Johan H M Frijns, Roos M G S Geerders, Esther Scholing, Berit M Verbist, Radboud W Koot, Martijn J A Malessy, Peter-Paul B M Boermans, Jeroen J Briaire
{"title":"Neuroanatomical anomalies due to a defect in the FGF3 gene, associated with the Labyrinthine Aplasia, Microtia and Microdontia syndrome: insights from the placement of auditory brainstem implants in two siblings.","authors":"Johan H M Frijns, Roos M G S Geerders, Esther Scholing, Berit M Verbist, Radboud W Koot, Martijn J A Malessy, Peter-Paul B M Boermans, Jeroen J Briaire","doi":"10.1177/26330040241290834","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241290834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Here, we describe two congenitally deaf male siblings with the same compound heterozygotic, likely pathogenic mutations in the FGF3 gene, associated with the labyrinthine aplasia, microtia and microdontia (LAMM) syndrome. Both children had bilateral cochleovestibular aplasia, precluding cochlear implantation. The elder brother received an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) with very limited auditory responses. During the ABI-surgery of the younger subject, it was discovered that excellent auditory responses could be obtained when the electrode array was placed considerably more caudally and more medially than standard. It was observed that the foramen of Luschka, the entrance to the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle was located more caudally. In view of this observation the good auditory development of the latter child, it was decided to give the older child a contralateral ABI. Again, it turned out that the anatomy of the brainstem was abnormal with a more caudal location of the foramen of Luschka and the cochlear nucleus, and this child is showing good progress with his auditory development. It is concluded that one should be aware of the anatomical differences at the level of the brainstem when placing an ABI in children with this genetic disorder (and most likely also in the LAMM syndrome). This also underpins the need of a multidisciplinary approach with closely collaborating team members and good family guidance when diagnosing and treating children with rare deafness.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241290834"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11526279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142559590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stephanie Prince, Emily Bonkowski, Christopher McGraw, Christina SanInocencio, Heather C Mefford, Gemma Carvill, Brian Broadbent
{"title":"A roadmap to cure CHD2-related disorders.","authors":"Stephanie Prince, Emily Bonkowski, Christopher McGraw, Christina SanInocencio, Heather C Mefford, Gemma Carvill, Brian Broadbent","doi":"10.1177/26330040241283749","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241283749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coalition to Cure CHD2 (CCC) is a patient advocacy group dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by CHD2-related disorders (CHD2-RD) by increasing education, building community, and accelerating research to uncover a cure. CHD2 is a chromatin remodeler that was identified in 2013 as being a genetic cause for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Pathogenic changes in CHD2 can cause treatment-resistant epilepsy, intellectual and developmental delays, and autism, and some individuals experience neurodevelopmental regression. There are currently no targeted therapies available for CHD2-related disorders. Haploinsufficiency of CHD2 is a causative mechanism of disease for individuals with pathogenic variants (primarily truncating) in CHD2. Recently, identification of individuals with deletion of nearby gene CHASERR, a regulator of CHD2 gene expression, has established dosage sensitivity in CHD2 and solidified the CHASERR gene as a potential therapeutic target for CHD2 levels. Through collaboration with our community and our scientific advisory board, CCC has created a Roadmap to Cure CHD2 as our guide toward a targeted cure that can benefit our community, with steps including (1) identifying and defining patients, (2) developing models of CHD2, (3) studying models of CHD2, (4) testing therapies, (5) involving patients, and (6) reaching a cure. Despite some of the challenges inherent in CHD2 research including establishing animal and cellular models that recapitulate the CHD2 clinical phenotype, identifying measurable outcomes and reliable biomarkers, or testing emerging therapeutic approaches, CCC continues to engage with our community to support ongoing research that aligns with our priorities. CCC sees new and exciting opportunities for additional research that can move our community toward our common goal of a cure that will improve the lives of individuals and their families now and in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241283749"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11465304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142402305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Erratum to \"Patient-advocate-led global coalition adapting fit-for-purpose outcomes measures to assure meaningful inclusion of DEEs in clinical trials\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1177/26330040241277869","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26330040241277869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1177/26330040241249762.].</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241277869"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11459491/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142395862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jacob Tiller, Melissa B DeLeeuw, Jing-Qiong Kang, Amber Freed
