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PubMed2026

Test-retest reliability of spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic measures in marker-based 3D gait analysis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Marker-based 3D gait analysis (3DGA) is widely used to quantify impairments and evaluate treatment effects. For longitudinal clinical interpretation, clinicians and researchers need reference values for inter-session measurement error. For this purpose, this systematic review synthesized Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) values for spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic (moments) outcomes obtained from marker-based 3DGA studies. METHODS: PubMed and Scopus were searched (final search: 11 December 2025). Studies reporting inter-session test-retest SEM and/or MDC for steady-state overground or treadmill walking using marker-based motion capture were included. Two authors screened records and appraised methodological/reporting quality using a custom tool informed by COSMIN, GRRAS, and biomechanics-specific items. Due to heterogeneity, results were synthesized descriptively using study-level median SEM values, stratified by joint, plane, population (healthy, pathological, single subgroups), and walking condition. Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) values were computed for all available data. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies (762 participants, 44.2% females) were included, with substantially more evidence for overground than treadmill walking. Overground spatiotemporal outcomes showed low errors (walking speed SEM of 0.06 m/s; timing typically ≤0.03 s; spatial parameters generally ≤0.03 m). For joint kinematics during overground walking, median SEMs were 2.4° (sagittal), 1.9° (frontal), and 3.3° (transverse). The corresponding joint-kinetic SEMs were approximately 0.06, 0.04, and 0.03 Nm/kg, respectively. Treadmill data followed similar patterns. SIGNIFICANCE: Marker-based 3DGA allows for accurate assessment of spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait features. We provided detailed SEM/MDC lookup tables to support clinical decision-making. Results further offer a benchmark for validating emerging gait assessment technologies (e.g., markerless systems) against realistic limits of marker-based 3DGA.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Instrumented Walkway Gait Analysis Predicts Fallers in Neurological Disorders: Identifying Digital Biomarkers for Balance Monitoring.

Assessing balance is crucial in neurological rehabilitation, yet while wearable sensors enable real-world monitoring, identifying reliable digital biomarkers remains challenging. This study utilized a high-fidelity instrumented walkway to determine which gait parameters best predict balance impairment, providing robust targets for future wearable applications. We analyzed 49 steady-state gait metrics from 140 individuals with diverse neurological conditions. Using statistical analysis and machine learning, we evaluated these parameters against objective force plate sway scores and clinical fall-history labels. Group analysis identified 16 parameters significantly distinguishing fallers from non-fallers, and a neural network classified fallers with an area under the curve of 0.75. Across all analytical approaches, overall gait variability, e.g., Stride Width S.D. and the Gait Variability Index, emerged as a universal predictor of balance impairment and fall risk. Furthermore, while traditional linear models emphasized spatial postural control, machine learning classification uniquely identified inter-limb asymmetry as a premier driver of fall prediction. These findings indicate that instrumented gait analysis effectively identifies digital biomarkers for balance deficits. Isolating these specific metrics provides a clear blueprint for meaningful metrics required for continuous objective monitoring and future development of personalized, adaptive rehabilitation strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Neonatal gene therapy with AAV2/8-LSPhGAA improves hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Gaac.1826dupA knock-in murine model.

Pompe disease (PD) results from lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency, causing lysosomal glycogen accumulation in cardiac and skeletal muscles. We previously characterized a murine model carrying the orthologous human infantile-onset PD (IOPD) pathogenic variant, c.1826dupA (p.Y609*), introduced into the mouse Gaa gene. Compared to wild-type (WT; C57BL/6NJ) controls, Gaac.1826dupA mice exhibit reduced GAA activity and develop early-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-evidenced by increased left ventricular wall thickness and left ventricular mass index (LVMI)- as well as impaired grip strength and gait abnormalities. To benchmark the model's disease fidelity and assess its responsiveness to established therapeutic intervention, Gaac.1826dupA mice received a single retro-orbital dose of AAV2/8-LSPhGAA (2 × 109 vg/g body weight) at postnatal day 12-14. Twelve weeks post-treatment, mice exhibited supraphysiological GAA enzymatic activity in the heart (550% of WT) and liver (400% of WT) with a 93% reduction in cardiac glycogen. No sex-dependent differences in therapeutic efficacy were observed. Echocardiography revealed robust reversal of cardiac pathology, with wall thicknesses and LVMI values approaching WT levels. In contrast to this profound cardiac rescue, skeletal muscle improvements were modest; while forelimb grip strength remained unchanged, automated gait analysis showed benefit limited to hind paw base of support. These findings demonstrate that the Gaac.1826dupA model mirrors the critical cardiomyopathy characteristic of IOPD. While systemic AAV treatment yields definitive cardiac correction, the partial skeletal muscle response highlights a clear need for optimization. Consequently, the Gaac.1826dupA mouse serves as a high-fidelity platform for evaluating next-generation genomic correction strategies targeting both cardiac and refractory neuromuscular manifestations of PD.

