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1
Inheritance
4
Pathophys.
9
Phenotypes
16
Pathograph
1
Genes
1
Treatments
2
Differentials
1
Deep Research
👪

Inheritance

1
Autosomal recessive inheritance HP:0000007
MEDNIK syndrome follows autosomal recessive inheritance with homozygous or other biallelic pathogenic AP1S1 variants.
Autosomal recessive inheritance
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The mutation was inherited from both parents and classified as pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, based on clinical features and family analysis."
This directly supports autosomal recessive inheritance through biparental transmission of the pathogenic AP1S1 variant.

Pathophysiology

4
AP1S1 loss of function
MEDNIK syndrome is caused by pathogenic AP1S1 variants that disrupt the adaptor protein complex 1 and intracellular trafficking.
AP1S1 link
intracellular protein transport link ↓ DECREASED vesicle-mediated transport link ↓ DECREASED
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"MEDNIK syndrome is caused by mutation of the AP1S1 gene"
This directly supports AP1S1 as the causal gene in MEDNIK syndrome.
Copper pump trafficking defect
AP1S1 directs intracellular trafficking of ATP7A and ATP7B, linking MEDNIK syndrome to disordered copper handling.
intracellular protein transport link ⚠ ABNORMAL copper ion transport link ⚠ ABNORMAL
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"MEDNIK syndrome is caused by mutation of the AP1S1 gene, which codes for the σ1A subunit of adaptor protein complex 1, and directs intracellular trafficking of copper pumps ATP7A and ATP7B."
This directly supports the copper-trafficking mechanism in MEDNIK syndrome.
Hepatic copper overload
MEDNIK syndrome includes Wilson-like hepatic copper overload downstream of defective AP1S1-dependent copper pump trafficking.
copper ion homeostasis link ⚠ ABNORMAL
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
Review-level evidence identifies liver copper overload as a treatable biochemical component of MEDNIK syndrome.
Intestinal epithelial barrier defect
AP1S1 loss disrupts tight-junction organization and epithelial barrier function, providing a mechanistic explanation for enteropathy and diarrhea.
Show evidence (1 reference)
"Our data indicate that loss of AP1S1 function causes an intestinal epithelial barrier defect"
This directly supports enteropathy as a downstream consequence of AP1S1 dysfunction.

Pathograph

Use the checkboxes to hide or show graph categories. Hover nodes for evidence and cross-linked metadata.
Pathograph: causal mechanism network for MEDNIK syndrome Interactive directed graph showing how pathophysiology mechanisms, phenotypes, genetic factors and variants, experimental models, environmental triggers, and treatments relate through causal and linked edges.

Phenotypes

9
Digestive 1
Chronic diarrhea Chronic diarrhea (HP:0002028)
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Furthermore, the sister initially presented with intractable diarrhoea"
This directly supports severe early-onset diarrhea in MEDNIK syndrome.
Ear 1
Hearing impairment Hearing impairment (HP:0000365)
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:19057675 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
This directly supports hearing impairment as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Head and Neck 1
Prominent forehead Prominent forehead (HP:0011220)
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
This directly supports a high or prominent forehead in the reported sibling pair with MEDNIK syndrome.
Integument 3
Ichthyosis Ichthyosis (HP:0008064)
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:19057675 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
This directly supports ichthyosis as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Palmoplantar keratoderma Palmoplantar keratoderma (HP:0000982)
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:19057675 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
This directly supports palmoplantar keratoderma as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Fair hair Fair hair (HP:0002286)
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
This directly supports fair or yellow hair as an additional MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Nervous System 3
Intellectual disability Intellectual disability (HP:0001249)
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:19057675 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"families with a unique syndrome characterized by mental retardation,"
This directly supports intellectual disability as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy (HP:0009830)
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:19057675 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
This directly supports peripheral neuropathy as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
Seizures Seizure (HP:0001250)
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
This directly supports seizures in the clinical phenotype.
🧬

Genetic Associations

1
AP1S1 (Causal biallelic loss-of-function variant)
Show evidence (2 references)
DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"This mutation causes a frameshift mutation in the protein, altering the protein structure and affecting protein function."
This directly supports AP1S1 loss of function as the genetic mechanism.
"AP1S1 | HGNC:559 | MEDNIK syndrome | MONDO:0012251 | AR | Definitive"
ClinGen classifies the AP1S1-MEDNIK syndrome gene-disease relationship as definitive with autosomal recessive inheritance.
💊

Treatments

1
Zinc acetate pharmacotherapy
Action: Pharmacotherapy NCIT:C15986
Agent: zinc acetate
Zinc acetate therapy has been proposed to treat liver copper overload in MEDNIK syndrome.
Mechanism Target:
INHIBITS Hepatic copper overload — Zinc acetate therapy is proposed for the liver copper-overload component of MEDNIK syndrome.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
Review-level evidence explicitly states that liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
This directly supports zinc acetate therapy for the copper-overload component of MEDNIK syndrome.
🔬

Biochemical Markers

1
Liver copper (INCREASED)
Pathograph Readouts
Readout Of Hepatic copper overload Positive Diagnostic
Increased liver copper reports the Wilson-like hepatic copper-overload branch downstream of AP1S1-dependent copper-pump trafficking defects.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
Review evidence identifies liver copper overload as a biochemical feature and treatment target in MEDNIK syndrome.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
This directly supports liver copper overload as a defining biochemical abnormality in MEDNIK syndrome.
🔀

Differential Diagnoses

2

Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from MEDNIK syndrome:

Overlapping Features Menkes disease is an important differential diagnosis because MEDNIK syndrome shares elements of disturbed copper metabolism and overlapping multisystem manifestations.
Distinguishing Features
  • AP1S1-related enteropathy and keratoderma support MEDNIK syndrome.
  • ATP7A-related isolated Menkes-spectrum copper transport disease supports Menkes disease.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases"
This directly supports Menkes disease as a clinically relevant differential diagnosis.
Overlapping Features Wilson disease is also a key differential diagnosis because MEDNIK syndrome can share hepatic copper overload and other copper-metabolism abnormalities.
Distinguishing Features
  • Syndromic neurocutaneous and enteropathic findings support MEDNIK syndrome.
  • ATP7B-related Wilson disease with more classic hepatic-neurologic copper overload supports Wilson disease.
Show evidence (1 reference)
DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426 SUPPORT Other
"This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases"
This directly supports Wilson disease as a key differential diagnosis.
{ }

