Spinal muscular atrophy

This article is about a genetic disorder associated with mutation in the SMN1 gene. For a list of other conditions with similar name, see Spinal muscular atrophies.
Spinal muscular atrophy

Location of neurons affected by spinal muscular atrophy in the spinal cord
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 G12.0-G12.1
ICD-9 335.0-335.1
OMIM 253300 253550 253400 271150
DiseasesDB 14093 32911 12315 34537
MedlinePlus 000996
eMedicine Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscle Atrophy
Kugelberg–Welander SMA
Patient UK Spinal muscular atrophy
MeSH D014897
GeneReviews

Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a genetic defect in the SMN1 gene, which encodes SMN, a protein widely expressed in all eukaryotic cells. SMN is apparently selectively necessary for survival of motor neurons, as diminished abundance of the protein results in loss of function of neuronal cells in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and subsequent system-wide muscle wasting (atrophy).

Spinal muscular atrophy manifests in various degrees of severity, which all have in common progressive muscle wasting and mobility impairment. Proximal muscles and lung muscles are affected first. Other body systems may be affected as well, particularly in early-onset forms.

SMA is the most common genetic cause of infant death.

The term spinal muscular atrophy is used as both a specific term for the genetic disorder caused by deficient SMN, and a general label for a larger number of rare disorders having in common a genetic cause and slow progression of weakness without sensory impairment caused by disease of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem – see spinal muscular atrophies for a comparison chart.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms vary greatly depending on the SMA type involved, the stage of the disease, and individual factors; they commonly include:

Causes

Spinal muscular atrophy has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Spinal muscular atrophy is linked to a genetic mutation in the SMN1 gene.[1]

Human chromosome 5 contains two nearly identical genes at location 5q13: a telomeric copy SMN1 and a centromeric copy SMN2. In healthy individuals, the SMN1 gene codes the survival of motor neuron protein (SMN) which, as its name says, plays a crucial role in survival of motor neurons. The SMN2 gene, on the other hand - due to a variation in a single nucleotide (840.C→T) - undergoes alternative splicing at the junction of intron 6 to exon 8, with only 10-20% of SMN2 transcripts coding a fully functional survival of motor neuron protein (SMN-fl) and 80-90% of transcripts resulting in a truncated protein compound (SMNΔ7) which is rapidly degraded in the cell.

In individuals affected by SMA, the SMN1 gene is mutated in such a way that it is unable to correctly code the SMN protein - due to either a deletion occurring at exon 7 or to other point mutations (frequently resulting in the functional conversion of the SMN1 sequence into SMN2). All patients, however, retain at least one copy of the SMN2 gene (with most having 2-4 of them) which still codes small amounts of SMN protein - around 10-20% of the normal level - allowing some neurons to survive. In the long run, however, reduced availability of the SMN protein results in gradual death of motor neuron cells in the anterior horn of spinal cord and the brain. Muscles that depend on these motor neurons for neural input now have decreased innervation (also called denervation), and therefore have decreased input from the central nervous system (CNS). Denervated skeletal muscle is more difficult for the body to control. Decreased impulse transmission through the motor neurons leads to decreased contractile activity of the denervated muscle. Consequently, denervated muscles undergo progressive atrophy.

Muscles of lower extremities are usually affected first, followed by muscles of upper extremities, spine and neck and, in more severe cases, pulmonary and mastication muscles. Proximal muscles are always affected earlier and to a greater degree than distal.

The severity of SMA symptoms is broadly related to how well the remaining SMN2 genes can make up for the loss of SMN1. This is partly related to the number of SMN2 gene copies present on the chromosome. Whilst healthy individuals carry two SMN2 gene copies, patients with SMA can have anything between 1 and 4 (or more) of them, with the greater the number of SMN2 copies, the milder the disease severity. Thus, most SMA type I babies have one or two SMN2 copies; SMA II and III patients usually have at least three SMN2 copies; and SMA IV patients normally have at least four of them. However, the correlation between symptom severity and SMN2 copy number is not absolute, and there seem to exist other factors affecting the disease phenotype.[2]

Spinal muscular atrophy is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that the defective gene is located on an autosome. Two copies of the defective gene - one from each parent - are required to inherit the disorder: the parents may be carriers and not personally affected. SMA seems to appear de novo (i.e., without any hereditary causes) in around 2-4% of cases.

Spinal muscular atrophy affects individuals of all races, unlike other well known autosomal recessive disorders, such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis, which have significant differences in occurrence rate among races. The overall incidence of SMA, of all types and across all ethnic groups, is in the range of 1 per 10,000 individuals; the gene frequency is around 1:100, therefore, approximately one in 50 persons are carriers.[3][4] There are no known health consequences of being a carrier. A person may learn carrier status only if one's child is affected by SMA or by having the SMN1 gene sequenced.

Finally, there are reports of occurrence of both SMA type I and SMA type II among siblings. Scientific explanation of this phenomenon (intrafamilial variability) has been advanced by Enrico Parano, an Italian researcher of the CNR (The National Rersearch Council of Italy). He suggests that these cases might be due to additional de novo deletion of the SMN gene, not involving the NAIP gene (94).

Diagnosis

Prenatal screening is controversial, because of its cost and because of the severity of the disease. Some researchers have concluded that population screening for SMA is not cost-effective, at a cost of $5 million per case averted in USA.[5] Others conclude that SMA meets the criteria for screening programs and relevant testing should be offered to all couples.[6]

Very severe SMA (type 0/I) can be sometimes evident before birth - reduction in fetal movement in the final months of pregnancy. Otherwise it manifests within the first few weeks or months of life when abnormally low muscle tone is observed in the infant (the "floppy baby syndrome").

For all SMA types,

Types

SMA manifests over a wide range of severity, affecting infants through adults. The disease spectrum is variously divided into 3–5 types, in accordance either with the age of onset of symptoms or with the highest attained milestone of motor development.

