Genetic Update and Treatment for Dystonia

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Mar 22;25(7):3571. doi: 10.3390/ijms25073571.

Abstract

A neurological condition called dystonia results in abnormal, uncontrollable postures or movements because of sporadic or continuous muscular spasms. Several varieties of dystonia can impact people of all ages, leading to severe impairment and a decreased standard of living. The discovery of genes causing variations of single or mixed dystonia has improved our understanding of the disease's etiology. Genetic dystonias are linked to several genes, including pathogenic variations of VPS16, TOR1A, THAP1, GNAL, and ANO3. Diagnosis of dystonia is primarily based on clinical symptoms, which can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the genetic origins and management of focal dystonia.

Keywords: blepharospasm; cervical dystonia; focal dystonia; oromandibular dystonia; spasmodic dysphonia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anoctamins
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Dystonia* / diagnosis
  • Dystonia* / genetics
  • Dystonia* / therapy
  • Dystonic Disorders*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics
  • Movement
  • Parkinson Disease*

Substances

  • TOR1A protein, human
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • THAP1 protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • ANO3 protein, human
  • Anoctamins

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.