The genetic basis of hydrocephalus: genes, pathways, mechanisms, and global impact
Andrew T Hale1, Hunter Boudreau2, Rishi Devulapalli3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, FOT Suite 1060, 1720 2ndAve, Birmingham, AL, 35294, UK. andrewthale@uabmc.edu.
Insights
Hydrocephalus (HC) is a complex brain condition affecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Understanding its intricate genetics is crucial for developing new treatments for this heterogeneous disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus (HC) involves abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, potentially leading to increased intracranial pressure.
- It presents heterogeneously across ages, linked to genetic syndromes and brain injuries like intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
- Current surgical treatments have high failure rates, and effective pharmacologic therapies are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the genetic architecture and molecular pathogenesis of hydrocephalus.
- To consolidate current knowledge on genes, pathways, and mechanisms contributing to diverse HC etiologies.
- To highlight the urgent need for genetic insights to advance preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of genetic studies on hydrocephalus.
- Analysis of genetic syndromes associated with HC.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms underlying CSF dynamics alterations.
Main Results:
- The genetics of HC is exceptionally complex, with contributions from numerous genes and pathways.
- Phenotypic heterogeneity of HC is underscored by its association with various genetic syndromes and injury types.
- Existing research varies in scope and rigor, necessitating a consolidated overview.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of HC genetics is essential for developing novel interventions.
- Further research into the molecular pathogenesis of HC is critical.
- Addressing the genetic complexity of HC is key to improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Hydrocephalus (HC) is a heterogenous disease characterized by alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics that may cause increased intracranial pressure. HC is a component of a wide array of genetic syndromes as well as a secondary consequence of brain injury (intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), infection, etc.) that can present across the age spectrum, highlighting the phenotypic heterogeneity of the disease. Surgical treatments include ventricular shunting and endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization, both of which are prone to failure, and no effective pharmacologic treatments for HC have been developed. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the genetic architecture and molecular pathogenesis of HC. Without this knowledge, the development of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures is impeded. However, the genetics of HC is extraordinarily complex, based on studies of varying size, scope, and rigor. This review serves to provide a comprehensive overview of genes, pathways, mechanisms, and global impact of genetics contributing to all etiologies of HC in humans.
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