Acid α-glucosidase↗

PubMed2026

Impact of NRSN2 deficiency on memory: Altered excitatory synaptic plasticity associated with reduced expression of NMDA receptor subunits and impaired LTP in the hippocampus.

Our earlier human studies identified NRSN2 (Neurensin-2), a neuronal-specific vesicular protein, as a candidate gene contributing to 20p13 microdeletion syndrome, yet the functional consequences of NRSN2 deficiency in the nervous system remain poorly understood. To explore the role of Nrsn2 in neurodevelopment and cognitive function, we utilized previously generated homozygous Nrsn2 knockout mice (Nrsn2-/-) and performed a series of behavioral, morphological, and electrophysiological analyses. Behaviorally, Nrsn2-/- mice exhibited mild locomotor impairment, as assessed by gait analysis at 4 and 8 weeks of age, as well as significant deficits in spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze) and fear memory (passive avoidance test) at 8 weeks. Morphometric analysis suggested no overt alterations in dendritic complexity or spine density in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons or cerebellar Purkinje cells without developmental malformation. Electrophysiological recordings and immunoblotting analyses may reflect region-specific synaptic alterations. In the hippocampus, expression levels of the NMDA receptor subunits GluN1 and GluN2A were reduced at 4 weeks of age. Consistently, CA1 pyramidal neurons displayed decreased sEPSC frequency with unchanged amplitude under the conditions examined. In addition, an imbalance in hippocampal excitatory/inhibitory transmission was observed, as reflected by altered sEPSC frequency in the absence of changes in sIPSC frequency. In cerebellar Purkinje cells, GluA1-containing AMPA receptors were selectively downregulated, accompanied by reduced frequency and amplitude of sEPSCs and a selective decrease in sIPSC frequency, indicating both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic dysfunction in this region. Collectively, these findings indicate that Nrsn2 deficiency is accompanied by altered excitatory synaptic transmission and reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) at 8 weeks of age, despite preserved dendritic architecture as assessed by Golgi staining. These synaptic and plasticity deficits occur alongside the observed cognitive and motor impairments in Nrsn2⁻/⁻ mice. This study provides a descriptive phenotypic characterization of Nrsn2 deficiency and offers initial insights into the neurobiological role of NRSN2 and its contribution to neurodevelopment, learning, and memory.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Elevated plasma GFAP levels in MCI link APOE ε4 allele with impaired gait speed.