{"title":"<i>SLC6A1</i> patient & organization perspective: founding of SLC6A1 connect, research, and ongoing efforts.","authors":"Jacob Tiller, Melissa B DeLeeuw, Jing-Qiong Kang, Amber Freed","doi":"10.1177/26330040241283734","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26330040241283734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper describes the founding of the SLC6A1 Connect organization, which offers resources to patients and families with <i>SLC6A1</i> diagnoses while keeping current with a scientific overview of the disorder. Following the birth of her two lovely twins, Amber Freed noticed how her son, Maxwell, missed motor development milestones and would often stare. Eventually, these signs led to a diagnosis of an <i>SLC6A1</i> variant. The <i>SLC6A1</i> gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 3 and the gene encodes for the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT-1) protein. This transporter is responsible for the reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. The transporter usually removes GABA from the synapse space between two neurons, limiting over-excitability in the brain, which can lead to seizures and motor deficits as Amber noticed in her son, Maxwell. Amber realized that there were nearly no treatment options for her son's condition so she began forming connections with scientists and doctors. Initially, she flew to see Dr. Steven Gray, with whom she developed a research plan for a gene replacement therapy to treat the variant along with a design for a clinical trial. Not only this but they needed to raise four million dollars to fund these endeavors. Freed founded the <i>SLC6A1</i> Connect organization to raise money and awareness and put together a network of dedicated researchers and families. Since then, the organization has raised over two million dollars and grown to offer families a base of support. The organization even hosts a yearly symposium with families, scientists, and biotech or pharmaceutical companies worldwide. In addition, we detail how the organization now offers informational resources to families to help them understand the science behind the variant and ways to help their children such as registry links and genetic testing options. These endeavors have led the organization to collaborate with scientists based on institutions such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, and many industrial pharmaceutical partners.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241283734"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11459543/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142395861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annemieke Aartsma-Rus, Rob W J Collin, Ype Elgersma, Marlen C Lauffer, Willeke van Roon-Mom
{"title":"Joining forces to develop individualized antisense oligonucleotides for patients with brain or eye diseases: the example of the Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics.","authors":"Annemieke Aartsma-Rus, Rob W J Collin, Ype Elgersma, Marlen C Lauffer, Willeke van Roon-Mom","doi":"10.1177/26330040241273465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26330040241273465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) offer versatile tools to modify the processing and expression levels of gene transcripts. As such, they have a high therapeutic potential for rare genetic diseases, where applicability of each ASO ranges from thousands of patients worldwide to single individuals based on the prevalence of the causative pathogenic variant. It was shown that development of individualized ASOs was feasible within an academic setting, starting with Milasen for the treatment of a patient with CLN7 Batten's disease in the USA. Inspired by this, the Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics (DCRT) was established by three academic medical centers in the Netherlands with a track record in ASO development for progressive, genetic neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and retinal disorders. The goal of the DCRT is to bundle expertise and address national ethical, regulatory, and financial issues related to ASO treatment, and ultimately to develop individualized ASOs for eligible patients with genetic diseases affecting the central nervous system in an academic, not-for-profit setting. In this perspective, we describe the establishment of the DCRT in 2020 and the achievements so far, with a specific focus on lessons learned: the need for processes and procedures, the need for global collaboration, the need to raise awareness, and the fact that N-of-1 is N-of-a-few.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241273465"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11425740/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142334028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"WITHDRAWAL: Proceedings from the MENA Congress for Rare Diseases, 16-19 May 2024, Abu Dhabi, UAE.","authors":"","doi":"10.1177/26330040241280488","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/26330040241280488","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1177/26330040241238936.].</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241280488"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11403550/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142303026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Jaksha, Marissa Bishop, Karen Utley, Heidi L Grabenstatter
{"title":"The small steps that lead to big impact: translating therapeutics from idea to reality for the CDKL5 deficiency disorder community.","authors":"Amanda Jaksha, Marissa Bishop, Karen Utley, Heidi L Grabenstatter","doi":"10.1177/26330040241275673","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241275673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the unmet needs of patients living with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) and the challenges facing a rare population with small patient numbers, now is a time of unprecedented opportunities to turn scientific breakthroughs into safe and effective treatments for families of CDD patients. New data collected for over a decade and an evolution in genetics technologies have resulted in transformational new treatments currently in development for CDD. This progress is in great part due to the patient advocacy efforts early on to drive development of stakeholder research tools necessary to de-risk industry entry into the CDD space, family participation in longitudinal natural history studies, and a robust caregiver-reported database. Cumulatively, these efforts offered new insights into CDD, specifically patterns in disease progression, helped identify the most burdensome symptoms to patients and caregivers, improved clinical trial design, and reduced financial barriers for therapeutic development for potential industry partners. This paper documents the growth of a small patient community through relationship building and collaboration. The International Foundation for CDKL5 Research is mindful of ongoing challenges namely the long research timelines, high development and production costs, and inequitable access to approved therapies. Therefore, sustaining strong early resources while recognizing opportunities that engagement, advocacy, and funding can accelerate progress remains at the heart of the agile foundation strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241275673"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Margaret C Savage, Geraldine Bliss, Joseph D Buxbaum, Jordan S Farrell, April R Levin, Siddharth Srivastava, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, J Lloyd Holder, Mustafa Sahin