The most commonly used classification is as follows:

Type Eponym Usual age of onset Characteristics OMIM
I: Infantile Werdnig–Hoffmann disease 0–6 months The severe form manifests in the first months of life, usually with a quick and unexpected onset ("floppy baby syndrome"). Rapid motor neuron death causes inefficiency of the major bodily organs - especially of the respiratory system - and pneumonia-induced respiratory failure is the most frequent cause of death. Babies diagnosed with SMA type I do not generally live past two years of age, with death occurring as early as within weeks in the most severe cases (sometimes termed SMA type 0). With proper respiratory support, those with milder SMA type I phenotypes, which account for around 10% of SMA I cases, are known to live into adolescence and adulthood. 253300
II: Intermediate Dubowitz disease 6–18 months The intermediate form affects children who are never able to stand and walk but who are able to maintain a sitting position at least some time in their life. The onset of weakness is usually noticed some time between 6 and 18 months. The progress is known to vary greatly, some patients gradually grow weaker over time while others through careful maintenance avoid any progression. Body muscles are weakened, and the respiratory system is a major concern. Life expectancy is somewhat reduced but most SMA II patients live well into adulthood. 253550
III: Juvenile Kugelberg–Welander disease >18 months The juvenile form usually manifests after 18 months of age and describes patients who are able to walk without support at some time, although many later lose this ability. Respiratory involvement is less noticeable, and life expectancy is normal or near normal. 253400
IV: Adult-onset Adulthood The adult-onset form (sometimes classified as a late-onset SMA type III) usually manifests after the third decade of life with gradual weakening of muscles – mainly affects proximal muscles of the extremities – frequently requiring the patient to use a wheelchair for mobility. Other complications are rare, and life expectancy is unaffected. 271150

The most severe form of SMA type I is sometimes termed SMA type 0 (or severe infantile SMA) and is diagnosed in babies that are born so weak that they can survive only a few weeks even with intensive respiratory support. SMA type 0 should not be confused with SMARD1 which may have very similar symptoms and course but has a different genetic cause than SMA.

Development milestone attainment is commonly measured using a specially modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale.[8][9][10][11]

The eponymous label Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (often misspelled with a single "n") refers to the earliest clinical descriptions of childhood SMA by Johann Hoffmann and Guido Werdnig. The eponymous term Kugelberg-Welander disease after Erik Klas Hendrik Kugelberg (1913-1983) and Lisa Welander (1909-2001), who distinguished SMA from muscular dystrophy.[12] Rarely used Dubowitz disease (not to be confused with Dubowitz syndrome) is named after Victor Dubowitz, an English neurologist who authored several studies on the intermediate SMA phenotype.

Treatment

There is no known cure for spinal muscular atrophy.

Palliative care

Care is symptomatic. Main areas of concern are as follows:

Palliative care in SMA has been standardised in the Consensus Statement for Standard of Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy which has been recommended for standard adoption worldwide.

Prognosis

Generally, patients tend to deteriorate over time, but prognosis varies with the SMA type and disease progress which shows a great degree of individual variability.

The majority of children diagnosed with SMA type 0/I do not reach the age of 4, recurrent respiratory problems being the primary cause of morbidity.[29] With proper care, milder SMA type I cases (which account for approx. 10% of all SMA I cases) live into adulthood.[30]

In SMA type II, the course of the disease is stable or slowly progressing and life expectancy is reduced compared to the healthy population. Death before the age of 20 is frequent, although many patients live to become parents and grandparents.

SMA type III has near-normal life expectancy if standards of care are followed. Adult-onset SMA usually means only mobility impairment and does not affect life expectancy.

Research directions

Since the underlying genetic mechanism of SMA was described in 1990, several therapeutic approaches have been proposed and investigated. Since a vast number of in vitro and animal modelling studies suggest that restoration of SMN levels reverts SMA symptoms, the majority of emerging therapies focus on increasing the availability of SMN protein to motor neurons.

The main therapeutic pathways under research as of December 2011 include:[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]

Gene replacement

Gene therapy aims at correcting the SMN1 gene function through inserting specially crafted nucleotide sequences with the help of a viral vector.[40] In the context of SMA, it is currently being researched using the scAAV9 viral vector at the Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA, and the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, as well as by Genzyme Corporation, USA, and Généthon, France. In one study this method has resulted in the greatest survival increase achieved to-date in a SMNΔ7 mouse model (median survival of 400 days in treated mice as opposed to 15 days in untreated mice). Safety and pharmacokinetics of scAAV9 viral vector has been tested in non-human primates.[41] An AAV9 viral vector is in clinical trials for Hemophilia B.

SMN2 gene conversion

This approach, also known as 'SMN2' alternative splicing modulation, essentially aims at converting the "backup" SMN2 gene (which normally produces only a fraction of needed SMN protein) into a fully functional SMN1 gene so as it is able to code for high quantities of full-length SMN protein. As of 2014, the following compounds are part of clinical programmes:

Additionally, the following splicing regulators have been investigated in SMA with some interesting results:

SMN2 gene activation

SMN2 activation aims at increasing expression of the SMN2 gene and thus increasing the amount of full-length SMN available; investigated compounds included:

SMN stabilisation

SMN stabilisation aims at stabilising the SMNΔ7 protein (the short-lived defective protein coded by the SMN2 gene) so that it is able to sustain neuronal cells;[75] investigated compounds include:

Neuroprotection

Neuroprotection aims at prolonging survival of motor neurons even with low levels of SMN; investigated compounds include:

Motor neuron replacement using stem cells

Stem cell therapy aims at replacing the damaged motor neurons using corrected stem cells which are implanted in the spinal cord of the patient and are expected to branch out to form regular motor neurons.