The presence of at least one copy of the apolipoprotein ε4 allele (APOE ε4) is a known predictor of gait impairment risk among older adults. However, the mechanisms by which APOE ε4 affects gait performance remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to reveal underlying pathological mechanisms linking APOE ε4 carriage to slow gait. This secondary analysis used baseline assessments from the J-MINT multicenter intervention trial, focusing on older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Gait speed was measured at baseline, with slow gait (SG) defined as speeds one standard deviation below the age- and sex-specific mean. APOE phenotype and plasma biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), including amyloid-β composite biomarker, phosphorylated Tau 181, neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were also measured. The analysis included 236 non-APOE ε4 carriers and 84 carriers of at least one APOE ε4. APOE ε4 carriers exhibited significantly slower gait speed than non-carriers (1.20 m/s [SD = 0.22] vs 1.26 m/s [SD = 0.23], p = 0.042). Significant interaction between APOE ε4 carriage and SG was observed only in plasma GFAP levels (F1, 312 = 7.17, p = 0.008), indicating that individuals with APOE ε4 and SG had significantly higher plasma GFAP levels. Elevated plasma GFAP levels fully mediated the association between APOE ε4 carriage and gait speed (partially standardized indirect effect = -0.059: -0.12 to -0.013]). No other AD-related biomarkers mediated this association. Our results suggest that APOE ε4-related gait changes may reflect AD pathology, as indicated by elevated GFAP levels, and could potentially accelerate dementia symptoms.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Clinical efficacy and brain mechanism characteristics of guide chi and regulate spirit tuina therapy in the treatment of post-stroke walking dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial based on fNIRS.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the role of Guide Chi and Regulate Spirit(GCRS) Tuina in enhancing walking function in post-stroke patients with walking dysfunction; secondly, by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), it investigates the effect of GCRS Tuina on the restoration of brain function in this patient population. METHODS: Participants in the control group received 4-week rehabilitation treatment, while those in the Combined Tuina Group (CTG) additionally received GCRS Tuina therapy for another 4 weeks on this basis. Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Fugl - Meyer Assessment Scale for Lower Extremity Motor Function (FMA - LE), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated at the baseline and after 4 treatment weeks. A gait and motion analysis system was used to measure step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency. FNIRS was used to measure the resting-state functional connectivity(FC) strength, as well as the β - value and HbO2 concentration mean during the walking task. RESULTS: A total of 60 participants completed the randomized, and 53 completed the trial and entered the statistical analysis. Compared with the Single Rehabilitation Group(SRG), the CTG group had higher FAC, FMA-LE, and MBI scores after 4 weeks. After the treatment course, the standardized step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency of the CTG were higher than SRG. At the Region of Interest(ROI) level, the CTG exhibited 13 inter-ROI FC strengths that were higher than SRG, and the differences could survive the FDR correction (PFDR<0.05). Under the walking task, the CTG group had higher β values in 18 channels and higher Oxyhemoglobin(HbO2) concentrations in 19 channels than the SRG (PFDR <0.05). CONCLUSION: GCRS Tuina therapy can significantly improve patients' walking function, enhance lower limb motor ability and daily living ability. It can improve walking efficiency. Tuina can significantly increase the FC and enhance the activation levels and HbO2 concentrations. The stimulation of Tuina may help reconstruct the brain's motor control network, restore impaired motor function, promote the occurrence of neural plasticity, strengthen the neural circuits in the cognitive-motor-sensory cortex to improve walking function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered with the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2024000654).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Alterations in Spatiotemporal Parameters in Patients With Lower-Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with transfemoral (TFA) and transtibial amputation (TTA) compared with physically able individuals. METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to the MOOSE guidelines. Cross-sectional studies or clinical trials that assessed spatiotemporal gait parameters in adults with unilateral TFA or TTA were included. Searches were performed in Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase using descriptors related to amputation and gait. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute scale for cross-sectional studies, whereas the meta-analysis was performed using quantitative data for the following outcomes: walking speed, step length, stride length, step width, cadence, stance time, swing time, step time, or stride time. RESULTS: A total of 12 cross-sectional studies involving 150 individuals with amputation (86 TTA and 64 TFA) and 138 healthy controls were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in walking speed (mean difference of -0.24; 95% CI -0.32 to -0.17; p < 0.0001; I2 = 61%) and cadence (mean difference of -6.01; 95% CI -9.69 to -2.34; p = 0.001; I2: 54%) in patients with amputation compared with healthy individuals. A reduction in stride length (mean difference of -11.71; 95% CI -23.37 to -0.04; p = 0.05; I2: 85%) and an increase in step width (mean difference of 5.22; 95% CI 2.99 to 7.45; p < 0.0001; I2: 71%) were also observed. Step time showed no significant difference between groups (mean difference of 0.06; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.14; p = 0.11; I2: 93%). Patients with TFA amputation exhibited greater impairment in gait variables, particularly cadence, when compared with a healthy individual. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower limb amputation present with functionally compromised gait, characterized by reduced walking speed. Increased step width and reduced stride length are findings that may suggest compensatory strategies during gait and improved balance, which are important requirements for amputee patients. These findings reinforce the need for rehabilitation interventions focused on improving propulsion and postural safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42024620098.