Source YAML

click to show
name: MEDNIK syndrome
creation_date: "2026-04-13T22:47:36Z"
updated_date: "2026-05-19T23:05:12Z"
description: >-
  MEDNIK syndrome is a rare AP1S1-related multisystem disorder of intracellular
  trafficking and copper metabolism characterized by intellectual disability,
  enteropathy, deafness, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and palmoplantar keratoderma.
  Pathogenesis involves AP1S1 loss of function with downstream defects in
  copper pump trafficking and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity.
category: Mendelian
parents:
- hereditary disease
- metabolic disease
synonyms:
- mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma syndrome
disease_term:
  preferred_term: MEDNIK syndrome
  term:
    id: MONDO:0012251
    label: MEDNIK syndrome
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal recessive inheritance
  description: >-
    MEDNIK syndrome follows autosomal recessive inheritance with homozygous or
    other biallelic pathogenic AP1S1 variants.
  inheritance_term:
    preferred_term: Autosomal recessive inheritance
    term:
      id: HP:0000007
      label: Autosomal recessive inheritance
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The mutation was inherited from both parents and classified as pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, based on clinical features and family analysis."
    explanation: This directly supports autosomal recessive inheritance through biparental transmission of the pathogenic AP1S1 variant.
pathophysiology:
- name: AP1S1 loss of function
  description: >-
    MEDNIK syndrome is caused by pathogenic AP1S1 variants that disrupt the
    adaptor protein complex 1 and intracellular trafficking.
  gene:
    preferred_term: AP1S1
    description: Adaptor related protein complex 1 subunit sigma 1.
    modifier: DECREASED
    term:
      id: hgnc:559
      label: AP1S1
  genes:
  - preferred_term: AP1S1
    term:
      id: hgnc:559
      label: AP1S1
  biological_processes:
  - preferred_term: intracellular protein transport
    term:
      id: GO:0006886
      label: intracellular protein transport
    modifier: DECREASED
  - preferred_term: vesicle-mediated transport
    term:
      id: GO:0016192
      label: vesicle-mediated transport
    modifier: DECREASED
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "MEDNIK syndrome is caused by mutation of the AP1S1 gene"
    explanation: This directly supports AP1S1 as the causal gene in MEDNIK syndrome.
  downstream:
  - target: Copper pump trafficking defect
    description: AP1S1 dysfunction impairs intracellular trafficking of copper transport machinery.
    causal_link_type: DIRECT
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
      reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      snippet: "MEDNIK syndrome is caused by mutation of the AP1S1 gene, which codes for the σ1A subunit of adaptor protein complex 1, and directs intracellular trafficking of copper pumps ATP7A and ATP7B."
      explanation: Review-level evidence directly links AP1S1 mutation to trafficking of the ATP7A and ATP7B copper pumps.
  - target: Intestinal epithelial barrier defect
    description: AP1S1 dysfunction impairs epithelial junctional integrity and barrier function.
    causal_link_type: DIRECT
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1007/s00439-020-02168-w
      reference_title: AP1S1 missense mutations cause a congenital enteropathy via an epithelial barrier defect
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: IN_VITRO
      snippet: "Our data indicate that loss of AP1S1 function causes an intestinal epithelial barrier defect"
      explanation: Caco2 AP1S1 knockout and rescue experiments support barrier dysfunction downstream of AP1S1 loss.
  - target: Intellectual disability
    description: AP1S1 loss causes the syndromic neurodevelopmental phenotype that includes intellectual disability.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:19057675
      reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "families with a unique syndrome characterized by mental retardation,"
      explanation: Human family data link AP1S1 loss of function to the syndrome phenotype including intellectual disability.
  - target: Hearing impairment
    description: AP1S1 loss causes the syndromic neurocutaneous phenotype that includes deafness.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:19057675
      reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
      explanation: Human family data link AP1S1 loss of function to the syndrome phenotype including deafness.
  - target: Peripheral neuropathy
    description: AP1S1 loss causes the syndromic neurocutaneous phenotype that includes peripheral neuropathy.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:19057675
      reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
      explanation: Human family data link AP1S1 loss of function to the syndrome phenotype including peripheral neuropathy.
  - target: Ichthyosis
    description: AP1S1 loss causes the syndromic neurocutaneous phenotype that includes ichthyosis.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:19057675
      reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
      explanation: Human family data link AP1S1 loss of function to the syndrome phenotype including ichthyosis.
  - target: Palmoplantar keratoderma
    description: AP1S1 loss causes the syndromic neurocutaneous phenotype that includes palmoplantar keratoderma.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:19057675
      reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
      explanation: Human family data link AP1S1 loss of function to the syndrome phenotype including keratodermia.
  - target: Seizures
    description: Additional AP1S1 pathogenic variants expand the neurological phenotype to include seizures.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
      reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
      explanation: Human sibling-pair report links AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome to seizures.
  - target: Fair hair
    description: AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome can include yellow or pale hair pigmentation.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
      reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
      explanation: Human sibling-pair report links AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome to yellow hair.
  - target: Prominent forehead
    description: AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome can include a high or prominent forehead.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
      reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
      explanation: Human sibling-pair report links AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome to high forehead.
- name: Copper pump trafficking defect
  description: >-
    AP1S1 directs intracellular trafficking of ATP7A and ATP7B, linking MEDNIK
    syndrome to disordered copper handling.
  biological_processes:
  - preferred_term: intracellular protein transport
    term:
      id: GO:0006886
      label: intracellular protein transport
    modifier: ABNORMAL
  - preferred_term: copper ion transport
    term:
      id: GO:0006825
      label: copper ion transport
    modifier: ABNORMAL
  chemical_entities:
  - preferred_term: copper(2+)
    term:
      id: CHEBI:29036
      label: copper(2+)
    modifier: ABNORMAL
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "MEDNIK syndrome is caused by mutation of the AP1S1 gene, which codes for the σ1A subunit of adaptor protein complex 1, and directs intracellular trafficking of copper pumps ATP7A and ATP7B."
    explanation: This directly supports the copper-trafficking mechanism in MEDNIK syndrome.
  downstream:
  - target: Hepatic copper overload
    description: Defective copper pump trafficking produces the Wilson-like hepatic copper-overload branch of MEDNIK syndrome.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    intermediate_mechanisms:
    - Mislocalization of ATP7A and ATP7B copper pumps
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
      reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
      explanation: Review-level evidence links AP1S1-related MEDNIK syndrome to liver copper overload in the setting of defective copper-pump trafficking.
- name: Hepatic copper overload
  description: >-
    MEDNIK syndrome includes Wilson-like hepatic copper overload downstream of
    defective AP1S1-dependent copper pump trafficking.
  biological_processes:
  - preferred_term: copper ion homeostasis
    term:
      id: GO:0055070
      label: copper ion homeostasis
    modifier: ABNORMAL
  chemical_entities:
  - preferred_term: hepatic copper
    term:
      id: CHEBI:29036
      label: copper(2+)
    modifier: INCREASED
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
    explanation: Review-level evidence identifies liver copper overload as a treatable biochemical component of MEDNIK syndrome.
  downstream:
  - target: Liver copper
    description: Hepatic copper overload is measured as increased liver copper.
    causal_link_type: DIRECT
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
      reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
      explanation: The review explicitly supports liver copper overload as the biochemical endpoint.
- name: Intestinal epithelial barrier defect
  description: >-
    AP1S1 loss disrupts tight-junction organization and epithelial barrier
    function, providing a mechanistic explanation for enteropathy and diarrhea.
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1007/s00439-020-02168-w
    reference_title: AP1S1 missense mutations cause a congenital enteropathy via an epithelial barrier defect
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: IN_VITRO
    snippet: "Our data indicate that loss of AP1S1 function causes an intestinal epithelial barrier defect"
    explanation: This directly supports enteropathy as a downstream consequence of AP1S1 dysfunction.
  downstream:
  - target: Chronic diarrhea
    description: Barrier dysfunction explains the enteropathy and chronic/intractable diarrhea phenotype in MEDNIK syndrome.
    causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
    intermediate_mechanisms:
    - Tight-junction protein mislocalization and increased epithelial permeability
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1007/s00439-020-02168-w
      reference_title: AP1S1 missense mutations cause a congenital enteropathy via an epithelial barrier defect
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: IN_VITRO
      snippet: "Our data indicate that loss of AP1S1 function causes an intestinal epithelial barrier defect"
      explanation: AP1S1 knockout epithelial model supports the barrier-defect mechanism for enteropathy.
    - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
      reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "Furthermore, the sister initially presented with intractable diarrhoea"
      explanation: Human sibling-pair report supports the diarrhea endpoint in MEDNIK syndrome.
phenotypes:
- name: Intellectual disability
  category: Neurodevelopmental
  diagnostic: true
  description: Intellectual disability is part of the defining MEDNIK acronym phenotype.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Intellectual disability
    term:
      id: HP:0001249
      label: Intellectual disability
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:19057675
    reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "families with a unique syndrome characterized by mental retardation,"
    explanation: This directly supports intellectual disability as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Chronic diarrhea
  category: Gastrointestinal
  description: Enteropathy with chronic or intractable diarrhea is a major gastrointestinal manifestation of MEDNIK syndrome.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Chronic diarrhea
    term:
      id: HP:0002028
      label: Chronic diarrhea
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "Furthermore, the sister initially presented with intractable diarrhoea"
    explanation: This directly supports severe early-onset diarrhea in MEDNIK syndrome.
- name: Hearing impairment
  category: Audiologic
  description: Hearing loss is part of the defining syndrome phenotype.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Hearing impairment
    term:
      id: HP:0000365
      label: Hearing impairment
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:19057675
    reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
    explanation: This directly supports hearing impairment as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Peripheral neuropathy
  category: Neurological
  description: Peripheral neuropathy is a core component of the syndrome acronym and multisystem presentation.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Peripheral neuropathy
    term:
      id: HP:0009830
      label: Peripheral neuropathy
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:19057675
    reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
    explanation: This directly supports peripheral neuropathy as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Ichthyosis
  category: Dermatologic
  description: Ichthyosis is a characteristic cutaneous feature of MEDNIK syndrome.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Ichthyosis
    term:
      id: HP:0008064
      label: Ichthyosis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:19057675
    reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
    explanation: This directly supports ichthyosis as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Palmoplantar keratoderma
  category: Dermatologic
  description: Palmoplantar keratoderma is a characteristic dermatologic manifestation of MEDNIK syndrome.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Palmoplantar keratoderma
    term:
      id: HP:0000982
      label: Palmoplantar keratoderma
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:19057675
    reference_title: "Disruption of AP1S1, causing a novel neurocutaneous syndrome, perturbs development of the skin and spinal cord."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia"
    explanation: This directly supports palmoplantar keratoderma as part of the original clinically defined MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Seizures
  category: Neurological
  description: Seizures have been reported in affected individuals and expand the neurologic phenotype.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Seizure
    term:
      id: HP:0001250
      label: Seizure
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
    explanation: This directly supports seizures in the clinical phenotype.
- name: Fair hair
  category: Dermatologic
  description: Abnormally pale or yellow hair has been reported in affected siblings with MEDNIK syndrome.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Fair hair
    term:
      id: HP:0002286
      label: Fair hair
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
    explanation: This directly supports fair or yellow hair as an additional MEDNIK syndrome phenotype.
- name: Prominent forehead
  category: Craniofacial
  description: A high or prominent forehead has been reported as an additional craniofacial feature.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Prominent forehead
    term:
      id: HP:0011220
      label: Prominent forehead
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The proband and his sister exhibited developmental delays, seizures, yellow hair, sparse teeth and a high forehead."
    explanation: This directly supports a high or prominent forehead in the reported sibling pair with MEDNIK syndrome.
biochemical:
- name: Liver copper
  presence: INCREASED
  notes: >-
    Hepatic copper overload is a characteristic biochemical feature linking
    MEDNIK syndrome to Wilson-like copper accumulation.
  biomarker_term:
    preferred_term: liver copper
    term:
      id: CHEBI:29036
      label: copper(2+)
  readouts:
  - target: Hepatic copper overload
    relationship: READOUT_OF
    direction: POSITIVE
    endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
    interpretation: >-
      Increased liver copper reports the Wilson-like hepatic copper-overload
      branch downstream of AP1S1-dependent copper-pump trafficking defects.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
      reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
      explanation: Review evidence identifies liver copper overload as a biochemical feature and treatment target in MEDNIK syndrome.
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
    explanation: This directly supports liver copper overload as a defining biochemical abnormality in MEDNIK syndrome.
genetic:
- name: AP1S1
  association: Causal biallelic loss-of-function variant
  notes: >-
    MEDNIK syndrome is caused by pathogenic AP1S1 variants that disrupt adaptor
    protein complex 1 function and intracellular copper pump trafficking.
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "This mutation causes a frameshift mutation in the protein, altering the protein structure and affecting protein function."
    explanation: This directly supports AP1S1 loss of function as the genetic mechanism.
  - reference: CGGV:assertion_b9559de4-1945-47fa-bea5-336d376eec0e-2022-06-10T160000.000Z
    reference_title: "AP1S1 / MEDNIK syndrome (Definitive)"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "AP1S1 | HGNC:559 | MEDNIK syndrome | MONDO:0012251 | AR | Definitive"
    explanation: ClinGen classifies the AP1S1-MEDNIK syndrome gene-disease relationship as definitive with autosomal recessive inheritance.
treatments:
- name: Zinc acetate pharmacotherapy
  description: >-
    Zinc acetate therapy has been proposed to treat liver copper overload in
    MEDNIK syndrome.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15986
      label: Pharmacotherapy
    therapeutic_agent:
    - preferred_term: zinc acetate
      term:
        id: CHEBI:62984
        label: zinc acetate
  target_mechanisms:
  - target: Hepatic copper overload
    treatment_effect: INHIBITS
    description: Zinc acetate therapy is proposed for the liver copper-overload component of MEDNIK syndrome.
    evidence:
    - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
      reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
      explanation: Review-level evidence explicitly states that liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy.
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases, in which liver copper overload is treatable using zinc acetate therapy."
    explanation: This directly supports zinc acetate therapy for the copper-overload component of MEDNIK syndrome.
diagnosis:
- name: AP1S1 molecular genetic testing
  presence: Identification of biallelic pathogenic AP1S1 variants confirms the diagnosis.
  description: Molecular testing of AP1S1 is the core confirmatory diagnostic procedure for MEDNIK syndrome.
  diagnosis_term:
    preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
    term:
      id: MAXO:0000533
      label: molecular genetic testing
    qualifiers:
    - predicate:
        preferred_term: has participant
        term:
          id: RO:0000057
          label: has participant
      value:
        preferred_term: AP1S1
        term:
          id: hgnc:559
          label: AP1S1
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1155/ijog/4385128
    reference_title: "Clinical and Genetic Functional Validation of a Novel AP1S1 Mutation Causing MEDNIK Syndrome"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "Genetic sequencing revealed a homozygous\n                    AP1S1\n                    mutation at the splicing site (NM_001283.3): c.430‐1G>A."
    explanation: This directly supports molecular diagnosis through AP1S1 sequencing.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Menkes disease
  description: >-
    Menkes disease is an important differential diagnosis because MEDNIK
    syndrome shares elements of disturbed copper metabolism and overlapping
    multisystem manifestations.
  distinguishing_features:
  - AP1S1-related enteropathy and keratoderma support MEDNIK syndrome.
  - ATP7A-related isolated Menkes-spectrum copper transport disease supports Menkes disease.
  disease_term:
    preferred_term: Menkes disease
    term:
      id: MONDO:0010651
      label: Menkes disease
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases"
    explanation: This directly supports Menkes disease as a clinically relevant differential diagnosis.
- name: Wilson disease
  description: >-
    Wilson disease is also a key differential diagnosis because MEDNIK syndrome
    can share hepatic copper overload and other copper-metabolism abnormalities.
  distinguishing_features:
  - Syndromic neurocutaneous and enteropathic findings support MEDNIK syndrome.
  - ATP7B-related Wilson disease with more classic hepatic-neurologic copper overload supports Wilson disease.
  disease_term:
    preferred_term: Wilson disease
    term:
      id: MONDO:0010200
      label: Wilson disease
  evidence:
  - reference: DOI:10.1111/nyas.12426
    reference_title: "AP1S1 defect causing MEDNIK syndrome: a new adaptinopathy associated with defective copper metabolism"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "This multisystem disease combines clinical and biochemical signs of both Menkes and Wilson's diseases"
    explanation: This directly supports Wilson disease as a key differential diagnosis.
clinical_trials: []
datasets: []
notes: >-
  Asta deep research was completed for this disorder. Final curation relied on
  directly reviewed AP1S1 human, in vitro, and review evidence to keep the
  mechanistic assertions and the syndrome phenotype coverage aligned. Sparse
  teeth were reported in the 2025 case report and may represent an additional
  feature, but no suitably specific HPO mapping was added in this pass.
📚

