Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of deaf-blindness, with an estimated prevalence of 4.4 to 16.6 per 100,000 people worldwide. The most common form of USH is type IIA (USH2A), which is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the USH2A gene and accounts for around half of all USH cases. USH2A patients show moderate to severe hearing loss from birth, with diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in the second decade of life and variable vestibular involvement. Although hearing aids or cochlear implants can provide some mitigation of hearing deficits, there are currently no treatments aimed at preventing or restoring vision loss in USH2A patients. In this review, we first provide an overview of the molecular biology of the USH2A gene and its protein isoforms, which include a transmembrane protein (TM usherin) and an extracellular protein (EC usherin). The role of these proteins in the inner ear and retina and their impact on the pathogenesis of USH2A is discussed. We review animal cell-derived and patient cell-derived models currently used in USH2A research and conclude with an overview of potential treatment strategies currently in preclinical development and clinical trials.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/APO.0000000000000546 | DOI Listing |
Pharmaceuticals (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Pharmacy Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) represent a group of challenging genetic conditions that often lead to severe visual impairment or blindness. The complexity of these disorders, arising from their diverse genetic causes and the unique structural and functional aspects of retinal cells, has made developing effective treatments particularly challenging. Recent advancements in gene therapy, especially non-viral nucleic acid delivery systems like liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, and polymersomes, offer promising solutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Clin Med
January 2025
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Lodz, pl. Hallera 1, 90-647 Lodz, Poland.
Senear-Usher syndrome, or pemphigus erythematosus (PE), is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the coexistence of features from both lupus erythematosus (LE) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). We describe a 41-year-old patient initially diagnosed with cutaneous and then systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who after a few years developed new skin lesions: erythematous and erosive eruptions partially covered by crusts located on the trunk and flaccid blisters on the extremities. Direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin revealed deposits of IgG in the intercellular space of the epidermis and granular deposits of C3 at the dermo-epidermal junction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, 936 Huanghe East Road, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
In this study, patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) who visited Ningxia Eye Hospital from January 2015 to September 2023 were analyzed. Through Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Sanger verification, 17 probands carrying homozygous variants were detected. The association between the genotype and clinical phenotype of patients with homozygous variants was analyzed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVision (Basel)
January 2025
Sztárai Institute, University of Tokaj, 3950 Sárospatak, Hungary.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses inherited retinal dystrophies, appearing either as an isolated eye condition or as part of a broader systemic syndrome, known as syndromic RP. In these cases, RP includes systemic symptoms impacting other organs, complicating diagnosis and management. This review highlights key systemic syndromes linked with RP, such as Usher, Bardet-Biedl, and Alström syndromes, focusing on genetic mutations, inheritance, and clinical symptoms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOrphanet J Rare Dis
January 2025
Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra (HUC), ULS Coimbra, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal.
Background: Syndromic genetic disorders affecting vision can also cause hearing loss, and Usher syndrome is by far the most common etiology. However, many other conditions can present dual sensory impairment. Accurate diagnosis is essential for providing patients with genetic counseling, prognostic information, and appropriate resources.
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