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of an actuated ankle exoskeleton on walking stability in healthy adults: a controlled laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: Ankle exoskeletons are widely used to reduce the metabolic cost of walking, yet their effects on walking stability during unperturbed gait remain insufficiently understood. Walking stability can be characterized using complementary measures that capture stride-to-stride variability, global temporal organization, and local dynamic stability. Understanding how walking with an actuated ankle exoskeleton system influences these different aspects of gait stability is essential for the safe design and control of wearable robotic devices. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adults walked on a treadmill at a constant speed (1.1 m/s) with and without an actuated bilateral ankle exoskeleton in a randomized crossover design. Spatiotemporal variability was quantified using coefficients of variation (CoV) of stride length, step width, and stance ratio. Global gait stability was assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis of stride time. Local dynamic stability was evaluated using maximum Lyapunov exponent calculated for the trunk, hip, upper leg, lower leg, and foot. Paired-samples two-sided t-tests were used to compare conditions. RESULTS: Walking with the ankle exoskeleton resulted in increased stride-to-stride spatiotemporal variability, reflected by higher CoV values for stride length (p < 0.001) and stance ratio (p = 0.005), while mean stride length and step width remained unchanged. Mean stance ratio was reduced in the exoskeleton condition (p < 0.001). Global gait stability did not differ between conditions, indicating preserved long-range temporal gait organization. Local dynamic stability increased at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and foot (p = 0.019) when walking with the exoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Walking with the actuated ankle exoskeleton alters gait control across multiple levels during steady walking. While stride-to-stride variability in stride length and stance ratio increased, global gait stability remained unchanged. Local dynamic stability was increased at the lower leg and foot, suggesting segment-specific effects of ankle-level assistance close to the assisted joint. However, these findings should be interpreted as the combined effect of wearing the exoskeleton and receiving active assistance, rather than the isolated effect of plantarflexion assistance. These results provide insight for the design and control of ankle exoskeletons with respect to stability-related effects during walking.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Vestibular schwannoma associated normal pressure hydrocephalus: clinical features and shunt responsiveness compared with idiopathic NPH.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is commonly associated with obstructive hydrocephalus due to mass effect; however, a rarer communicating form resembling normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has also been described, possibly related to impaired CSF absorption from elevated CSF protein. We aimed to characterize the clinical and imaging features of VS-associated NPH (VS-NPH) and compare them with those of an idiopathic NPH (iNPH) cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 18 patients with VS-NPH identified between 2008 and 2024. For comparison, 41 iNPH patients were drawn from a prospective longitudinal study at our center. Variables included demographics, tumor size, VS treatment modality, CSF parameters, Radscale imaging features, and shunt responsiveness. RESULTS: VS-NPH patients had markedly higher CSF protein levels than patients with iNPH (median 100 vs. 51 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Radiological features largely overlapped; however, parasagittal sulcal narrowing was more frequent in VS-NPH (61 % vs.13 %, p = 0.002). These differences remained significant in the sensitivity analysis excluding the two patients without gait impairment. VS-NPH patients were younger in the primary analysis (66.8 vs. 72.0 years, p = 0.03), while exploratory associations between larger tumor size and both earlier NPH symptom onset (r = -0.48, p = 0.049) and smaller callosal angle (r = -0.49, p = 0.048) attenuated to non-significant trends in the sensitivity analysis. Tumor size was < 30 mm in 89 % of patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) resulted in clinical improvement in both groups, although response rates were numerically lower in VS-NPH than in iNPH (63 % vs.75 %). CTT was positive in 9 of 11 VS-NPH patients who underwent testing, although improvement after shunting also occurred in patients with negative CTT results or without prior CTT. CONCLUSIONS: VS-NPH may represent a secondary subtype of NPH with distinct biochemical and subtle imaging features. Elevated CSF protein may contribute to altered CSF dynamics. These findings are exploratory and require confirmation in larger prospective studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Optimizing focal vibration therapy for balance and gait: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of focal (localized) vibration therapy (FVT) applied to muscles/tendons on balance, gait, and mobility, with a specific focus on defining optimal vibration protocols (frequency, amplitude, dosing) and muscle-targeting strategies to maximize sensorimotor recovery. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted across six databases (CINHAL, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CENTRAL) from January 2000 to May 2025. Studies were included if they involved human participants, applied FVT therapeutically, and reported balance, gait, or mobility outcomes. Data extraction included study characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: Sixty-two studies (n = 2090 participants) were included. Methodological quality assessment (PEDro scale) indicated 44% of studies met high-quality standards. Biomechanical analysis identified the quadriceps, gastrocnemius/soleus, and plantar muscles as the most effective vibration sites, given their critical roles in gait propulsion and postural stability. The synthesis of protocol data indicated a promising therapeutic window characterized by a vibration frequency of 80-120 Hz (primarily fixed sinusoidal waveforms at a single frequency) and an amplitude of 0.2-0.5 mm (reported only in 12 studies; amplitude was not reported in 23 studies), applied bilaterally for a minimum of 3 sessions per week over 4-12 weeks, which could lead to improved balance and gait performance with benefits sustained for up to 5 months. CONCLUSION: FVT shows potential to improve gait and balance, particularly when targeting lower-extremity muscles with optimized vibration parameters. To advance the field, future research must prioritize the development of standardized protocols and investigate neurophysiological mechanisms to refine FVT as a precision bioengineering solution for mobility deficits.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