{"title":"A roadmap for SHANK3-related Epilepsy Research: recommendations from the 2023 strategic planning workshop.","authors":"Margaret C Savage, Geraldine Bliss, Joseph D Buxbaum, Jordan S Farrell, April R Levin, Siddharth Srivastava, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, J Lloyd Holder, Mustafa Sahin","doi":"10.1177/26330040241273464","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241273464","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>On September 27, 2023, the CureSHANK nonprofit foundation sponsored a conference in Boston, Massachusetts, to identify gaps in knowledge surrounding SHANK3-related epilepsy with the goal of determining future research priorities and recommendations. In addition to patient families and members of the CureSHANK community, participants in the conference included a broad cross-section of preclinical and clinical researchers and clinicians with expertise in SHANK3-related epilepsy as well as representatives from the pharmaceutical industry. Here we summarize the outcomes from comprehensive premeeting deliberations and the final conference recommendations, including (1) gaps in knowledge related to clinical science, (2) gaps in knowledge related to preclinical science, and (3) research priorities moving forward.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241273464"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11409305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142303024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Successful use of an eye gaze AAC communication board by a young adult with advanced Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS IIIA): Case report.","authors":"Christine Brennan, Abigail Matthews, Sherri Tennant","doi":"10.1177/26330040241275672","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241275672","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III or MPS III) is a family of rare, lysosomal disorders characterized by progressive cognitive and motor deterioration. Even though individuals with MPS III present with complex communication needs, research regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in this population is scarce. While life expectancy for individuals with MPS IIIA typically does not exceed 20 years of age, this case report involves a 22-year-old adult with postregression MPS IIIA. Prior to this study, the participant could not communicate using speech and only responded to yes/no questions using eye blink responses. The participant was given a low-tech AAC system utilizing eye gaze so that she could respond to a variety of caregiver questions and take conversational turns. The following communication outcomes were measured during each session in which caregivers used the AAC system: number of eye gaze responses, total number of responses (using any means), the percent of responses to questions asked, and the total count of expressive vocabulary words available to the participant with the AAC system. Increases were observed in the number of eye gaze responses per session and in the expressive vocabulary accessible via the eye gaze board. A higher percentage of responses given caregiver questions was noted for the intervention sessions (71%) compared to the baseline sessions (55%). There were also qualitative changes characterized by the types of questions the participant could respond to during conversational exchanges. Despite the progression of MPS IIIA, the results suggest that use of the eye gaze board resulted in quantitative and qualitative changes in functional communication. This case report provides preliminary evidence that AAC can improve communication in a young adult with postregression MPS IIIA.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241275672"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369869/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tanya L Brown, Matthew N Bainbridge, Grit Zahn, Kim L Nye, Brenda E Porter
{"title":"The growing research toolbox for SLC13A5 citrate transporter disorder: a rare disease with animal models, cell lines, an ongoing Natural History Study and an engaged patient advocacy organization.","authors":"Tanya L Brown, Matthew N Bainbridge, Grit Zahn, Kim L Nye, Brenda E Porter","doi":"10.1177/26330040241263972","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26330040241263972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>TESS Research Foundation (TESS) is a patient-led nonprofit organization seeking to understand the basic biology and clinical impact of pathogenic variants in the SLC13A5 gene. TESS aims to improve the fundamental understanding of citrate's role in the brain, and ultimately identify treatments and cures for the associated disease. TESS identifies, organizes, and develops collaboration between researchers, patients, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical industry to improve the lives of those suffering from SLC13A5 citrate transport disorder. TESS and its partners have developed multiple molecular tools, cellular and animal models, and taken the first steps toward drug discovery and development for this disease. However, much remains to be done to improve our understanding of the disorder associated with SLC13A5 variants and identify effective treatments for this devastating disease. Here, we describe the available SLC13A5 resources from the community of experts, to foundational tools, to in vivo and in vitro tools, and discuss unanswered research questions needed to move closer to a cure.</p>","PeriodicalId":75218,"journal":{"name":"Therapeutic advances in rare disease","volume":"5 ","pages":"26330040241263972"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}