical trees, ultrasounds and genetic analysis to ADPKD and healthy individuals belonging to these families in the context of segregation study. RESULTS: All PKD individuals carried the c.7292T>A variant in heterozygosis, whereas healthy ones did not. Among all ADPKD patients, 62.9% were women. ADPKD diagnosis was made at 29.3 ± 15.82 years, after having the first child in 64.8%. The main reasons for diagnosis were family history and hematuria episodes. The onset of renal replacement therapy (RRT) occurred at 55.8 ± 7.62 years (range 44-67), and death at 63 ± 92.2 years (range 48-76), being the cause unknown, cardiovascular and insufficiency kidney the most frequent; the median of renal survival was established at 58.5 ± 0.77 years and the median survival of patients at 67.2 ± 3.54 years. No differences in kidney and patient survivals were observed according to sex. Among deceased patients, 52.2% required RRT and 94.4% suffered from renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: The variant c.7292T>A in PKD1 gene is responsible for the disease, and its distribution in the Alpujarra region of Granada suggests a founder effect. In ADPKD it is necessary to perform segregation studies that help us to reclassify genetic variants, in this case from indeterminate to pathogenic.

Panorámica de la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante en una región del sur de España / Overview of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the south of Spain

Introducción: La poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante es la enfermedad renal hereditaria más frecuente aunque los datos disponibles generalmente son tras el inicio del tratamiento renal sustitutivo. Objetivo: Conocer la situación global de la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante en el ámbito sanitario de Granada. Material y métodos: Desde enero 2007 hasta diciembre 2016 hemos recogido información clínica, familiar y demográfica de todos los pacientes con poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante, estuvieran o no en tratamiento renal sustitutivo, atendidos en el área de Granada. Se han utilizado los programas informáticos SPSS 15.0 y GenoPro. Resultados: Mil ciento siete pacientes diagnosticados, el 50,6% son varones. Se han estudiado 4-6 generaciones/familia. El 99,1% de raza caucásica. Hay áreas geográficas con mayor concentración. No hay antecedentes familiares en el 2,43%. La edad media de diagnóstico es de 34±17,8 años y en el 57,7% de los casos, el diagnóstico se produce después de tener descendencia. El principal motivo de diagnóstico son los antecedentes familiares (46,4%). La edad media de entrada en técnica es de 54,2±11,05 años. El 96,3% de los fallecidos tenían algún grado de insuficiencia renal en el momento del exitus. La edad media del exitus es de 60,9±14,10 años, siendo desconocida la principal causa de muerte (33,5%) seguida de la cardiovascular (27,8%). Conclusiones: Casos y familias se concentran en algunas áreas geográficas, un número importante de individuos están sin diagnosticar, fallecen antes por causa cardiovascular y se diagnostican tarde respecto al momento reproductivo. Dado que no hay tratamiento curativo, la estrategia de prevención primaria mediante el diagnóstico genético preimplantacional adquiere protagonismo (AU)

Introduction: Although autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common hereditary kidney disease, available data tend to be limited to after initiation of renal replacement therapy. Objective: To ascertain an overview of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease within the health area of Granada in southern Spain. Material and methods: From January 2007 to December 2016, we collected clinical, family and demographic information about all patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, irrespective of whether or not they were treated with RRT, in the Granada health area. The computer software SPSS 15.0 and GenoPro were used. Results: 50.6% of the 1,107 diagnosed patients were men. 99.1% were Caucasian and 4-6 generations/family were studied. The geographical distribution was heterogeneous. There was no family history in 2.43%. The mean age of diagnosis was 34.0±17.80 years and the diagnosis was made after having offspring in 57.7% of cases. The main reason for diagnosis was family history (46.4%). The mean age of initiation of renal replacement therapy was 54.2±11.05 years. 96.3% of the deceased had some degree of renal failure at the time of death. The mean age of death was 60.9±14.10 years, the main cause of death being unknown in 33.5% of cases, followed by cardiovascular (27.8%). Conclusions: Cases and families were concentrated in certain geographical areas and a significant number of individuals were undiagnosed prior to cardiovascular death or diagnosed late after reproduction. Given that there is currently no curative treatment, the primary prevention strategy of preimplantation genetic diagnosis should play a leading role (AU)

Overview of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the south of Spain. / Panorámica de la poliquistosis renal autosómica dominante en una región del sur de España.

INTRODUCTION: Although autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common hereditary kidney disease, available data tend to be limited to after initiation of renal replacement therapy. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain an overview of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease within the health area of Granada in southern Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2016, we collected clinical, family and demographic information about all patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, irrespective of whether or not they were treated with RRT, in the Granada health area. The computer software SPSS 15.0 and GenoPro were used. RESULTS: 50.6% of the 1,107 diagnosed patients were men. 99.1% were Caucasian and 4-6 generations/family were studied. The geographical distribution was heterogeneous. There was no family history in 2.43%. The mean age of diagnosis was 34.0±17.80 years and the diagnosis was made after having offspring in 57.7% of cases. The main reason for diagnosis was family history (46.4%). The mean age of initiation of renal replacement therapy was 54.2±11.05 years. 96.3% of the deceased had some degree of renal failure at the time of death. The mean age of death was 60.9±14.10 years, the main cause of death being unknown in 33.5% of cases, followed by cardiovascular (27.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Cases and families were concentrated in certain geographical areas and a significant number of individuals were undiagnosed prior to cardiovascular death or diagnosed late after reproduction. Given that there is currently no curative treatment, the primary prevention strategy of preimplantation genetic diagnosis should play a leading role.

Resultados y experiencias de la vigilancia nacionalde meningitis bacteriana en Cuba / Resultados y experiencias de la vigilancia nacional

Objetivos: Desde 1998 se implementó en Cuba un nuevo sistema de vigilancia nacional de meningitis bacteriana (VNMB) con el objetivo de lograr información en correspondencia con el desarrollo científico actual y las exigencias del programa nacional de prevención y control de estas infecciones. Resultados: Este sistema permitió medir el impacto de la vacuna contra H. influenzae tipo b (Hib) en 1999 sin necesidad de un proyecto y gastos adicionales, demostrando la reducción inmediata de la incidencia (52por ciento). Hasta el 2002 fueron reportados 82 niños < 5 años de los cuales 61(74,4por ciento) no estaban vacunados. Entre los vacunados hubo 14 (66,7por ciento) con una sola dosis aplicada.A partir de esta intervención S. pneumoniae resultó el principal agente causal de meningitis. Los serogrupos/ serotipos más frecuentes han sido 19, 6, 14, 18, 1, 7 y 23, mostrando un 40por ciento de susceptibilidad disminuida a la penicilina. Por primera vez identificamos: - fuerte asociación (RR > 20) de los estudiantes internos de primaria con la enfermedad, - incidencia elevada entre amas de casa (> 2/100 000) y jubilados (> 8/100 000), - fuerte asociación (Razón de disparidad > 20) de la muerte con jubilados y amas de casa en el análisis multivariado. Los resultados microbiológicos posibilitaron la caracterización de agentes y la política antibiótica más adecuada. La letalidad general de la meningitis neumocócica fue > 32 por ciento y fundamentalmente en ancianos. Conclusiones: LaVNMB aportó novedosa información clínico - epidemiológica y microbiológica, permitiendo ampliar el marco integral de los conocimientos y garantizando acciones más efectivas y eficientes en un proyecto multidisciplinario e intersectorial generalizado (AU)