MNV-aware molecular characterization of a rare homozygous TTPA complex allele in ataxia with vitamin E deficiency.

Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) is a rare autosomal-recessive neurological disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in TTPA. Early vitamin E supplementation may prevent or limit irreversible neurological damage, but diagnosis is often delayed. Multi-nucleotide variants (MNVs) in TTPA have rarely been described and may be misinterpreted when adjacent substitutions are evaluated independently. We investigated a 34-year-old woman with childhood-onset progressive ataxia using clinical, biochemical, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological assessments. Serum vitamin E levels were measured longitudinally during supplementation. Whole-exome sequencing, read-level inspection, and Sanger sequencing were used to identify and confirm a homozygous TTPA complex allele, NM_000370.3:c. 296G > A;299 A > C, predicted to result in NP_000361.1:p. Gly99_Tyr100delinsAspSer, and to assess familial segregation. Population-database review, in silico prediction, and exploratory structure-based analysis were performed to evaluate its potential clinical relevance. The patient had markedly reduced baseline serum vitamin E levels of 0.8 µg/mL, which increased to 7.5 µg/mL after 12 months of supplementation. This biochemical correction was temporally accompanied by qualitatively observed improvements in gait stability, coordination, speech, and fine motor performance. Read-level analysis supported the presence of both substitutions on the same allele, and Sanger sequencing confirmed the homozygous complex allele in the patient and heterozygous carrier status in both parents. The affected residues are conserved and located within the CRAL-TRIO domain of α-tocopherol transfer protein. Exploratory structure-based analysis suggested altered local residue interactions; however, no functional assay was performed, and effects on protein stability, α-tocopherol binding, or transfer could not be established. This report expands the molecular spectrum of AVED by describing a homozygous TTPA complex allele and highlights the importance of MNV-aware interpretation of closely spaced substitutions. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in biochemical correction and was accompanied by possible partial clinical improvement despite initiation in adulthood. Functional studies are required to determine the precise effect of this allele on α-tocopherol transfer protein function.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cognitive impairment as a manifestation of SPG7: case report.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of genetic disorders caused by >80 genes that can be described as either pure or complex forms.We report a case of a patient with a complex form of SPG7 with significant cognitive impairment.A 42-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of dysarthria, 5 years of gait difficulties, and 3 years of cognitive symptoms. Neuropsychological analysis showed deficits involving speed of information processing, mental flexibility, ideational fluency, verbal concept formation, visual working memory, and visual-spatial perception. Next-generation sequencing on whole blood revealed 2 heterozygous pathogenic variants in SPG7 (c. 1049_1077del, p. Pro350Glnfs*36 and c. 1529C>T, p. Ala510Val).There are emerging reports of complex forms of SPG7 presenting with impairments in memory, executive dysfunction, language, visuospatial processing, social functioning, and emotional communication. In this report, we describe a complex SPG7 patient who underwent formal neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive status in depth. This revealed deficits in speed of processing, visuospatial working memory and perception, impaired non-verbal intellect, and overall lack of insight, which have not yet been described in the literature.

