Agnes Patzko

Update on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) disease encompasses a genetically heterogeneous group of inherited neuropathies, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies. CMT results from mutations in more than 40 genes expressed in Schwann cells and neurons causing overlapping phenotypes. The classic CMT phenotype reflects length-dependent axonal degeneration characterized by distal sensory loss and weakness, deep tendon reflex abnormalities, and skeletal deformities. Recent articles have provided insight into the molecular pathogenesis of CMT, which, for the first time, suggest potential therapeutic targets. Although there are currently no effective medications for CMT, multiple clinical trials are ongoing or being planned. This review will focus on the underlying pathomechanisms and diagnostic approaches of CMT and discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies.

Curcumin derivatives promote Schwann cell differentiation and improve neuropathy in R98C CMT1B mice

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1B is caused by mutations in myelin protein zero. R98C mice, an authentic model of early onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1B, develop neuropathy in part because the misfolded mutant myelin protein zero is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum where it activates the unfolded protein response. Because oral curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, has been shown to relieve endoplasmic reticulum stress and decrease the activation of the unfolded protein response, we treated R98C mutant mice with daily gastric lavage of curcumin or curcumin derivatives starting at 4 days of age and analysed them for clinical disability, electrophysiological parameters and peripheral nerve morphology. Heterozygous R98C mice treated with curcumin dissolved in sesame oil or phosphatidylcholine curcumin performed as well as wild-type littermates on a rotarod test and had increased numbers of large-diameter axons in their sciatic nerves. Treatment with the latter two compounds also increased compound muscle action potential amplitudes and the innervation of neuromuscular junctions in both heterozygous and homozygous R98C animals, but it did not improve nerve conduction velocity, myelin thickness, G-ratios or myelin period. The expression of c-Jun and suppressed cAMP-inducible POU (SCIP)-transcription factors that inhibit myelination when overexpressed-was also decreased by treatment. Consistent with its role in reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, treatment with curcumin dissolved in sesame oil or phosphatidylcholine curcumin was associated with decreased X-box binding protein (XBP1) splicing. Taken together, these data demonstrate that treatment with curcumin dissolved in sesame oil or phosphatidylcholine curcumin improves the peripheral neuropathy of R98C mice by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, by reducing the activation of unfolded protein response and by promoting Schwann cell differentiation.

Targeting the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor alleviates two forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in mice.

See Scherer (doi:10.1093/awv279) for a scientific commentary on this article.Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathies are inherited disorders of the peripheral nervous system caused by mutations in Schwann cell-related genes. Typically, no causative cure is presently available. Previous preclinical data of our group highlight the low grade, secondary inflammation common to distinct Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathies as a disease amplifier. In the current study, we have tested one of several available clinical agents targeting macrophages through its inhibition of the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). We here show that in two distinct mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathies, the systemic short- and long-term inhibition of CSF1R by oral administration leads to a robust decline in nerve macrophage numbers by ∼70% and substantial reduction of the typical histopathological and functional alterations. Interestingly, in a model for the dominant X-linked form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathy, the second most common form of the inherited neuropathies, macrophage ablation favours maintenance of axonal integrity and axonal resprouting, leading to preserved muscle innervation, increased muscle action potential amplitudes and muscle strengths in the range of wild-type mice. In another model mimicking a mild, demyelination-related Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathy caused by reduced P0 (MPZ) gene dosage, macrophage blockade causes an improved preservation of myelin, increased muscle action potential amplitudes, improved nerve conduction velocities and ameliorated muscle strength. These observations suggest that disease-amplifying macrophages can produce multiple adverse effects in the affected nerves which likely funnel down to common clinical features. Surprisingly, treatment of mouse models mimicking Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A neuropathy also caused macrophage blockade, but did not result in neuropathic or clinical improvements, most likely due to the late start of treatment of this early onset disease model. In summary, our study shows that targeting peripheral nerve macrophages by an orally administered inhibitor of CSF1R may offer a highly efficacious and safe treatment option for at least two distinct forms of the presently non-treatable Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 neuropathies.

Axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim is to specify the genetic causes of dominantly and recessively inherited axonal forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and review the biological basis for these disorders. RECENT FINDINGS More than 10 genes that cause axonal CMT have been identified over the past decade. Many of these genes express proteins that are ubiquitously expressed. Clinical phenotypes of many of these disorders are being studied and animal and cellular models of these neuropathies have been created. SUMMARY Identification of these new genetic causes of axonal neuropathy has not only been important for patients and their families but it has also provided exciting new information about disease mechanisms involved in neuronal degeneration. These mechanisms extend beyond the field of axonal CMT and have relevance to sensory neuropathies and motor neuron disorders. Therapeutic strategies for some of these are also provided. We hope that this review will be of interest to clinicians and scientists interested in axonal forms of CMT.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related genetic neuropathies.

Purpose of Review: The inherited peripheral neuropathies are a complex group of disorders caused by mutations in more than 50 genes. Scientifically, these disorders provide extensive information on molecular pathways that cause demyelination, axonal loss, and abnormal interactions between Schwann cells and the axons they ensheathe. Clinically, however, these neuropathies are confusing because it is difficult to determine what gene to test for in a given patient, inheritance patterns may differ among patients, and genetic testing is expensive. This review provides a biological context and guidelines to help neurologists better understand the basis and focus of genetic testing for these disorders. Recent Findings: In the past 5 years, many of the genetic causes of inherited neuropathies have been discovered and the phenotypes of inherited neuropathies have been characterized. Clinical trials of genetic neuropathies are now underway. Summary: It is hoped that this review will lead to a better understanding of these fascinating neuropathies for health care professionals and that this improved understanding will facilitate treatment advances for these presently untreatable diseases.

Phenotypic presentation of the Ser63Del MPZ mutation

Mutations in MPZ cause CMT1B, the second most frequent cause of CMT1. Elegant studies with Ser63del mice suggest that Ser63del MPZ is retained in the ER where it activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) that contributes to the neuropathy. Clinical information about patients with this mutation is limited. We present clinical and electrophysiological data on a large multigenerational family with CMT1B caused by Ser63del MPZ. The patients have a classical CMT1 phenotype that is much less severe than that of patients with Arg98Cys MPZ that also activates the UPR. These results suggest that clinical presentation along cannot predict which MPZ mutations will be retained in the ER and activate the UPR.

Unfolded protein response, treatment and CMT1B.

CMT1B is the second most frequent autosomal dominant inherited neuropathy and is caused by assorted mutations of the myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene. MPZ mutations cause neuropathy gain of function mechanisms that are largely independent MPZs normal role of mediating myelin compaction. Whether there are only a few or multiple pathogenic mechanisms that cause CMT1B is unknown. Arg98Cys and Ser63Del MPZ are two CMT1B causing mutations that have been shown to cause neuropathy in mice at least in part by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR). We have recently treated Arg98Cys mice with derivatives of curcumin that improved the neuropathy and reduced UPR activation.1 Future studies will address whether manipulating the UPR will be a common or rare strategy for treating CMT1B or other forms of inherited neuropathies.

Development, Reliability and Validity of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS)

Development, reliability and validity of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) Joshua Burns, Richard Finkel, Tim Estilow, Andy Hiscock, Matilde Laura, Polly Swingle, Agnes Patzko, Allan Glanzman, Gyula Acsadi, Francesco Muntoni, Mary Reilly, Davide Pareyson, Isabella Moroni, Emanuela Pagliano, Sindhu Ramchandren, Kate Eichinger, Monique Ryan, Robert Ouvrier, Michael Shy, Rosemary Shy