Philippe Latour

Bio: Philippe Latour is an academic researcher from HCL Technologies. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Mutation. The author has an hindex of 29, co-authored 84 publications receiving 2141 citations. Previous affiliations of Philippe Latour include Claude Bernard University Lyon 1.

Axonal phenotype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with a mutation in the myelin protein zero gene

Abstract: A French family had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) which was characterised by late onset of peripheral neuropathy involvement, Argyll Robertson-like pupils, dysphagia, and deafness. Electrophysiological studies and nerve biopsy defined the neuropathy as axonal type. Genetic analysis of myelin protein zero (MPZ) found a mutation in codon 124 resulting in substitution of threonine by methionine. One of the patients, presently 30 years old, showed only Argyll Robertson-like pupils as an objective sign but no clinical or electrophysiological signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Recommendations for the detection and diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type C: An update

Abstract: Purpose of review: Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a neurovisceral disorder that may be more prevalent than earlier estimates. Diagnosis of NP-C is often delayed; a key aim for clinical practice is to reduce this delay. Recently, substantial progress has been made in the field of NP-C screening and diagnosis, justifying an update to the existing recommendations for clinical practice. Recent findings: New biomarker profiling and genetic analysis technologies are included as first-line diagnostic tests for NP-C. Most diagnoses can now be confirmed by combination of biomarker and genetic analyses. Filipin staining may facilitate diagnosis in uncertain cases. Recommendations are provided for psychiatrists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and radiologists, and on screening within specific at-risk patient cohorts. The NP-C diagnostic algorithm has been updated and simplified. Summary: This publication provides expert recommendations for clinicians who may see patients presenting with the signs and symptoms of NP-C, including general practitioners, pediatricians, neurologists, and psychiatrists.

Laboratory diagnosis of Niemann–Pick disease type C: The filipin staining test

Abstract: Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is an atypical neurovisceral lysosomal storage disorder resulting from mutations in either the NPC1 or the NPC2 gene, currently conceived as a lipid trafficking disorder. Impaired egress of cholesterol from the late endosomal/lysosomal (LE/L) compartment is a key element of the pathogenesis. The resulting accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in the LE/L compartment can be visualized by fluorescence microscopy after staining with filipin. The "filipin test," performed on cultured fibroblasts, is the historical gold standard method to establish the diagnosis in patients. The authors provide methodological details of the protocol developed and used in their laboratory since 1988, in which two sources of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (total serum and pure LDL) are used in parallel to facilitate the final interpretation. Methodological caveats and variability of patterns encountered in patients with proven Niemann-Pick C disease (typical "classic" or "intermediate," atypical "variant") are described. An overview of the past 5 years referrals (533 subjects tested, 57 NPC cases, but also 74 mildly/weakly positive tests not due to NPC) is discussed, leading to a proposed algorithm for interpretation of results in the filipin test. This tool takes into account the limits of the method. In up to 15% of all referrals, the filipin test was inconclusive in absence of molecular analysis. Patients diagnosed in the adult age preferentially showed an "intermediate" or "variant" pattern. Well conducted, the filipin test remains an efficient approach for diagnosing NPC, and it is a good functional test to study the pathogenicity of novel mutations.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A: From Typical to Rare Phenotypic and Genotypic Features

Abstract: Importance Axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is genetically heterogeneous, with 11 genes identified. Axonal CMT has most frequently been associated with mutations in the MFN2 gene (CMT2A). Objectives To describe the clinical and molecular features of CMT2A, to delineate prognostic factors, to understand connections between a certain phenotype and more serious clinical consequences, and to identify interactions among the associated genes. Evidence Review We describe the clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and additional features of 43 patients with CMT2A. The degree of physical disability was determined by the CMT neuropathy score and adapted to the CMT neuropathy score gradient to evaluate the clinical course. We evaluated all data within the context of the most recent and important publications concerning this issue. Findings Twenty-five patients had early-onset CMT2A and severe functional disability, with 9 being wheelchair bound, and 18 had late-onset disease and a milder phenotype. Optic atrophy, vocal cord palsy, and auditory impairment were observed in 5, 6, and 2 patients, respectively. Among the 24 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord, 6 had evidence of spinal atrophy with or without hydromyelia. In 1 patient, magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus. Twenty different MFN2 mutations were identified, and 14 were considered new variants. Their transmission was predominantly autosomal dominant, with vertical transmission in 8 and de novo occurrence in 3. However, we also identified rare types of transmission, especially a germinal mosaicism and an autosomal recessive inheritance. One patient carried a rare variant in the GDAP1 gene and another in the OPA1 gene in association with MFN2 mutation. Conclusions and Relevance Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A associated with MFN2 mutations is clinically very heterogeneous. Ranging from a mild to a severe form, CMT2A exhibits various types of transmission. Optic atrophy and vocal cord palsy were observed in patients with severe disability and an early-onset form and also in patients with later onset. Hydromyelia and spinal cord atrophy support central nervous system involvement in CMT2A.

Integrative Genomics Viewer

Abstract: Rapid improvements in sequencing and array-based platforms are resulting in a flood of diverse genome-wide data, including data from exome and whole-genome sequencing, epigenetic surveys, expression profiling of coding and noncoding RNAs, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number profiling, and functional assays. Analysis of these large, diverse data sets holds the promise of a more comprehensive understanding of the genome and its relation to human disease. Experienced and knowledgeable human review is an essential component of this process, complementing computational approaches. This calls for efficient and intuitive visualization tools able to scale to very large data sets and to flexibly integrate multiple data types, including clinical data. However, the sheer volume and scope of data pose a significant challenge to the development of such tools.

Plasma Membrane Channels Formed by Connexins: Their Regulation and Functions

Abstract: Saez, Juan C., Viviana M. Berthoud, Maria C. Branes, Agustin D. Martinez, and Eric C. Beyer. Plasma Membrane Channels Formed by Connexins: Their Regulation and Functions. Physiol Rev 83: 1359-1400,...

European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on Management of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: Report of a Joint Task Force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society - First Revision

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Consensus guidelines on the definition, investigation, and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have been previously published in European Journal of Neurology and Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System. OBJECTIVES: To revise these guidelines. METHODS: Disease experts, including a representative of patients, considered references retrieved from MEDLINE and Cochrane Systematic Reviews published between August 2004 and July 2009 and prepared statements that were agreed in an iterative fashion. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Task Force agreed on Good Practice Points to define clinical and electrophysiological diagnostic criteria for CIDP with or without concomitant diseases and investigations to be considered. The principal treatment recommendations were: (i) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (Recommendation Level A) or corticosteroids (Recommendation Level C) should be considered in sensory and motor CIDP; (ii) IVIg should be considered as the initial treatment in pure motor CIDP (Good Practice Point); (iii) if IVIg and corticosteroids are ineffective, plasma exchange (PE) should be considered (Recommendation Level A); (iv) if the response is inadequate or the maintenance doses of the initial treatment are high, combination treatments or adding an immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drug should be considered (Good Practice Point); (v) symptomatic treatment and multidisciplinary management should be considered (Good Practice Point).