To date, there has been no significant breakthrough in the technique since no methods have been found to incite branching of the newly formed axons from the spine up to the peripheral muscles in legs or hands. An experimental programme in SMA was under development by California Stem Cell, USA, but has been suspended before entering human clinical trials.

There is no scientific evidence that stem cell injections, sometimes carried out in "stem cell clinics" in a number of developing countries, would offer any benefit in spinal muscular atrophy.

Other directions

An unclear mechanism of action is found in the following compounds currently under research:

In vivo research is usually conducted using genetically engineered Caenorhabditis elegans,[87][88] Drosophila,[87][89][90] zebrafish[91] and mouse[92] models; larger animal models are under development.[93] Patients with SMA can have a chance of participating in research by entering their details into international SMA patient registries. A list of clinical trials targeting SMA can be found here .

It has to be noted, though, that SMA therapeutics seem to be most effective when given immediately after birth, then losing their efficacy with the patient's age. This might be related to the variation in time of the needs for SMN protein by neuronal cells. However, this also poses a major therapeutic problem as hardly ever is SMA diagnosed at birth.[94][95]

See also

References

  1. Brzustowicz, L. M.; Lehner, T.; Castilla, L. H.; Penchaszadeh, G. K.; Wilhelmsen, K. C.; Daniels, R.; Davies, K. E.; Leppert, M.; Ziter, F.; Wood, D.; Dubowitz, V.; Zerres, K.; Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz, I.; Ott, J.; Munsat, T. L.; Gilliam, T. C. (1990). "Genetic mapping of chronic childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy to chromosome 5q11.2–13.3". Nature 344 (6266): 540–541. doi:10.1038/344540a0. PMID 2320125.
  2. Jędrzejowska, M.; Milewski, M.; Zimowski, J.; Borkowska, J.; Kostera-Pruszczyk, A.; Sielska, D.; Jurek, M.; Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz, I. (2009). "Phenotype modifiers of spinal muscular atrophy: The number of SMN2 gene copies, deletion in the NAIP gene and probably gender influence the course of the disease". Acta Biochimica Polonica 56 (1): 103–108. PMID 19287802.
  3. Su, Y. N.; Hung, C. C.; Lin, S. Y.; Chen, F. Y.; Chern, J. P. S.; Tsai, C.; Chang, T. S.; Yang, C. C.; Li, H.; Ho, H. N.; Lee, C. N. (2011). Schrijver, Iris, ed. "Carrier Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in 107,611 Pregnant Women during the Period 2005–2009: A Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study". PLoS ONE 6 (2): e17067. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017067. PMC 3045421. PMID 21364876.
  4. Sugarman, E. A.; Nagan, N.; Zhu, H.; Akmaev, V. R.; Zhou, Z.; Rohlfs, E. M.; Flynn, K.; Hendrickson, B. C.; Scholl, T.; Sirko-Osadsa, D. A.; Allitto, B. A. (2011). "Pan-ethnic carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy: Clinical laboratory analysis of >72 400 specimens". European Journal of Human Genetics 20 (1): 27–32. doi:10.1038/ejhg.2011.134. PMC 3234503. PMID 21811307.
  5. Little, S. E.; Janakiraman, V.; Kaimal, A.; Musci, T.; Ecker, J.; Caughey, A. B. (2010). "The cost-effectiveness of prenatal screening for spinal muscular atrophy". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 202 (3): 253.2e1. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.01.032. PMID 20207244.
  6. Prior, T. W.; Professional Practice Guidelines Committee (2008). "Carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy". Genetics in Medicine 10 (11): 840–842. doi:10.1097/GIM.0b013e318188d069. PMC 3110347. PMID 18941424.
  7. Rutkove, S. B.; Shefner, J. M.; Gregas, M.; Butler, H.; Caracciolo, J.; Lin, C.; Fogerson, P. M.; Mongiovi, P.; Darras, B. T. (2010). "Characterizing spinal muscular atrophy with electrical impedance myography". Muscle & Nerve 42 (6): 915. doi:10.1002/mus.21784.
  8. Main, M.; Kairon, H.; Mercuri, E.; Muntoni, F. (2003). "The Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale for Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Scale to Test Ability and Monitor Progress in Children with Limited Ambulation". European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 7 (4): 155–159. doi:10.1016/S1090-3798(03)00060-6. PMID 12865054.
  9. Krosschell, K. J.; Maczulski, J. A.; Crawford, T. O.; Scott, C.; Swoboda, K. J. (2006). "A modified Hammersmith functional motor scale for use in multi-center research on spinal muscular atrophy". Neuromuscular Disorders 16 (7): 417–426. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2006.03.015. PMC 3260054. PMID 16750368.
  10. O'Hagen, J. M.; Glanzman, A. M.; McDermott, M. P.; Ryan, P. A.; Flickinger, J.; Quigley, J.; Riley, S.; Sanborn, E.; Irvine, C.; Martens, W. B.; Annis, C.; Tawil, R.; Oskoui, M.; Darras, B. T.; Finkel, R. S.; De Vivo, D. C. (2007). "An expanded version of the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale for SMA II and III patients". Neuromuscular Disorders 17 (9–10): 693–697. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2007.05.009. PMID 17658255.
