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Consequences of Mutations in the SPG7 Gene at the Heterozygous State

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
SPG7
Interventions
Other: Skin biopsy
Registration Number
NCT05127967
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Montpellier
Brief Summary

Paraplegin, encoded by the SPG7 gene, is an ATP-dependent mAAA protease located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its function is not fully understood. Mutations in the SPG7 gene are responsible for spastic paraplegia type 7. Although spastic paraplegia type 7 is considered to be a recessive disease, some clinical observations also point to a detrimental effect of a variant in SPG7 in the heterozygous state. Thus, the presence of a single mutated variant of the SPG7 gene could be a risk factor for the development of neurological diseases. This has important implications for genetic counseling of patients and for the understanding of the function of the SPG7 protein and the mechanisms of disease development.

Detailed Description

Although spastic paraplegia type 7 is considered to be a recessive disease, some clinical observations also argue for a detrimental effect of a variant in SPG7 in the heterozygous state. Thus, the presence of a single mutated variant of the SPG7 gene could be a risk factor for the development of neurological diseases. This has important implications for genetic counseling of patients and for the understanding of the function of the SPG7 protein and the mechanisms of disease development. To date there have been no studies to specifically explore the pathogenic role of single heterozygous variants in the SPG7 gene.

The aim of this project is to fully characterize different models expressing single heterozygous SPG7 mutations in order to detect phenotypical, biological or functional alterations. In particular, the investigators will conduct analysis on fibroblasts from symptomatic patients with mutations in the SPG7 gene (homozygous, compound heterozygous or single heterozygous), and controls. Cellular models will be particularly useful in order to study an alteration in calcium homeostasis and in the response to ER stressors. In parallel, studies will be performed using the genetic animal model of Drosophila melanogaster.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
11
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Patients with neurological symptoms and one mutation in the SPG7 geneSkin biopsyPatients presenting neurological symptoms corresponding to SPG7 disease (adult onset spastic ataxia with CPEO and/or optic atrophy) with only one mutation found in the SPG7 gene
ControlsSkin biopsyPatients without mutations in the SPG7 gene requiring spinal surgery because of a non-genetic neurologic disorders
Patients with neurological symptoms and two mutations in the SPG7 geneSkin biopsySymptomatic patients with SPG7 mutations (homozygous or compound heterozygous)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mitochondrial respiratory activity measured by Seahorse analyser and quantification of mADN vs nuclear AND in activity in patients with neurological symptoms and one or two mutations in the SPG7 gene vs controlsInclusion
Mitochondrial dimension and morphology by electronic microscopy and quantification of mitochondrial motility by direct imaging activity in patients with neurological symptoms and one or two mutations in the SPG7 gene vs controlsInclusion
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mitochondrial calcium quantification after expression of a probe for calcium detection in patients with neurological symptoms and one or two mutations in the SPG7 gene vs controlsInclusion

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Montpellier University Hospital

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Montpellier, Herault, France

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