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Current Drug Targets

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-4501
ISSN (Online): 1873-5592

Neuroferritinopathy: Update on Clinical Features and Pathogenesis

Author(s): Alisdair McNeill and Patrick F. Chinnery

Volume 13, Issue 9, 2012

Page: [1200 - 1203] Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/138945012802002375

Price: $65

Abstract

Neuroferritinopathy is an autosomal dominant extra – pyramidal movement disorder caused by mutations in the ferritin light chain gene (FTL). The most frequent presentation is with chorea (50%), followed by dystonia (42.5 %) and parkinsonism (7.5%). Seven different mutations are known; 6 insertions in exon 4 and a missense mutation in exon 3 with the 460insA mutation in exon 4 being the most common. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates iron deposition in the basal ganglia and cavitation. Neuropathological studies have shown neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia. Ferritin inclusion bodies were demonstrated within neurons and glia. Studies of patient derived fibroblasts and HeLa cells expressing mutant ferritin demonstrate increased iron levels and oxidative stress. These abnormalities have been recapitulated in mouse models of neuroferritinopathy. There is no disease modifying treatement for neuroferritinopathy but benzodiazepines and botulinum toxin may palliate dystonia and tetrabenazine may relieve chorea and facial tics. There is no role for iron chelation.

Keywords: Ferritin light chain, magnetic resonance imaging, neuroferritinopathy, chorea, dystonia, parkinsonism, benzodiazepines, botulinum toxin, tetrabenazine


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