  11. Glanzman, A. M.; O'Hagen, J. M.; McDermott, M. P.; Martens, W. B.; Flickinger, J.; Riley, S.; Quigley, J.; Montes, J.; Dunaway, S.; Deng, L.; Chung, W. K.; Tawil, R.; Darras, B. T.; De Vivo, D. C.; Kaufmann, P.; Finkel, R. S.; Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinical Research Network for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (PNCR) (2011). "Validation of the Expanded Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II and III". Journal of Child Neurology 26 (12): 1499–1507. doi:10.1177/0883073811420294. PMID 21940700.
  12. Dubowitz, V. (2009). "Ramblings in the history of spinal muscular atrophy". Neuromuscular Disorders 19 (1): 69–73. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2008.10.004. PMID 18951794.
  13. Bach, J. R.; Niranjan, V.; Weaver, B. (2000). "Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1: A Noninvasive Respiratory Management Approach". Chest 117 (4): 1100–1105. doi:10.1378/chest.117.4.1100. PMID 10767247.
  14. Bach, J. R.; Saltstein, K.; Sinquee, D.; Weaver, B.; Komaroff, E. (2007). "Long-Term Survival in Werdnig–Hoffmann Disease". American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 86 (5): 339. doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e31804a8505. PMID 17449977.
  15. Messina, S.; Pane, M.; De Rose, P.; Vasta, I.; Sorleti, D.; Aloysius, A.; Sciarra, F.; Mangiola, F.; Kinali, M.; Bertini, E.; Mercuri, E. (2008). "Feeding problems and malnutrition in spinal muscular atrophy type II". Neuromuscular Disorders 18 (5): 389–393. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2008.02.008. PMID 18420410.
  16. Chen, Y. S.; Shih, H. H.; Chen, T. H.; Kuo, C. H.; Jong, Y. J. (2011). "Prevalence and Risk Factors for Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Types II and III". The Journal of Pediatrics. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.08.016.
  17. Tilton, A.; Miller, M.; Khoshoo, V. (1998). "Nutrition and swallowing in pediatric neuromuscular patients". Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 5 (2): 106–115. doi:10.1016/S1071-9091(98)80026-0. PMID 9661244.
  18. Tein, I.; Sloane, A. E.; Donner, E. J.; Lehotay, D. C.; Millington, D. S.; Kelley, R. I. (1995). "Fatty acid oxidation abnormalities in childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy: Primary or secondary defect(s)?". Pediatric neurology 12 (1): 21–30. doi:10.1016/0887-8994(94)00100-G. PMID 7748356.
  19. Crawford, T. O.; Sladky, J. T.; Hurko, O.; Besner-Johnston, A.; Kelley, R. I. (1999). "Abnormal fatty acid metabolism in childhood spinal muscular atrophy". Annals of Neurology 45 (3): 337–343. doi:10.1002/1531-8249(199903)45:3<337::AID-ANA9>3.0.CO;2-U. PMID 10072048.
  20. Leighton, S. (2003). "Nutrition issues associated with spinal muscular atrophy". Nutrition & Dietetics 60 (2): 92–96.
  21. Rudnik-Schoneborn, S.; Heller, R.; Berg, C.; Betzler, C.; Grimm, T.; Eggermann, T.; Eggermann, K.; Wirth, R.; Wirth, B.; Zerres, K. (2008). "Congenital heart disease is a feature of severe infantile spinal muscular atrophy". Journal of Medical Genetics 45 (10): 635–638. doi:10.1136/jmg.2008.057950. PMID 18662980.
  22. Heier, C. R.; Satta, R.; Lutz, C.; Didonato, C. J. (2010). "Arrhythmia and cardiac defects are a feature of spinal muscular atrophy model mice". Human Molecular Genetics 19 (20): 3906–3918. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddq330. PMC 2947406. PMID 20693262.
  23. Shababi, M.; Habibi, J.; Yang, H. T.; Vale, S. M.; Sewell, W. A.; Lorson, C. L. (2010). "Cardiac defects contribute to the pathology of spinal muscular atrophy models". Human Molecular Genetics 19 (20): 4059–4071. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddq329. PMID 20696672.
  24. Bevan, A. K.; Hutchinson, K. R.; Foust, K. D.; Braun, L.; McGovern, V. L.; Schmelzer, L.; Ward, J. G.; Petruska, J. C.; Lucchesi, P. A.; Burghes, A. H. M.; Kaspar, B. K. (2010). "Early heart failure in the SMNΔ7 model of spinal muscular atrophy and correction by postnatal scAAV9-SMN delivery". Human Molecular Genetics 19 (20): 3895–3905. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddq300. PMC 2947399. PMID 20639395.
  25. Von Gontard, A.; Zerres, K.; Backes, M.; Laufersweiler-Plass, C.; Wendland, C.; Melchers, P.; Lehmkuhl, G.; Rudnik-Schöneborn, S. (2002). "Intelligence and cognitive function in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy". Neuromuscular Disorders 12 (2): 130–136. doi:10.1016/S0960-8966(01)00274-7. PMID 11738354.
  26. Billard, C.; Gillet, P.; Signoret, J. L.; Uicaut, E.; Bertrand, P.; Fardeau, M.; Barthez-Carpentier, M. A.; Santini, J. J. (1992). "Cognitive functions in duchenne muscular dystrophy: A reappraisal and comparison with spinal muscular atrophy". Neuromuscular Disorders 2 (5–6): 371–378. doi:10.1016/S0960-8966(06)80008-8. PMID 1300185.
  27. Laufersweiler-Plass, C.; Rudnik-Schöneborn, S.; Zerres, K.; Backes, M.; Lehmkuhl, G.; Von Gontard, A. (2002). "Behavioural problems in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy and their siblings". Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 45. doi:10.1017/S0012162203000082.
  28. De Oliveira, C. M.; Araújo, A. P. D. Q. C. (2011). "Self-reported quality of life has no correlation with functional status in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy". European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 15 (1): 36–39. doi:10.1016/j.ejpn.2010.07.003. PMID 20800519.