References & Deep Research

Deep Research

1
Asta
Asta Literature Retrieval: Pathophysiology and clinical mechanisms of MEDNIK syndrome. Core disease mechanisms, molecular and cellular pathways,...
Asta Scientific Corpus Retrieval 20 citations 2026-04-13T18:49:41.503547

Asta Literature Retrieval: Pathophysiology and clinical mechanisms of MEDNIK syndrome. Core disease mechanisms, molecular and cellular pathways,...

This report is retrieval-only and is generated directly from Asta results.

  • Papers retrieved: 20
  • Snippets retrieved: 20

Relevant Papers

[1] MEDNIK syndrome: a new entry in the spectrum of inborn errors of copper metabolism

  • Authors: G. Faa, C. Gerosa, M. Castagnola
  • Year: 2020
  • Venue: Unknown venue
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/1498b8393b997ba472cd5774524cfa65fb6f6759
  • DOI: 10.7363/090202
  • Citations: 1
  • Influential citations: 1
  • Summary: The report of MEDNIK syndrome induces to focus on the developing spectrum of inborn errors of copper metabolism, where at least eight diseases may be included.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.484) > Copper homeostasis, including intestinal absorption, blood transport, uptake, trafficking and excretion, is regulated by multiple genes encoding for specific copper transporters, which coordinate copper bioavailability. Mutations in genes coding for copper pumps or copper chaperons are responsible for copper overload or deficiency, with relevant consequences on cell structure and human health. The spectrum of genetic disorders of copper metabolism includes multiple entities, characterized by different clinical presentation, with liver and brain as target organs.In recent years, a new autosomal recessive muco-cutaneous syndrome characterized by Mental retardation, Enteropathy, Deafness, peripheral Neuropathy, Icthiosis and Keratodermia (MEDNIK) has been described in several French-Canadian families. Regarding the molecular pathways involved in MEDNIK syndrome, AP1S1 has been identified as the pivotal gene involved in the correct functioning of AP-1 complex, which is responsible for the crosstalk between the trans-Golgi network and the other endosomes. MEDNIK syndrome opens a new field of human pathology, that has been called “adaptinopathies” including all congenital diseases associated with mutations in genes coding for adaptor complexes subunits. Moreover, the report of MEDNIK syndrome induces to focus on the developing spectrum of inborn errors of copper metabolism, where at least eight diseases may be included.

