Integrative multi-omic analysis identifies new drivers and pathways in molecularly distinct subtypes of ALS

Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 10;9(1):9968. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46355-w.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Increasing the chances of success for future clinical strategies requires more in-depth knowledge of the molecular basis underlying disease heterogeneity. We recently laid the foundation for a molecular taxonomy of ALS by whole-genome expression profiling of motor cortex from sporadic ALS (SALS) patients. Here, we analyzed copy number variants (CNVs) occurring in the same patients, by using a customized exon-centered comparative genomic hybridization array (aCGH) covering a large panel of ALS-related genes. A large number of novel and known disease-associated CNVs were detected in SALS samples, including several subgroup-specific loci, suggestive of a great divergence of two subgroups at the molecular level. Integrative analysis of copy number profiles with their associated transcriptomic data revealed subtype-specific genomic perturbations and candidate driver genes positively correlated with transcriptional signatures, suggesting a strong interaction between genomic and transcriptomic events in ALS pathogenesis. The functional analysis confirmed our previous pathway-based characterization of SALS subtypes and identified 24 potential candidates for genomic-based patient stratification. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive "omics" analysis of molecular events characterizing SALS pathology, providing a road map to facilitate genome-guided personalized diagnosis and treatments for this devastating disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Comparative Genomic Hybridization / methods
  • DNA Copy Number Variations / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Genome, Human
  • Genome-Wide Association Study / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Cortex / metabolism
  • Motor Cortex / pathology
  • Transcriptome / genetics*