  29. Yuan, N.; Wang, C. H.; Trela, A.; Albanese, C. T. (2007). "Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication During Gastrostomy Tube Placement and Noninvasive Ventilation May Improve Survival in Type I and Severe Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Journal of Child Neurology 22 (6): 727–731. doi:10.1177/0883073807304009. PMID 17641258.
  30. Bach, J. R. (2007). "Medical Considerations of Long-Term Survival of Werdnig–Hoffmann Disease". American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 86 (5): 349–55. doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e31804b1d66. PMID 17449979.
  31. Pruss, R. M.; Giraudon-Paoli, M.; Morozova, S.; Berna, P.; Abitbol, J. L.; Bordet, T. (2010). "Drug discovery and development for spinal muscular atrophy: Lessons from screening approaches and future challenges for clinical development". Future Medicinal Chemistry 2 (9): 1429–1440. doi:10.4155/FMC.10.228. PMID 21426138.
  32. Sproule, D. M.; Kaufmann, P. (2010). "Therapeutic developments in spinal muscular atrophy". Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders 3 (3): 173–185. doi:10.1177/1756285610369026. PMC 3002649. PMID 21179609.
  33. Fuller, H. R.; Barišić, M.; Šešo-Šimić, Đ. I.; Špeljko, T.; Morris, G. E.; Šimić, G. (2010). "Treatment strategies for spinal muscular atrophy". Translational Neuroscience 1 (4): 308. doi:10.2478/v10134-010-0045-4.
  34. Sendtner, M. (2010). "Therapy development in spinal muscular atrophy". Nature Neuroscience 13 (7): 795–799. doi:10.1038/nn.2565. PMID 20581815.
  35. 35.0 35.1 Bosboom, W. M.; Vrancken, A. F. E.; Van Den Berg, L. H.; Wokke, J. H.; Iannaccone, S. T. (2009). Bosboom, Wendy MJ, ed. "Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy type I". The Cochrane Library. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006281.pub2.
  36. Bosboom, W. M.; Vrancken, A. F. E.; Van Den Berg, L. H.; Wokke, J. H.; Iannaccone, S. T. (2009). Bosboom, Wendy MJ, ed. "Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III". The Cochrane Library. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006282.pub2.
  37. Wadman, R. I.; Bosboom, W. M.; Van Den Berg, L. H.; Wokke, J. H.; Iannaccone, S. T.; Vrancken, A. F. E. (2011). Wadman, Renske I, ed. "Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy type I". The Cochrane Library. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006281.pub3.
  38. Wadman, R. I.; Bosboom, W. M.; Van Den Berg, L. H.; Wokke, J. H.; Iannaccone, S. T.; Vrancken, A. F. E. (2011). Wadman, Renske I, ed. "Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III". The Cochrane Library. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006282.pub3.
  39. Lewelt, A.; Newcomb, T. M.; Swoboda, K. J. (2011). "New Therapeutic Approaches to Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 12 (1): 42–53. doi:10.1007/s11910-011-0240-9. PMC 3260050. PMID 22134788.
  40. Passini, M. A.; Cheng, S. H. (2011). "Prospects for the gene therapy of spinal muscular atrophy". Trends in Molecular Medicine 17 (5): 259–265. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2011.01.002. PMID 21334976.
  41. Bevan, A. K.; Duque, S.; Foust, K. D.; Morales, P. R.; Braun, L.; Schmelzer, L.; Chan, C. M.; McCrate, M.; Chicoine, L. G.; Coley, B. D.; Porensky, P. N.; Kolb, S. J.; Mendell, J. R.; Burghes, A. H.; Kaspar, B. K. (2011). "Systemic Gene Delivery in Large Species for Targeting Spinal Cord, Brain, and Peripheral Tissues for Pediatric Disorders". Molecular Therapy 19 (11): 1971–1980. doi:10.1038/mt.2011.157. PMC 3222525. PMID 21811247.
  42. Hua, Y.; Vickers, T. A.; Okunola, H. L.; Bennett, C. F.; Krainer, A. R. (2008). "Antisense Masking of an hnRNP A1/A2 Intronic Splicing Silencer Corrects SMN2 Splicing in Transgenic Mice". The American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (4): 834. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.01.014.
  43. Hua, Y.; Sahashi, K.; Hung, G.; Rigo, F.; Passini, M. A.; Bennett, C. F.; Krainer, A. R. (2010). "Antisense correction of SMN2 splicing in the CNS rescues necrosis in a type III SMA mouse model". Genes & Development 24 (15): 1634. doi:10.1101/gad.1941310.
  44. Hua, Y.; Sahashi, K.; Rigo, F.; Hung, G.; Horev, G.; Bennett, C. F.; Krainer, A. R. (2011). "Peripheral SMN restoration is essential for long-term rescue of a severe spinal muscular atrophy mouse model". Nature 478 (7367): 123–126. doi:10.1038/nature10485. PMC 3191865. PMID 21979052.
  45. Butchbach, M. E. R.; Singh, J.; Thorsteinsdóttir, M.; Saieva, L.; Slominski, E.; Thurmond, J.; Andrésson, T.; Zhang, J.; Edwards, J. D.; Simard, L. R.; Pellizzoni, L.; Jarecki, J.; Burghes, A. H. M.; Gurney, M. E. (2009). "Effects of 2,4-diaminoquinazoline derivatives on SMN expression and phenotype in a mouse model for spinal muscular atrophy". Human Molecular Genetics 19 (3): 454–467. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddp510. PMC 2798721. PMID 19897588.
  46. "Repligen Corporation", SEC Documents (Repligen): 1, RGEN 10-K 12/31/2013, retrieved 16 March 2014
  47. Zhang, M. L.; Lorson, C. L.; Androphy, E. J.; Zhou, J. (2001). "An in vivo reporter system for measuring increased inclusion of exon 7 in SMN2 mRNA: Potential therapy of SMA". Gene Therapy 8 (20): 1532–1538. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3301550. PMID 11704813.