[2] Wilson’s Disease: Facing the Challenge of Diagnosing a Rare Disease

  • Authors: Ana Sánchez-Monteagudo, E. Ripollés, M. Berenguer, C. Espinós
  • Year: 2021
  • Venue: Biomedicines
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/e55ab21bb219d044caf3ddbc8064ed4e79fafe0d
  • DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091100
  • PMID: 34572285
  • PMCID: 8471362
  • Citations: 37
  • Influential citations: 1
  • Summary: The characterization of biomarkers that allow us to anticipate the evolution of the disease and the monitoring of new drugs is essential to improve its diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.429) > MEDNIK syndrome (mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, neuropathy, ichthyosis and keratoderma; MIM 609313) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder with multisystem involvement, inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Patients display a perplexing picture of MNK disease and WD. Some neurological, skeletal, and cutaneous signs, as well as low copper and Cp levels in plasma, resemble MNK but in a milder form. On the other hand, hepatic damage associated to tissue copper accumulation, increased urinary copper excretion and bilateral T2 hyperintensity of basal ganglia are typical clinical manifestations of WD [133]. > MEDNIK syndrome is caused by AP1S1 mutations. AP1S1 encodes σ1A, the small subunit of the adaptor protein 1 complex (AP-1), which plays an essential role in clathrincoated vesicle assembly, protein sorting and regulation of vesicular trafficking between the TGN, endosomes and plasma membrane. ATP7A needs clathrin and AP-2 for its endocytosis and, in addition, AP-1 is required for the migration of ATP7A to the TGN. Dysfunction of AP-1 results in the arrest of ATP7A in small vesicles. The disruption in the traffic of other clathrin-dependent proteins may explain some of the diverse clinical manifestations. In addition, although the disease mechanisms underlying MEDNIK syndrome are not completely understood, there is growing evidence linking AP-1 with neuronal function and the modulation of pigmentation [133]. Moreover, the MEDNIK syndrome is an adaptinopathy caused by dysregulation of copper homeostasis. AP-1 mediates intracellular trafficking of ATP7A and ATP7B. Alterations in AP-1 may result in impaired targeting of both ATPases in the TGN and its mislocalization along the endocytic pathway. As a consequence, copper excess would not be properly excreted through bile canalicular membrane [134]. Due to its physiopathological resemblance to WD, zinc therapy is proposed to MEDNIK patients in order to reduce copper overload [133].

[3] 18O-assisted dynamic metabolomics for individualized diagnostics and treatment of human diseases

  • Authors: E. Nemutlu, Song Zhang, N. Juranic, A. Terzic, S. Macura et al.
  • Year: 2012
  • Venue: Croatian Medical Journal
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/880f053c7f060db4b990e447d0a22c4b69372ddb
  • DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2012.53.529
  • PMID: 23275318
  • PMCID: 3541579
  • Citations: 28
  • Summary: The potential use of dynamic phosphometabolomic platform for disease diagnostics currently under development at Mayo Clinic is described and discussed briefly.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.401) > Living cells represent an integrated and interacting network of genes, transcripts, proteins, small signaling molecules, and metabolites that define cellular phenotype and function. Traditionally the focus of biomedical research was on individual genes, single protein targets, single metabolites, and metabolic or signaling pathways. This "molecular reductionist" paradigm was based on the assumption that identifying genetic variations and molecular components would lead to discovery of cures for human diseases. However, most of diseases are complex and multi-factorial and the disease phenotype is determined by the alterations of multiple genes, pathways, proteins and metabolites (at cellular, tissue, and organismal levels). Therefore, an integrated "omics" approach is more viable direction for uncovering alterations in metabolic networks, disease mechanisms, and mechanisms of drug effects. > Recent advent of large-scale metabolomics and fluxomic (metabolite dynamics and metabolic flux analysis) completed the "omics revolution" (Figure 1), where genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics all together complement phenotype determination of living organism. Such integrated "omics" cascades provide a framework for advances in system and network biology, integrative physiology, and system medicine as well as system pharmacology and regenerative medicine. Noteworthy is the "reverse omic" approach or "metabolomicsinformed pharmacogenomics, " where discovery of specific metabolite changes have led to discovery of genetic alterations (2). Therefore, bringing new "omics" technologies to clinical practice will improve disease diagnostics and treatment by targeting drugs and procedures for each unique transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles.

[4] The Diabetes Syndrome – A Collection of Conditions with Common, Interrelated Pathophysiologic Mechanisms

  • Authors: A. W. Rachfal, S. Grant, S. Schwartz
  • Year: 2021
  • Venue: International Journal of General Medicine
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4c088a6a8b613c15e817f7491d24022497b7f5c4
  • DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S305156
  • PMID: 33776471
  • PMCID: 7987256
  • Citations: 6
  • Summary: The “Diabetes Syndrome”, an overarching group of interrelated conditions linked by these overlapping mechanisms, can be viewed as a conceptual framework that can facilitate understanding of the inter-relationships of superficially disparate conditions.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.399) > Although many pathways lead to hyperglycemia in diabetes -the so-called "Egregious Eleven" (Listed in Table 1) -β-cell dysfunction is the core defect. 1,2 Four basic pathophysiologic mechanisms damage the β-cell, namely, genes and epigenetic changes, inflammation, an abnormal environment [especially fuel excess], and insulin resistance (IR). 1,2 2][3] The interplay between these pathophysiologic mechanisms influences the specific risk of development and progression of complications in an individual patient. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] In clinical practice we often encounter these common diseases, frequently within one individual patient and they are treated as independent conditions. However, we believe their epidemiologic associations is, in part, due to the same underlying pathophysiologies driving β-cell damage and diabetic complications. That is, the same pathophysiologic mechanisms that damage the β-cell and promote diabetesspecific complications also have key roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases. ][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] However, we propose these connections go beyond mere epidemiologic links due to overlapping pathophysiology. In fact, these conditions occur together in enough frequency and have common overlapping pathophysiologic drivers that we have created a conceptual framework called "The Diabetes Syndrome". The name is inspired by the Greek meaning of syndromē (sun-[together] + dramein [to run]) as the conditions, indeed, run together (Figure 1). This article will describe the shared pathophysiologic and etiologic factors across these prevalent and related diseases within the Diabetes Syndrome conceptual framework discussed within the context of the 4 basic pathophysiologic mechanisms -genes and epigenetic changes, abnormal environment, inflammation, and IR -with a focus on commonalities between these diseases and DM. In brief, genetics can mediate susceptibility to damage from abnormal external and internal environmental factors, including inflammation and IR. All these mechanisms can promote epigenetic changes.

