Pharmacogenetic interactions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a step closer to a cure?

Pharmacogenomics J. 2020 Apr;20(2):220-226. doi: 10.1038/s41397-019-0111-3. Epub 2019 Oct 17.

Abstract

Genetic mutations related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) act through distinct pathophysiological pathways, which may lead to varying treatment responses. Here we assess the genetic interaction between C9orf72, UNC13A, and MOBP with creatine and valproic acid treatment in two clinical trials. Genotypic data was available for 309 of the 338 participants (91.4%). The UNC13A genotype affected mortality (p = 0.012), whereas C9orf72 repeat-expansion carriers exhibited a faster rate of decline in overall (p = 0.051) and bulbar functioning (p = 0.005). A dose-response pharmacogenetic interaction was identified between creatine and the A allele of the MOBP genotype (p = 0.027), suggesting a qualitative interaction in a recessive model (HR 3.96, p = 0.015). Not taking genetic information into account may mask evidence of response to treatment or be an unrecognized source of bias. Incorporating genetic data could help investigators to identify critical treatment clues in patients with ALS.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • C9orf72 Protein / genetics*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Epistasis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Myelin Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Pharmacogenetics / methods*
  • Pharmacogenomic Testing / methods

Substances

  • C9orf72 Protein
  • C9orf72 protein, human
  • MOBP protein, human
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • UNC13B protein, human