  48. Andreassi, C.; Jarecki, J.; Zhou, J.; Coovert, D. D.; Monani, U. R.; Chen, X.; Whitney, M.; Pollok, B.; Zhang, M.; Androphy, E.; Burghes, A. H. (2001). "Aclarubicin treatment restores SMN levels to cells derived from type I spinal muscular atrophy patients". Human Molecular Genetics 10 (24): 2841–2849. doi:10.1093/hmg/10.24.2841. PMID 11734549.
  49. Evans, M. C.; Cherry, J. J.; Androphy, E. J. (2011). "Differential regulation of the SMN2 gene by individual HDAC proteins". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 414 (1): 25–30. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.09.011. PMID 21925145.
  50. Chang, J. -G.; Hsieh-Li, H. -M.; Jong, Y. -J.; Wang, N. M.; Tsai, C. -H.; Li, H. (2001). "Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy by sodium butyrate". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 98 (17): 9808. doi:10.1073/pnas.171105098.
  51. Andreassi, C.; Angelozzi, C.; Tiziano, F. D.; Vitali, T.; De Vincenzi, E.; Boninsegna, A.; Villanova, M.; Bertini, E.; Pini, A.; Neri, G.; Brahe, C. (2003). "Phenylbutyrate increases SMN expression in vitro: Relevance for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy". European Journal of Human Genetics 12 (1): 59–65. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201102. PMID 14560316.
  52. Brahe, C.; Vitali, T.; Tiziano, F. D.; Angelozzi, C.; Pinto, A. M.; Borgo, F.; Moscato, U.; Bertini, E.; Mercuri, E.; Neri, G. (2004). "Phenylbutyrate increases SMN gene expression in spinal muscular atrophy patients". European Journal of Human Genetics 13 (2): 256–259. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201320. PMID 15523494.
  53. Mercuri, E.; Bertini, E.; Messina, S.; Solari, A.; d'Amico, A.; Angelozzi, C.; Battini, R.; Berardinelli, A.; Boffi, P.; Bruno, C.; Cini, C.; Colitto, F.; Kinali, M.; Minetti, C.; Mongini, T.; Morandi, L.; Neri, G.; Orcesi, S.; Pane, M.; Pelliccioni, M.; Pini, A.; Tiziano, F. D.; Villanova, M.; Vita, G.; Brahe, C. (2007). "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of phenylbutyrate in spinal muscular atrophy". Neurology 68 (1): 51–55. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000249142.82285.d6. PMID 17082463.
  54. "Study to Evaluate Sodium Phenylbutyrate in Pre-symptomatic Infants With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (STOPSMA)". Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  55. Brichta, L.; Hofmann, Y.; Hahnen, E.; Siebzehnrubl, F. A.; Raschke, H.; Blumcke, I.; Eyupoglu, I. Y.; Wirth, B. (2003). "Valproic acid increases the SMN2 protein level: A well-known drug as a potential therapy for spinal muscular atrophy". Human Molecular Genetics 12 (19): 2481–2489. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddg256. PMID 12915451.
  56. Tsai, L. K.; Tsai, M. S.; Ting, C. H.; Li, H. (2008). "Multiple therapeutic effects of valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy model mice". Journal of Molecular Medicine 86 (11): 1243–1254. doi:10.1007/s00109-008-0388-1. PMID 18649067.
  57. Swoboda, K. J.; Scott, C. B.; Crawford, T. O.; Simard, L. R.; Reyna, S. P.; Krosschell, K. J.; Acsadi, G.; Elsheik, B.; Schroth, M. K.; d'Anjou, G.; Lasalle, B.; Prior, T. W.; Sorenson, S. L.; MacZulski, J. A.; Bromberg, M. B.; Chan, G. M.; Kissel, J. T.; Project Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy Investigators Network (2010). Boutron, Isabelle, ed. "SMA CARNI-VAL Trial Part I: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of L-Carnitine and Valproic Acid in Spinal Muscular Atrophy". PLoS ONE 5 (8): e12140. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012140. PMC 2924376. PMID 20808854.
  58. Kissel, J. T.; Scott, C. B.; Reyna, S. P.; Crawford, T. O.; Simard, L. R.; Krosschell, K. J.; Acsadi, G.; Elsheik, B.; Schroth, M. K.; d'Anjou, G.; Lasalle, B.; Prior, T. W.; Sorenson, S.; MacZulski, J. A.; Bromberg, M. B.; Chan, G. M.; Swoboda, K. J.; Project Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy Investigators' Network (2011). Feany, Mel B., ed. "SMA CARNI-VAL TRIAL PART II: A Prospective, Single-Armed Trial of L-Carnitine and Valproic Acid in Ambulatory Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy". PLoS ONE 6 (7): e21296. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0021296. PMC 3130730. PMID 21754985.
  59. Darbar, I. A.; Plaggert, P. G.; Resende, M. B. D.; Zanoteli, E.; Reed, U. C. (2011). "Evaluation of muscle strength and motor abilities in children with type II and III spinal muscle atrophy treated with valproic acid". BMC Neurology 11: 36. doi:10.1186/1471-2377-11-36. PMC 3078847. PMID 21435220.
  60. Rak, K.; Lechner, B. D.; Schneider, C.; Drexl, H.; Sendtner, M.; Jablonka, S. (2009). "Valproic acid blocks excitability in SMA type I mouse motor neurons". Neurobiology of Disease 36 (3): 477–487. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2009.08.014. PMID 19733665.
  61. Riessland, M.; Brichta, L.; Hahnen, E.; Wirth, B. (2006). "The benzamide M344, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, significantly increases SMN2 RNA/protein levels in spinal muscular atrophy cells". Human Genetics 120 (1): 101–110. doi:10.1007/s00439-006-0186-1. PMID 16724231.