[5] Modeling psychiatric disorders: from genomic findings to cellular phenotypes

  • Authors: Anna Falk, Vivi M. Heine, A. Harwood, Patrick F. Sullivan, M. Peitz et al.
  • Year: 2016
  • Venue: Molecular Psychiatry
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/235b41240d78140de7ab06a3ad8a7d0b1bdff1a5
  • DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.89
  • PMID: 27240529
  • PMCID: 4995546
  • Citations: 77
  • Influential citations: 2
  • Summary: The challenges for modeling of psychiatric disorders, potential solutions and how iPSC technology can be used to develop an analytical framework for the evaluation and therapeutic manipulation of fundamental disease processes are critically reviewed.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.394) > The key challenge for iPSC-based disease modeling is to identify one or more relevant cellular phenotypes that accurately represent the disease pathophysiology. Increasing numbers of reports have demonstrated that for many diseases specific pathophysiology can be captured in human iPSC-based disease models. These range from cardiovascular disease, 44,45 cancer, 46,47 ocular disease, 48,49 diabetes mellitus 50,51 and neurological disorders of the brain. 52,53 Can the same approach be applied to complex psychiatric disorders? > The problem is that almost all psychiatric disorders are characterized by clinical signs and symptoms, but lack independent verification from objective biomarkers. Thus, how might these clinical phenotypes manifest themselves in terms of cell behavior? The identity of robust cellular 'readouts', which typify any psychiatric disorder, is a crucial unsolved problem and an area of intense study 54 (Table 2). When satisfactorily answered, this will herald a new degree of biological objectivity and quantification for the study of psychiatric disorders. > The aim is to find a single or small number of cell phenotypes or parameters that strongly associate with psychiatric disorders, and establish a cellular profile characteristic of cells derived from the general patient population. Although a consensus set of cellular phenotypes for psychiatric disorder is yet to be established, we can define some of their desired characteristics. First, cellular phenotypes have to relate to the biological pathways identified by genetics. Second, although there are many risk genes in disparate biological pathways, at some level, phenotypes should converge onto a much smaller grouping. Third, phenotypes need to be quantifiable. Finally, to be useful for drug development cellular phenotypes should be reversed by pharmacological treatment, although not necessarily by drugs in current use. > Although human iPSC-based approaches underrepresent the complexity of the human central nervous system, cellular phenotypes are likely to lie more proximal to molecular disease mechanisms than phenotypes seen at the level of a tissue or organism, 55 and thus may bypass compensatory homeostatic (2) Gene expression profiles of SCZ human iPSC neurons identified altered expression of many components of the cyclic AMP and WNT signaling pathways. > (3

[6] Recent advances in modelling of cerebellar ataxia using induced pluripotent stem cells

  • Authors: M. M. Wong, L. Watson, Esther B. E. Becker
  • Year: 2017
  • Venue: Journal of neurology & neuromedicine
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0d962652305116e383ab260b9e82d3a5ffe1722f
  • DOI: 10.29245/2572.942X/2017/7.1134
  • PMID: 28825058
  • PMCID: 5558869
  • Citations: 9
  • Summary: This review focuses on recent breakthroughs in generating human iPSC-derived Purkinje cells and highlights the future challenges that will need to be addressed in order to fully exploit these models for the modelling of the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebellar ataxias and the development of effective therapeutics.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.394) > dominant polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are the most studied forms of ataxias. Despite significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity, emerging evidence points to the existence of common pathogenic mechanisms that may be shared by several genetically distinct forms of cerebellar ataxias (reviewed in5-8). However, it is still unclear how the proposed pathological pathways ultimately result in cerebellar dysfunction and degeneration, predominantly affecting Purkinje cells. > Understanding disease mechanisms is key to treating neurodegenerative disorders. The heterogeneous nature of the cerebellar ataxias combined with the unavailability of human brain tissue and the lack of reliable disease models have, however, hampered our understanding of the molecular disease mechanisms underlying cerebellar ataxias and thus, the development of effective therapies. Although mouse models of several cerebellar ataxias, including FRDA and SCAs, have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiology of these disorders (reviewed in9), many questions remain about the observed species differences in disease phenotypes and the effectiveness of potential drugs in clinical trials. > To help translate research from animal models into novel treatments for ataxia patients, it is essential to validate findings in the relevant affected human cell types, particularly in cerebellar Purkinje cells. The current obstacles might be overcome by exploiting recently developed human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and neuronal differentiation protocols.

[7] Common immunopathogenesis of central nervous system diseases: the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis

  • Authors: Kyung-Yil Lee
  • Year: 2022
  • Venue: Cell & Bioscience
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2984270ae67451b93007040848d9694d19714c9f
  • DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00920-5
  • PMID: 36384812
  • PMCID: 9668226
  • Citations: 9
  • Influential citations: 1
  • Summary: This article proposes a common immunopathogenesis of CNS diseases, including prion diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and genetic diseases, through the PHS hypothesis, which proposes that the immune systems in the host control those substances according to the size and biochemical properties of the substances.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.387) > There are hundreds of genetic diseases of the CNS. The defective proteins in genetic disorders include structural proteins for neurotransmitter receptors and other receptors or ion channels on CNS cells, and proteins involved in enzymatic process, metabolism (transport), or signal transduction pathways in various communication systems [98]. Because a discussion of each genetic disease is beyond the scope of this review, only crucial points about the pathogenesis of genetic diseases are discussed. Singlegene defect diseases of the CNS can be caused by a defective product from a gene, i.e., a protein deficiency or a malfunctioning protein. In general, autosomal dominant genetic diseases are caused by structural protein defects, and autosomal recessive diseases are caused by defects in enzymatic proteins. However, certain genetic diseases that involve an enzymatic or multifunctional protein defect can induce structural cell injury during the natural course of the illness. > Patients with genetic diseases, including HD, familial JCD, GSS, and the genetic forms of AD and PD, show different clinical manifestations from other affected people in their family, including the time of onset of neurological symptoms, speed of progression of the disease, and prognosis, suggesting that phenotypes can vary even when the genotypes are identical. Likewise, similar phenotypes of CNS symptoms can be found in different genetic diseases. In genetic animal models, the phenotypes of single gene knockout can vary by strain in mice, and the clinical manifestations of a gene defect can differ between mice and humans, and mice null for some genes have also no observable phenotypic abnormalities compared with controls [99]. These findings suggest that default of a protein might be at least partly controlled by individual's control systems and that there might exist a similar immune/repair system against cell injury in genetic diseases. > The pathophysiology of most genetic diseases in the CNS is complex because any affected gene is associated with numerous proteins and their corresponding activations of genes and epigenetic changes that occur during disease processes. Thus, the use of a genetic marker for diagnosing or predicting a prognosis remains impractical in clinical settings [100].

[8] Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Shedding Light on a Widespread Oversight

  • Authors: F. Iheagwam, A. J. Joseph, E. D. Adedoyin, Olawumi Toyin Iheagwam, Samuel Akpoyowvare Ejoh
  • Year: 2025
  • Venue: Pathophysiology
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/dbf8042761c1a5fc50f8cd894cc498505abac7cb
  • DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology32010009
  • PMID: 39982365
  • PMCID: 12077258
  • Citations: 24
  • Summary: This review aims to elucidate the complex link between mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetes, covering the spectrum of diabetes types, the role of mitochondria in insulin resistance, highlighting pathophysiological mechanisms, mitochondrial DNA damage, and altered mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.387) > The landscape of DM research is continuously evolving, with emerging technologies and approaches offering new insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and potential therapeutic targets. Advancements in omics technologies, encompassing genomes, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have transformed the molecular mechanisms underlying DM [134]. High-throughput sequencing techniques enable comprehensive analysis of genetic variants, gene expression profiles, protein abundance, and metabolite levels associated with DM and its complications [135]. Single-cell omics approaches provide unprecedented resolution and granularity, allowing researchers to dissect cellular heterogeneity and identify novel cell types, subpopulations, and signalling pathways involved in DM pathogenesis. Integrating multi-omics data sets offers a systems-level perspective of DM, unravelling complex networks of molecular interactions and regulatory circuits underlying disease progression [136]. > In addition to omics technologies, advances in imaging modalities, such as MRI, PET, and optical imaging, enable non-invasive visualisation and quantification of metabolic, functional, and structural changes. Molecular imaging probes targeting specific biomarkers and metabolic pathways provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms and treatment responses in preclinical and clinical settings [85]. Despite significant progress in DM research, numerous unanswered questions and knowledge gaps persist, hindering the ability to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Key areas requiring further investigation include the role of epigenetics, environmental factors, and the microbiome in DM susceptibility and progression. Moreover, the interaction between environmental cues and genetic predisposition remains incompletely understood, highlighting the need for comprehensive multi-omics studies and large-scale epidemiological analyses to identify gene-environment interactions and modifiable risk factors for DM [137]. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of DM phenotypes and clinical outcomes poses a challenge for personalised medicine approaches, necessitating robust biomarkers and predictive models to stratify patients based on disease subtypes, prognosis, and treatment response [138].

