Differential Gene Expression in Late-Onset Friedreich Ataxia: A Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Sisters

Petrillo, S.; Perna, A.; Quatrana, A.; Silvestri, G.; Bertini, E.; Piemonte, F.; Santoro, M. Differential Gene Expression in Late-Onset Friedreich Ataxia: A Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Sisters. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 11615. doi:10.3390/ijms252111615  

The transcriptomic analysis revealed 398 differentially expressed genes. Notably, TLR4, IL20RB, and SLITRK5 were up-regulated, while TCF21 and GRIN2A were down-regulated, as validated by qRT-PCR. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and network analysis highlighted significant involvement in immune response and neuronal functions. Our results, in particular, suggest that TLR4 may contribute to inflammation in FRDA, while IL20RB, SLITRK5, TCF21, and GRIN2A dysregulation may play roles in the disease pathogenesis. This study introduces new perspectives on the inflammatory and developmental aspects in FRDA, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Navigating the Orphan Medicinal Product Designation: Evidence Requirements for Gene Therapies in Europe

Palomo, G.M. et al., Navigating the Orphan Medicinal Product Designation: Evidence Requirements for Gene Therapies in Europe. Molecular Therapy, Volume 0, Issue 0. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.10.015 

To provide insight into regulatory decision-making at the time of granting initial orphan designation by the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products, we have conducted a retrospective analysis for viral vector-mediated gene therapies in rare non-oncological conditions with respect to the data provided to support the criteria to be met in successful applications.

At-home wearable-based monitoring predicts clinical measures and biological biomarkers of disease severity in Friedreich’s Ataxia

Mishra, R.K., Nunes, A.S., Enriquez, A. et al. At-home wearable-based monitoring predicts clinical measures and biological biomarkers of disease severity in Friedreich’s Ataxia. Commun Med 4, 217 (2024). Doi:10.1038/s43856-024-00653-1 

This results establish the initial clinical validity of using wearable sensors in assessing disease severity and monitoring motor dysfunction in FRDA.

Uniparental IsoDisomy: a case study on a new mechanism of Friedreich ataxia

Sperelakis-Beedham, B., Gitiaux, C., Rajaoba, M. et al. Uniparental IsoDisomy: a case study on a new mechanism of Friedreich ataxia. Eur J Hum Genet (2024). Doi:10.1038/s41431-024-01728-2 

The identification of a deletion in the primer-annealing region of the TP-PCR explained the initial TP-PCR failure. This is the first documented case of FRDA caused by segmental UPiD. This case highlights the complexity of the molecular diagnosis of FRDA, and emphasises the importance of integrating results from various technical diagnostic approaches.