Browsing by Subject "Alström syndrome"

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    Cilia Signaling and Obesity
    (Elsevier, 2021) Engle, Staci E.; Bansal, Ruchi; Antonellis, Patrick J.; Berbari, Nicolas F.; Biology, School of Science
    An emerging number of rare genetic disorders termed ciliopathies are associated with pediatric obesity. It is becoming clear that the mechanisms associated with cilia dysfunction and obesity in these syndromes are complex. In addition to ciliopathic syndromic forms of obesity, several cilia-associated signaling gene mutations also lead to morbid obesity. While cilia have critical and diverse functions in energy homeostasis including their roles in centrally mediated food intake as well as in peripheral tissues, many questions remain. Here, we briefly discuss the syndromic ciliopathies and monoallelic cilia signaling gene mutations associated with obesity. We also describe potential ways cilia may be involved in common obesity. We discuss how neuronal cilia impact food intake potentially through leptin signaling and changes in ciliary G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. We highlight several recent studies that have implicated the potential for cilia in peripheral tissues such as adipose and the pancreas to contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Then we discuss the potential for cilia to impact energy homeostasis through their roles in both development and adult tissue homeostasis. The studies discussed in this review highlight how a comprehensive understanding of the requirement of cilia for the regulation of diverse biological functions will contribute to our understanding of common forms of obesity.
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    Consensus clinical management guidelines for Alström syndrome
    (BMC, 2020-09-21) Tahani, Natascia; Maffei, Pietro; Dollfus, Hélène; Paisey, Richard; Valverde, Diana; Milan, Gabriella; Han, Joan C.; Favaretto, Francesca; Madathil, Shyam C.; Dawson, Charlotte; Armstrong, Matthew J.; Warfield, Adrian T.; Düzenli, Selma; Francomano, Clair A.; Gunay-Aygun, Meral; Dassie, Francesca; Marion, Vincent; Valenti, Marina; Leeson-Beevers, Kerry; Chivers, Ann; Steeds, Richard; Barrett, Timothy; Geberhiwot, Tarekegn; Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine
    Alström Syndrome (ALMS) is an ultra-rare multisystem genetic disorder caused by autosomal recessive variants in the ALMS1 gene, which is located on chromosome 2p13. ALMS is a multisystem, progressive disease characterised by visual disturbance, hearing impairment, cardiomyopathy, childhood obesity, extreme insulin resistance, accelerated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), renal dysfunction, respiratory disease, endocrine and urologic disorders. Clinical symptoms first appear in infancy with great variability in age of onset and severity. ALMS has an estimated incidence of 1 case per 1,000,000 live births and ethnically or geographically isolated populations have a higher-than-average frequency. The rarity and complexity of the syndrome and the lack of expertise can lead to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and inadequate care. Multidisciplinary and multiprofessional teams of experts are essential for the management of patients with ALMS, as early diagnosis and intervention can slow the progression of multi-organ dysfunctions and improve patient quality of life. These guidelines are intended to define standard of care for patients suspected or diagnosed with ALMS of any age. All information contained in this document has originated from a systematic review of the literature and the experiences of the authors in their care of patients with ALMS. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) system was adopted for the development of the guidelines and for defining the related levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations. These guidelines are addressed to: a) specialist centres, other hospital-based medical teams and staffs involved with the care of ALMS patients, b) family physicians and other primary caregivers and c) patients and their families.