[9] Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Signaling Pathway: An Update on Molecular Biomarkers

  • Authors: W. Tulalamba, T. Janvilisri
  • Year: 2012
  • Venue: International Journal of Cell Biology
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/307cb9186444d9dad6e2e3b53763be0de76de186
  • DOI: 10.1155/2012/594681
  • PMID: 22500174
  • PMCID: 3303613
  • Citations: 93
  • Influential citations: 5
  • Summary: The molecular signaling pathways in the NPC are discussed for the holistic view of NPC development and progression and the important insights toward NPC pathogenesis may offer strategies for identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.386) > In the pregenomic eras, highly integrated and complex circuitry of molecular signaling in NPC pathogenesis was only partially understood. Over the past decade, the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in NPC carcinogenesis has been rapidly accumulated. Dysregulation and abnormal protein expression of molecules in certain signaling pathways involved in cellular functions including proliferation, adhesion, survival, and apoptosis has been demonstrated in the NPC cells. Detailed information on the complex network in signaling pathway leading to a coordinated pattern of gene expression and regulation in NPC will undoubtedly provide important clues to develop novel prognostic and therapeutic strategies for this cancer. Refining molecular markers into clinically relevant assays may assist in the detection of NPC in asymptomatic patients, as well as stage classification and monitoring disease progression and treatments. Furthermore, selective regulation of particular proteins targeting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis is a hopeful prospect for future anticancer therapy that slow disease progression and improve survival.

[10] Changes in Serum Proteomic Profiles at Different Stages of Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats

  • Authors: M. Uzti̇mür, C. N. Ünal, Gurler Akpinar
  • Year: 2025
  • Venue: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4b9c488b5dbd65d7b26fd2ad9aed70e8c4b59942
  • DOI: 10.1111/jvim.70139
  • PMID: 40492724
  • PMCID: 12150350
  • Summary: Understanding the serum proteome profiles of goats with pregnancy toxemia might help identify the proteomes and pathways responsible for the development of this disease and improve diagnosis and treatment.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.384) > The pathophysiology and progression of this disease are not fully understood. > Traditional biomedical research has focused on the analysis of single genes, proteins, metabolites, or metabolic pathways in diseases. This molecular reductionist approach is based on the assumption that identifying genetic variations and molecular components will lead to new treatments for diseases [13][14][15][16]. However, many diseases are complex and multifactorial, and in order to determine the phenotype of such diseases, it is necessary to understand the changes that occur in more than one gene, pathway, protein, or metabolite at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels [17][18][19]. Therefore, in recent years, proteomics, as one field of multi-omics technologies, has helped in evaluating the complex pathogenetic mechanisms of different diseases from a broad perspective and has made substantial contributions [20,21]. In veterinary medicine, proteomic analysis of metabolic diseases such as ketosis [16], hypocalcemia [22], and fatty liver [23] in dairy cows has contributed valuable insights for the definition of new pathophysiological pathways and new diagnosis and treatment protocols for these diseases. The proteomic approach can contribute importantly to a broad and detailed understanding of the changes that occur at the organismal level associated with the increase in BHBA concentration in goats with pregnancy toxemia. Our aim was to evaluate the serum protein profiles of goats with SPT or CPT using proteomic techniques to determine the proteomic profiles of these animals and to identify the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms.

[11] Novel variants in KAT6B spectrum of disorders expand our knowledge of clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms

  • Authors: M. Yabumoto, Jessica Kianmahd, Meghna Singh, Maria F. Palafox, Angela Wei et al.
  • Year: 2021
  • Venue: Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3a47a1b1208ba7420900b090d3d7d712ed391719
  • DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1809
  • PMID: 34519438
  • PMCID: 8580094
  • Citations: 12
  • Influential citations: 2
  • Summary: A range of features previously described for KAT6B‐related syndromes are identified, including concern for keratoconus, sensitivity to light or noise, recurring infections, and fractures in greater numbers than previously reported.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.377) > Finally, as gene-centric models of disease have started to take hold, understanding the underlying functional mechanisms that are affected can help us elucidate the effect on molecular and cellular phenotypes that are regulated by KAT6B (Klein et al., 2019;Sheikh et al., 2012). We developed a model of KAT6B truncating variants in a human cell line to explore how these variants result in differential regulation of key transcripts. These types of approaches have been performed in a high throughput manner for tumor suppressor genes like BRCA1 (Findlay et al., 2018) and TP53 (Kotler et al., 2018) and can help identify key pathways that are dysregulated by KAT6B-related disorders and could be future targets for translational research. > Here, we analyze 20 clinical cases representing a KAT6B-related clinical spectrum across three domains: their genotype, phenotype, and experience with genetic counseling resources. Furthermore, we developed an in vitro model of KAT6B mutations using CRISPR technology to explore the effect of protein truncation on global transcriptional regulation. Here we demonstrate that the genes that drive core clinical phenotypes are enriched in our in vitro model system. Together, we show that our clinical observations parallel the transcriptional processes in our cell model systems which allow for a further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the KAT6Brelated clinical spectrum.

[12] New therapeutic targets in rare genetic skeletal diseases

  • Authors: M. Briggs, Peter A. Bell, M. Wright, K. A. Pirog
  • Year: 2015
  • Venue: Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/1363107f71ae6d2d60abca471cddf3da5d13644b
  • DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1083853
  • PMID: 26635999
  • PMCID: 4643203
  • Citations: 37
  • Influential citations: 1
  • Summary: An overview of disease mechanisms that are shared amongst groups of different GSDs and potential therapeutic approaches that are under investigation are described to generate critical mass for the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.377) > proteins of the cartilage ECM such as type II collagen [50]. However, emerging knowledge suggests that the primary genetic defect may be less important than the cells' response to the expression of the mutant gene product [107]. Moreover, the largely overlooked response of a cell (i.e. chondrocyte) to the abnormal extracellular environment is also important for disease progression as illustrated by several GSDs discussed in this review. > It is important that 'omics'-based approaches and technologies are systematically applied to the study of rare GSDs so that definitive reference profiles and disease signatures are generated for each phenotype. These can then be used in a Systems Biology approach to identify both common and dissimilar pathological signatures and disease mechanisms. This approach is entirely dependent upon relevant in vitro and in vivo models (and also novel 'disease-mechanism phenocopies' [107]) for testing new diagnostic and prognostic tools and for determining the molecular mechanisms that underpin the pathophysiology so that effective therapeutic treatments can be developed and validated. This approach will eventually lead to personalized treatments and care strategies centred on shared disease mechanisms with the use of relevant biomarkers to monitor the efficacy of treatment and disease progression. > It is vital that all relevant stakeholders are involved from the outset in defining the appropriate outcomes of any potential therapeutic regime. The perceptions of a successful therapy can differ widely between the clinical academic community and the relevant patient-support groups and it is vital that there is engagement on all these issues. > In summary, the identification of causative genes and mutations for GSDs over the last 20 years, coupled with the generation and in-depth analysis of a plethora of relevant cell and mouse models, has derived new knowledge on disease mechanisms and suggested potential therapeutic targets. The fast-evolving hypothesis that clinically disparate diseases can share common disease mechanisms is a powerful concept that will generate critical mass for the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

[13] Chromatin modifiers in neurodevelopment

  • Authors: Sarallah Rezazadeh, H. Ji, Cecilia Giulivi
  • Year: 2025
  • Venue: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/7a4d8c063c2b3a908a65bcb637cd818edad8db92
  • DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2025.1551107
  • PMID: 40469903
  • PMCID: 12133960
  • Citations: 2
  • Summary: This mini review delves into key chromatin modifiers, including the histone methyl transferases NSD1 and ASH1L, the methyl-CpG-binding repressor MeCP2, and the enzymatic repressor EZH2, and spotlight their pivotal roles in early brain development and neurological disorders.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.375) > Therefore, while epigenetic changes are essential for understanding specific aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders, it is crucial to view these mechanisms as part of a larger, more complex system that encompasses genetic, proteomic, and metabolic factors. Few examples underscore that while epigenetic mechanisms-such as DNA methylation and histone modificationsare essential in regulating gene expression and contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, they do not fully explain the complex pathophysiology of these diseases. In many cases, the genetic mutations, absence of or dysfunction of protein, or toxic protein aggregation (e.g., Fragile X syndrome, HD) that occur in these disorders play a central role in the clinical phenotypes. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders must integrate epigenetic mechanisms and the broader genetic, proteomic, and cellular pathways that contribute to disease. An integrative approach that considers not only the regulation of gene expression but also the functional consequences of these changes at the protein, metabolic and cellular pathway levels will be essential for advancing our understanding of these intricate disorders and developing effective interventions and treatments. . B., Villate, O., Llano, I., Ocio, I., Martí, I., et al. (2020). Targeted next-generation sequencing in patients with suggestive X-linked intellectual disability. Genes 11:51. doi: 10.3390/genes11010051