  62. Garbes, L.; Riessland, M.; Hölker, I.; Heller, R.; Hauke, J.; Tränkle, C.; Coras, R.; Blümcke, I.; Hahnen, E.; Wirth, B. (2009). "LBH589 induces up to 10-fold SMN protein levels by several independent mechanisms and is effective even in cells from SMA patients non-responsive to valproate". Human Molecular Genetics 18 (19): 3645–3658. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddp313. PMID 19584083.
  63. Narver, H. L.; Kong, L.; Burnett, B. G.; Choe, D. W.; Bosch-Marcé, M.; Taye, A. A.; Eckhaus, M. A.; Sumner, C. J. (2008). "Sustained improvement of spinal muscular atrophy mice treated with trichostatin a plus nutrition". Annals of Neurology 64 (4): 465–470. doi:10.1002/ana.21449. PMID 18661558.
  64. Avila, A. M.; Burnett, B. G.; Taye, A. A.; Gabanella, F.; Knight, M. A.; Hartenstein, P.; Cizman, Z.; Di Prospero, N. A.; Pellizzoni, L.; Fischbeck, K. H.; Sumner, C. J. (2007). "Trichostatin a increases SMN expression and survival in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy". Journal of Clinical Investigation 117 (3): 659–671. doi:10.1172/JCI29562. PMC 1797603. PMID 17318264.
  65. Riessland, M.; Ackermann, B.; Förster, A.; Jakubik, M.; Hauke, J.; Garbes, L.; Fritzsche, I.; Mende, Y.; Blumcke, I.; Hahnen, E.; Wirth, B. (2010). "SAHA ameliorates the SMA phenotype in two mouse models for spinal muscular atrophy". Human Molecular Genetics 19 (8): 1492–1506. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddq023. PMID 20097677.
  66. Grzeschik, S. M.; Ganta, M.; Prior, T. W.; Heavlin, W. D.; Wang, C. H. (2010). "Hydroxyurea enhances SMN2 gene expression in spinal muscular atrophy cells". Annals of Neurology 58 (2): 194–202. doi:10.1002/ana.20548. PMID 16049920.
  67. Chen, T. - H.; Chang, J. - G.; Yang, Y. - H.; Mai, H. - H.; Liang, W. - C.; Wu, Y. - C.; Wang, H. - Y.; Huang, Y. - B.; Wu, S. - M.; Chen, Y. - C.; Yang, S. - N.; Jong, Y. - J. (2010). "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of hydroxyurea in spinal muscular atrophy". Neurology 75 (24): 2190–2197. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182020332. PMID 21172842.
  68. Sakla, M. S.; Lorson, C. L. (2007). "Induction of full-length survival motor neuron by polyphenol botanical compounds". Human Genetics 122 (6): 635–643. doi:10.1007/s00439-007-0441-0. PMID 17962980.
  69. Dayangaç-Erden, D.; Bora, G.; Ayhan, P.; Kocaefe, Ç.; Dalkara, S.; Yelekçi, K.; Demir, A. S.; Erdem-Yurter, H. (2009). "Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Activity and Molecular Docking of (E )-Resveratrol: Its Therapeutic Potential in Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Chemical Biology & Drug Design 73 (3): 355. doi:10.1111/j.1747-0285.2009.00781.x.
  70. Farooq, F.; Molina, F. A. A.; Hadwen, J.; MacKenzie, D.; Witherspoon, L.; Osmond, M.; Holcik, M.; MacKenzie, A. (2011). "Prolactin increases SMN expression and survival in a mouse model of severe spinal muscular atrophy via the STAT5 pathway". Journal of Clinical Investigation 121 (8): 3042–3050. doi:10.1172/JCI46276. PMC 3148738. PMID 21785216.
  71. Angelozzi, C.; Borgo, F.; Tiziano, F. D.; Martella, A.; Neri, G.; Brahe, C. (2007). "Salbutamol increases SMN mRNA and protein levels in spinal muscular atrophy cells". Journal of Medical Genetics 45 (1): 29–31. doi:10.1136/jmg.2007.051177. PMID 17932121.
  72. Pane, M.; Staccioli, S.; Messina, S.; d'Amico, A.; Pelliccioni, M.; Mazzone, E. S.; Cuttini, M.; Alfieri, P.; Battini, R.; Main, M.; Muntoni, F.; Bertini, E.; Villanova, M.; Mercuri, E. (2008). "Daily salbutamol in young patients with SMA type II". Neuromuscular Disorders 18 (7): 536–540. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2008.05.004. PMID 18579379.
  73. Tiziano, F. D.; Lomastro, R.; Pinto, A. M.; Messina, S.; d'Amico, A.; Fiori, S.; Angelozzi, C.; Pane, M.; Mercuri, E.; Bertini, E.; Neri, G.; Brahe, C. (2010). "Salbutamol increases survival motor neuron (SMN) transcript levels in leucocytes of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients: Relevance for clinical trial design". Journal of Medical Genetics 47 (12): 856–858. doi:10.1136/jmg.2010.080366. PMID 20837492.
  74. Morandi, L. (2013). "P.6.4 Salbutamol tolerability and efficacy in adult type III SMA patients: Results of a multicentric, molecular and clinical, double-blind, placebo-controlled study". Neuromuscular Disorders 23 (9-10): 771. doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2013.06.475.
  75. Burnett, B. G.; Munoz, E.; Tandon, A.; Kwon, D. Y.; Sumner, C. J.; Fischbeck, K. H. (2008). "Regulation of SMN Protein Stability". Molecular and Cellular Biology 29 (5): 1107–1115. doi:10.1128/MCB.01262-08. PMC 2643817. PMID 19103745.
  76. Mattis, V. B.; Rai, R.; Wang, J.; Chang, C. W. T.; Coady, T.; Lorson, C. L. (2006). "Novel aminoglycosides increase SMN levels in spinal muscular atrophy fibroblasts". Human Genetics 120 (4): 589–601. doi:10.1007/s00439-006-0245-7. PMID 16951947.
  77. Mattis, V. B.; Fosso, M. Y.; Chang, C. W.; Lorson, C. L. (2009). "Subcutaneous administration of TC007 reduces disease severity in an animal model of SMA". BMC Neuroscience 10: 142. doi:10.1186/1471-2202-10-142. PMC 2789732. PMID 19948047.
