Use of CRISPR/Cas9 system to correct mutations responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Friedreich ataxia.

(1888PressRelease) October 01, 2016 - MarketsandMarkets Conferences. Dr. Jacques P. Tremblay from University of Laval, Quebec joins the speaker panel for the 2nd Annual Genome Editing & Engineering Conference

Dr. Tremblay will be presenting at the conference on use of CRISPR/Cas9 system to correct mutations responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Friedreich ataxia. Joining Dr. Tremblay on the panel will be experts representing organizations such as University of Utah School of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, J. Craig Venter Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of California, University of Washington, University of Southern California, University of Rochester, National Institutes of Health, University of Texas, University of Minnesota, Hiroshima University and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

Late-Onset Friedreich’s Ataxia (LOFA) Mimicking Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease Type 2: What Is Similar and What Is Different?

Rubens Paulo A. Salomão, Maria Thereza Drumond Gama, Flávio Moura Rezende Filho, Fernanda Maggi, José Luiz Pedroso , Orlando G. P. Barsottini; Short Report, The Cerebellum pp 1-3 First online: 29 September 2016 doi:10.​1007/​s12311-016-0822-9

Herein, we report a patient that presented with late-onset progressive steppage gait, neuropathy and pes cavus, suggesting Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease. Subsequent genetic investigation confirmed Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA). We suggest that late-onset forms of hereditary neuropathies should be carefully evaluated, since LOFA may be a CMT mimicker.

Congenital and Hereditary Diseases of the Spinal Cord, Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI

Lily L. Wang, Karin S. Bierbrauer, Available online 14 July 2016, ISSN 0887-2171, doi:10.1053/j.sult.2016.07.002.

Friedreich’s ataxia is a hereditary autosomal recessive movement disorder usually beginning in childhood and progresses with age. The cerebellum and the spinal cord are involved. The autonomic system can be involved as the disease progresses. Cardiac disease, diabetes, scoliosis are common associations. Genetic testing offers a conclusive diagnosis in patients with a compatible history and clinical examination. Imaging in Friedreich’s ataxia has been mostly focused in the brain. Spinal findings are non-specific on conventional MRI with cervical cord atrophy.

A longitudinal study of the SF-36 version 2 in Friedreich ataxia

G. Tai, L. A. Corben, E. M. Yiu and M. B. Delatycki; Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Version of Record online: 28 SEP 2016 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12693

This study aimed to examine the relationship between SF-36 version 2 (SF-36V2) summary scores and Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) clinical characteristics, and to investigate the responsiveness of the scale, in comparison with the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS), over 1, 2 and 3 years.

Our findings suggest that despite physical decline, individuals with FRDA have relatively stable mental well-being. This study demonstrates that the SF-36V2 is unlikely to be a useful tool for identifying clinical change in FRDA therapeutic trials.

Atypical Features in a Large Turkish Family Affected with Friedreich Ataxia

Semiha Kurt, Betul Cevik, Durdane Aksoy, E. Irmak Sahbaz, Aslı Gundogdu Eken, and A. Nazli Basak. Case Reports in Neurological Medicine Volume 2016 (2016), Article ID 4515938, 7 pages doi:10.1155/2016/4515938

Open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License

Other movement disorders

Silverdale MA, Medicine (2016), doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2016.06.010

Structural problems usually show on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. The age of onset often helps to reach a diagnosis in chronic cerebellar disorders. Many genetic conditions present at a younger age, whereas other conditions such as multiple system atrophy present at an older age. Cranial imaging can help in chronic cerebellar disorders: some conditions cause cerebellar atrophy (e.g. ataxia telangiectasia) whereas others usually do not (e.g. Friedreich’s ataxia).

Mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy

Toke Bek, Chair, Mitochondrion, Available online 22 July 2016, ISSN 1567-7249, doi:10.1016/j.mito.2016.07.011

Friedreich's spinal ataxia, Diabetes mellitus in this condition is due to a loss of pancreatic beta cell function secondary to the mitochondrial dysfunction (Kersten et al 2014). One patient followed in the author's clinic had no registered diabetic retinopathy after five years of diabetes duration but had no light perception because of the neurological deficits of the disease.

The physiological basis of therapies for cerebellar ataxias

Hiroshi Mitoma and Mario Manto; Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders September 2016 9: 396-413, doi:10.1177/1756285616648940

In conclusion, the understanding of the physiological basis of the various therapies is a critical step for clinicians dealing with CAs. We suggest that some degree of reversibility can be achieved if the therapies of CAs are administered as early as possible and take into account the pathogenesis behind the disorder. Novel therapies should take into account the mechanisms of the cerebellar circuitry in order to be effective

Studying the pathophysiologic connection between cardiovascular and nervous systems using stem cells.

Coskun, V. and Lombardo, D. M. (2016), J. Neurosci. Res.. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23924

Analysis of the hearts of patients with FA shows detectable iron accumulation, supporting the idea of iron overload as the disease mechanism. The innervation pattern of the heart by parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory neurons, as well as their interaction with the cardiac conduction system, is critical for the homeostatic operation of the cardiovascular system. In situations such as exercise, traumatic injury, or blood loss, a compensatory increase in cardiac output is achieved by a corresponding increase in adrenergic activity.

Emerging therapies for mitochondrial disorder

Helen Nightingale, Gerald Pfeffer, David Bargiela, Rita Horvath, Patrick F. Chinnery. Brain, 1633-1648 First published online: 3 May 2016 DOI:10.1093/brain/aww081

Open Access, (Creative Commons Attribution License)

From a clinical perspective, nuclear-genetic enzyme defects show the greatest promise. Stem cell therapy is already being used in specific contexts, and its efficacy and safety being evaluated, and gene therapy trials in mouse models show clear benefits. Unfortunately, each one of these rare genetic diseases may require their own proprietary approach, and the impact needs to be evaluated long-term. Small molecules are attractive because they have the potential to provide a more generic solution applicable across the mitochondrial disease spectrum, and a greater understanding of cell signalling pathways opens up several unexpected disease targets. For some of these drugs, clinical evaluation is imminent, particularly for those being repurposed or repositioned drugs such as bezafibrate. It is critical at this stage that laboratory and clinical scientists work closely with patient organizations to ensure that the ultimate aims of therapy will actually tackle issues that are important to patients. Given limited resources, this will ensure that new treatments improve quality of life—a prerequisite if these treatments are going to be adopted by healthcare systems worldwide.