[14] Clinical metabolomics in type 2 diabetes mellitus: from pathogenesis to biomarkers

  • Authors: Chuanxin Liu, Hetao Chen, Yujin Ma, Lei Zhang, Lulu Chen et al.
  • Year: 2025
  • Venue: Frontiers in Endocrinology
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/36f8d26a208b7b96763df2e9aa3211e440031c0e
  • DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1501305
  • PMID: 40070584
  • PMCID: 11893406
  • Citations: 11
  • Summary: The results facilitate understanding the pathophysiology and mechanism of type 2 diabetes mellitus and supports research in accurate diagnosis, risk prediction, curative effect, distinct stages, and prognosis judgment of T2DM.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.375) > T2DM is a chronic disease characterized by two primary pathophysiological mechanisms: ① a reduction in the mass and function of pancreatic b cells, ranging from 20% to 65%, which leads to impaired insulin secretion; ② insulin resistance, where cells in muscles, fat, and liver tissues fail to respond adequately to insulin (9). Consequently, higher levels of insulin are required to maintain normal blood glucose concentrations by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and promoting glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissues. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of circulating insulin leads to the development of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, and over time, the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin to overcome this cellular resistance (10). However, due to the long latent period and absence of obvious symptoms initially, reversing T2DM with drug intervention is difficult after the symptoms are exposed or clinically confirmed in light of clear diagnostic criteria. According to the literature, the pathogenesis and process of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and its complications are mainly reflected in the metabolite network, and the mechanism changes at the gene level are also found in the network. Studies have shown that some related metabolites in patients with diabetes have changed before the occurrence of obvious organic damage (11). Therefore, it is necessary to scientifically prevent T2DM in the early stages of disease onset. Fortunately, clinical metabolomics were employed to understand the progression pathologies of T2DM and its corresponding complications in detail (12). Studies have demonstrated that metabolomic analysis enables the exploration of metabolic disorders associated with T2DM, thereby deepening our understanding of disease progression (13,14). This approach has the potential to facilitate novel clinical diagnoses and the development of effective treatment strategies. Moreover, identifying specific metabolites may provide promising biomarkers for the early prediction, prevention, and management of hyperglycemia and its complications (15). In recent years, excellent progress has been made in the study of T2DM and its complications through High throughput sequencing method, i.e., a discipline specifically focused on metabolic small molecules. > Clinical metabolomics is a type of systems biology research closely linked to phenotype.

[15] The Classification of Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias: a Consensus Statement from the Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxias Task Force

  • Authors: M. Beaudin, A. Matilla-Dueñas, B. Soong, J. Pedroso, O. Barsottini et al.
  • Year: 2019
  • Venue: Cerebellum (London, England)
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/8be333265c4faffaeb605213aa48cb23b33981c1
  • DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01052-2
  • PMID: 31267374
  • PMCID: 6867988
  • Citations: 49
  • Summary: A consensus is built on the classification of autosomal recessive ataxias in order to develop a general approach to a patient presenting with ataxia, organize disorders according to clinical presentation, and define this field of research by identifying common pathogenic molecular mechanisms in these disorders.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.372) > The importance of a proper recessive ataxia classification goes beyond the clinical diagnosis perspective. Autosomal recessive ataxias can be regrouped according to the deficient cellular and metabolic pathways involved, which provide a better understanding of cerebellar physiology and of its selective vulnerability to certain metabolic defects. This is also essential from a therapeutic perspective, as disorders that belong to the same metabolic pathway may to the same treatment options, indicating potential for drug repurposing. Figure 3 presents a pathophysiological classification of autosomal recessive ataxias. Certain genes are presented more than once since some proteins are involved in several metabolic pathways or may interfere with other cellular processes as they accumulate in neurons or glial cells. Table 3 presents a more detailed listing of the pathogenic pathways involved along with relevant references. Certain pathways are predominantly involved, notably mitochondrial dysfunction, which may result from abnormal mitochondrial DNA maintenance with progressive mutagenesis, defective mitochondrial protein synthesis and quality control, increased levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, deficient coenzyme Q10 metabolism, altered mitochondrial dynamics, defective mitochondrial chain assembly, or abnormal mitochondrial RNA maturation and processing (Table 3). Interestingly, many of the disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction also present with a mitochondrial clinical syndrome as shown in Fig. 1. Disorders of DNA repair mechanisms are also common, with double-strand break repair pathway or single-strand break repair complexes predominantly involved. Pathogenic mutations in these genes are also associated with a susceptibility to ionizing radiations and predisposition for cancers, but the neurological syndrome is characterized by cerebellar involvement and extrapyramidal movement disorders. It remains debated whether defective DNA repair is the main pathogenic mechanism causing the neurological phenotype [230], but the fact that several interacting genes in this pathway are involved in degenerative cerebellar ataxias suggests that the cerebellum has a peculiar susceptibility to DNA damage for which the underlying mechanism is not understood. Finally, altered synaptic morphology or synaptic dysfunction of Purkinje cells (PC) is frequently involved in recessive ataxias and is associated with aberrant Fig. 1 Clinical classification of autosomal recessive ataxias.

[16] An overview on cardiac involvement in Inborn Errors of Metabolism: from clinical clues to nutritional management strategies

  • Authors: C. Montanari, V. Tagi, Martina Tosi, Eliana Stucchi, Eleonora Pisano et al.
  • Year: 2025
  • Venue: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/53edcd65284033a78e81633fbeb8012f21599561
  • DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1648010
  • PMID: 41425985
  • PMCID: 12711851
  • Summary: This review examines nutritional strategies for managing patients affected by IEMs with cardiac involvement, providing clinicians with research-backed guidance to support cardiological care, since specific nutritional strategies have shown promise in reversing or improving cardiac function in specific IEMs.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.372) > Approximately 10% to 30% of the known causes of cardiomyopathy in childhood are attributable to IEMs (10, 130,131). In IEMs, cardiac manifestations can be indicative symptoms discovered during regular multisystem screening. While in disorders like MPS, heart manifestations may dominate the clinical presentation, in others, such as PD, they represent the sole clinical manifestation. Four fundamental mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of cardiac involvement. First, cardiac symptoms can be linked to a reduction in energy production resulting from genetic mutations in proteins involved in energy homeostasis, molecular transport, or cellular organelles. Second, the intracellular accumulation of intermediates or storage substrates within cardiac myocytes can lead to structural and functional damage of the cardiac tissue. Third, the accumulation of intermediate metabolites may exert toxic effects on cardiac and surrounding tissues, for example, by triggering apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. Fourth, altered cellular functions such as signal transduction, depolarization, and cell adhesion, caused by the absence or alteration of glyconjugates, can compromise tissue integrity and cardiac function. It is important to note that pathogenetic mechanisms, summarized in Figure 3, may often overlap, particularly in later stages of the illness progression (33). In this review, we offered a comprehensive description of the cardiovascular diseases primarily associated with various types of IEMs, to guide cardiologists in the differential diagnosis (Figure 4). Moreover, the diagnosis of an underlying metabolic disorder should rely on the recognition of associated signs and symptoms characteristic of each specific disease. > IEMs have a wide phenotypic spectrum and may be characterized by a late onset or mild organ involvement, remaining misdiagnosed. Following the diagnosis of heart complications, the cardiologist should first conduct a detailed investigation of the patient's and family's medical history, including an assessment of consanguinity and/or the presence of rare inherited disorders. The patient's history should include age of onset of each clinically relevant symptom, the presence of associated pathological conditions and/or symptoms (hypoglycemia, myalgia, neurological issues or liver problems) and the result of neonatal screening.

[17] Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Mitochondrial Calcium Signaling: A New Hope for Neurological Diseases?