  78. Lunn, M. R.; Root, D. E.; Martino, A. M.; Flaherty, S. P.; Kelley, B. P.; Coovert, D. D.; Burghes, A. H.; Thi Man, N.; Morris, G. E.; Zhou, J.; Androphy, E. J.; Sumner, C. J.; Stockwell, B. R. (2004). "Indoprofen Upregulates the Survival Motor Neuron Protein through a Cyclooxygenase-Independent Mechanism". Chemistry & Biology 11 (11): 1489–1493. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2004.08.024. PMC 3160629. PMID 15555999.
  79. Nizzardo, M.; Nardini, M.; Ronchi, D.; Salani, S.; Donadoni, C.; Fortunato, F.; Colciago, G.; Falcone, M.; Simone, C.; Riboldi, G.; Govoni, A.; Bresolin, N.; Comi, G. P.; Corti, S. (2011). "Beta-lactam antibiotic offers neuroprotection in a spinal muscular atrophy model by multiple mechanisms". Experimental Neurology 229 (2): 214–225. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.01.017. PMID 21295027.
  80. Hedlund, E. (2011). "The protective effects of beta-lactam antibiotics in motor neuron disorders". Experimental Neurology 231 (1): 14–18. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.06.002. PMID 21693120.
  81. Rose, F. F.; Mattis, V. B.; Rindt, H.; Lorson, C. L. (2009). "Delivery of recombinant follistatin lessens disease severity in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy". Human Molecular Genetics 18 (6): 997–1005. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddn426. PMC 2649020. PMID 19074460.
  82. Takeuchi, Y.; Miyanomae, Y.; Komatsu, H.; Oomizono, Y.; Nishimura, A.; Okano, S.; Nishiki, T.; Sawada, T. (1994). "Efficacy of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Journal of Child Neurology 9 (3): 287–289. doi:10.1177/088307389400900313. PMID 7930408.
  83. Tzeng, A. C.; Cheng, J.; Fryczynski, H.; Niranjan, V.; Stitik, T.; Sial, A.; Takeuchi, Y.; Foye, P.; Deprince, M.; Bach, J. R. (2000). "A study of thyrotropin-releasing hormone for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: A preliminary report". American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists 79 (5): 435–440. doi:10.1097/00002060-200009000-00005. PMID 10994885.
  84. Kato, Z.; Okuda, M.; Okumura, Y.; Arai, T.; Teramoto, T.; Nishimura, M.; Kaneko, H.; Kondo, N. (2009). "Oral Administration of the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Analogue, Taltireline Hydrate, in Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Journal of Child Neurology 24 (8): 1010–1012. doi:10.1177/0883073809333535. PMID 19666885.
  85. "Roche signs agreement with PTC Therapeutics to advance treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)". Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  86. "Rethropin: drug pipeline". Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  87. 87.0 87.1 Grice, S. J.; Sleigh, J. N.; Liu, J. L.; Sattelle, D. B. (2011). "Invertebrate models of spinal muscular atrophy: Insights into mechanisms and potential therapeutics". BioEssays 33 (12): 956–965. doi:10.1002/bies.201100082. PMID 22009672.
  88. Sleigh, J. N.; Buckingham, S. D.; Esmaeili, B.; Viswanathan, M.; Cuppen, E.; Westlund, B. M.; Sattelle, D. B. (2010). "A novel Caenorhabditis elegans allele, smn-1(cb131), mimicking a mild form of spinal muscular atrophy, provides a convenient drug screening platform highlighting new and pre-approved compounds". Human Molecular Genetics 20 (2): 245–260. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddq459. PMID 20962036.
  89. Chang, H. C. H.; Dimlich, D. N.; Yokokura, T.; Mukherjee, A.; Kankel, M. W.; Sen, A.; Sridhar, V.; Fulga, T. A.; Hart, A. C.; Van Vactor, D.; Artavanis-Tsakonas, S. (2008). Lewin, Alfred, ed. "Modeling Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Drosophila". PLoS ONE 3 (9): e3209. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003209. PMC 2527655. PMID 18791638.
  90. Grice, S. J.; Liu, J. L. (2011). Rulifson, Eric, ed. "Survival Motor Neuron Protein Regulates Stem Cell Division, Proliferation, and Differentiation in Drosophila". PLoS Genetics 7 (4): e1002030. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002030. PMC 3072375. PMID 21490958.
  91. Beattie, C. E.; Carrel, T. L.; McWhorter, M. L. (2007). "Fishing for a Mechanism: Using Zebrafish to Understand Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Journal of Child Neurology 22 (8): 995–1003. doi:10.1177/0883073807305671. PMID 17761655.
  92. Sleigh, J. N.; Gillingwater, T. H.; Talbot, K. (2011). "The contribution of mouse models to understanding the pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy". Disease Models & Mechanisms 4 (4): 457–467. doi:10.1242/dmm.007245. PMC 3124050. PMID 21708901.
  93. "The GSF and FightSMA Announce 100K Research Award for the Development of a Large Animal Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  94. Le, T. T.; McGovern, V. L.; Alwine, I. E.; Wang, X.; Massoni-Laporte, A.; Rich, M. M.; Burghes, A. H. M. (2011). "Temporal requirement for high SMN expression in SMA mice". Human Molecular Genetics 20 (18): 3578–3591. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddr275. PMC 3159555. PMID 21672919.
  95. Porensky, P. N.; Mitrpant, C.; McGovern, V. L.; Bevan, A. K.; Foust, K. D.; Kaspar, B. K.; Wilton, S. D.; Burghes, A. H. M. (2011). "A single administration of morpholino antisense oligomer rescues spinal muscular atrophy in the mouse". Human Molecular Genetics 21 (7): 1625–38. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddr600. PMID 22186025.
Bibliography

External links