Cognitive impairment↗

PubMed2026

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Identification of Cognitive Impairment Risk in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline：A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a transitional state between objective cognitive impairment and cognitively intact mental status, providing a critical window for implementing preventive interventions to delay objective cognitive decline. AIMS: We aimed to develop a predictive model for SCD progression in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This model will facilitate the identification of risk factors and establishment of targeted interventions for community-based SCD management. METHODS: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was utilized in this study, extracting 18 indicators. Potential predictors selected through univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were sequentially incorporated into a multivariable Cox regression model. A nomogram was constructed to establish a predictive model. Model validation encompassed Area Under Curve (AUC) metrics for discriminative capacity, complemented by quantitative assessments using calibration curve analysis for precision verification and decision curve analysis (DCA) for clinical utility evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 1099 older adults with SCD were included in the final analysis, of whom 114 (10.3%) developed MCI. Multivariable Cox regression identified residence, marital status, educational level, social participation, gait speed, and baseline cognitive function. The model demonstrated time-dependent AUC values of 0.885, 0.830, 0.839, and 0.836 in the training set when evaluating discriminative capacity at 2-, 4-, 7-, and 9-year, respectively. The predictive model showed excellent predictive ability according to AUC, calibration curve, and DCA. CONCLUSIONS: A predictive model was created to estimate the risk of developing MCI in older individuals with SCD, offering clinician-actionable intervention benchmarks for preventive care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Form and function of actin impacts actin health and aging.

The actin cytoskeleton is a fundamental and highly conserved structure that functions in diverse cellular processes, yet its direct contribution to organismal aging remains unclear. Here, we systematically interrogated how genetic and pharmacologic perturbations of actin structure and function influence lifespan and various hallmarks of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Whole-animal and tissue-specific knockdown of actin and key actin-binding proteins (ABPs)-arx-2 (Arp2/3), unc-60 (cofilin), and lev-11 (tropomyosin)-led to premature disruption of filament organization, reduced lifespan, and tissue-specific physiological defects. Actin dysfunction also displayed a more "aged" transcriptome using previously validated transcriptomics clocks, and broadly exacerbated many age-associated phenotypes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, loss of proteostasis, impaired autophagy, and intestinal barrier failure. Pharmacological destabilization with Latrunculin A mirrored genetic knockdowns, while mild stabilization with Jasplakinolide modestly extended lifespan, emphasizing that optimal and finely tuned actin function is critical for healthy aging. Finally, analysis of human genome-wide association data revealed that common ACTB polymorphisms correlate with differences in age-related decline in gait speed, suggesting some links between aging and actin across organisms. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive and publicly accessible resource that maps, for the first time, how changes in actin integrity correlate with diverse aging phenotypes across tissues. This descriptive framework is intended to enable future mechanistic discovery by offering a deep, unbiased dataset that can be integrated with emerging studies to define how actin dynamics can potentially influence aging.

actin↗

PubMed2023

De novo missense variants in ZBTB47 are associated with developmental delays, hypotonia, seizures, gait abnormalities, and variable movement abnormalities.

The collection of known genetic etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders continues to increase, including several syndromes associated with defects in zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZNFs) that vary in clinical severity from mild learning disabilities and developmental delay to refractory seizures and severe autism spectrum disorder. Here we describe a new neurodevelopmental disorder associated with variants in ZBTB47 (also known as ZNF651), which encodes zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 47. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed for five unrelated patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. All five patients are heterozygous for a de novo missense variant in ZBTB47, with p.(Glu680Gly) (c.2039A>G) detected in one patient and p.(Glu477Lys) (c.1429G>A) identified in the other four patients. Both variants impact conserved amino acid residues. Bioinformatic analysis of each variant is consistent with pathogenicity. We present five unrelated patients with de novo missense variants in ZBTB47 and a phenotype characterized by developmental delay with intellectual disability, seizures, hypotonia, gait abnormalities, and variable movement abnormalities. We propose that these variants in ZBTB47 are the basis of a new neurodevelopmental disorder.