  • Authors: L. R. Rodríguez, Tamara Lapeña-Luzón, Noelia Benetó, Vicent Beltran-Beltran, F. Pallardó et al.
  • Year: 2022
  • Venue: Antioxidants
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/69554977ecd16049fe04e0197d61f68b92eab08e
  • DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010165
  • PMID: 35052668
  • PMCID: 8773297
  • Citations: 32
  • Summary: The importance of Ca2+ signaling in mitochondria is highlighted and how the mechanism of communication in MAMs is pivotal for mitochondrial maintenance and cell homeostasis is highlighted.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.371) > Since mitochondria are intracellular dynamic compartments involved in multiple mechanisms, the in-depth study of these mitochondrial-dependent pathways is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Particularly, we highlight the importance of crosstalk communication between the ER and the mitochondria in intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis and, therefore, in cell physiology. Since MAMs are the structures carrying out such communication, their disruption involves dramatic consequences that not only affect mitochondrial mechanisms, but also a plethora of intracellular signaling pathways. An example of such disarrangement is exerted in neurological disorders, as the proteins involved in these diseases are part of the protein network of MAMs [86,90,239]. > On the other hand, proteins belonging to MAMs are a growing list, which contributes to the idea of the complexity and dynamism of these structures and, thus, the mechanisms involved in its regulation. For this reason, it is also important to determine the properties of MAMs in different cell types under distinct cellular conditions. The elucidation of these pathways will provide valuable information about the physiopathology of diseases that present impaired ER-mitochondria communication, opening new fields of research to identify adequate treatments for patients. > We believe that restoration of MAMs communication may be a suitable strategy to reverse this impairment. In addition, some patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases usually undergo heart conditions [240][241][242]. Interestingly, the activation of targets, such as Sig-1R, has demonstrated to have both neuro and cardioprotective effects. As compounds such as pridopidine and blacarmesine are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, the results obtained may be applicable to other diseases with common impaired mechanisms. Furthermore, oxidative stress is a common hallmark in neurological disorders [234,243,244], so the activation of antioxidant mechanisms has always been a common therapeutic strategy. The fact that many compounds targeting mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake can, therefore, exert antioxidant properties, making them more versatile in restoring the molecular defects involved in these diseases. > In terms of future therapeutic approaches, special attention is being paid to miRNAs.

[18] Molecular insights into the premature aging disease progeria

  • Authors: Sandra Vidak, R. Foisner
  • Year: 2016
  • Venue: Histochemistry and Cell Biology
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/60fb3b46bb7e42d5d08cc3b7cbc783b118300c31
  • DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1411-1
  • PMID: 26847180
  • PMCID: 4796323
  • Citations: 105
  • Influential citations: 3
  • Summary: Changes in mechanosignaling, altered chromatin organization and impaired genome stability, and changes in signaling pathways, leading to impaired regulation of adult stem cells, defective extracellular matrix production and premature cell senescence are discussed.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.370) > The number of molecular biological studies aiming at the identification of lamin-mediated molecular disease mechanisms involved in HGPS increased tremendously following the surprising discovery that LMNA is causally linked to the premature aging disease HGPS in 2003. Despite numerous cellular pathways that were identified to be affected by the expression of the mutant lamin A protein (Fig. 2), the mechanistic details behind these effects are still unclear in most cases. Knowledge based on what was already known on lamin biology before the protein was linked to HGPS and findings on novel roles of lamins in diverse pathways in recent years allowed the launch of translational studies and the efficient search for drug targets and therapeutic approaches within a short time period. The results of the first clinical trials taught us that some improvements of the disease phenotypes can be achieved by FTI treatment, but they also made clear that we need a much better understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms to be able to tackle specific aspects of the disease in a more focused approach. It will also be important to elucidate which of the numerous pathways found to be impaired in HGPS are most relevant for and causally involved in the pathologies, and which ones are just bystanders.

[19] Clinical Phenotypes of Cardiovascular and Heart Failure Diseases Can Be Reversed? The Holistic Principle of Systems Biology in Multifaceted Heart Diseases

  • Authors: K. Lourida, G. Louridas
  • Year: 2022
  • Venue: Cardiogenetics
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3960806730c4c1115f527e22d6d0a76536570ec5
  • DOI: 10.3390/cardiogenetics12020015
  • Citations: 4
  • Influential citations: 1
  • Summary: Only by understanding the complexity of chronic heart diseases and explaining the interrelationship between different interconnected biological networks can the probability for clinical phenotypes reversal be increased.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.367) > Treatment with ACEIs, ARBs, and β-blockers impedes deterioration of myocardial function as well as clinical deterioration caused by the deleterious impact of the compensatory systems [58,59]. Therefore, the therapy with ACEIs, ARBs, and β-blockers is the appropriate therapy to block LV remodeling and HF progression and reduce symptoms and/or mortality [55]. > In general, the HF syndrome demonstrates a modular construction with predictable behavior of functional clinical phenotypes having a strong impact on biological networks from epigenetic, cellular to regulatory systems [18]. The importance of individual genes for the pathogenesis and clinical progression of the HF syndrome is restricted to the hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. It seems that some HF patients have a complex multigenic inheritance, but the importance of individual genes is limited. In contrast, the significant role of epigenetics, proteomics, and metabolomics is increased; but, the complete genetic network system and the interactions between multiomics systems are still uncertain [60]. Multimodal systems that include genetic networks, multiomics, metabolic pathways, environmental factors, and sophisticated disease-related clinical networks are required to be integrated and provide a new holistic and realistic picture. > Significant breakthroughs have been made to understand many of the pathophysiological mechanisms of HFrEF but the natural pathophysiological history and clinical progression of HFpEF still remains inadequately defined [39]. The subclinical progression of pre-clinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD) of LV "to clinical phenotype of HFpEF and the further clinical progression to some more complex clinical models with multi-organ involvement . . . continue to be poorly understood" [40]. Prospective studies are expected to clarify the natural history and clinical progression of HFpEF and define the LV remodeling mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of LV systolic dysfunction is different to the diastolic dysfunction, as systolic dysfunction is considered a disease of calcium handling and diastolic dysfunction is regarded as a disease of increased myofilament sensitivity to calcium [61][62][63].

[20] Future research trends in understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic diseases for improved patient care

  • Authors: H. Breiteneder, Z. Diamant, T. Eiwegger, W. Fokkens, C. Traidl‐Hoffmann et al.
  • Year: 2019
  • Venue: Allergy
  • URL: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/e19b0755c4f4903f68377333676edebf9bd73c89
  • DOI: 10.1111/all.13851
  • PMID: 31056763
  • PMCID: 6973012
  • Citations: 90
  • Influential citations: 3
  • Summary: Recent developments in research and patient care and future trends in the discipline are reviewed and topics on food allergy, biologics, small molecules, and novel therapeutic concepts in allergen‐specific immunotherapy for airway disease are highlighted.
  • Evidence snippets:
  • Snippet 1 (score: 0.366) > The past decades have witnessed extensive progress in unraveling cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune regulation in asthma, allergic diseases, organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, tumor biology, and chronic infections. 1,2 Consequently, a better understanding of the functions, the reciprocal regulation, and the counterbalance of subsets of immune and inflammatory cells but also structural cells-for example, epithelial and vascular cells, airway smooth muscle cells, neuroendocrine system-that interact via various intercellular messengers will indicate avenues for immune interventions and novel treatment modalities of allergic diseases and immunological disorders. It is generally expected that drug development in the next decades will show a significant shift from chemicals to biologicals. > After more than 20 years without any breakthrough drug becoming available for patients, several disciplines including allergology are now experiencing extraordinary times with the recent licensing of several major biological drugs and novel allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) vaccines. Several biological modifiers of the immune response targeting intracellular messengers or their receptors have been developed to date. [3][4][5][6][7][8] In addition, a number of promising small molecule drugs and vaccines are in the development pipeline. [9][10][11] This new era is now calling for the development of biomarkers and phenoand endotyping of diseases for customized patient care, which is termed stratified medicine, precision medicine, or personalized medicine. 4 Distinguishing phenotypes of a complex disease covers the observable clinically relevant properties of the disease but does not show a direct relationship to disease etiology and pathophysiology. In a complex condition, such as asthma, different pathogenetic mechanisms can induce similar clinical manifestations; however, they may require different treatment approaches. 12,13 These pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease subgroups are addressed by the term "endotype." [12][13][14] Classification of complex diseases based on the concept of endotypes provides advantages for epidemiological, genetic, and drug-related studies. Accurate endotyping by using reliable biomarkers reflects the natural history of the disease and aims to predict the response to (targeted) treatments. 15 Recent studies have focused on better understanding

Notes

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  • No synthesis or second-stage model call is performed.