Child↗

PubMed2024

ONCOLINER: A new solution for monitoring, improving, and harmonizing somatic variant calling across genomic oncology centers.

The characterization of somatic genomic variation associated with the biology of tumors is fundamental for cancer research and personalized medicine, as it guides the reliability and impact of cancer studies and genomic-based decisions in clinical oncology. However, the quality and scope of tumor genome analysis across cancer research centers and hospitals are currently highly heterogeneous, limiting the consistency of tumor diagnoses across hospitals and the possibilities of data sharing and data integration across studies. With the aim of providing users with actionable and personalized recommendations for the overall enhancement and harmonization of somatic variant identification across research and clinical environments, we have developed ONCOLINER. Using specifically designed mosaic and tumorized genomes for the analysis of recall and precision across somatic SNVs, insertions or deletions (indels), and structural variants (SVs), we demonstrate that ONCOLINER is capable of improving and harmonizing genome analysis across three state-of-the-art variant discovery pipelines in genomic oncology.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness and usability of artificial intelligence-powered assistive technologies in Supporting daily activities of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the main cause of motor disabilities in childhood, necessitating innovative approaches to rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT). Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into devices to create more adaptive, personalized, and effective AT. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of AI-powered assistive technologies designed to support daily activities and rehabilitation in children with CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and IEEE Xplore, were systematically searched, and 23 articles were included in the final analysis. Articles were identified, selected, and categorized into emerging thematic areas based on the primary function and application of the technology. RESULTS: Five key thematic topics were identified: 1) AI-driven motor rehabilitation and gait training for functional mobility; 2) intelligent assessment and monitoring systems for clinical decision support; 3) AI-supported communication, social interaction, and intention recognition tools; 4) gamified and virtual reality-based interventions to enhance engagement and usability; and 5) smart assistive systems supporting daily living and independent mobility. The findings demonstrate a strong trend toward the application of AI technologies in personalized, engaging, and data-driven interventions for children with CP. However, the field is predominantly in the proof-of-concept stage, with limitations including small sample sizes, lack of long-term clinical validation, challenges in user-centered design, and usability for children with CP. CONCLUSION: AI-powered assistive technologies hold significant potential for transforming the care of children with CP by enabling highly personalized and engaging interventions. To actualize this potential, future work must realize that practical application remains challenging owing to limited clinical validation, technological integration, and usability barriers for children with CP. Future research must prioritize user-centered design and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI and robotic advancements improve the usability and quality of life for children with CP.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Clinical and genetic analysis of a family with 16p11.2 microduplication syndrome and variable multisystem manifestations.

16p11.2 microduplication syndrome (OMIM #614671) is a pathogenic recurrent copy-number gain at the 16p11.2 locus and is associated with variable expressivity across neurodevelopmental, growth, and medical phenotypes. Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in carrier cohorts, but detailed documentation of gastrointestinal motility and neuromuscular findings remains limited. We performed clinical and genetic analyses in a multigenerational family in which the proband (III1) presented with limb muscle pain, exercise intolerance, and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), low-pass whole-genome sequencing (lpWGS)-based CNV analysis, Sanger sequencing, and qPCR validation identified a 0.8 Mb microduplication at 16p11.2 (BP4-BP5), involving 44 genes including TBX6, inherited from the mother (II2). The proband's clinical manifestations included developmental delay, pointed chin, low body mass index, gastrointestinal dysfunction (chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, esophageal motility disorder, and rectal prolapse), forward-leaning gait, mild scoliosis, and limb muscle atrophy with inflammatory muscle involvement. Four family members (II2, III1, III2, and III4) carried the microduplication, but their available clinical features varied in severity and system involvement. The proband's twin brother (III2) had left ear deafness and epilepsy, individual II2 had blindness from cone-rod dystrophy, and III4 showed more pronounced scoliosis. This family provides a detailed clinical and genetic description of 16p11.2 microduplication carriers with prominent gastrointestinal motility and neuromuscular manifestations, thereby enriching the clinical characterization of this recurrent CNV and supporting substantial intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity.

16p11.2 microduplication syndrome↗